Adorar lo cambia todo: Experimente la presencia de Dios en cada momento de su vida

by Darlene Zschech

Una invitación a adorar y honrar a Dios en todas las facetas de su vida

¿Quién no tiene un corazón dispuesto a la adoración la mañana del domingo mientras la banda de la iglesia entona su alabanza favorita? El problema se presenta el lunes camino al trabajo y el martes con la pila de ropa que hay que llevar a la lavandería.  ¿Cómo podemos mantener un corazón dispuesto a la adoración durante la rutina diaria?

Darlene Zschech ha dedicado su vida a estudiar la adoración y enseñar sobre ella.  Con una sabiduría y una alegría contagiosa, nos comparte sus pensamientos sobre lo que realmente significa a adorar y sobre cómo la adoración debería invadir todas las facetas de nuestra vida.  Todo lo que hacemos puede convertirse en un acto de adoración al Señor, transformando nuestro trabajo, nuestras amistades, nuestras iglesias y nuestras familias.  Se trata de  vivir en su presencia, de ser conscientes de que el Señor está a nuestro lado y obra en nuestras vidas.
 

 



 

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Christian Living, Christianity, Religion, Faith

240 pages, Paperback

First published November 3, 2015

About the author

Australian Darlene Zschech is acclaimed all over the world as a singer, songwriter, worship leader and speaker, most notably for her involvement in the music from Hillsong Church, Sydney over many years. Although she has achieved numerous gold albums and her songs are sung in many nations of the world, her success simply stands as a testimony to her life’s passion to serve God and people with all her heart. Darlene, alongside her husband Mark, are Senior Pastors of Hope Unlimited Church on the Central Coast of New South Wales, Australia.

As a songwriter, Darlene is perhaps most famous for the chorus “Shout to the Lord,” a song that is sung by millions of churchgoers every week and has been covered by many other artists. “Shout to the Lord” was nominated as Album of the Year for the 1997 Dove Awards and was nominated as Song of the Year for the 1998 Dove Awards. In 2000 Darlene received a Dove Award nomination for Songwriter of the Year and received the International Award for influence in praise and worship.

In addition to “Shout to the Lord,” Darlene has written many songs that have been published worldwide, which apart from Hillsong Music worship projects also include solo projects : “Kiss of Heaven”, “Extravagant Worship”, “Change Your World”, “Simply Darlene”, “You Are Love” and “Revealing Jesus” a live worship album recorded with Grammy award winning Israel Houghton. Through the Compassionart project 2008, Darlene was honoured to be allowed the privilege of writing with some of the most generous-hearted worship writers and leaders of our day, with the goal to write an album where all the monies raised went to others in less fortunate circumstances. Darlene is also passionate about raising and training other worship pastor, leaders, teams and writers and has written four books – “Extravagant Worship”, “The Kiss of Heaven”, “The Art of Mentoring” and the new “Revealing Jesus” devotional. These titles combined have been translated into over 20 different languages.

Many years ago Mark and Darlene made a life commitment to do whatever they could to bring answer and relief to human suffering, and one of their great joys in life is to work with Compassion International, serving the world’s poorest of the poor children.

It was during a Compassion trip to Central Africa in 2004 that Mark and Darlene were prompted to initiate Hope: Rwanda, a global endeavour designed to bring hope to a nation seemingly forgotten since the horrific genocide of 1994. The 100 Days of Hope (April 6 – July 15, 2006) project was strategically coordinated to cover the same 100 days that saw approximately 1 million people viciously slaughtered. Now HOPE: Global continues to bring hope and healing to Rwanda, and a new ‘HOPE’ has spread into Cambodia, Vanuatu, and India. The HOPE team are excited about all the future endeavours that continue to gather great momentum.

Darlene and Mark live in the beautiful Central Coast of New South Wales with their three daughters, Chloe and Zoe, Amy and son-in-law Andrew and beautiful grand-daughter Ava Pearl, grandson Roman Emmanuel Mark and brand new grand-daughter Ruthie Feather. While they travel extensively and have the honour of working and ministering alongside amazing friends around the globe, family remains Darlene’s supreme delight. As she says, “First and foremost I am a woman who simply and wholeheartedly loves Christ, and serves Him through loving my family, serving the church, and speaking up for those who cannot speak for themselves.”

Reviews

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I adore Darlene Zschech.  I have been encouraged into a time of worship many times from the lyrics.  I was really curious to hear her thoughts on worship and I'm really glad I took the time to read.

Zschech begins with an explanation of the importance of worship. Worship was created by God, for God, and it is a gift we have been given to help us express love for our creator, and also to remind us of the vastness of the glory of  God.

After introducing the intricacies of worship Zschech writes about all the different areas in our lives where focusing on worship in our lives will bring glory to God.  Marriage, children, suffering, and wilderness are just a few of the chapters.  Scripture and quotes from other authors and theologians fill the pages along with Zschech's personal story and the her understanding of worship.

If you are passionate about worship you will love this book, but it's not just for the worship leader.  If you are in need of a different perspective on relationship with God this book will guide you towards deeper questions to consider and perspective changes to make.

I felt that I not only had a better grasp on the gift worship is, but also learned a good amount about Zschech herself.  Her vulnerability and honesty throughout is well placed.

[antony · Rating 5 out of 5]

This less of a book and more of a manual one the science, art and feeling of worship.

This is not a weekend read, it’s a treasure trove of realisation.

For many people this will be a life changing book.

For most worship is ritualistic and programmatic. It’s what you are supposed to do, so you do it, its what everyone else is doing so you follow along.

This nook will lead you to a place where your worship is a direct engagement with the Lord. A recognition of and surrender to God.

In a way it is like an extended version of one of the authors songs. Each time you read it you change a little bit, then a little bit more, then some more, until you are transformed into a worshipper, rather than someone who participates in worship.

Don’t rush it or you will miss it. Keep a notebook and your bible handy.

[Shandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Was a relatively easy read, filled with revelation, and practical teaching about Worship and experiencing who God is on a daily basis while going about daily tasks.

[Shaun Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great encouragement on the many aspects of worship and the importance of worship in building a relationship with God

[Claudia {SparrowHawk} · Rating 3 out of 5]

Darlene Zschech is eloquent in her latest book, Worship Changes Everything as she encourages readers to position their hearts in a place of worship by empowering the reader with personal stories and scriptures ― I liked this book, but with a few reservations.
___________________________________________

Here is your call to not take God for granted. To call you from the distractions and self-absorption that would rob us of experiencing His majesty and greatness in every moment.

WHAT I LIKED:
+ I truly appreciate Darlene Zschech’s zeal to shed light and relevance in the importance of worship and how we ought to apply it not only in worship meetings, but in every area of our lives through servitude and good will. I was even more moved with Zschech’s willingness to unmask the significant role our worship plays in our sufferings as Christians. This is a subject that is not often spoken of in the Western Church thus it left an impression on me to see an esteemed author and worship leader open up on the subject of persecution and martyrdom.

+ I really enjoyed how Darlene Zschech placed each one of her principles in a relatable ‘been-there-done-that’ point of view using personal anecdotes, testimonies and quotes from renowned motivational church leaders and authors like John Piper, Rick Warren, Bill Thrasher, Francis Chan, Billy Graham, William Booth, and Joyce Meyer to name a few.

+ Zschech discusses the rigorous call of the Cross ― to live a life of sacrifice unto the One who sacrificed everything for us ― in a gentle and sensible way. My favorite chapters of the book were the sections where Darlene Zschech inspires the reader to worship God through all things; through our sufferings, through our moments of bliss, in our workplace, in our marriage, through motherhood and finances too!

One of the ways God asks us to show love for Him is through how we love our spouse and treat our marriage bonds. In a world of brokenness, what a marvelous way to worship God. This is no drudgery. What joy you will find as you love God in your active, passionate, determined, faithful, joyful love of your spouse.

WHAT I DIDN’T LIKED:
- I wasn’t too keen with Darlene Zschech’s style of writing. Almost each section of the book felt incredibly rushed, there was a lacked in depth in some areas, and it was a tad bit too choppy for my taste. She often jumped from one topic to the next wherein I found myself losing track of what she was trying to say and had to reread some paragraphs just to ensure I grasped the significance of the message.

- To boot, this book is jam-packed with scriptures and quotes making each chapter feel overbearing. It stressed me out just looking at all the information simply because I felt I was missing out on valuable information; suffice it to say, this is the type of book you’ll need to reread to fully appreciate it.


AFTERTHOUGHTS:
While thoroughly entertaining, I feel I walked away with a few key points and I suspect this is owing to the brimming quotes and scriptures that overflow in this book. Even so, Worship Changes Everything served as an instrumental tool to help place my life in perspective and that counts for something!

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[Just Commonly · Rating 4 out of 5]

"An invitation to experience God's presence in every moment of life." How will you RSVP?

Have you RSVP yet? Well, my answer is YES! I will accept any invitation to worship God and to experience His presence in every moment of my life. However, my question is, do I need an invitation? Or shall I just do it. It's not only about singing praise songs or following the praise & worship leader every Sunday morning at church. Worship is beyond the songs. It is providing the heart to follow and honor God. Darlene Zschech had provided readers a tip in this book, Worship Changes Everything on how and where to begin.

Worship Changes Everything starts off with an explanation of worship - what is worship. Then it provides key examples of how we worship God in hour everyday life, during the commute, with family, during times of suffering, especially finding balance and healing. The key is your relationship with God and how you find God's presence, and remember He is present every second of your life. A personal relationship establishes your basis in worshiping God.

This is not just a book of to-dos and not to-dos. It is a book filled with biblical examples and genuine responses of worship. Sometimes, you'll need a moment to soak it in, but in all, read it with an open heart to let the words fill you, and then express it to our amazing God in any form you want to. I especially liked that the Biblical examples are from both the Old and New Testaments. Worship is everywhere in the Bible. Be mindful that is is a short book, with 251 pages and it covers a lot of ground, yet it's not a study in itself. I guess I would say this is like a condensed version, similar to cliff notes that bullet points all the major elements to worship with many examples.

Personally, the lyrics of various worship songs printed throughout the book, reminds me why I love praise & worship so much. The music are beautiful, yes, but the words that I sing to our Lord represents the thoughts in my mind that sometimes, I can't express. I'm glad there are these examples in this book, because it's not only the singing, it's the thought behind the singing. In truth, our actions, be it in body and vocal worship, or through our good deeds or even during prayers, are how we worship Him. Worship Changes Everything is a very good starting point for anyone who wants to experience God's presence.

QUOTABLE QUOTES

"Our lives are changed forever when we worship God for all He is worth with all we are worth. (13)

"Worship is a place of joy. But the ultimate purpose of worship is not only that we leave our meetings feeling good about ourselves and God's life in us; it is that in His presence we hear Him speak, we feel what He feels, we are changed, and we declare His power and presence in the midst of our world in both words and actions." (97)

"In the wilderness, go to the Word, meditate on the Word, and speak the Word in worship. Your hunger and thirst, your expectation that God will draw near, will be satisfied." (242)

And I want to end with this last question that was in the early parts of the book.
"When is the last time you looked at God and marveled at His beauty and kindness and power and goodness and said, "Wow!"?" (16)

NOTE: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review.

http://justcommonly.blogspot.com/2015...

[Prairie Sky Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beloved singer/songwriter, worship leader, author, and speaker Darlene Zschech has written her fourth book about a topic certain to be fascinating to many readers… Worship Changes Everything: Experiencing God’s Presence in Every Moment of Life was published by Bethany House in the fall of 2015, and is also accompanied by a beautiful song album entitled “In Jesus’ Name”. Without question, the words contained within the book are an insightful portrayal of the true power and blessing of living a worship-filled life, though naturally it is not without a few negative points as well.

Three of the best facets of this book include:

– The content, which includes messages, insights, and ideas about worshiping our Lord, contained within this book are treasures of great worth. They will undoubtedly inspire your faith, while helping you grow closer to God in the process!

– Conveniently, the book is divided into two main sections entitled “The Heart of Worship” and “The Hands of Worship”, which are then each divided into multiple chapters. This makes looking up and re-reading specific portions easy and enjoyable.

– The writing style and tone of the book are clearly straight from the heart of the author. This is easily apparent on each and every page, and proves that she truly believes and strives to live out the message she is sharing.

I hope you can see that reading Worship Changes Everything is definitely a beneficial step to learning more about the activity of worshiping God. However, I must also state that it is not the easiest of books to read. Three of the downfalls to this book include:

– At times, the words seem to go on and on, overlapping, circling around, and sometimes repeating portions multiple times.

– While quoting another author or verses of Scripture often adds depth, perspective, and repute, this book bordered on over-using the technique. Also, The Message Bible translation was most often used, which may either be a positive or negative aspect, depending on reader preference.

– I felt that occasionally Darlene’s statements were a little self-righteous, which caused me to feel slightly alienated from her messages at times. Additionally, one chapter in specific was for married couples only, and is not likely to beneficial (or wise) for single or younger readers to peruse.

So, you are probably wondering, do the positive aspects outweigh the negative ones in Darlene Zschech’s newest release? I believe the answer is yes, it is a book worth reading. Perhaps the best case scenario would be to travel through the pages slowly, a few pages at a time, rather than trying to read it quickly and getting bogged down in a weaving, winding writing style. If this method of reading is used, much of the content will undoubtedly prove extremely valuable, and is a beautiful reminder that we truly can worship God in every circumstance of life.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

[Joanne Viola · Rating 4 out of 5]

In her book, Worship Changes Everything, Darlene Zschech brings this definition of worship from Eugen Peterson: “A tribute to God when He comes.”

Worship, simply put, is our response to His majesty, to who God is.

“Our lives are changed forever when we worship God for all He is worth with all we are worth. (page 13)

Zschech divides the book into two parts with the first part concentrating on the heart of worship. She helps us to understand God’s love for us and our love for Him. Worship will cost us everything as we give ourselves totally and completely to God as living sacrifices. Our entire lives, all that we do, becomes an act of worship to our Creator.

“As we worship God in and through the relationships, activities, and places in our lives, His power changes us. (page 79)

In the second part, Zschech addresses worship in and through our love for others, our attitude, our words, our suffering, our money, our marriage, in His sanctuary, and in our wilderness times. Our lives become an expression of worship in all that we do, in every circumstance, good or bad, happy or sad.

Reading this book has especially made this season of Advent more meaningful. As I read devotional thoughts, I found myself more amazed at the birth of Christ and all His birth encompasses. I became more aware of the greatness of God, His majesty, and His unfathomable love for imperfect people.

This book was written with a refreshing transparency as Zschech shared from her own life experiences. She included quotes which added to my enjoyment of this book, as worship was presented from various sources and circumstances in time. Each quote and story was bringing added insights.

The book was an easy read but one should read it slowly, letting the Scriptures sink in. A new found appreciation for worship will surely be developed in so doing.

Warren Wiersbe says, “Worship is the believer’s response of all that they are – mind, emotions, will, body – to what God is and says and does. A.W. Tozer says, “We must never rest until everything inside us worships God.” (page 77)

May we each come to Him with our hearts humbled before Him in worship …

But the time is coming – indeed it’s here now – when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. (John 4:23, NLT)

*** I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

[Cheryl]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book by this globally known worship leader. She incorporated authentic personal stories, including parts of her struggle with cancer, Bible stories, inspiring Christian stories and inspiring Christian quotes all woven together to make her points about worship.

Here are some of the summarized points that I got as take-aways and exact quotes that I liked from this book (only the exact quotes are in quotation marks):

We worship because He is worthy. It’s all the reason we need.

Cultivate an attitude of expectation.

True worship does not begin with us and what we offer to God but with God’s mercy.

“Don’t try harder. Just trust more.”

“Don’t just love God. Fall in love with God.”

“Gratitude is when we recognize that everything we have and are comes from the hand of God.”

“Serving is worship.”

“…worship is everything we do and are.”

“Forgiveness [is] the ultimate expression of agape love.”

Worship God by serving others.

Worship God with your thoughts, your words and your money.

Worship God in your work, in your marriage and in your family.

“Worshiping God is aligning our hearts with His heart, our thoughts to His thoughts, our will to His will.”

Prayer is worship.

If you already have a heart for worship this book will give you more fuel for your fire. If God feels far away this book will inspire you to seek after Him. If you are somewhere in between, there is something in here for you, too.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers as part of their blogging for books program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Janet Sketchley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Note the subtitle of this book: "Experiencing God's Presence in Every Moment of Life." Worship Changes Everything is about far more than the music we sing on a Sunday morning.

The book is divided into two sections: The Heart of Worship and The Hands of Worship. First, it focuses on God's nature and our response to Him from our hearts, and then the bulk of the chapters explore how we can live our worship in all aspects of our lives.

Those aspects include things like service and mission, but also our words and attitudes, suffering, money, and relationships.

The author shares personal examples as illustrations, but the book's teaching basis is clearly Scripture. She includes numerous quotes from the Bible as well as some from respected teachers.

I found much in these pages to encourage and challenge me. Practical and biblical, Worship Changes Everything is a book I'd recommend to anyone who'd like to live closer with God.

Favourite lines:

Praise is our stance of faith. Praise is a weapon. Praise announces God's reign in our hearts. [p. 60]

Our attitudes are transformed as we decide to let go and let the Holy Spirit do His work in us. This means replacing negative thoughts and mindsets, arresting our attitudes that we know will not be of benefit. [p. 113]

Darlene Zschech is most known for her contributions to contemporary worship music, but she's also the author of books on Christian living. For more about the author and her ministries, visit her website: darlenezschech.com.

[Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.]

[Create With Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are looking for a book that will deepen your understanding of what worship is - one that will help you understand what it means to praise, honor and worship God, not just on Sunday morning but during every moment of our lives - then Worship Changes Everything is it.

Written by world renown worship leader Darlene Zshesch, this book helps us to cultivate a heart of worship and develop a relationship with God, who is worthy of extravagant praise not because of who He is.

Darlene defines worship as our response to God’s majesty and in Worship Changes Everything, explores worship on two levels:

In Part One of the book, The Heart Of Worship, she explores some of the reasons why God is worthy of our worship by examining God’s character and our response to Him.

In Part Two of the book, The Hands Of Worship, she explores the many ways we can worship God in our lives: through service, through our love for others, and through our finances, to name a few.

Worship Changes Everything is enhanced by the liberal use of Scripture throughout plus the inclusion of quotes from popular authors as well as the lyrics of a few of Darlene’s most popular worship hymns.

If you are looking for a book that will enlarge your perspective on what it means to worship and help you to deepen your ability to worship God in all areas of your life, Worship Changes Everything is definitely worth your time and investment.

This review is an excerpt from the original review that is published on my blog. To read my review in its entirety, please visit Create With Joy.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book for review purposes from the publisher. However, the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes we forget how important worship is. We might just get used to God, taking his grandeur for granted. Zschech wants us to know the essential nature of worship so that we would again marvel at God.

Worship is an invitation from God. It begins with faith, Zschech says. She shares her own experience with worship and how it changed her life. Even though she is a worshiper at her core, her worship during her struggle with breast cancer strengthened her.

Zschech explains how we are to worship God every moment, not just in a corporate setting. That requires we not be preoccupied but realize God is always present. She shows how we worship through our service, allowing God's love to flow through us. We can worship God in our work, our marriage and our family. We can worship in the midst of our suffering, through the power of the Holy Spirit. She reminds us of the importance of our words and emotions and what they reveal. She has also included teaching on issues that keep us from worship, such as the need for forgiveness or the healing of hurts.

Zschech gives us many reasons to worship God. Even if one does not know where to start, she gives lots of ideas for praise and thanksgiving. She has included many examples from the Bible, including teaching from biblical narratives.

This is a good introduction to worship. Zschech reminds us of its importance and gives us plenty of ideas on how to be in an attitude of worship all day. For those who've read about worship, it is a good book to broaden our understanding of it and is an inspiration to live a life of worship.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review.

[Natacha Ramos · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’ve heard Darlene’s heart for God in her songs.

When I saw this book was available, I had to take it. This woman has led thousands in worship throughout the years with passion. I needed to see what she had to say about it.

“Worship Changes Everything” touches so many topics: from God’s worthiness to marriage. In some chapters, she shares details of her battle against cancer in a very honest way.

You see a true worshipper showing how adoring her King has impacted her life forever.

However, I did not like some aspects of the book, for example: so many quotes, like, so many. It was overwhelming at times.

Also, the book jumps from one point to another so quicky that you get almost no time to let the first sink in. It’s like this: a quote, then a story, then a parable, then a testimony... too much to digest.

I’d rather digging deeper in these points and a less quantity of them.

It also happens that, for example, you see a parable in chapter 1 that you will see again in chapter 3 and 7.

I think it would be better if you explain the whole parable and its points in one chapter. I know the book is divided in topics so one thing applies to pain and another to ministry, but then I’d suggest to use another example in the next chapter.

It seems to me that’s what I did not like: the structure. The way things were put together.

Besides that, content is pretty good. Usually things you’ve heard before if you read christian non-fiction often but can be a good reminder of certain truths.

You’ll see a lot of Bible and great quotes by awesome preachers.


**I received a copy of this book from Bethany House through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own**

[Tasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

What is worship? Darlene explains it well. "Worship is a response to the revelation of just how great God is." Those are powerful words! He deserves our worship in all facets of our lives, not just on Sunday mornings!

I am really glad I got to read Darlene's take on the importance of worship in our day to day lives. I, like others, have been the person that can get so into worship on Sunday that you can literally feel the heartbeat of God, and then forget to worship him in my day to day life. Darlene really breaks it down and explains how important it is to have an intimate time of worship everyday. She divides the book into 2 parts. The first part is basically why we should worship, and the 2nd part is applying worship to different aspects of our lives. The sections that really spoke to me personally were My Service, My Love for Others, and Loving myself.

She has plenty of scriptures, stories, and quotes to reflect on throughout the book. I chose to read this book in small segments rather than a page turner. I think it's easier to sit and reflect on it if you take it in small bites.

I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a better understanding of worship and wants to apply worship to your day to day life.

"Worship changes everything because it is the reality of His presence that leads us to the heavenly, forever experience of worshiping God for eternity." - Darlene Zschech

**I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review**

[Kim Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a female worship leader, I have long been a fan of Darlene Zschech. I have followed her music and writings for many years and am thrilled with her latest book, Worship Changes Everything. In my opinion, this is her best work yet. The central theme of the book, to me, seems to be that worship should permeate every area of our lives: our families, our work, our thoughts, our actions, etc. Worship isn’t simply something we do once a week at church, but it should be a way of living that leads us into the very presence of God. Darlene uses tons of scripture and quotes from other Christian leaders, which I feel adds greatly to her book. This book is beautifully written and is also very accessible to the reader. I found myself underlining things I would like to use as I lead worship at my own church simply because the words are so right and true and pretty.

The book is broken up into two parts: The Heart of Worship and The Hands of Worship (which is three times as long as the first part). The Hands of Worship section includes areas like money, suffering, marriage, children and even how to worship in the wilderness.

As a worship leader, it’s important to me that we remember that worship is about so much more than just music. This book not only teaches the true meaning of worship, but it gives practical and thoughtful instruction on how we are to live a life of worship in every aspect of our lives. I very much appreciate and highly recommend this book.

[Leslie DeJarnette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zschech’s format and writing style bring both the heart and hands of worship alive for the reader. The book is broken down into two sections. The first section, The Heart of Worship, trains the reader to cultivate a worshipful heart by focusing on characteristics of God such as His worthiness, omnipresence, and lovingkindness. Because of who God is, our worship can flow out of gratitude.

In the second section, The Hands of Worship, Zschech walks the reader through the way worship is played out in every facet of life from our words, to our service, to our suffering, to our money, to our corporate and private worship, and to our marriage and children, just to name a few.

Zschech loads her book with Scripture, the ultimate source of authority and brings it to life with personal stories, which ring with authenticity.

The most applicable part of the book to my own life came from Zschech’s chapter called “In His Sanctuary” where she explains how to prepare ourselves for corporate worship. My biggest takeaway centers on actively preparing my heart each Sunday to enter God’s sanctuary with peace, anticipation, God’s Word, prayer, love and unity, and thanksgiving (pp. 216-217).

What I like: Zschech’s use of Scripture (primary) and personal narrative (secondary). I also love the section and chapter format. It’s easy for the reader to find the parts of greatest interest.

What I dislike: Nothing. It’s a fabulous book!

Overall rating: 5 out of 5

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Worship,” Darlene Zschech says, “is our response to His majesty.” She goes on to say, “When God comes close, everything changes.”

Worship Changes Everything is, in a way, a worship manifesto. In it, Zschech defines worship, explores the foundations of worship, and illustrates what worship looks like on a practical level.

My only complaint is that the content felt too shallow. I was hoping for a deeper exploration of what it means to worship. But perhaps she covered that in a previous book (she has four). That said, she covered A LOT of information and insights that those who are newer to the faith may find life-altering. Those who are further along in their faith walk will find some helpful and friendly reminders about who God is and how we can respond to Him in every area of our lives.

Zschech’s easy-to-read writing was full of Scripture and insightful quotes from everyone from Joel Osteen and Timothy Keller to CS Lewis and GK Chesterton. I often find myself skipping over huge block quotes when I’m reading, but these drew me in further and added depth and meaning to the message.

I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review. The opinions are my own and were not influenced by the publisher or author.

[Kym · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I received this book I was eager to find out what this popular and respected songwriter and worship leader could teach me about experiencing God's presence, as the subtitle says. Even though I knew the book was about living every moment as a worshiper, rather than just "doing worship" during church services, I admit there was a part of me was hoping it would somehow make me into a better musician and song leader, as that's part of my role in our church. No, there's not a "how to have the best worship team practice" chapter, but it's clear that learning how to worship through everything we do will also apply to how we worship corporately, whether we're leading or standing in the congregation. Darlene's conversational tone gave the book the feel of a small group of friends encouraging and challenging one another to strive to do everything to bring glory to God. She uses examples from her own life and from people she knows as well to illustrate her points; and although she often quotes well-known authors, she relies on Scripture to guide the teaching. In fact, every chapter is full of Scripture both quoted and referenced, so that I knew everything was solidly based on God's Word.

[Rhonda]

I felt that this book would be a wonderful way to begin my new year of 2016. Many people make resolutions and often plan to exercise or diet. I wanted to focus on my spiritual life and my worship experience in particular. This book looks at the scriptures and life experiences of the author and others to encourage readers to worship in everything....every day....all the time.....even when things aren't going well. Worship does not just take place in church. It needs to happen everywhere for God's children.
I agree and love this book. I look at the mountains and praise God for His amazing creation. I hold a newborn baby and marvel at God's creation and the incredible way He creates us! I watch the birds flocking to our feeders and know that God is taking care of me just as He does the birds. I work to forgive those who have hurt me because God forgives me when I don't deserve it. This book deals with all of this and more. I think this book would make a great small group study book.
I rated this book 4 stars as I felt it could have been a bit more interesting if more real-life examples of interest were included.
I received a copy of this book from netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

[Gini · Rating 5 out of 5]

That’s quite a claim for an author to make for her book. Changes everything, in every moment of life. Worship can really do that?

Zschech asks her readers, “When is the last time you looked at God and marveled at His Beauty and kindness and power and goodness and said ‘Wow!’?” (16). Like the wonder of the little boy she had just described. That’s her starting point. And the reader’s.

The author divides her book into two parts. In the first she writes about what I’ll call the Who and why of worship. Don’t skip those few pages. The second part covers more than a dozen different areas that worship undergirds. Just a few of them are service, suffering, children, wilderness times, and eternity where worship never ceases. As I read through this book I found encouragement, truth, and depth of teaching.

I recommend this book to you. Take your time with it, revisit sections of it at different times. Each chapter could be used as part of your own time of worship.

This book was provided by the publisher in return for a review.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who better to write a book about worship than a worship leader and songwriter? Praise and Worship music isn't my most listened to genre' of Christian music, but I am very familiar with Zschech and some of her songs. I was curious to what she might have to say, so I requested the book.

The book is well written and is an interesting and easy read. It has two sections: The Heart of Worship, and The Hands of Worship. The subtitle of the book is "Experiencing God's Presence in Every Moment of Life", and she does a great job of showing how we can worship God in every day life; not just in church. The book also shows how everything; our actions, attitudes, and more; affect our worship.

The author uses a lot of Scripture and personal stories to illustrate and support her points, and though this is not an exhaustive resource on worshiping God; there is a lot in here that is helpful and can help us worship God more in the way we should; if we take the contents of the book to heart.

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Worship Changes Everything, singer and songwriter, Darlene Zschech writes about how important worship is in our faith lives. Mrs. Zschech takes the reader into the definition of worship and illustrates with the Scripture moments of worship in the Bible. Mrs. Zschech states that worship is how we respond and invite our Creator into our lives. Worship is when we get to experience relationship with God. Darlene Zschech also urges us to talk to Him every day. She explains that through speaking with Him daily, He will connect with us and meet us where we are.

Darlene Zschech writes with heartfelt honesty. As I read her words, I could feel her genuineness and felt encouragement as well. I would recommend this book for anyone looking to deepen their worship lives. Darlene Zschech is a great guide and encourager.

Happy Reading!

Note: I have received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.

[Hana · Rating 5 out of 5]

"There is nothing satan wants more than for you to fall into sin in the wilderness. We will fave our greatest temptation in these dry season (pride, money, or promiscuity. Since wilderness always precedes key spiritual breakthrough (more grown up faith), success can be much dangerous to our spirituality than a dry season. "


It is similar to what my uncle had said a few months ago. When satan cant pull us to fall into sins (a problem), they will push us through the pleasure of flesh (career, success, etc)

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found it really heavy and could not read it all at once. I decided to read it as a daily devotional. It has worked out okay. It helps me focus and gives me encouragement for the day ahead. I believe it will be enjoyed by all who believe in Christ.

[Mike Galligan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Darlene covers all aspects of Worship in bite size chunks. You can read a chapter at a time or smaller sections as you wish. Darlene uses her own experience of battling cancer to explain God's presence and peace in difficult situations.

[Tamra LeValley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a clear and concise book. A book that is not only easy to unsderstand yet impacts my thoughts on God.

This book is just that! I not only learned a lot but felt the presence of Christ during my kyros moments.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book, I thought here we ago it'll be a little boring as what can a whole book on worship be about. (ie how not sleep during the service)
Boy I was wrong , A must read to show ways we could all found helpful to get closer to God.

[Sol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Este libro me ha bendecido demasiado… muchos nuevos point of view en muchas escrituras antes escuchadas. Nuevas perspectivas hacia todo lo que hago, digo, pienso y hasta lo que haga de verdad.

100% recommend especially for baby Christian’s or believers

[Terri B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book on worship, and how it involves so much more than just singing on Sundays, but encompasses our whole lives! I love Darlene Zschech!

[Jamie Holloway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love! Read my review on my blog.