I love books. Consequently, my home is filled with them. They're stacked in bookcases, in nice piles at the end of my bed, in baskets in my living room, and some are even stashed in plastic shopping bags from the grocery store. When a new one comes into the family, I reach for it eager to see what new truths or ideas will come from it, or what world I'll be swept into.

I'm a fast reader, so I can read several books at one time and enjoy them all. Occasionally, a book will capture my mind and I can't speed through it. I have to take my time savoring the words and pondering the messages, trying to internalize what is being revealed.

Take Your Time
Make Love, Make War, subtitled NOW is the Time to Worship, by Brian Doerksen, is a call to authentic and transparent worship grounded in solid theology.If you attend a church that sings any contemporary music, chances are you've sung several of his songs. You may recognize "Come, Now is the Time to Worship," "Refiner's Fire," Hallelujah (Your Love is Amazing)," and others.

Part chronicle of his personal life, part story behind the song, and part instruction book for songwriters, Doerksen's book is one I am savoring and will keep in a prominent spot near my keyboard. As a songwriter, I love knowing the stories behind the songs. and Doerksen is very transparent about his inspiration, much of it coming during times of difficult struggles.

He candidly shares his own personal journey from doubt to hope back to doubt and to confidence again. During that journey, some wonderful songs were written that speak honestly from a seeker's heart.

Theologically Sound and Personal
Doerksen shares his search through Scriptures for the Father's heart, showing his theological and doctrinal foundation. He has studied the concept of the Trinity, and communicates clearly the need in today's church for a focus on the character of God. His observations aren't limited to the scholarly, but are deeply personal, from the heart of a God-seeker, pastor, husband and father.

As a writer and songwriter, I appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into every song he writes. No word is accidental, no chord selection trivial; it all comes through a careful selection process. With each chapter, he provides hints for the songwriter to take their own work to a higher level and to seriously consider all the elements of writing songs to glorify God.

Every worship leader, songwriter, singer and pastor should have a copy of Make Love, Make War, and dig into this treasure for all it's worth.