If you really want to know God, expect sweat and tears on the journey.

Award-winning songwriter offers ten ways to experience the presence of God

"People are hungry for an encounter with God, myself included," says best-selling song writer and new author David M. Edwards in his book Encountering God: 10 Ways to Experience His Presence. "The entire Bible is one grand story of God’s desire to encounter His people and He can and will just about anywhere and when you least expect it. All times of perseverance are fresh encounters with God."

Edwards uses ten "touchstones" that stood out to him and personally touched his life as a guide for encountering God in fresh ways:

• Pour Out Your Life

• Clean House

• Rejoice In The Lord Always

• Build Altars Of Uncut Stone

• Reach For Jesus

• Build Memorials

• Trust In The Name Of Jesus

• Offer A Sacrifice Of Praise

• Thank The Lord

• Make The Ultimate Sacrifice

"These ten are by no means exhaustive," says Edwards, "but if we take them to heart, and believe, we will find ourselves understanding God’s promises, power and provision."

Each chapter begins with a Bible verse that corresponds to a specific Bible character and encounter with God and ends with discussion questions.

"God wants to spend time with you and me. He longs to be part of every second of your every day. I encourage you to invite Him into every aspect of your life. Join me in discovering how we can encounter God afresh and anew."