More Than A Song - Discovering The Truth Of Scripture Hidden In Today's Popular Christian Music

Send us a textDoes giving your dreams and desires to God feel like giving up? Sarai Rivera sings about surrendering control of her life to God in her song "I Give You My Dreams." In this episode, I explore the alternative to letting God take control displayed in a song of David.Dive into Psalm 37 with me to uncover how we can surrender our dreams and desires to God. With personal stories, Bible Interaction Tool Exercises (BITEs), and practical insights, you'll be equipped to trust God’s plan, even when it feels uncertain.Episode HighlightsSurrender vs. Giving Up: Discover what it means to hand your dreams to God without abandoning hope.A Personal Lens: Michelle shares how her family is learning to trust God’s plan amidst college applications, med school, and wedding planning.Diving into Psalm 37: Learn how to study Scripture using BITEs like reading in context, exploring multiple translations, and recognizing repetitive themes.Key Takeaways: Replace fretting with proactive steps like trusting,

Send us a textOur hope in the Lord is that He will draw near to us if we draw near to Him (see James 4:8). Seph Schlueter sings about drawing near to God in his song "Running Back to You." But the song made me ask, "How do we get so far from God in the first place?" We gain insight when we search Scripture to see how it happened for God's chosen people in the Old Testament.Join me in exploring the pages of the prophet Jeremiah, expecting God to reveal Himself to us (and hopefully either draw us back or keep us close).In this episode, I discuss:Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - our Bible Interaction Tool Exercises this week are: Read and keep on readingConsult an overviewRepetitionMake observationsComplete a word studyStart with GodMake a listMeditate on ScriptureEpisode GuideWatching an overview of Jeremiah - BibleProject.comBeginning with the end in mind -- running back to God and Him receiving His people (Jeremiah 30-33) Jeremiah 30:3Jeremiah 30:10Jeremiah 31:3Jeremiah 31:4-5Jere

Send us a textFamily is beautiful, frustrating, glorious, embarrassing, and diverse—even Christ's family line includes some characters and heroes. Christy Nockels' song " Amaryllis" inspired me to explore a few of the people in Christ's lineage. It seemed appropriate at this time of year when many of us have just made another year of Christmas memories with family and friends.Whether your family is on the glorious side, the tragic, or somewhere in between, we see God weave all kinds of people into the lineage of the Savior of the world…so surely there's hope for us!In this episode, I discuss:Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - our Bible Interaction Tool Exercises this week are: Follow cross-referencesConsider the historical context - the article I found on the "silent period" between Micah and MatthewEpisode GuideConsidering the context of your birthHow the Old Testament ends on a note of expectation - Micah 4:4-6Exploring the lineage of Christ - Matthew 1:17Learning m

Send us a textGod, the Author, chose to show rather than tell us how far He would go to redeem His people. Consider the highest of highs, where Jesus came from, and the lowest of lows, where he descended to lay His head in a pile of straw. Josiah Queen sings about this in his song, "lowest of lows." This sent me to explore Scriptures that detail Jesus went to humble Himself and why.We're going to spend some time on a letter from Paul. But don't worry. We'll swing back into the Christmas story in Matthew.In this episode, I discuss the following:Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include:Reading in contextAsking questions of the textComparing translationsObserving repeated themesConnecting passages across ScriptureMeditating on key versesSharing with a friendCatch me on my podcast book tour!Click here to see the full list of podcasts and interviews I’ve completed and upcoming events. Don’t forget to check out the exclusive freebies!Don

Send us a textScripture teaches us that the "message declared by angels proved to be reliable" (Heb. 2:2). No wonder the traditional Christmas carol instructs us to "hark" -- pay attention to -- what the angels are declaring. There's no better way to celebrate a time-honored hymn like "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" than by adding the fun Celtic version by We Are Messengers to your playlist.Let's follow the call to action in our song and pay attention to what Scripture teaches us in Luke's narrative of Christ's birth.In this episode, I discuss the following:Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Read in contextSlow downRepetitionListen to an audio of the textMake observationsMake a listShare with a friendEpisode GuideCatch me on my podcast book tour! Click here and scroll to the bottom to see all the podcasts/interviews I've completed and those yet to come. And take advantage of the freebies, too!Bui

Send us a textThere’s a phrase I often use in my prayers for others. I pray that God will go before them, behind them, and that His hand of blessing will be on their heads. Little did I know that Leanna Crawford's song "Still Waters (Psalm 23)" would guide me to a place that beautifully depicts our Father's conduct. Nor did I know how refreshing God‘s words would be during turbulent times.Writing Scripture on your heart for when you need it is good advice. And Psalm 23 is the perfect place to start.In this episode, I discuss the following:Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Internalizing ScriptureMeditation RepetitionImaginationStart with GodConsult an outside resourceEpisode GuideInternalizing scripture, then repeating it out loudKeith Ferrin’s Bible Talk interview with Mike Santoro - YouTube VideoMike's Bible memory card website - https://bsbversememorycards.carrd.co/Committing the words of Psalm 23 to memoryRehearsing the

Send us a textIn a day and age where you can't seem to trust anyone, Cody Carnes and Benjamin William Hastings sing an anthem that resonates with me. "Take You At Your Word" caused me to explore why we can take God at His Word and how to do it.Let's take our cue from a group of people in Acts and examine the Scriptures together.In this episode, I discuss the following:Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Making observationsConsider the oppositeRead in contextUse section headings to get your bearingsEpisode GuideTo take someone at their word is to believe exactly what they sayBeing a little gun-shy in our culture today to take others at their wordFollowing the pattern of the Bereans to receive God's Word from others, but test it against the standard of Scripture for ourselves - Acts 17:1-11Giving authority to Scripture because Jesus didAuthority of Scripture as an underlying theme of my debut novel, A Seat at the Table - Learn

Send us a textSome truths we use in our everyday language might change how we think and respond to life if we think deeply about them. Forrest Frank has a song out, "Good Day," that I've used as the celebration theme song for the release of my new novel, "A Seat at the Table." However, the lyrics inspired me to meditate on Scripture in a new way.  Lift your eyes to the heavens as we meditate on the God who made the universe.In this episode, I discuss the following:Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Meditate on ScripturePray ScriptureShare with a friendEpisode GuideMy debut novel, A Seat at the Table - Learn MoreGod knows my name - Isaiah 43:1-4God made the universe Psalm 115:15Jeremiah 10:16Revelation 4:112 Kings 19:15Borrowing a prayer from Scripture - 2 Kings 19:15The two times ESV translators used the word "universe" in Scripture Hebrews 11:3Hebrews 1:1-3The unique vantage point of an astronaut - Chaos and the C

Send us a textWhen my mom shared Jonathan Traylor's song "The Table" with me, I knew I wanted to use it as a launching point on the podcast closest to my debut novel release, "A Seat at the Table." I contend that the world sees a "seat at the table" as an opportunity for power and influence. But what does Scripture say about having a seat at the table of Christ? That is what we'll explore in this episode.Let's examine a table in the Old Testament and the table of the Last Supper in the New Testament.In this episode, I discuss the following:Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Read in contextExploring a themeSpecial Episode GiftMy debut novel, A Seat at the Table - Learn MoreHow to evaluate the tables you are sitting atMy newest endeavor, Story Sessions, where I use a story as inspiration to study Scripture (much like I do on the podcast)Exploring the theme of tables in ScriptureExploring the Table of the Br

Send us a textGrab the Episode Guide HERE.The enemy of our souls has many names in Scripture. One verse often attributed to him describes him as a thief. Tauran Wells, in his new song "Take It All Back," declares he's taking back what the enemy stole. That thief's schemes to destroy us stand in direct opposition to the abundant life Jesus offers.Let's journey back to the enemy's first scheme to see what he stole in the beginning and take THAT back.Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include:Read in contextFollow the cross-referencesMake observationsEpisode Guide500 Episodes

Send us a textIt's time to meditate on how amazing Jesus Christ, the Alpha and Omega and Lamb of God really is. And when you do, it should cause you to jump up and tell everyone what CeCe Winans sings about in her song, "That's My King."We're headed back to Revelation in this episode, looking to see what we can learn from the worship responses to our King of kings.In this episode, I discuss the following:Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: RepetitionSlow downWrite out Scripture by handMeditate on ScriptureWrite down your observationsRead in various translationsEpisode GuideOther episodes where songs lead us to Revelation - Episode 369, Episode 390, Episode 443, Episode 498Reading Revelation and looking for worship responses to write out by handHow writing things out by hand gives the mind more footholds for accessing a given concept or ideaObserving the WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN, AND WHY of the worship responses recorded in Reve

Send us a textGrab an Episode Guide for this episode! CLICK HEREWe know we can't know the day or the hour, but we do know one thing—King Jesus is returning! When John Rich sings about Christ's return in his song "Revelation," it inspired me to pick up the book of prophecy and read it again.Join me on a journey through Revelation with a unique way to read it.In this episode, I discuss the following:Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Read aloudStart with God/JesusFollow the cross-referencesJournal your observationsEpisode GuideNot letting preconceived ideas keep you from reading RevelationThe blessings that come along with reading, hearing, and keeping what is found in Revelation - Revelation 1:1-3Reading Revelation in a new way by starting with what you learn about Jesus and journaling itAll about where I curated the BITE "Start With God" "Asking the Right Questions" by Dr. Matthew Harmon - Amazon Paid LinkFrid

Send us a textGrab an Episode Guide for this episode! CLICK HEREWhat happens when we take a phrase or a verse in God's Word out of context? We may misinterpret the meaning altogether, which is awful, but by doing so, we may miss out on the real, rich meaning God intended all along. David Leonard's song "By His Wounds" sent me to God's Word to see how to properly interpret the phrase "by His wounds we are healed." There's a lot more there than I realized.In this episode, I discuss the following:Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Read in contextRepetitionFollow the cross-referencesMeditate on God's WordHistorical contextMake observationsMake a listEpisode GuideFocus verse that sent us to consider all of 1 Peter - 1 Peter 2:24"Christology forms the indispensable basis of his {Peter's} paraenesis" - translated "The study of Christ forms Peter's indispensable basis of Peter's advi

Send us a textIn this episode, I have the privilege of hosting my friend Brad Pauquette to talk about how God's Word influences his personal and professional life and his new book, The Novel Matrix.Brad is my book coach and developmental editor for my novel, A Seat at the Table, which will be released in October. One of the reasons I partnered with him is his dedication to God's Word and how he allows it to shape and guide his life.Don't miss this interview if you've ever considered writing a novel. But even if writing is not your thing, I can't wait for you to learn from Brad as an active follower of Christ who is passionate about His Word.Brad's Free Gift for YOURead the first four chapters of Brad's #1 New Release, The Novel MatrixYes, please!Connect With BradWebsite: www.bradpauquette.comBook: Amazon LinkPodcast: The Company PodcastWriting Resources: writers.companyBrad's Amazon Author PageBrad's Goodreads Author PageInstagramFacebookYouTubeThe Novel MatrixThe

Send us a textGrab an Episode Guide for this episode! CLICK HEREA few years ago, my daughter raided our closet for a "vintage" windbreaker set for 90's day during Homecoming week at school. (Don't judge. I can't be the only one who hordes old clothes.) While I hope color-blocking never comes back into style, I love a good vintage tune like the rest. Shane & Shane revived an 80's hit in their song "Thy Word/Where Else Would I Go." Do you know what NEVER goes out of style? God's Word. Let's explore it together.The opening phrase of the song leads us directly to Psalm 119. Let's jump right in!In this episode, I discuss the following:Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Read in contextRead out of orderComplete a word studyCreate an amplified version of the textMake observationsMake a listEpisode GuideMixtape Theology PodcastFriday With Friends Episode with Rachel CashOnline Bible Commentary on Psa

Send us a textCLICK HERE for the episode guide to help you connect with Scripture through this song.Who are your top five closest friends? Have you ever thought that those you spend the most time with determine your direction? And your direction determines your destination. When Consumed By Fire sings "Walk With Jesus," we are reminded that we are better off following in Christ's footsteps.What does it mean to walk with Jesus? Let's explore Scripture together.In this episode, I discuss the following:Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Read in contextFollow cross-referencesMake a listConsider the oppositeEpisode GuideThe metaphor of walking in Scripture - Genesis 3:8, Leviticus 26:12, Genesis 5:22-24, Genesis 6:9, 2 Chronicles 6:16How walking is linked to paths in Scripture - Psalm 1:1, Proverbs 4:14, Isaiah 2:2, Psalm 119:45Walking as a way of living in Scripture - Daniel 4:37, Micah 6:8Jesus is the WAY - John 14:6, Acts 9:2Episod

Send us a textWhile my podcast is a solo show, I still want a venue to introduce you to these friends as examples of the multifaceted ways God works in and through His people.In this episode, I have the privilege of hosting my friend Rachel Cash, co-author of Mixtape Theology, to talk about her dedication to God's Word and the pivotal decisions she made to lead her to this stage in life.It won't take you long to understand why Rachel and I are friends. Scriptural truths overflow out of her heart, and she remains on a path to go deeper and deeper.Both Mixtape Theology, the podcast, and Mixtape Theology, the book, are part devotional and part 90s retrospective. Similar to how More Than a Song explores contemporary Christian music, they explore the Bible verses behind their favorite 90s CCM songs, resulting in a fuller understanding of God and His redemptive plan.Memorable MentionsSnackable Theology by Andrew DoaneRachel discusses one of the motivating factors that keeps her in the Word: her God-given

Send us a textCLICK HERE for the episode guide to help you connect with Scripture through this song.I love a good play on words. When you do a quick Google search of grave robbers, you discover it's a worldwide phenomenon usually perpetrated to take and profit from valuable artifacts or personal property. Crowder’s song “Grave Robber” attributes this title to God. But not in the way we normally think of a body snatcher who digs up graves for their own economic benefit. No. Our grave robber is snatching our souls from eternal death.Moving from death to life is an important theme to study in Scripture. Join me on the journey from Ephesians to Romans, Genesis, and John.In this episode, I discuss the following:Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Make observationsMake a listFollow the cross-referencesComplete a word studyEpisode GuideDead, but made alive with Christ - Ephesians 2:1-10"For what Paul does in this passage is to paint a vivid contra

Send us a textCLICK HERE for the episode guide to help you connect with Scripture through this song.Life can throw us curve balls that threaten to derail us. In fact, if we aren't rooted in Christ, we may even fall into despair. Katy Nichole and Naomi Raine sing about everything our God can do, even when we cannot. Their song "Our God Can" gives us a distinct area of Scripture to explore. Once we get there, you may discover even more than you imagined.When I settled into Paul's letter to the Philippians, I gained wisdom I can't wait to share with you.In this episode, I discuss the following:Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Read in contextHistorical contextConsult a mapRepetitionRemember, the people in the Bible were realFollow the cross-referencesListen to an audio version of the textEpisode GuideExploring the historical background of the Philippian churchReading about the founding of the Philippian church in Acts 16How Pa

Send us a textCLICK HERE for the episode guide to help you connect with Scripture through this song.Growing up, my mom and stepdad used to listen to Paul Harvey. He was a radio broadcaster famous for telling "the rest of the story." When Josiah Queen sings "The Prodigal," I'm sure you're thinking of the famous parable Jesus taught. However, we will study the "rest of the story in this episode." Because you see, the story of the prodigal son is only part of the story.Join me in the gospel of Luke as we place ourselves in the scene where Jesus teaches the parable of lost possessions.In this episode, I discuss the following:Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Read in contextHistorical contextConsult outside resourcesRepetitionEpisode GuideThe story behind the song "The Prodigal" by Josiah Queen - YouTube ShortWhere we get the name "prodigal son" from a parable that doesn't use that word -