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

Send us a text It's the most wonderful time of year -- and the best time to pull out your Bible and read the Christmas story! Casting Crowns inspires us to do just that through their song "It's Finally Christmas." We are reminded that Jesus truly is the reason for the season. This week will lay the foundation for a few weeks of exploring the Christmas story. On this week's episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Make observations (and write them down) Follow cross references Discuss with a friend Read and keep on reading Compare and contrast Repetition Using the Advent season to use Christmas music to inspire us to read Scripture Piecing together the traditional "story" by reading all the sources - Luke 1-2, Matthew 1-2, Isaiah 9:1-7 and more! Observing how important it was to Matthew to be sure the reader knew Jesus was the fulfillment of Old Testament prophesy Matthew 1:22 leads us to

Send us a text How could I miss that? The answer is usually because I'm not paying attention. Dennis Jernigan's song, "Thank You, Lord," might not be a new worship anthem, but it gives us a great structure to linger in some areas of Scripture we've covered previously on the podcast. It will do our hearts good to go back over some ground we've covered to see if there might be something we missed that we can turn into thanksgiving to our God. Try a new technique to tarry in God's Word with new purpose. On this week's episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: The color method Annotate Define words Pray Scripture Where I first heard this song (hint: it was a while back) Learning to linger by going back to sections of Scripture we've covered in previous episodes Psalm 148 - Episode 244 Daniel 6 - Episode 245 Jonah 2 - Episode 246 Isaiah 26 - Episode 247 Using this week's song

Send us a text We are a people in need of rescuing. Praise God that He has already provided our Rescuer! Zach Williams sings of this in his song, "Rescue Story." It leads us to explore another rescue story in Scripture that whispers the name of Jesus. Join me as we head back to the book of Ruth for one more week. On this episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Read and keep on reading Repetition Listen to an audio version of the text Read/listen in various translations Storying Share with a friend Don't treat the stories of the Bible in chunks...read and keep on reading Storying...what it is and how to do it on your own How I chose the book of Ruth again because it is a story of redemption that is a type and shadow of the ultimate rescue story How every story whispers Jesus' name John 5:39-40 Luke 24:39-40 A recap of Ruth 1-4 How Naomi was rescued from her emptiness, Ruth was rescued from her barrenn

Send us a text You know the saying, "There's no going back?" Well, thank goodness that sentiment doesn't apply to returning to the people and the ways of God. Our song this week by Cochran and Co. is "Church (Take Me Back)" and inspired me to explore a story of returning in the Old Testament. Naomi returns to her homeland, her people, and the ways of God. Let's explore it together in the book of Ruth. On this episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Explore the historical background Write in your Bible Read in context Read and keep on reading The theme of returning found in Ruth 1 Exploring where Naomi is returning FROM - Ruth 1:1-5 How the Moabites got their start - Genesis 19:30-38 How the leaders of Moab hired Balaam to curse Israel (entire context is Numbers 22-24) - Numbers 22:1-6 Moabites sent in the ladies to seduce the Israelite men into sexual immorality and ultimately idolatry b

Send us a text What if I could train myself to stop focusing on my circumstances rather than the Lord? Kristian Stanfill's song "Always" reminds us of the greatness of our God as compared to the trouble that may surround us. David's Psalm 3 offers this same option. Let's explore it together. On this episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Writing in your Bible Annotating Making observations Making a list Consult and outside resource Listen/Read in a variety of translations Share with a friend! Following the cross references How the first verse of the song leads us to the first verse of Psalm 3 Copying and pasting the Psalm into a word processing document in order to print out and annotate Annotating - marking up a text to indicate places of importance or something you don't understand, thereby increasing deeper understanding Bracketing the Psalm Psalm 3:1-2 - Looking at circumstances Psalm 3:

Send us a text Tell me if you've done this before (because I have). You look at your Bible, but you pick up another book instead. If you're feeling super spiritual, you pick up a book that will help you understand the Bible better...but you still don't pick up your Bible. Or, you look at your Bible, but you start up a podcast instead. If you're feeling super spiritual, you choose a podcast that will talk to you about the Bible...but you still don't pick up your Bible. This week's podcast is fairly short for a reason. Tune in to find out why and what God has shown me. On this episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Listening to an audio version of God's Word Read and keep on reading Testimony night - Revelation 12:10-11 Others are capable My word's aren't necessary God can use others in the same way He uses me It's not about me and my story God's words are the only word

Send us a text I'm inspired by the music that is inspired by the Word. This week's song by Jeremy Camp, "Dead Man Walking," is no exception. Where does Jeremy Camp get the idea that he was a dead man walking until he was a man walking with Christ? That is what we'll explore together. Scripture actually has a lot to say about this topic. Let's explore it together. On this episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Explore a topic Compare and Contrast Make a list Read in a variety of translations Dead men walking...walking around in the flesh, but spiritually dead - Ephesians 2:1-10 Exploring Ephesians 2 some more by review Episode 278 Spending a lifetime interacting with God's Word and always discovering something new Making a list of what we were like when we were dead in our trespasses and sins according to Ephesians 2:1-10 What we are when we are made alive together Christ by God according

Send us a text Go all in. It looks good on a t-shirt. It looks good on a Christ-follower, too. Unfortunately, we are really good at half-way when it comes to our devotion to the Lord. I find myself going in spurts. I'm all in for awhile and then I get distracted. I'm gung-ho in one area, but not in another. Brandon Heath's song, "Whole Heart" reminds us to love God the way He wants us to...with our whole heart. There's a wonderful story found in 2 Chronicles about King Asa and all of Judah going "all in."  Will you join me in exploring it this week? On this episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Slow down (digest smaller chunks) Explore a topic Read in context (don't read part of the story...especially this week) The heart as inner man - a place where affections, will, and inclinations reside How God asks for our wholehearted love and devotion - Matthew 22:37 The combinat

Send us a text What kinds of choices do you make in the face of fear? Building 429's song "Fear No More" is an anthem born out of a personal time when fear led the songwriters to seek God. There's a king in Scripture that was faced with fear more than once. His story gives us two separate examples of choices and two distinct responses from God.           Let's explore the life and choices of King Asa this week.     Get access to Story Sessions: A Seat at the Table, a free, three-part, interactive video series at michellenezat.com/freeseat

Send us a text It's easy to believe that a traumatic event can be the end of your story. It often feels very much like the end. Tauren Wells' song, "God's Not Done With You," reminds us that God is not done writing your story. There are examples of this all over Scripture. Join me as we sit in a section of Scripture this week that is hard, yet hopeful. On this episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Read in context Repetition Read in different translations Listen to epic music while reading Follow the cross references The abundance of wounds, scars, brokenness, hard things, and things that had absolutely fallen apart in the lyrics of our song AND in Lamentations How God is not absent in the midst of despair How Lamentations is a set of five acrostic poems of lament The literary devices found in Scripture -- specifically in Lamentations 1:1 The hard things to read in Israel's story vividly

Send us a text Are you on the verge of giving up on God? You read all about how He redeems and restores, but you haven't seen it come to pass yet. Unspoken's song "Reason" reminds us that God's love underpins everything and is enough to keep us believing. I can't wait to introduce you to Sarah (the gal formerly known as Sarai). She had reason to stop believing. Let's dive into her story this week. On this episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Read in context Remember the characters in the Bible were REAL Explore a topic Follow the cross references Read and keep on reading How the people described in the Bible were real They laugh when they're not supposed to They lie to avoid conflict They trust and obey They doubt and take things into their own hands Starting at the beginning of Sarai's story and reading to the "end" - Genesis 11-23 How whatever happened to A

Send us a text Don't look back. Eliminate any possibility of retreat. That's the message of For King and Country's song, "Burn the Ships," and that is the message of Paul to the Philippians. The new life set out before you and the priceless prize at the end of this race will be SO worth the risk of reducing your past to ashes. Let's explore what Paul has to say to the Philippians together. On this episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Read in context Listen to an audio version of Scripture Repetition Listen to various translations Consider the historical context Refer to an outside resource Follow the cross references Slow down Where the phrase "Burn the Ships" comes from - biography.com The story behind the song - YouTube Video The brazen decision eliminating any possibility of retreat - Philippians 3:13-14 Reading Philippians in context in preparation for more detailed study

Send us a text Every somebody started out as a nobody. Inspired by Casting Crowns' song, "Nobody," I consider the early days of Samuel's life. Even though Samuel was the son of a barren woman who was dedicated to the Lord for a life of service, he still had to GROW from somewhere. Join me as we zero in on Samuel's beginning to see what we can learn from this "nobody" who eventually had two books of the God's Holy Word bear his name. On this episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Read in context Study a topic Consider the opposite Consult an outside resource Share with a friend Reading Samuel's story with an eye toward the details of his life...everyone comes from somewhere - 1 Samuel 1-3 Considering the opposite of a nobody Coming to the conclusion that it's out of a life of obedience that Samuel actualizes a life of significance Understanding where Samuel comes from b

Send us a text Have you ever struggled to see the big picture of the Bible? How do the individual stories, songs, poems, prophecies, and more, fit together -- and what are we to make of it? Rend Collective's song, "Rescuer (Good News)," reminds me of God's grand rescue plan. Join me for a quick fly over that may help you make connections with God's grand story in the future. On this episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Use outside resources (like the amazing Jesus Storybook Bible) Meta-narrative - the overarching story that gives context, meaning, and purpose to all of life "The Bible isn't mainly about you and what you should be doing. It's about God and what He has done." - The Jesus Storybook Bible How Genesis 1-3 could be the beginning and the end, but God whispers a promise to rescue Genesis 6-9 and Noah's experience with God placing his war bow in the sky poi

Send us a text We are in dire straights. We're going down in a heap of confusion and our SOS call has been heard by a loving Father who sent His only Son to rescue us. Lauren Daigle's song "Rescue" reminds us that we are not beyond God's reach to deliver us from sin. Paul has his own SOS call recorded in his letter to the Romans. Let's head over there together. On this episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Read in context Slow down Utilize outside resources Compare and contrast Listen to an audio version of Scripture The Jesus Storybook Bible and how it reminds us that the Bible is "The Story of how God loves his children and comes to rescue them." Paul's SOS call in Romans 7:15-24 Recognizing that Romans can be a little hard to put your mind around at times Utilizing outside resources (AFTER you study the text for yourself) Your pastor or small group leader Study Bible

Send us a text I want the truth about God to be the soundtrack of my life. What we listen to matters and it changes the way we think. That's why I am drawn to John Mark and Sarah McMillan's song, "King Of My Heart." It calls out the characteristics of our unfathomable God, allowing me to meditate on HIM instead of ME. We will use some of the lyrics to take us on a journey through Scripture to confirm that the King of our heart is indeed GOOD. On this episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Start with God Explore a topic Make a list Meditate on God's Word Word study Putting on a garment of praise as we studied in Episode 282 My "Garment of Praise" Spotify playlist - Spotify Using our song to explore four descriptions of God in Scripture mountain where I run - Psalm 31 fountain I drink from - Jeremiah 2 shadow where I hide - Psalm 91 ransom for my life - Matthew 20 and my song - Exodu

Send us a text Life's full of choices, isn't it? The funny thing is, even when we don't intentionally choose a response, we have still made a choice. Vertical Worship's song, "Yes I Will," reminds us that we can choose to bless the Lord at all times. King David made that choice, and this week we explore one of the songs he wrote to remind himself of God's faithfulness. On this episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Repetition Consider the opposite Make a list Share with a friend Putting on a garment of praise as we studied last week in Episode 282 My "Garment of Praise" Spotify playlist - Spotify Vertical Worship's teaching moment using this week's song - YouTube Video Avoiding the one-and-done mentality by reading Psalm 34 repetitively Evaluating our choices What is the choice? What are the options? What are the consequences of choosing the different options?

Send us a text One of my favorite ways to understand Scripture is to consider the opposite. Whatever it IS becomes clearer for me when I think about what it's NOT. Michael Ketterer does that for us in the song, "Spirit Lead Me," when he reminds us that chasing feelings is the opposite of being led by the Spirit. I want to be led by the Spirit, but I've learned in my studies that first I must "inquire of the Lord." On this episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Read in context Read and keep on reading Listen to an audio version of Scripture Read/study to epic music playlist Putting on a garment of praise as we studied last week in Episode 282 Not letting the music you listen to inform what you believe, rather letting what you believe inform the music you'll consume Rapid Bible Read Through - you can learn more about it over on my friend Keith Ferrin's blog How Saul did NOT inqu

Send us a text Sometimes you’re in a battle, and sometimes you just feel like a weight is bearing down on you, immobilizing you. The King James Version of the Bible calls this a “spirit of heaviness.” The English Standard Version calls it a “faint spirit.” No matter the description that fits you best, our Savior has given us a great exchange. Michael W. Smith sings about it in his song, “Surrounded (Fight My Battles).” Explore Isaiah 61 with me as put on the garment of praise in exchange for the spirit of heaviness. Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Meditate Pray Scripture Write out Scripture Speak Scripture aloud Journal Follow the cross-references Make a list Michael W. Smith’s reference to Isaiah 61 in the opening of his song The terrible exchange of a spring of living water for a broken cistern in Jeremiah 2 The glorious exchanges listed in Isaiah 61:1-3 The proven battle plan of leading out in praise - 2 Chronicles 20 Putting on

Send us a text When we were new parents we logged every aspect of our new baby's life. Some family members mocked us, but for my husband and me it gave us a feeling of control -- as if by writing it down we could influence the outcome. In his song, "I'm Gonna Let It Go," Jason Gray sings of our desire to "control" things while God is patiently waiting for us to surrender to Him. Through a quick look at the interchange between a prophet and a king, we can make some pretty profound conclusions. On this episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Read in context Remember that the people described in the Bible were REAL Explore a topic Consider the historical context Utilize section headings If I don’t surrender to God’s way, I’ll surrender to the consequences of not surrendering to God’s way What leads to holding on to our own way over God's way Historical context of the conversation betwe