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

Send us a textI wish I would take God at His Word. You know, REALLY take Him at His Word. When Jesus stood in the synagogue and unfurled the scroll and read about Himself out of Isaiah 61, He declared, "Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing." The audience present didn't get it then and I don't think we FULLY understand it now. Zach William's song "Chain Breaker" does a great job of reminding us...and inspiring us to find it for ourselves in Scripture. Follow me to the time of Isaiah the prophet to learn more about Jesus...words spoken 700 years before Christ walked the earth. On this episode I discuss: The characteristics of Jesus found in our song and Scripture - Isaiah 61:1-3 Jesus as the fulfillment of the prophecy in Isaiah - Luke 4:16-21 Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - our Bible Interaction Tool Exercises this week are: Listen to an audio version of Scripture (I use YouVersion) Repetition Read in context Consult a commentary Make a list How Je

Send us a textI really, really, really don't want my faith to be academic -- I want it to be real and applied and life changing. The wonderful things God has given me to share with all of you have been just that for me -- life changing. However, there is a time when what you have learned must be put to the test. That happened for me this week. In preparation for each week's episode I spend several hours reading Scripture and putting into practice the Bible Interaction Tool Exercises I share with you. After I have completed this "research" phase, it takes approximately two hours of writing for me to prayerfully put all of my thoughts together in an orderly fashion. Finally, it takes another two hours to record the podcast, create the show notes and freebies, create the memory verse resources, upload to the appropriate servers, and prepare my weekly email that I send out to my subscribers. All of it is a joy. I have had listeners pray that it never becomes a chore. I am here to testify that

Send us a textA lyric lodged itself in my mind a few weeks ago that I couldn't shake. It worked out okay, because it wasn't one of those cheesy advertising jingles, it was directly from Scripture. I used the song, "Son of David" by Ghost Ship to guide me to Mark 10 and a great story with more tucked in it than you would imagine. Come with me to the gates of Jericho and meet Bartimaeus. On this episode I discuss: The story of Bartimaeus - Mark 10:46-52 "Inspiration and information without personal application will never amount to transformation" - Lysa TerKeurst from her latest book, Uninvited Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - our Bible Interaction Tool Exercises this week are: Listen to an audio version of Scripture (I use YouVersion) Repetition Read in context Slow down Ask questions My list of questions and observations from this week's story What is the context of the story? What is the significance of the city? How did Mark know Bart's name? What is sig

Send us a textI have a daughter who lacks focus. The more I think about it, the more I think she gets it from me. I read multiple books at once, stop my project at work to read the email that just came in, and get distracted by social media with the rest of them. But what if I slowed down and really unpacked ONE thought from Scripture? This is what happened for me this week as I used "Great Are You Lord" as sung by One Sonic Society to seek truth from God's Word. Hopefully I've raised a few questions this week to really get you thinking, too. On this episode I discuss: Getting "stuck" with where to go in Scripture Considering the truth that God's breath is in our lungs - Genesis 2:7 Biblical worldview Determining how the truth that God's breath is in our lungs will shape our worldview The idea that we are not significant because God needed us - we are significant because God wanted us A reference to Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem Analyzing what I pour out with the

Send us a textWhat is your agenda? If you enter a conversation with an agenda, you have a plan for the direction of the discussion. When you receive an agenda for a meeting, it is the leader's plan for the direction of the meeting. What is your agenda -- your plan -- for your life? Does it match God's agenda? Tenth Avenue North's song, "What You Want" leads us to search out the Scripture for what God's agenda. In fact, I take filter the search even further to seek out what brings God delight. Are you ready to go exploring? On this episode I discuss: As an only child with many father figures in my life, I often wanted to please them The desire to please those we love Exploring Scriptures that declare what God delights in The B.I.T.E.s - Bible Interaction Tool Exercises - for the week include: Exploring a topic - use this tool to help Read the context Remember the people in the Bible are REAL Make a list Pray What does God NOT delight in What God DOES delight in - Hosea 6:6 The

Send us a textThere is something that happens when you begin to understand that you are fully loved by God. But it is an entirely different process to start LIVING loved. Hawk Nelson's song, "Live Like You're Loved," sent me on a journey through a good portion of Genesis to examine the life of a man who gives us an example of living loved. Get lost in the story of Joseph with me this week. I hope it will challenge you as much as it has challenged me. On this episode I discuss: Reading Lysa TerKeurst's book "Uninvited: Living Loved When You Feel Less Than, Left Out and Lonely" Performance-based efforts won't work, but full surrender to God will Living loved in spite of suffering as inspired by Paul - 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 Paul's maturity about his situation did not happen overnight My tendencies when faced with weakness, insults, hardships, persecutions and troubles (Warning! It's not pretty) Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - our Bible Interaction Tool Exer

Send us a text"You're making this into a bigger deal than it needs to be." How many times have I either been on the giving OR receiving end of this statement? That's what it means to magnify a situation. We make something appear larger than it is. The thing is, we will NEVER be able to "over-magnify" God. There is never a time where we will fully understand how "large" He is. The power comes in when we magnify God over our situation. This is what the song, "Magnify" by We Are Messengers calls us to do. Let's head over to Psalm 34 and magnify the Lord together. I want to realign where my hope is set until He's all that's left. On this episode I discuss: How the word "magnify" in our song led me to Psalm 34:3 The theme of the episode is to magnify God, focusing in on Him alone NOT our troubles When we magnify God we increase the importance or effect of Him in our lives When John the Baptist talks about decreasing so Christ could increas

Send us a textI don't know about you, but I tend to overload myself with distractions and messages. So much so, that I find it difficult to slow down enough to meditate on a thought, on Scripture, or on what God is saying to me. Singing Scripture is a way to meditate on it; and what better way than to use "To Live Is Christ" by Sidewalk Prophets? After all, the lyrics in the chorus come STRAIGHT from Scripture in Philippians chapter 1. Here we find Paul able to find joy in difficult circumstances. Let's consider how that might be possible for us. On this episode I discuss: Learning to meditate on God through song - Psalm 119:15 Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - our Bible Interaction Tool Exercises this week are: Research the historical context Read in context! Introduction to Philippians - Bible.org Paul's profound love for the Philippians - Philippians 1:3-8 How understanding where Paul is coming from can shed light on his advice to others - see Episode 133 A beautiful prayer

Send us a textWe can hide from God about as well as a toddler hiding under the dining room table in plain sight with eyes tightly shut. Just as He doesn't abandon us when we are trying to hide from Him, God doesn't abandon us when we stray from Him either. Jordan Feliz' song "Never Too Far Gone" leads us to consider the "before Christ" and "after Christ" impact on Paul. Join me in two sections of Scripture this week as we reflect on the life of someone who seemed "too far gone." On this episode I discuss: Christian songs solve the riddles of life with inspiration from music - Psalms 49:3-4 You can't hide from God...and He doesn't want you to - Psalm 139:7-12 Communion with God is summam bonum - the highest good - not checking off items on a list Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - our Bible Interaction Tool Exercises this week are: Complete a character study Remember that Paul was a real person Read or study to epic music playing in the backg

Send us a textWe all need a good anthem to sing at the top of our lungs as we open the sun roof and crank the radio! Oh, wait -- maybe that's just me. "Every Giant Will Fall" by Rend Collective definitely fits the "great anthem" bill, all the while leading us to consider God's ways and our response when faced with giants. Let's consider how the Israelite people responded to the giants occupying their promised land. On this episode I discuss: How you will need to invest time in God's Word to get the benefits of meditation Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - our Bible Interaction Tool Exercises this week are: Read in context Follow the cross references Meditate Story Behind the Song "Every Giant Will Fall" by Rend Collective - NewReleaseToday.com Article Reading Moses' summary speech - Deuteronomy 1 Breaking camp and advancing - Deuteronomy 1:6-8 Taking possession - Deuteronomy 1:8 It won't be easy, but don't fear and don't be discourage

Send us a textThe characters in God's Word are so rich with lives we can relate to and experiences we can learn from. Matthew West's song, "Mended," caused me to look into the life of Mary Magdalene. Mary was broken, but Jesus mended her and changed her life and eternity. Join me as we follow some practical steps to study the life of Mary Magdalene. On this episode I discuss: Story behind the song "Mended" - YouTube Video Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - our Bible Interaction Tool Exercises this week are: Complete a character study Remember the character is a real person Using a topical resource to find Scripture references - use this article found on Bible Gateway Look up every single reference and log a summary in a notebook - here is my example Discovering Mary was broken, but Jesus mended her - Mark 16:9-11 Using additional resources to help you understand the character further - Bible Gateway article Conclusions Wealth does not mean you won't suffer - Proverbs

Send us a textIf we fully understood the scope of God's forgiveness, we would be more grateful and more gracious. That has been my personal challenge this week as I used Shane & Shane's song, "That's How You Forgive," to explore just HOW God forgives. Join me on this very powerful journey to explore the depths of God's forgiveness and what it means to and for us. On this episode I discuss: God's standard of forgiveness (see Episode 129 for an introduction to this) How the opening verse of "That's How You Forgive" by Shane & Shane come from Psalm 103 - Psalm 103:8 The difference between a standard and a list of rules The A.C.T.S. model for prayer Adoration - Psalm 103:1-2 Confession Thanksgiving Supplication The Hebrew word for "benefits" in Psalm 103:2 can be translated "dealing" - BibleHub.com Part one of understanding how God forgives is to explore how He deals with us A list of examples of how God "deals" with us in

Send us a textIn this season of the Olympics it is only appropriate to explore an athletic topic as a metaphor to our faith. I heard a returning Olympic athlete say that the medal he received four years ago, while wonderful, was the "wrong color." For this athlete, gold is his standard. Jeremy Camp sings about another high standard in his song, "Christ In Me." Join me in exploring Hebrews 12 as we commit to running the race set before us with our eye on the prize. Finishing strong is the only option. On this episode I discuss: Christ as our standard How knowing and understanding the stories of heroes of the faith motivates us in our own race - Hebrews 12:1 That the theme of Hebrews 12 is endurance The difference between "hindrances" and the "sin that so easily entangles us" - Hebrews 12:1 The historical context of Hebrews The metaphor of racing and how the culture of the day was big into athletic competition Fixing our eyes on our standard - Jesus - Hebrews 12:2 Lookin

Send us a textThe most compelling music in our lives often speaks to the deepest riddles of our soul. "Eye of the Storm" by Ryan Stevenson speaks of various storms that have impacted all of us at some point or another. However, I believe the song's greatest impact lies in the comfort it brings to those of us in the middle of our own storms of life. The lyrics bring comfort by proclaiming the presence and provision of God. This song led me to the Psalms this week to seek confirmation of God's character, promises, and presence in the middle of my own storms. On this episode I discuss: The power of Christian music to solve life's riddles - Psalms 49:3-4 Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - our Bible Interaction Tool Exercises this week are: Read in context Meditate on Scripture Pray Scripture Learning exactly who God is in the middle of the storms of our life - Psalms 46:1-3 The compelling reasons why we should not fear - Psalms 46:1-3 "God's Word and ordinances are rivers

Send us a textWe all have hidden places in us that seem "too dirty" to bring into the light. God's Word washes us to make us holy in His sight. Unfortunately, we avoid the very solution that can bring cleansing and healing, oftentimes because we expected a different solution. Naaman was like this, and we read about him in 2 Kings 5. Head with me over there this week! On this episode I discuss: A podcast interview with Natalie Grant by Justin Paul - iTunes Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - our Bible Interaction Tool Exercises this week are: Listen to an audio version of the Bible Repetition Read/listen to a variety of translations The lie that "until we can do it right" we shouldn't read the Bible at all Why you would probably follow Naaman on social media - 2 Kings 5:1 The people in Naaman's life who cared enough about him to seek solutions to his affliction - 2 Kings 5:2-3 How we filter God's Word through our own "protocol" and sometimes get it wrong -

Send us a textIs it possible to be grateful for pain? It's all about perspective. We are all willing to endure pain if we believe the final result to be worth it. Hawk Nelson's song, "Diamonds," has me thinking about the refining process. This song, and the Scripture we uncover on this episode, may be the revelation you need to make it through whatever fiery trial you are enduring. Stick with me and you will see that God has a "place of abundance" for you on the other side of this refining. On this episode I discuss: The difference between un-biblical and non-biblical The article I used as inspiration for my main points today - Blog Article by June Hunt Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - our Bible Interaction Tool Exercises this week are: Explore a topic Make a list Psalm 66 with our focus area - Psalm 66:8-12 God as our Refiner - Psalm 66:10 Allowing God's Word to break us - Jeremiah 23:29 The crucible (a fireproof melting pot able to withstand extreme heat) - Proverb

Send us a textI'm sick and tired of being a prisoner of war. I'm ready to send my enemy running for the hills, aren't you? Crowder, in his new song "Run Devil Run," inspired me to create a strategy against the devil. It's all laid out for us in Scripture. It's time to get serious about our strategy against a very real enemy. Are you ready? On this episode I discuss: Story behind the song "Run Devil Run" - YouTube Video The enemy has a strategy - Ephesians 6:11 The main weapon of the devil is the LIE Department of Defense Strategy for Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Our formidable foe - Ephesians 6:12 Our strategy to fight the enemy Prepare Prevent acquisition Contain and reduce threats Respond to crises Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - our Bible Interaction Tool Exercises this week are: Slow down Read in various translations Repetition We are soldiers of Christ - see Episode 104 Studying a previous battle plan of the enemy - Genesis 3 The Lie: Des

Send us a textMy favorite musical of all time is "My Fair Lady." Sometimes I feel like Eliza when she sings, "Words, words, words, I'm so sick of words!" You may find that strange considering the number of words I speak and write each week. We are inundated with SO MANY WORDS every moment of every day, and God patiently stands in line waiting for us to listen to HIS WORDS. Third Day sings about God's Word in the song "Your Words," and we will use this song to inspire us to read God's Word for ourselves. God's Words have a purpose and they will accomplish what God desires. It's probably a good idea, then, to know God's Words and their purpose. Let's dive in! On this episode I discuss: A beautiful Scripture that my youngest used to read daily - Isaiah 55:10-11 We can't speak words we don't know, and we can't KNOW them by reading them once (or never at all) Introduction to the Book of Isaiah - Bible.org God's Word nourishes bet

Send us a textI have always loved the word abide. So many times English words don't give enough umph as compared to their Greek or Hebrew counterparts, but abide is a good one. I wish it was as easy to accomplish as it is to understand the definition. "Abide With Me" by Matt Maher leads us to a conversation Jesus had with his disciples in a vineyard. It is with this metaphor that we learn some significant lessons about abiding. It is here we also learn what kind of impact it could have on our lives if we can get it right. On this episode I discuss: The book I used extensively to prepare for this podcast - "Secrets of the Vine" by Dr. Bruce Wilkinson Singing this song as a prayer to God, always remembering it is also a request from our Savior Searching for terms online like "abide with me in Scripture" to find John 15 Considering the context before and after the conversation Jesus had with His disciples in John 15 (jumping up to John 12 all the way through John 18) Our focus

Send us a textOver and over in Scripture God instructs His people to remember. He tells them set up markers so they remember. He institutes festivals so they remember. He gave us symbols and ceremonies even going so far as to say, "This do in remembrance of Me." On this episode I take some time to recount where this whole podcast even began and to rejoice in impacted lives. Join me in following the pattern that God has set out for His people. Join me in remembering. On this episode I discuss: God's instructions to be careful not to forget the Lord - Deuteronomy 6:10-12 Using Deuteronomy 6:10-12 I consider: Large and prosperous cities I did not built - God's story in me Houses stocked with goods that I did not produce - the songs I highlight on this podcast written and sung by others Drawing from cisterns I did not dig - the knowledge I gain from the wisdom and revelation of others Eating from vineyards and trees I did not plant - YOU! (my listeners) The Scripture that inspired it all -