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

Send us a textIsn't it funny how a lyric tucked into a song can jump out at you? That's what happened to me this week when I was listening to "Marvelous Light" by Ellie Holcomb. Of course, we'll talk about stepping out of darkness into God's marvelous light, but we'll also tackle the struggle between wanting to be known and afraid of being known.We never do any of it without plunging into Scripture!In this episode, I discuss the following:Deep down in all of us is a desire to be knownDeep down in all of us is a fear of being knownWe were designed by God to display God's identityEllie's perspective of not knowing that it was okay to NOT be okayThe patternGod designed it one way - Genesis 1:26-27We choose another way - Genesis 3:6We hear Him calling out to usWe hide in shame (or denial) - Genesis 3:7-8All He wants is relationship - Hosea 2:8, 19-20; Hosea 6:6-7Deep down we want relationship, too, but are in the bondage of fear in the darkness...afraid to walk into th

Send us a textCLICK HERE for the free episode resource.I uncovered a special assignment given by God this week just by reading the context of a verse quoted in this week's song by Chris Tomlin. "Jesus Messiah" is full of Scripture and leads us straight to God's Word and to the heart of His task for us. Then the song leads us back to a heart of worship.It's going to be an adventure this week!In this episode, I discuss the following:The first lyric of the song comes straight from Scripture! - 2 Corinthians 5:21Rhythm and rhyme tuck Scripture deep into the recesses of your mindHow we get distracted from the tasks at handGod's task for us found in 2 Corinthians 5:15, 18-21The Greek word for reconciliationWe are God's ambassadorsArticle discussing the meaning of the statement "He BECAME sin" found in our song and verses this weekResource I created to assist in studying the Scriptures referenced by this week's song (Click Here)Messiah means Anointed OneAdditional Re

Send us a textDo you have a list of reasons why you think God is not FOR you? Well, God has his own list of reasons to prove He IS for you, which can be found in Romans chapter 8. That is right where Hawk Nelson's song, "Drops In The Ocean," leads us this week. Along with a sneak peek at one of the disciples of Christ.God's Word is an adventure! Accept the challenge of the quest for understanding!In this episode, I discuss the following:Why my daughter, Emily, picked this song for the podcastThe story behind the song videoWhere in the Word it tells us that God is FOR us (like the lyrics say) - Romans 8:31Using our curiosity to send us to explore the context (verses before and after) around a verse you are studyingThinking critically about what we are reading and giving ourselves mental margin to process what we are learningThe "wonderful things" Paul is talking about as his justification of his statement that God is for us - Romans 8:18-30Who can be against us? NO ONE! - Romans 8

Send us a textWhen you hear this week's song, "Praise You In This Storm" by Casting Crowns, do you think of your own storm? Perhaps you know the story behind the song and think of Erin, the little girl who inspired the song. Maybe you remember that the song was released on the radio just as Hurricane Katrina hit the gulf coast, and you think of that storm. This week I want to lead you to the Garden of Gethsemane and the storm raging in Jesus before his arrest and crucifixion.Perhaps by considering the storm that was raging in the life of our Messiah, we can learn how to better handle our own storms.In this episode, I discuss:A YouTube interview with Casting Crowns lead singer, Mark Hall, discussing the story behind the songGod's Word is living and active - Hebrews 4:12God's Word can cut through our storm to reveal our thoughts and desires so we can take them captive to Christ - 2 Corinthians 10:5We take our thoughts captive by changing the way we think - Romans 12:2Jesus wanted God to

Send us a text"I think in music," a friend said to me this week. So do I! That is why I am so passionate about Christian Music and this podcast! Kerrie Roberts' song "No Matter What" has added phrases to the soundtrack of my mind and I can't wait to share where it led me this week!My prayer for you is that the soundtrack running through your mind inspires you to pick up God's Word this week and let it change the way you think.In this episode, I discuss:Thinking in musicRunning back to God's promises as a pattern of our livesWhat God's Word says about His promises - 2 Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭3-13‬How the Psalmist instructs his soul - Psalms‬ ‭62‬:‭5-8‬The story behind the song in Kerrie's own words - YouTube VideoGod has the power to save us from painful circumstances, but the circumstance should not dictate our walk with Him - Daniel‬ ‭3‬:‭16-18‬Additional ResourcesLyricsThis Week's ChallengeRead Daniel chapters 1-3. Make note of everything you see about Shadrach, Me

Send us a textIt's time to do the work. If you want to run to the heart of God, you must start with His Word. This week's song, "Soul on Fire" by Third Day, encourages us to run to the heart of God. As as we do every week through "More Than a Song", we run straight to God's Word as the starting line.What moments in your life will you exchange to make time in God's Word a priority?In this episode, I discuss:Third Day's purpose behind the new album "Lead Us Back"A discussion on the heart of GodHow the version of God's Word you are reading may lead you to distraction and discouragementManna as a metaphor for God's Word - Deuteronomy 8:3Another acrostic poem in Scripture using the Hebrew alphabet - Psalm 119Introduction to Psalm 119 from Charles Spurgeon's "Treasury of David"How God's Words consumed Jeremiah like a fire - Jeremiah 20:7-9Additional ResourcesLyricsCCM Magazine article on the purpose behind the album "Lead Us B

Send us a textPerspective. When you change it, you can see the familiar in a whole new light. That is what this week's song, "Hurricane" by Natalie Grant, did for me as I listened to it and pondered the lyrics while exploring God's Word. Spoiler alert! Sometimes, God calls you to journey out into the middle of the storm instead of calming it.In this episode, I discuss:Getting up close and personal with Natalie Grant recentlyAvoiding the "checklist mentality" when it comes to your time in God's WordUsing perspective (and specifically a change in perspective) as a Bible interaction toolReading Matthew 14:22-33 from the perspective of JesusJesus walked TOWARD the disciples in the midst of their stormJesus didn't hesitate to grab a hold of Peter Additional ResourcesLyricsStory behind the song - New Release Tuesday with Kevin DavisThis Week's ChallengeWherever you are reading in God's Word, look for a new angle or perspective and focus on those details. If you need

Send us a textAre you at a place in your life where you wish you could have a do-over? This week, we will see the treacherous, discouraging captivity that the people of God had fallen prey to, but as our Scripture and this week's song, "Day One" by Matthew West, teaches us, God's mercies are new every morning.Today is a new day...make it count!In this week's episode, I discuss:Matthew West's video on the story behind the songThe Scripture inspiration behind the song - Lamentations 3:22-23His mercies are new every morningBackground study on the Book of LamentationsSome of the tools I used in my background study that I share with youThe Maxwell Leadership BibleThe Apologetics Study Biblewww.bible.orgwww.blueletterbible.orgwww.biblehub.comThe study tool of reviewing chapter and section headlines to get an overview of what is happeningJerusalem's sin and our sin - Lamentations 1:7-9Hope from the pit - Lamentations 3:55-57Recalling the truth of who God is brings hope - Lamentatio

Send us a textGod: "Arise, go..." Us: "Uh, no, thank you." Cue the scene where we run away...far, far away. How is that working for you? Well, it didn't work for Jonah, and this week's song, "Lord I'm Ready Now" by Plumb, could almost be a soundtrack for the 48-verse story found in the Old Testament.When we settle in to really watch the story, we see a God of second chances...even for us.In this week's episode, I discuss:Tiffany Arbuckle Lee's (aka Plumb) story behind this songReading the stories of the Bible like we watch movies...all the way throughRecap of the Book of JonahHow it's impossible to run away from God - Psalm 139Recognizing our own failures/shortcomingsComing to a crisis of honest reflectionGod as the one who lifts us from the pits of lifeDrawing close to God for strengthRecommitting ourselves after a time of repentance and confession Additional ResourcesLyricsStory behind the song - New Release Tuesday article by Kevin DavisThis Week&

Send us a textA proper view of ourselves is key to our relationship with God and others. Casting Crowns' song, "Who Am I," extracts truth from Scripture and embeds it into our hearts and minds with memorable phrases and Biblical perspectives.This week's journey takes us through the question of not only "Who am I?" but "Who am I in Christ?"On this week's episode, I discuss:Our need for identityHow others define who we areExamples of how God's Word defines who we are through Christian music I've already used on this podcastWe are overcomers - 1 John 5:5 - Episode #4We are wanted - Isaiah 41:9-10 -  Episode #5We are children of God - 1 John 3:1 - Episode #13We are redeemed - Ephesians 1:7 - Episode #21Even David asked this question in Psalms 8:4I link back the lyrics to ScriptureThe Lord of all the earth - Psalms 24:1The Bright and Morning Star - Revelation 22:16Christ looking on sin and watching someone rise again - John 8Jesus calming the storm - Mark 4We

Send us a textWhy can one person be moved to tears by a sunset, and another never even notices it on the drive home? This week, we use Big Daddy Weave's song, "Overwhelmed," to lead us to many different Scriptures, but two major truths...we can see and not perceive...we can perceive and not delight.Without delight, we cannot glorify God. This song leads us to remember how overwhelming God is...in a good way.On this week's episode, I discuss:A presentation by Francis Chan called "The Awe Factor of God"How the heavens proclaim God's handiwork - Psalm 19:1The voice of GodThe voice of the Lord is powerful - Psalm 29:3-4God wants us to hear AND obey - Jeremiah 7:23The power of the cross - 1 Corinthians 1:18We are forgiven - Ephesians 1:7-8We are free - Romans 6:22-23Choosing Christ for yourselfA quote by philosophical theologian Jonathon EdwardsWe can see the work of God's hands - Romans 1:20-21A discussion on God's beauty, wonder, and gloryAdditional ResourcesLyricsSer

Send us a textWe wait. We wait in grocery lines and at the bank. We wait for vacations and new jobs. We wait for opportunity, and we wait for healing. We spend a good portion of our life in the in-between times, so what should we do with all that waiting? That is what this week's song, "While I'm Waiting" by John Waller, and our Scripture emphasis in Psalm 40 both talk about.Perhaps God is developing something in you in the wait that will be necessary in the arrival.On this week's episode, I discuss:The podcast episode with Michael Hyatt and Michele Cushatt that inspired me to choose the songMajor Biblical figures forced to wait long periods of time before God brought them to a place of successHow waiting does not just accompany faith; it is woven into the fabric of our faith because it is woven into the fabric of our livesDavid's song of waiting - Psalm 40How David waited and God's response - Psalm 40:1The hardest part of waitingHow trouble and temptations can develop patie

Send us a textThere is so much to learn about how to love from Jesus. My prayer, and the prayer found in this week's song "Proof of Your Love" by For King & Country, is that my life will be the proof that God's perfect love is in me.Meditating on what His Word says about love is a great place to start!In this week's episode, I discuss:How this song inspired my 11-year-old daughter to pick up her Bible and read!Love is sacrificial - John 15:12-13We can't lay down our lives for others when we think we're better than othersHow did Jesus view Himself? Philippians 2:6-8Paul's challenge to us - Philippians 2:3-5The Bible interaction tool of placing yourself in the Scripture1 Corinthians 13 in the New Living Translation and The MessageAdditional ResourcesLyricsBehind the Song with Kevin Davis on New Release TuesdayThe story behind the song and videoThis Week's ChallengeSpend some time in 1 Corinthians 13 and read for yourself what it says. Try reading it in various ve

Send us a textDo you remember the last conversation you had with a loved one who is no longer with you? Well, Jesus' words at the Last Supper were memorable and important enough to be carefully recorded by John and give us our Scriptural challenge this week. "Evidence" by Citizen Way reminds me of Jesus' new command to his disciples every time I hear it.I hope you are as challenged by the words of Jesus during this last meal with His best friends as I am.In this week's episode, I discuss:My goal to keep an eye out for references to "love" in my Bible Read Through this yearCitizen Way's YouTube video discussing the inspiration behind the songCitizen Way's inspiration - 1 John 4:19Paul's challenge to continue to love and to love even more - 1 Thessalonians 4:9-10The Bible interaction tool of lining your OWN life up with Scripture...this journey is your ownJesus' new command to love - John 13:34The importance (and delight) of contextJesus' promise that

Send us a textOne of the best practices in life is to decide what your response will be when faced with a circumstance BEFORE facing the circumstance. At the beginning of a new year we often make resolutions. This week's song "Resolution" by Everfound leads us to examine the life of Peter.I hope this week's song will lead you to Scripture and to being RESOLUTE in your walk with Christ.On this week's episode, I discuss:My personal resolution to begin this podcast in November 2013!Roadblocks to our resolutionsThe film "Apostle Peter and the Last Supper"When Peter meets Jesus - John 1:42Peter walking on water - Matthew 14:28-31Peter's response when others began to desert Jesus - John 6:66-69, Matthew 16:17Peter pulling Jesus aside to rebuke Him - Matthew 16:17, 21-23Peter with Jesus at the transfiguration - Matthew 17:1-9This scene from the film that brought up "ghosts" from Peter's pastPhilippians 3:14 - pressing on to the end of the race Additional Resourc

Send us a textWhat is it about this time of year that we are so willing to try new things? I'm not sure, but it's as good a time as any to jump into Scripture, and Royal Tailor's song, "Making Me New," helps us do just that!In Christ, we are a new creation, and that is a reason to get up and celebrate!In this week's episode, I discuss:The story of Nicodemus and Jesus and their discussion about being born againJohn 3:1-21If you saw Jesus' answer prior to hearing the question, what do you think the question was?Jesus left everything for us2 Corinthians 5:17 - In Christ, we are a new creationThe Stupendous Reality of Being "in Christ Jesus" article on DesiringGod.orgThis Week's ChallengeSpend some time in John 3:1-21 and ponder the interaction between Jesus and Nicodemus. Or you can use the DesiringGod.org article to lead you to 13 Scripture references about being "in Christ".Get access to Story Sessions: A Seat at the Table, a free, three-part, interac

Send us a textWhen you strip everything away and focus intently on the baby Jesus of the Bible, you will see what For King & Country describes in their song, "Baby Boy" -- you will see a king without a crown, a baby boy without a bed, and unexpected majesty.Hopefully, at the end of our study, we will respond as the band does with a resounding, "Alleluia, what a King!"In this week's episode, I discuss:The epic crescendo of the arrival of baby JesusHow God had this plan from the beginningThe fullness of time found in Galatians 4:4-5How God began with the end in mind even before He made the world in Ephesians 1:4-5God's plan is all about relationshipJesus was not just a willing participant but was in on the planning John 1:1-5, 14Focusing on the details of Jesus revealed in Luke 1 & 2 Additional ResourcesLyricsNew Release Tuesday article behind the song "Baby Boy"This Week's ChallengeRead Luke 1 & 2...again. This time, focus on ANY reference to Jesus. Writ

Send us a textI love how this week's song leads us to the Christmas story AND deep into God's Word, searching out details about the Light of the World, Jesus Christ.  Lauren Daigle's "Light of the World" includes lyrics we can relate to and that point us back to God's Word.If you feel like you are walking in darkness, please know that the sunrise has visited us from above to give you light and guide your feet into the way of peace.In this week's episode, I discuss:Our desire for the "next thing"Giving yourself the margin to allow truth to sink inLuke 2:13-14 where the multitude of angels appeared to the shepherdsZachariah's prophecy over John that includes details about Jesus in Luke 1:76-79Matthew 4:16 describing the Light that has dawned (cross reference in Isaiah 9:2)Jesus referring to Himself as the Light of the World in John 8:12 Additional ResourcesLyricsNew Release Tuesday article behind the song "Light of the World"This Week's ChallengeR

Send us a textI am ruined! Now that I have spent so much time in God's Word studying the details of the Christmas story, I cannot look at a nativity scene the same! However, I can choose to see all of the details that don't line up with Scripture, or I can choose to use the nativity scene as a reminder of all I've learned through my own studies. And I can use songs like "Be Born in Me" by Francesca Battistelli to lead me back to those Scriptures and identify with this REAL girl, Mary.I hope this week's episode and song inspire you to do the same.On this week's episode, I discuss:My choice to use the nativity as a tool instead of getting aggravatedReminding you of the importance of contextMy treasure-hunting path in God's Word this weekMatthew 1:20-23 where the angel tells Joseph the baby fulfills a prophecyBibleHub.com as a study tool, especially for cross-referencesIsaiah 7:14 where the original prophecy about Immanuel being born to a virgin is recordedLuke 1:26-38 whe

Send us a textHow many times will you walk by a nativity scene this Christmas season? Are you like me? Have you become numb to the REAL story behind the figurines? This week's song, "Real" by Nichole Nordeman, reminds us of the REAL people in this familiar scene.I hope this song will inspire you to take a closer look at Scripture and give you a tool that you can use EVERY TIME you read the stories of Biblical characters.In this week's episode, I discuss:The tool of remembering that Biblical characters are REALAl Andrews's short story, "Real - A Christmas Story"Luke 2:1-7What Mary may have experienced and feltLuke 1:28-38A closer look at Luke 2:7What we can do to ensure Biblical characters stay "real" to usRead the details that are really thereDo a little researchTake time to imagine how you would feel in their situation and overlay that with historical details the character may have had to endureAdditional ResourcesLyricsThe story behind how the song came to beArti