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

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

Send us a textno episode this week due to complications caused by Hurricane Barry! see you next 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 time. It's time to get a little excited about how great God really is. Strike up the band (or at least Newsboys United's song "Greatness of Our God") and turn to Psalm 150, because it's time to acknowledge the greatness of our God. Do you keep a record of the mighty works of God? 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 Make observations (and write them down) Slow down Follow the cross references Relishing songs that point us to God first (rather than self) Searching for "greatness" in Scripture using online tools - BibleHub.com Reading all of Psalm 150 and making observations Recognizing the categories detailed in Psalm 150 WHERE to praise God WHAT to praise Him FOR WHAT to praise Him WITH WHO should praise God Psalm 150 in The Voice translation - BibleGateway.com A reminder of the wonderful study in Psalm 148 on Episode 244 - the

Send us a text Helen Keller once said, "I am only one, but still I am one.  I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do."  This quote has been next to my computer for over 15 years.  I am reminded of it and of what James has to say about our faith being evident through our actions every time I hear Matthew West's song, "Do Something." I want a faith that is vibrant and alive.  Don't you?  We'll discuss this and more on this week's episode. 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 in various translations Complete a word study Our memory verse in context - James 2:14-20 Definition of faith found in Hebrews 11:1 How we are saved through faith by grace so that we can DO SOMETHING - Ephesians 2:8-10 The story behind the song as told by Matthew West A word st

Send us a text Have you ever read about people who have been given a new lease on life? Perhaps it was a medical breakthrough or second chance, but their lives changed completely. These examples pale in comparison to what happens when we are made alive with Christ. Big Daddy Weave sings about it in their new song, "Alive." Paul writes about it in his letter to the Ephesians. 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: Read and keep on reading Read in context Listen to an audio version of Scripture Refer to an introduction/historical context Write Scripture in your own words How our lyrics were inspired by Ephesians 2:1-10 Being able to put something in your own words shows a higher level of comprehension Listing out some of the desires of the body and the mind that you carried out before you became a follower of Christ Considering who we follow -- because it's either C

Send us a text This week's episode is in tribute to my mentor's daughter. In life and in death she inspired others to lift their faces to the One Who could save them. That's why Lauren Daigle's song "Look Up Child" inspires us to explore Scripture today. Let's dive in to some key Scriptures where God's people are called to look up and live. 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 Listen to an audio version of Scripture Share with a friend Make a list Follow the cross-references Not getting discouraged when you encounter Scripture after Scripture you've never read before...don't be discouraged, be inspired! My mom's story of God's inspiration and provision - Joshua 1:8 Doing God's work and building up the church - Ephesians 4:11-12 Looking up to the Son of Man lifted up like the bronze snake on a pole in the wilderness - Jo

Send us a text There's an impossible situation. You know the one. You lay it at the feet of Jesus only to pick it right back up again. Why do we do that? Perhaps we lack the faith to recognize God's "got this." Love and Outcome gives an encouraging message to remind us that God has it all in hand. God proves Himself over and over again in Scripture. Let's peek into a couple of true accounts. 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 Context Consider the opposite Considering the opposite of God's sovereignty The context of Saul's persecution of the early church - Acts 8:1-3, Philippians 3:4-6, Galatians 1:13-14 The road to Damascus did not go Saul's way because it wasn't supposed to - Acts 9:1-31 What seemed like an impossible barrier to the cause of Christ ended up being the catalyst to spreading the gospel around the world Peter's story o

Send us a text God specializes in bringing dead things back to life. From the first pages of Genesis when man walked into death through mistrust and disobedience God mapped out the plan to defeat death forever. Elevation Worship's song "Resurrecting" celebrates the resurrecting power of our resurrected Savior. Let's explore what Scripture has to say about what it looks like to come back from the dead. 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 Context Ask Questions Make Observations Study with a Friend Repetition Reading your Bible is non-negotiable. There. You've been told. You can do this. BITEs can help. There will always be those we can learn from, but starting with the base of what Scripture says is our job first Making some observations in Colossians 2:13 Zooming out to read the context of Colossians 2 Two metaphors -- buried with Christ and spiritual circumc

Send us a text Challenges in our lives will never stop coming. Like waves that ebb and flow in strength and number, our trials and suffering come in and go out, but they never stop coming. The solution is to fix our eyes on God and the hope revealed in His Word. Ellie Holcomb's song "Find You Here" reminds us that He is in the midst of each ordeal...even the darkest ones. Peter knew he needed to prepare believers for fiery trials, too. Let's let our song lead us there 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 and keep on reading Explore a topic Follow the cross references The problem with contemporary western thought in regard to suffering "Walking With God Through Pain and Suffering" by Timothy Keller Episode 171 and my reference to Jen Wilkin's book "None Like Him" Ellie Holcomb's blog post about the story behind the song - www.ellieholcomb.com

Send us a text We live in a world where we want the results, but are often unwilling to put in the work. I agree with The Afters when they sing about wanting to hear the words "well done" in the end. Jesus makes it clear in his parables the characteristics of those inheriting the kingdom of God. Let's make some discoveries and ACT on what we find. On this episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Compare and contrast Read in context Make observations My guest appearance on Reverentia's podcast RE - iTunes Episode Link Thinking Scripturally about the phrase, "Well done my good and faithful servant." The parable where the phrase "well done" is found - Matthew 25:14-30 Reading the Parable of the Talents in context - Matthew 24 and Matthew 25 Discussing what is worth more than a talent of gold - Psalm 19:7-11 Comparing and contrasting the servants in the Parable of the Talents - Matthe

Send us a text It's the hardest experiences that often shape us the most. While they may be excruciating in the moment, when we persevere, these trials lead to greater character and hope. "Scars" by I Am They sings of this very phenomenon. May we be strengthened by our scars, not broken by them. There is a man deeply scarred that you may have missed in the Old Testament. Let's read about him together! On this episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Read the section headings to get your bearings Compare and contrast Read in context Listen to an audio version of the Bible Remember that the people described in the Bible were REAL Follow cross references How even (or especially) the painful parts of our lives often shape who we are today When you're challenged in Scripture don't let it get you down, let it remind you that there is always more (and there is life and exciting revelation in the m

Send us a text We're building a life. With every choice we make, every word we say, every thought, and every act we are building a life. That leads to the question, "What foundation are we building our lives on?" Pat Barrett's song "Build My Life" is a declaration of building a life on a firm foundation. That foundation is revealed in Scripture. Join me as we see what Jesus has to say about our building practices in Matthew 7. Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Context Observations Compare and contrast Mark in your Bible The story behind the song "Build My Life" by Pat Barrett - YouTube Video Our focus area of Scripture inspired by the bridge of our song - Matthew 7:24-27 Reading and studying the entire Sermon on the Mount in context - Matthew 5-7 Jesus' teaching methods - "The Method and Message of Jesus' Teaching" by Robert Stein Comparing and contrasting the wise man and the foo

Send us a text Trauma and tragedy can leave us feeling lonely and unseen. For King & Country's song "God Only Knows" reminds us that God holds a deep love and understanding of you and your circumstances (past or present). Many of the psalms of David poetically reflect our own heart's cry. Let's take a deep look at one of those psalms this week. Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Context Repetition Write in your Bible Consider the opposite Make a list The line in the song that led me to the verse that led me to our focus Psalm this week - Psalm 25:16 How Psalm 25 is an acrostic psalm, meaning each verse starts with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet (which is why is may read more disjointed than other psalms) Using the BITE of repetition to let the psalm really sink in My desire to seek God's face before I seek His hand An article by Mortimer Adler on" How to Mark a Book" - Online Article Directing

Send us a text There's a level of devotion that I see in a young Moabite woman in the Old Testament that I want to emulate. Sarah Reeves' song "Just Want You" led me to the book of Ruth this week where I was moved by the characteristics of allegiance that I long to see in my own life toward my Savior. You can't emulate what you don't understand, so let's dive in together. 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 Consult a map Follow Cross References How God's providence plays the long game -- just consider the placement of Ruth in the genealogy of David - Ruth 4:18-22 God's providence in the history of the United States on a tour through the Jenney Museum How our song lyrics remind me of the devotion of Ruth toward her mother-in-law - Ruth 1:16-18 Asking myself Do I have that kind of devotion to my Savior? Am I willing to go wherever Jesus go

Send us a text Mercy is one of those things that I want freely bestowed upon me, and yet I tend to be pretty stingy with mercy for others. God's Word has wrecked me over the past few weeks as it relates to mercy. The Porter's Gate Worship Project has a haunting ballad that has complimented my study as I worship with their song, "Have Mercy on Me." As we look intently into the mercy of God, may we better reflect it in our own lives. On this episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Use an outside resource - I used this excerpt from a book by Herman Bavinck Explore a topic Write out Scripture Slow down Make a list Complete a word study Being initially inspired by Psalm 18:25-27 that we first discussed on Episode #266 How I need to see God's mercy and so I need to learn to be merciful Bavinck's definition, "The goodness of God, when shown to those in misery, is called mercy." A great

Send us a text Did you know that you could actually hear the best news ever, and it is for you, and you could miss it? It happens all the time. MercyMe sings of the "Best News Ever" and inspired me to head into Scripture to see what we can do to make sure we don't miss out. image credit: YouVersion It's a simple call from the mouth of Jesus. Have you responded? 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 Scriptures Complete a word study Our destination this week - Matthew 11:28-30 The importance to Matthew that things happened to Jesus to specifically fulfill prophecy Sitting in the tension of Scripture when you're not really sure what it means Religious people of Jesus' day completely missed the fact that he was the Messiah - John 5:39-40 My desire that my listeners would study Scripture, but that they wouldn't miss Jesus in the proce

Send us a text God is our Defender. It is important to remember that the next time you feel the need to defend yourself. Psalm 18 says God's gift of salvation to us is our shield. So why do I think my words are my shield? Or my silence? Or any effort on my part? Francesca Battistelli's song "Defender" leads us to Scripture and to considering this and other characteristics of God. I suppose the question is now, "What how will we respond in the future now that we know the truth?" On this episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Repetition Read in context One Word Share with a friend Make a list Our destination this week - Psalm 18 Where you can find this Psalm in 2 Samuel - 2 Samuel 22 Reading the story of David in context up to this song The historical perspective that this song was adapted from a personal song of David (in 2 Samuel 22) to a congregational Psalm Reading Psalm 18 together wit

Send us a text It's important to stop and remember the Lord. I don't do that nearly enough. I'm always on to the next thing. The people of God needed to do this as well. Instructions in this matter were even left for us to benefit from as well. Join me in Deuteronomy as we take a moment to pause to remember what the Lord has taught us. 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 Journal your conversation with God Moses' encouragement to God's people to obey and to remember: Deuteronomy 4:1-2 Deuteronomy 4:9 Deuteronomy 4:40 Deuteronomy 5:1 Deuteronomy 5:32 Deuteronomy 6:3 Deuteronomy 6:10-12 A night to remember Reading in Deuteronomy and considering: why Moses would emphasize obedience and remembrance so much what area(s) of your life you are pushing back on obeying God and in what ways it might not be going so well for you scheduling a time for you