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

Send us a textThe Psalmist readily acknowledges that all of creation praises God. Humans are mentioned in just two verses that call on God's heavenly and earthly creation to worship Him in Psalm 148. Hillsong United sings of this in their song "So Will I" when they lyrically recognize that our praise is not unique to humankind. Join me as we consider the ramifications of our worship. On this week's episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Slow down Meditate on Scripture How the first verse of the song "So Will I" comes straight from Genesis 1:1-5 How we approach the Bible the way we approach a blog article or FB post...we skim Learning something insightful requires effort Picturing creation coming into existence and pondering its vastness Christ is the one who continues to hold all of creation together - Colossians 1:16 The perfect Psalm to reflect this week's song - Psalm 148 The sun and moo

Send us a textWhat we believe matters. It will impact how we think and how we live. In the song titled "The Way" by Pat Barrett, he sings of a fundamental belief that Christians hold -- that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. As we explore the area of Scripture where this doxology originated we discover this belief is important in so many ways. Join me as we meditate on the words of Christ and find comfort in the process. On this week's episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Ask questions Context Section Titles Word study Consulting various translations When it says, "Jesus answered," asking, "Who did He answer and what was asked?" - John 14:6 Backing up and reading in context and using the section titles to help Jesus is not making a social statement, He is comforting His disciples - John 14:1-6 Discovering why the disciples might need comforting One of their own has left as a trait

Send us a textThe waters of our soul are deep. The cry of the song "Oh My Soul" by Casting Crowns reminds us that we can bare our souls to the One who created us inside and out. If we spend some time tending to our souls, we can experience the faithfulness of God in the deepest places of our being. The Psalms include many soul-baring moments, and Psalm 42 contains an example of this. It won't be hard to relate to the psalmist 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 Consult outside resources (I used Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem this week) Read in several translations Repetition The story behind the writing of the song "Oh My Soul" - YouTube Video The cry of the heart of David that inspired us to consider all of Psalm 42 - Psalm 42:11 My favorite lyric - "There's a place where fear has to face the God you know." What exactly is our soul? Some charact

Send us a textThe Rolling Stones really captured the essence of culture when they sang, "I can't get no satisfaction." Our world is in a constant state of discontent. When you weigh the philosophy of this week's song by The Sing Team, "Satisfied In You (Psalm 42)," you discover that our satisfaction doesn't lie in our effort as sung by our friend Mick, but rather in God. There are unlikely discoveries in a Psalm you may know in part. Join me this week as we pore over Psalm 42. On this week's episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Context Meditate on God's Word Repetition One word Study with a friend My overwhelming week and how I had to adjust to stay in God's Word A familiar part of Psalm 42 I have sung since a young girl - Psalm 42:1-2 The roller coaster of ups and downs of Psalm 42...and how it reflects my own feelings A.W. Tozer - “For it is not mere words that nourish the

Send us a textNo matter what, once you truly belong to Jesus, you are HIS, and if you are HIS you will remain HIS. This does not mean a perfect life, but one that is marked with evidence and imperfect progress walking in newness of life and not returning to a life of death. Ryan Stevenson sings of this question in his song "No Matter What" and it leads us to examine a letter from Paul and Timothy to the Colossians.     Let Scripture answer your many questions about whether or not you can lose your salvation. On this week's episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Context Read the envelope Rewrite/summarize in your own words Slow down Make observations Make a list Exploring the topic of perseverance of the saints (remaining a Christian) Wayne Grudem's Systematic Theology Wayne Grudem Audio Presentation Part 1 Wayne Grudem Audio Presentation Part 2 Paul and Timothy were thankful because their faith and love

Send us a textThere's no free pass from suffering for Christians. I wish there were. I have dear friends who are wrestling with God during sickness, conflict, strife, and injustice. Habakkuk wrestled, too. In fact, his name means embrace like a wrestler. May we embrace God's character through faith while wrestling through our circumstances. Perhaps Micah Tyler's song "Even Then" can be a part of the soundtrack. You will be refreshed at Habakkuk's honesty as we study the entire three chapters of this prophet's contribution to God's Word. On this week's episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Context Repetition Read in a variety of translations Listen to an epic soundtrack while reading Get your bearings through an introduction and overview - Great resource for this..."How to Read the Bible Book by Book" by Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart Make a list Utilize an outside resource -

Send us a textStale. Fake. Dead. Dying. Faded. Worthless. Delusional. There are all kinds of hope in this world, but believers in Christ are born again into a living hope. Phil Wickham's song "Living Hope" leads us straight to Scripture where we discover that a Living God gives us a Living Hope through a Living Savior. The original recipients of 1 Peter needed assurance of their living hope as they were suffering greatly. Let's explore it together. On this week's 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 an introduction to the entire book of the Bible you are studying Consult outside resources Make a list An introduction and outline of 1 Peter by J Vernon McGee - PDF of notes and outline Reading all the way through 1 Peter The theme of 1 Peter - the Christian hope in the time of trial J Vernon McGee teachings on 1 Peter - BlueLetterBible.com The Living God, our Living Hope, t

Send us a textYou are not invisible. You are known. Tauren Well's song "Known" sings about it and so does David in Psalm 139. When you let the truths of this Psalm sink into your being it will change you. Join me this week as we break it all down. On this week's episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Read in context Complete a word study Meditate and ponder Scripture Ask questions Make observations Share with a friend Pray and ask God to help you understand Make a list God knows us - Jeremiah 12:3, John 10:27, 1 Corinthians 13:12 Being fully known in the New Testament means "experiential knowing through direct relationship" - BibleHub.com Word Study It seems that it is possible to NOT be known by Christ in that "direct relationship" sort of way - Matthew 7:21-23 God knows everything at all times - He is omniscient - Got Questions Article We are known when we are in direction relationship

Send us a textMy eyes are different now that I'm older. When something is too close to my face it gets all blurry and I can't see it clearly. That's how suffering is. When we're too close to it we sometimes can't see clearly how God might be able to use it to develop our character or impact His Kingdom. Riley Clemmon's song "Better For It" reminds us that our good is on the other side of it all. Joseph had some growing up to do and his suffering not only made him "better for it," but On this week's 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 aloud Listen to an audio version of Scripture Share with a friend Timothy Keller's book, "Walking with God Through Pain and Suffering" How you can understand Scripture differently when you read it out loud with life and enthusiasm What kind of person gives a bad report about others - Genesis 37:2

Send us a textPicture the best friend you've ever had. Friendship with Jesus is nothing like that. It's deeper, richer, more meaningful, and more life-giving than the best friendship you've ever had. The effects of being Christ's friend will make you a better person and more useful to the Kingdom of God than you could ever imagine. Matt Maher's song, "What a Friend," inspired me to explore what Scripture has to say about being friends with Jesus. I learned something new this week. I can't wait to share it with you! On this week's episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Read in context Use section headings to get your bearings Listen to an audio version of Scripture Use outside resources to learn new things Print out and mark up Scripture How our personal experiences sometimes fall short as a metaphor for our relationship with God Printing out Scripture double spaced with a wide right

Send us a textOne of my favorite names of God is El Roi -- the God who Sees. While God’s sight is perfect, it’s our spiritual eyes that need attention. We’re going to talk about seeing God in everything using TobyMac’s song “Everything” as our inspiration and Scripture as our teacher. I pray that your eyes will be opened to recognize the magnificent in the midst of the mundane. On this week's episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Pray Scripture Slow Down Ask Questions Make Observations Journal Your Observations Pantheism - the definition and where we see it in our world today Omnipresence - the definition and where we see it in Scripture - Psalm 139:7-10 My prayer for all of us, that God would open our eyes - Psalm 119:17-24 How our worldview is how we view the world and the importance of a Biblical worldview How studying Scripture will change the way you think...if you're born again - 1 Corinthians 2:14, John 3:3-8

Send us a textTrouble is inevitable, but I am strengthened by the knowledge that the Lord of Hosts is with us. Shane & Shane take Psalm 46 and help us sing it as a declaration of truth and praise in their song "Psalm 46 (Lord of Hosts)." Walk with me through this Psalm this week. On this week's episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Read in context Repetition Share with a friend Explore a topic Use outside resources How there are always more observations to discover in Scripture You're not wrong Don't give up First section observations - Psalm 46:1-3 Very Very present Very present help Second section observations - Psalm 46:4-7 "Holy habitation of the Most High" "She shall not be moved" "Lord of Hosts" "Selah" - Resource: video explanation of Selah from GotQuestions.org Third section observations - Psalm 46:8-11 "Be still and know that I am God

Send us a textIt is so easy for me to fall into the trap of allowing what others think of me to determine my identity. There is really only ONE who has the authority to tell me who I am...and that is my Creator. Lauren Daigle's new song "You Say" inspired a sort of scavenger hunt through Scripture to discover who we really are in HIM. Let's discover what God's Word has to say about it and stand in faith and belief on what it says. On this week's episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Read in context Meditate Ask Questions You say I am loved - Ephesians 2:4-5 Asking these questions... What do I learn about God? What do I learn about people? What do I learn about relating to God? Is there something I can praise or thank Him for? Is there a sin I can confess and repent from? Is there a promise or truth to believe? You say I am strong - 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 Paul learned to be content with weakness

Send us a textI've always wondered how anyone who personally experienced the miracle of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead could just turn and live their lives as always -- some actually allowing it to fuel their hate and rejection of Jesus as the Messiah. How could they witness such immense power and not be changed? Chris Tomlin's song "Resurrection Power" reminds us that believers have this power living on the inside. Paul prays for a significant gift for the Ephesians that we need from God as well. Join me in investigating this prayer. On this week's 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 Make a list Consult a variety of translations Complete a word study Our focus area of Scripture - Ephesians 1:15-23 Asking, "For what reason?" Paul's prayer for the Ephesians The results of the gift Paul is praying for

Send us a textSome troubles God uses to help us grow and develop endurance. There are obstacles in our lives, however, that we need to overcome...not just endure.  Be sure that the message of Mandisa's song "Overcomer" is one that you can truly proclaim. In 1 John 5, John asks, "Who can overcome the world?"  I want to sing along with Mandisa on your behalf, "You're an OVERCOMER!" Join me as we discover how to truly be overcomers. On this week's episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Read in context Consult an outside resource Complete a word study The author of I John - Bible.org Article The Greek word for "world" - BibleHub.com Obstacles and temptations that incentivize us to sin and how we overcome them How we show God contempt How to be sure we are a believer in Jesus Christ to know we can claim the promise that we are overcomers Additional Resources Official Music V

Send us a textPassion. Zeal. Love. Light. These are all characteristics of my Savior, Jesus Christ. This passionate, zealous, loving, Light of the World comes into our hearts to drive out the darkness -- not to condemn us, but to save us. This truth is profound and eternal -- it's worth spending some time to slowly take it all in. Follow me to the gospel of John as we consider a familiar passage in light of the context of Scripture. On this week's episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Read in context Consider the historical context Use section headings Refer to the introduction Slow down Gaining historical context through the reading of the introduction - BlueLetterBible.org This episode of Jesus cleansing the temple - John 2:13-22 Listening to the sounds of the scene unfolding at the temple What the money changers were up to in the temple - GotQuestions.org Article The zeal and passion of Jesus. This is who He is!

Send us a textMy daughter is in driver's education this week, and after riding with her a few times I can confirm...you steer where you stare. As you become a more seasoned driver you may be able to take your eyes off of the road and not immediately swerve, but you cannot stay straight without fixing your eyes on the path ahead. Scripture confirms this, and King's Kaleidoscope's song "Fix Your Eyes" helps up meditate on this truth. Let's fix our eyes this week on what Scripture has to teach us about our faith and more. On this week's episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Meditate Complete a word study Read in context Use different translations How I originally wanted to put word-for-word Scripture to song and how others do it better - Music and resources at seedsfamilyworship.com God’s Word is Truth. Don’t let Christian music be a substitute for God’s Word. Using song as a form of meditati

Send us a textI was raised to dream big. It is part of our culture to want the next generation to have more than we had. So, when I heard the challenge offered by Josh Wilson in his song "Dream Small," I was inspired by the lyrics and this counter cultural idea. Join me in a chapter you may just be tempted to skim over in Nehemiah where we see the significance of individual obedience...no matter how small. On this week's episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Read in context Consider the historical context Remember the people in the Bible were REAL Use outside resources The historical context leading up to Nehemiah 3 using an outside resource - The Bible Timeline How I discussed the timelines of the rebuilding of the Jerusalem walls in Episode 203 Daniel as a counselor to King Cyrus who decrees the resettlement of Jerusalem fulfilling a very specific prophecy about him by Isaiah 150 years prior - Isaiah 44:28, I

Send us a textThe new, fun song "Grace Got You" by MercyMe describes a person who has been taken over by grace and thus acts differently, even in the midst of difficult circumstances. Isn’t that what grace does for us? It changes us and then gives us a different perspective. Let's examine the change in us together by exploring the pages of a letter from Paul to Titus. On this week's episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Listen to an audio version of Scripture Repitition Reading in a variety of translations Read the envelope Utilize outside resources Consult a commentary Review section headings to get your bearings Don't overthink getting into the Word...get inspired by a song, a devotion, or a sermon and dive into the context My reasons for using the BITE of repetition To let it sink in Because sometimes my mind wanders and I need to listen multiple times just to get it all Either new things jump out

Send us a textIf I asked the Apostle Paul to examine my life, I'm pretty sure he would see blessings that I'm not seeing. I'm fairly convinced we're on the lookout for two different things. That has been confirmed for me this week as I've meandered through his letters looking for the blessings he counts. This quest was inspired by Rend Collective's song, "Counting Every Blessing." Join me on a journey through the epistles...it may just change the way you look at things, too. On this week's episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Write out Scripture Slowing down Make observations Make a list Compare and contrast Consider the opposite That I actually use the BITEs I recommend for the week The sections of Scripture I wrote out in my notebook Romans 1:8-10 1 Corinthians 1:4-9 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 Ephesians 1:3-10 Philippians 1:3-6 Colossians 1:3-8 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 How Paul is eith