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

Send us a textDo you ever feel trapped by your past? Defined by your heritage? Have you ever experienced such trouble and distress that you felt out of options? The chains that bind you are not too heavy for our Rescuer. TobyMac's song, "Love Broke Thru" tells the story of his conversion. It leads us to discover a story of a man in the Old Testament who was a "hopeless fool" yet Love broke through to him, too. We all have a choice. Will we allow Love to break through to us? On this episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Context Follow the cross references Remember the characters in the Bible were REAL A laundry list of the evil practices of Manasseh - 2 Chronicles 33:1-9 WHY Manasseh was so bent on restoring the evil practices his father was committed to eradicating The story of Manasseh's father, Hezekiah, as told in 2 Chronicles 29-32 and Isaiah 36-39 What it means to tear down the "high place

Send us a textIt took some raw (and sometimes ugly) probing into my heart this week, but conceding to my own imperfections may just help me pray for my "work in progress" friends. Mandisa's song "Unfinished" inspired me to seek out how Paul prayed for his friends in Philippi. I think you'll find the truths we delve into this week will encourage and challenge you. On this episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Slow down Explore a variety of translations Journal your conversation with God Four verses FULL of great stuff - Philippians 1:3-6 The pattern of Paul to thank God every time his friends come to his mind My husband's pattern with practical ideas to pray for your friends Presenting our requests for our friends with joy...ALL of our friends...even the hard ones Recognizing that our friends are just as unfinished as we are Using the power of "journaling the crazy out" Glimpsing our ow

Send us a textThe Russian proverb "doveryai no proveryai" is translated "trust but verify" in English. This is how we should approach our trusted preachers, teachers, and even Christian music. However, when you can verify that the lyrics you are singing through your favorite songs come from Scripture, you can now use the song to help you meditate on truths that God has gifted us. This week we will use Darlene Zschech's version of "In Jesus' Name" to inspire us to discover Scriptural proof of the lyrics, making this song a powerful tool to help us hide God's Word in our hearts. With a special resource I've created and little extra effort, you will see tremendous results this week. On this episode I discuss: The need for a few good "devil trampling" songs in our playlists The B.I.T.E.s - Bible Interaction Tool Exercises - for the week include: Write out Scripture Read the context Repetition Meditate Breaking down the song phrase by phrase - use thi

Send us a textHas life ever sent you reeling such that it causes you to question your faith in God? Paul has this beautiful list in Romans 8 that if you're in the middle of any of the scenarios he presents, you may feel that God's love has "left the building." However, Paul goes on to teach us something that Steven Curtis Chapman's song reminds us of -- not only can these scenarios never separate us from God's love, but we are more than conquerors over them. Join me as I consider Paul's conclusion in light of the context of Romans 8. On this episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include Reading in context Reading out loud A phrase we should celebrate - Romans 8:1 How Matthew Henry gives examples of what Romans 8:1 is NOT saying - Matthew Henry's Commentary on BibleGateway.com What freedom looks like - Romans 8:2 Our obligation - Romans 8:12-14 How our sufferings don't change our sonship - Roman

Send us a textWe can hide behind convenient truth when things are swell, but when our feet are to the fire the deep truth tends to come out. Will we be willing to log years of faithfulness such that our circumstances no longer define God's ability or position in our minds? "Even If" by MercyMe leads us to a powerful "even if" moment in Scripture. What can we learn from three friends in a foreign land? On this episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include Reading in context Reviewing introductions to books of the Bible Consider the historical context Introduction to the Book of Daniel - BlueLetterBible.org The background of the three friends highlighted in Daniel 3 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego's position in the province of Babylon - Daniel 2:49 Despite their wisdom and faithful service to the king, there were those waiting to tattle on the friends - Daniel 3:8 What the friends chose to direct their attentio

Send us a textOver and over in the Bible people seem to "get it all wrong" when it comes to God and His ways. You see offenders in both the Old Testament and the New. When will we learn that our thoughts and ways are nothing like His thoughts and ways? "The Cure," by Unspoken, points us to an important scene with Jesus. Not only is Jesus the cure for our brokenness, but He has an important message for us in Mark 2. On this episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include Meditation Journaling Repetition The ugliness of my own sin as revealed by our focus Scripture - Mark 2:13-17 Jesus' choice of dinner guests should be similar to our own - Mark 2:15 Getting serious with ourselves as to what a "disreputable sinner" looks like to us (warning: your description will be different mine) The kind of people who need a doctor - Mark 2:17 Jesus isn't afraid of our sin. He calls us. He invites us to the table. My

Send us a textWe can learn so much through the study of the names of God. Hillsong Worship's song, "What a Beautiful Name," puts the name of Jesus front and center in a moving song of worship. How much more powerful will this song be when you invest some time in discovering and contemplating a few names revealed in God's Word? Let's go to the beginning with Jesus, shall we? On this episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include Consult a commentary - I used Wayne Grudem's Systematic Theology this week Follow the cross references Make a list Journal How John calls Jesus "The Word" - John 1:1-3 The doctrine of the trinity - God eternally exists as three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and each person is fully God, and there is one God Wayne Grudem's Podcast on the trinity - Episode 1, Episode 2, Episode 3, Episode 4 The name for Jesus in John 1:1 - Logos Jesus was in the beginning - John 1:

Send us a textPerspective. I sure need more of it. How about you? I need more perspective when I'm impatiently waiting in line at the grocery store, when I get cut off in traffic, or when I get a snarky email or social media comment from a friend. Moses had a unique perspective because of his intimate relationship with God and his front row seat to the demise of an entire generation of people. Switchfoot's song, "Live It Well," not only reminds us that life is short, but encourages us to live it well. Moses encourages the same in Psalm 90. Are you ready to jump in the deep end this week? 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 historical context Follow the cross references Utilize an outside commentary The historical context of Psalm 90 - Matthew Henry's Commentary and "The Treasury of David" by Charles Spurgeon God as our dwelling place - Psalm 90:1 Deuteronomy 33:

Send us a textWhen was your last battlefield experience? I'm not talking about a military exercise, rather the battlefields of life. Francesca Battistelli's song, "Giants Fall," led me to 1 Samuel 17 to see David turning a food run into a battlefield story for the ages. I wonder if we, like David, may be more prepared than we realize. 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 Journal your observations Meditate Pray Story Behind the Song "Giants Fall" - New Release Today Article The story of David and Goliath - 1 Samuel 17 The fact that it wasn't David's plan to face the giant - 1 Samuel 17:17-19 David went in the strength he had - 1 Samuel 17:34-37 The taunting giant wasn't the only voice raised against David - 1 Samuel 17:28-29 David focused on the real prize - God's glory - 1 Samuel 17:45-47     Additional Resources Lyrics Story Behind the Song &

Send us a textHave you ever been in so much pain (physically or emotionally) that you practically howl? King David wrote what many theologians refer to as the "Howling Psalm" in Psalm 13. Shane & Shane has put this song of David to their own melody and titled it "Psalm 13" in their album of Psalms. This song will help us meditate on this short and powerful Psalm this week. On this episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include Write out Scripture Journal your response to Scripture Pray the words of Scripture Meditate on Scripture (use the power of song to help you) Use an outside resource or commentary Sorrow - Psalm 13:1-2 Prayer - Psalm 13:3-4 Rejoicing - Psalm 13:5-6 A wonderful resource for future study of the Psalms - Treasury of David by Charles Spurgeon     Additional Resources Lyrics and chords This Week's Challenge Read all of Psalm 13. Then write out the Psalm two verses at a time and journal bene

Send us a textWe all want freedom. After all, who wants to live in bondage? The irony is that freedom has been purchased for us by Christ and we accept it heartily and then immediately take steps that place ourselves in bondage again. This is what the churches in Galatia were doing in the days of Paul. This week's featured song, "No Longer Slaves" as sung by I Am They, leads us to this letter to the Galatians and Paul's stern correction. I hope we can heed the warning of Paul and walk in the freedom Christ provides. 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 Read/study in context Consider big themes Our inspiration verse linked to the song - Galatians 4:7 C.S. Lewis' essay "On Reading Old Books" Introduction to the book of Galatians - BlueLetterBible.org The Galatians had turned away from the gospel message by adding to it - Gala

Send us a textHow often have I tried to squeeze God into the smallest of boxes? One way to take Him out in our own minds is to fixate on His greatness. Natalie Grant's song "King Of The World" points us to Scripture where we can be reminded of God's greatness. This week I hope to lead you through exercises that will keep God's position in perspective. On this episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include Make a list Read/study in context Our inspiration verse linked to the song - Psalm 47:2 Why it's so easy to verbalize our problems and so difficult to verbalize our gratitude Making a list of God's attributes from the verses of Psalm 47 He is Most High, mighty, awesome, and the King over ALL the earth He subdues nations - Psalm 47:3 He puts enemies under our feet - Psalm 47:3 He chose the promised land as a long term inheritance for those he loves - Psalm 47:4 He ascended with a mighty shout and trumpet

Send us a textDo we boldly approach the throne of God and forget how ASTONISHING that throne is? "Revelation Song" by Jennie Lee Riddle and famously sung by Kari Jobe leads us into the throne room of heaven. But before the song pointed to it, Ezekiel and John brought us there in Scripture. Are you ready? Are you really ready to slow down and take in the stunning throne of God? On this episode I discuss: Exegesis vs. Eisegesis vs. "Narcigesis" The story behind "Revelation Song" written by Jennie Lee Riddle - New Release Today Article Immersing ourselves in Scripture Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include Meditating on God's Word Slowing down Repetition Listening to an audio version Listening to epic music while studying/reading Searching the internet for artist's interpretations of the living beings mentioned in Ezekiel 1 The living beings moving around the throne like flashes of lightning - Ezekiel 1:4 Ezekiel

Send us a textSometimes God equips us for the fight and sometimes He asks us to take our positions and watch Him fight for us. In the song "Battles" by The Afters, we see God fighting our battles and can celebrate it through music. We can learn a great deal from examining how King Jehoshaphat responded to a vast army and a seemingly impossible battle ahead. Join me in 2 Chronicles as we scrutinize the response of the king and his people to their looming battle. On this episode I discuss: Christian music is a powerful tool in our arsenal, but it does not replace time in God's Word A great example of God fighting the battle on behalf of His people - Exodus 14 - (Check out Episode 91 where I spend more time in this section of Scripture) There are times the Lord will fight for us and there are times when He has equipped us to fight Seeking wisdom from God - James 1:5 The introduction of King Jehoshaphat as a good king - 2 Chronicles 20:32 Jehoshaphat's example when faced with an impossible ba

Send us a textSometimes we gain a new perspective and it changes everything. This happened for me in a Bible study in college. This happened for Tim Timmons as his daughter prayed a prayer for him and he wrote a song about it. "Everywhere I Go" leads us to Scripture where we learn some important truths that may not only change the way we pray, but the way we live. May we long to join God in what He is doing more than His blessing of our own feeble plans. On this episode I discuss: 150 episodes...WHAT?!!!...interested in the story behind this podcast? See Episode 1 or Episode 122 Behind the Song of "Everywhere I Go" by  Tim Timmons - YouTube Video The impact "Experiencing God" by Henry Blackaby made on my walk with Christ God is always at work around you - John 5:16-18 What God declared about Sabbath - Exodus 35:1-3 The Son only does what He sees the Father doing - John 5:19 The Father loves us and will show us what He is doing - John 5:20 The Father will show us HOW - John 5:2

Send us a textFamily...it's beautiful, and frustrating, and glorious, and embarrassing, and diverse -- even Christ's family line carries some characters and heroes. Christy Nockels' song, "Amaryllis," inspired me to explore a few of the people in the lineage of Christ. How appropriate during this time of year when many of us have just made another year of memories with family and friends at Christmas. Whether your family is on the glorious side, or the tragic, or somewhere in between, we see God weave all kinds of people into the lineage of the Savior of the world...so surely there's hope for us! On this episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - our Bible Interaction Tool Exercises this week are: Follow cross references Consider the historical context - the article I found on the "silent period" between Micah and Matthew Considering the context of your birth The Old Testament ending on a note of expectation - Micah 4:4-6 Exploring the lineage of Christ

Send us a textWe know that Jesus came to be WITH us, but to understand that He also came FOR us is cause for celebration! Meredith Andrews wrote a unique chorus to the traditional Christmas song, "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," and has entitled it, "He Has Come For Us." I was inspired by the chorus to explore Scriptures describing WHY Jesus came for us. I barely scratch the surface, but will hopefully get you started as we discover what Scripture has to say about why Jesus came for us. On this episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - our Bible Interaction Tool Exercises this week are: Explore a topic Consult outside resources - the list I used to dig into God's Word Read in context The purpose for which Christ was born - John 18:37 Just because you are seeking truth doesn't mean you are ready to accept it when you see it Jesus came into the world as light so we would not remain in darkness - John 12:44-46 Jesus has come as light to rescue us from darkness - John

Send us a textHave you ever read something in Scripture you have read before, but suddenly something new jumps out at you? This happened for me this week when a word from a familiar Christmas hymn sent me on a scavenger hunt through the Christmas story. This week, I use Lauren Daigle's version of "O Come All Ye Faithful" to inspire to discover what the word "behold" calls us to pay attention to. Come, let us behold Him, Christ, the Lord. On this episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - our Bible Interaction Tool Exercises this week are: Ask questions Explore a topic Write out Scripture by hand The definition of the word behold Beholding the virgin - Matthew 1:23 Beholding the wise men - Matthew 2:1-2 Beholding the star - Matthew 2:9 Beholding that nothing is impossible with God - Luke 1:36-37 Beholding Mary's humility - Luke 1:38 Beholding Mary's faith - Luke 1:44-45 Beholding Jesus! - Luke 1:31-33 Beholding the begotten of the Father - John 1:14 KJV    

Send us a text"What's in a name?" Shakespeare's Juliet certainly thought that a name was an artificial and meaningless convention. However, we see significance in Scripture when it comes to names -- especially the names of God. We Are Messengers, in their song "God With Us," point us to the name "Emmanuel" spoken of in the Old Testament, but revealed in the Christmas story in Matthew 1. "Emmanuel" is "God with us." Join me this week as we explore the significance of this name...God with us. On this episode I discuss: The significance of names in the Bible Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - our Bible Interaction Tool Exercises this week are: Meditating on Scripture Consulting a commentary or external resource Jesus as the fulfillment of prophecy introducing His name - God with us - Matthew 1:18-24 Original prophecy - Isaiah 7:14 How it cost God much to be "God With Us" - John 3:16 How much Jesus gave up to be "God With Us" -

Send us a textChristmastime is here! I love this season! I love the music, I love the traditions, I love the decorations, I love the food, and I love taking extra time examining the reason we celebrate this Holy Day. This week I am excited to use Matthew West's new song, "Join the Angels," to inspire us to pore over the Christmas story. The angels had a pretty important role in the story of Christ coming to earth as a human. Let's delve into exactly what they had to say together! On this episode I discuss: Drawing near to God by staying in Scripture Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - our Bible Interaction Tool Exercises this week are: Read in context Explore a topic The role, message, and response of angels in the Christmas story - Luke 1-2 Gabriel's message to Zechariah - Luke 1:11-17 Zechariah's response - Luke 1:18-20 The idea that we have some of the same privileges as angels Gabriel's message to Mary - Luke 1:26-33 Mary's response - Luke 1:34-38 The differenc