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

Send us a textDon't forget to download the Episode Guide for THIS episode. Download it for free to interact with Scripture for yourself. Have you ever loved a song and found that learning its story made it even more meaningful? That happened to me this week. I was inspired to study Psalm 34 after listening to "Trust In God" by Elevation Worship. Only the story behind the song that I studied isn't the story behind "Trust in God." It's the story behind David's song in Psalm 34. Join me as we read and meditate on Psalm 34 and watch it come to life while studying the "story behind the song." In this episode, I discuss the following: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Read in context Repetition Meditate on Scripture Read the text aloud Listen to an audio version Study/listen in various translations Start with God Make a list Follow cross-references Episode Guide Download Trust in God beca

Send us a text Don't forget the Episode Guide Download for THIS episode! Download it for free to interact with Scripture for yourself. Something is keeping us from being a light in our world. A question asked in for KING+COUNTRY's song "What Are We Waiting For?" inspired me to explore what the Bible says about light and our identity as Christ followers to be light. Join me on a journey through the Old and New Testaments to glimpse what we're up against as children of light and how to overcome the darkness. What are you waiting for?   In this episode, I discuss the following: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Read in context Study a topic Review section titles Episode Guide Download Looking at "light" from a biblical worldview God made a distinction between light and darkness in creation - Genesis 1:2-5 God made a spiritual distinction between light and darkness - Isaiah 60:1-3 Jesus is the ligh

Send us a text Don't forget the Episode Guide Download for THIS episode! Download it to interact with Scripture for yourself. I see a lot of conversation in the media about positive self-talk. And I get it. Talking negatively about yourself to yourself is not helpful. Inspired by Micah Tyler's song "Praise The Lord," I meditated on King David's self-talk in the Psalms. He pumps himself up by telling his soul to praise the Lord. Biblical self-talk is WAY better than anything you'll read about anywhere else. Let's learn about it together in Psalm 103 this week. In this episode, I discuss the following: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Read in context Repetition Consider the opposite Mark up the text Meditate on Scripture Complete a word study Episode Guide Download Theology leads to doxology As you learn and grow and then approach Scripture again, you will see new things because YOU are new Stud

Send us a text CLICK HERE to download the free episode guide for THIS episode! "Hold on just a little bit longer" is the appeal Katy Nichole says God gives us in her song "Hold On." Does God entreat us to hold on in Scripture? And if so, what are we to hold on to? And what does it look like when we let go? Believe it or not, I got answers to all of these questions and more in my study of God's Word inspired by this song. Join me as we settle into Paul's first letter to Timothy to discover what we should and should not hold on to. In this episode, I discuss the following: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Consider the opposite Mark up the text Read in context Repetition Compare and contrast Make a list Episode Guide Download Various places in Scripture where we are instructed to "hold on" Proverbs 4:13 (NIV) 2 Timothy 1:13 (NLT) Revelation 3:11 (NIV) 1 Thessalonians 5:20-22 (NIV) Hebrew

Send us a text CLICK HERE to download the free episode guide for THIS episode! What happens when our preference doesn't line up with God's preference? How can we even know God's desires? I've asked these questions since I was introduced to Rachel Morley's song "Preference." Join me as we explore a time when God's servants did something they 100% thought was right but did not line up with God's preference. In this episode, I discuss the following: 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 Ask questions Follow the cross-references Meditate on God's Word Read in different translations Refer to an overview of the book you're studying Remember the people were REAL Repetition Consult an outside resource Episode Guide Download How God challenged me with my own thoughts An overview of Chronicles - The Bible Project on YouTube Reading the gene

Send us a text Download the free Episode Guide for THIS EPISODE now! Do you have a favorite singer? Can you recognize their voice even if you're not familiar with the song? I have a friend who is a photographer. I can spot her work right away on social media. Her photos have something about them that acts as a type of signature on her work. When we examine the works of Jesus and get to know them really well, it will be easier to spot Him in places like the Old Testament Scriptures or even daily life. We The Kingdom's song "Jesus Does" inspired me to study the works of Jesus.   Join me as we study what Jesus did, does, and will do in the book of Hebrews.   In this episode, I discuss the following: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Context Read and keep on reading Repetition Listen to an audio version of the text Read various translations Make a list Meditation Follow the cross-references Define words Complete a

Send us a text Grab your free Episode Guide that complements this podcast episode. Click Here. Have you ever experienced a heartwarming moment that evokes an irresistible response? Like how can you resist petting a puppy sitting at your feet gazing at you with big round eyes? MercyMe's moving anthem, "To Not Worship You," reminds us of an irresistible response as we contemplate and rehearse God's greatness. Join me as we study Psalm 89 to shift our perspectives and transform the way we think and worship our almighty God. In this episode, I discuss the following: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Make a list Meditate on God's Word Repetition Complete a word study Read the text aloud Start with God Episode Guide Download Reasons why I chose Psalm 89 to study this week Examples of areas I made note of that I could explore further: Study "steadfast love" - like I did in Episode 441 and Episode 46

Send us a text GET YOUR EPISODE GUIDE HERE Putting first things first is a habit of highly effective people. But what are the "first things" for a follower of Christ? How does God rank the things you should be prioritizing above others? Let's allow Scripture to mold how we interpret the world. In this episode, I discuss the following: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Read in context Meditate on Scripture Define words Read/study various translations Compare and contrast Episode Guide Download Reading the entire Sermon on the Mount Recognizing that there's value in continuing to read and keep on reading and a time to stop and explore when interacting with Scripture Our focus area of Scripture in the "do not" section of the sermon - Matthew 6:19-34 How our inspiration song restates what Jesus is teaching Three areas we can rank higher than God wants us to Stuff What we watch (look at) Money

Send us a text Do you praise God amid deep distress? When your circumstances don't change, when the pain doesn't let up, when you feel like you're underwater and can't catch your breath, can you muster a song of praise to God? Rend Collective challenges us to do that in their song "Hallelujah Anyway." A man in Scripture found himself in deep distress and tragic loss and gave a hallelujah anyway. Let's spend some time exploring Job's story this week. In this episode, I discuss the following: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Listen to an audio version of the text Read in context Read for a set period of time Read and keep on reading Remember that the people in the Bible were real Episode Guide Download Don't get stuck in one way of interacting with God's Word - Job 33:14 Stay curious as you interact with God's Word The story behind the song "Hallelujah Anyway" by Re

Send us a text The effects of sin are ravaging our world. Like the devastating locusts stripping the land bare in the book of Joel, we are stripped of meaningful worship owed to Father God. Let Andrew Ripp's song "For The Love Of God" remind you of God's love and his call to action displayed in this minor prophet book. And let the text lead us to action in our own devastated land.   In this episode, I discuss the following: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Share with a friend Read the text out loud Read in context Consult section headings Make observations Make a list Consult an overview Pray The Episode Guide for continued self-study Overcoming the obstacle of feeling inadequate when it comes to discussing Scripture Read the text together Get your bearings of the context using section headings Make some observations Write down any questions Pray and ask God to reveal what He wants you to see Learn fr

Send us a text In the beginning. These are the first words of two chapters of the Bible—one in the Old Testament and one in the New. These are also the opening lyrics to Anna Miriam Brown's song "Was The Word" from her musical His Story The Musical. Join me on the podcast as we explore what "beginning" we're talking about, Who was there, and what happened. It's exactly what you think, yet so much more. In this episode, I discuss the following: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Slow down Read the text out loud Write out Scripture Use your imagination Meditate on Scripture Compare and contrast Journal your thoughts The Episode Guide for continued self-study Anna Miriam Brown's musical "His Story The Musical," now being performed live in Texas - His Story The Musical Website My Friday With Friends episode with Anna - Special Edition: Anna Miriam Brown on Friday With Friends A pr

Send us a textWelcome to Friday With Friends! I have the distinct privilege of meeting incredible followers of Christ who have amazing ministries, fascinating careers, and incredible hobbies and pet projects that flow out of their identity in Christ. While my podcast is a solo show, I still want a venue to introduce you to these friends as examples of the multifaceted ways God works in and through His people. In this episode, I have the privilege of hosting Anna Miriam Brown to talk about her musical "His Story: The Musical," the opening song "Was The Word," her favorite Bible Interaction Tool Exercises, and why she loves God's Word. Now 23, Anna started writing His Story: The Musical at the age of 16 while on a mission to Africa. A dyslexic, unable to read or write before 9 years old, homeschooled Anna focused instead on the arts before writing her first songs at 15. As a social-media-savvy Gen Z, she sees a chance to reach her generation with the timeless story of light and hope. An

Send us a text I love singing God's Words back to Him. That's why Matt Maher's song "The Lord's Prayer (It's Yours)" is on my playlist! But the real joy for me was diving into Scripture inspired by this song. There's a lot we can learn from Jesus' teaching on how to pray; let's use this song to remind us of all we've learned. Follow me to Matthew 6 as we explore the context and the words of the Lord's Prayer more fully. In this episode, I discuss the following: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Read in context Use your imagination Consult various translations Consult an outside resource Start with God Consider the opposite The Episode Guide for this week's podcast The two places in Scripture the Lord's Prayer is recorded - Matthew 6:9-13 and Luke 11:2-4 Approaching God's Word with an open heart to what it actually says, laying aside previous teaching or t

Send us a text I believe in the promises of God. I've seen God move in miraculous ways in Scripture and in my own life. But I also know from experience that sometimes things don't turn out how I prayed for or in the timing I had hoped for. Benjamin William Hastings and Blessing Offor actually address this in their song, "That's The Thing About Praise." Join me on the podcast as we look closely at a church family who didn't get the rescue they probably wanted but remained faithful. I can imagine the only way through it for them was a hallelujah. In this episode, I discuss the following: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Make a list Read the whole letter Pray Scripture The Episode Guide for this week's podcast Considering the limitations of sermons that don't prepare you to endure affliction Recognizing that when we sing "the only way through it is a hallelujah," it means we are remov

Send us a text Sometimes we know what we believe but aren't studied enough to defend it. The chorus of Jon Reddick's song "I Believe It (The Life of Jesus)" inspired me to search for Scriptural evidence supporting what I believe about the life of Jesus. Join me as we use this week's song as inspiration to search the Scriptures for why we believe what we believe. In this episode, I discuss the following: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Reader larger chunks of Scripture Consider big themes The Episode Guide for this week's podcast Making a case for creeds The Nicene Creed Combatting bad ideas with truth The life of Jesus is not just a story - GotQuestions.org Article He shows up in extra-biblical texts His followers cataloged his life as eye-witnesses - 1 John 1:1-4 We are blessed in our belief - John 20:29 Jesus holds the keys to death and hell - Revelation 1:17-18 The importance of Christ&ap

Send us a text Welcome to Friday With Friends! I have the distinct privilege of meeting incredible followers of Christ who have amazing ministries, fascinating careers, and incredible hobbies and pet projects that flow out of their identity in Christ. While my podcast is a solo show, I still want a venue to introduce you to these friends as examples of the multifaceted ways God works in and through His people. In this episode, I have the privilege of hosting Matt Harmon to talk about his book "Asking the Right Questions: A Practical Guide to Understanding and Applying the Bible," the book that inspired my BITE, Start With God. Dr. Harmon, author and Professor of New Testament Studies at Grace College and Grace Theological Seminary, shares his faith, wisdom, and habits that keep his time in God's Word fresh. Get your own copy of Dr. Harmon's book, "Asking the Right Questions: A Practical Guide to Understanding and Applying the Bible" - Amazon Paid Link. Matt also mentioned

Send us a text How can you step out in obedience regardless of limited understanding, especially when the road ahead looks barren and dry? That's what Casting Crowns sings about in their song "Desert Road" and also what Philip the Evangelist had to do in the book of Acts.   Join me in this thrilling story of the early church as followers show us what it's like to fulfill Christ's calling on their lives and all God does to bring glory to Himself as a result. In this episode, I discuss the following: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Read in context Complete a word study Define a word Meditate on Scripture Make observations Consult an outside resource The free one-page PDF Episode Guide to guide your study - Episode 463 Download The story behind the song "Desert Road" by Casting Crowns - Klove blog article The featured verse that ties our song to the account in Acts 8 - Acts 8:26 Starting at the beg

Send us a text Is it difficult for you to see God’s grace in the middle of what appears to be a disaster? If you place yourself in the shoes of Christ’s followers at His death, burial, and resurrection, they do not see grace. Micah Tyler’s song “I See Grace” inspired me to consider what Christ’s followers saw instead. Join me as we consider the curse they saw in God’s most tremendous expression of grace. In this episode, I discuss the following: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Consult an outside resource Consider the opposite The free one-page PDF Episode Guide to guide your study - Episode 462 Download The empty tomb with the stone rolled away - Mark 16:1-8 The curse we’re under without Christ and the curse Christ became - Galatians 3:10-14 The crushing curse for disobeying any of God’s commandments - Deuteronomy 28 “We cannot begin to grasp the significance of the cross or the full measure of the love of God without

Send us a text It may seem hopeless. Your life is shattered into a million pieces. You are broken and empty. God is calling you to Himself. He is the master artist who can take your broken pieces and assemble them like a stained glass masterpiece. Amanda Nolan sings about that in her song "Broken Pieces."  Let's explore a "broken pieces" story in the Old Testament. In this episode, I discuss the following: 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 the text Repetition Consult an outside resource Start with God Follow the cross-references Remember, the characters described in the Bible were REAL The free one-page PDF Episode Guide to guide your study - Episode 461 Download A valuable resource to study Ruth - Teaching Ruth and Esther by Christopher Ash - Amazon paid link Reading Old Testament narratives correctly - Bible Project Video A word study on loyal l

Send us a textIn this episode, I have the privilege of hosting Amanda Nolan to talk about her new song "Broken Pieces," her faith and music story, her favorite Scriptures, and the habits that keep her time in God's Word fresh.Get access to Story Sessions: A Seat at the Table, a free, three-part, interactive video series at michellenezat.com/freeseat