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

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

Send us a textI love descriptive word pictures. This week's song, "King of My Heart" by Love & The Outcome, points us to a familiar story that may even lead you to a picture in your mind...but is the picture in your mind accurate to Scripture? Find out as we dig around in 1 Samuel this week using "King of My Heart" as our catalyst to jump into Scripture.You might be surprised at the details you never noticed before!In this week's episode, I discuss:The battle described by Love & The Outcome in their interview with New Release TuesdayThe battle I face daily at every turn with things fighting for my attentionThe story of David and GoliathGlo Bible as a study resource1 Samuel 16:18The details of David we may not have noticed beforeIsraelites rejecting God for a human king1 Samuel 8:10-22Be careful what you wish forAnointing Jesus as the King of our heartsAdditional ResourcesLyricsThis Week's ChallengeStart reading in 1 Samuel chapter 8 and make your way through until yo

Send us a textThis week's song leads me down memory lane to one of my favorite childhood songs, "The Little Light of Mine." The band Unspoken, however, makes a bolder request when they sing out "Start a Fire." Happily, both songs lead us to our desired destination...God's Word.Join me on a journey to one of Jesus' most famous sermons and Paul's last letter.In this week's episode, I discuss:A childhood song this song reminds me ofThe story shown in the music videoLetting your light shine right where you areMatthew 5The cost of letting our light shineThe reward of letting our light shinePrayers for the persecutedThe word "blessed" found in the beatitudes in the Amplified Bible"Fan into flame" found in 2 Timothy 12 Timothy 1:6 in the Amplified BibleFollowing Paul's direction to "fan the flame"Sowing the seeds we have receivedThis Week's ChallengeSpend some time in Matthew chapters 5-7 and study the Sermon on the Mount. Meditate

Send us a textThis week's song,  "Just Say Jesus" by 7eventh Time Down, is a wonderful anthem to everyone who has come to the end of our rope. The name of Jesus is a powerful representation of God and holds power in our lives. In today's episode, we see proof of this power in Scripture.I  hope you will release this same power in your life through the name of Jesus.In this week's episode, I discuss:The study tip of using the section titles in your Bible to help you find your wayAn interview with the band from Creation West 2014A mini-lesson from the lives of Peter and John found in Acts 3The time when Peter and John are arrested in Acts 4A name as authorityPeter's cross-reference to Psalm 118The enemy's tactic of limiting the use of the name of JesusJesus as the Way, the Truth, and the Life - John 14:6Additional ResourcesLyricsThis Week's ChallengeRead Acts chapters 3 and 4 and Psalm 118 for yourself. Get access to Story Sessions: A Seat at the Table, a free, three-part,

Send us a textWhat began as merely adding a song of praise to my playlist launched me into God's Word and thrilling discovery as God revealed new things. I can't wait to share where this week's song by Selah, "You Amaze Us," leads us in Scripture!Music is key in our worship, but we discovered what our worship needs to include this week. You might be surprised!In this week's episode, I discuss:The story behind the song - New Release Tuesday articleMore Than a Song - Episode 1Hebrew word siachPsalm 119:15Psalm 1051 Chronicles 16The professional worship team appointed by DavidThe assignment given by David to the worship teamMore Than a Song - Episode 17Psalm 143The meaning of Selah More Than a Song - Episode 34, Episode 35 & Episode 36Quote from the Reformation Study Bible found on BibleGateway.com Additional ResourcesLyricsThis Week's Challenge First, slow down and remember. Perhaps this is the first episode you have heard, and you have never heard the challenge to write d

Send us a textThe wound is deep and beyond your control. You're tempted to blame God, but then again, He is the only One you can turn to...He is the only One who truly KNOWS. This week's song, "He Knows," by Jeremy Camp, reflects this and leads us straight to Scripture and Hannah's story in 1 Samuel chapter one.I hope this story will draw you into God's Word in a way that invigorates and comforts your soul.In this week's episode, I discuss:Jeremy Camp's YouTube video story behind the songJesus' compassion and sorrow in John 11:35The fact that Jesus understands us because He was human - Hebrews 4:15-16Boldly approaching the throne of grace like Hannah - 1 Samuel 1Reading God's Word for longer periods of timeChrist as a sufferer and an example in 1 Peter 2:19, 21Our comforting memory verse found in Psalms 34:18 This Week's ChallengeSpend time in 1 Samuel this week. Familiarize yourself with Hannah's story and prayer, and maybe, just maybe, get lost in

Send us a textThis week's song, "You Carry Me" by Moriah Peters, led me to two different metaphors describing how God carries us in Scripture. Pondering how God carries us and truly taking the time to identify the seasons of our own lives when God has carried us are what we'll be talking about on the podcast this week.When you invest in reflecting on the seasons of your life this week, you will be encouraged to see God's hand in your history.In this week's episode, I discuss:God carries us like a shepherd carrying lambs - Isaiah 40:11God carries us like an eagle - Deuteronomy 32:10-12How an eagle stirs her nestWhat we have to do to soar like eagles ourselves - Isaiah 40:27-31Looking back on every seasonCreating a timeline reflecting God's faithfulnessBelieving that God will work ALL things together for good - Romans 8:28This Week's ChallengeDo your own research to see other references of God carrying us. Or if the picture of the Shepherd really impacted you today, spend

Send us a textBefore this week's song, "Let Them See You" by the JJ Weeks Band was a song, it was a prayer that the lead singer, JJ, would pray every day. This prayer has led me to Psalm 78 and a discussion on legacy found in God's Word.Scripture will challenge us this week to remember His promises and repeat them to others. I can't wait to see what God will do in you this week.In this week's episode, I discuss:Letting our children see God working in and around us by sharing moreOur responsibility to teach our children found in Deuteronomy 6:5-9God's call to tell the next generation of His glorious deeds found in Psalm 78The idea of repeating and rememberingHow can you repeat God's commands if you do not know them?How can you remember what God has done if you do not record it?Allowing God to strip away all that "defines us"This Week's ChallengeRead Psalm 78. Then, read or listen to it every day for an entire week. Through that repetition and the Spirit&ap

Send us a textDo you ever get lost in God's Word? I'm not talking about when you can't find your way, but rather when you are exploring so intently that you look up and realize you've spent way more time than you realized in the Bible and it wasn't even a chore! This week's song, Live With Abandon by Newsboys, inspired me to take a journey that I share with you that I hope will lead you deep into God's Word...maybe you'll even get lost in it with me!Don't worry, I'll be your guide. It will be fun! Let's jump in together with abandon...not counting the costs!On this week's episode I discuss:King Solomon, the wisest man that ever lived1 Kings 3:3-14EcclesiastesThis week's process that led me to God's WordThe importance of repetition in the BibleThe phrase "like chasing the wind" found 8 times in Ecclesiastes"My Utmost for His Highest" by Oswald ChambersThe daily devotion appOswald Chambers' article on AbandonmentMark

Send us a textIf we truly take the time to process our own sinful nature and then pair that with a time of meditation on all that Christ is and has done for us, we too will proclaim, "How Can It Be?" like Lauren Daigle in this week's song.However, the conviction of our guilt should not lead us to a place of shame, but to repentance.On this episode I discuss:The story behind the song from New Release TuesdayThe story of the adulterous woman found in John 8:1-11Where my unfiltered writing took me this weekGod's answer to the prayer found at the end of Psalm 139Conviction leading us to repentance not shameHow we "hide" from God1 John 2:1-2 teaching us not to sin, but reminding us that if we do, we have an AdvocateMy experience as a Court Appointed Special AdvocateThe awe-filled conclusion when considering God's grace...how...can...it...be?2 Corinthians 5:14-21This Week's ChallengeRead John 8 for yourself and then pull out your journal or a notepad and list the characters i

Send us a textHow much emphasis do you give to what others think of you? "He Knows My Name" by Francesca Battistelli celebrates the names that God calls us. God knows us intimately, and because He is our Creator, He gets to name us.You are adored by God. Will you let Him search you, test you, and lead you?In this episode, I discuss:Psalm 139The Hebrew word for "examined" or "search" found in Psalm 139:1The ravioli prayerHow intimately God knows usDavid's prayer to God to search, test, point out anything offensive and lead"The Best Yes" by Lysa Terkheurst and her advice to "cut the but"Isaiah 41:10Isaiah 54:17Zephaniah 3:17Psalm 119:105The story of Gideon found in Judges 6How God sees us and has already equipped us for what we need Additional ResourcesLyrics and Story Behind the Song - New Release TuesdayFrancesca's YouTube Video "Behind the Song"This Week's Challenge Psalm 139 is a great place to spend some time this week. You will beg

Send us a textOnce we begin to understand the names of God, we can more fully understand WHO He is, because God's character is reflected in His names. In Laura Story's song, "I Can Just Be Me", she helps us see that we struggle with roles GOD never intended for us to play. Knowing the roles He desires to play in our lives frees us up to only retain the roles He has for us.Will you get lost with me in God's Word today as we explore a few of His names?On this episode I discuss:The weight of spiritual battlesFilling our empty places with WHO God truly isGod as Healer - Exodus 15:26Moses and Miriam's song in Exodus 15God as Peace - 1 Thessalonians 5:23God as Comforter - John 14:26A reminder that this is not our home - Hebrews 13:14An endless list of names of God " target="_blank">Quote from Staci Eldridge's book "Becoming Myself"Quote from "Behind the Song with Kevin Davis" of New Release Tuesday This Week's ChallengeTake a more academi

Send us a textThe enemy is still up to the old tricks he played in the very beginning. God has done all He can to provide each of us a way back to the intimate relationship He designed for us to have with Him at the dawn of creation. This week, I use Colton Dixon's song, "More of You", to direct us to God's original plan for us in Genesis as we tear down the kingdoms we have been building our whole lives and surrender them brick by brick to our Heavenly Father.Will you join me in abandoning everything we so we can have more of Him?On this episode I discuss:What it was like "in the beginning"Genesis 1:26-31In God's perfect plan we are BLESSED and PROVIDED forThe main prayer in this week's songThe cause of the fracture in God's original plan for usGenesis 2:8-9, 15-17God's abundanceGod's simple boundaryThe consequences of breaking God's simple boundaryGenesis 3:1-6How satan distorts what God actually saysThe danger of adding to what God actually saysMa

Send us a textAre you ready to go on a fantastical journey into God's Word? Phil Wickham's song, "This is Amazing Grace" led me straight to the book of Revelation this week where we see strange creatures and an epic worship service.I can't wait to join in on a worship service in heaven...we can't even fathom how amazing it will be.On this episode I discuss:Mystery and worshipRevelation chapter 5The context of RevelationWhat I might miss in Revelation chapter 5 if I get bogged down in the parts I don't understandRomans 6:9-10 - Jesus breaking the power of sinJeremiah 10:13 - God's voice shaking the earthPsalm 9:8 - God's rule with truth and justiceThe amazing grace shown in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus for you and me! This Week's ChallengeRead the Book of Revelation. Try reading it out loud! Let yourself be carried away by the mystery and the fantasy-like elements. Let God surprise you!Get access to Story Sessions: A Seat at the Table, a free, thre

Send us a textDo you love a mystery? I have to admit, I like reading and watching mysteries because I know that the author or director will eventually REVEAL the mystery and bring me closure. God is a mystery, and although He has revealed much in His Word to us, there will always be more to learn, because He is infinite. While that causes some to pause, it causes me to worship along with All Sons & Daughters in their song, "You Will Remain."I hope you get lost in Scripture this week as you adore your Savior through the lyrics of this song.On this episode I discuss:Episode 17 and the ACTS model I use for prayerPsalm 118Listing things out in a journal or other method that you see in your study of ScriptureThe mystery of Christ in usGod the Father and God the Son as I AMOther names Jesus uses to describe HimselfRevelation 1:8John 8 This Week's Challenge:Spend some time in Psalm 118 this week...it's a good one. I told you what I saw, but I really want to know what God reveals to you!Also,

Send us a textWhat is the formula for living the abundant life Jesus came to give us? Well, Jamie Grace gives us some clues in her song, "Do Life Big". We jump into a memory verse we've had before, but explore the context even more. How would you define a big life?On this episode I discuss:How I chose this week's songSlowing downThe voice of the Holy SpiritJohn 16:12-15Isaiah 30:20-21John 10:10 (this week's memory verse)Bible study tip of looking at headings to discover contextJohn 10:1-5John 10:6-11Examples of Christ doing life big during His ministryDoing life big doesn't exclude painDoing life big doesn't mean moving, but thriving where we're plantedGet access to Story Sessions: A Seat at the Table, a free, three-part, interactive video series at michellenezat.com/freeseat

Send us a textIf a character in the Bible were to sing Michael W. Smith's new song, "You Won't Let Go", which character would you choose? That is the thought journey I took this week and I think you might be surprised at who I came up with.As always, my goal is not for you to focus on the lyrics of the song as much as where it might point you in Scripture.On this episode I discuss:Seeking to see the characters in the Bible as REAL peopleMy recent experience of "Jonah" at the Sights and Sounds Theatre in Branson, MONot adding to Scripture, but allowing meditation and consideration to bring characters to life in our mindsCould Paul sing this song?Romans 8:38-39Could David sing this song?Psalm 23Could Peter write this song?Peter's sermon in Acts 2A discussion on cross referencesPsalm 16This Week's Challenge:Start with Peter's sermon in Acts chapter 2 to understand the cross reference to Psalm 16. Study Psalm 16 this week and consider it in the voice of Jesus.Get acces