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

Send us a textThere are a lot of solutions offered in the world today. Unfortunately, most worldly solutions don't identify the root problem -- sin. In her song "Look No Further," Evvie McKinney reminds us that we don't have to look any further than Jesus for the salvation we seek. Her "look no further than Jesus" response feels like an answer to a question posed in Scripture.Join me as we take a closer look at the life of John the Baptist and a key question he asks from prison.In this episode, I discuss:Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Remember, the people described in the Bible were realAsk questions of the textExplore the cross-referencesRead with friendsThe 30-Day Music Challenge - ACCEPT THE CHALLENGE HERELooking in all the wrong places to find hopeJohn's question to Jesus - Matthew 11:3Understanding John's history by reading/studying Luke 1Zechariah's prophecy over John - Luke 1:76-80Learning even

Send us a textAs our trust in the Lord grows, our patience grows. We can rest in His timing because we can point to God's faithfulness repeatedly in the accounts recorded in His Word. Not only that, but we have our own experiences we can point to in our own lives. Fred Jerkins' song "Patiently Praising" not only points us to promises we can cling to in Scripture but serves as a challenge in our own lives to praise while we await a resolution to painful parts of our lives.I didn't have to look any further than specific references to Scripture right in the song to get inspired to dive into God's Word. Join me!In this episode, I discuss:Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include:Read in contextRepetitionWrite out Scripture by handAsk questions of the textUtilize outside resourcesInternalize Scripture (often known as memorization)Consult various translationsRead with friendsThe 30-Day Music Challenge - ACCEPT THE CHALLENGE HERESpend

Send us a textThere's a shortage of truth in the world today. Of course, the definition of truth seems to be up for grabs for some, but today, we're discussing sincerity in action without pretense. Matthew West sings about this in his song "Truth Be Told." Jesus teaches about it in the Gospel of Matthew.Spend some time this week examining the words of Jesus with an open heart.In this episode, I discuss:Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Consider the historical backgroundFollow the cross-referencesUtilize a trusted outside resource (like a commentary or Study Bible)Read in contextSummarize the text in your own wordsAsk questions of the textRemember, the people in the Bible were realThe 30-Day Music Challenge - ACCEPT THE CHALLENGE HEREMatthew West's story behind the song - YouTube VideoThe book Matthew West wrote that he mentioned in the video - "Hello My Name Is" by Matthew WestThe verse in Isaiah Matthew West refe

Send us a textWe spend so much time trying to make things happen in our lives. This last year has shown us globally how little control we have. Elevation Worship's song "Graves Into Gardens" reminds us that God does transformational things and is the only One Who can.Let's use this song to send us to the words of a prophet and a king to learn more about our transformational God.In this episode, I discuss:Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Consider the historical backgroundStart with GodAsk questionsMake a listThe 30-Day Music Challenge - ACCEPT THE CHALLENGE HEREMy prayer for my listeners is that God will give you an unreasonable desire for His Word that leads to an unsurpassable relationship with HimGod Himself is our goal, and our priority must be our Father and His kingdomSpending time in Isaiah 61 in  Episode 282Our starting-point verse that uses the phrase "mourning to dancing" - Psalm 30:11Gaining historical persp

Send us a textIt doesn't matter how thick the walls are to us; it only matters how thick the walls are to God. When Andrew Ripp sings of our fears coming down like Jericho walls in his song "Jericho," I was inspired to study the story leading up to that moment.I learned a lot about Joshua and what God commanded him. {Spoiler alert: God speaks directly to his fear.} Join me on the journey this week!In this episode, I discuss:Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: ContextRead larger chunks of ScriptureConsider the oppositeUse section headings to get your bearingsRead/watch an overview of the book you're studyingConsider the historical contextMeditate on God's WordFollow the cross-referenceThe 30-Day Music Challenge - ACCEPT THE CHALLENGE HERENot overcomplicating our time in God's WordTaking in the whole story - Joshua 1-6Considering that "courage" is the opposite of "fear"An overview of the book of Joshua

Send us a textWords cannot describe how worthy God is of our adoration and thanksgiving. Sarah Kroger's song, "A Thousand Thank Yous," gives God all of the glory He deserves. It also inspired me to soak in some psalms of gratitude this week.Incorporate more adoration and thanksgiving into your prayer life this week.In this episode, I discuss:Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Praying the ScriptureJournal your interactions with Scripture and GodChoose one word to meditate onRead the text aloudSlow downThe 30-Day Music Challenge - ACCEPT THE CHALLENGE HEREUtilizing the resources over at TheBereanTest.com - A Thousand Thank Yous ReviewChoosing Psalms of Gratitude with the help of SheReadsTruth.com - Psalms of GratitudeUsing the prayer model of A.C.T.S. and focusing on adoration and thanksgivingLogging our interactions with God's Word in a journalAcknowledging the authority, validity, and claims of God in Psalm 100Asking God to help

Send us a textHappy New Year! Each new year brings an opportunity to set new goals and consider your focus before life gets in the way. Kings Kaleidoscope has a song set to the tune of the traditional New Year’s song "Auld Lang Syne." Their song “All Glory Be To Christ” reminds us ultimately what each new year is about…Jesus.The song leads us to Psalm 127, reminding us that we are nothing without the Lord.In this episode, I discuss:Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: ContextAsk questionsMake observationsThe 30-Day Music Challenge - ACCEPT THE CHALLENGE HEREThe Rapid Bible Read Through that I do every year with my friend, Keith Ferrin - information about year's read through can be found here RBRT2021The Psalms of Ascent - Got Questions ArticleFocusing more on the Architect than the house plans - Psalm 127:1The role of a watchman - Psalm 127:1Keeping in context the warning in verse 2 - Psalms 127:2Not separating the "in vain" s

Send us a textHere are a few resources I use in storing up God's Word in my heart. I sprinkle them throughout my podcast episodes, but I thought this would be a great time to put them all down in a list. In fact, you can download a free pdf with live links  HERE.Weekly ChallengeRead Psalm 119:9-16. Take stock of the resources you have at your fingertips to store up God's Word in your heart. Perhaps you will want to try a new free resource I've listed. Maybe it's time to invest in your resource library as you continue on the path to reading and understanding the Bible for yourself.Get access to Story Sessions: A Seat at the Table, a free, three-part, interactive video series at michellenezat.com/freeseat

Send us a textGod's names help us get to know him better. Matt Maher's Christmas song, "He Shall Reign Forevermore," points us to an area of Scripture that reveals four powerful names of Jesus.At Christmastime, we are reminded, "To us, a child is born." Let's get to know Him better through his names.In this episode, I discuss:Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - our Bible Interaction Tool Exercises this week are: Consulting an outside resourceReading in contextCompleting a word studyFollowing the cross-referencesThe 30-Day Music Challenge - ACCEPT THE CHALLENGE HEREGetting really good at reading, studying, and understanding Scripture, so I'm prepared for quality life applicationSoaking in Isaiah 9:1-7 inspired by our songExploring Christ's kingdom, government, and eternal reign in Scripture JD Greear's book "Searching for Christmas: What if There's More to the Story Than You Thought" - Amazon LinkJD reading his short book for free on his podcast

Send us a text Sitting in a dark room, even the flame from the smallest candle can invade. No wonder Isaiah describes the impact of Christ on our dark world as a "great light." Inspired by We The Kingdom's song "Light of the World" I explore what we can learn about Jesus as the Light of the world. Come along for the journey as we sit in a large chunk of Scripture and then explore the theme of "light" this week. In this episode, I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - our Bible Interaction Tool Exercises this week are: Studying a theme Reading in context Reading larger chunks of Scripture Making observations of the text Making a list Consulting an outside resource Considering the historical context The 30 Day Music Challenge - ACCEPT THE CHALLENGE HERE Using Christmas lights to remind us that Christ is the "Light of the world" Studying the context of John 1:1-18 because of verse 9 - John 1:9 Observing the details in the text "Light" is rep

Send us a text Joseph was faced with a life-altering, gut-wrenching situation, yet he didn't question when God spoke. Rather, Joseph trusted and obeyed. for King & Country inspired me to ponder the details of Joseph in the Christmas account through their song, "The Carol of Joseph (I Believe In You)." Join me as we continue pondering the details of Christ's birth. In this episode, I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - our Bible Interaction Tool Exercises this week are: Repetition Remember, the people described in these accounts are real Make a list Observation Meditation The 30 Day Music Challenge - ACCEPT THE CHALLENGE HERE Searching the Scriptures for what we can learn about Joseph How remembering the people described in the Bible were real helps Scripture come to life Making a list of times Joseph was mentioned or most likely present in documented events Looking back at Episode 149 to explore the genealogy of Christ The first mention of Joseph - Matthew 1:

Send us a text There is a difference between optimism and hope that is displayed in the Bible. Before the birth of Christ, there was a tension in the waiting as all of creation anticipated the coming Messiah. Because of Jesus, we live in an age of hope. Building 429 sings about this in their new Christmas song, "Hope is Here (Do Not Fear)." Jesus is our hope of salvation. Let's celebrate Him this week. In this episode, I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - our Bible Interaction Tool Exercises this week are: Read in context Repetition Listen to an audio version Read in a variety of translations Read the text aloud Study with a friend Remember, the people described in these accounts are real Make a list Utilize outside resources - Bible Project The 30 Day Music Challenge - ACCEPT THE CHALLENGE HERE How the angel told Joseph, "Do not fear" - Matthew 1:18-25 Reading the details of Jesus' birth repetitively for Increased comprehension Increased comfort with t

Send us a text Is it possible to actively serve Christ and miss Him all at the same time? It sure is! I don't want to miss Him, though. Cody Carnes' song, "Nothing Else," inspired me to consider what it looks like to sit at the feet of Jesus, taking in his preeminence, and ultimately repenting for where I've gone off track. Join me in exploring a few Scripture areas as we discover that "nothing else will do" besides Jesus. In this episode, I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - our Bible Interaction Tool Exercises this week are: Remember, the people described in the Bible were real Compare and contrast Make observations Utilize outside resources (this week, it was my study Bible) Meditate on Scripture The 30 Day Music Challenge - ACCEPT THE CHALLENGE HERE Sitting at the feet of Jesus - Luke 10:38-42 The "good portion" discussed in the Old Testament - Psalm 73:26, Psalm 16:5 How the preeminence of Christ inspires us to sit at his feet as disciples - Co

Send us a text Do you know what God is famous for? I mean, can you describe some of the wondrous deeds of the Lord that He is most famous for? Tauren Wells sings out a list in his song "Famous For (I Believe)." Being able to remember and recount the miracles and judgments of God is required by Scripture.   Let's get better at remembering and recounting by reading and interacting with God's Word this week. In this episode, I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - our Bible Interaction Tool Exercises this week are: Read in context Mark up the text Make observations Repetition Ask questions Make a list Start with God The 30 Day Music Challenge - ACCEPT THE CHALLENGE HERE Some of the areas of Scripture the song describes Making a way through the waters in Exodus 14 Walking in the fire with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3 Shutting the mouths of lions in Daniel 6 Bringing bones back to life in Ezekiel 37 Using Psalm 105 as a pattern to declare praise and recountin

Send us a text I had a conversation with a friend this week. She described herself as "full up." I get it. This year isn't cutting any of us any breaks, is it? It keeps pouring out the stress, and we're "full up." What we need is a peace that passes understanding. That's what Hillsong Young & Free sings about in their song "P E A C E," and it is promised to us in Scripture.   Join me as we explore what it takes to secure the peace we so desperately desire. In this episode, I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - our Bible Interaction Tool Exercises this week are: Read in context Repetition Read in several translations Read an overview of the book you are studying Journal your dialogue with God Make a list The 30 Day Music Challenge - ACCEPT THE CHALLENGE HERE Understanding the anxiety, I address in this episode is circumstantial, not clinical Why the song inspired me to study Philippians - Philippians 4:6-7 Making it your habit to read the ep

Send us a text I love it when someone takes something complex and boils it down for me. Jesus does that when asked about the greatest commandment, and Danny Gokey sings about it in his song, "Love God Love People." There's no greater power than really understanding the Scripture, inspiring the summary statement found in our song, and the words of Christ. In this episode, I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - our Bible Interaction Tool Exercises this week are: Read in context Reference section headings to get your bearings Follow the cross-references Compare and contrast Make a list Utilizing outside resources (after you are familiar with the text) The 30 Day Music Challenge - ACCEPT THE CHALLENGE HERE Jesus command to love God and love people - Matthew 22:22-40 Reading Matthew 21-23 to get the context of what was going on leading up to this scene and what happens after Understanding that the question that was asked of Jesus was intended to trip him up Resisting the temptation

Send us a text I need a reset sometimes. Instead of looking at myself, I need to look up. Perhaps when I do, I can reset my perspective as I consider God's greatness and my insignificance in comparison to Him. And yet, as NEEDTOBREATHE sings about in "Who Am I?", and David writes about in the Psalms, God thinks of me and cares for me. Mind blown.     Let's look up together and consider the heavens and the work of God's fingers in Psalm 8. On this episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - our Bible Interaction Tool Exercises this week are: Read the text aloud Repetition Meditation Consult outside resources Follow the cross-references The 30 Day Music Challenge - ACCEPT THE CHALLENGE HERE How King David asks the same question found in our song in Psalm 8 Letting Scripture speak louder than any lyric in our lives If you know how to worry you know how to meditate David "considering" the heavens and the work of God's fingers Allowing God's c

Send us a text What if Lazarus never came out of the tomb? When Jesus made Lazarus alive again it wasn't so that he could lie there wrapped in burial clothes, it was so he could walk in newness of life. The CAIN band sings of this in their song "Rise Up (Lazarus)". We, too, are called to walk in newness of life.     Join me on a journey through the New Testament to explore what we are to "rise up" to do. On this episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - our Bible Interaction Tool Exercises this week are: Explore a theme/topic in Scripture Reading in context Following the cross-references Slowing down The 30 Day Music Challenge - ACCEPT THE CHALLENGE HERE How we are dead in sin apart from Christ - Ephesians 2:1-10 Considering ourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus - Romans 6 Dying to sin IN ORDER THAT we might walk in newness of life - Romans 6:4 Slowing down in Romans 6 to see God's grace, what's on the other side of walking in ne

Send us a text When I write the word "discipline," what do you think of? Do you think of correcting disobedience or do you think of training toward a good habit? Prayer is a spiritual discipline that is modeled by our Savior and sung about by Koryn Hawthorne in her song, "Pray." Let's explore what Scripture has to say about this spiritual discipline. In this episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - our Bible Interaction Tool Exercises this week are: Explore a theme/topic in Scripture Reading in context The 30 Day Music Challenge - ACCEPT THE CHALLENGE HERE Spiritual disciplines essential to our walk with Christ Unpacking some of the phrases found in the chorus The Lord hears us when we pray - 1 Peter 3:12, 2 Corinthians 5:21 God responds when we pray - Jeremiah 33:3, Mark 11:24 Pray when we feel like we're not going to make it - Philippians 4:6-7 HOW to pray - Luke 11:1 How prayer is something that can be learned and needs to be practiced Timothy Keller&ap

Send us a text Oh, that I would make the mantra in the chorus of Chris Renzema's song the TRUE mantra of my life. When I sing along with "I Don't Wanna Go," I put God in the driver's seat. Too many times, however, I rush ahead of God and then ask Him to bless my efforts.     Let's explore a time when King David got it right in 2 Samuel 7. On this episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - our Bible Interaction Tool Exercises this week are: Explore a theme/topic in Scripture Reading in context Following the cross-references The 30 Day Music Challenge - ACCEPT THE CHALLENGE HERE Examples from our song of people NOT getting ahead of God David and the temple - 2 Samuel 7 God's ways not being our ways - Isaiah 55:8-9 Israel on the shore of the Red Sea - Exodus 14 Moses observing the promised land from the mountain top - Numbers 27 and Deuteronomy 34 Peter on the mount of transfiguration - Matthew 17:1-9 and 2 Peter 1:16-21 Jesus in the Garden of Gethsema