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

CLICK HERE for the episode guide to help you connect with Scripture through this song.To count our blessings is to name them and acknowledge our gratitude for the good things God has blessed us with. Seph Schlueter sings of this in his song "Counting My Blessings," and I use it to catapult us into the world of Jesus to see how He gave thanks in all circumstances.Let's explore Scripture together to deepen our knowledge as we practice giving thanks in our lives.In this episode, I discuss the following:Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Reading in contextListen to an audio version of the textRepetitionMake a listComplete a word studyMeditate on ScriptureConsider the oppositeEpisode GuideReading all of 1 Thessalonians as inspired by 1 Thessalonians 5:18Making a list of what Paul is thankful for as an example of how to make a list of our ownAsking the question, "What does giving thanks look like in Scripture?""One Thousand G

CLICK HERE for the episode guide to help you connect with Scripture through this song.Have you ever had that moment when you realize you are on the other side? On the other side of trauma. On the other side of betrayal. On the other side of pain, you thought for sure you would NEVER endure? This happened to Joseph and was commemorated by the birth of his firstborn son. When Anna Golden sings "Manasseh," she vividly brings these shared feelings to life -- these feelings of a patriarch from long ago shared with those of us who are on the other side of deep wounding.Let's examine Joseph's life this week as we tickle the chin of his newborn son, Manasseh.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 textRead and keep on readingRead BigRepetitionStoryingReview section titlesStudy a personEpisode Guide DownloadThe meaning of the name Manasseh - "causing to forget"

CLICK HERE for the episode guide to help you connect with Scripture through this song.Have you ever re-watched a movie yet felt anxious during that scene where the obstacle seems too great to overcome? You know the end. You understand the main character overcomes that obstacle because you've watched the movie before, but it still keeps you on the edge of your seat. That's what I think of when I hear Shane & Shane sing "You've Already Won." I know Christ sits in heaven as the ultimate victor and that because I'm in Christ, I, too, am victorious. But I'm still swinging my sword in battles and sometimes wonder how it will all turn out.  I want to add to your faith by diving deeper into Ephesians 1 with you in this episode. 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 and keep on readingRepetitionRead the text aloudReview an overviewMeditate on ScriptureStart with GodMake a lis

CLICK HERE for the episode guide to help you connect with Scripture through this song.I've recently seen several videos online of children laying hands on siblings in prayer or praying with deep and passionate charisma. It's adorable because they are acts not normally seen in children who are more likely to swipe their friend's toy than lay hands on them in prayer. But I learned a long time ago that children are mirrors of the environment around them. When Benjamin William Hastings sings "Abandoned," he longs to mirror the complete abandon he sees in the life of Christ. As an adopted child into the family of God, I, too, want to mirror Christ's life of abandonment to the purpose and will of God. Let's explore the entire gospel of Mark together to see what acts we can emulate. In 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 readingRead in contextSet a timerStudy a topicMark up the 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 my friend, Keith Ferrin, to talk about his journey moving from "should" to "want" regarding reading and studying God's Word.We reminisce about the day we "met" over ten years ago when I reached out to him as a fellow believer in Christ to ask questions about podcasting. We were complete strangers, but he was generous with his knowledge and time. And while he moved on from podcasting to course creation, book authorship, speaking, and YouTube content creation, we've stayed in touch over the years. I can't wait for you to get to

CLICK HERE for the episode guide to help you connect with Scripture through this song.How can you get out of the mental pit you're in? If you do what Riley Clemmons did, you'll get away with God and focus on HIS plans to strengthen you. Riley's song, "Loved By You," inspired me to spend some time in Paul's letter to the Ephesians.In Ephesians, we'll learn together about the characteristics of God's "great love" for us. It's true -- you are loved by God.In this episode, I discuss:Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Make observationsSlow downConsider the oppositeEpisode Guide DownloadThe Story Behind the Song "Loved By You" by Riley Clemmons - New Release Today ArticleVerses in Ephesians that talk about God's love Ephesians 2:4-5Ephesians 3:17-19Ephesians 5:2Ephesians 5:25Characteristics of God's love GreatBenevolentAffectionateGroundingSurpasses knowledgeFills us with all the f

Don't forget to download the Episode Guide for THIS episode HERE.While our feelings are not reliable, solid evidence of God, the evidence of God in our lives has the power to impact our feelings. That's what Caleb & John are singing about in their song "Hallelujah Feeling." The Holy Spirit can fill us with joy and peace based on our right relationship with God.Let's explore Scripture together to see what it teaches us about being "born again."In this episode, I discuss:Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Make observationsSlow downConsider the oppositeEpisode Guide DownloadThe story behind the song "Hallelujah Feeling" by Caleb & John - YouTube Video - Romans 15:13Seeing the phrase "born again" in our Scripture focus in Episode #482 and the lyrics of this week's song - 1 Peter 1:3, 1 Peter 1:23Exploring the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus where Christ introduces the phrase &q

Don't forget to download the Episode Guide for THIS episode HERE.A Chinese friend complained to me about how difficult learning English can be. For example, he lamented that the English word for "trunk" could reference the back of a car, a box, a part of an elephant, or men's swim shorts. Same word. Different meanings. I thought of this when listening to Brooke Ligertwood's song, "Fear Of God." In Scripture, the word for "fear" may mean something completely different depending on the context.Let's explore what it means to fear God, the results of fearing God, and how the fear of God can be expressed in our own lives.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 contextConsult an overviewComplete a word studyMake a listEpisode Guide DownloadThe story behind the song by Kevin Davis - New Release Today ArticleInspired by the lyrics to meditate on 1 PeterScripture ov

Don't forget to download the Episode Guide for THIS episode HERE.Read the prophecy in Isaiah 9 and then read the birth account of Christ in Luke 1 and 2. Meditate on the name Wonderful Counselor. Consider the compassion of Christ. Seek the wisdom hidden in the robes of your Prince of Peace. Allow His words to be your counselors. Allow them to probe, confront, clarify, and guide you in paths of righteousness.We'll discover the first time the name Wonderful Counselor is prophesied and its fulfillment in the child born in a manger. In this episode, I discuss the following:Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Historical contextConsult an outside resourceFollow the cross-referencesConsider the oppositeEpisode Guide DownloadNine years of featuring Christmas songs in December on More Than a Song!Isaiah's prophecy that shares the name Wonderful Counselor (among other names) for the coming Messiah - Isaiah 9:1-7Historical context of this Messian

Don't forget to download the Episode Guide for THIS episode HERE.Did you ever get separated from your parents as a child? It's a terrifying experience as a mother to turn and realize your child has slipped away and is nowhere in sight. I've read stories where the child was so frightened they would hide in clothes racks until they heard their mother's call. Patrick Mayberry sings about our Good Shepherd in his song "Lead On Good Shepherd." Our Good Shepherd calls out for us like a mother for her lost child. He searches for us, listening for our response to His call. Then, he gathers our trembling bodies and carries us back to safety.The picture of a Good Shepherd is a thread woven throughout the Old and New Testaments. Let's pull on this thread together in this week's episode. In this episode, I discuss the following:Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Meditating on ScriptureRepetitionConsult an outside resource

Don't forget to download the Episode Guide for THIS episode HERE. I don't particularly appreciate feeling limited and weak. I'm not too fond of it when what is required of me exceeds my qualifications. I prefer feeling capable and in control. Unfortunately, this preference of mine runs directly opposed to Christ's power resting on me. I learned this and more in my study of Scripture inspired by Anne Wilson's song "Strong." Together, we'll look closely at keywords in a letter from Paul, uncover truths, and then see them played out in an Old Testament narrative. 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 Review section titles Consult an overview Complete a word study Study with a friend Episode Guide Download The story behind the song "Strong" by Anne Wilson - New Release Today Article Inspired to explore Paul's thoughts about s

Don'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 because He's

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 light that shines

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 Studying Psalm 103

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) Hebrews 3:6 (CSB) 1

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 genealogies and ma

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 word study

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 461 Explore the

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 Considering th