More Than a Song - Discovering the Truth of Scripture Hidden in Today's Popular Christian Music

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**More Than a Song – Discovering the Truth of Scripture Hidden in Today’s Popular Christian Music**

More Than a Song is a bi-weekly podcast dedicated to helping you discover the truth of Scripture hidden in today’s popular Christian music. Each episode teaches you to connect portions of God’s Word with the songs you’re singing along with on the radio to help you meditate on Truths that will transform your way of thinking and, ultimately, your life.

Latest Episodes:

**#396: "He Is Yahweh" by Blake Reynolds** Oct 04, 2021
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The names of God teach us about His character. When we get to know His names, we get to know Him. Using "He Is Yahweh," as sung by Blake Reynolds to inspire us to explore Scripture, we uncover wonderful truths.

Join me as we explore the first mention of Yahweh in Scripture and much more.

In this episode, I discuss:

Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include:

Consult an outside resource

Complete a word study

Start with God

Mark up the text

Consider the opposite

The 30 Day Music Challenge

"The Names of God: His Character Revealed" by Melissa Spoelstra - Amazon Link

The first mention of the name Yahweh - Genesis 2:4

The difference between the names Elohim and Yahweh

Discovering our God is a personal God

How Yahweh is God and there is no other - Deuteronomy 4:32-35

Yahweh is God's eternal name - Exodus 3:13-15

Noticing that the serpent only uses one name for God when the text uses two - Genesis 3:1-19

How Yahweh is three in one

What the Trinity is NOT

Verses that reflect the trinity

Deuteronomy 6:4

John 1:1-3

John 10:30

Matthew 28:16-20

Enjoy the official audio below.
https://youtu.be/CaHtwF38VBQ
More Than a Song Playlist

Additional Resources

Lyrics - NewReleaseToday.com

Chords - WorshipChords.com

"The Upbeat Podcast" hosted by Blake Reynolds - Spotify Link

"The Names of God: His Character Revealed" by Melissa Spoelstra - Amazon Link

This Week's Challenge

Read Genesis 1-3, keeping an eye on the names of God (Elohim and Yahweh) as they are revealed in time in the text. Consider how you may have elevated one name or characteristic of God over another in a way that has actually diminished Who He really is. Recognize that though you may never have really questioned the doctrine of the Trinity before, it is a foundational belief that cannot be overlook
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#394: "When You Speak" by Jeremy Camp Sep 20, 2021

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There is an account in the Bible of Jesus speaking to the wind and waves and calming them down. This idea often makes its way into our prayers and songs -- not unlike Jeremy Camp's song, "When You Speak." I think it deserves a deep look from us to see what we can learn from ALL of the words Jesus speaks in this scene.

Join me in the Gospel of Mark, in a boat on the Sea of Galilee.

In this episode, I discuss:

Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include:
- Meditating on Scripture
- Completing a word study
- Defining words
- Reading Scripture out loud
- Imagining the scene
- Reading in context
The 30 Day Music Challenge
The Father initiates the plan of salvation, the Son accomplishes the plan of redemption, and the Spirit applies what has been initiated and accomplished
Seeking the face of God before we seek His hand
Studying the actual Word of God to more easily identify its counterfeit - James 1:25, Joshua 1:7-9
Completing a word study on the word meditate as found in Joshua 1:8 - BibleHub.com
Looking up words related to meditate such as soliloquize, muse, and ruminate
Our focus verses found in Mark 4:35-41
Imagining the scene in the context of the whole
Examining the words of Jesus vs. the words of the disciples
The words of Douglas O'Donnell, "Jesus is...addressing...their "excessive fear"...Fear that doesn't acknowledge who's onboard the boat." - "Matthew: All Authority in Heaven and on Earth (Preaching the Word)" by Douglas O'Donnell

Additional Resources

Lyrics - NewReleasseToday.com
Story Behind the Song "When You Speak" - NewReleaseToday Article
Fascinating articles on counterfeit detection and the spiritual parallels - Challies.com Article Part One and Part Two

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#393: "Fear No More" by Building 429 [Encore] Sep 13, 2021

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What kinds of choices do you make in the face of fear? Building 429's song "Fear No More" is an anthem born out of a personal time when fear led the songwriters to seek God. There's a king in Scripture who faced fear more than once. His story gives us two separate examples of choices and two distinct responses from God.

Let's explore the life and choices of King Asa this week.

In this episode, I discuss:

Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include:
- Pray
- Read in context
- Using section titles to get your bearings
- Remember that the people described in the Bible were REAL
- Meditating on Scripture
The 30 Day Music Challenge
Praying for God to give the desire to read Scripture
Praying for God to help you understand what you're reading
Praying for God to reveal truth to you as you read
Reading the end of King Asa's story in 2 Chronicles 16
Seeing that "the end justified the means" in the mind of King Asa - 2 Chronicles 16:1-6
God's rebuke of King Asa's choice in the face of fear - 2 Chronicles 16:7-9
Giving yourself a chance to get familiar enough with Scripture that it begins to "all fall into place"
Meditating on the details of the story
Considering Asa's response - 2 Chronicles 16:10-14
How Asa started off right, but ended badly
Examining our choices when we feel powerless
Examining God's response to Asa the first time he felt powerless and overwhelmed by his circumstances - 2 Chronicles 15:1-8

Additional Resources

Lyrics - Klove
Story Behind The Song "Fear No More" - YouTube Video
Story Behind the Song "Fear No More" - New Release Today Article

This Week's Challenge

I know I started in 2 Chronicles 16 this week, but I want you to read chapters 14-16 for yourself. There's so much more there that we didn't cover. I didn't start "at the beginning" because I wanted to show you how easy it is to jump in the middle and not get the big picture when you don't engage in the whole. It's not a waste, but it's so much richer (and more effective) to do the study work. And don't forget to PRAY. God wants to meet you in His Word!

Purchase your copy of A Seat at the Table today!

#392: "Look What You've Done" by Tasha Layton Sep 06, 2021

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Did you know God has a tone of voice? When He speaks to us, He comforts, encourages, or convicts with kindness. He offers the perfect balance of truth and grace. So if the voice inside your head has an accusing tone, then it's not from your heavenly Father. This is what Tasha Layton sings about in her song "Look What You've Done," and it's what we discover in Scripture as well.

Let's compare and contrast the voice of evil and righteousness together this week.

In this episode, I discuss:

Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include:
- Compare and contrast
- Make a list
The 30 Day Music Challenge
Accusations and agreements
The Place We Find Ourselves Podcast - Episode 42: Accusation & Episode 43: Agreements
How satan is an accuser and a deceiver - Revelation 12:9-10
How satan is the "father of lies" - John 8:43-44
How satan seeks to devour us - 1 Peter 5:8
How satan as a strategy and sets traps - 1 Timothy 3:7
One of satan's strategies -- to accuse you of sin and bring condemnation on you to the point that you make an agreement to walk in the accusation rather than the truth and freedom of Christ
How satan is our accuser, but God is our judge and has canceled the record of debt that stood against us - Colossians 2:13-15
Paying attention to the tone - evil's accusations are unkind and harsh, but God's confrontations never lack kindness
How the accuser wants to deceive you into forming agreements with his accusations
How spending time in God's Word is part of His freedom plan
Psalm 52 and how it relates to our discussion about agreeing with evil rather than trusting in the steadfast love of God

Additional Resources

Lyrics - NewReleaseToday.com
Chords - Ultimate Guitar Tabs
Behind the song "Look What You've Done" with Kevin Davis -New Release Today Article

This Week's Challenge

Read and meditate on Psalm 52 this week. Follow the cross-reference to 1 Samuel 21-22 to familiarize yourself with the story that inspired David's song in the first place. It's not a pretty story, but our very real enemy plays dirty, too. Check out this week's show notes above for links to the podcast episodes I talk about that highlight the accuser, the agreements we make with his accusations, and how to find freedom.

Purchase your copy of A Seat at the Table today!

#391: "Help Is On The Way (Maybe Midnight)" by TobyMac Aug 30, 2021

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Throughout the ages, people have scoffed at God and His ways. Some claim He isn't powerful enough, or close enough, or real enough. These scoffers think they have it all figured out and don't believe that Jesus is relevant, much less coming back. TobyMac's song "Help Is On The Way" inspired me to sit in a letter from Peter. I think you'll see a lot of similarities between scoffers in Peter's day and our own.

Join me as we explore Scripture to gain perspective and marching orders as we continue to await God's perfect plan for the future.

In this episode, I discuss:

Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include:
- Read in context
- Read repetitively
- Listen to an audio version of the text
- Follow the cross-references
The 30 Day Music Challenge
The Lord is not late and he stands by what He claims - 2 Peter 3:8
Using BITEs to create habits of consistency in your Bible time - download a free resource as a guide to help you this week
How developing habits OVER TIME will produce spiritual health
An overview of 2 Peter - Bible Project
What the scoffers INSIDE THE CHURCH in Peter's day were claiming
- You made this up
- There won't be any consequences
- Jesus isn't coming back
How the Old Testament is relevant for pointing to New Testament realities - 2 Peter 3:1-3
Following the cross-reference about Christ's return to a parable - 2 Peter 3:4 and Matthew 25:1-13
Recognizing the power of God's Word - 2 Peter 3:5-7
Following the cross-reference to a psalm of Moses - 2 Peter 3:8-9 and Psalm 90
How God isn't slow, He's patient - 2 Peter 3:9
How we should live in light of God's patient, but imminent return - 2 Peter 3:14-15 and 2 Peter 3:17-18

Additional Resources

Lyrics and chords - EssentialWorship.com
Story behind the song - KLove.com

This Week's Challenge

Spend some time 2 Peter this week. If you want a guide to walk you through this letter, go to michellenezat.com/391download, and I'll send you suggestions for 7 days of interacting with 2 Peter. Build consistency in your time in God's Word. And remember, don't lose your balance. The patience of the Lord should bring you peace and stability as you continue to grow in the knowledge and grace of Jesus.

Purchase your copy of A Seat at the Table today!

#390: "Glory, Honor, Power" by Influence Music Aug 23, 2021

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There is a magical and terrifying place described in Scripture. It is the throne room of heaven where fantastical creatures proclaim the holiness of God, and crowned elders fall at His feet in worship. Influence Music's song "Glory, Honor, Power" brings us through the door of heaven with Jesus and John. May we leave changed.

Let's take an unforgettable trip to the throne room of God in Revelation 4.

In this episode, I discuss:

Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include:
- Listen to epic music while reading/studying Scripture
- Meditate on Scripture
- Slow down
- Use your imagination
- Consult an outside resource
- Consider the opposite
The 30 Day Music Challenge
Another episode where we discuss Revelation 4 - Episode 369
Imagining each detail of the throne room
What jasper and carnelian look like as mentioned in Revelation 4:3
A quick reference to the 5 heavenly crowns mentioned in the New Testament - GotQuestions.org Article
What the "seven torches which are the seven spirits of God" might mean - GotQuestions.org Article
How the only reason we exist is that it was God's will to create us
Considering the opposite of glory, honor, and power
Looking at the word picture of the potter and the clay in Jeremiah 18:1-12
Recognizing that we could never adore a God that isn't worthy of all glory, honor, and power

Additional Resources

Lyrics and chords - WorshipTogether.com
Influence Music Artist Profile - NewReleaseToday.com

This Week's Challenge

Spend some time in Revelation chapter 4. Go slow. Imagine the scene. It is a dramatic scene, so I don't think you can "overdo it" in your conceptualization. Once you really have the throne room and what is going on there firmly in your mind, ask God to reveal how that should change the way you think.

Purchase your copy of A Seat at the Table today!

#389: "My Jesus" by Anne Wilson Aug 16, 2021

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I love to talk about Jesus. There's a lot to say about Him. If we spent our entire lives plumbing the depths of Scripture, we would never come to an end. This is why I love Anne Wilson's new song, "My Jesus." She gives me a reason to talk about Him a little more.

Join me this week as we explore Christ's deity and humanity.

In this episode, I discuss:

Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include:
- Read larger chunks of Scripture
- Consult outside resources
- Meditation
- Make a list
- Look up definitions
- Read in various translations
- Read in context
The 30 Day Music Challenge
How the study of Christ is known as Christology
How we can't cover everything about Jesus in 20 minutes - John 21:25
How the creeds were ways to affirm core beliefs
- The Apostles Creed
- The Nicene Creed
Learning to understand that Jesus is fully God and fully man
A chunk of Scripture in Colossians all about Jesus - Colossians 1:15-20
Making a list of truths about Jesus found in our focus Scripture
Knowing that if you've seen Jesus you've seen the Father - John 15:8-11
Understanding that Jesus was part of creation in the beginning - John 1:1-3
Meditating on the preeminence of Christ (or not) in my own life
A chunk of Scripture in Philippians all about Jesus - Philippians 2:6-8
Discovering that the humanity of Christ leads to Jesus as our example - Philippians 2:3-5

Additional Resources

Lyrics and chords - WorshipTogether.com
Anne Wilson artist profile - NewReleaseToday.com
"What is Kenosis?" - GotQuestions.org Article

This Week's Challenge

Spend some time in Colossians 1 and Philippians 2 this week. Make a list of what these sections of Scripture

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#388: "Joyful" by Dante Bowe Aug 09, 2021

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While we may not be able to choose happiness, we can choose joy. We can choose joy because it's not rooted in our circumstances or feelings but rather the truth of Who God is and who we are in Him. "Joyful" by Dante Bowe is a fun, upbeat song that can remind us of that foundation of truth.

Let's explore a psalm together that reminds us that this is the day the Lord has made.

In 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
- Read in a variety of translations
- Meditate on Scripture
- Follow the cross-references
- Consult outside resources
The 30 Day Music Challenge
A quote from Dante Bowe - JubileeCast.com Article
Getting inspired to study Psalm 118 by a Scriptural lyric in our song - Psalm 118:24
How the psalmist bookends the song with the same phrase - Psalm 118:1, Psalm 118:29
Meditating on phrases/verses that "pop out" at us
- Psalm 118:6 - what can man do to me?
- Psalm 118:8 - contrasting trust in man with trust in God
- Psalm 118:14 - recognizing a verse I've already studied in Exodus 15
Using this psalm as a jumping off point to explore other areas of Scripture through following the cross-references
- God answering out of deep distress might send us to Chronicles and Kings to learn more about King Manasseh - 2 Chronicles 33:12
- Remembering God is for us in Romans 8
- Learning a new song in Exodus 15
- Discovering this may have been the last song Jesus sang with His disciples at the Last Supper
Tools I use to identify cross-references
- Following the cross-references listed in our study Bibles
- Using an online tool like BibleHub.com
A few outside resources I used in my interaction time this week
- New Living Translation Bible with Filament Bible App for study notes - Amazon link
- English Standard Version Study Bible - Amazon link
- The One Year Book of Psalms - Amazon link

Additional Resources

Lyrics - New Release Today
Chords - Praise Charts

Purchase your copy of A Seat at the Table today!

#387: "All Things New” by Big Daddy Weave Aug 02, 2021

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How does God do "new" things? What does it mean that He makes all things new? These are the questions I asked myself inspired by Big Daddy Weave's song, "All Things New."

Join me on a discovery tour from Old to New Testaments inspired by this song.

In this episode, I discuss:

Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include:
- Read in context
- Utilize section headings
- Consult an overview
The 30 Day Music Challenge
Rehearsing phrases in songs and not really knowing what Scripture says about them
Reading Isaiah 42-44 to take in context Isaiah 43:19 where God was doing a new thing
Spending time in these same chapters in Episodes 384 and 385
Consulting an overview
- I use the ESV Study Bible - Amazon Link
- I also refer to Bible Project videos - YouTube Video
How the original audience of Isaiah 44:14-21 were defeated people under worldly domination
The new thing God may be doing could be now, but He always has His eyes set on eternity
How I need to stop resenting the way God chooses to fulfill His purposes
How freedom from captivity in Isaiah 44 was considered a "new thing" by God, and our freedom from the captivity of sin is also called "new" - 2 Corinthians 5:17
God's reason for making us into a "new creation" is to give us the ministry of reconciliation - 2 Corinthians 5:18-21
Where we see the actual phrase "all things new" - Revelation 21:1-7
Keeping our eyes fixed on the "new" God has in mind - 1 John 2:17

Additional Resources

Lyrics - New Release Today
Chords - Praise Charts
Behind The Song With Kevin Davis - New Release Today Article
"What does it mean that a Christian is a new creation?" - GotQuestions.org Article
"Behold, I Make All Things New" - John Piper Sermon - DesiringGod.org

This Week's Challenge

Let the Word of God change the way you think. Continue to spend time in Isaiah 40-55, focusing on chapter 44, where we see God doing a new thing in an unexpected way. Head over to 2 Corinthians 5 and learn all about the new bodies we'll get in eternity and how we're made into a new creation here on earth, and why. Finally, dwell on Revelation 21, taking in all the newness promised Christ-followers in eternity.

Purchase your copy of A Seat at the Table today!