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

Latest Episodes:

#167: "I Have This Hope" by Tenth Avenue North May 01, 2017

Show notes

How do you built a solid foundation of hope? Make sure you base it on something real and true...like God's Word. Tenth Avenue North sings of truth in their song "I Have This Hope." Their lyrics come from Scripture, but their hope comes from God. You can deepen your hope by going deeper into God's Word.

Don't stay on the surface! Spend time in Isaiah 43 this week!

On this episode I discuss:

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
How you cannot have hope in the depth of your soul without digging a foundation of knowledge and understanding of God's Word
You cannot have depth by merely listening to Christian music
You cannot have depth by reading Scripture art each day or even a daily devotional
The verse alluded to in the lyrics that inspired me to spend time in Isaiah 43 this week - Isaiah 43:2
The amazing characteristics of God found in Isaiah 43
The amazing things God thinks of us found in Isaiah 43
What we do that wearies the Lord
What He has planned for the future

Additional Resources

Story Behind the Song "I Have This Hope" by Tenth Avenue North - New Release Today Article

This Week's Challenge

Read Isaiah 43, of course! Pull out a piece of paper or a journal and make a list of the characteristics of God you see in this chapter. Make another list of what God says about us. Use the characteristics of God in your daily prayer and praise time. Allow the many profound truths in this chapter to make their way into the depths of your soul through meditation, prayer, and purposed study. And don't forget to share it with a friend! Sow the seed that has been sown in you.

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#166: "Still" by Hillary Scott Apr 24, 2017

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For some reason I was operating in the assumption that when God instructs us to "be still and know that I am God," He meant it was supposed to be quiet. However, a closer look at Psalm 46 reveals total chaos, not quiet. Hillary Scott in her song titled "Still" reminds us that God is indeed asking us to be still in the midst of our chaos.

Grab a friend and head over to Psalm 46 with me this week.

On this episode I discuss:

Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include:
- Study with a friend
- Read the text out loud
The top three tips when studying with others
- Don't overthink it
- Set aside your expectations
- Pray before you begin
Allowing the perspective of others to reveal new things in Scripture
The last time I used Psalm 46 - Episode 128
Being still has nothing to do with "relaxing" or even "calm"
We are the holy habitation of God and Jesus is the spring of living water welling up within us to eternal life - Psalm 46:4
Seeking God first as our source of strength and refuge - Psalm 46:1
Moving from head knowledge of what Scripture says to heart transformation

Additional Resources

Lyrics and guitar chords

This Week's Challenge

Read Scripture with a friend (don’t forget to pray first). You could choose Psalm 46 -- hopefully I’ve given you some things to think about. Psalm 62 is another great Psalm that would go along with this song — it starts out by saying, “For God alone my soul waits in silence.” Discuss together what you’re reading. Highlight where you see characteristics of God and discuss the relevance of Scripture to your current situations. This may just become one of your favorite BITEs.

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#165: "Your Love Is Strong" by Jon Foreman Apr 17, 2017

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You know you "own" the story when you can tell it and re-tell it in your own words and not lose the meaning. This is what Jon Foreman's song "Your Love Is Strong" inspired me to do with Scripture this week. Not only that, but it sent me straight to Jesus' Sermon on the Mount and a very special model for prayer.

Let's not waste any time jumping right into Matthew 5-7!

On this episode I discuss:

Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include:
- Context
- Read in a variety of translations
- Write out Scripture in your own words
The lyrics in the song, "So why do I worry? Why do I freak out?" as it relates to Matthew 6:25-34
An example using Psalm 8:1 where I rewrote it using my own words and my friend Teri rewrote it in her own words
Comparing a portion of Matthew 6 in the English Standard Version and in The Message - Matthew 6:5-13
Using my own words as I wrote out the Lord's Prayer - Matthew 6:9-13

Additional Resources

Lyrics and guitar chords

This Week's Challenge

Read the entire Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) in four different versions. Perhaps read the sermon once a day for four days -- I recommend the English Standard Version, New Living Translation, New American Standard Bible, and The Message. Then pick a section of the sermon and write it out using your own words -- feel free to get personal and specific. You will find at the end of this challenge, you will really "own" this section of Scripture.

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#164: "Love Broke Thru" by TobyMac Apr 10, 2017

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Do you ever feel trapped by your past? Defined by your heritage? Have you ever experienced such trouble and distress that you felt out of options? The chains that bind you are not too heavy for our Rescuer. TobyMac's song, "Love Broke Thru" tells the story of his conversion. It leads us to discover a story of a man in the Old Testament who was a "hopeless fool" yet Love broke through to him, too.

We all have a choice. Will we allow Love to break through to us?

On this episode I discuss:

Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include:
- Context
- Follow the cross references
- Remember the characters in the Bible were REAL
A laundry list of the evil practices of Manasseh - 2 Chronicles 33:1-9
WHY Manasseh was so bent on restoring the evil practices his father was committed to eradicating
The story of Manasseh's father, Hezekiah, as told in 2 Chronicles 29-32 and Isaiah 36-39
What it means to tear down the "high places" in our own lives
The choice we have in our distress - 2 Chronicles 33:12 or 2 Chronicles 28:22
That despite appearances, Manasseh was not too far gone - Episode 133
While we may be shaped by our past and our heritage, we don't have to choose to be defined by it in our future

Additional Resources

Lyrics
Story Behind the Song and Video "Love Broke Thru" by tobyMac - Billboard Music Article

This Week's Challenge

Read 2 Chronicles 29-33 and also Isaiah 36-39 to get the full story of Hezekiah as well as Manasseh. Think seriously about your own high places, choose to tear them down, and allow God to restore you.

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#163: "Unfinished" by Mandisa Apr 03, 2017

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It took some raw (and sometimes ugly) probing into my heart this week, but conceding to my own imperfections may just help me pray for my "work in progress" friends. Mandisa's song "Unfinished" inspired me to seek out how Paul prayed for his friends in Philippi.

I think you'll find the truths we delve into this week will encourage and challenge you.

On this episode I discuss:

Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include:
- Slow down
- Explore a variety of translations
- Journal your conversation with God
Four verses FULL of great stuff - Philippians 1:3-6
The pattern of Paul to thank God every time his friends come to his mind
My husband's pattern with practical ideas to pray for your friends
Presenting our requests for our friends with joy...ALL of our friends...even the hard ones
Recognizing that our friends are just as unfinished as we are
Using the power of "journaling the crazy out"
Glimpsing our own unfinished reflection as we hold up the mirror of Truth
How perfecting takes time
The truth that God brings His purposes to completion in us - Psalm 57:2 AMP

Additional Resources

Lyrics
Story Behind the Song "Unfinished" by Mandisa - YouTube Video

This Week's Challenge

Spend some time in Philippians 1 this week. For grins you could read all of Philippians and then focus in on our 4 focus verses. As believers come to your mind thank God for them -- all of them. Then pray for them...with joy...remembering that they are unfinished. Finally, journal your thoughts this week. It may be the most effective way to "get the crazy out" and allow God to perfect you, too!

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#162: "In Jesus' Name" by Darlene Zschech Mar 27, 2017

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The Russian proverb "doveryai no proveryai" is translated "trust but verify" in English. This is how we should approach our trusted preachers, teachers, and even Christian music. However, when you can verify that the lyrics you are singing through your favorite songs come from Scripture, you can now use the song to help you meditate on truths that God has gifted us. This week we will use Darlene Zschech's version of "In Jesus' Name" to inspire us to discover Scriptural proof of the lyrics, making this song a powerful tool to help us hide God's Word in our hearts.

With a special resource I've created and little extra effort, you will see tremendous results this week.

On this episode I discuss:

The need for a few good "devil trampling" songs in our playlists
The B.I.T.E.s - Bible Interaction Tool Exercises - for the week include:
- Write out Scripture
- Read the context
- Repetition
- Meditate
Breaking down the song phrase by phrase - use this resource to help
- God is fighting for us - Exodus 14:14
- God is on our side - Psalm 108:13
- He has overcome - John 16:33
- We will not be shaken - Psalm 16:8
- We will not be moved - Psalm 62:2
- Jesus is here - Matthew 18:20
- Carrying our burdens - Psalm 55:22
- Covering our shame - Genesis 3:7, 21
- I will live, I will not die - Psalm 118:17 and John 3:16
- Resurrection power of Christ alive in me - Romans 8:11
- I am free in Jesus' name - Romans 8:2

Additional Resources

Lyrics and chords

This Week's Challenge

Dig in to God's Word for yourself! Use my resource to help you. Just click here to have me send it to you for free. If you are already a subscriber to my email list, check your Monday morning email and you already have a link to this free resource. Write out these verses. Study them in context. Review them repeatedly and use the song to help you meditate on what you've learned.

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#161: "More Than Conquerors" by Steven Curtis Chapman Mar 20, 2017

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Has life ever sent you reeling such that it causes you to question your faith in God? Paul has this beautiful list in Romans 8 that if you're in the middle of any of the scenarios he presents, you may feel that God's love has "left the building." However, Paul goes on to teach us something that Steven Curtis Chapman's song reminds us of -- not only can these scenarios never separate us from God's love, but we are more than conquerors over them.

Join me as I consider Paul's conclusion in light of the context of Romans 8.

On this episode I discuss:

Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include
- Reading in context
- Reading out loud
A phrase we should celebrate - Romans 8:1
How Matthew Henry gives examples of what Romans 8:1 is NOT saying - Matthew Henry's Commentary on BibleGateway.com
What freedom looks like - Romans 8:2
Our obligation - Romans 8:12-14
How our sufferings don't change our sonship - Romans 8:18
Paul's conclusions in light of his previous arguments - Romans 8:31-37
The list of things that seem like they would have the power to separate us from the love of Christ - Romans 8:35
The idea that we are over-overcomers (see More Than a Song Episode #4)

Additional Resources

Lyrics, Chords, and Story Behind the Song "More Than Conquerors" - Essential Worship

This Week's Challenge

Read Romans 8 and be sure to read it in context. Try reading it out loud to slow down, focus, and increase your comprehension. Pair your study with this week's song and meditate on the truths you've been studying.

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#160: "Even If" by MercyMe Mar 13, 2017

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We can hide behind convenient truth when things are swell, but when our feet are to the fire the deep truth tends to come out. Will we be willing to log years of faithfulness such that our circumstances no longer define God's ability or position in our minds? "Even If" by MercyMe leads us to a powerful "even if" moment in Scripture.

What can we learn from three friends in a foreign land?

On this episode I discuss:

Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include
- Reading in context
- Reviewing introductions to books of the Bible
- Consider the historical context
Introduction to the Book of Daniel - BlueLetterBible.org
The background of the three friends highlighted in Daniel 3
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego's position in the province of Babylon - Daniel 2:49
Despite their wisdom and faithful service to the king, there were those waiting to tattle on the friends - Daniel 3:8
What the friends chose to direct their attention to
We don't have to defend ourselves and we don't have to defend God
The enemy's "go-to" play from his playbook as old as the Garden of Eden itself
The fact that the friends had long since decided how they would respond

Additional Resources

Lyrics

This Week's Challenge

Read Daniel 3 in context -- meaning start in chapter 1 and read all the way through chapter 3. Consider the historical context of this story. Perhaps even complete additional study on the historical details. Ask yourself how you would respond in this situation. Decide today that you will remain faithful even if God doesn't choose to rescue you in the manner you desire.

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#159: "The Cure" by Unspoken Mar 06, 2017

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Over and over in the Bible people seem to "get it all wrong" when it comes to God and His ways. You see offenders in both the Old Testament and the New. When will we learn that our thoughts and ways are nothing like His thoughts and ways? "The Cure," by Unspoken, points us to an important scene with Jesus.

Not only is Jesus the cure for our brokenness, but He has an important message for us in Mark 2.

On this episode I discuss:

Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include
- Meditation
- Journaling
- Repetition
The ugliness of my own sin as revealed by our focus Scripture - Mark 2:13-17
Jesus' choice of dinner guests should be similar to our own - Mark 2:15
Getting serious with ourselves as to what a "disreputable sinner" looks like to us (warning: your description will be different mine)
The kind of people who need a doctor - Mark 2:17
Jesus isn't afraid of our sin. He calls us. He invites us to the table.
My prayer of repentance

Additional Resources

Lyrics

This Week's Challenge

Spend some time in Mark 2 this week. Read, meditate, journal, and repeat. Allow God to challenge the way you think. Repent if you need to. Be grateful for God's calling. Enter into community with others who need Jesus as much as you do.

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#158: "What a Beautiful Name" by Hillsong Worship Feb 27, 2017

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We can learn so much through the study of the names of God. Hillsong Worship's song, "What a Beautiful Name," puts the name of Jesus front and center in a moving song of worship. How much more powerful will this song be when you invest some time in discovering and contemplating a few names revealed in God's Word?

Let's go to the beginning with Jesus, shall we?

On this episode I discuss:

Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include
- Consult a commentary - I used Wayne Grudem's Systematic Theology this week
- Follow the cross references
- Make a list
- Journal
How John calls Jesus "The Word" - John 1:1-3
The doctrine of the trinity - God eternally exists as three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and each person is fully God, and there is one God
Wayne Grudem's Podcast on the trinity - Episode 1, Episode 2, Episode 3, Episode 4
The name for Jesus in John 1:1 - Logos
Jesus was in the beginning - John 1:1
Jesus is God - John 1:1
Jesus was WITH God - John 1:2
God created everything through Jesus - John 1:3
We see each person of God in the beginning - Elohim - Genesis 1:1-3
Just because God is plural doesn't mean there is more than one God - Deuteronomy 6:4
A powerful passage that brings it all together - Colossians 1:15-17
"Let us" - Genesis 1:26
The Name above all names - Philippians 2:1-11
Making a list of our response to these amazing truths
Trusting in the Name of Jesus - Proverbs 18:10

Additional Resources

Lyrics
Inside the Music "What a Beautiful Name" by Hillsong Worship - KLove YouTube Video

This Week's Challenge

I spent time in three key areas -- John 1, Genesis 1, and Philippians 2. You don't have to do that. You can look up other names of God and research those. Journal. Sing. Pray. Meditate on the names of God. Ask God what about each name should impact the way you view Him.

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