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

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#157: "Live It Well" by Switchfoot Feb 20, 2017

Show notes

Perspective. I sure need more of it. How about you? I need more perspective when I'm impatiently waiting in line at the grocery store, when I get cut off in traffic, or when I get a snarky email or social media comment from a friend. Moses had a unique perspective because of his intimate relationship with God and his front row seat to the demise of an entire generation of people. Switchfoot's song, "Live It Well," not only reminds us that life is short, but encourages us to live it well.

Moses encourages the same in Psalm 90. Are you ready to jump in the deep end this week?

On this episode I discuss:

Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include
- Repetition
- Consider the historical context
- Follow the cross references
- Utilize an outside commentary
The historical context of Psalm 90 - Matthew Henry's Commentary and "The Treasury of David" by Charles Spurgeon
God as our dwelling place - Psalm 90:1
- Deuteronomy 33:26-27
God is from everlasting to everlasting - Psalm 90:2
- Genesis 1:1
- Job 15:7
- Job 36:26
- Psalm 93:2
- Revelation 1:8
Man returns to dust - Psalm 90:3
- Genesis 3:19
- Numbers 26:64-65
God views time very differently - Psalm 90:4
- 2 Peter 3:8-9
- Psalm 39:5
Our life is brief like the grass - Psalm 90:5-6
- Job 14:1-2
- Job 14:11-12
- Isaiah 40:6-8
Moses and the people were dismayed by God's anger - Psalm 90:7
- 1 Kings 11:9
God sees all of our sins - Psalm 90:8
- Psalm 19:12-13
- Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
- Jeremiah 16:17
- Psalm 103:12
God would see an entire generation die before granting entrance to the promised land - Psalm 90:9
- Psalm 78:10-43
Our lives are so very brief - Psalm 90:10
God's wrath toward sin may be great, but He is equally to be feared - Psalm 90:11
- Psalm 76:7
- Hebrews 10:26-31
Because of the brevity of our lives, we should seek to make the most of them - Psalm 90:12
- Psalm 39:4
Moses' plea that our lives not be brief AND bitter - Psalm 90:13
Moses' prayer that we be satisfied in God alone - Psalm 90:14
- Psalm 31:7
- Psalm 85:6
- Jeremiah 31:14
Moses' prayer to fill the other side of the scale - Psalm 90:15
Moses' prayer that God's glory would be known to future generations - Psalm 90:16
- Psalm 77:12
- Psalm 92:4
- Isaiah 6:3
- Habakkuk 3:2
Moses' prayer that the work of our hands be established - Psalm 90:17
- 1 Corinthians 3:7-15

Additional Resources

Lyrics
Story Behind the Song "Live It Well" by Switchfoot - New Release Today Article

This Week's Challenge

I challenge you to read Psalm 90 for yourself. Perhaps invest in the The Treasury of David by Charles Spurgeon and read his exposition. Chase down all of the cross references. Don't read this Psalm outside of the perspective

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#156: "Giants Fall" by Francesca Battistelli Feb 13, 2017

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When was your last battlefield experience? I'm not talking about a military exercise, rather the battlefields of life. Francesca Battistelli's song, "Giants Fall," led me to 1 Samuel 17 to see David turning a food run into a battlefield story for the ages.

I wonder if we, like David, may be more prepared than we realize.

On 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
- Journal your observations
- Meditate
- Pray
Story Behind the Song "Giants Fall" - New Release Today Article
The story of David and Goliath - 1 Samuel 17
The fact that it wasn't David's plan to face the giant - 1 Samuel 17:17-19
David went in the strength he had - 1 Samuel 17:34-37
The taunting giant wasn't the only voice raised against David - 1 Samuel 17:28-29
David focused on the real prize - God's glory - 1 Samuel 17:45-47

Additional Resources

Lyrics
Story Behind the Song "Giants Fall" - New Release Today Article
Story Behind the Song "Giants Fall" - YouTube Video
Project Yesu Story of "Giants Fall" - Online Article

This Week's Challenge

Read all of 1 Samuel 17. Take out your journal and make a list of observations. Meditate on key observations and verses throughout the week. If you are facing your own giant, ask God to reveal how He has prepared you. Keep your eyes fixed on God's glory alone. Step up and, as Francesca Battistelli sings, "Though the stones in your hand might be small, watch the giants fall."

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#155: "Psalm 13" by Shane & Shane Feb 06, 2017

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Have you ever been in so much pain (physically or emotionally) that you practically howl? King David wrote what many theologians refer to as the "Howling Psalm" in Psalm 13. Shane & Shane has put this song of David to their own melody and titled it "Psalm 13" in their album of Psalms.

This song will help us meditate on this short and powerful Psalm this week.

On this episode I discuss:

Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include
- Write out Scripture
- Journal your response to Scripture
- Pray the words of Scripture
- Meditate on Scripture (use the power of song to help you)
- Use an outside resource or commentary
Sorrow - Psalm 13:1-2
Prayer - Psalm 13:3-4
Rejoicing - Psalm 13:5-6
A wonderful resource for future study of the Psalms - Treasury of David by Charles Spurgeon

Additional Resources

Lyrics and chords

This Week's Challenge

Read all of Psalm 13. Then write out the Psalm two verses at a time and journal beneath that. Then pray this Psalm. Pray through your journaling. Finally, put this song on repeat this week and meditate on this Scripture. Brace yourself...it's going to be a powerful and enlightening week.

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#154: "No Longer Slaves" by I Am They Jan 30, 2017

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We all want freedom. After all, who wants to live in bondage? The irony is that freedom has been purchased for us by Christ and we accept it heartily and then immediately take steps that place ourselves in bondage again. This is what the churches in Galatia were doing in the days of Paul. This week's featured song, "No Longer Slaves" as sung by I Am They, leads us to this letter to the Galatians and Paul's stern correction.

I hope we can heed the warning of Paul and walk in the freedom Christ provides.

On 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 reading
- Listen to an audio version of Scripture
- Read/study in context
- Consider big themes
Our inspiration verse linked to the song - Galatians 4:7
C.S. Lewis' essay "On Reading Old Books"
Introduction to the book of Galatians - BlueLetterBible.org
The Galatians had turned away from the gospel message by adding to it - Galatians 1:6-7
We cannot attain salvation through ANY human effort - Galatians 3:3
Paul's introduction to the idea of bondage and slavery - Galatians 3:22
We are enslaved when we add human effort to the gospel message - Galatians 4:3
Don't trade in slavery to sin for slavery to a Christ-plus "gospel"

Additional Resources

Lyrics and chords

This Week's Challenge

Read the book of Galatians! Experience Paul’s defense of his apostolic authority in chapters one and two. Understand that all believers enjoy complete salvation in Christ alone in chapters three and four. Explore how Paul showed how the gospel of grace leads to true freedom and godly living in chapters five and six. Read and keep on reading, and then take time to examine your own heart. Do you hold any Christ-plus philosophies? Discard them today for the true gospel message…Jesus Christ and Him crucified. a2e8bhph

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#153: "King Of The World" by Natalie Grant Jan 23, 2017

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How often have I tried to squeeze God into the smallest of boxes? One way to take Him out in our own minds is to fixate on His greatness. Natalie Grant's song "King Of The World" points us to Scripture where we can be reminded of God's greatness.

This week I hope to lead you through exercises that will keep God's position in perspective.

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
- Read/study in context
Our inspiration verse linked to the song - Psalm 47:2
Why it's so easy to verbalize our problems and so difficult to verbalize our gratitude
Making a list of God's attributes from the verses of Psalm 47
- He is Most High, mighty, awesome, and the King over ALL the earth
- He subdues nations - Psalm 47:3
- He puts enemies under our feet - Psalm 47:3
- He chose the promised land as a long term inheritance for those he loves - Psalm 47:4
- He ascended with a mighty shout and trumpets blaring - Psalm 47:5
- He reigns above the nations…sitting on His holy and magnificent throne - Psalm 47:8
Making a list from memory of God's attributes
Treasuring God's words and His way of thinking over our own
Making a list from the last 7 episodes
- God reigns from His throne and He deserves all praise - Episode #152
- Vast armies are no match for God - Episode #151
- God is always working - Episode #150
- God sent the Light of Life through fragile people - Episode #149
- God came down to give us light and guide our feet into the way of peace - Episode #148
- Behold Him - Episode #147
- God created everything through Christ and then sent Him to be WITH us - Episode #146

Additional Resources

Lyrics
Story Behind the Song "King Of The World" by Natalie Grant - Christianity Today Article

This Week's Challenge

Head over to Psalm 47 and spend some time considering the greatness of the King of the world. Follow my lead and make a list of characteristics of God while you’re there. If you need some inspiration to make your own list I recommend starting in Job 38…God Himself lists out many of His qualities and characteristics. From your own personal study take your eyes off of application this week and continue to focus on the glory of God. Write your lists and then revisit them daily. Use the lists to inspire your holy moments with the Lord as you recount back

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#152: "Revelation Song" by Kari Jobe Jan 16, 2017

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Do we boldly approach the throne of God and forget how ASTONISHING that throne is? "Revelation Song" by Jennie Lee Riddle and famously sung by Kari Jobe leads us into the throne room of heaven. But before the song pointed to it, Ezekiel and John brought us there in Scripture.

Are you ready? Are you really ready to slow down and take in the stunning throne of God?

On this episode I discuss:

Exegesis vs. Eisegesis vs. "Narcigesis"
The story behind "Revelation Song" written by Jennie Lee Riddle - New Release Today Article
Immersing ourselves in Scripture
Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include
- Meditating on God's Word
- Slowing down
- Repetition
- Listening to an audio version
- Listening to epic music while studying/reading
Searching the internet for artist's interpretations of the living beings mentioned in Ezekiel 1
The living beings moving around the throne like flashes of lightning - Ezekiel 1:4
Ezekiel doing his best to describe the scene with the limited exposure to the sight
Ezekiel's response - Ezekiel 1:28
Similarities in John's description of the throne room of God in Revelation 4
The response of the 24 elders to lay down their crowns at the worship of God - Revelation 4:9-11
Francis Chan's message at Passion 2017 - YouTube Video

Additional Resources

Lyrics and chords
Story Behind the Song "Revelation Song" featuring Jennie Lee Riddle and Kari Jobe - YouTube Video
Story Behind the Song "Revelation Song" by Jennie Lee Riddle - New Release Today Article

This Week's Challenge

First, read Ezekiel chapter 1. Take it in slowly. Read it several times. If you love words, journal about it. If you love art, sketch something from it. Meditate on the throne of God and His glory. Then head over to Revelation 4 and 5 and do the same. Throughout the week keep reading or listening to the text. Take your eyes off of yourself, your circumstances, your need, and fix your eyes on the Lamb that was slain. Then put on Revelation Song and join all of creation in singing praise to our God.

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#151: "Battles" by The Afters Jan 09, 2017

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Sometimes God equips us for the fight and sometimes He asks us to take our positions and watch Him fight for us. In the song "Battles" by The Afters, we see God fighting our battles and can celebrate it through music. We can learn a great deal from examining how King Jehoshaphat responded to a vast army and a seemingly impossible battle ahead.

Join me in 2 Chronicles as we scrutinize the response of the king and his people to their looming battle.

On this episode I discuss:

Christian music is a powerful tool in our arsenal, but it does not replace time in God's Word
A great example of God fighting the battle on behalf of His people - Exodus 14 - (Check out Episode 91 where I spend more time in this section of Scripture)
There are times the Lord will fight for us and there are times when He has equipped us to fight
Seeking wisdom from God - James 1:5
The introduction of King Jehoshaphat as a good king - 2 Chronicles 20:32
Jehoshaphat's example when faced with an impossible battle - 2 Chronicles 20:3-4
How Jehoshaphat freaks out, but begs God for guidance and other Scriptural precedence to beg - Luke 11:5-10
How Jehoshaphat included others
Jehoshaphat's prayer - 2 Chronicles 20:5-12
- We are powerless
- We don't know what to do
- We are looking to you for help
God's response - 2 Chronicles 20:15-17
- The battle is not yours but God's
- You will not even need to fight
- Take your positions then stand still and watch the Lord's victory
God's words of encouragement - 2 Chronicles 20:17
- He is with you
- Do not be afraid or discouraged
- Go!
How belief and trust is required in allowing God to fight our battles - 2 Chronicles 20:20

Additional Resources

Lyrics
Story Behind the Song "Battles" by The Afters - New Release Today Article

This Week's Challenge

Use my favorite Bible Interaction Tool Exercise and read our story in context. Start in chapter 18 and then read through chapter 20. I think you'll find an important lesson in this context that shaped Jehoshaphat's response in chapter 20. Practice another Bible Interaction Tool Exercise - REPETITION. I read these chapters over and over again until I could naturally retell the story in my own words. So, read in context, read repeatedly, and then tell someone else about it!

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#150: "Everywhere I Go" by Tim Timmons Jan 02, 2017

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Sometimes we gain a new perspective and it changes everything. This happened for me in a Bible study in college. This happened for Tim Timmons as his daughter prayed a prayer for him and he wrote a song about it. "Everywhere I Go" leads us to Scripture where we learn some important truths that may not only change the way we pray, but the way we live.

May we long to join God in what He is doing more than His blessing of our own feeble plans.

On this episode I discuss:

150 episodes...WHAT?!!!...interested in the story behind this podcast? See Episode 1 or Episode 122
Behind the Song of "Everywhere I Go" by Tim Timmons - YouTube Video
The impact "Experiencing God" by Henry Blackaby made on my walk with Christ
God is always at work around you - John 5:16-18
What God declared about Sabbath - Exodus 35:1-3
The Son only does what He sees the Father doing - John 5:19
The Father loves us and will show us what He is doing - John 5:20
The Father will show us HOW - John 5:20
Jesus has been given authority from the Father - John 5:21-23
Asking hard questions while reading Scripture, but not getting discouraged and quitting
Listen...believe...have eternal life - John 5:24
We must believe the Bible - John 5:39-47
Praying, "God I know you are with me. Show me where you are at work so I can join You in it."
Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - our Bible Interaction Tool Exercises this week are:
- Read in context
- Ask questions

Additional Resources

Lyrics and Chords

This Week's Challenge

If you follow my pattern this week you will get inspired by an outside source (like a song, or a book) and it will lead you to Scripture. Once you are led there you will read it in context (in our case this week, the entire chapter of John 5). While you are reading, ask questions and jot them down. Either the Scripture will answer your questions, send you exploring other Scriptures for clarification, or there is enough you DO understand you can set aside your confusion for now and apply the parts that are clear. These are all Bible Interaction Tool Exercises (BITEs) I use on a regular basis to interact with God's Word. Incorporate them into your weekly study and you will begin to improve your interactions with God's Word.

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#149: "Amaryllis" by Christy Nockels Dec 26, 2016

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Family...it's beautiful, and frustrating, and glorious, and embarrassing, and diverse -- even Christ's family line carries some characters and heroes. Christy Nockels' song, "Amaryllis," inspired me to explore a few of the people in the lineage of Christ. How appropriate during this time of year when many of us have just made another year of memories with family and friends at Christmas.

Whether your family is on the glorious side, or the tragic, or somewhere in between, we see God weave all kinds of people into the lineage of the Savior of the world...so surely there's hope for us!

On this episode I discuss:

Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - our Bible Interaction Tool Exercises this week are:
- Follow cross references
- Consider the historical context - the article I found on the "silent period" between Micah and Matthew
Considering the context of your birth
The Old Testament ending on a note of expectation - Micah 4:4-6
Exploring the lineage of Christ - Matthew 1:17
Learning more about "Grandpa" Perez in Genesis 38
King Hezekiah and his good start - 2 Chronicles 29:1-3
The influence Hezekiah had on his nation - 2 Chronicles 30:6-10
A portion of Hezekiah's legacy - 2 Chronicles 31:20-21
The "rest of the story" of Hezekiah's life - Isaiah 36-39
Zerubbabel and his role in the rebuilding of the altar and the temple - Ezra 3-6

Additional Resources

Behind the song "Amaryllis" by Christy Nockels - New Release Today Article
The Song Story of "Amaryllis" - YouTube Video

This Week's Challenge

Follow my lead and learn about Judah, Tamar, and Perez in Genesis 38. 2 Chronicles 29-31 tells much of the life of Hezekiah, but Isaiah 36-39 tells the "rest of the story." Zerubabbel, son of Shealtiel, has a major role in the rebuilding of the altar and the temple after the Babylonian deportation, and you can read all about it in chapters 3-6 of Ezra. All of these are in the lineage of Christ. It's an interesting network of people, some with sordid pasts and questionable choices, but woven into the family of Christ nonetheless. Our song says, "Through a fragile people the Light of Life will come." He continues to use fragile people in HIS story today.

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#148: "He Has Come For Us" by Meredith Andrews Dec 19, 2016

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We know that Jesus came to be WITH us, but to understand that He also came FOR us is cause for celebration! Meredith Andrews wrote a unique chorus to the traditional Christmas song, "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," and has entitled it, "He Has Come For Us." I was inspired by the chorus to explore Scriptures describing WHY Jesus came for us.

I barely scratch the surface, but will hopefully get you started as we discover what Scripture has to say about why Jesus came for us.

On this episode I discuss:

Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - our Bible Interaction Tool Exercises this week are:
- Explore a topic
- Consult outside resources - the list I used to dig into God's Word
- Read in context
The purpose for which Christ was born - John 18:37
Just because you are seeking truth doesn't mean you are ready to accept it when you see it
Jesus came into the world as light so we would not remain in darkness - John 12:44-46
Jesus has come as light to rescue us from darkness - John 1:4-5
Seeing much of why Christ came through Zechariah's prophecy - Luke 1:68-79
"Remember Christ, our Savior, was born on Christmas day to save us all from Satan's power when we were gone astray" - Parable of the Lost Sheep - Luke 15:1-7
Jesus came to seek and save the lost - Luke 19:10
Jesus came to serve and give His life - Matthew 20:28
Jesus came to call sinners - Matthew 9:11-13

Additional Resources

Lyrics and chords
Behind the song "He Has Come For Us" - New Release Today Article

This Week's Challenge

Explore the topic of why Christ came to us by using the Scriptures I have discussed today on the podcast. I have listed them all out in the show notes above. And if you subscribe to my email list you will get my podcast recap each week in your inbox! Read the Scripture references in context by reading the entire chapter that contains them. Perhaps even journal about WHY Jesus came. There are more references! I just touched on a few. Get inspired to dig around in God's Word and find more yourself.

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