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

Latest Episodes:

#137: "What You Want" by Tenth Avenue North Oct 03, 2016

Show notes

What is your agenda? If you enter a conversation with an agenda, you have a plan for the direction of the discussion. When you receive an agenda for a meeting, it is the leader's plan for the direction of the meeting. What is your agenda -- your plan -- for your life? Does it match God's agenda? Tenth Avenue North's song, "What You Want" leads us to search out the Scripture for what God's agenda.

In fact, I take filter the search even further to seek out what brings God delight. Are you ready to go exploring?

On this episode I discuss:

As an only child with many father figures in my life, I often wanted to please them
The desire to please those we love
Exploring Scriptures that declare what God delights in
The B.I.T.E.s - Bible Interaction Tool Exercises - for the week include:
- Exploring a topic - use this tool to help
- Read the context
- Remember the people in the Bible are REAL
- Make a list
- Pray
What does God NOT delight in
What God DOES delight in - Hosea 6:6
The word picture God asks Hosea to live out
The type of sacrifice God desires
Praying that God would break our heart over our own betrayal

Additional Resources

Lyrics

This Week's Challenge

Follow my lead and explore the topic of what delights God. To help you along in this I have created a handout. You can get this free resource by clicking here. Just enter your email and you will immediately receive a one-page worksheet that will walk you right through this topic. 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. Use this resource to invest in searching out this topic. The free resource will include the Greek and Hebrew words for "delight" and scriptures for you to explore in both the Old and New Testaments. Even if you choose not to download the resource, I encourage you to read Hosea. As you read, keep at the top of your mind that God delights in loyalty and knowledge of Him and you will begin to see the magnitude of the betrayal depicted.

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#136: "Live Like You're Loved" by Hawk Nelson Sep 26, 2016

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There is something that happens when you begin to understand that you are fully loved by God. But it is an entirely different process to start LIVING loved. Hawk Nelson's song, "Live Like You're Loved," sent me on a journey through a good portion of Genesis to examine the life of a man who gives us an example of living loved.

Get lost in the story of Joseph with me this week. I hope it will challenge you as much as it has challenged me.

On this episode I discuss:

Reading Lysa TerKeurst's book "Uninvited: Living Loved When You Feel Less Than, Left Out and Lonely"
Performance-based efforts won't work, but full surrender to God will
Living loved in spite of suffering as inspired by Paul - 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
Paul's maturity about his situation did not happen overnight
My tendencies when faced with weakness, insults, hardships, persecutions and troubles (Warning! It's not pretty)
Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - our Bible Interaction Tool Exercises this week are:
- Read and keep on reading
- Try an easy to read translation (like New Living Translation)
A quick overview of Joseph's life relating it to Paul's list in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
The fact that it will be recognizable when you live loved
What I need to work on...more compassion, more grace, more words of life, more sincere prayer and less criticism and quick judgment

Additional Resources

Lyrics

This Week's Challenge

Read about the life of Joseph in Genesis 37-50. Read and keep on reading. Don't stop too often the first time. After you've read it all the way through and taken in the highs and lows of Joseph's journey, consider Paul's list in 2 Corinthians 12. Apply the list to Joseph's experiences and your own. Compare and contrast your responses to those you uncover in Scripture. Ask God to convict you and set out a path to live loved out of all the reserves you are building up by staying in God's Word.

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#135: "Magnify" by We Are Messengers Sep 19, 2016

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"You're making this into a bigger deal than it needs to be." How many times have I either been on the giving OR receiving end of this statement? That's what it means to magnify a situation. We make something appear larger than it is. The thing is, we will NEVER be able to "over-magnify" God. There is never a time where we will fully understand how "large" He is. The power comes in when we magnify God over our situation. This is what the song, "Magnify" by We Are Messengers calls us to do.

Let's head over to Psalm 34 and magnify the Lord together. I want to realign where my hope is set until He's all that's left.

On this episode I discuss:

How the word "magnify" in our song led me to Psalm 34:3

The theme of the episode is to magnify God, focusing in on Him alone NOT our troubles
When we magnify God we increase the importance or effect of Him in our lives
When John the Baptist talks about decreasing so Christ could increase - John 3:30
Setting aside our "What's In It For Me" nature and replacing it with Soli Deo Gloria -- Glory to God Alone
Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - our Bible Interaction Tool Exercises this week are:
- Read in context
- Make a list
- Follow the cross reference
- Complete a word study
Focusing on making a list of all of the characteristics and ways of God found in Psalm 34...leaving out all other details
A great prophecy tucked into this Psalm that was fulfilled in the death of Jesus, and its significance
Magnifying God so that we can no longer see our afflictions
Replacing lies with God's true character

Additional Resources

Lyrics

This Week's Challenge

Read Psalm 34 all the way through at least once. Then go back through the entire Psalm and take the extra step to write out the descriptions of God that you see. If you're really bold, mark in your Bible! Underline or circle the descriptions of God. If one of the characteristics you are magnifying pricks your spirit and uncovers a lie, write that verse out on a sticky note and replace the lie with the truth daily. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together.

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#134: "To Live Is Christ" by Sidewalk Prophets Sep 12, 2016

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I don't know about you, but I tend to overload myself with distractions and messages. So much so, that I find it difficult to slow down enough to meditate on a thought, on Scripture, or on what God is saying to me. Singing Scripture is a way to meditate on it; and what better way than to use "To Live Is Christ" by Sidewalk Prophets? After all, the lyrics in the chorus come STRAIGHT from Scripture in Philippians chapter 1.

Here we find Paul able to find joy in difficult circumstances. Let's consider how that might be possible for us.

On this episode I discuss:

Learning to meditate on God through song - Psalm 119:15
Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - our Bible Interaction Tool Exercises this week are:
- Research the historical context
- Read in context!
Introduction to Philippians - Bible.org
Paul's profound love for the Philippians - Philippians 1:3-8
How understanding where Paul is coming from can shed light on his advice to others - see Episode 133
A beautiful prayer that I am going to start praying over my kids...AND my listeners - Philippians 1:9-11
Pollyanna and the "Glad Game"
Paul's ability to play the "Glad Game" even in his imprisonment - Philippians 1:12-18
Meditating on this...
- Can we rejoice when our circumstances mean we cannot serve God in the manner we used to?
- Can we find something to be glad about when we are mis-characterized and misunderstood?
- Will we take the time and focus to practice rejoicing (being glad) in our current circumstances?

Additional Resources

Lyrics
A "behind the scenes" interview with Sidewalk Prophets - Patheos.com
Timeline of the life of the Apostle Paul - Blue Letter Bible

This Week's Challenge

Start by reading Philippians chapter 1. Since Philippians is a letter, and is only 4 chapters, perhaps you can read the entire letter! Take a new BITE this week by reading about the historical context of Philippians. Play Pollyanna's "Glad Game" like Paul does here, and truly reflect on what you can rejoice about even in dire circumstances.

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#133: "Never Too Far Gone" by Jordan Feliz Sep 05, 2016

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We can hide from God about as well as a toddler hiding under the dining room table in plain sight with eyes tightly shut. Just as He doesn't abandon us when we are trying to hide from Him, God doesn't abandon us when we stray from Him either. Jordan Feliz' song "Never Too Far Gone" leads us to consider the "before Christ" and "after Christ" impact on Paul.

Join me in two sections of Scripture this week as we reflect on the life of someone who seemed "too far gone."

On this episode I discuss:

Christian songs solve the riddles of life with inspiration from music - Psalms 49:3-4
You can't hide from God...and He doesn't want you to - Psalm 139:7-12
Communion with God is summam bonum - the highest good - not checking off items on a list
Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - our Bible Interaction Tool Exercises this week are:
- Complete a character study
- Remember that Paul was a real person
- Read or study to epic music playing in the background
The summary Paul gives of himself and his conversion - Galatians 1:11-24
The actual account of Saul's conversion - Acts 9:1-25
The idea that Saul was HORRIBLE (think ISIS beheading kind of horrible) and even he was not "too far gone" for God to set apart and use
Creating an environment to increase your probability of communion with God

Additional Resources

Lyrics
Story Behind the Song "Never Too Far Gone" by Jordan Feliz - NewReleaseToday.com Article
Timeline of the life of the Apostle Paul - Blue Letter Bible

This Week's Challenge

Read all about the conversion of Saul in Acts 9. Try reading it with some "epic" music playing in the background. Read Paul's summary of his conversion in Galatians 1. Perhaps in either of these places you may get lost in the story and keep reading! Don't forget that Paul was a real person and all of this really happened to him. Follow Paul's example and get away with God this week. Maybe play some soothing music that will quiet your soul as you move away from the checklist mentality and toward intimacy with God. Give Him space in your schedule and in your mind to speak to you.

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#132: "Every Giant Will Fall" by Rend Collective Aug 29, 2016

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We all need a good anthem to sing at the top of our lungs as we open the sun roof and crank the radio! Oh, wait -- maybe that's just me. "Every Giant Will Fall" by Rend Collective definitely fits the "great anthem" bill, all the while leading us to consider God's ways and our response when faced with giants.

Let's consider how the Israelite people responded to the giants occupying their promised land.

On this episode I discuss:

How you will need to invest time in God's Word to get the benefits of meditation
Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - our Bible Interaction Tool Exercises this week are:
- Read in context
- Follow the cross references
- Meditate
Story Behind the Song "Every Giant Will Fall" by Rend Collective - NewReleaseToday.com Article
Reading Moses' summary speech - Deuteronomy 1
Breaking camp and advancing - Deuteronomy 1:6-8
Taking possession - Deuteronomy 1:8
It won't be easy, but don't fear and don't be discouraged - Deuteronomy 1:19-21
Twelve spies reported the land was good - Deuteronomy 1:22-25
Filling in the details in Number 13
The absurd conclusions of the Hebrew people - Deuteronomy 1:27-28
Moses' encouragement to trust their trustworthy God - Deuteronomy 1:29-31
The people's refusal to trust - Deuteronomy 1:32-33
Letting this song be an anthem for a people of faith who refuse to stay in the wildernesses forever

Additional Resources

Lyrics
Story Behind the Song "Every Giant Will Fall" by Rend Collective - NewReleaseToday.com Article

This Week's Challenge

Read Deuteronomy chapter 1 in its entirety. Also read all of Numbers 13. Consider the ways of God revealed in these two chapters, then take time to meditate on the details of the people's response to God. Are you responding in rebellion to God's leading because the possession of your promised land doesn't look like you thought it would?

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#131: "Mended" by Matthew West Aug 22, 2016

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The characters in God's Word are so rich with lives we can relate to and experiences we can learn from. Matthew West's song, "Mended," caused me to look into the life of Mary Magdalene. Mary was broken, but Jesus mended her and changed her life and eternity.

Join me as we follow some practical steps to study the life of Mary Magdalene.

On this episode I discuss:

Story behind the song "Mended" - YouTube Video
Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - our Bible Interaction Tool Exercises this week are:
- Complete a character study
- Remember the character is a real person
Using a topical resource to find Scripture references - use this article found on Bible Gateway
Look up every single reference and log a summary in a notebook - here is my example
Discovering Mary was broken, but Jesus mended her - Mark 16:9-11
Using additional resources to help you understand the character further - Bible Gateway article
Conclusions
- Wealth does not mean you won't suffer - Proverbs 11:4
- Profound blessings from God does not mean you will be grateful - Luke 17:11-19
- Following Jesus is HARD - Matthew 10 - Episode 117
Lessons
- God's deliverance should equal a heart of gratitude that can be seen in our actions
- We are blessed to be a blessing
- She owed much, she gave much, she loved much, she served much
When Jesus looked at Mary, she may have seen broken, but He saw mended

Additional Resources

Lyrics
Matthew West singing to Kathy, the woman who inspired "Mended" - YouTube Video

This Week's Challenge

Read all about Mary Magdalene for yourself! Try the resources I used to guide you to Scriptures about Mary. Take the B.I.T.E. of completing a character study by reading Scripture in context, consulting additional resources (only after you've read the Bible for yourself,) and drawing some conclusions and applying lessons learned to your own life. And while you are studying Mary, don't forget that she was a REAL person.

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#130: "That's How You Forgive" by Shane & Shane Aug 15, 2016

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If we fully understood the scope of God's forgiveness, we would be more grateful and more gracious. That has been my personal challenge this week as I used Shane & Shane's song, "That's How You Forgive," to explore just HOW God forgives.

Join me on this very powerful journey to explore the depths of God's forgiveness and what it means to and for us.

On this episode I discuss:

God's standard of forgiveness (see Episode 129 for an introduction to this)
How the opening verse of "That's How You Forgive" by Shane & Shane come from Psalm 103 - Psalm 103:8
The difference between a standard and a list of rules
The A.C.T.S. model for prayer
- Adoration - Psalm 103:1-2
- Confession
- Thanksgiving
- Supplication
The Hebrew word for "benefits" in Psalm 103:2 can be translated "dealing" - BibleHub.com
Part one of understanding how God forgives is to explore how He deals with us
A list of examples of how God "deals" with us in Psalm 103:3-10
Part two of understanding how God forgives is consider WHY He forgives the way He does - Psalm 103:11-16
Part three of understanding how God forgives is to consider the SCOPE of His forgiveness - Psalm 103:12
Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - our Bible Interaction Tool Exercises this week are:
- Pray!
- Make a list
- Pray Scripture
Determining if we are meeting God's standard of forgiveness in our dealings with others - Colossians 3:13
How God purifies us in the forgiveness process and how it relates to the refining process discussed in Episode 126 - 1 John 1:9
Ending our prayers with another dose of adoration

Additional Resources

Lyrics
Story behind the song "That's How You Forgive" by Shane & Shane - New Release Today
Story behind the song "That's How You Forgive" by Shane & Shane - YouTube Video

This Week's Challenge

Read Psalm 103 for yourself! Think about the parts of forgiveness we discussed today. Consider how God deals with us and make a list of examples given in this Psalm. Consider why He deals with us in this manner. Consider the scope of His forgiveness. Don't forget to pray! Use your list to rehearse God's greatness. If, like me, this study leads you to understand that you need to make some changes in order to meet God's standard of forgiveness, confess your unforgiveness and ask for help.

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#129: "Christ In Me" by Jeremy Camp Aug 08, 2016

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In this season of the Olympics it is only appropriate to explore an athletic topic as a metaphor to our faith. I heard a returning Olympic athlete say that the medal he received four years ago, while wonderful, was the "wrong color." For this athlete, gold is his standard. Jeremy Camp sings about another high standard in his song, "Christ In Me."

Join me in exploring Hebrews 12 as we commit to running the race set before us with our eye on the prize. Finishing strong is the only option.

On this episode I discuss:

Christ as our standard
How knowing and understanding the stories of heroes of the faith motivates us in our own race - Hebrews 12:1
That the theme of Hebrews 12 is endurance
The difference between "hindrances" and the "sin that so easily entangles us" - Hebrews 12:1
The historical context of Hebrews
The metaphor of racing and how the culture of the day was big into athletic competition
Fixing our eyes on our standard - Jesus - Hebrews 12:2
Looking to Christ, first for salvation (see Episode 103), then as a model for daily living
Exploring where Christ looked in the Messianic Psalm 16 - Psalm 16:8-11
Looking forward, not back
Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - our Bible Interaction Tool Exercises this week are:
- Read in context
- Review the historical context
- Use a commentary (I used Weirsbe's commentary on Hebrews)
- Follow cross references

Additional Resources

Lyrics

This Week's Challenge

At a minimum read Hebrews 11 and 12. Maybe pick a hero of the faith in chapter 11 and go read their story. Ask yourself what training weights you may still have on and cast off those hindrances. Be honest with yourself about any sin that may be entangling you and throw that off as well. Finally, look to Jesus and follow HIS pattern of life that leads to the presence of God and fullness of joy.

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#128: "Eye of the Storm" by Ryan Stevenson feat. Gabe Real Aug 01, 2016

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The most compelling music in our lives often speaks to the deepest riddles of our soul. "Eye of the Storm" by Ryan Stevenson speaks of various storms that have impacted all of us at some point or another. However, I believe the song's greatest impact lies in the comfort it brings to those of us in the middle of our own storms of life. The lyrics bring comfort by proclaiming the presence and provision of God.

This song led me to the Psalms this week to seek confirmation of God's character, promises, and presence in the middle of my own storms.

On this episode I discuss:

The power of Christian music to solve life's riddles - Psalms 49:3-4
Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - our Bible Interaction Tool Exercises this week are:
- Read in context
- Meditate on Scripture
- Pray Scripture
Learning exactly who God is in the middle of the storms of our life - Psalms 46:1-3
The compelling reasons why we should not fear - Psalms 46:1-3
"God's Word and ordinances are rivers and streams with which God makes his saints glad in cloudy and dark days." - Matthew Henry Commentary - Psalms 46:4-7
The call to consider the power and works of God in the midst of our chaos - Psalms 46:8-9
What we must do in response to the knowledge we have obtained - Psalms 46:10
Another reference to learning to be still in Episode 91

Additional Resources

Lyrics

This Week's Challenge

Read Psalm 46 all the way through the first time. Meditate on what you learn about God, taking time to "be still and know that he is God." Perhaps even journal about what you are learning. Use the truths you have learned about God (and how He responds to your chaotic storms of life) in your prayers of praise back to Him.

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