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

Michelle Nezat
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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.

  1. 23 JUN

    #515: "In The Waiting” by Summit Worship

    Send us a text We love the miracle moments—the breakthrough, the answered prayer, the clear direction. But what about the space between deliverance and destination—the “in-between”? Inspired by Summit Worship’s "In The Waiting" and the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness, this episode of More Than a Song explores what God may be teaching us when the waiting feels long and the water tastes bitter. Could it be that in the in-between, God isn’t absent...He’s just getting personal? Key Points Michelle shares personal updates on being “in the waiting” and how this season mirrors the spiritual and emotional tension explored in this week’s song and Scripture.God doesn’t abandon us in the “in between”; He uses it to shape us and reveal Himself more deeply.Michelle uses the Israelites' journey after the Exodus to explore how God tests and teaches His people during wilderness seasons.God’s expectations of devotion come before His provision—He desires a relationship, not just requests.The names and attributes of God, such as Yahweh Rapha (“The Lord Your Healer”), are revealed through these wilderness moments.Scripture References Exodus 15:22–27 – Bitter water made sweet; God reveals Himself as “The Lord, Your Healer.”Exodus 16:3–4 – God’s people grumble in hunger; He tests them with daily provision of manna.Exodus 17:2–7 – Quarreling and thirsting at Massah and Meribah; God brings water from the rock.Exodus 13:17 – God intentionally leads the Israelites the long way around to avoid immediate conflict they weren't ready for.Exodus 1–17 (recommended reading) – To fully grasp the context of Israel’s wilderness journey.Bible Interaction Tool Exercises (BITEs) Used Read in context – Don’t isolate stories; read the full narrative from Exodus 1–17 (and beyond!)Use curiosity and meditation – Ask yourself questions like, “Why did they grumble against Moses instead of God?”Remember the people in the Bible were REAL – Remember, these were real people with real needs and emotions.Make a list – What does God want? (Ex. 15:26)Read in multiple translations – Words like “tormented” in the NLT can spark new insights.Use supplemental resources – Biblical Fiction like Where the Desert Blooms by Sierra Elliot can bring Scripture to life - Amazon Paid LinkAdditional Resources 🎶 Lyrics and chords - Ultimate Guitar Tabs🎧 Interview on church hurt – Listen to Michelle’s conversation with Sherrie Pilkington on Finding God in Our Pain. alifeofthrive.com📖 Where the Desert Blooms by Sierra A. Elliott – A biblical fiction novel that adds richness to the Exodus narrative - Amazon Paid Link📥 Free Episode Guide – Download it to interact more deeply with this week’s Scriptures and BITEs.💻 Learn more about my favorite Bible Study Software with a 30-day free trial and links to my favorite Bible resources - Logos Bible Software AffiliatePurchase your copy of A Seat at the Table today! Change your music. Change your life. Join my free 30-Day Music Challenge. CLICK HERE.

    26 min

  2. 7 APR

    #514: "Calvary’s Enough” by Brooke Ligertwood

    Send us a text Download the Episode Guide! How can we boldly proclaim that Calvary is enough in a world constantly demanding more? In this episode, let me take you on a rich, multi-layered journey from Golgotha to your heart as we explore the power and meaning behind the place, the sacrifice, and the impact of Jesus’ crucifixion. Anchored in Scripture and inspired by Brooke Ligertwood’s compelling lyrics in her song "Calvary's Enough," we will slow down and soak in the truth of what happened on the cross—and why it still matters today. Key Points "Calvary" is a Place and a Symbol: The word Calvary is Latin for Golgotha, meaning the skull. While we often refer to it symbolically, it’s helpful to remember it is an actual location where Christ was crucified.The Power of the Sacrifice: The episode guides listeners from the literal place of Calvary, through the crucifixion event, to the profound spiritual implications of Christ's sacrifice.Learning for Learning’s Sake: It’s okay to explore Scripture with curiosity even when there’s no immediate application—this builds a foundation for future understanding.Jesus's Last Words Matter: “It is finished” (John 19:30) refers to the completed work of atonement—the payment of our sin debt.Christ Our High Priest: The Gospels and Hebrews reference Jesus seated at the right hand of God, which shows the fulfillment of His role post-Calvary.Response Matters: Like Paul, we are called to "resolve to know nothing but Christ crucified" (1 Corinthians 2:2). This is a deliberate decision to center our lives on the gospel.Don’t Idolize Messengers: Paul confronted the church in Corinth about elevating personalities over the message of Christ crucified, a reminder that is still relevant today.Bible Interaction Tool Exercises (BITEs) Listen to ScriptureRepetition Cross-referencing Compare & ContrastUse Your Imagination Ask QuestionsStudy in ContextAdditional Resources Lyrics - New Release TodayWhat did Jesus mean when He said, “It is finished”? - GotQuestion.org ArticleBaker Encyclopedia of the Bible - Place of the Skull Article - Logos Bible Software Affiliate LinkLearn more about my favorite Bible Study Software with a 30-day free trial and links to my all-time favorite Bible resources - Logos Bible Software Affiliate LinkThis Week's Challenge Read or listen to all four accounts of the scenes leading up to and at Calvary. Use the Episode Guide to help. It’s free and uncomplicated. It’s just a one-page PDF to guide you. After you’ve read or listened to the gospels a time or two, consider what details pop out to you. This is a good place to meditate, follow cross-references, and jot down observations. Make observations about the place of Calvary, the details of what happened there, its significance and meaning, and potential responses to it. At some point, hop over to 1 Corinthians chapters 1-2 to see why Paul resolved to know nothing but Christ and Him c Purchase your copy of A Seat at the Table today! Change your music. Change your life. Join my free 30-Day Music Challenge. CLICK HERE.

    25 min

  3. 24 MAR

    #513: "Fear Not" by Hannah Kerr

    Send us a text Grab your Episode Guide! “It’s hopeless.” That’s what fear whispers in the middle of the night when anxiety tightens its grip and your heart pounds with uncertainty. But what if you could argue back? Inspired by Hannah Kerr’s “Fear Not,” we learn the powerful truth that God’s presence isn’t just near—it’s active, bringing comfort, consolation, and even delight amid chaos. Let’s uncover how Scripture teaches us to confront fear, embrace God’s comfort, and step into the peace only He can provide.  We'll see how a suffering poet's words reflect our fears and anxieties and where to go from there. In this episode, I discuss: Song insight: How Hannah wrote this song to express her struggles with anxiety and to remind listeners that they are not alone.Biblical lament: Acknowledging fear and anxiety is the first step before moving toward truth and comfort.Lifting our eyes: Calling to mind the "capital T" Truths about God and what that means for usKey Scripture Passages: Psalm 34:4 - "I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears."Psalm 94:19 - "When anxiety overwhelms me, Your consolation delights my soul."John 14:16, 25-27 - Jesus promises the Holy Spirit as our Comforter.Lamentations 3 - The poet expresses deep despair but shifts to hope in God’s faithfulness.Bible Interaction Tools (BITEs) for Personal Study: Word Study – Explore the meaning of consolation in Psalm 94:19.Read in Context – Study all of Lamentations to see the pattern of grief, confession, and hope.Consult an outside resource - Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy: Discovering the Grace of Lament by Mark VroegopEngage in Biblical Lament – Journal your fears before turning to God’s truth.Community Prayer – Instead of saying, “I’ll pray for you,” ask, “Can I pray with you now?”Compare and contrastMake observationsExplore a themeRead and keep on readingAdditional Resources Lyrics - New Release TodayBehind the song "Fear Not" by Hannah Kerr - Behind the Song with Kevin Davis - New Release Today ArticleDark Clouds, Deep Mercy: Discovering the Grace of Lament by Mark Vroegop - Amazon Paid LinkLearn more about my favorite Bible Study Software with a 30-day free trial and links to my all-time favorite Bible resources - Logos Bible Software Affiliate LinkThis Week's Challenge Read Lamentations. Read it as intended — as poetry reflecting great emotion amid great tragedy that ultimately turns toward hope in the Lord. Observe any emotions or feelings that feel familiar to you. Pattern the freedom of the author of Lamentations and journal your own crazy out. Write down all of your complaints and how you are feeling. Don’t hold back. Then, unfurl your soul to lift your eyes to Jesus and rehearse the goodness of God. Speak the truths of Lamentations. Speak the truths of other verses you know. Use the Episode Gu Purchase your copy of A Seat at the Table today! Change your music. Change your life. Join my free 30-Day Music Challenge. CLICK HERE.

    31 min

  4. 10 MAR

    #512: "Constant" by Anthony Gargiula, Jordin Sparks, and Maverick City Music

    Send us a text In a world filled with uncertainty, it’s comforting to know that we serve an unchanging God. "Constant" by Anthony Gargiula, Jordin Sparks, and Maverick City Music reminds us of this powerful truth—God is constant. This episode explores the biblical foundation of God’s immutability and how it affects our faith and daily lives. Explore this attribute of God with me and then settle in to a Psalm. In this episode, I discuss: Episode Guide Available: – Download your free Episode Guide at michellenezat.com/512download to help you interact with Scripture.God’s Immutability: Unlike humans, who change constantly, God remains the same. His attributes, promises, and purposes never shift.Communicable vs. Incommunicable Attributes: God shares some of His attributes (like love and mercy) with us, but others (like omniscience and immutability) belong to Him alone.Implications of God’s Unchanging Nature: Because God is constant, His love, promises, and salvation are secure. We don’t have to fear that He will change His mind or go back on His word.Practical Application: How understanding God’s immutability can bring peace and stability to our lives.Key Scriptures: Malachi 3:6 - “For I the Lord do not change.”Hebrews 13:8 - “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”Numbers 23:19 - “God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind.”James 1:17 - “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”Psalm 102:25-28 - A declaration of God’s eternal nature.BITEs (Bible Interaction Tool Exercises) Used: Read in contextMake observationsRead in various translationsStudying a topicMeditate on ScriptureCompare and contrastAdditional Resources Lyrics - New Release TodayDoes God’s Immutability Need to Change? - Credo PodcastDoes God Suffer? - Credo PodcastThe Immutability and Impassibility of God - The Gospel Coalition EssayWhat are the communicable and incommunicable attributes of God? - GotQuestions.org ArticleLearn more about my favorite Bible Study Software with a 30-day free trial and links to my all-time favorite Bible resources - Logos Bible Software Affiliate LinkThis Week's Challenge Examine the Scriptures that declare the immutability of God in their context. (Use the Episode Guide to help.) Malachi 3:6, James 1:17, Hebrews 13:8, Numbers 23:19, Hebrews 6:15-18. Then with all you’ve learned about God’s unchanging nature, head over to Psalm 102 to read in context, make observations, compare and contrast, and meditate. In the end, lift your eyes from your turbulent circumstances to our constant God. Purchase your copy of A Seat at the Table today! Change your music. Change your life. Join my free 30-Day Music Challenge. CLICK HERE.

    27 min

  5. 24 FEB

    #511: "Flowers” by Samantha Ebert

    Send us a text I don't know if you've ever lifted a desperate prayer that asked, "Lord, why are you keeping me here?" but that line in Samantha Ebert's song "Flowers" gets me every time. That one that acknowledges the valley I'm in but reminds me that God has something beautiful in mind that will bloom from the soil of suffering. Scripture details what good comes from suffering. Join me as we explore part of a letter from Paul to the Romans together. In this episode, I discuss: Episode Guide Available – Download your free Episode Guide at michellenezat.com/511download to help you interact with Scripture.Personal Connection to the Song – I share how Flowers ministered to me during my waiting season.Mountaintop vs. Valley Perspective – Drawing from personal experiences hiking in the Smoky Mountains and biblical wisdom from Henry Blackaby’s Experiencing God, I discuss how our circumstances can cloud our view of God, but seeking His perspective brings clarity.Romans 5:3–5 Breakdown – Exploring how suffering produces endurance, endurance produces character, and character produces hope—the flowers that grow in the valley.Cross-References & Biblical Themes: Psalm 126:5–6 – Sowing in tears, reaping in joy.James 1:2–4 – Trials produce steadfastness, leading to spiritual maturity.2 Corinthians 2:9-10 – Proven character results in obedience and forgiveness.Romans 4:18-25 – Abraham’s unwavering hope in God’s promises.BITE (Bible Interaction Tool Exercises) Used: Following cross-referencesStudying words in original Greek (hypomone – endurance, dokime – character, elpis – hope)Reading in context (Romans 4–6)Making lists (evidence of faith and hope in Scripture)Comparing and contrasting passagesTakeaways: God is growing something beautiful even in your suffering.Biblical hope is not wishful thinking—it’s a well-grounded expectation in God’s faithfulness.Viewing your circumstances through God’s perspective changes everything.Additional Resources Lyrics - New Release TodayExperiencing God by Henry Blackaby - Amazon Paid LinkBibleHub.com for cross-referencesLearn more about my favorite Bible Study Software with a 30-day free trial and links to my all-time favorite Bible resources - Logos Bible Software Affiliate LinkThis Week's Challenge Read Romans 4-6 before focusing in on Romans 5:3-4. Look for the flowers that grow in the valley of our suffering. Make lists, define words, and complete word studies. Follow the cross-references and take time to meditate on what you are reading and studying. Use the Episode Guide to help. Purchase your copy of A Seat at the Table today! Change your music. Change your life. Join my free 30-Day Music Challenge. CLICK HERE.

    25 min

  6. 10 FEB

    #510: "The Truth" by Megan Woods

    Send us a text Get the Episode Guide at https://michellenezat.com/510download We have an enemy known as the Father of Lies, so it makes sense that one of his tactics is to convince us to believe lies about ourselves AND lies about how God sees us. We combat these lies with the truth from Scripture, and Megan Woods sings about this in her song "The Truth." Let's take the message from this song and see where it comes from in Scripture. And let's take it a step further to examine the WHOLE truth. Key Points Covered in This Episode: Song Introduction - "The Truth" by Megan WoodsA powerful song that speaks against negative self-talk and replaces lies with biblical truth.Michelle’s initial hesitation in using this song on the podcast and how she overcomes it.The Dangers of Misapplying ScriptureThe fine line between biblical encouragement and self-centered theology.How the church can sometimes distort Scripture to make it more about us than about God.A snippet from Michelle's novel, "A Seat at the Table" - Purchase on AmazonBreaking Down the Lies vs. The Whole TruthLies we tell ourselves: I’m not enough, I’m unlovable, I’m a failure.The enemy’s tactics: Repeating accusations that become deeply ingrained.The exercise of writing down accusations to recognize patterns.Developing a Biblical WorldviewWhy knowing Scripture for yourself is crucial.The balance between focusing on God and understanding our identity in Him.Scripture’s direct response to self-doubt and identity crises.Song Lyric Analysis & Supporting Scriptures"The truth is I am my Father’s child. I make Him proud, and I make Him smile."1 John 3:1 – We are called children of God.Romans 8:16 – The Spirit testifies that we are God’s children.Numbers 6:24–26 – God's face shines upon His people.Psalm 18:19 – God delights in us."I was made in the image of a perfect King."Genesis 1:26-27 – Created in God’s image."He looks at me and wouldn’t change a thing."Ephesians 2:4-5 – God loved us even when we were dead in sin.God’s love is unconditional, but it transforms us (Galatians 2:20, Colossians 3:9-10)."The truth is I am truly loved by a God who’s good when I’m not good enough."A reminder that our worth isn’t found in ourselves but in the goodness of God."I don’t belong to the lies; I belong to You."John 8:44 vs. Galatians 5:24 – The contrast between belonging to the enemy and belonging to Christ.This Week's Challenge Read Psalm 139, but look for what you learn about God more than what you think it says about you. Read 1 John and the context of Romans 8 and observe what you learn about God’s love and our status as God’s children. Make two columns - the first column should list truths about God’s love toward us, and the second column should list the truths of how we respond to that love. Catch Me On Tour - https://michellenezat.com/unlock Purchase your copy of A Seat at the Table today! Change your music. Change your life. Join my free 30-Day Music Challenge. CLICK HERE.

    25 min

  7. 28 JAN

    #509: "I Give You My Dreams” by Sarai Rivera

    Send us a text Does giving your dreams and desires to God feel like giving up? Sarai Rivera sings about surrendering control of her life to God in her song "I Give You My Dreams." In this episode, I explore the alternative to letting God take control displayed in a song of David. Dive into Psalm 37 with me to uncover how we can surrender our dreams and desires to God. With personal stories, Bible Interaction Tool Exercises (BITEs), and practical insights, you'll be equipped to trust God’s plan, even when it feels uncertain. Episode Highlights Surrender vs. Giving Up: Discover what it means to hand your dreams to God without abandoning hope.A Personal Lens: Michelle shares how her family is learning to trust God’s plan amidst college applications, med school, and wedding planning.Diving into Psalm 37: Learn how to study Scripture using BITEs like reading in context, exploring multiple translations, and recognizing repetitive themes.Key Takeaways: Replace fretting with proactive steps like trusting, doing good, and delighting in the Lord.Embrace stillness and patience as you commit your way to God.Let go of anger and frustration, trusting in God’s ways.Your Next Steps Read Psalm 37: Use the BITEs shared in this episode to deepen your understanding of God’s Word.Download the Episode Guide: Grab this week’s guide at michellenezat.com/509download for tools to help you interact with Psalm 37 and apply its truths to your life.Reflect & Respond: What dreams or desires are you holding tightly to? How can you commit them to the Lord today?Key Scriptures Psalm 37:4-5: “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.”Psalm 37:7: “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him.”Additional Resources Lyrics - MusicMatchFaith Behind the Song "I Give You My Dreams" by Sarai Rivera - Air1 Worship ArticleLearn more about my favorite Bible Study Software with a 30-day free trial and links to my all-time favorite Bible resources - Logos Bible Software Affiliate LinkThis Week's Challenge Read Psalm 37 for yourself. Read it repetitively and in various translations before interacting with it further. Once you have the Psalm firmly planted in your mind, jot down some observations. Do you see any repetitive words or phrases? Consider the contrast of what action words David uses instead of fretting. As you give over your dreams and desires to the Lord — committing wholeheartedly to His ways — incorporate the actions you uncover into your day as you meditate on this Psalm. Purchase your copy of A Seat at the Table today! Change your music. Change your life. Join my free 30-Day Music Challenge. CLICK HERE.

    22 min

  8. 13 JAN

    #508: "Running Back To You" by Seph Schlueter

    Send us a text Our hope in the Lord is that He will draw near to us if we draw near to Him (see James 4:8). Seph Schlueter sings about drawing near to God in his song "Running Back to You." But the song made me ask, "How do we get so far from God in the first place?" We gain insight when we search Scripture to see how it happened for God's chosen people in the Old Testament. Join me in exploring the pages of the prophet Jeremiah, expecting God to reveal Himself to us (and hopefully either draw us back or keep us close). In this episode, I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - our Bible Interaction Tool Exercises this week are: Read and keep on readingConsult an overviewRepetitionMake observationsComplete a word studyStart with GodMake a listMeditate on ScriptureEpisode GuideWatching an overview of Jeremiah - BibleProject.comBeginning with the end in mind -- running back to God and Him receiving His people (Jeremiah 30-33) Jeremiah 30:3Jeremiah 30:10Jeremiah 31:3Jeremiah 31:4-5Jeremiah 31:7Jeremiah 31:13-14Exploring the questions posed in Jeremiah 2-6The angst in God's question found in Jeremiah 2:5Completing a word study on "worthlessness" - BibleHub.comHow the people of God forfeited their identity of treasured possession (Deuteronomy 14:2) and became worthless (Jeremiah 2:5)Exploring the question "Where is the Lord?" - Jeremiah 2:6" Jeremiah 2:8Additional Resources Lyrics - New Release TodayK-LOVE Conversations With Seph Schlueter - KLove.comLearn more about my favorite Bible Study Software with a 30-day free trial and links to my all-time favorite Bible resources - Logos Bible Software Affiliate LinkThis Week's Challenge Read Jeremiah 1-6 Week's-33 (or Jeremiah 1-33 if you feel adventurous). Read or watch an overview of the book of Jeremiah. Examine the questions asked in Jeremiah 2-6, beginning with seeking to understand God’s character, conduct, and concerns. Then, move to make observations of the questions and the context around the questions. Finally, ask God to help you understand how you should respond to what you’ve learned. Purchase your copy of A Seat at the Table today! Change your music. Change your life. Join my free 30-Day Music Challenge. CLICK HERE.

    24 min
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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.

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