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 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. -6 ДН.

    #524: "Let The Church Sing” by Tauren Wells

    Send us a text What does the church look like when it reflects the truth of Scripture? Inspired by Tauren Wells’ song Let The Church Sing, I explore the “one” statements in Ephesians 4 and the declarations of God’s uniqueness in Jeremiah and Isaiah. This episode is a call to meditate deeply on God’s character and to examine whether we’ve allowed our structures, traditions, or programs to become idols in our worship. Key Points Unity in the Church: The lyrics of the song reflect the “one” statements in Ephesians 4, emphasizing one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God.Meditation Over Efficiency: Biblical meditation is a slow, deliberate process that contrasts with our culture’s obsession with productivity. It invites us to linger in God’s Word and allow it to shape us.Striving vs. Surrender: Michelle shares her personal journey from striving through achievement to surrender through meditation, especially during a wilderness season in her life.Idolatry in Modern Church Structures: Drawing from Jeremiah and Isaiah, the episode explores how even well-intentioned church structures, programs, and traditions can become idols if they replace true worship of God.God’s Unmatched Greatness: Scripture repeatedly declares that there is no one like our God. This truth is central to both the song and the episode’s message.Reorienting Worship: The call is to fix our eyes on God, not on the “scarecrows in the cucumber field” — the false idols and distractions that draw us away from Him.Bible Interaction Tool Exercises (BITEs) Meditation – Slow down and linger in God’s Word.Repetition – Read and re-read passages to internalize truth.Read in context – Don’t isolate verses; read surrounding passages.Start with God – Focus on His character, conduct, and concerns.Compare translations – Gain deeper understanding through varied wording.Make a list – Identify characteristics of God from the text.Additional Resources Download the free Episode GuideFaith Behind The Song: 'Let The Church Sing' Tauren Wells - Air1.com ArticleBible Interaction Roadmap Bible Study - videos and assignments that will equip you with habits you can use over and over in your own Bible Study - Learn MoreLearn more about my favorite Bible Study Software with a 30-day free trial and links to my favorite Bible resources - Logos Bible Software Affiliate LinkThis Week's Challenge Read Jeremiah 10 and keep on reading. Recognize that God is very concerned with anything that sets itself up to take the highest place of honor and worship. Prayerfully ask God to reveal if there is anything in your heart, mind, or life that you are expecting to deliver you that is ANYTHING but God Himself. Meditate on God and the ways there is no one like Him. And stop putting up with anything less than HIM. 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 мин.

  2. 14 ОКТ.

    #523: "A Seat at the Table" by Michelle Nezat

    Send us a text This week, I’m celebrating the first birthday of my novel, A Seat at the Table. Just as the songs I feature each week point readers back to Scripture, I wrote my book to do the same. Joy’s story may be fictional, but the truths she wrestles with are very real. Together, let’s use elements of her journey to launch us into Scripture as we consider the authority of God’s Word and how we can apply it to our lives. In this episode, we dive into David’s story in 1 Chronicles. At first, David relies on his mighty men for advice on moving the Ark of the Covenant—but he doesn’t consult God’s Word. The result is tragic. Later, David pauses, goes back to the Scriptures, and discovers God’s clear instructions. His course correction reminds us that our good intentions aren’t enough—we need God’s truth to guide us. Key Points Joy’s struggle is our struggle: She longs for guidance but keeps choosing the wrong voices because she doesn’t have a firm biblical standard.The Authority of Scripture: God’s Word isn’t just helpful—it is the inspired Word of God, sufficient to guide our decisions and shape our worldview.David’s lesson in 1 Chronicles 13: Like Joy, David consulted wise advisors and thought he was doing the right thing, but he failed to seek God’s way through God’s Word.A holy pause: When life goes sideways, pause, take your questions before the Lord, and let His Word bring clarity and direction.Additional Resources Download the free Episode GuideMichelle's guest appearance on The Company podcast - YouTube LinkA Seat at the Table - a Christian Redemption Novel by Michelle Nezat - Amazon Paid LinkBible Interaction Roadmap Bible Study - videos and assignments that will equip you with habits you can use over and over in your own Bible Study - Learn MoreLearn more about my favorite Bible Study Software with a 30-day free trial and links to my favorite Bible resources - Logos Bible Software Affiliate LinkThis Week's Challenge Read 1 Chronicles 10-16 to get the full context of what is happening with David and the Ark of the Covenant. Meditate on the type of men David sought counsel from and recognize that what was lacking was the voice of God in the process. Use my free Episode Guide to help guide your study of this account in Scripture. If you’re inspired to develop a Biblical worldview like Nanette talks to Joy about in my novel A Seat at the Table, I’ve put together a paid Bible study that will give you a roadmap to walk you through six ways to interact with God's Word using Psalm 103, another Scripture I introduce in “A Seat at the Table.” Finally, if you’re interested in reading the novel, I’ll link to it in the show notes. It’s also available on Amazon, and you can learn more at michellenezat.com/books. 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 мин.

  3. 29 СЕНТ.

    #522: "Can't Steal My Joy” by Josiah Queen

    Send us a text Have you ever felt like your joy was slipping away — stolen by circumstances, injustice, or waiting for God to move? Josiah Queen’s song “Can’t Steal My Joy” declares a deeper truth: the joy God gives isn’t tied to what’s happening around us, and the world can’t take away what it didn’t give. This week on More Than a Song, we’re exploring the book of Habakkuk — a short but powerful conversation between a prophet and God about violence, injustice, confusion, and ultimately, unwavering trust. As we follow Habakkuk’s journey from questioning to rejoicing, we’ll discover how to choose joy even in seasons that don’t make sense. Key Points Joy given by God is not dependent on our circumstances — it’s untouchable and unshakable.Habakkuk wrestled with the same tension we often feel: what we see in the world versus what we know about God’s character.Even in seasons of waiting, confusion, or suffering, we can choose to rejoice in the God of our salvation.Honest dialogue with God is not only allowed but modeled by Habakkuk.Faith is the dividing line between the proud who trust in themselves and the righteous who trust in God.Bible Interaction Tool Exercises (BITEs) Used Read in context – Read the entire book of Habakkuk (it’s only three chapters!).Repetition – Read or listen to the book multiple times to deepen understanding.Read in various translations – Compare language choices in different versions.Consult an overview – Watch the Bible Project video on Habakkuk.Make observations – Look for patterns, dialogue, and themes.Compare and contrast – Examine the difference between the proud and the righteous.Follow cross-references – Explore how Habakkuk 2:4 is quoted in the New Testament.Additional Resources Download the free Episode GuideLyrics for Can't Steal My Joy by Josiah Queen – NewReleaseToday.comOld Testament Overview of Habakkuk - BibleProject.comCCM Magazine ArticleExalting Jesus in Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk (Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary) - Amazon Paid LinkLearn more about my favorite Bible Study Software with a 30-day free trial and links to my favorite Bible resources - Logos Bible Software Affiliate LinkThis Week's Challenge Read and listen to Habakkuk on repeat. Write down your observations and then watch the Bible Project overview video about Habakkuk. Write down your own questions for God and ask Him to reveal His answers. In the meantime, write out your own prayer in the pattern of Habakkuk’s song in chapter three. Be sure to include the choice to be joyful in the God of your salvation. 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 мин.

  4. 15 СЕНТ.

    #521: "No Fear" by Jon Reddick

    Send us a text Fear can creep in when our circumstances shake us, but what if God offers us something better? This week’s song, “No Fear” by Jon Reddick, leads us to explore the very first mention of fear in Scripture and how God’s perfect love casts it out. Together we’ll trace fear from the Garden of Eden to John’s letter of assurance, discovering how to rest in the confidence of God’s unshakable love. Key Points The first mention of fear in the Bible and what it reveals (Genesis 3)What Adam’s relationship with God looked like before fear entered the storyWhy context matters when studying familiar passagesHow perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18)Why confidence in salvation is the foundation for overcoming all other fearsHow God’s perfect love—not our striving—sets us freeScripture References Genesis 1–3 – God’s creation, Adam and Eve’s relationship with Him, sin entering the world, and the first appearance of fear.Genesis 3:6–10 – Adam and Eve eat the fruit, recognize their nakedness, hide from God, and respond with fear.Genesis 2:25 – Before sin, Adam and Eve were naked but felt no shame.1 John 4:17–18 – Perfect love gives us confidence in the day of judgment and casts out fear.Psalm 119:18 – A prayer to see wonderful truths in God’s Word.Ephesians 1:16–19 – Paul prays for spiritual wisdom and for believers’ hearts to be enlightened.Romans 8:35–39 – Nothing—not trouble, danger, or even nakedness—can separate us from God’s love in Christ Jesus.Bible Interaction Tool Exercises (BITEs) Used Read in context – Take in the surrounding chapters so you don’t misunderstand or misapply a single verse.Read Scripture aloud – Slows you down and helps you notice details you might otherwise skim over.Meditate on Scripture – Instead of emptying your mind, fill it with God’s Word and turn it over like a diamond to see its many facets.Make a list – Organize your observations (like Adam’s God-given gifts and purpose) to see patterns and truths more clearly.Pray Scripture – Turn God’s Word into your personal prayer, asking Him to open your eyes and transform your heart.Additional Resources Download the free Episode Guide"Behind the Song With Kevin Davis" - New Release Today Article"Why Francis Chan Abandoned His Megachurch for Living Rooms" - YouTube Interview by LacraeLearn more about my favorite Bible Study Software with a 30-day free trial and links to my favorite Bible resources - Logos Bible Software Affiliate LinkThis Week's Challenge Read Genesis 1-3, making note of details that may hint at Adam and God’s “history” and relationship with one another. How do those details inform how Adam responded with the first mention of fear in the Bible? Read 1 John — the whole letter — and then focus in on 1 John 4 where John teaches us that perfect love casts out fear. As you meditate on Scripture, seek to answer these questions: What is the source of perfect love? Is it possible for our love to be perfected? Then note what areas of your life are 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 мин.

  5. 1 СЕНТ.

    #520: “Your Way’s Better” by Forrest Frank

    Send us a text Forrest Frank’s viral song “Your Way’s Better” is catchy, AND its lyrics point us to a deeper truth worth slowing down to consider: God’s way truly is better. From Paul’s letter to the Romans to Israel’s wilderness experiences, Scripture shows us over and over again the futility of choosing our own way over God’s way. This week on More Than a Song, we’ll explore Romans 10 and discover how clinging to our own efforts can keep us from the righteousness that only comes through Christ. Key Points The lyrics highlight a clear contrast between the ways of sin and the ways of God.Romans 10:1–4 reveals the Jews' “misdirected zeal” as they cling to their own way instead of embracing God’s way through Christ.God’s way of making us right with Himself is not through law-keeping, but through faith in Jesus.The warnings of misdirected zeal, misunderstanding, and clinging to self-effort apply just as much to us today as they did to the Jews of Paul's day.Studying larger sections of Scripture (like Romans 9–11) helps us grasp the full context of Paul’s arguments and God’s redemptive plan.Scripture References Romans 10:1–4 – God’s way of making people right with Himself through Christ.Romans 9:4–5, 20 – Israel’s privileges and Paul’s reminder of God’s sovereignty.Exodus 15 – God sets forth His way in contrast to Egypt and Canaan.Matthew 16:23–24 – Jesus rebukes Peter and calls His followers to walk in His way.Bible Interaction Tool Exercises (BITEs) Study larger chunks of Scripture – read Romans 9–11 for context.Read in context – expand to the chapter before and after your focus passage (this is a loose rule...I explain more on the episode)Compare translations – notice how different versions phrase “God’s way” vs. “their own way.”Use section headings – gain bearings in a familiar text by scanning how thoughts are grouped.Consider opposites – clarify what God’s way is by identifying what it is not.Additional Resources Download the free Episode GuideLyrics for Your Way's Better by Forrest Frank – NewReleaseToday.comEpisode 519 – Looking at how God reigns with wisdom, power, and love.Episode 518 – Jesus rebukes Peter for having in mind the things of man instead of the things of God, then teaches how to follow Him.Episode 515 – Israel’s early wilderness experiences in Exodus 15, contrasting God’s way with the ways of Egypt and Canaan.This Week's Challenge Read Romans 9-11. I recommend reading it several times in various translations. For example, the phrasing “God’s way” vs. “their own way” is found in the New Living Translation, and I may have missed it in the ESV or CSB, which I often read and study. Look closely at the characteristics of the people and God’s ways. Consider big picture ideas here and how you might be able to identify the same errors in your 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.

    23 мин.

  6. 18 АВГ.

    #519: "What An Awesome God” by Phil Wickham

    Send us a text Phil Wickham took a Rich Mullins classic chorus and breathed new life into it with his song What An Awesome God. This chorus has stood the test of time because it is rooted in solid theology. On this episode, we’ll explore Scripture that confirms the truths we sing—that our God is awesome, that He reigns from heaven, and that He reigns with wisdom, power, and love. Key Points Why theology (study of God) should always lead to doxology (praise)Using the BITE of making a list to uncover God’s character in Psalm 68Defining the words awesome and reign to deepen our understandingA word study on the Hebrew word ḥesed (steadfast love)How the “new” lyrics added by Wickham are also firmly grounded in ScriptureScriptures referenced in this episode: Psalm 68Nehemiah 1:5Deuteronomy 7:21Exodus 15:11, 18Psalm 99:1–3Psalm 93:1; 97:1; 103:19; 147:4–5Isaiah 40:26; 66:1Matthew 6:9–10; 8:27Romans 14:11Philippians 2:9–11Revelation 4:2–3; 19:6, 12Bible Interaction Tool Exercises (BITEs) Make a listDefine words in the English dictionaryComplete a word study in HebrewRead in contextStart with God (look for His character, conduct, and concerns)Additional Resources Download the free Episode Guide: michellenezat.com/519downloadLyrics for What An Awesome God by Phil Wickham – NewReleaseToday.comBible study tools mentioned: BibleHub.com | BlueLetterBible.orgLearn more about my favorite Bible Study Software with a 30-day free trial and links to my favorite Bible resources - Logos Bible Software Affiliate LinkThis Week's Challenge Follow the pattern I’ve used this week. Seek out areas of Scripture that confirm that God is awesome and reigns from heaven with wisdom, power, and love. Read these verses in context, make lists, look up English definitions, and complete Hebrew and Greek word studies. Read and interact with Scripture for yourself. And then lift your eyes and your heart to God in heaven and praise Him, for all of your efforts toward theology should lead to doxology. And we serve an awesome God who is worthy of our praise. 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 мин.

  7. 4 АВГ.

    #518: "Get Behind Me” by Emerson Day feat. Zach Williams

    Send us a text Have you ever felt like you were doing the right thing, only to realize you were actually standing in the way of God's plan? That’s what happened to Peter — and Jesus’ strong words in response became the foundation for this week’s song. Emerson Day’s “Get Behind Me” feat. Zach Williams is more than a gritty battle cry against the enemy — it’s a bold reminder to align our thoughts with God’s truth. In this episode, we’ll explore the moment when Jesus rebuked Peter and what that means for us as modern-day disciples. Key Points The context behind Jesus’ words “Get behind me, Satan!”Why Peter’s mindset (though well-meaning) missed the markThe enemy’s age-old strategy to distort truthJesus’ call to deny, die, and followHow our own thinking can drift from God’s waysWhat it means to walk the road with Jesus, not just for HimBible Interaction Tool Exercises (BITEs) Read in context (Mark 7–9, Matthew 15–17)RepetitionReading in various translationsObservationAsking questionsImaginationMaking a listUsing outside resourcesScripture References: Colossians 3:2Mark 8:27–38Matthew 16:13–28Mark 7:6–8Isaiah 29:13Malachi 4:5–6Matthew 11:11–15Matthew 17:10–13Additional Resources Lyrics - New Release TodayWuest’s Word Studies - Amazon Paid LinkWhy did Jesus say to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan”? - GotQuestions.org Article2022 State of American Theology Study - PDF LinkFree 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 Affiliate Link resources - Logos Bible Software Affiliate LinkThis Week's Challenge Know Jesus’ words so you won’t be ashamed of them: set aside preconceived ideas and read Mark 7 – 9 and Matthew 15 – 17 repeatedly in several translations. Note questions, test whether your thoughts and practices align with Scripture, and compare what mattered to Peter and the disciples with what mattered to Jesus. Journal these insights and pray that God shifts your focus from worldly traditions to His kingdom purposes. 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.

    29 мин.

  8. 21 ИЮЛ.

    #517: "Desperate” by Jamie MacDonald

    Send us a text Have you ever been in a wilderness season for an extended period of time? I’m in one now, and Jamie MacDonald’s song Desperate resonated deeply with me. When we explore the stories of desperate people in Scripture, we find that God consistently shows up in powerful ways. This week, we follow the example of one such person—the Shunammite woman in 2 Kings—and discover how faith-fueled contentment can coexist with crisis. Scripture References 2 Kings 4:8-37Key Points Desperation comes in many forms. Scripture reveals both positive and negative responses to desperation—such as the woman with the issue of blood versus Esau trading his birthright for a bowl of stew.Faith-fueled contentment is not denial. The Shunammite woman’s “all is well” was not a pep talk—it was a declaration rooted in deep faith.Desperation doesn’t have to drive you from God—it can drive you to Him. In her moment of crisis, the Shunammite woman didn’t send word—she went to the prophet herself and clung to his feet.Unmet desires don’t negate contentment. Even though she didn’t ask for a son, the longing was still there—and God met it. But when the promise seemed lost, she chose action rooted in belief.Observing biblical narrative carefully leads to powerful insight. Repetition, character details, and implied time gaps all deepen our understanding of the text and help us engage more fully.Bible Interaction Tool Exercises (BITEs) Used Read in context – Engage with the full narrative in 2 Kings 4:8-37.Repetition – Read and re-read the passage to become familiar with the details.Make observations – Write down what you notice in the text.Use your imagination – Picture the setting and feel the emotions in the scene.Define words – Look up and explore both meanings and antonyms.Consider the opposite – What does it mean not to be desperate? What does contentment look like?Use the SPECK method: S – Is there a sin to avoid?P – Is there a promise revealed?E – Is there an example to follow?C – Is there a command to obey?K – What should I know about God?Additional Resources Lyrics and chords - New Release TodayMy friend Denise Pass's book Make Up Your Mind and her speaking live on the Shunammite woman has informed this episode - link to Make Up Your MindFree Episode Guide Logos Bible Software Affiliate Link resources - Logos Bible Software Affiliate LinkThis Week's Challenge Read this narrative for yourself in 2 Kings 4:8-37. Give yourself permission to slow down and imagine the details (written, implied, and in between the lines). Read this narrative repetitively and talk about it with a friend. Make some observations and write them down. Then consider what you’ve observed in the Shunammite woman that can serve as an example for your life and respond accordingly. If you’d like a guide to walk you through this, download the free 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.

    23 мин.
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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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