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

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

Send us a textHave 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 PointsThe 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 ResourcesLyrics - 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 ChallengeKnow 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.

#517: "Desperate” by Jamie MacDonald

Send us a textHave 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 References2 Kings 4:8-37Key PointsDesperation 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) UsedRead 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 ResourcesLyrics 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 ChallengeRead 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 guPurchase your copy of A Seat at the Table today! Change your music. Change your life. Join my free 30-Day Music Challenge. CLICK HERE.

#516: "Unashamed" by Matthew West

Send us a textWe often think standing unashamed for our faith means making bold, public declarations—but what if it starts in private, consistent, quiet obedience? In this episode of More Than a Song, we take inspiration from Matthew West’s song “Unashamed” to explore the gospel in Romans 1 and examples from the book of Daniel. Discover how a heart resolved in private can stand firm in public…even in the fire or before the lions.Key PointsWhen Paul says he is “unashamed of the gospel,” he follows it up with why — because it is the power of God for salvation.Paul’s identity as a servant (Greek: doulos) shapes his purpose and obedience. He belongs to Christ and is sent out by Him.Daniel and his friends didn’t stand in anger, but in resolved obedience—a posture developed over time through daily faithfulness.Being unashamed isn’t just about standing in public moments—it’s about living faithfully in private ones.The gospel is not a New Testament invention. Paul shows it was promised beforehand, centered on Christ, and rooted in Scripture.Scripture ReferencesRomans 1:1–6 – Paul introduces himself as a servant, apostle, and one set apart for the gospel.Romans 1:15–16 – Paul declares he is not ashamed of the gospel.Daniel 1–6 – Daniel and his friends live faithfully, respectfully, and courageously in a pagan culture.Acts 26:15–18 – Paul recounts his calling and commissioning by Jesus.Hebrews 3:1, John 20:21, Acts 1:21–22, Mark 3:14 – Context for the role of apostle.Bible Interaction Tool Exercises (BITEs) UsedRead in context – Don’t pull verses in isolation; read the surrounding chapters.Make a list – Especially helpful in unpacking Romans 1.Do a word study – Greek terms like doulos (servant), apostolos (apostle), and euangelion (gospel).Use multiple translations – Compare how key terms are rendered across versions.Slow down – Meditate on phrases and ask, “What does this really mean?”Additional ResourcesLyrics - New Release TodayFree Episode Guide – Download it to interact more deeply with this week’s Scriptures and BITEs.BibleHub.com (for free word studies and translation comparison)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 ChallengeSpend some time working your way slowly through Romans chapter 1. Take the time to make lists and complete word studies so that you can fully understand what Paul was saying to his first audience — the believers in Rome — and us today. Slip over to Daniel and read the first six chapters. Get caught up in the story. Remember that the men described in these pages were real. They determined in their heart to obey God and follow His ways amid a dark and pagan culture. They stood their ground, and God blessed them in the midst of it. It doesn’t mean they didn’t go through trials, but that they were prPurchase your copy of A Seat at the Table today! Change your music. Change your life. Join my free 30-Day Music Challenge. CLICK HERE.

#515: "In The Waiting” by Summit Worship

Send us a textWe 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 PointsMichelle 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 ReferencesExodus 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) UsedRead 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.

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

Send us a textDownload 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 ResourcesLyrics - 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 ChallengeRead 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 cPurchase your copy of A Seat at the Table today! Change your music. Change your life. Join my free 30-Day Music Challenge. CLICK HERE.