For the first time in over 430 weekly episodes of More Than a Song, I will be taking a brief break from the podcast. I'll be diving back in with fresh episodes on August 15th using 90's Christian throwback song "Dive" by Steven Curtis Chapman. (See what I did there?) I'll also be over at Mixtape Theology (a fellow New Release Today Podcast Network member) for a partner episode on that same day. In the meantime, subscribe to my email list and follow me on social media platforms (specifically Instagram @michellenezat), as my daughter Emily will be highlighting a weekly featured episode from the archives you may have missed. We will also be producing a series of reels on my Bible Interaction Tool Exercises (BITEs) -- the exercises I use to keep my time in God's Word varied and effective. This way, you can keep reading God's Word for yourself and catch up on forgotten or missed episodes from the archives. Why take a break? In the past, if I've needed to take some time off, I've always played Encore Episodes, so why the break? In a nutshell? Obedience and a big assignment. Listen to this episode to hear a brief description of both. Why have I never done this before? My shiny reasons? I'm dedicated to creating fresh content each week, and God keeps meeting me in it! My not-so-shiny reasons? Fear and pride. Listen to this episode to hear my full confession. (I'm not the only one who struggles with this, right?) Until next time, take time to meditate on God's Word and consider His ways. Resource Mentioned in This Episode I mentioned Compel Training - a Proverbs31 membership site for writers. I am a volunteer leader in their Podcasting Community Group and have learned SO much from this community. Check it out if you are a writer or speaker (or want to become one).
I think it's an excellent problem to have. The problem that Zach Bolen, lead singer of Citizens, shared with me as the foundation for the song "Everything And More" by Citizens. The problem is that words don't seem to express our God accurately. Any descriptor we can come up with God is all that and more. Join me as we explore the Old Testament book of Job this week to see a group of friends giving their best effort to figure God out. Spoiler alert -- they fail. In this week's episode, I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Read in context Read and keep on reading Consult an overview Follow the cross-reference Look up words in the dictionary Make a list My special Friday With Friends interview with Zach Bolen, the lead singer of Citizens - A link to the audio or video version of the interview Reading the book of Job for yourself The two main resources I used for an overview of Job Reformation Study Bible - Amazon Paid Li...
Welcome to Friday With Friends! I have the distinct privilege of meeting incredible followers of Christ who have amazing ministries, fascinating careers, and incredible hobbies and pet projects that flow out of their identity in Christ. While my podcast is a solo show, I still want to have a venue to introduce you to these friends as examples of the multifaceted ways God works in and through His people. Today I have the privilege of hosting Zach Bolen, lead singer with Citizens to talk about their new song "Everything And More," his Bible study habits, Contemporary Christian Music as art, and more. Of course, I get him to share his favorite Bible Interaction Tool Exercises, too. Connect with Zach Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zachbolenmusic Band Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/MUSIC.CITIZENS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zachbolen/Band Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/citizens_music/
There are truths in Scripture that make us feel uncomfortable. Sometimes we don't think they make sense. Other times they bump up against a belief we hold that doesn't align with Scripture itself. Riley Clemmons' song "Godsend" sent me to 2 Corinthians, where Paul describes something that seems a little "thorny" on the surface. Join me on the journey this week as we allow Scripture to change how we think -- despite the discomfort. In this week's episode, I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Read in context Consult an overview Utilize an outside resource Follow the cross-reference Look up words in the dictionary Read in a variety of translations Historical context Meditate on Scripture The elements of our feature verse reflected in the lyrics - 2 Corinthians 12:7 How God may send painful circumstances to protect us How 2 Corinthians is tricky to read Consulting an overview The Bible Project Overview of 2 Corinthians - Y...
The names of God reveal aspects of His character. I identified two names of God to explore using this week's song "Jireh" by Elevation Worship and Maverick City Music as inspiration. Come with me to Genesis to learn more about Yahweh Yireh and El Shaddai. In this week's episode, I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Read in context Remembering the people described in the Bible were REAL Consult a map Use your imagination Slow down My friend Vince Wright and his work at TheBereanTest.com - YouTube Interview on MichelleNezat TV The Berean Test's review of "Jireh" - TheBereanTest.com Article "Jireh" in our song refers to Jehovah Jireh, the King James Version translation of the Hebrew name for God Yahweh Yireh, meaning "The Lord Will Provide" "You are enough" in our song refers to the name for God El Shaddai, meaning All-Sufficient One Where God reveals His name El Shaddai - Genesis 17 Considering the multiple cross-country...
What constitutes a miracle to you? How about raising a dead man to life? Of course! Did you know that miracle is available to us as well? That's what Lauren Daigle sings about in her song, "Still Rolling Stones." We learn straight from the words of Jesus in this episode. Explore a familiar story with me in John 11. In this week’s episode, I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Repetition Read in a variety of translations Write in your Bible Reading the account of Christ's resurrection in all four gospels Choosing the rolling stone incident in John 11 - John 11:39 Why I use the English Standard Version to study - Bonus article by Wayne Grudem Letting things "rise to the surface" by reading repetitively Doing the work of interacting with God's Word to get results Focusing on what we DO understand before getting thrown off by what we don't understand in a text Exploring some "so" and "so that"s in the text Lazarus' illness...
Our convictions govern our behavior. You will need deep convictions to stand for your faith in the culture today. This is just what Newsboys sings about in their new single "STAND." I hope to inspire you to read your Bible for yourself this week. Submitting to God's Word as true will develop deep convictions. This is just the foundation you need to stand on when the waves of culture come crashing upon your shore. In this week's episode, I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Meditate on Scripture Read and keep on reading Read in context Two college-aged girls who have taken a stand for the unborn The Ethics 101 article in the Maxwell Leadership Bible - Amazon Paid Link How Uriah's convictions determine his behavior, and ultimately his fate - 2 Samuel 11 John Maxwell's definition of conviction - "A strong belief that so governs your decisions that you are willing to die for it." The progression from idea to opinion to belief to commitment to conviction Developing convictions in our lives through: Acknowledging the Bible as the truth source from which we will live Choosing to apply truth from that source to our daily life Exposing ourselves to a relevant need or crisis Determining ahead of time where we stand Uncovering Paul's call to stand in his letter to the Philippians - Philippians 1:27, Philippians 4:1 Counting the cost with Paul in Philippians 1:20-21 Discovering how Paul was willing to die for the magnification of Christ - Philippians 1:24-36 How Paul was willing to die for the gospel, and it is in light of this deep conviction that he calls on us to stand - Philippians 1:27-30 Standing firm as unified believers, not as individuals Together With the same mind (the mind of Christ) In service unto death (if necessary) Taking a stand because our future hope outshines the cost to stand So we stand firm by leaning into each other. Building one another up. And working hard to have the same mind. Not unanimous agreement in our ideas or opinions all of the time, but the same convictions founded in truth. Additional Resources Lyrics - NewReleaseToday.com Maxwell Leadership Bible - Amazon Paid Link Weekly Challenge Ask God to reveal any holes in your convictions. Are there areas you need to fill with the truth of God's Word? Have your convictions been tested? In light of the discussion on convictions, read Paul's letter to the Philippians. Identify how Paul encourages believers to stand and practical ways to do that.
In what circumstances do you need to be carried? I think of when I'm hurt or incapacitated -- any time when I can't carry myself. Ellie Holcomb's song "I Will Carry You" led me to consider God's thoughts on why He carries us. Join me in the pages of Scripture to see why God even indicated He would carry us in the first place. In this week's episode, I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Slow down Make a list Meditate on Scripture Read in context Complete a word study Consider the opposite Compare and contrast How our featured area of meditation inspired Ellie Holcomb in the writing of the song as well - Isaiah 46:4 - JubileeCast.com Article How slowing down can lead to deeper observations and greater understanding God's method of getting us to look more closely at an idea - "Listen to me" The different words for "carry" used in this section of Isaiah "borne" - Strongs #6006 "carry" - Strongs #5375 God's reasoning behind...
When Brandon Heath sings of days getting dark and life getting hard in his song "See Me Through It," I immediately thought of Habakkuk and the national crisis during his time. The darkness and injustice of his time can be seen in our own, and just like Habakkuk, we can trust that God will see us through it. I have a plan to help you interact with the text of this minor prophet all week. You don't want to miss it. In this week's episode, I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Remembering the people reflected in the Bible were real Listen to an audio version of the text Reading in context Repetition Study in various translations Make a list Write down observations Ask questions Write out a prayer inspired by Scripture Using this week's song as Habakkuk's theme song Thoughts about prophets I learned from reading in Abraham Joshua Heschel's book "The Prophets" - Amazon Paid Link "The prophet is a person, not a microphone." "...
Christ is my firm foundation. He is the rock on which I stand. These are not just great lyrics from Maverick City Music in their song "Firm Foundation (He Won't)," but they're founded in Scripture. Come with me on a journey through God's Holy Word to learn more about our Rock. In this week's episode, I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Make a list Read in context Compare and contrast God does not change and is not impacted by our current chaos Moving beyond powerful lyrics to the deeper truths that inspired them How Christ is our firm foundation - 1 Corinthians 3:11 Christ as the cornerstone - Isaiah 28:16 a tested stone a precious stone a cornerstone a sure foundation How Christ was rejected - Psalm 118 and Mark 12:10-11 What it means that Jesus Christ is the cornerstone - GotQuestions.org Article How we fit it in the building of God as living stones - 1 Peter 2:4-8 Christ as our only foundation - Use Episode 414 as ...