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God specializes in bringing dead things back to life. From the first pages of Genesis when man walked into death through mistrust and disobedience God mapped out the plan to defeat death forever. Elevation Worship's song "Resurrecting" celebrates the resurrecting power of our resurrected Savior.

Let's explore what Scripture has to say about what it looks like to come back from the dead.

On this episode I discuss:

• Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include:
  • Read and keep on reading
  • Context
  • Ask Questions
  • Make Observations
  • Study with a Friend
  • Repetition
• Reading your Bible is non-negotiable. There. You've been told.
• You can do this. BITEs can help.
• There will always be those we can learn from, but starting with the base of what Scripture says is our job first
• Making some observations in Colossians 2:13
• Zooming out to read the context of Colossians 2
• Two metaphors -- buried with Christ and spiritual circumcision - Colossians 2:11 and Colossians 2:12
• The now and the not yet - the spiritual life (our real life) and the physical life and when those will sync up

   

Additional Resources

• Lyrics and chords for "Resurrecting" by Elevation Worship - Essential Worship
• Mark's Story - "Resurrecting" by Elevation Worship - YouTube Video

This Week's Challenge

Read all of Paul’s letter to the Colossians (it’s only 4 chapters). Make some observations, read it with a friend, compile a couple of lists. Take note of life and death…it’s interwoven throughout this letter. Then every time you listen to this week’s song you can be reminded of your time in God’s Word.

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Challenges in our lives will never stop coming. Like waves that ebb and flow in strength and number, our trials and suffering come in and go out, but they never stop coming. The solution is to fix our eyes on God and the hope revealed in His Word. Ellie Holcomb's song "Find You Here" reminds us that He is in the midst of each ordeal...even the darkest ones.

Peter knew he needed to prepare believers for fiery trials, too. Let's let our song lead us there this week.

On this episode I discuss:

• Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include:
  • Read and keep on reading
  • Explore a topic
  • Follow the cross references
• The problem with contemporary western thought in regard to suffering
• "Walking With God Through Pain and Suffering" by Timothy Keller
• Episode 171 and my reference to Jen Wilkin's book "None Like Him"
• Ellie Holcomb's blog post about the story behind the song - www.ellieholcomb.com
• The pattern in 1 Peter - We suffered. Christ suffered. We suffered. Christ suffered - Hebrews 4:15
• Jesus made perfect through suffering - Hebrews 2:10
• God is pleased with us when we endure suffering patiently - 1 Peter 2:20
• The example Christ leaves for suffering - 1 Peter 2:22-25
• The cross reference to Isaiah 53:2-12

   

Additional Resources

• Lyrics and chords for "Find You Here" by Ellie Holcomb - Ultimate Guitar
• Story behind the song "Find You Here" by Ellie Holcomb - New Release Today Article

This Week's Challenge

Read 1 Peter all the way through. It may benefit you to read it through several times in several translations. Once you have a good grasp of the letter as a whole, focus in on what the letter says specifically about suffering. You may find it easiest to go through and make a list of every reference to suffering, trials, etc. If you want to follow the example of this podcast, study the example of Christ Peter gives in chapter 2. Follow the cross-reference to Isaiah 53 it will really give you perspective. Do all of this with the corrected worldview that suffering is not to be avoided at all cost (and I think we know that practically it can’t be), but that we can endu

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We live in a world where we want the results, but are often unwilling to put in the work. I agree with The Afters when they sing about wanting to hear the words "well done" in the end. Jesus makes it clear in his parables the characteristics of those inheriting the kingdom of God.

Let's make some discoveries and ACT on what we find.

On this episode I discuss:

• Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include:
  • Compare and contrast
  • Read in context
  • Make observations
• My guest appearance on Reverentia's podcast RE - iTunes Episode Link
• Thinking Scripturally about the phrase, "Well done my good and faithful servant."
• The parable where the phrase "well done" is found - Matthew 25:14-30
• Reading the Parable of the Talents in context - Matthew 24 and Matthew 25
• Discussing what is worth more than a talent of gold - Psalm 19:7-11
• Comparing and contrasting the servants in the Parable of the Talents - Matthew 25:14-30
• Comparing and contrasting in the other parables and examples in Matthew 25
• Considering what God is concerned about that will lead to his approval in the end

 

   

Additional Resources

• Lyrics and Chords - Praise Charts
• Story Behind the Song "Well Done" by The Afters - YouTube Video

This Week's Challenge

Read the Parable of the Talents in context by reading Matthew 24 and 25. Make observations and compare and contrast because that is what Jesus is doing throughout this teaching. Make note of which "character" in each parable or story you want to be. Discern what actions or beliefs are displayed and what those behaviors lead to. Acknowledge the consequences of the "other" choice in each parable. And then don't just wait to hear "well done" -- act!

 

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It's the hardest experiences that often shape us the most. While they may be excruciating in the moment, when we persevere, these trials lead to greater character and hope. "Scars" by I Am They sings of this very phenomenon. May we be strengthened by our scars, not broken by them.

There is a man deeply scarred that you may have missed in the Old Testament. Let's read about him together!

On this episode I discuss:

• Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include:
  
  • Read the section headings to get your bearings
  • Compare and contrast
  • Read in context
  • Listen to an audio version of the Bible
  • Remember that the people described in the Bible were REAL
  • Follow cross references
• How even (or especially) the painful parts of our lives often shape who we are today
• When you're challenged in Scripture don't let it get you down, let it remind you that there is always more (and there is life and exciting revelation in the more)
• Consulting a chart of kings in your study Bible or elsewhere to get your bearings (here's a good one I found online)
• A quick overview of how we got to the divided kingdom
• Considering the life of Hezekiah like a good Cajun girl asking the question, "Who is your mom and dad?" (yes, I know bad grammar, but a good Cajun question all the same)
• Comparing and contrasting Hezekiah with his father, Ahaz - 2 Kings 18:1-4, 2 Kings 16:1-4
• Describing what it means for parents to pass their children through the fire - John Kitto
• Reading Hezekiah's story remembering that he was a REAL man with deep wounds and scars
• How God uses our scars to benefit others - 2 Corinthians 1:3-7

 

Additional Resources

• Lyrics and Chords - Essential Worship
• Story Behind the Song "Scars" by I Am They - YouTube Video

This Week's Challenge

Read Hezekiah's story in context -- start in chapter 16 of 2 Kings and read all the way through chapter 20. If you really get into the story, you could use the BITE of following the cross references (there's a prophet in this story who has his very own book!). As you consider Hezekiah's scars and how it may have shaped him, brin

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We're building a life. With every choice we make, every word we say, every thought, and every act we are building a life. That leads to the question, "What foundation are we building our lives on?" Pat Barrett's song "Build My Life" is a declaration of building a life on a firm foundation. That foundation is revealed in Scripture.

Join me as we see what Jesus has to say about our building practices in Matthew 7.

• Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include:
  
  • Context
  • Observations
  • Compare and contrast
  • Mark in your Bible
• The story behind the song "Build My Life" by Pat Barrett - YouTube Video
• Our focus area of Scripture inspired by the bridge of our song - Matthew 7:24-27
• Reading and studying the entire Sermon on the Mount in context - Matthew 5-7
• Jesus' teaching methods - "The Method and Message of Jesus' Teaching" by Robert Stein
• Comparing and contrasting the wise man and the foolish man
• How the rains fall, the torrents rage, and the winds blow and beat against the house of BOTH men
• Observing the results after the storm
• Seeking to understand what makes a man wise vs. foolish
• Marking the verb statements instructing us specifically in this sermon of Jesus
• Taking a hard look at whether or not we are DOING what the Word of God says to DO

 

   

Additional Resources

• Lyrics and Chords - WorshipTogether.com

This Week's Challenge

Read the entire Sermon on the Mount in Matthew chapters 5-7. Take some time pondering and observing what you read in Matthew 7:24-27. Break it down and really HEAR what it is saying. Compare and contrast the wise man and foolish man. Then mark the verb statements in your Bible in this sermon of Jesus. What is it that He wants us to do? Truly take stock as to whether or not you are building your life on a firm foundation of obedience to God’s Word.

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Trauma and tragedy can leave us feeling lonely and unseen. For King & Country's song "God Only Knows" reminds us that God holds a deep love and understanding of you and your circumstances (past or present). Many of the psalms of David poetically reflect our own heart's cry.

Let's take a deep look at one of those psalms this week.

• Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include:
  
  • Context
  • Repetition
  • Write in your Bible
  • Consider the opposite
  • Make a list
• The line in the song that led me to the verse that led me to our focus Psalm this week - Psalm 25:16
• How Psalm 25 is an acrostic psalm, meaning each verse starts with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet (which is why is may read more disjointed than other psalms)
• Using the BITE of repetition to let the psalm really sink in
• My desire to seek God's face before I seek His hand
• An article by Mortimer Adler on" How to Mark a Book" - Online Article
• Directing our attention to God first by marking every reference to God (by name or pronoun) with a triangle (or symbol or color of choice)
• Considering the opposite of steadfast - Psalm 25:7
• How God's way is not consistent with our way -Psalm 25:8, Isaiah 55:8-9
• Marking the verbs in this psalm
• Making a list/column of "God's verbs" vs. "My verbs"
• Recognizing that God takes on everything and our role is very limited 

   

Additional Resources

• Lyrics - KLove.com
• Story behind the song "God Only Knows" by For King & Country - YouTube Video

This Week's Challenge

Read Psalm 25 repeatedly this week. Then take the time to INTERACT with Psalm 25. Mark all of the references to God. Then make notes in a notebook or in the margins of what you learn about God through the words of this Psalm. Next, mark all of the verbs. Make a list of the “God verbs” in one column and a list of the “Me verbs” in another. Observe through this exercise all that God takes on Himself while our role is merely to trust, wait, fear, abide, take refuge, and keep His covenant.

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There's a level of devotion that I see in a young Moabite woman in the Old Testament that I want to emulate. Sarah Reeves' song "Just Want You" led me to the book of Ruth this week where I was moved by the characteristics of allegiance that I long to see in my own life toward my Savior.

You can't emulate what you don't understand, so let's dive in together.

On this episode I discuss:

• Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include:
  
  • Read and keep on reading
  • Consult a map
  • Follow Cross References
• How God's providence plays the long game -- just consider the placement of Ruth in the genealogy of David - Ruth 4:18-22
• God's providence in the history of the United States on a tour through the Jenney Museum
• How our song lyrics remind me of the devotion of Ruth toward her mother-in-law - Ruth 1:16-18
• Asking myself
  • Do I have that kind of devotion to my Savior?
  • Am I willing to go wherever Jesus goes?
  • Am I willing to call God's people my people?
• Exploring the region of Moab through a map and encyclopedia entry - BibleHub.com
• Following the cross-references to the foundation of Moab - Genesis 19
• Discovering references to Moab in Judges since that is the era in which the story is placed - Judges 3:12-14 is an example
• Pausing again to consider the characteristics of Ruth - Ruth 2:11-12
• Considering the providence of God -- does anyone think it was a coincidence that Ruth ended up in Boaz' field? - Ruth 2:1-3
• How Boaz as the kinsman-redeemer is a foreshadowing of Christ as our ultimate kinsman-redeemer - GotQuestions.org

   

Additional Resources

• Lyrics and music - Praise Charts
• Story behind the album where "Just Want You" is featured - YouTube Video

This Week's Challenge

Read the book of Ruth in it's entirety -- read and keep on reading. Consult a map of the area to understand where Moab is in relation to Bethlehem. Follow the cross references to Genesis 19 to discover where Moab came from. Research where Moab is described in the book of Judges as this is the time when this story took place. Finally, as

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Mercy is one of those things that I want freely bestowed upon me, and yet I tend to be pretty stingy with mercy for others. God's Word has wrecked me over the past few weeks as it relates to mercy. The Porter's Gate Worship Project has a haunting ballad that has complimented my study as I worship with their song, "Have Mercy on Me."

As we look intently into the mercy of God, may we better reflect it in our own lives.

On this episode I discuss:

• Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include:
  
  • Use an outside resource - I used this excerpt from a book by Herman Bavinck
  • Explore a topic
  • Write out Scripture
  • Slow down
  • Make a list
  • Complete a word study
• Being initially inspired by Psalm 18:25-27 that we first discussed on Episode #266
• How I need to see God's mercy and so I need to learn to be merciful
• Bavinck's definition, "The goodness of God, when shown to those in misery, is called mercy."
• A great confession of the Old Testament - Exodus 34:6
• The results of mercy as found in Deuteronomy 4:31
• God's great mercy despite our unfaithfulness - 2 Chronicles 30:9
• Contrasting God's mercy to the ways of men in Psalm 86:15
• Realizing God's mercy is what causes his wondrous works to be remembered as we see in Psalm 111:4 and as discussed on Episode #265
• Contrasting the attitude of men with the mercy of God in 2 Samuel 24:14 and Proverbs 12:10
• Completing a word study on three different words translated as mercy
  • Rachum
  • Channun
  • Checed
• Mercy triumphs over judgement - James 2:13

 

   

Additional Resources

• Lyrics and music - Porter's Gate Worship Project
• Story Behind the Porter's Gate Worship Project - YouTube Video

This Week's Challenge

Use the

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Did you know that you could actually hear the best news ever, and it is for you, and you could miss it? It happens all the time. MercyMe sings of the "Best News Ever" and inspired me to head into Scripture to see what we can do to make sure we don't miss out.

image credit: YouVersion

It's a simple call from the mouth of Jesus. Have you responded?

On this episode I discuss:

• Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include:
  
  • Read in context
  • Listen to an audio version of Scriptures
  • Complete a word study
• Our destination this week - Matthew 11:28-30
• The importance to Matthew that things happened to Jesus to specifically fulfill prophecy
• Sitting in the tension of Scripture when you're not really sure what it means
• Religious people of Jesus' day completely missed the fact that he was the Messiah - John 5:39-40
• My desire that my listeners would study Scripture, but that they wouldn't miss Jesus in the process
• Jesus' call to us..."come to me"
• Completing a word study on "yoke" - BibleHub.com
• The yoke of Christ is like any other - it unites us to Him to move and work together as one
• How Christ's commands are to be submitted to, it's just that they bring balance to our lives, not burden - 1 John 5:3

   

Additional Resources

• Lyrics - KLove
• Story Behind the Song "Best News Ever" by MercyMe - YouTube Video

This Week's Challenge

Read Matthew 10-12 to gain the context of your focus text. Sit in the tension of what Jesus is saying in Matthew 11:25-30. Meditate on verses 28-30 and in that moment choose to come to Christ with your burden. Exchange your way for His way. That this option is even on the table truly is the Best News Ever.

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God is our Defender. It is important to remember that the next time you feel the need to defend yourself. Psalm 18 says God's gift of salvation to us is our shield. So why do I think my words are my shield? Or my silence? Or any effort on my part? Francesca Battistelli's song "Defender" leads us to Scripture and to considering this and other characteristics of God.

I suppose the question is now, "What how will we respond in the future now that we know the truth?"

On this episode I discuss:

• Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include:
  
  • Repetition
  • Read in context
  • One Word
  • Share with a friend
  • Make a list
• Our destination this week - Psalm 18
• Where you can find this Psalm in 2 Samuel - 2 Samuel 22
• Reading the story of David in context up to this song
• The historical perspective that this song was adapted from a personal song of David (in 2 Samuel 22) to a congregational Psalm
• Reading Psalm 18 together with a friend and following the pattern of choose one word that jumps out at you and discussing that
• Some of my daughter's "one word"s:
  • Rock - Psalm 18:1-3
  • Saved - Psalm 18:3-5
  • Heard - Psalm 18:6
  • Angry - Psalm 18:7-15
  • Drew me out - Psalm 18:16-19
• Making a list of the pattern of David's life that was right
• Characteristics of God we may miss and why
• HOW David was able to live a righteous life - Psalm 18:28-29
• My "one word" for the Psalm - shield - Psalm 18:30-36

   

Additional Resources

• Lyrics and chords - WorshipChords.net

This Week's Challenge

Read through Psalm 18. I suggest reading it with a friend and exchanging your “one words.” It’s just a great way to consider the amazing characteristics of the Lord and all that we should aspire to be...equipped by Him, of course.

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