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The enemy of our souls has many names in Scripture. One verse often attributed to him describes him as a thief. Tauran Wells, in his new song "Take It All Back," declares he's taking back what the enemy stole. That thief's schemes to destroy us stand in direct opposition to the abundant life Jesus offers.

Let's journey back to the enemy's first scheme to see what he stole in the beginning and take THAT back.

• Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include:
  • Read in context
  • Follow the cross-references
  • Make observations
• Episode Guide
• 500 Episodes 🎉
• Our enemy, the devil, has schemes and strategies that he uses again and again - Ephesians 6:11
• Going back to the beginning to see his "original plays" - Genesis 3
• Why we know that the serpent in Genesis 3 is the devil - Revelation 12:9
• The attributes of the devil reveal the character of the devil and are evident in the conduct of the devil
  • Crafty - Genesis 3:1
  • Father of lies - John 8:44
  • Thief - John 10:10
• How satan gaslights Eve - Gen 3:1-3
• The enemy's first three strategies
  • Doubt the wisdom of God's Word
  • Doubt the truth of God's Word
  • Distort God's character
• How spiritual death is death - Episode 494
• How satan used these strategies to break the relationship between Adam and Eve and God and how he uses the same strategies to break relationships today (like between parent and child)
• Shame as a result of the strategies played out in our lives
• The difference between guilt and shame
  • Guilt is the state of having committed an offense.
  • Shame is a state of dishonor
• Shame leads to fear, which leads to hiding and blame
• Our strategy against the enemy's strategy is to confess - standing in the light of God's grace

Additional Resources

• Lyrics - New Release Today Link
• The story behind the song "Take It All Back" by Tauren Wells - YouTube Video
• My favorite Bible Study Software - Logos Bible Software Affiliate Link

The Week's Challenge
Read Genesis 3 in context. As you read the details of the fall of man, look for the enemy's strategy. Be quick to confess your guilt, allow God to forgive your sins, and purify you from all unrighteousness. Resist the temptation to slip into shame that leads to fear, hiding, and blame. Once you recognize the enemy’s go-to schemes, they will be easier to identify in your own life.

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It's time to meditate on how amazing Jesus Christ, the Alpha and Omega and Lamb of God really is. And when you do, it should cause you to jump up and tell everyone what CeCe Winans sings about in her song, "That's My King."

We're headed back to Revelation in this episode, looking to see what we can learn from the worship responses to our King of kings.

In this episode, I discuss the following:

• Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: 
  • Repetition
  • Slow down
  • Write out Scripture by hand
  • Meditate on Scripture
  • Write down your observations
  • Read in various translations
• Episode Guide
• Other episodes where songs lead us to Revelation - Episode 369, Episode 390, Episode 443, Episode 498
• Reading Revelation and looking for worship responses to write out by hand
• How writing things out by hand gives the mind more footholds for accessing a given concept or idea
• Observing the WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN, AND WHY of the worship responses recorded in Revelation
• Using the Scripture and our inspiration song to give us words to use in adoring God
• How reading in a different translation caused me to read Revelation 5:12 in a new way
• The Lamb of God as a common title used for Jesus in Revelation - John 1:29, Revelation 12:11, Revelation 17:14
• Hearing the convicting voice of the Holy Spirit reminding me that JESUS ALONE is worthy of power, wealth, wisdom, might, honor, glory, and blessing and that it's HIS SHED BLOOD that gives me access to ask for the same

Additional Resources

• Lyrics - New Release Today Link
• Exalting Jesus in Revelation Commentary - Amazon Paid Link
• My favorite Bible Study Software - Logos Bible Software Affiliate Link

This Week's Challenge

Read the book of Revelation for yourself. As you read it, when you come to a worship response, write out the worship response by hand. Consider reading in a translation other than what you’re most familiar with. Make observations of who, what, where, when, and why the worship responses are inspired. Meditate on God’s Word and 

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We know we can't know the day or the hour, but we do know one thing—King Jesus is returning! When John Rich sings about Christ's return in his song "Revelation," it inspired me to pick up the book of prophecy and read it again.

Join me on a journey through Revelation with a unique way to read it.

In this episode, I discuss the following:

• Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: 
  • Read aloud
  • Start with God/Jesus
  • Follow the cross-references
  • Journal your observations
• Episode Guide
• Not letting preconceived ideas keep you from reading Revelation
• The blessings that come along with reading, hearing, and keeping what is found in Revelation - Revelation 1:1-3
• Reading Revelation in a new way by starting with what you learn about Jesus and journaling it
• All about where I curated the BITE "Start With God" 
  • "Asking the Right Questions" by Dr. Matthew Harmon - Amazon Paid Link
  • Friday with Friends episode with Dr. Matthew Harmon - YouTube Link
  • Asking the Right Questions Online Course - The Gospel Coalition Link
• The strangest quote from Martin Luther I've ever heard - "Exalting Jesus in Revelation Commentary" - Amazon Paid Link
• Jesus IS coming back - Revelation 1:7, Revelation 22:7
• Why we need to be aware of the details of His return 
  • Matthew 24:33
  • Matthew 24:42
• Taking our readiness seriously 
  • Matthew 24:48-51
  • Matthew 25:11-13
  • Matthew 25:30
• Encouraging one another to stay alert - 1 Thessalonians 4:18, 1 Thessalonians 5:6
• Armoring up for His return - 1 Thessalonians 5:8-11
• Peter's admonishment in light of the knowledge of Christ's return - 1 Peter 4:7, 1 Peter 3:14, 2 Peter 3:17
• The warnings indicate the possibility we may stumble, but HE IS ABLE to keep us - Jude 24-25

Additional Resources

• The story behind the song "Revelation" by John Rich - YouTube Video - Note: This is an interview with Tucker Carlson and therefore gets a little political. If you can "eat the chicken and spit out the bones," like my Grandma used to say, I encourage you to watch it. It is very thought-provoking. But I am not listing it here for the political aspect of the discussion.
• A local pastor in my community taught me why he thinks the Bible presents a post-tribulation rapture. Here's a link to the entire series. The teaching on the timing of the rapture is audio only. Until He Comes Series
• Exalting Jesus in Revelation Commentary - Amazon Paid Link
• My favorite Bible Study Software - Logos Bible Software Affiliate Link

This Week's Challenge

My challenge to you is to read the words of Revelation for yourself. Read them out loud. Keep your antenna up for all you can learn about Jesus—His character, conduct, and concerns in the last days. Then, as you read and study other areas of the New Testamen

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What happens when we take a phrase or a verse in God's Word out of context? We may misinterpret the meaning altogether, which is awful, but by doing so, we may miss out on the real, rich meaning God intended all along. David Leonard's song "By His Wounds" sent me to God's Word to see how to properly interpret the phrase "by His wounds we are healed." There's a lot more there than I realized.

In this episode, I discuss the following:

• Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: 
  • Read in context
  • Repetition
  • Follow the cross-references
  • Meditate on God's Word
  • Historical context
  • Make observations
  • Make a list
• Episode Guide
• Focus verse that sent us to consider all of 1 Peter - 1 Peter 2:24
• "Christology forms the indispensable basis of his {Peter's} paraenesis" - translated "The study of Christ forms Peter's indispensable basis of Peter's advice for believers" - The Dictionary of the New Testament Use of the Old Testament - Amazon Paid Link
• 1 Peter is full of allusions and quotes from the Old Testament, giving us plenty of cross-references to explore 
  • Compare 1 Peter 1:1-2 to Exodus 24:3-8 - the promise of obedience ratified by the sprinkling of blood
• 1 Peter is a letter written to people who are suffering - 1 Peter 1:3-8
• Peter reminds the believers they are the chosen and elect people of God who are chosen for trust and obedience - consider Exodus 19:3-6
• The type and shadow in the Old Testament with the Hebrew people as the chosen people of God finds its complete fulfillment through Christ in us - 1 Peter 2:9-12
• Our focus verse in 1 Peter 2:24 references Isaiah 53, that I teach on in Episode 370
• Peter's advice to slaves can be applied to us - 1 Peter 2:21-25
• Making a list of Jesus' example
• John Piper's "A Look at the Book: 1 Peter 2:24-25" - YouTube Video
• Jesus' substitution is the basis of the illustration - 1 Peter 2:18-25
• The purpose of Christ's suffering 
  • that we might die to sin and live to righteousness - 1 Peter 2:24
  • that Christ might bring us to God (thus healing our ultimate wound of separation from Him) - 1 Peter 3:18, 1 Peter 2:25
• We are born again. So why do we walk in death? We are healed. So why do we live wounded?

Additional Resources

• Lyrics - NewReleaseToday.com
• The story behind the song "By His Wounds" by David Leonard - New Release Today Article
• My favorite Bible Study Software - Logos Bible Software Affiliate Link

This Week's Challenge

Read 1 Peter for yourself. Remember, we are born again, but we walk in death. We are healed and restored to our relationship with God but live wounded. Allow Christ’s example to transform the way you live. Study it closely. Meditate on His example more than your suffering. He is a loving Shepherd and a faithful Overseer of your soul.

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In this episode, I have the privilege of hosting my friend Brad Pauquette to talk about how God's Word influences his personal and professional life and his new book, The Novel Matrix.

Brad is my book coach and developmental editor for my novel, A Seat at the Table, which will be released in October. One of the reasons I partnered with him is his dedication to God's Word and how he allows it to shape and guide his life.

Don't miss this interview if you've ever considered writing a novel. But even if writing is not your thing, I can't wait for you to learn from Brad as an active follower of Christ who is passionate about His Word.

Brad's Free Gift for YOU

Read the first four chapters of Brad's #1 New Release, The Novel Matrix

Yes, please!

Connect With Brad

• Website: www.bradpauquette.com
• Book: Amazon Link
• Podcast: The Company Podcast
• Writing Resources: writers.company
• Brad's Amazon Author Page
• Brad's Goodreads Author Page
• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube

The Novel Matrix

The Complete Novel Writing Guide

Spoiler: There’s no secret code for writing a bestselling novel.

But there are fundamental principles of story structure that will make your novel work.

Once you understand these fundamentals, writing a novel transforms from a chaotic, enigmatic roller coaster into a succinct and sensible process.

Whether you’re a new writer or you’ve written several manuscripts if you’re not yet achieving what you’d like to achieve with your writing—The Novel Matrix is for you. Hundreds of authors just like you have used this remarkable system to begin and improve their novel writing.

What is a matrix? A matrix is either the natural substance in which something forms or it can be an interrelated system of information. The Novel Matrix is both.

The Novel Matrix explores the natural principles of storytelling that humans instinctively understand and expect in great stories. This is the foundation from which great artwork is born.

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A few years ago, my daughter raided our closet for a "vintage" windbreaker set for 90's day during Homecoming week at school. (Don't judge. I can't be the only one who hordes old clothes.) While I hope color-blocking never comes back into style, I love a good vintage tune like the rest. Shane & Shane revived an 80's hit in their song "Thy Word/Where Else Would I Go." Do you know what NEVER goes out of style? God's Word. Let's explore it together.

The opening phrase of the song leads us directly to Psalm 119. Let's jump right in!

In this episode, I discuss the following:

• Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: 
  • Read in context
  • Read out of order
  • Complete a word study
  • Create an amplified version of the text
  • Make observations
  • Make a list
• Episode Guide
• Mixtape Theology Podcast
• Friday With Friends Episode with Rachel Cash
• Online Bible Commentary on Psalm 119 - Enduring Word
• Psalm 119 structure
• Reading Psalm 119 backward (from the last section of 8 verses toward the first)
• The 8 basic Hebrew words used to describe God's Word in Psalm 119 - detailed list in the Episode Guide
• Focused study on Psalm 119:105-112
• Creating your own amplified version of a text using the definitions from your word studies
• Further observations of what we learn about God's Word 
  • illuminates - Psalm 119:105
  • gives life - Psalm 119:107
  • protects - Psalm 119:110
  • leads us to praise - Psalm 119:108
  • gives us joy - Psalm 119:111
• Connecting what we learned in Episode 495 to the guidance offered in Psalm 119
• Word study on the word "path" - BibleHub.com
• The Hebrew word for "path" is translated as "crossroads" in Proverbs 8:1-3
• What wisdom cries in Proverbs 8:4-11
• Where we gain wisdom in Proverbs 4:11-14
• Making a list of what we learn about the psalmist in Psalm 119:105-112

Additional Resources

• Lyrics - NewReleaseToday.com
• Online Bible Commentary Psalm 119 - Enduring Word Online Bible Commentary
• My favorite Bible Study Software - Logos Bible Software Affiliate Link

This Week's Challenge

Spend some time in Psalm 119. Read it forward and read it backward, one Hebrew alphabet letter section at a time. Examine the pearl of Psalm 119:105-112. Then, take the knowledge from the various Hebrew words used to reflect God’s Word and examine other pearls in the Psalm. Start with the Word. What do you learn about it? Then move on to you. How is your life and response reflected in the transparency of the psalmist? 

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CLICK HERE for the episode guide to help you connect with Scripture through this song.

Who are your top five closest friends? Have you ever thought that those you spend the most time with determine your direction? And your direction determines your destination. When Consumed By Fire sings "Walk With Jesus," we are reminded that we are better off following in Christ's footsteps.

What does it mean to walk with Jesus? Let's explore Scripture together.

In this episode, I discuss the following:

• Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: 
  • Read in context
  • Follow cross-references
  • Make a list
  • Consider the opposite
• Episode Guide
• The metaphor of walking in Scripture - Genesis 3:8, Leviticus 26:12, Genesis 5:22-24, Genesis 6:9, 2 Chronicles 6:16
• How walking is linked to paths in Scripture - Psalm 1:1, Proverbs 4:14, Isaiah 2:2, Psalm 119:45
• Walking as a way of living in Scripture - Daniel 4:37, Micah 6:8
• Jesus is the WAY - John 14:6, Acts 9:2
• Episode 494, where we see walking contrasted - walking in sin and walking in good works
• Focus verse - if we say we abide in Christ, we ought to walk in the same way Jesus walked - 1 John 2:6
• More about abiding in Christ - Episode 123 and Episode 447 - John 15
• More about walking in Christ - Colossians 2:6-8
• Considering the opposite of walking with Christ - Proverbs 1:10, Proverbs 1:15
• Walking on paths = a WAY - Proverbs 2:12-15, Proverbs 2:20, Proverbs 3:5-6
• Returning to the inspiration point to dig a little deeper - 1 John 1 - 2:6

Additional Resources

• Lyrics - NewReleaseToday.com
• Dictionary of Biblical Imagery - Amazon Paid Link
• The story behind the song "Walk With Jesus" by Consumed By Fire - New Release Today Article
• My favorite Bible Study Software - Logos Bible Software Affiliate Link

This Week's Challenge

This is the perfect week to download the Episode Guide because I have listed all the Scriptures I reference that reveal the metaphor of walking throughout the Old Testament. Then, start in 1 John and let it lead you to John 15 and Colossians 2 to explore abiding and walking with Jesus. Finally, spend some time in the beginning chapters of Proverbs with your antenna up for walking, paths, and ways, and see what you can learn from there. And if your feet are currently on the wrong path, consider this your “exit ahead” sign to get off the path you’re on and join hands with the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Choose today to walk with Jesus.

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While my podcast is a solo show, I still want a venue to introduce you to these friends as examples of the multifaceted ways God works in and through His people.

In this episode, I have the privilege of hosting my friend Rachel Cash, co-author of Mixtape Theology, to talk about her dedication to God's Word and the pivotal decisions she made to lead her to this stage in life.

It won't take you long to understand why Rachel and I are friends. Scriptural truths overflow out of her heart, and she remains on a path to go deeper and deeper.

Both Mixtape Theology, the podcast, and Mixtape Theology, the book, are part devotional and part 90s retrospective. Similar to how More Than a Song explores contemporary Christian music, they explore the Bible verses behind their favorite 90s CCM songs, resulting in a fuller understanding of God and His redemptive plan.

Memorable Mentions

Snackable Theology by Andrew Doane

Rachel discusses one of the motivating factors that keeps her in the Word: her God-given assignment to disciple her kids. She recommends "Snackable Theology" by Andrew Doane. 

Mixtape Theology by William "Ashley" Mofield and Rachel Cash

Rachel explains the story behind the book Mixtape Theology: A Bible Study & Retrospective Inspired by 90s Contemporary Christian Music and Culture.

Rachel shares that the book includes 35 devotions based on 90s CCM hit songs to deepen understanding of theological concepts and inspire meditation, obedience, and worship. It also includes 12 often humorous retrospectives that harness nostalgia to motivate readers to keep reading and studying—AND other fun comics and surprises for you to enjoy as you read.

Savior by Steven Curtis Chapman

Rachel talks about how Steven Curtis Chapman's song "Savior" led her to Scripture and deeper theology. This is a BONUS discussion as this devotion is not in the book. Enjoy the song above.

Dwell App to listen to an audio version of Scripture

A couple of Rachel's favorite ways to interact with Scripture are to understand the historical context and to listen to an audio version of the text. She likes the Dwell App.

Connect With Rachel and Mixtape Theology

• The website: www.mixtapetheology.com
• The podcast: https://www.mixtapetheology.com/podcast
• The book: https://books2read.com/mixtapetheology
• Rachel on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/rachelcash
• Instagram
• Facebook
• Twitter
• YouTube

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CLICK HERE for the episode guide to help you connect with Scripture through this song.

I love a good play on words. When you do a quick Google search of grave robbers, you discover it's a worldwide phenomenon usually perpetrated to take and profit from valuable artifacts or personal property. Crowder’s song “Grave Robber” attributes this title to God. But not in the way we normally think of a body snatcher who digs up graves for their own economic benefit. No. Our grave robber is snatching our souls from eternal death.

Moving from death to life is an important theme to study in Scripture. Join me on the journey from Ephesians to Romans, Genesis, and John.

In this episode, I discuss the following:

• Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: 
  • Make observations
  • Make a list
  • Follow the cross-references
  • Complete a word study
• Episode Guide
• Dead, but made alive with Christ - Ephesians 2:1-10
• "For what Paul does in this passage is to paint a vivid contrast between what man is by nature and what he can become by grace." -- The Message of Ephesians (The Bible Speaks Today Series) by John Stott - Amazon Paid Link
• The timeline of why we were dead in the first place - Romans 5:12-21
• Revisiting the original scene in Genesis to remind us of the details of the original sin - Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-7, 22-24
• How sin separates us from God - Isaiah 59:2
• Defining the kind of death Paul speaks of
• Completing word studies on "transgressions" and "sins"
• Weaving the truths together - Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, Ephesians 2:4-5, Hebrews 2:14-15, John 5:24
• Our grave robber has snatched us from the clutches of the prince of the power of the air and brought us from death to life because He is God - John 5:18-25

Additional Resources

• Lyrics - NewReleaseToday.com
• Holman New Testament Commentary - Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians - Amazon Paid Link
• The Message of Ephesians (The Bible Speaks Today Series) by John Stott - Amazon Paid Link
• My favorite Bible Study Software - Logos Bible Software Affiliate Link

This Week's Challenge

Study four areas of Scripture with your eyes set on this idea of death and life. Look closely at the walking dead in Ephesians 2. Understand the contrast between Adam and Jesus in Romans 5. Go back to the beginning to remind yourself of the details of original sin in Genesis 2 and 3. Soak in the words of Jesus in John 5. And if you haven’t done so, heed the call of the Grave Robber. Accept His free gift of salvation and walk in newness of life.

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CLICK HERE for the episode guide to help you connect with Scripture through this song.

Life can throw us curve balls that threaten to derail us. In fact, if we aren't rooted in Christ, we may even fall into despair. Katy Nichole and Naomi Raine sing about everything our God can do, even when we cannot. Their song "Our God Can" gives us a distinct area of Scripture to explore. Once we get there, you may discover even more than you imagined.

When I settled into Paul's letter to the Philippians, I gained wisdom I can't wait to share with you.

In this episode, I discuss the following:

• Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: 
  • Read in context
  • Historical context
  • Consult a map
  • Repetition
  • Remember, the people in the Bible were real
  • Follow the cross-references
  • Listen to an audio version of the text
• Episode Guide
• Exploring the historical background of the Philippian church
• Reading about the founding of the Philippian church in Acts 16
• How Paul directly addresses some of the cultural influences of nationalism - Philippians 3:20
• Reading the text for what it actually says but backing up to see the bigger themes
• Reading fast, reading slow, and then picking apart every word (like Fanny in Jane Austen's "Mansfield Park")
• Paul's circumstance did not match his desire - Philippians 1:3-8
• Paul's circumstance did not stop God from using him - Philippians 1:12-13
• Sometimes people are just plain mean - Philippians 1:14-18
• Paul lived in the tension of his complete devotion to Christ and his complete devotion to those Christ gave him to nurture - Philippians 1:19-26
• The actual context of a verse often taken OUT of context in Philippians 4

Additional Resources

• Lyrics - NewReleaseToday.com
• The story behind the song "My God Can" by Katy Nichole - New Release Today Article by Kevin Davis
• My favorite Bible Study Software - Logos Bible Software Affiliate Link

This Week's Challenge

Read and re-read Paul’s letter to the Philippians. This time, when you read it, consider Paul and his circumstances. Get your bearings as to the history of the church here by reading Acts 16. The more you read about Paul’s ministry in the book of Acts and his other letters, the more you understand his passions and how his current circumstances might affect him.  Ask yourself, how can I apply Paul’s spiritual maturity to my own circumstances? Unlock the secret to your contentment in all circumstances by fixing your eyes on Jesus, as displayed in Philippians 2. 

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