CLICK HERE for the episode guide to help you connect with Scripture through this song.Have you ever re-watched a movie yet felt anxious during that scene where the obstacle seems too great to overcome? You know the end. You understand the main character overcomes that obstacle because you've watched the movie before, but it still keeps you on the edge of your seat. That's what I think of when I hear Shane & Shane sing "You've Already Won." I know Christ sits in heaven as the ultimate victor and that because I'm in Christ, I, too, am victorious. But I'm still swinging my sword in battles and sometimes wonder how it will all turn out.  I want to add to your faith by diving deeper into Ephesians 1 with you in this episode. 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 and keep on readingRepetitionRead the text aloudReview an overviewMeditate on ScriptureStart with GodMake a listEpisode Guide DownloadMy conversation with Keith Ferrin regarding internalizing Scripture - Friday With Friends InterviewThe part of Ephesians I've been studying that I thought of when I listened to this week's song - Ephesians 1:19-23Not letting any Bible interaction tool/process keep us in bondage or discourage us from spending time in God's WordWatching the overview video for Ephesians - Bible Project VideoThe metaphor of trampling under the feet as an image of victory over one's enemies - Dictionary of Biblical Imagery - Amazon Paid LinkThe now and not yet of Christ's victory - 1 Corinthians 15:24-25The now and not yet of our inheritance - Ephesians 1:11-14Making a list of God's actions in Ephesians 1Living between the ages - Christopher Hall Foundations 3 & 4The now and not yet of living between the ages - "God's Big Picture: Tracing the Storyline of the Bible" - Amazon Paid LinkAdditional ResourcesThe story behind the song "You've Already Won" by Shane & Shane - New Release Today ArticleWhat is the concept of "already but not yet"? - Got Questions ArticleThe now and not yet of living between the ages - "God's Big My favorite Bible Study Software - Logos Bible Software Affiliate LinkThis Week's ChallengeRead and re-read Ephesians. Read it out loud. Read it in the same physical Bible to help with retention and recall. Then, sit down with a notebook and make a list of all of God's actions. We've started in chapter 1, but feel free to keep adding to your list as you interact with the text. Your faith will be strengthened as you rehearse all God has done for you.In First Century Galilee, two sons test a father's unconditional love. In this story, the Parable of the Prodigal Son comes to life. Purchase "Finding Home" by Susan Macias on Amazon HERE or your preferred online retailer.

#486: "You've Already Won" by Shane & Shane

CLICK HERE for the episode guide to help you connect with Scripture through this song.I&#39;ve recently seen several videos online of children laying hands on siblings in prayer or praying with deep and passionate charisma. It&#39;s adorable because they are acts not normally seen in children who are more likely to swipe their friend&#39;s toy than lay hands on them in prayer. But I learned a long time ago that children are mirrors of the environment around them. When Benjamin William Hastings sings &quot;Abandoned,&quot; he longs to mirror the complete abandon he sees in the life of Christ. As an adopted child into the family of God, I, too, want to mirror Christ&#39;s life of abandonment to the purpose and will of God. Let&#39;s explore the entire gospel of Mark together to see what acts we can emulate. In this episode, I discuss:Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week&#39;s Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Read and keep on readingRead in contextSet a timerStudy a topicMark up the textMeditate on ScriptureEpisode Guide DownloadBenjamin&#39;s comments on the heart behind the song - Air1 ArticleReading and interacting with the entire gospel of Mark to examine Christ&#39;s life of complete abandonThe journal I use to study whole books of the Bible - ESV Illuminated Scripture Journal: Mark - Amazon Paid LinkWanting to have the mind (and surrender) of Christ - 1 Corinthians 2:16How Jesus was yielded to God&#39;s plan completely from the beginning of His ministry - Mark 1:11-12Jesus doing the thing He came to do - Mark 1:38-39Jesus operating in the authority He had been given - Mark 2:10-11How Jesus about things/people that God cared about - Mark 2:17How Jesus&#39; life of abandon led to rejection - Mark 6:2-3Christ&#39;s abandoned life was a life of prayer - Mark 6:46An abandoned life honors God with our lips AND our hearts and doesn’t elevate tradition over the heart of God - Mark 7:6-8An abandoned life sets his/her mind on the thing of God, NOT the things of man - Mark 8:33The cross Jesus called us to bear before He surrendered to His own cross - Mark 8:34-38‌An abandoned life is content with God’s timing - Mark 9:9An abandoned life is a life of servitude - Mark 9:35An abandoned life isn&#39;t a reckless life -- it still has customs - Mark 10:1An abandoned life is yielded to the truth of Scripture - Mark 11:17‌An example prayer RelationshipRehearseRequestRelinquishAdditional ResourcesLyrics - NewReleaseToday.comFavorite Bible Study Software - Logos Bible Software Affiliate LinkThis Week&#39;s ChallengeRead the gospel of Mark. Read with a highlighter and pen in hand. Don’t take apart every verse, but look for the pattern of the life of Christ — a life abandoned to the will of God above all else. Then pray as Jesus did in the garden. Call on your relationship with God, rehearseIn First Century Galilee, two sons test a father&#39;s unconditional love. In this story, the Parable of the Prodigal Son comes to life. Purc

#485: "Abandoned" by Benjamin William Hastings

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 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, Keith Ferrin, to talk about his journey moving from "should" to "want" regarding reading and studying God's Word.We reminisce about the day we "met" over ten years ago when I reached out to him as a fellow believer in Christ to ask questions about podcasting. We were complete strangers, but he was generous with his knowledge and time. And while he moved on from podcasting to course creation, book authorship, speaking, and YouTube content creation, we've stayed in touch over the years. I can't wait for you to get to hear his story and glean from his wisdom.MEMORABLE MENTIONSKeith talks about his Bible Study for Beginners playlist on YouTube. If you've ever asked, "What translations should I use?" or "What book of the Bible should I start with?" or "How did we get the Bible?" or other Bible questions, this playlist is for you! During our chat, Keith discussed reading the Bible to hang out with Jesus. He also mentioned internalizing the Word of God. Keith offers two premiere online courses if you are interested in pursuing either of these things. AND he's offered a buy-one-get-one-free deal for my listeners!Head over to www.keithferrin.com/2courses and use the coupon code MICHELLEBOGO  But the most generous offer is Keith's BibleLife Community membership. This membership includes access to ALL of Keith's books, courses, live teaching, and more. You can try it before you buy. Get the first four weeks for $4. CONNECT WITH KEITHwww.keithferrin.comInstagramFacebookTwitterYouTubeIn First Century Galilee, two sons test a father's unconditional love. In this story, the Parable of the Prodigal Son comes to life. Purchase "Finding Home" by Susan Macias on Amazon HERE or your preferred online retailer.

Special Edition: Keith Ferrin on Friday With Friends

CLICK HERE for the episode guide to help you connect with Scripture through this song.How can you get out of the mental pit you're in? If you do what Riley Clemmons did, you'll get away with God and focus on HIS plans to strengthen you. Riley's song, "Loved By You," inspired me to spend some time in Paul's letter to the Ephesians.In Ephesians, we'll learn together about the characteristics of God's "great love" for us. It's true -- you are loved by God.In this episode, I discuss:Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Make observationsSlow downConsider the oppositeEpisode Guide DownloadThe Story Behind the Song "Loved By You" by Riley Clemmons - New Release Today ArticleVerses in Ephesians that talk about God's love Ephesians 2:4-5Ephesians 3:17-19Ephesians 5:2Ephesians 5:25Characteristics of God's love GreatBenevolentAffectionateGroundingSurpasses knowledgeFills us with all the fullness of GodSacrificialDefine "grounded" - BibleHub.com Greek definition, WordHippo.com English definitionConsidering the opposite of being grounded in God's loveExploring Paul's prayer - Ephesians 3:14-21Defining "power" as we did in Episode #478Additional ResourcesLyrics - NewReleaseToday.comThe story behind the song "Loved By You" by Riley Clemmons - NewReleaseToday.comMy favorite Bible Study Software - Logos Bible Software Affiliate LinkThis Week's ChallengeDive into Ephesians. Read it all the way through. Read it out loud. Read it in various translations. Then, interact with the text to better understand God’s love. When you sing, “I am loved by You,” do you understand more about what kind of love God’s love really is? Finally, pray and ask God to grant you to be strengthened with power through the Spirit in your inner being so that you can comprehend and experience the love that He has for you and be rooted and grounded in that love.In First Century Galilee, two sons test a father's unconditional love. In this story, the Parable of the Prodigal Son comes to life. Purchase "Finding Home" by Susan Macias on Amazon HERE or your preferred online retailer.

#484: "Loved By You” by Riley Clemmons

Don't forget to download the Episode Guide for THIS episode HERE.While our feelings are not reliable, solid evidence of God, the evidence of God in our lives has the power to impact our feelings. That's what Caleb & John are singing about in their song "Hallelujah Feeling." The Holy Spirit can fill us with joy and peace based on our right relationship with God.Let's explore Scripture together to see what it teaches us about being "born again."In this episode, I discuss:Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Make observationsSlow downConsider the oppositeEpisode Guide DownloadThe story behind the song "Hallelujah Feeling" by Caleb & John - YouTube Video - Romans 15:13Seeing the phrase "born again" in our Scripture focus in Episode #482 and the lyrics of this week's song - 1 Peter 1:3, 1 Peter 1:23Exploring the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus where Christ introduces the phrase "born again" - John 3:1-21Diving into the Old Testament Scripture that Nicodemus should have understood better - Ezekiel 36-37Making observations while studying the text like Nicodemus saying, "We know you come from God," but other Scriptures declaring that opinion wasn't shared across the board - Mark 3:22, John 1:11How Jesus flipped Nicodemus's theology upside down. Nicodemus thought entering God's kingdom had everything to do with physical birth...Jesus says the opposite - "Exalting Jesus in John (Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary)" - Amazon Paid LinkThe theme of death to rebirth woven throughout Old and New TestamentsThe references in 1 John about being born of God 1 John 3:91 John 4:71 John 5:11 John 5:18Considering what being born again is NOTIdentifying characteristics of being born againConfirming the necessity of being born again (hint: because Jesus said so)Establishing how being born again is effected The agent of change is the Holy Spirit - Ezekiel 37:9, John 3:8The instrument of change is the Word of God - 1 Peter 1:23The condition of change is faith - 1 John 5:1, John 3:14-16Being born again is not something you can just profess. Merely professing to be saved does not save.Additional ResourcesLyrics for "Hallelujah Feeling" by Caleb & John - NewReleaseToday.comCaleb and John on their Hit Song "Hallelujah Feeling" by WayFM - YouTube Video"Handfuls on Purpose for Christian Workers and Bible Students" - Logos Bible Software LinkMy favorite Bible Study Software - Logos Bible Software Affiliate LinkThis Week's ChallengeStudy for yourself what the Scripture says about being born again. Start in John 3 and make your own observations from the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus. Then head over to In First Century Galilee, two sons test a father's unconditional love. In this story, the Parable of the Prodigal Son comes to life. Purchase "Finding Home" by Susan Macias on Amazon HERE or your preferred online retailer.

#483: "Hallelujah Feeling" by Caleb & John

Don't forget to download the Episode Guide for THIS episode HERE.A Chinese friend complained to me about how difficult learning English can be. For example, he lamented that the English word for "trunk" could reference the back of a car, a box, a part of an elephant, or men's swim shorts. Same word. Different meanings. I thought of this when listening to Brooke Ligertwood's song, "Fear Of God." In Scripture, the word for "fear" may mean something completely different depending on the context.Let's explore what it means to fear God, the results of fearing God, and how the fear of God can be expressed in our own lives.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 contextConsult an overviewComplete a word studyMake a listEpisode Guide DownloadThe story behind the song by Kevin Davis - New Release Today ArticleInspired by the lyrics to meditate on 1 PeterScripture overview of 1 Peter - BibleProject.com VideoHow the real enemy is the devil - 1 Peter 5:8, Ephesians 6:12Word study for "sober-minded" - BibleHub.comVerses that talk about fear as bad - 2 Timothy 1:7, 1 John 4:18Where Moses uses fear in two ways in one verse - Exodus 20:20The fear of God can keep us - Proverbs 16:6To fear God is to be in awe and reverence of Him (as opposed to afraid of Him) Psalm 33:8 (see Episode 398)Malachi 2:5The fear of God is also closely related to trusting Him Psalm 40:3Psalm 115:11See Episode 397The fear of God means hating and avoiding evil Proverbs 8:13Proverbs 16:6Attributes of the Fear of God Can be taught - Psalm 34:11Can be chosen - Proverbs 1:29Is reflected in obedience - Ecclesiastes 12:13Equated with hating evil - Proverbs 8:13Leads to trusting God - Psalm 40:3Leads to friendship with God - Psalm 25:14Offers deliverance and other benefits - Psalm 33:18, Psalm 34:7, Psalm 145:19, Proverbs 10:27, Proverbs 22:4Leads to life and rest - Proverbs 19:23A summary verse of what it looks like to fear God - Deuteronomy 10:12-13Additional ResourcesLyrics for "Fear of God" by Brooke Ligertwood - NewReleaseToday.comThe story behind the song "Fear Of God" by Brooke Ligertwood - New Release Today ArticleMy favorite written resource for overviews - "How to Read the Bible Book by Book" by Fee and Stuart - Amazon Paid LinkMy favorite resource for video overviews - BibleProject.comMy favorite Bible Study Software - Logos Bible Software Affiliate LinkThis Week's ChallengeRead Peter's first letter to the believers scattered throughout the region of Asia Minor. Consider the context of suffeIn First Century Galilee, two sons test a father's unconditional love. In this story, the Parable of the Prodigal Son comes to life. Purchase "Finding Home" by Susan Macias on Amazon HERE or your preferred online retailer.

#482: "Fear Of God" by Brooke Ligertwood

Don't forget to download the Episode Guide for THIS episode HERE.It's Christmas! This is a season for giving, and I'm sure you have given gifts to those you love and maybe even some you don't even know. You have given the gift of your time, you have purchased gifts, and maybe even shared your talent. But were you GENEROUS? Naomie Raine sings of the generosity of God in her Christmas song, "Generous God (Gloria)."This week, I used it as inspiration to explore the generosity of God displayed in the birth story of Jesus. May we learn how to be more generous by looking deeply at our generous God. In this episode, I discuss the following:Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Explore a themeStart with GodFollow the cross-referenceDefine wordsRead in contextRead the text aloudMake a listConsider the oppositeStudy in various translationsEpisode Guide DownloadOpening lyrics quoting John 3:16Darkness meeting the light John 1:4-5Exploring the theme of God's generosityDefining "generous"Examples in Scripture "proving" that God is generous John 3:161 John 3:1Matthew 20 (Matthew 20:15)Ephesians 3:20-21Exploring the birth story of Jesus and looking for God's generosityGod's generosity in His willingness to make and keep covenants with His chosen people - Genesis 17:1-7God's generosity in His willingness to take on flesh to be "God with us" - Hebrews 2:17Considering our response to God's generosity PraiseSeeking to be more generousAdditional ResourcesLyrics for "Generous God" by Naomi Raine - New Release TodayMy favorite Bible Study Software - Logos Bible Software Affiliate LinkThis Week's ChallengeRead Matthew 1-2 and Luke 1-2. Consider reading the text aloud and in various translations. Read with a pen in your hand, making a list of how God displays His generosity in these passages of Scripture. Pray and ask God to reveal how you can better reflect His generous nature in your life.In First Century Galilee, two sons test a father's unconditional love. In this story, the Parable of the Prodigal Son comes to life. Purchase "Finding Home" by Susan Macias on Amazon HERE or your preferred online retailer.

#481: "Generous God (Gloria)" by Naomi Raine

Don't forget to download the Episode Guide for THIS episode HERE.Read the prophecy in Isaiah 9 and then read the birth account of Christ in Luke 1 and 2. Meditate on the name Wonderful Counselor. Consider the compassion of Christ. Seek the wisdom hidden in the robes of your Prince of Peace. Allow His words to be your counselors. Allow them to probe, confront, clarify, and guide you in paths of righteousness.We'll discover the first time the name Wonderful Counselor is prophesied and its fulfillment in the child born in a manger. In this episode, I discuss the following:Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Historical contextConsult an outside resourceFollow the cross-referencesConsider the oppositeEpisode Guide DownloadNine years of featuring Christmas songs in December on More Than a Song!Isaiah's prophecy that shares the name Wonderful Counselor (among other names) for the coming Messiah - Isaiah 9:1-7Historical context of this Messianic prophecy in Isaian 9 - Jon Courson's Application Commentary: Volume 2, Old Testament (Psalms - Malachi) - Amazon Paid LinkLinking this prophecy to Christ as the fulfillment - Luke 1:78-79, Matthew 4:14-16Definitions of "wonderful" and "counselor" - GotQuestions.org ArticleThe type of counsel we can expect from our Wonderful Counselor Isaiah 28:29Colossians 2:3Psalm 119:24Proverbs 2Considering the opposite of Wonderful Counselor by examining the type of counsel Job's friends gave - Exalting Jesus in Job (Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary) - Amazon Paid LinkRecognizing Jesus' compassion as a key component of His counselConsidering our Wonderful Counselor's techniques Probing questions - Mark 10:18Gentle confrontation - John 4:16-18Seeking agreement on the purpose or goal of the encounter - Mark 10:51, John 5:6Answering questions with questions to clarify the intent of the questioner - Luke 10:25-37Additional ResourcesLyrics for "Wonderful" by CAIN - New Release TodayExalting Jesus in Job (Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary) - Amazon Paid Link"What does it mean that Jesus is our Wonderful Counselor (Isaiah 9:6)?" - GotQuestion.org ArticleJon Courson's Application Commentary: Volume 2, Old Testament (Psalms - Malachi) - Amazon Paid Link"Deity Distilled - His Name Shall Be" - Discover the Book Ministries ArticleMy favorite Bible Study Software - Logos Bible Software Affiliate LinkThis Week's ChallengeRead the prophecy in Isaiah 9 and then read the birth account of Christ in Luke 1 and 2. Meditate on the name Wonderful Counselor. Consider the compassion of Christ. Seek the wisdom hidden in the robes In First Century Galilee, two sons test a father's unconditional love. In this story, the Parable of the Prodigal Son comes to life. Purchase "Finding Home" by Susan Macias on Amazon HERE or your preferred online retailer.

#480: "Wonderful" by CAIN

Don't forget to download the Episode Guide for THIS episode HERE.Did you ever get separated from your parents as a child? It's a terrifying experience as a mother to turn and realize your child has slipped away and is nowhere in sight. I've read stories where the child was so frightened they would hide in clothes racks until they heard their mother's call. Patrick Mayberry sings about our Good Shepherd in his song "Lead On Good Shepherd." Our Good Shepherd calls out for us like a mother for her lost child. He searches for us, listening for our response to His call. Then, he gathers our trembling bodies and carries us back to safety.The picture of a Good Shepherd is a thread woven throughout the Old and New Testaments. Let's pull on this thread together in this week's episode. In this episode, I discuss the following:Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Meditating on ScriptureRepetitionConsult an outside resourceEpisode Guide DownloadSavoring God's words -- especially those most familiar to us Here is the YouTube video of the Tootsie Pop commercial I mentioned - YouTube Video Link"The Good Shepherd: A Thousand-Year Journey from Psalm 23 to the New Testament" by Kenneth Bailey - Amazon Paid LinkImages of the Good Shepherd in the earliest catacombs - article linkComparing the texts of Psalm 23, Ezekiel 34, and Luke 15Uncovering a better translation for Psalm 23:3 -- rather than "he restores my soul," it's better translated as "he brings me back" -- a common thread in Psalm 23, Ezekiel 34, and Luke 15Responding to the Shepherd's call and accepting being foundWe should be slowing down and savoring God’s words more than we devour the words of others.Additional ResourcesLyrics for "Lead On Good Shepherd" by Patrick Mayberry - New Release TodayThe story behind the song "Lead On Good Shepherd" by Patrick Mayberry - KLove.com Article"The Good Shepherd: A Thousand-Year Journey from Psalm 23 to the New Testament" by Kenneth Bailey - Amazon Paid LinkImages of the Good Shepherd in the earliest catacombs - article linkMy favorite Bible Study Software - Logos Bible Software Affiliate LinkThis Week's ChallengeRead Psalm 23, Ezekiel 34, and Luke 15 this week. I’ve thrown out a pile of threads for you to examine in light of the whole. Take one thread, untangle it from the rest, and view it under the microscope of each of these texts. Look for the role of the Good Shepherd and follow wherever He leads you.In First Century Galilee, two sons test a father's unconditional love. In this story, the Parable of the Prodigal Son comes to life. Purchase "Finding Home" by Susan Macias on Amazon HERE or your preferred online retailer.

#479: "Lead On Good Shepherd" by Patrick Mayberry

Don't forget to download the Episode Guide for THIS episode HERE.  I don't particularly appreciate feeling limited and weak. I'm not too fond of it when what is required of me exceeds my qualifications. I prefer feeling capable and in control. Unfortunately, this preference of mine runs directly opposed to Christ's power resting on me. I learned this and more in my study of Scripture inspired by Anne Wilson's song "Strong."    Together, we'll look closely at keywords in a letter from Paul, uncover truths, and then see them played out in an Old Testament narrative.    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  Review section titles  Consult an overview  Complete a word study  Study with a friend    Episode Guide Download  The story behind the song "Strong" by Anne Wilson - New Release Today Article  Inspired to explore Paul's thoughts about strength and weakness in 2 Corinthians 12  Recognizing 2 Corinthians may be hard to follow as you read in context. "Reading 2 Corinthians is something like turning on the television in the middle of a very complicated play. People are talking, and things are happening, but we’re not at all sure who some of the characters are or what the plot is.” - "How to Read the Bible Book by Book" by Fee and Stuart - Amazon Paid Link  Watching the Bible Project Overview Video - BibleProject.com  Taking in the context of all of Paul's weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. - 2 Corinthians 12:10  From 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, completing a word study on:   power  perfect  weakness  weak  In First Century Galilee, two sons test a father's unconditional love. In this story, the Parable of the Prodigal Son comes to life. Purchase "Finding Home" by Susan Macias on Amazon HERE or your preferred online retailer.

#478: "Strong" by Anne Wilson

Don't forget to download the Episode Guide for THIS episode. Download it for free to interact with Scripture for yourself. Have you ever loved a song and found that learning its story made it even more meaningful? That happened to me this week. I was inspired to study Psalm 34 after listening to "Trust In God" by Elevation Worship. Only the story behind the song that I studied isn't the story behind "Trust in God." It's the story behind David's song in Psalm 34. Join me as we read and meditate on Psalm 34 and watch it come to life while studying the "story behind the song."  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  Meditate on Scripture  Read the text aloud  Listen to an audio version  Study/listen in various translations  Start with God  Make a list  Follow cross-references    Episode Guide Download  Trust in God because He's trustworthy, not because He gives you what you want  Sit and soak in Psalm 34 before interacting with the text  Recognize that when you seek the Lord, He will answer, but not always in the way you are seeking  Marking up the text on my tablet - I love the Notability app  Starting with God before highlighting what we learn about people in Psalm 34  Using the bookmark Dr. Matthew Harmon shared on the special Friday With Friends edition of More Than a Song  Remembering that while the Bible was written for you, it wasn't originally written to you  Exploring the "story behind the song" by reading 1 Samuel 20-22  Looking closer at the original audience of this song - 1 Samuel 22:1-2  Rereading Psalm 34 now that you have the historical background  Trust in our Redeemer and take refuge in Him, and you will not be condemned  Psalm 34:22  John 3:17  Romans 8:1           When we share our testIn First Century Galilee, two sons test a father's unconditional love. In this story, the Parable of the Prodigal Son comes to life. Purchase "Finding Home" by Susan Macias on Amazon HERE or your preferred online retailer.

#477: "Trust In God” by Elevation Worship

Don't forget the  Episode Guide Download for THIS episode! Download it for free to interact with Scripture for yourself. Something is keeping us from being a light in our world. A question asked in for KING+COUNTRY's song "What Are We Waiting For?" inspired me to explore what the Bible says about light and our identity as Christ followers to be light.    Join me on a journey through the Old and New Testaments to glimpse what we're up against as children of light and how to overcome the darkness. What are you waiting for?      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  Study a topic  Review section titles    Episode Guide Download  Looking at "light" from a biblical worldview  God made a distinction between light and darkness in creation - Genesis 1:2-5  God made a spiritual distinction between light and darkness - Isaiah 60:1-3  Jesus is the light that shines in the darkness - John 1:4-5, John 1:12  The darkness doesn't want to be overcome - John 3:19-20  Before Christ, not only did we love darkness, we WERE darkness - Ephesians 5:8-9  We have an enemy that stands against the light - 2 Corinthians 4:4-6  In Christ, we are delivered from the domain of darkness - Colossians 1:13  How should we respond?  Shine - Luke 8:16  Walk as children of light - Ephesians 5:8-9  Confess our sin - 1 John 1:5-10    Other episodes that study 1 John  Episode 447  Episode 455  Episode 457  Episode 464           Our transformation cannot happen apart from Christ. You cannot will yourself to become light without the life and light of Christ. In First Century Galilee, two sons test a father's unconditional love. In this story, the Parable of the Prodigal Son comes to life. Purchase "Finding Home" by Susan Macias on Amazon HERE or your preferred online retailer.

#476: "What Are We Waiting For" by for KING + COUNTRY

Don't forget the Episode Guide Download for THIS episode! Download it to interact with Scripture for yourself. I see a lot of conversation in the media about positive self-talk. And I get it. Talking negatively about yourself to yourself is not helpful. Inspired by Micah Tyler's song "Praise The Lord," I meditated on King David's self-talk in the Psalms. He pumps himself up by telling his soul to praise the Lord.    Biblical self-talk is WAY better than anything you'll read about anywhere else. Let's learn about it together in Psalm 103 this week.   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  Consider the opposite  Mark up the text  Meditate on Scripture  Complete a word study    Episode Guide Download  Theology leads to doxology  As you learn and grow and then approach Scripture again, you will see new things because YOU are new  Studying Psalm 103 in previous episodes - Episode 103 and Episode 332  Psalm 103 is the first in a series of praise psalms (Psalms 103-107)  David's self-talk about praising the Lord as bookends of Psalm 103  "If we aren't praising God truly, we aren't thinking about God rightly and deeply." - Exalting Jesus in Psalms 101-150 - Amazon Paid Link  Biblical self-talk focuses our words on God and not on ourselves  Considering the opposite of "praise" - wordhippo.com  Turning truths learned in Scripture into phrases of praise that your soul declares back to God  Following the cross-reference regarding God's treatment of our sin  Isaiah 38:17-19  Isaiah 43:24  Micah 7:19  Romans 4:7  Ephesians 2:5    Completing a word study on the word translated "soul" In First Century Galilee, two sons test a father's unconditional love. In this story, the Parable of the Prodigal Son comes to life. Purchase "Finding Home" by Susan Macias on Amazon HERE or your preferred online retailer.

#475: "Praise The Lord" by Micah Tyler

CLICK HERE to download the free episode guide for THIS episode! "Hold on just a little bit longer" is the appeal Katy Nichole says God gives us in her song "Hold On." Does God entreat us to hold on in Scripture? And if so, what are we to hold on to? And what does it look like when we let go? Believe it or not, I got answers to all of these questions and more in my study of God's Word inspired by this song.    Join me as we settle into Paul's first letter to Timothy to discover what we should and should not hold on to.    In this episode, I discuss the following:    Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include:  Consider the opposite  Mark up the text  Read in context  Repetition  Compare and contrast  Make a list    Episode Guide Download  Various places in Scripture where we are instructed to "hold on"  Proverbs 4:13 (NIV)  2 Timothy 1:13 (NLT)  Revelation 3:11 (NIV)  1 Thessalonians 5:20-22 (NIV)  Hebrews 3:6 (CSB)  1 Timothy 1:19 (ESV)    Making a list of what we are to hold on to  Considering the opposite by taking our list and turning it into "let go" statements  An example from Jesus where the Pharisees let go of God's ways to hold on to human tradition - Mark 7:8-13  Choosing 1 Timothy to spend more interaction time  The history of illuminated manuscripts - 1-minute video from the Museum of the Bible  The Illuminated Scripture Journal as a resource for Bible interaction - Amazon Paid Link  Marking repeated words or phrases  faith and conscience - 1 Timothy 1:5, 1 Timothy 1:18-20    The doctrine Paul wants Timothy (and us) to hold on to   1 Timothy 6:2-4  Galatians 1:6-7  1 Timothy 1:6-7    Making a list of things In First Century Galilee, two sons test a father's unconditional love. In this story, the Parable of the Prodigal Son comes to life. Purchase "Finding Home" by Susan Macias on Amazon HERE or your preferred online retailer.

#474: "Hold On” by Katy Nichole

CLICK HERE to download the free episode guide for THIS episode! What happens when our preference doesn't line up with God's preference? How can we even know God's desires? I've asked these questions since I was introduced to Rachel Morley's song "Preference."     Join me as we explore a time when God's servants did something they 100% thought was right but did not line up with God's preference.     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 and keep on reading  Ask questions  Follow the cross-references  Meditate on God's Word  Read in different translations  Refer to an overview of the book you're studying  Remember the people were REAL  Repetition  Consult an outside resource    Episode Guide Download  How God challenged me with my own thoughts  An overview of Chronicles - The Bible Project on YouTube  Reading the genealogies and making notes along the way  Meditating on the details of 1 Chronicles 13  Learning more about the Ark of God  Exodus 25  Numbers 4  Leviticus 16    Pondering the unique details of the narrative  Discovering the previously abandoned plan to move the ark fulfilled in 1 Chronicles 15  Considering how David and the people should have known how to fulfill God's preference  Finding time to build a life of knowing God and His ways         We won’t get a pass, because we SHOULD have known His preferences — God provided a way for us to know and we leave it sitting on our shelves or unopened on our phones.  Additional Resources    Lyrics to "Preference" by Rachel Morley - In First Century Galilee, two sons test a father's unconditional love. In this story, the Parable of the Prodigal Son comes to life. Purchase "Finding Home" by Susan Macias on Amazon HERE or your preferred online retailer.

#473: "Preference" by Rachel Morley

Download the free Episode Guide for THIS EPISODE now! Do you have a favorite singer? Can you recognize their voice even if you're not familiar with the song? I have a friend who is a photographer. I can spot her work right away on social media. Her photos have something about them that acts as a type of signature on her work. When we examine the works of Jesus and get to know them really well, it will be easier to spot Him in places like the Old Testament Scriptures or even daily life. We The Kingdom's song "Jesus Does" inspired me to study the works of Jesus.      Join me as we study what Jesus did, does, and will do in the book of Hebrews.      In this episode, I discuss the following:    Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include:  Context  Read and keep on reading  Repetition  Listen to an audio version of the text  Read various translations  Make a list  Meditation  Follow the cross-references  Define words  Complete a word study     Episode Guide Download  Reading the first five books of the Bible using the reader's Bible - Immerse: Beginnings - Amazon Paid Link  Learning how to look for Jesus in the Old Testament - Beginning at Moses: A Guide to Finding Christ in the Old Testament by Michael Barrett - Amazon Paid Link  Jesus himself says that the law and the prophets point to him - Luke 24:25-27  Studying the works of Jesus enables us to see him in other areas of Scripture  Reading through Hebrews, looking for what Jesus does  Seeing the Old Testament quoted in Hebrews as evidence of Christ  "The Old Testament must be read in light of its fulfillment in Christ" - Exalting Jesus in Hebrews Commentary In First Century Galilee, two sons test a father's unconditional love. In this story, the Parable of the Prodigal Son comes to life. Purchase "Finding Home" by Susan Macias on Amazon HERE or your preferred online retailer.

#472: "Jesus Does" by We The Kingdom

Grab your free Episode Guide that complements this podcast episode. Click Here. Have you ever experienced a heartwarming moment that evokes an irresistible response? Like how can you resist petting a puppy sitting at your feet gazing at you with big round eyes? MercyMe's moving anthem, "To Not Worship You," reminds us of an irresistible response as we contemplate and rehearse God's greatness.    Join me as we study Psalm 89 to shift our perspectives and transform the way we think and worship our almighty God.    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 a list  Meditate on God's Word  Repetition  Complete a word study  Read the text aloud  Start with God    Episode Guide Download  Reasons why I chose Psalm 89 to study this week  Examples of areas I made note of that I could explore further:   Study "steadfast love" - like I did in Episode 441 and Episode 461  Explore the covenant language  Study the various names of God  Study the references to creation  Explore the messianic nature of the Psalm  Examining the cry of lament - as I did in Episode 381  Make note of repeated words    Starting with God and listing His character, conduct, and concerns as shown in Psalm 89 (hint: I came up with over 33)  The ACTS model for prayer (adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication)  Taking one characteristic a day to meditate on and adore God  Completing a word study on the use of the word "faithfulness" - BibleHub.com  Psalm 89:1  Psalm 89:2  Psalm 89:5In First Century Galilee, two sons test a father's unconditional love. In this story, the Parable of the Prodigal Son comes to life. Purchase "Finding Home" by Susan Macias on Amazon HERE or your preferred online retailer.

#471: "To Not Worship You" by Mercy Me

GET YOUR  EPISODE GUIDE HERE Putting first things first is a habit of highly effective people. But what are the "first things" for a follower of Christ? How does God rank the things you should be prioritizing above others?    Let's allow Scripture to mold how we interpret the world.    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  Meditate on Scripture  Define words  Read/study various translations  Compare and contrast    Episode Guide Download  Reading the entire Sermon on the Mount  Recognizing that there's value in continuing to read and keep on reading and a time to stop and explore when interacting with Scripture  Our focus area of Scripture in the "do not" section of the sermon - Matthew 6:19-34  How our inspiration song restates what Jesus is teaching  Three areas we can rank higher than God wants us to   Stuff  What we watch (look at)  Money    Considering the original audience and still applying the principles Jesus is teaching to our current time  How the world may teach that "first things first" is doing the things you have to do before you do the things you want to do, but as believers, we want God to change our priorities, not just the order of our actions  Thinking about what "first" means, especially in light of Jesus, our preeminent One - Colossians 1:18  How God wants a worldview change, but just obeying a commandment taught by men - Isaiah 29:13  Further teaching on how "first" plays out in God's kingdom - Matthew 20:1-16, Matthew 20:20-28, Philippians 2:6-7         What you value will show up in how you live — where you spend your time, talents, and treasure.      Additional Resources    Lyrics to "First Things First" by Consumed By Fire - In First Century Galilee, two sons test a father's unconditional love. In this story, the Parable of the Prodigal Son comes to life. Purchase "Finding Home" by Susan Macias on Amazon HERE or your preferred online retailer.

#470: "First Things First" by Consumed By Fire

Do you praise God amid deep distress? When your circumstances don't change, when the pain doesn't let up, when you feel like you're underwater and can't catch your breath, can you muster a song of praise to God? Rend Collective challenges us to do that in their song "Hallelujah Anyway."    A man in Scripture found himself in deep distress and tragic loss and gave a hallelujah anyway. Let's spend some time exploring Job's story this week.    In this episode, I discuss the following:    Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include:  Listen to an audio version of the text  Read in context  Read for a set period of time  Read and keep on reading  Remember that the people in the Bible were real    Episode Guide Download  Don't get stuck in one way of interacting with God's Word - Job 33:14  Stay curious as you interact with God's Word  The story behind the song "Hallelujah Anyway" by Rend Collective - New Release Today Article  Why this week's song inspired me to read Job  Job 1:21  Job 2:10  Job 13:15    Some exercises to help you read this long story in context  The power of biblical historical fiction to put flesh on the people described in Scripture  "This book is all about calling into question the reader's views of God and the world" - The Bible Project Podcast  While Job wants to know why he's being afflicted, God just gives him more of Himself - Job 38:1-7  "Love Amid the Ashes: A Novel" by Mesu Andrews - Amazon Paid Link  Job talking about what his life was like before his affliction - Job 29  Words really do hurt - Job 19:2  Job's friends did not characterize God properly - Job 42:8  Keeping your antenna up for "light" and "darkness" language as we talked about in Episode 467 In First Century Galilee, two sons test a father's unconditional love. In this story, the Parable of the Prodigal Son comes to life. Purchase "Finding Home" by Susan Macias on Amazon HERE or your preferred online retailer.

#469: "Hallelujah Anyway" by Rend Collective

The effects of sin are ravaging our world. Like the devastating locusts stripping the land bare in the book of Joel, we are stripped of meaningful worship owed to Father God. Let Andrew Ripp's song "For The Love Of God" remind you of God's love and his call to action displayed in this minor prophet book.    And let the text lead us to action in our own devastated land.      In this episode, I discuss the following:    Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include:  Share with a friend  Read the text out loud  Read in context  Consult section headings  Make observations  Make a list  Consult an overview  Pray    The Episode Guide for continued self-study  Overcoming the obstacle of feeling inadequate when it comes to discussing Scripture  Read the text together  Get your bearings of the context using section headings  Make some observations  Write down any questions  Pray and ask God to reveal what He wants you to see  Learn from trusted outside resources    Taking advantage of the "now"  The Bible Project Overview of Joel - YouTube Video  The importance of using even devastating circumstances as launching pads to share with our children - Joel 1:3  How tragedy impacted worship - Joel 1:9  The symbol of drink offerings - Holman New Testament Commentary - Amazon Paid Link  The symbol of grain offerings - GotQuestions.org Article    How Joel paralleled the joy of the people drying up like the land drying up - Joel 1:12  The action words God uses toward His people found in Joel 1  Rescue coming through repentance  The references to the "day of the Lord" in Joel  Joel 1:15 In First Century Galilee, two sons test a father's unconditional love. In this story, the Parable of the Prodigal Son comes to life. Purchase "Finding Home" by Susan Macias on Amazon HERE or your preferred online retailer.

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