Tag Archives: B.I.T.E. – Follow the cross references

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Podcast #173: “Find You Here” by Ellie Holcomb

Instruction in Suffering in 1 Peter

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:

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Podcast #171: “In Awe” by Hollyn

Discovering Acceptable Worship in Hebrews 12

It is difficult to worship God in an appropriate and authentic way when you think you are just like Him. Hollyn’s new song, “In Awe,” leads us all over God’s Word to discover truth. It is here we begin to see God clearer, and thus put ourselves “in our place” so-to-speak.

The Psalms teach us, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” I want wisdom, don’t you?

On this episode I discuss:

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Podcast #168: “Rise” by Danny Gokey

Pondering Peter's Path to Rise

Stories inspire us. That’s why we are drawn in by good books, powerful movies, documentaries, and even ESPN specials. There is something about seeing someone else overcome the odds that gives us hope that maybe, just maybe, we could do the same. Danny Gokey’s song “Rise” reminds us that our Creator has a plan for us that is higher than our broken past or sordid mistakes. “We were made to rise.”

Peter’s life paints a pretty epic story. Let’s search Scripture and discover how we can relate and what we might learn from this disciple.

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Podcast #164: “Love Broke Thru” by TobyMac

Love Breaking Through Evil in 2 Chronicles 33

Do you ever feel trapped by your past? Defined by your heritage? Have you ever experienced such trouble and distress that you felt out of options? The chains that bind you are not too heavy for our Rescuer. TobyMac’s song, “Love Broke Thru” tells the story of his conversion. It leads us to discover a story of a man in the Old Testament who was a “hopeless fool” yet Love broke through to him, too.

We all have a choice. Will we allow Love to break through to us?

On this episode I discuss:

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Podcast #158: “What a Beautiful Name” by Hillsong Worship

Exploring a Couple of the Names of Jesus

We can learn so much through the study of the names of God. Hillsong Worship’s song, “What a Beautiful Name,” puts the name of Jesus front and center in a moving song of worship. How much more powerful will this song be when you invest some time in discovering and contemplating a few names revealed in God’s Word?

Let’s go to the beginning with Jesus, shall we?

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Podcast #157: “Live It Well” by Switchfoot

Poring Over Psalm 90

Perspective. I sure need more of it. How about you? I need more perspective when I’m impatiently waiting in line at the grocery store, when I get cut off in traffic, or when I get a snarky email or social media comment from a friend. Moses had a unique perspective because of his intimate relationship with God and his front row seat to the demise of an entire generation of people. Switchfoot’s song, “Live It Well,” not only reminds us that life is short, but encourages us to live it well.

Moses encourages the same in Psalm 90. Are you ready to jump in the deep end this week?

On this episode I discuss:

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Podcast #149: “Amaryllis” by Christy Nockels

Investigating Christ's Family Tree

Family…it’s beautiful, and frustrating, and glorious, and embarrassing, and diverse — even Christ’s family line carries some characters and heroes. Christy Nockels’ song, “Amaryllis,” inspired me to explore a few of the people in the lineage of Christ. How appropriate during this time of year when many of us have just made another year of memories with family and friends at Christmas.

Whether your family is on the glorious side, or the tragic, or somewhere in between, we see God weave all kinds of people into the lineage of the Savior of the world…so surely there’s hope for us!

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Podcast #135: “Magnify” by We Are Messengers

Putting a Spotlight on God in Psalm 34

“You’re making this into a bigger deal than it needs to be.” How many times have I either been on the giving OR receiving end of this statement? That’s what it means to magnify a situation. We make something appear larger than it is. The thing is, we will NEVER be able to “over-magnify” God. There is never a time where we will fully understand how “large” He is. The power comes in when we magnify God over our situation. This is what the song, “Magnify” by We Are Messengers calls us to do.

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Let’s head over to Psalm 34 and magnify the Lord together. I want to realign where my hope is set until He’s all that’s left.

On this episode I discuss:

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Podcast #132: “Every Giant Will Fall” by Rend Collective

Gaining Perspective in Deuteronomy 1

We all need a good anthem to sing at the top of our lungs as we open the sun roof and crank the radio! Oh, wait — maybe that’s just me. “Every Giant Will Fall” by Rend Collective definitely fits the “great anthem” bill, all the while leading us to consider God’s ways and our response when faced with giants.

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Let’s consider how the Israelite people responded to the giants occupying their promised land.

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Podcast #129: “Christ In Me” by Jeremy Camp

Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus in Hebrews 12

In this season of the Olympics it is only appropriate to explore an athletic topic as a metaphor to our faith. I heard a returning Olympic athlete say that the medal he received four years ago, while wonderful, was the “wrong color.” For this athlete, gold is his standard. Jeremy Camp sings about another high standard in his song, “Christ In Me.”

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Join me in exploring Hebrews 12 as we commit to running the race set before us with our eye on the prize. Finishing strong is the only option.

On this episode I discuss:

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