So Much More: Scripture Meditation (Lectio Divina)

In this Lent Scripture meditation, we’ll engage in Lectio Divina, a slow, reflective way of reading Scripture, to experience a moment when Jesus challenges our assumptions about power and greatness. NOTE: I’ve created a free Lent Journal to help you reflect and pray through each meditation. It includes the Scripture passages, reflection prompts, and space to process your time with the Lord. You can download it here. At this point in Jesus’s ministry, the disciples have seen His miracles, heard His teachings, and are beginning to understand that He is the Messiah. But as we see in Matthew 18:1-5, they still assume He’s bringing an earthly kingdom—and they’re eager to know what positions of power they’ll hold. Instead of rebuking them, Jesus responds with a living illustration. He calls a child to stand among them and teaches that true greatness isn’t about status or control—it’s about humility, dependence, and trust. Through this guided Scripture meditation, you’ll have space to: Identify where you’re tempted to seek status, control, or recognition. Notice what God is highlighting in this passage for you today. Consider what’s holding you back from trusting Him fully. Rest in the truth that God’s way—even when it feels upside down—is always best. Take a moment to pause, reflect, and open your heart to Jesus’s invitation to live with childlike faith. Here are some additional helpful links: Download your free LENT guide here. You can find out more about me, Jodie, at http://www.jodieniznik.com/ Follow me on Instagram @jodieniznik Follow me on Facebook @JodieGNiznik Learn more about Scripture meditation and download a FREE Guided Scripture Meditation Journal here. Join my Monday email newsletter here, where I send links to the newest meditation every Monday morning. Find out more about my partner, Life Audio, at lifeaudio.com. Download FREE sample chapters from my Bible studies here. The Entire meditation text is: Matthew 18:1-5, NET The disciples came to Jesus saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a child, had him stand among them, and said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn around and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven! Whoever then humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes a child like this in my name welcomes me. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this Lent Scripture Meditation, we step into a powerful moment in Mark 7:32-37 where Jesus heals a man who is deaf and can barely speak. But this healing is more than just a miracle—it’s deeply personal. Rather than healing from a distance, Jesus takes the man aside, touches him, sighs deeply, and speaks healing words. This moment reveals the loving and intimate heart of Jesus. He doesn’t just restore the man’s hearing and speech; He meets him with personal care, treating him with dignity and love. As you meditate on this passage, I invite you to consider:✨ Where do you long to experience Jesus’s personal care in your life?✨ How might He be inviting you to trust His love and presence today? Take a deep breath, slow down, and allow this meditation to help you experience the love and care of Jesus in a fresh way. I’ve created a free Lent Journal to help you reflect and pray through each meditation. It includes the Scripture passages, reflection prompts, and space to process your time with the Lord. You can download it here. Here are some additional helpful links: Download your free LENT guide here. You can find out more about me, Jodie, at http://www.jodieniznik.com/ Follow me on Instagram @jodieniznik Follow me on Facebook @JodieGNiznik Learn more about Scripture meditation and download a FREE Guided Scripture Meditation Journal here. Join my Monday email newsletter here, where I send links to the newest meditation every Monday morning. Find out more about my partner, Life Audio, at lifeaudio.com. Download FREE sample chapters from my Bible studies here. The Entire meditation text is: Mark 7:32-37, NLT 32 A deaf man with a speech impediment was brought to (Jesus), and the people begged Jesus to lay his hands on the man to heal him. 33 Jesus led him away from the crowd so they could be alone. He put his fingers into the man’s ears. Then, spitting on his own fingers, he touched the man’s tongue. 34 Looking up to heaven, he sighed and said, “Ephphatha,” which means, “Be opened!” 35 Instantly the man could hear perfectly, and his tongue was freed so he could speak plainly! 36 Jesus told the crowd not to tell anyone, but the more he told them not to, the more they spread the news. 37 They were completely amazed and said again and again, “Everything he does is wonderful. He even makes the deaf to hear and gives speech to those who cannot speak.” Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Lent is a season to slow down and prepare our hearts for Easter. In this week’s Lent meditation, we continue encountering Jesus through the eyes of those He met in Scripture. Today, we witness a powerful moment of Jesus’s compassion as He meets a man with leprosy—an outcast longing for healing and restoration. Leprosy in the ancient world was more than a physical ailment; it meant complete isolation from family, community, and worship. But this man boldly approaches Jesus, asking for healing. Jesus, moved with compassion, does something unexpected—He reaches out and touches him. Why does Jesus touch him when He could have simply spoken a word of healing? And why does Jesus then give him a strong warning afterward? Through this guided Scripture meditation, we’ll step into this scene, engaging our imagination and listening for what Jesus wants to reveal to us. As we reflect on Mark 1:40-45, we’ll consider what this moment teaches us about Jesus’s heart and how He invites us to come to Him today. Take a deep breath, quiet your heart, and join me in encountering the compassion of Christ. I’ve created a FREE Lent Journal to help you reflect and pray through each meditation. It includes the Scripture passages, reflection prompts, and space to process your time with the Lord. You can download it here. Here are some additional helpful links: Download your free LENT guide here. You can find out more about me, Jodie, at http://www.jodieniznik.com/ Follow me on Instagram @jodieniznik Follow me on Facebook @JodieGNiznik Learn more about Scripture meditation and download a FREE Guided Scripture Meditation Journal here. Join my Monday email newsletter here, where I send links to the newest meditation every Monday morning. Find out more about my partner, Life Audio, at lifeaudio.com. Download FREE sample chapters from my Bible studies here. The entire meditation text is as follows: Mark 1:40–45, NET Now a leper came to him and fell to his knees, asking for help. “If you are willing, you can make me clean,” he said. Moved with compassion, Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing. Be clean!” The leprosy left him at once, and he was clean. Immediately Jesus sent the man away with a very strong warning. He told him, “See that you do not say anything to anyone, but go, show yourself to a priest, and bring the offering that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.” But as the man went out he began to announce it publicly and spread the story widely, so that Jesus was no longer able to enter any town openly but stayed outside in remote places. Still they kept coming to him from everywhere. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Lent is a season to slow down and prepare our hearts for Easter. In this meditation series, we’ll pause together to encounter Jesus—seeing Him through the eyes of those who met Him in Scripture. Each interaction reveals His heart of compassion, grace, and truth, inviting us to reflect on how He wants to meet us today. In this first meditation, we step into a moment early in Jesus’s ministry—when crowds were pressing in, desperate for His help. After a long night of healing, He arose before the sun was up and slipped away to be alone with His Father. Then, instead of returning to the needy crowds, He told the disciples it was time to move on. As we meditate on Mark 1:32-39, we’ll reflect on Jesus’s priorities and what He might want to show us about our own. I’ve also created a FREE Lent Journal to help you reflect and pray through each meditation. It includes the Scripture passages, reflection prompts, and space to process your time with the Lord. You can download it here. Here are some additional helpful links: Download your free LENT guide here. You can find out more about me, Jodie, at http://www.jodieniznik.com/ Follow me on Instagram @jodieniznik Follow me on Facebook @JodieGNiznik Learn more about Scripture meditation and download a FREE Guided Scripture Meditation Journal here. Join my Monday email newsletter here, where I send links to the newest meditation every Monday morning. Find out more about my partner, Life Audio, at lifeaudio.com. Download FREE sample chapters from my Bible studies here. The entire meditation text is as follows: Mark 1:32-39, NET When it was evening, after sunset, they brought to (Jesus) all who were sick and demon-possessed. The whole town gathered by the door. So he healed many who were sick with various diseases and drove out many demons. But he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him. Then Jesus got up early in the morning when it was still very dark, departed, and went out to a deserted place, and there he spent time in prayer. Simon and his companions searched for him. When they found him, they said, “Everyone is looking for you.” He replied, “Let us go elsewhere, into the surrounding villages, so that I can preach there too. For that is what I came out here to do.” So he went into all of Galilee preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

God isn’t just loving—He is love. Every characteristic we’ve explored in this meditation series stems from this profound truth: God is merciful because God is love. God is gracious because God is love. God is faithful because God is love. God is just because God is love. God is holy because God is love. God is compassionate because God is love. God is sovereign because God is love. It’s why we’re closing this series with the truth that God is love—the umbrella under which all His character and actions fall. This meditation is Ephesians 3:16-19, a beautiful prayer from Paul for the church in Ephesus that is also for us. In this prayer, Paul asks God to empower us with inner strength, to help us understand the limitless dimensions of Christ’s love, and to make us complete with the fullness of life and power that come from Him. As you meditate on these verses, I pray you’ll be reminded that you are deeply loved by our good and loving Father. May this meditation help you grow more rooted in His love and inspire you to live in the fullness of His love today. Here are some additional helpful links: Did you love today’s calming music by Simon Wester? If so, head here to find links to his music. I have his Spotify playlist on repeat. Get a link to the Lent Guide by joining my Monday morning email list here. I send links to the newest meditation every Monday morning. You can find out more about me, Jodie, at http://www.jodieniznik.com/ Follow me on Instagram @jodieniznik Follow me on Facebook @JodieGNiznik Learn more about Scripture meditation and download a FREE Lectio Divina Scripture Meditation Journal here. Join my Monday email newsletter here, where I send links to the newest meditation every Monday morning. Find out more about my partner, Life Audio, at lifeaudio.com. Download FREE sample chapters from my Bible studies here. The entire meditation text is as follows: Scripture: Ephesians 3:16-19, NLT 16 I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. 17 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. 18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Have you ever wondered, If God is in control, why does life feel so out of control? In this meditation, we’ll explore the comforting truth of God’s sovereignty through Isaiah 46:9-11. This passage was spoken to God's people during a time of exile and uncertainty. Just as it reassured them, it reminds us today: even when life feels chaotic, God is still in control. His plans always prevail. As you listen, you’ll be guided to reflect on God’s sovereignty over all things and remember how He has worked in your life before. We’ll also explore how He’s inviting you to trust His good plans today. Whether you’re waiting for God’s plans to unfold or simply need a reminder that He is still in control, this meditation will help you pause, reflect, and rest in the truth: God’s good and sovereign plan will come to pass. Here are some additional helpful links: Here are some helpful links: Learn more about Scripture meditation and download a Scripture Meditation Journal here. You can find out more about me, Jodie, at http://www.jodieniznik.com/ Follow me on Instagram @jodieniznik Follow me on Facebook @JodieGNiznik Join my Monday email newsletter here, where I send links to the newest meditation every Monday morning. Find out more about my partner, Life Audio, at lifeaudio.com. Download FREE sample chapters from my Bible studies here. The entire meditation text is as follows: Scripture: Isaiah 46:9-11, NLT 9 Remember the things I have done in the past. For I alone am God! I am God, and there is none like me. 10 Only I can tell you the future before it even happens. Everything I plan will come to pass, for I do whatever I wish. 11 I will call a swift bird of prey from the east— a leader from a distant land to come and do my bidding. I have said what I would do, and I will do it. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Have you ever experienced unexpected kindness when you needed it most? I’ll never forget the day a stranger stepped in to buy breakfast for my daughters and me when I didn’t have cash. Her compassion met our immediate needs and left a lasting impression on my heart. Compassion always moves to action, and this is the very nature of our God. Psalm 145:8-9, 14-18 gives us a beautiful glimpse into God’s compassionate character. It reminds us that: God helps the fallen. He lifts those burdened under heavy loads. He is near to all who call on Him in truth. In this episode, we’ll meditate on these verses and reflect on how we’ve experienced God’s compassion in our lives. Together, we’ll: Thank God for His compassionate help in the past. Share with Him where we need His compassion today. Ask Him to shape us into people who reflect His compassionate heart. Take a moment to pause, reflect, and rest in the truth that God is full of compassion and ready to help you. Here are some additional helpful links: Learn more about Scripture meditation and download a Scripture Meditation Journal here. You can find out more about me, Jodie, at http://www.jodieniznik.com/ Follow me on Instagram @jodieniznik Follow me on Facebook @JodieGNiznik Join my Monday email newsletter here, where I send links to the newest meditation every Monday morning. Find out more about my partner, Life Audio, at lifeaudio.com. Download FREE sample chapters from my Bible studies here. The entire meditation text is as follows: Scripture: Psalm 145:8-9, 14-18, NLT 8 The Lord is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. 9 The Lord is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all his creation. 14 The Lord helps the fallen and lifts those bent beneath their loads. 15 The eyes of all look to you in hope; you give them their food as they need it. 16 When you open your hand, you satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing. 17 The Lord is righteous in everything he does; he is filled with kindness. 18 The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What would it be like to stand in the presence of God’s holiness? Would you feel welcomed—or fear being obliterated by His glory? In this Scripture Meditation, we’ll explore Isaiah’s breathtaking vision of God’s holiness in Isaiah 6. It’s a scene of unmatched majesty—God seated on a lofty throne, the train of His robe filling the temple, and angelic beings declaring, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Heaven’s Armies!” Isaiah’s response reflects what many of us might feel: an awareness of our sin in the presence of a perfect and holy God. But instead of condemning Isaiah, God showed him grace. A burning coal touched Isaiah’s lips, and his sin was completely removed. Through Jesus, we, too, are forgiven and welcomed into God’s holy presence. And just as Isaiah responded to God’s holiness with worship and obedience, we are invited to step boldly into God’s plans for us. In this meditation, you’ll be invited to: Imagine yourself in this heavenly scene, joining the angels in worship. Reflect on how God’s holiness shapes your view of Him and your life. Respond to God’s invitation to live with greater reverence for His holiness. As you meditate on God’s holiness, may you be filled with awe, drawn closer to His heart, and inspired to say as Isaiah did, “Here I am, Lord. Send me.” Here are some helpful links: Learn more about Scripture meditation and download a Scripture Meditation Journal here. You can find out more about me, Jodie, at http://www.jodieniznik.com/ Follow me on Instagram @jodieniznik Follow me on Facebook @JodieGNiznik Join my Monday email newsletter here, where I send links to the newest meditation every Monday morning. Find out more about my partner, Life Audio, at lifeaudio.com. Download FREE sample chapters from my Bible studies here. The entire meditation text is as follows: Scripture: Isaiah 6:1-4, NLT It was in the year King Uzziah died that I saw the Lord. He was sitting on a lofty throne, and the train of his robe filled the Temple. 2 Attending him were mighty seraphim, each having six wings. With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. 3 They were calling out to each other, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Heaven’s Armies! The whole earth is filled with his glory!” 4 Their voices shook the Temple to its foundations, and the entire building was filled with smoke. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Have you ever been taken advantage of? Mistreated? Lied about? I’m sure the answer is yes. Injustice is something we all encounter at some point in life. It’s painful and can leave us asking, “Where are you, God? Don’t you see what’s happening? Don’t you care?” Psalm 37 is a powerful reminder of God’s justice and His ability to right every wrong in His time and His way. While justice may not always happen as we hope or expect, this Psalm assures us that God is holding every injustice. He is a just God, and we can trust Him. In this meditation, you'll be invited to: Reflect on the areas in your life where you are longing for justice. Bring your burdens to God and ask how He is inviting you to trust Him more in this situation. Rest in the assurance that God is in control and His perfect justice will prevail in His time. God’s justice is perfect. While we may not always see it immediately, we can trust in His faithfulness and goodness. Join me as we meditate on Psalm 37:35-40 and take a moment to remember that God loves you and sees you. Here are some helpful links: Learn more about Scripture meditation and download a Scripture Meditation Journal here. You can find out more about me, Jodie, at http://www.jodieniznik.com/ Follow me on Instagram @jodieniznik Follow me on Facebook @JodieGNiznik Join my Monday email newsletter here, where I send links to the newest meditation every Monday morning. Find out more about my partner, Life Audio, at lifeaudio.com. Download FREE sample chapters from my Bible studies here. The entire meditation text is as follows: Scripture: Psalm 37:35-40, NET I have seen ruthless evil men growing in influence, like a green tree grows in its native soil. But then one passes by, and suddenly they have disappeared! I looked for them, but they could not be found. Take note of the one who has integrity! Observe the godly! For the one who promotes peace has a future. Sinful rebels are totally destroyed; evil men have no future. But the Lord delivers the godly; he protects them in times of trouble. The Lord helps them and rescues them; he rescues them from evil men and delivers them, for they seek his protection. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

God’s faithfulness isn’t dependent on our actions; it’s rooted in God’s unchanging character. This meditation on Deuteronomy 7:6-9 reminds us that God is faithful even when we falter. In this passage, we’re reminded that God chose and rescued Israel—not because they were deserving, but because He loved them. In the same way, God chooses and rescues us, not because we deserve it, but simply because of His great love for us. Whatever you’re facing right now, this passage will remind you that God will always be faithful to you. You can trust in His unfailing love, no matter your circumstances. This meditation invites you to reflect on how God has been faithful to you in the past and will create space for you to rest in His faithfulness today. God is faithful. Here are some additional helpful links: Learn more about Scripture meditation and download a FREE Scripture Meditation Journal here. You can find out more about me, Jodie, at http://www.jodieniznik.com/ Follow me on Instagram @jodieniznik Follow me on Facebook @JodieGNiznik Join my Monday email newsletter here, where I send links to the newest meditation every Monday morning. Find out more about my partner, Life Audio, at lifeaudio.com. Download FREE sample chapters from my Bible studies here. The entire meditation text is as follows: Deuteronomy 7:6-9, NLT 6 For you are a holy people, who belong to the Lord your God. Of all the people on earth, the Lord your God has chosen you to be his own special treasure. 7 “The Lord did not set his heart on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other nations, for you were the smallest of all nations! 8 Rather, it was simply that the Lord loves you, and he was keeping the oath he had sworn to your ancestors. That is why the Lord rescued you with such a strong hand from your slavery and from the oppressive hand of Pharaoh, king of Egypt. 9 Understand, therefore, that the Lord your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps his covenant for a thousand generations and lavishes his unfailing love on those who love him and obey his commands Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.