So Much More: Scripture Meditation (Lectio Divina)

How can we have a deeper and fuller walk with the Holy Spirit? Jack Levison, renowned theologian, and acclaimed author, has spent years studying the person of the Holy Spirit, and what he’s found will surprise and transform you. He shares some of the secrets he’s discovered that lead us to a fuller, deeper, and more powerful relationship with the Holy Spirit. Jack Levison holds the WJA Power Chair of Old Testament Interpretation and Biblical Hebrew at Southern Methodist University. He previously taught at Duke Divinity School and Seattle Pacific University. Jack has the gift of connecting with popular audiences with essays featured in The Huffington Post, parade.com, relevant.com, and beliefnet.com. He is the author and editor of many books, including A Boundless God. Which was Christianity Today's 2021 Book Award winner and his newest release, Seven Secrets of the Spirit-Filled Life.   Here are a few highlights from our conversation: We start with a few questions I have about the Holy Spirit. First, the church feels all over the map on how we handle the Holy Spirit. Jack helps us understand a better way. Second, I ask Jack to explain why Scripture says we are both filled with the Spirit and indwelt by the Spirit. Jack explains this and shares that he believes the filling of the Spirit is to propel us toward mission. This was super interesting to me. An interesting thing about Jack and his wife is that they live in a dorm at SMU with 185 undergraduate students. He tells us about some of the challenges and blessings of this. Jack shares where the Lord led him as he meditated on John 14. So amazing to see the living and active Word at work! I love how God showed him something new in the passage. This leads us to talk about one of the secrets he discovered about life with the Spirit – we need to saturate ourselves in Scripture. The Spirit will help us recall – but we need something to recall first. This is why we need to be filling ourselves with God’s word. Jack tells us why failed Bible study can be some of the best Bible study. This is interesting! We then talk about how God has upended some things in Jack’s life as he’s studied God’s word. He tells us how his views have changed on some critical issues. Finally, Jack ends with some encouragement for us found in Acts 8 and the life of Philip. Super encouraging – and maybe a bit convicting.   Here’s how you can connect with Jack: https://people.smu.edu/jacklevison/ Follow him on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jacklevison/ Follow him on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jacklevison Follow him on Twitter: https://twitter.com/spiritchatter   You can find Jodie at http://www.jodieniznik.com/ Instagram @creatingspaceforgod Facebook @JodieGNiznik Download free sample chapters from my Bible studies here. Download your free Lectio Divina Journal here. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In some of Jesus’s last words, he told the disciples that the Spirit would come to teach and remind them of everything he had said. And then he stated he was also leaving them with his peace. The disciples didn’t understand yet. But the Spirit would soon help them understand and remember. What a gift – given to them and us. As you meditate on this passage, allow the Lord to help you notice what he has for you in these words. Once you’ve listened to this Scripture Experience podcast, don’t miss the next episode with Jack Levison (Releases 6/14/23). Jack is a theologian and the author of Seven Secrets of the Spirit-Filled Life.   You can find Jodie at http://www.jodieniznik.com/ Instagram @creatingspaceforgod Facebook @JodieGNiznik Download free sample chapters from my Bible studies here. Download your free Lectio Divina Journal here.   The full meditation text is:   John 14:25-27, NIV 25 “All this I have spoken while still with you. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What if every human being is the image of God? What would that change about how we view ourselves and others?   In the episode, Carmen Joy Imes, author of Being God’s Image: Why Creation Still Matters, helps us unpack this critical question.     Carmen Joy Imes is an associate professor of Old Testament at Biola University. A graduate of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, she is the author of Bearing YHWH's Name at Sinai, Bearing God's Name: Why Sinai Still Matters, and the editor of Praying the Psalms with Augustine and Friends.   Some highlights from our conversation: Carmen shares the distinction between being God’s image and bearing God’s image – and why she thinks it’s critical we understand that we don’t just bear the image of God, but we are the image of God. We discuss the creation story found in Genesis 1 and how God creates and fills. She helps us see God’s pattern of creation. Carmen shares how the Lord led her in her time meditation on Genesis 1. I love that Carmen has pretty much written an entire book on the creation account, yet God still had something new for her in this passage. We discuss how, when you read the creation account closely, God didn’t create a hierarchy between male and female. Carmen shares the implication for why being God’s image is so important – and how that gives every human inherent dignity and worth. Carmen and I talk about why the creation accounts in Genesis 1 and 2 are different. Carmen shares her research on what it means for a woman in Genesis 2:18 to be called a “suitable helper” or an “ezer.” Carmen has profound insight into why she believes a woman was the first to see Jesus after his resurrection. Don’t miss this. It’s so good. Does creation care and stewarding matter today? Carmen believes so. Listen as she unpacks why our earthly home and bodies still matter. Finally, Carmen encourages us to base our identity in Genesis 1 and 2, as people created by God and in his image, versus Genesis 3, as people marked by the fall and in need of grace. Both are true, but where we start matters.   GREAT NEWS! IVP is giving So Much More listeners 30% off and free shipping until June 21, 2023, with the code MUCHMORE at https://www.ivpress.com/being-god-s-image   You can connect with and read her blog at carmenjoyimes.blogspot.com. Follow her on Twitter: @carmenjoyimes Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carmen.imes.7   You can find Jodie at http://www.jodieniznik.com/ Instagram @creatingspaceforgod Facebook @JodieGNiznik Download free sample chapters from my Bible studies here.   If you're looking for the podcast interview I did with Dr. Nijay Gupta you can find it here: https://omny.fm/shows/so-much-more/surprising-ways-women-served-in-the-early-church-n Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Let’s go back to the beginning, where it was good - very good. Genesis says, "God created them; male and female he created them." And God gave them the job of ruling and reigning together.   This passage may be familiar to you. But as you hear the words, ask the Spirit to help them become new. He will guide you to notice what he has for you. His Word is living and active, so God may help you see something you haven’t noticed before.   Once you’ve listened to this Scripture Experience podcast, head to the next episode and listen to the interview with Old Testament scholar, professor, and author Carmen Joy Imes. (Releases June 7, 2023) We discuss what it means to be created in the image of God and why it matters.   You can find Jodie at http://www.jodieniznik.com/ Instagram @creatingspaceforgod Facebook @JodieGNiznik Download free sample chapters from my Bible studies here.   The exact verses read in this podcast are printed here for your use: Genesis 1:26-28, NIV Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

At the end of your day, are you frustrated by your lack of progress? Do you feel overwhelmed by constant distractions? Listen in and discover how you can make real and lasting change through the simple act of paying attention. Meet my guest Paul Angone: Paul Angone is a trusted voice for young professionals, individuals navigating change and transitions, and those seeking to live a more intentional life. Paul, a best-selling author, has written "101 Secrets for Your Twenties," "101 Questions You Need to Ask in Your Twenties," "25 Lies 20-Somethings Need to Stop Believing," and his latest work, "Listen to Your Day: The Life-Changing Practice of Paying Attention." In addition, he is the creator of Allgroanup.com and the All Groan Up Podcast. Paul's passion for helping others find focus and intentionality in their lives stems from his own challenges and personal growth, making him an engaging and relatable guide. Some highlights from our conversation:- The Problem with Smartphones, Paul Angone discusses how smartphones have become an increasing distraction in our lives. He highlights some practical tips on how to reduce screen time.-  Philippians 4:8, Jodie and Paul discuss the meditation verse from Philippians 4:8 and how paying attention to what is good and right in our lives can change our entire outlook on things. - Embracing Awkwardness and Boredom, Paul discusses why it’s important to embrace awkward, boring, and quiet spaces instead of constantly seeking to escape them. - Not-So-Chance Encounters, Paul discusses the "providential moments" of life. And how sometimes these moments can lead to huge changes - if we’re paying attention.- The Productivity of Silence, Paul shares why he schedules a 45-minute walk into his workday and how this time away from distraction has become one of the most fruitful and productive times of his day. - The Entrepreneurial Mindset, Paul and Jodie discuss the mindset model of entrepreneurs and how they view problems as opportunities to be solved instead of roadblocks.- The Monk Mindset, Jodie and Paul discuss the importance of silence, reflection, and contemplation in our lives. - The Importance of Community, As a last word of encouragement, Paul reminds us that we are not meant to go on this journey alone and invites us to consider processing new ways of paying attention to our days in a community. You can connect with Paul at: https://allgroanup.com/ On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paulangone On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulangone/ On Twitter: https://twitter.com/PaulAngone Order Listen to Your Day here: https://allgroanup.com/books-2/   You can find Jodie at http://www.jodieniznik.com/ Instagram @creatingspaceforgod Facebook @JodieGNiznik Download free sample chapters from my Bible studies here. Download your free Lectio Divina Journal here.   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What’s rolling around in your mind? Are you dwelling on an uncertain future? Relitigating the past? Or are you thinking about the true and right things of God? It’s easy to let our minds slip into worry and anxiety. That’s why the Apostle Paul invites us to be intentional with our thoughts. As you meditate on Philippians 4:8, allow the Spirit to help you notice something from these words that applies to your own life. Once you’ve listened to this Scripture Experience podcast, head over to the next episode and listen to the interview with author Paul Angone as we discuss the life-changing practice of paying attention. (Releases May 31, 2023) You can find Jodie at http://www.jodieniznik.com/ Instagram @creatingspaceforgod Facebook @JodieGNiznik Download free sample chapters from my Bible studies here. Download your free Lectio Divina journal here. The exact verses read in this podcast are printed here for your use: Philippians 4:8, NIV Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

It all started when Terry found a Hopi translation of the Bible that no one could read.   Sadly, the Hopi people were never taught to read their language, so it sat in a shed gathering dust. This made Terry realize that the Native American people didn’t have a translation that spoke to them in their heart language.   Terry started small. He wrote and recorded, The Great Story from the Sacred Book. And it won the award for Best Spoken World from the Native American Music Awards. This began the journey that resulted in him and a team of translators translating the New Testament into what we now call the First Nations Version. A beautiful translation that will speak to your heart, Native American or not.   Some highlights from our conversation: Terry shares the backstory of the FNV. It all started when he was serving as a pastor to the Hopi people, and he found a Hopi translation of the Bible that no one could read. This helped him realize that most First Nations people could not read in their own language and there was no translation that really spoke to them in their heart language. Terry started slowly with audio recording. This recording won the Best Spoken Word award for the Native American Music Awards. Terry realized then that this was a needed project. We talk about some of the decisions he and the translation team made with names. And why that matters so much in the Native American culture. We discuss the oral culture – and how this translation leans into the patterns of oral storytelling. The FNV is a dynamic equivalence translation. Dynamic equivalence allows the translator to make edits as needed, so the translated text is comprehensible within the receiving culture. Oftentimes the target audience is not familiar with the source language or culture and needs idioms and references explained or localized to make sense. Terry shares the Lord’s prayer with us and how he thought through the phrase, “give us our daily bread.” And how daily bread for native American people would have been different than bread. So he used words like buffalo, corn, squash, and wild rice to communicate this truth. Another important change they made was in how they translated the word “sin.” Many Native American people were told long hair was a sin, speaking in their native language was a sin – even being a Native American person felt sinful to them. Since this word had been abused, Terry sought a new way to communicate this truth. He came up with “bad hearts and broken ways.” Terry also shares his vision for how all people groups can learn from each other. It’s beautiful. We end with a discussion on Ephesians 4 and Terry closes us by reading the Lord’s Prayer and praying over us. Don’t miss this!   You can find Terry and the FNV at: https://firstnationsversion.com/ On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FirstNationsVersion/ On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fnv.nt/ On Twitter: https://twitter.com/TerryMWildman     Great News! You can order the FNV for 30% off and free shipping from IVP until June 7, 2023 at: https://www.ivpress.com/first-nations-version-paperback   You can find Jodie at http://www.jodieniznik.com/ Instagram @creatingspaceforgod Facebook @JodieGNiznik Download free sample chapters from my Bible studies here. Download your free Lectio Divina Journal here.   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

We have been made new. And God invites us to live in a way that represents who you are – standing in a good way and walking a true and sacred path. As you meditate on Ephesians 4, allow the Spirit to help you notice something from these words that applies to your own life.   We’re meditating on this passage from the First Nations Version. In the companion podcast, I have a Conversation with Terry Wildman, the lead translator for the FNV (releases on Wednesday, 5/24). We discuss why he felt led to make this translation and why it’s needed.   You can find Jodie at http://www.jodieniznik.com/ Instagram @creatingspaceforgod Facebook @JodieGNiznik Download free sample chapters from my Bible studies here. Download your free Lectio Divina Journal here.   The exact verses read in this podcast are printed here for your use: Ephesians 4:22-24, FNV Take off that worn-out and stained outfit of your past life with its selfish desires and worthless ways of thinking. It no longer represents who you are. You are now true human beings, with a new way of seeing and thinking. Put on the regalia of your new life. For you have been made new, created again to look like the one who made you, standing in a good way, and walking a true and sacred path. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What’s the cost of living a distracted life?   Katie Westenberg, author of But Then She Remembered, believes it's dangerously high. She argues that our minds dwell on what our hearts and minds focus on. And if God isn’t our focus, then we will not only get distracted but derailed.   The solution is to remember. Remember who your God is and what he has called you to do.   Here’s a few highlights from our conversation: Katie and I discuss how she started to see distraction as a detriment in her life. The main source of distraction is, of course, technology. Katie has some great tips for us on how to use technology wisely. We then turn to why remembering is important and Katie reminds us that God commanded the Israelites to remember. And when they forgot – they wandered off course. The same is true for us. We talk about Psalm 77 and Katie shares how the Lord led her as she meditated on the passage. Katie shares some ways God has invited her to remember. And she reminds us that we don’t need to feel shame in our weakened memories but to ask the Spirit to help us remember. One of the beautiful gifts the Spirit gives us is to help us remember. One way Katie has intentionally focused on remembering God’s truth is through Scripture memory. When distractions creep into Katie’s life, she said her favorite trick is to speak to the distraction. So instead of mindlessly picking up her phone, she will say to herself – or anyone around her – I’m going to look this up on my phone. I loved this trick because I’ve been known to pick up my phone for one reason, get distracted, and then 15 minutes later, wonder why I grabbed my phone in the first place! I know I’m not the only one! Katie closes with sharing her take on what it means to take every thought captive (from 2 Corinthians 10:5)   Here’s how you can connect with Katie: https://katiewestenberg.com/ Follow him on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/katie_westenberg/ Follow him on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KatieWestenbergauthor   You can find Jodie at http://www.jodieniznik.com/ Instagram @creatingspaceforgod Facebook @JodieGNiznik Download free sample chapters from my Bible studies here. Download your free Lectio Divina Journal here. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

How do you find comfort when you’re distressed? The author of Psalm 77 found comfort through remembering. Remembering who God is and what he has done.   As you meditate on this Psalm, may it help you remember and recall God’s faithfulness in the past and present. Allow the Lord to help you notice what he has for you in these words. Perhaps you have some remembering to do.   Once you’ve listened to this Scripture Experience podcast, don’t miss the next episode with Katie Westenberg (Releases 5/17/23). Katie is the author of But Then She Remembered. We talk about why remembering is critical – and she shares her thoughts on the real cost of distracted living.   You can find Jodie at http://www.jodieniznik.com/ Instagram @creatingspaceforgod Facebook @JodieGNiznik Download free sample chapters from my Bible studies here. Download your free Lectio Divina Journal here.   The full meditation text is: Psalm 77:11-15   11 I will remember the Lord’s works; yes, I will remember your ancient wonders. 12 I will reflect on all you have done and meditate on your actions. 13 God, your way is holy. What god is great like God? 14 You are the God who works wonders; you revealed your strength among the peoples. 15 With power you redeemed your people, the descendants of Jacob and Joseph. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.