So Much More: Scripture Meditation (Lectio Divina)

Whoa! What if we’ve been overlooking some critical information in Scripture? Especially about women and their roles in the New Testament church.   This is what Dr. Nijay Gupta contends in his new book Tell Her Story.   If you’ve ever wondered about the role of women in the early church and the church today, you need to listen to this encouraging and insightful conversation. Nijay introduces us to women you may not know about and their critical roles in advancing the Gospel.   This conversation deeply blessed me. I hope it will do the same for you.   Dr. Nijay Gupta is a professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary. Previously, he was a professor of New Testament at Portland Seminary, where he also oversaw the Master's thesis program, and advises doctoral students. He is the author of the book Worship That Makes Sense to Paul and Prepare, Succeed, Advance: A Guidebook for Getting a Ph.D. in Biblical Studies and Beyond, Bible commentaries, and over a dozen academic articles in theological journals. And his newest book: Tell her Story: How Women Led, Taught, and Ministered in the Early Church.   **** GREAT NEWS! IVP is giving so much more listeners 30% and free shipping with the code MUCHMORE until May 24, 2023. You can find his book here:  https://www.ivpress.com/tell-her-story   Here are a few highlights from our conversation: We start with Deborah from the Old Testament, and while Nijay’s work is really to help us see women in the New Testament church, Deborah sets a helpful foundation. We then focus on women Paul wrote about with high praise. These women, tucked away in Romans 16, have often been overlooked. But what Nijay shares with us is revolutionary. We also discuss the structure of the Roman household, how it’s very different from today, and how some women held surprising roles in the home – and, as a result, the church. Finally, we talk about Jesus and his relationship with women. All four Gospels tell us that women were the first to see Jesus resurrected. What does this mean? And what have you been overlooking in the familiar passage of Mary coming to the tomb?   Here’s how you can connect with Nijay: On Twitter: @Nijaykgupta.Read his blog at cruxsolablog.com. Watch him speak about Christ working through our weakness Follow him on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nijay.gupta/ Follow him on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nijay.gupta   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.

Mary and the other Mary went to the tomb to see Jesus. He wasn’t there. At first, they were confused. But then they encountered an angel who helped them understand what happened and told them what to do next.   They hurried off. On the way, they encountered the resurrected Jesus. Can you imagine?   They fell at his feet, clinging to him. They loved him dearly. He told them, “Don’t be afraid. Go tell the others.”   You’ve probably read this account before. But there is something in it for you today. As you meditate ask the Lord to help you notice what he wants you to notice.   Once you’ve listened to this Scripture Experience podcast, don’t miss the next episode with professor and author Nijay Gupta (Releases 5/10/23)   We discuss the surprising roles women played in the early church. As we do, Nijay points out something from this passage that I had never seen before. Make sure you listen in – it will bless you.   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: Matthew 28:5-10 5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.” 8 So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.” Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Everyone's faith journey evolves. Many of us have been deconstructing and reconstructing, tearing down practices and beliefs that don’t work as we seek to rebuild something that does.     Matt Tebbe and Ben Sternke, authors of Having the Mind of Christ: Eight Axioms to Cultivate a Robust Faith, discovered, through their own personal journeys and as they guided others, that many were becoming disillusioned and needed help reconstructing their faith.   They turned to Jesus as the model and started to see that Jesus operated under some basic assumptions about God and his Kingdom. As they dug and learned, they identified eight foundational principles that Jesus assumed and operated under – starting with love. They say the first foundational principle this way: God is love, so it’s all about love.   It seems logical on the surface but dig deeper, and you’ll quickly see that we may believe this is true, but we don’t really live it.   Matt and Ben are cofounders of Gravity Leadership and co-pastors at The Table in Indianapolis. Listen in as we talk about their story, why they wrote this book, why love matters, and hear their insights on Mark 3.   GREAT NEWS: IVP is giving So Much More Listeners 30% off and free shipping until 5.17.23 with the code MUCHMORE You can get a copy here: https://www.ivpress.com/having-the-mind-of-christ   Some highlights from our conversation: Matt tells us about his journey of deconstruction and how it created dissonance in his life that he could no longer ignore. He says: It’s not working anymore, but I can’t quit Jesus Ben also shares his story and how he saw leaders failing. This made him question: “Is there a way to do ministry that’s rooted in love?” We talk about how they decided on the eight axioms and what they are. We dive into the first one: God is love, so it’s all about love. And if we believe this, how many parts of our life do we live as if it’s really all about love? We talk about some of the practices they offer in the book as opportunities for us to live like these axioms are true. We end processing through Mark 3 and what it meant to both Matt and Ben. A golden nugget toward the end of our conversation is when we discuss our real pain. Sometimes what God is up to is different than we would think because the goal is eternity. Hopefully, we can say on the other side of the experience: I wouldn’t wish this on a friend, But I can’t imagine having not gone through it. We wrap up with a discussion on our meditation passage from Mark 3. Why was Jesus angry? And what was the man’s role in this whole scenario?   You can connect with Ben at: https://bensternke.com/ On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ben.sternke.56/ On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bensternk3/ On Twitter: https://twitter.com/bensternke   You can connect with Matt at: https://gravityleadership.com/matt-tebbe/ On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/matttebbe/ On Twitter: https://twitter.com/matttebbe   You can find Jodie at http://www.jodieniznik.com/ Instagram @creatingspaceforgod Facebook @JodieGNiznik Download free sample chapters from Jodie's 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.

It was the Sabbath. Jesus was in the synagogue and a man needed healing. What would he do?   The religious leaders were looking for a reason to accuse and discredit Jesus. If he healed the man, Jesus would break the letter of the law.   But what about the intent of the law? And what about the heart of God, who created the law?   So Jesus asks, “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” The religious leaders were silent. They had no answer. They became trapped by their pride and misunderstanding.   But Jesus acts in love. He heals.   As you meditate on Mark 3, 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 pastors and authors Matt Tebbe and Ben Sternke. We discuss what love means and how love helps us have the mind of Christ.   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: Mark 3:1-5 Another time Jesus went into the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. 2 Some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath. 3 Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand, “Stand up in front of everyone.” 4 Then Jesus asked them, “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they remained silent. 5 He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

No one asks for restless moments. No one wants to feel irritated, unsettled, or stuck. But what if restlessness is normal, healthy, and even holy? And what if we need to pay attention to our restlessness as an invitation from God?   In the episode, Casey Tygrett, author of The Gift of Restlessness: A Spirituality for Unsettled Seasons, helps us unpack a new way to view restlessness.   Casey holds a Master of Divinity and a Doctor of Ministry in Spiritual formation. He is a Spiritual Director and the director of spiritual direction practice for Soul Care, which helps church and nonprofit leaders restore health to their souls. He is also the author of Becoming Curious: A Spiritual Practice of Asking Questions, and As I Recall: Discovering the Place of Memories in Our Spiritual Life. And he is the host of the podcast Restlessness Is A Gift.   Some highlights from our conversation: Casey defines restlessness as that unsettled feeling when we feel stuck in the present, know we can’t go back to the way things used to be, and we are uncertain about the future. Casey shares that restlessness is a gift because it leads to formation. It helps us ask deeper questions about ourselves and God. We discuss the meditation passage from Mark 1:9-13 and how even Jesus, the beloved Son of God, was led into the wilderness and a season of restlessness. We talk about how this should encourage us. And Casey shares how the phrase “and the wild beasts and angels attended him” gave him a deeper understanding of what restlessness is like. Casey asks deep questions throughout his book, and we discuss one of them: What is my purpose? Casey shares how purpose can get distorted to be one specific thing, and while it can sometimes be that, the bigger question is about love. Don’t miss this section to hear Casey’s insight on love as the big purpose of our life. We discuss how to know if restlessness is an invitation from God to make a change – or just something we need to push through. Casey highly recommends Spiritual Direction as one way to discern. Spiritual Direction can create a safe space to sort through the questions and listen for God’s next steps. I asked Casey to walk us through a season where he processed through restlessness. Casey shared two questions he asks when he’s walking through restlessness: Do you trust God? And Does God trust you? We end by talking through the Lord’s prayer and how Casey felt each line was in response to our big questions. This is ultimately how Casey structured his book.   You can connect with Casey at: https://www.caseytygrett.com/ On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cktygrettauthor On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cktygrett/ On Twitter: https://twitter.com/cktygrett   Ready to explore Spiritual Direction? You can connect with Casey or another Spiritual Director here: https://www.soulcare.com/spiritual-direction   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

God speaks this blessing over Jesus: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” And then leads him straight into the wilderness.   Wait… what?   Have you ever wondered why? And if Jesus was led into the wilderness, what does that say about our own wilderness seasons?   Listen in and meditate on Mark 1. As you do, 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 Casey Tygrett (posted 4.26.23). We discuss how wilderness seasons are restless seasons. And how restlessness can actually be a gift in our life.   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: Mark 1:9-13 9 At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” 12 At once the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness, 13 and he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Poetry doesn’t give answers. It helps us notice. When the pandemic hit, Drew Jackson found solace in an unexpected place: poetry. It became a spiritual practice that settled his soul, helping him notice the world around him and the presence of God. Drew writes at the intersection of justice, peace, and contemplation, with a passion to contribute toward a more just and whole world. Join Drew and I as we discuss all things poetry – and he recites some of his beautiful poems and tells us the stories behind them. **** Listener bonus: IVP is giving us 30% off and free shipping with code MUCHMORE until 5/3/2023 at https://www.ivpress.com/touch-the-earth Some highlights from our conversation: 00:00:00 - Introduction, 00:02:00 - Drew's Journey into Poetry, 00:05:08 - Poetry as Spiritual Practice, 00:11:12 - Personal Poem, 00:13:55 - Using Poetry in Ministry, 00:16:50 - The Relationship Between Peace and Justice, 00:19:22 - Reflection on Luke's Gospel, 00:23:59 - Meditation on Luke 11:1-4, 00:30:34 - Reflection on Legacy and Passing on the Faith, 00:31:45 - Conclusion   You can connect with Drew at: https://drewejackson.com/ On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/d.jacksonpoetics On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/d.jacksonpoetics/ On Twitter: https://twitter.com/djacksonpoetics Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

One day, Jesus was praying in a certain place. The disciples were obviously watching Jesus. They seem curious and inspired. So, they ask him, Lord, teach us to pray. Teach us to do what you were just doing. And he does.   As you meditate on Luke 11, a version of what we often call “The Lord’s Prayer,” 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 pastor and poet Drew Jackson. We discuss all this poetry – including when and why Drew started writing poetry and how it helps him slow down and notice God. He also recites some of his poetry for us, including a poem that comes from this passage.   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: Luke 11:1-4, NIV One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” 2 He said to them, “When you pray, say: “ ‘Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. 3 Give us each day our daily bread. 4 Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.’ ” Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What if we viewed reading as not just a personal hobby or a personal indulgence but as a spiritual practice that deepens our faith?   Jessica Hooten Wilson, award-winning author and professor, makes the case that this is exactly what reading should be.   Listen in as we discuss all things readings – both Scripture and beyond.   Here’s some highlights from our conversation: Why reading more than Scripture helps us understand God and Scripture better. How Jessica used to sneak out as a little girl to teach the Bible. Yes, really. Did you know there is a Christian way of reading? Jessica explains this. Why it’s important to really attend to what Scripture is saying instead of assuming we know what it says – or preemptively interpreting God’s word. We talk about Matthew 13 – and why Jesus tells parables or, as the Message says, stories. We discuss how our reading has been formed by our 20th-century values of individualism – and yet reading used to be, and should be, a fully embodied experience. We do this by reading aloud, seeing words on the page, and hearing the words read to us. All of these interactions help us enter the text in a more embodied way. Why remembering was a moral responsibility for the Jewish people and why it’s necessary for us too. Jessica shares how Mary exemplified the importance of remembering. When she was faced with something new and unthinkable (being the mother of Jesus), her memory of the Word poured out of her. Her remembrance of God and His truth ministered to her and comforted her. Jessica put together an amazing resource of all the books she thinks we should read. We talk about how she chose the list and why it matters. And we talk about how to start reading these works, especially if we are a little intimidated by them.   You can connect with Jessica at: https://jessicahootenwilson.com/ On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JessicaHootenWilson On Twitter: https://twitter.com/HootenWilson Subscribe to her thoughtful newsletter on Substack: https://jessicahootenwilson.substack.com/ Order Reading for the Love of God from Baker Books from Amazon Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

The disciples wondered why Jesus taught in parables and stories. Some understood and some didn’t. Jesus had good reason. He told them that many people look, but they don’t really see. And others hear, but they don’t really listen or understand. And then he tells them their eyes are blessed because they see; and their ears, because they hear.   As you meditate on Matthew 13, allow the Spirit to help you really hear and see. Perhaps he wants to show you something from this text 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 professor and author Jessica Hooten Wilson. We discuss why reading is an important spiritual practice.   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: Matthew 13:10-13, 16, NLT   10 His disciples came and asked him, “Why do you use parables when you talk to the people?” 11 He replied, “You are permitted to understand the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven, but others are not. 12 To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them. 13 That is why I use these parables, For they look, but they don’t really see. They hear, but they don’t really listen or understand. 16 “But blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.