So Much More: Scripture Meditation (Lectio Divina)

Sometimes Scripture can feel confusing and disconnected from our lives. Yet it’s how God chose to communicate his heart with us. Which means it is how we come to know God and ourselves better.   So, how do we read Scripture in a way that helps us connect with God?   Andrew Abernethy, author and professor of Old Testament at Wheaton College, wrote the book Savoring Scripture: A Six-Step Guide to Studying the Bible. A super helpful and practical guide that helps us savor Scripture – and, more importantly, the God of Scripture.   ***DISCOUNT on Savoring Scripture****   IVPress is graciously giving So Much More listeners 30% off and free shipping. Use the code MUCHMORE. Yay. Valid 3/15/23-3/29/23 at this link: https://www.ivpress.com/savoring-scripture   Some highlights from our conversation: We talked about why Andrew felt he needed to write this book. We talk about how I was taught to study Scripture: observation, interpretation, and application. I confess that this method stressed me out – and actually put a barrier between God and me. Andrew starts with step one - our heart posture. And tells us why this is such a critical place to start. We then discuss the remaining steps: flow, historical context, book context, whole Bible, savoring God, and our faithful response. We discuss how Lectio Divina fits into this model and why it’s helpful. We discuss Psalm 121 and Andrew’s time meditating on this beautiful passage. And the hope and peace it brought him that very day. Lastly, Andrew encourages us to give this six-step method a try and tells us about his attempt to learn break dancing. Yes, it’s applicable.   You can follow Andrew on Twitter: @AbernethyOTProf Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abernethybibleprof/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andy.abernethy.37 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

The Lord is keeping watch over you. He cares so much that he never takes his eyes off you.   Even when storms come into your life, the Lord cares for you. He is keeping you from harm.   If you need this reminder, meditate on this beautiful Psalm for a few minutes. And allow the Spirit to comfort you with these words.   Once you’ve listened to this Scripture Experience podcast, head over to the next episode and listen to the interview with Andrew Abernethy, Old Testament professor at Wheaton College and author of Savoring Scripture: A Six-Step Guide to Studying the Bible.   You can find Jodie at http://www.jodieniznik.com/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/creatingspaceforgod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/JodieGNiznik Download your free Lent journal here: http://www.jodieniznik.com/free-lent-journal   Looking for a Bible Study to help you go deeper with the Lord? Download free sample chapters of my studies here: http://www.jodieniznik.com/studies   The exact verses read in this podcast are printed here for your use: Psalm 121:5-8, NIV 5 The Lord watches over you— the Lord is your shade at your right hand; 6 the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. 7 The Lord will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; 8 the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

It’s hard to love difficult people. We know we are called to it, but there are just some people who are really, really hard to love.   So, what do we do? Try harder? Muster up love by sheer willpower? We can try. But we will quickly find our true nature of frustration, exasperation, and resentfulness rearing its ugly head.   We need a different way. We need to start with the heart.   Asherita Ciuciu, bestselling author, speaker, and podcast host, knows something about this journey. She felt the calling to sacrificially love two people who were hard for her to love. She shares what worked and what didn’t, what was wise and what wasn’t, and why sacrificial love is at the heart of Lent.   If you want to follow Jesus' command to love others as he has loved us, this podcast is a great place to start.   Some highlights from our conversation: Asheritah shares her first experience with Lent and why it wasn’t helpful. And how Advent helped her learn how to practice Lent as a season of preparation. She shares how Jesus modeled sacrificial love by giving the benefit of the doubt to others. We discuss how we can’t just try harder to love people who are difficult to love, that the heart needs to be transformed. Asheritah shares how we can start the process of opening ourselves up this transforming work of Jesus. Asheritah shares openly about two experiences she had when trying to love well. One person had hurt her deeply, and it wound up opening the old wounds. She walks us through this process and how we can discern if we are called to love someone who has hurt us. She also shares about loving someone who was difficult to love just because they are different types of people and how she practically acted in love toward this person – and how it impacted their relationship. Asheritah also gives some great tips on how we can practice this season of lent with intentionality for ourselves, and if you have children, she gives some great tips on practicing Lent as a family.   You can connect with Asheritah at https://www.asheritah.com/ Or https://onethingalone.com/ On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asheritah/ On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asheritah/ You can order Asheritah’s book here: https://onethingalone.myshopify.com/products/autographed-copy-of-uncovering-the-love-of-jesus-a-lent-devotional   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Loving others can be hard. Especially those who are difficult to love.   Yet, Jesus, in some of his last words to his disciples, invited us to love radically – as he loved us.   Jesus calls this a new command. Which means this isn’t optional for followers of Jesus.   How is God calling you to love during this Lenten season?   As you meditate on this command given by Jesus, 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 best-selling author and podcast host Asheritah Ciuciu. We discuss her Lent devotional, Uncovering the Love of Jesus, and her honest experience of loving others sacrificially.   You can find Jodie at http://www.jodieniznik.com/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/creatingspaceforgod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/JodieGNiznik Download your free Lent journal here: http://www.jodieniznik.com/free-lent-journal   Looking for a Bible Study to help you go deeper with the Lord? Download free sample chapters of my studies here: http://www.jodieniznik.com/studies   The exact verses read in this podcast are printed here for your use: John 13:34-35, NIV 34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Richard Foster spent a year searching for and learning about the vanishing virtue of humility. Why? Because the Lord invited him to – and because he noticed that few were talking about humility and the world seemed to be pushing against it more and more.   He captured his journey of discovery in his newest book, Learning Humility: A Year of Searching for a Vanishing Virtue.   Richard didn’t write from the seat of one who has it all figured out but as a fellow traveler who wants us to notice all the beautiful sights along the way.   Listen in to this conversation – and then grab his book. *** As listeners of So Much More, IV Press is graciously giving us 30% off and free shipping for 2 weeks (3/1/23-3/15/23) on both his print and digital book with the code MUCHMORE. You can use this link: https://www.ivpress.com/learning-humility Some highlights from our conversation: Richard tells us why writing on the topic of humility was difficult and how his family responded to the project when he told them about it. Brenda shares why she was drawn to walking with Richard as he developed this book and what it taught her about humility. We discuss what Jesus teaches us about humility as a way of life in Matthew 18 and beyond. We talk about why Richard chose the Lakota calendar and Lakota virtues to help him write the book and what he learned about the Lakota people. We discuss Lent and how humility is a part of Lent. Finally, Richard reads his parting words to the readers of his book to us – and Brenda prays a lovely prayer over us.   You can learn more about Richard and Renovare at: https://renovare.org/  You can find Brenda at: https://renovare.org/people/brenda-quinn You can follow Richard in Twitter: @FosterEveryday You can order Richard’s book here: https://www.ivpress.com/richard-j-foster Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

The disciples had a curious question for Jesus. They wanted to know who was the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.   Jesus gave a surprising answer. He placed a child in front of them and said - become like little children, then you will be great.   It’s one more example of the upside-down kingdom of God. He values the lowly, the small, and those without power.    Create some space to reflect on this Scripture through the Scripture Experience podcast, then head over to the next episode and listen to the interview with Richard Foster and Brenda Quinn on their journey of discovering and learning about the virtue of humility (podcast release date March 1, 2023)   You can find Jodie at http://www.jodieniznik.com/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/creatingspaceforgod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/JodieGNiznik Download your free Lent journal here: http://www.jodieniznik.com/free-lent-journal   Looking for a Bible Study to help you go deeper with the Lord? Download free sample chapters of my studies here: http://www.jodieniznik.com/studies   The exact verses read in this podcast are printed here for your use: *Please note, if you are following along in the guided Lent Journal, this version is different than what is printed in your journal. I made the last-minute change based on my conversation with Richard Foster and Brenda Quin. Matthew 18:1-5, NRSV At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2 He called a child, whom he put among them, 3 and said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

How is it that Easter sneaks up on us every year? Or maybe it doesn’t sneak up on you, but your heart never feels quite prepared to celebrate the most amazing of miracles. Somehow it just feels like another Sunday with nicer clothes and better music. This is what Lent is for. Forty days set aside to help us prepare our hearts for Easter. Aaron Damiani, pastor, and author of The Good of Giving Up: Discovering the Freedom of Lent, stumbled into practicing Lent years ago. He may have started with a half-hearted fast, but he quickly noticed his new church community was all in for Lent. He saw them not practicing Lent out of obligation but with hearts full of joy – especially on Easter.   Join Aaron and me as we discuss all things Lent: where it came from, how to practice it, and why we should try it. Some highlights from our conversation: Where did Lent come from? While we don’t see Lent explicitly spelled out in Scripture, history tells us the very earliest followers of Jesus started with a communal overnight fast to mark the anniversary of Easter. This grew into what we now recognize as Lent. The three main practices in Lent are: fasting, prayer and almsgiving (generosity) Aaron tells us about his first Lent – and how it became a meaningful part of his journey with Jesus. We talked about what Aaron is giving up this year for Lent – and how you can discover what God might be inviting you to fast from for this season. Do you feel resistance to Lent? Aaron and I discuss this and he has some wise and pastoral words for us. Finally, Aaron prays over us. Here are the words he prayed written by Pastor Thomas Kramer: Heavenly Father, You have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you. So, look with compassion upon the heartfelt desires of your servants and purify our disordered affections that we may behold your eternal glory in the face of Christ Jesus, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God forever and ever. Amen.   You can connect with Aaron at: https://immanuelanglican.org/lent/ On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/damiani6/ On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/damianipage/ You can order Aaron’s book here: https://www.moodypublishers.com/authors/d/aaron-damiani/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Download your free Lent Journal here. Jesus was led into the wilderness by the Spirit, where he fasted for 40 days. Then, in Jesus’ hunger and physical weakness, the enemy showed up to test him and tempt him. How did Jesus stay strong? And what can we learn from the encounter? Jesus turned to God in dependence, reminded himself (and his enemy) of what was true, and did the next right thing. He passed the enemy’s test with flying colors. Lent, 40 days that mimic these 40 days of fasting by Jesus, helps us turn away from the things that comfort us to depend more fully on God. As you meditate on Matthew 4, 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 author Aaron Damiani. We discuss Lent, where it came from, and how we can practice it today.   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: Matthew 4:1-11, NIV Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted v by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” 4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” 5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6 “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “ ‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’” 7 Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” 8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” 10 Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” 11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Breathwork and mindfulness may be all the rage, but did you know God is the original author of breathwork? Obviously, our bodies need to breathe to survive. But God also designed our bodies to naturally calm themselves with intentional breathing. Bonnie Gray, this week's podcast guest, calls it “God's CPR.” I like that. Bonnie is the author of Breathe: 21 Days to Stress Less and Transform Chaos to Calm and she hosts Breathe: The Stress Less Podcast.  When Bonnie was suddenly plagued with panic attacks, she couldn't understand why. This sent her on a ten-year journey of healing. She shares that in addition to good counseling, God helped her discover that she could refocus her mind and calm her body with a few simple practices. If you're ready to stress less, listen in for some helpful resources.  If you’re ready to learn how to calm your own anxiety and stress, this is a good place to start. Some highlights: Bonnie shares her story of the sudden onset of panic attacks and how she started her journey toward healing. Bonnie knew Jesus invited her to love him with her heart, mind, and soul. She understood how to love him with her heart and mind, but she had no idea what it meant to love him with her soul, so she started exploring the Scriptures to discover how to do this. Along the way, God led her to Psalm 46: “Be still and know that he is God.” She always resisted being still because she thought it meant stopping. But she discovered it really meant to relax. This led her to start wondering how she could relax. And what brought her relaxation. Bonnie shares some of the research she’s discovered about breathing and how it starts a rest and relaxation response in our bodies. The Lord helped Bonnie see that she needed to start savoring little bites of his Word in this season. She started using lectio divina to help her read Scripture slowly and notice a word the Lord had for her. She then used this word as a breath prayer. Breathing in one part of the verse and exhaling another part of the verse. Bonnie created a soul care quiz (link below) to help us discern which area of soul care we most need: emotional, spiritual, physical, or social wellness. Finally, Bonnie and I discuss Matthew 11:28-30 and why this verse is important to her. You can connect with Bonnie at: https://thebonniegray.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebonniegray/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebonniegray Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheBonnieGray Pintrest: https://www.pinterest.com/thebonniegray/ Get a copy of her book: https://thebreathebook.com/ Take the Soul Care Quiz: Soulcarequiz.com If you’re interested in the podcast we discussed on toxic relationships, you can find it here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s2-e8-quieting-imposter-syndrome-toxic-people/id1498959893?i=1000542120177 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Are you worn out? Burned out? Feeling exhausted or bone-weary? If so, Jesus invites you to come to him, and he will help you find life again.He will help you find the rest you need. Not the rest that comes from a good night’s sleep or a delightful nap, although those are good and needed. No, Jesus is offering you the kind of rest that is found deep in the soul.The kind that no one can take away from you. That can help you face any situation. We are meditating on this promise of Jesus from Matthew 11 using the Lectio Divina Scripture meditation method. Settle in, breathe deep, and see where the Spirit guides you. Once you’ve meditated on the passage, then listen in to the conversation I have with Bonnie Gray, soul care coach and author, on her book “Breathe” and how the Lord helped Bonnie learn how to cope with her own anxiety and depression through breathing, breath prayer and lectio divina. (releases Wednesday 2/15)You can find Jodie at http://www.jodieniznik.com/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/creatingspaceforgod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/JodieGNiznikDownload your free Lectio Divina Guided journal at http://www.jodieniznik.com/connect-1 Are you looking for a new Bible Study? Check out Jodie’s Real People, Real Faith series and download free sample chapters here: http://www.jodieniznik.com/studies The exact passage we meditate on is:Matthew 11:28-30, NIV28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” And in the final reading, I use the Message translation:Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.