So Much More: Scripture Meditation (Lectio Divina)

Is it possible to have peace even when life feels chaotic? Jesus tells us we can have true peace – a peace that is outside of circumstances, a peace that surpasses understanding. Yes, please. Sign us up. We need more peace. How can we have more peace? This is the real question. Listen in to this guided scripture meditation and let the Holy Spirit guide you into his peaceful presence. He has something just for you: the gift of peace. And he wants you to have more of it. The full meditation passage is: John 14:25-27 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. Get you FREE Fruit of the Spirit Guided Meditation Journal: here  You can find Jodie at http://www.jodieniznik.com/ Instagram @creatingspaceforgod Facebook @JodieGNiznik Download free sample chapters from my Bible studies here. Learn more about Lectio Divina and download your free Lectio Divina Journal here. Checkout our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@creatingspaceforgod Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

As we continue in our Meditation series of the Fruit of the Spirit, today we’re focusing on the second aspect of the Fruit of the Spirit: JOY.  🎙️In today's meditation, we’ll look closely at joy and how Jesus says we can find true and complete joy in our lives. 🌺 As you engage with this guided Scripture meditation, allow the Spirit to lead you to what he has for you. 🍎 Here are 3 takeaways from the episode that I don’t want you to miss: Joy is not dependent on our circumstances, but rather found in surrender and trust in God. It's not about waiting for everything to be perfect, but about finding joy in the midst of life's challenges. Jesus tells us that true joy comes from remaining deeply connected to God and being obedient to Him. When we keep His commands and love others as He has loved us, we experience a deep, settled joy. Joy is a fruit of the Spirit, which means we don't have to strive for it on our own. We can rely on the Holy Spirit to help us cultivate and experience this joy in our lives. You’ll discover all this and So Much More. Plus, you’ll leave feeling the deep peace that meditation and time with God brings. So, take a deep breath and enjoy the meditation. Helpful Links: Get you FREE Fruit of the Spirit Guided Meditation Journal: here  You can find Jodie at http://www.jodieniznik.com/ Instagram @creatingspaceforgod Facebook @JodieGNiznik Download free sample chapters from my Bible studies here. Learn more about Lectio Divina and download your free Lectio Divina Journal here. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

One aspect of the Fruit of the Spirit is love. But what is love? Download your free Fruit of the Spirit Journal here. In this new series, we’re focusing on the Fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23 tells us that the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness and self-control. Each week, we'll settle into one specific aspect of the fruit. This week, it's all about LOVE. Dive into 1 Corinthians 13, the iconic love passage, and let its truths sink deep into your heart. Love is patient, kind, bears no envy, and keeps no record of wrongs. How can we embody these qualities? 🤔 In the guided Scripture meditation, you’ll be invited to create space to let the Spirit guide you into what he wants you to notice about love. And then you will have space to talk to him about whatever he’s revealing to you. Slow down, take a few deep breaths, and let God remind you of his love as he invites you to be more loving. Helpful links: Download your free Fruit of the Spirit Journal here You can find Jodie at http://www.jodieniznik.com/ Instagram @creatingspaceforgod Facebook @JodieGNiznik Download free sample chapters from my Bible studies here.   The meditation text is: 1 Corinthians 13:1–7, NIV If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Psalm 91 reminds us that God is our ultimate protector. No matter what challenges we face or circumstances we find ourselves in, we can rest assured that God is with us, guiding and leading us toward life. If you need a shot of hope for your day or week, listen in to this guided Lectio Divina meditation to be reminded that God is with you, and you can find refuge in him. 🎧 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 91:1-4, NIV 1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” 3 Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. 4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, Jodie Niznik, host of So Much More, leads you in a guided meditation to help you find renewed strength and hope using Isaiah 40:28-31. The passage was originally meant to encourage God’s people who were weary and wayward, and it also offers timeless truths and promises for us today.   Here are 3 takeaways from this Meditation: Remember God's Everlasting Presence: Isaiah 40 reminds us that the Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. These timeless truths remind us of God's unceasing care and understanding, strengthening our hope in Him. Renew Your Strength: We all encounter times in our lives when we feel weary and weak. Isaiah 40 teaches us that God gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Through our hope in Him, our strength is renewed, allowing us to “soar on wings like eagles.” Rest in God's Understanding: God understands our weariness, weakness, and exhaustion even better than we do. In times of struggle, we can find solace in His knowing and loving presence, allowing His understanding to comfort and guide us.   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 as follows: Isaiah 40:28-31, NIV 28 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. 29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. 30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Can any catastrophe be good? Benjamin Windle thinks so. He stumbled upon the term "good catastrophe" in the writings of J.R.R. Tolkien. Tolkien used this term to describe moments when all hope seemed lost, but then a sudden turn towards joy would occur. Windle was inspired by this redemptive message and borrowed Tolkien's words to express the truth that hope can help us discover good, even in catastrophe.     Benjamin Windle is an empathic author and speaker. As a pastor for over 20 years, he’s walked with many people through the dark shadows and valleys of the human experience. He has dedicated his life to helping people overcome life’s challenges by growing deeper in their faith.   Here’s a few timestamped highlights from our conversation: 00:01:59 The book's title, "Good Catastrophe," captures the idea that growth comes from pain. Benjamin Windle borrowed the word from JRR Tolkien. The concept of a "eucatastrophe" is a sudden turn towards joy in the midst of despair. 00:05:46 Benjamin and Jodie discuss the concept of "good catastrophe" and how life's challenges can ultimately lead to personal growth and a redemptive purpose. The author shares his own experience with loss and emphasizes the importance of embracing both the hardships and joys of life. 00:11:54 We discuss the concept of hope and the importance of friendship in difficult times. Benjamin draws from biblical examples to help us see that Hope is a communal experience, and having friends to rely on is crucial. 00:18:20 Benjamin issues a call for rediscovering hope in a complex world, emphasizing the teachings of Paul and the significance of the cross of Jesus. 00:21:49 In the book of Romans, Paul acknowledges the struggles he faced but maintained hope that he would not be crushed by them. His experience of hardship serves as a reminder that even when we feel overwhelmed, we can find strength in Jesus. 00:25:19 Benjamin encourages us that hope is a vantage point to see challenges. 00:26:56 Benjamin discusses the experience of enduring a recent season of loss, with a focus on finding hope and faith in the midst of his own difficulty.   Here’s how you can connect with Benjamin: For more about the author or to get his new book, go to benjaminwindle.com. Follow him on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benjaminwindle Follow him on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/benjaminwindlepage Follow him on Twitter: https://twitter.com/benwindle     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.

Some days feel crushing – like everything is caving in at once.   Paul understood this when he said: We are hard-pressed, but not crushed. Perplexed, but not in despair. Persecuted, but not abandoned. Struck down, but not destroyed.   If you’re feeling hard-pressed, listen in for a fresh breath of hope.   Take a few quiet moments to listen to this Scripture from 2 Corinthians, reflect on its meaning, and respond to God's invitation. As we journey through this passage, we discover that even in the midst of challenging seasons, God is with us, and we can have hope because of Jesus.   Once you’ve listened to the Scripture Meditation, don’t miss the bonus episode with pastor and author Benjamin Windle (Releases 9/6/23). We discuss his new book, Good Catastrophe, and how we can find hope in Christ amid challenging circumstances.   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 entire meditation text is as follows:  2 Corinthians 4:8-10, NLT 8 We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. 9 We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. 10 Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Do you ever wonder if God really loves you? Or if there is something you can do to make him love you less? And if he does love you, then why do hard things happen? The short answer is God does love you. Nothing can change that. Hard things happen because we live in a broken world with broken people (including ourselves). Listen in to this week’s meditation as we focus on the hope found in God’s unconditional love for us. And that truth that overwhelming victory can be ours through this love. Overwhelming. Victory. If you aren’t experiencing this kind of victory in spite of your circumstances, listen in to this meditation and let the Spirit help you discern why. 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 passage is: Romans 8:35, 37-39 35 Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? … 37 No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. 38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Even when you don’t know what to pray, God does. And even better – God is praying that perfect prayer on your behalf. Romans 8 tells us that the Holy Spirit and Jesus are interceding for us.   The Spirit longs to help us in our weakness. So, when you don’t know how to pray, try sitting with God and letting him pray for you. He interprets the groans and longings of our hearts. He takes our weakness and turns it into strength.   God has you. You can rest in him. You can place your hope in him. He is working all things together for God.   This week, we will create some space to meditate on God’s Word and to sit quietly with God as he prays for us. 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 meditation verses are printed here for your use: Romans 8:26-28, NLT 26 And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. 27 And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will. 28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, host Jodie Niznik interviews Dr. Michelle Bengtson, an esteemed clinical neuropsychologist, international speaker, and author of "The Hem of His Garment: Reaching Out to God When Pain Overwhelms."  Here are 3 key takeaways from this inspiring conversation: 1️. Pain is a universal experience: Dr. Bengtson reminds us that pain is a great equalizer, and everyone will experience trials in life. Whether it's physical, emotional, relational, or spiritual pain, we all need support and compassion during these challenging times. 2️. Be present for the pain sufferer: Often, well-meaning friends may unintentionally invalidate someone's pain by offering advice or solutions. Instead, simply being present, acknowledging their suffering, and offering practical assistance can make a profound difference. Let's be a listening ear and a helping hand. 3️. Holding onto hope in difficult seasons: Even when it feels like God is not answering our prayers or working in our lives, we can find inspiration in the story of the woman who touched Jesus' garment. By holding onto faith and reminding ourselves of God's faithfulness and love, we can experience peace and freedom amidst our pain.   Here are a few timestamped highlights from our conversation: 02:59 What does a Neuropsychologist do? 08:51 Dr. Bengtson shares her struggle with depression and how finding healing became a powerful experience for Michelle. Initially shocked by her own battle with depression, she began taking the steps she would typically recommend to her patients - prioritizing rest, nutrition, exercise, therapy, and medication. However, these approaches proved insufficient in alleviating her depression. Michelle realized that she had been neglecting the spiritual aspect of her well-being and needed to address the spiritual roots of her disease. 12:02 Dr. Bengtson and Jodie discuss the meditation passage and how this woman, who had suffered for years, was some of the inspiration for her book. 18:03 Sometimes, God is more concerned about healing our hearts and relationship with Him, even in our pursuit of physical healing. God always knows what's best for us and never withholds anything good from us. 21:10 Dr. Bengtson shares how she has held onto her faith amidst chronic pain and suffering. 25:12 Dr. Bengtson shares how her time away from work helped her reframe her understanding of God’s love for her. 30:28 How can we be present with friends and loved ones in pain? Dr. Bengtson gives this helpful advice: see, value, and care. Be present and avoid hurtful comments. 33:51 Some closing words or comfort for those who are struggling with chronic pain. Dr. Bengtson wants us to remember that Jesus understands your pain and suffering. Don't lose hope. You are not alone in your struggles. Even if you don't have someone in your life who can relate, remember that God understands. Jesus endured great suffering, and through his experiences, he can empathize with us.   Here’s how you can connect with Dr. Michelle Bengtson: https://drmichellebengtson.com/ You can order her book here on Amazon Listen to her podcast, Your Hope Filled Perspective, here: https://drmichellebengtson.com/podcast/ Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmichellebengtson/ Follow her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrMichelleBengtson   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.