So Much More: Scripture Meditation (Lectio Divina)

She never lost hope. Even after 12 years of painful suffering. Even after spending all she had. Even after becoming an outcast that was separated from her community.   When she heard Jesus was near, she took the risk. In faith, she went. In faith, she reached out and touched Jesus.   And her faith was rewarded.   While we may not experience healing on this side of eternity, Jesus has much comfort and peace to offer us. As you meditate on this passage, allow the Lord to not only comfort you but also 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 Dr. Michelle Bengtson (Releases 8/16/23). Dr. Michelle is an esteemed clinical neuropsychologist, international speaker, and bestselling author. She shares expertise from her medical training, Scripture, and her personal journey to help us discover how to cling to hope in the midst of suffering.   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: Mark 5:24–34, NIV A large crowd followed and pressed around him. 25 And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. 26 She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. 27 When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, 28 because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” 29 Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering. 30 At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my clothes?” 31 “You see the people crowding against you,” his disciples answered, “and yet you can ask, ‘Who touched me?’ ” 32 But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. 33 Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. 34 He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

When life implodes, fear comes along for the ride. We’re left holding questions like: What now? What’s next? What if…? Psalm 46 reminds us that no matter what is happening, we can place our hope and trust in God because, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”  And once we know God is in control, then we can be still and know that he is God. This guided meditation will help you remember that you can place your hope and trust in God, no matter the circumstances. The entire meditation text is here: Psalm 46, NIV 1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. 4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. 5 God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. 6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. 7 The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. 8 Come and see what the Lord has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth. 9 He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. 10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” 11 The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.     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.

It’s possible. According to Scot McKnight, Revelation’s main purpose isn’t speculation, it’s encouragement to follow Jesus as a dissident disciple.   Scot McKnight is a renowned speaker, writer, professor, and equipper of the church. Jodie and Scot dive into the topic of interpreting the book of Revelation and the influence of the speculative approach known as dispensationalism.  McKnight shares his belief that Revelation was written to help readers become dissident disciples - followers who resist the influence of evil “Babylon” and instead live as hope-filled followers of Jesus. He unpacks the symbolic characters and drama in the book, pointing out that there are two teams, Team Dragon and Team Lamb. And gives the spoiler that Team Lamb wins, so choose wisely whose team you are on. (I bet you already knew how the story ended!) The episode concludes with a hopeful exploration of Revelation's vision of a new heaven and earth, where God dwells with humanity and suffering is eliminated. Timestamped highlights: 00:02:21 Confusion surrounds the Book of Revelation based on our future speculation. 00:06:40 What is dispensationalism? 00:09:08 How to read Revelation: wisdom, witnesses, worship against Babylon. 00:14:56 Characters in Revelation: Team Lamb vs. Team Dragon. 00:20:50 "Babylon: a timeless dragon of destruction and death" 00:27:06 Recognize Babylon to live as dissident disciples. 00:31:15 Finding hope in the future: New Jerusalem replaces Babylon; it is new but continuous. 00:37:21 Revelation's message: Encouragement, faith, and a victorious team.   Here’s how you can connect with Scot: You can get the book here on Amazon, Christian Book Follow Scot’s blog at: https://scotmcknight.substack.com/ Listen to his podcast: Kingdom Roots here: https://podfollow.com/1078739516/view Follow him on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scotandkris/ Follow him on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scot.mcknight Follow him on Twitter: https://twitter.com/scotmcknight     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 long for pain-free, grief-free days. Days that are filled with only good things. The problem is - those days never seem to come. There is always pain, death, and destruction. The effects of sin have left their mark on our world and our lives.   It can be easy to lose hope, especially when we read the news. Will it ever end?   Yes, it will. Revelation 21 tells the end of the story – or rather, the new beginning. A day of restoration. A day when the enemy is finally defeated. There is no more death, mourning, crying, or pain. The old order of things will pass away.   As you meditate on this hope-filled passage, allow the Lord to help you notice what he has for you in these words. Once you’ve listened to this Scripture Meditation podcast, don’t miss the bonus conversation with Scot McKnight on his book Revelation for the Rest of Us. (Podcast releases 8/2/23). We talk about all things Revelation - including how Scot believes Revelation should be read.   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: Revelation 21:1-4, NIV Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

*** Download your free Sacred Summer Journal here. **** Where are you seeking direction from the Lord? As we round out summer and start looking toward fall, it’s a natural time to look ahead, make plans, and ask for clarity from the Lord. This week, we will seek direction from the Lord through a verse in Jeremiah. God invited his people to observe where they were and ask some questions. He would answer them – as he will answer us. Listen in and ask God to help you notice where he is leading.   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 Sacred Summer Journal here. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

With my God I can scale a wall. David wrote this as he reflected on how God protected and provided during a battle with Saul.   The truth stands for us today, too. When we have God on our side, he will give us all the strength and endurance we need to do all that he’s calling us to do.   Whether we’re facing a battle or circumstances that feels bigger than we are, God is with us.   Where do you need God’s strength and endurance today? He is ready to help you.   As you listen to this week’s meditation, I’m praying the Spirit guides and encourages 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 Sacred Summer Journal here.   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

*** Download your free Sacred Summer Journal here. ****   You cannot bear fruit unless you remain in me - Jesus   Jesus invites us to be intimately connected to him so we can be fruitful. And then reminds us that pruning isn’t bad – it’s loving. It leads to stronger branches and more fruit.    A lot of slow work happens behind the scenes.   But in that slow work, we can trust that the gardener knows what he is doing.    Listen in to this week’s meditation to see how the Spirit leads you toward fruitfulness.   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 Sacred Summer Journal here.       Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

*** Download your free Sacred Summer Journal here. ****   Let nothing be wasted. - Jesus   After Jesus miraculously fed the 5000 with one small lunch, there was an abundance of leftovers. He told the disciples to collect everything. Nothing would be wasted.   The scraps scattered on the hillside. The less desirable pieces. The too much. All collected. All useful. Nothing wasted.   And all because one small boy agreed to give up his lunch, trusting that God would provide for him.   So many lessons in this amazing account. Are we willing to trust God with the little that we have? Do we believe he wastes nothing?   Listen in to this week’s meditation and see what God is inviting you to notice. I promise he has something just for 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 Sacred Summer Journal here. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

*** Download your free Sacred Summer Journal here. ****   Trust in the Lord and do good. Trust God. Do good. Easier said than done.   At its core, Psalm 37 is an invitation to trust God with all the things we can’t control. And then refocus on what we are supposed to do instead.   Allow the Spirit to guide you into this beautiful Psalm and help you release what’s holding you back so you can move forward in peace. God has good and beautiful work for you – work that will be the delight of your heart.   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 Sacred Summer Journal here. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

*** Download your free Sacred Summer Journal here. **** Peace be with you. Peace be with you. Peace be with you. Three times Jesus spoke these words over his disciples after he was risen. Each time the disciples were locked in a room together, afraid. Fearful they would be killed or harmed, just like the religious leaders had crucified Jesus. Their fear was legitimate. Jesus doesn’t chastise them or shame them. He gives them peace. And then he reminds them of their calling. If you need a little more peace from Jesus, listen in to this meditation and see what the Spirit helps you notice. Just like he offered peace to the disciples, Jesus is offering you his peace.   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 Sacred Summer Journal here. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.