So Much More: Creating Space for God (Lectio Divina and Scripture Meditation)

This week’s podcast is a Guided Lectio Divina Scripture meditation for the first week of Advent focused on hope. Jesus is our true and lasting hope. Without hope, we become disillusioned – troubled with fear and anxiety about the future. Yet, Jesus tells us, “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” We find hope in trusting Jesus with our future. We find hope in believing that this life is not all there is. We find hope that someday, “There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Revelation 21:4) Hope is an appropriate place to start Advent. We are a people who need hope. I pray you find hope as you meditate on Jesus’ words through this Christian meditation. The full meditation passage is as follows: John 14:1-6, NIV “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.” 5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” 6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.   If you’re interested in Entering a New Season Guided Retreat, you can find more information here. 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.

This week’s podcast is a Guided Lectio Divina Scripture meditation on the Fruit of the Spirit of Self-Control. *** You can find out more about The Entering a New Season Guided Retreat here  Christ’s death and resurrection give us freedom. Freedom from earning favor with God. Freedom from trying to earn our salvation.   Yet our freedom isn’t well used when choose sin instead of God’s better way.   Self-control is the ability to say no to sin and yes to God. We know we can’t do this in our own strength, which is why self-control is a Fruit of the Spirit. We need to consistently walk with the Spirit so that we are able to lay aside the temptations to sin and choose God instead.   As you meditate on our passage this week, allow the Spirit to guide you into what he has for you.   The full meditation passage is as follows: Galatians 5:13-16, NIV 13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. 14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” k 15 If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. 16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.   If you’re interested in Entering a New Season Guided Retreat, you can find more information here. 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.

This week’s podcast is a Guided Lectio Divina Scripture meditation on the Fruit of the Spirit of Gentleness.   Jesus was gentle.   Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 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.” (Matthew 11:28-29)   This means that gentleness is a proper use of power. We all have power over something or someone. So the question becomes: Are we gentle in how we exert influence, or are we self-assertive and self-interested? Do we trust God and allow him to be in control, or do we assert ourselves and our agenda?   Gentleness is a fruit of the Spirit because it requires us to lay aside our agenda and our desires - and we need God’s help to do this well.   We could use a little more gentleness in our world today.   As you meditate on this passage, allow the Spirit to guide you into the Fruit of the Spirit of gentleness.   The full meditation passage is as follows: Colossians 3:11-14. NLT 11 In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us. 12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.   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.

This week’s podcast is a Guided Lectio Divina Scripture meditation on the Fruit of the Spirit of Faithfulness.   What is faithfulness?   Faithfulness, at its core, is believing and acting like God is exactly who He says He is. Even when we face opposition, we can still choose to be faithful. Trusting that God is with us. And that there is a day coming when all that is wrong will be made right.   One way we remain faithful is by drawing courage from those who remained faithful in the past. Hebrews 11 catalogs some of the faithful – and now they form this great cloud of witnesses that cheer us on in our present struggles. They remind us that if they were able to remain faithful in the midst of their own uncertainty and challenges, then so can we.   Yet, we still need God’s help to walk in faithfulness. This is why it is a Fruit of the Spirit. As you listen to this meditation in Hebrews 12:1-3, allow the Holy Spirit to guide you to what he has for us – and trust him to cultivate the fruit of faithfulness in your life. He will do it.   The full meditation passage is as follows: Hebrews 12:1-3, NIV Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.   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.

This week’s podcast is a Guided Lectio Divina Scripture meditation on the Fruit of the Spirit of Goodness.   Are you feeling weary?   You aren’t alone. It’s easy to get discouraged when it feels like the good work we are doing isn’t getting the results we hoped for. Or the relationship isn’t getting better. Or it just feels like we keep hitting dead ends.   Take a moment to breathe, reflect on, and remember the goodness of God through this guided meditation on Galatians 6. As you meditate, allow the Holy Spirit to guide you to what he has for us – and trust him to cultivate the fruit of goodness in your life. He will do it.   Remember: God’s timing isn’t always our timing. But his timing is perfect and good. We will reap a harvest in his good timing, so don’t give up my friend. Keep walking in the good works God is calling you to.   The full meditation passage is as follows: Galatians 6:9-10, NIV 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.   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.

This week’s podcast is a Lectio Divina guided Christian meditation on the Fruit of the Spirit of Kindness.   Words have power. They can tear down or build up; heal or wound. We’ve all experienced destructive words and the deep wounds they leave behind. And hopefully, we can also recall words that have been spoken to us in kindness and love. Words that have encouraged us to be brave and take a leap of faith or to persevere when times feel challenging.   How do we use our words? Are they full of kindness and love – or do they tend to be critical and harsh?   Thankfully kindness is a Fruit of the Spirit, which means God longs to help us speak words of kindness.   As you meditate on this passage from Ephesians, allow the Holy Spirit to guide you to what he has for us – and trust him to cultivate the fruit of kindness in your life. He will do it.   The full meditation passage is: Ephesians 4:29-32, 29 Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. 30 And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.   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.

This week’s podcast is a Lectio Divina guided Scripture Meditation on the Fruit of the Spirit of forbearance. Forbearance means patient self-control, restraint, and tolerance. Does anyone else need more forbearance in their lives? I know I do! Thankfully, forbearance is a Fruit of the Spirit, which means God longs to help us. One way we can cultivate a heart bent toward forbearance is by meditating on God’s unending forbearance with us. God extends grace upon grace to us. He never tires of us, never gets impatient with us and never gets worn out by us. Scripture says that he extends new mercy to us every morning – which means he extends it to us moment by moment and day by day. His mercy is always there for us, always new. What a gift. If God can love me like this, perhaps I can extend more loving forbearance to others. As you meditate on this passage from Lamentations, allow the Holy Spirit to guide you to what he has for us – and trust him to cultivate the fruit of more grace and forbearance in your life. He will do it.   The whole meditation passage is as follows: Lamentations 3:21-26, NIV 21 Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: 22 Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. 23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 24 I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” 25 The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; 26 it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.   Get your 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. You can 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.

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.