So Much More: Scripture Meditation (Lectio Divina)

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.

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.