So Much More: Scripture Meditation (Lectio Divina)

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So Much More: Scripture Meditation (Lectio Divina)

Welcome to So Much More where we're creating space to be with God. This podcast, hosted by Jodie Niznik, introduces you to two types of bible scripture meditation experiences, Lectio Divina and Imaginative Prayer, and gives you space to practice them. It also creates space to hear what others have experienced in their time with God.

Topics Covered:

📖 What Is Lectio Divina and Why Is It a Helpful Christian Practice
📖 What Is Christian Meditation and How Do We Use Scripture to Practice It
📖 Special Church Seasonal Series Including Lent, Easter, and Advent

If you are a Christian looking for ways to pray more or meditate more on Scripture, be sure to visit Jodie's website, https://www.jodieniznik.com/ for more information!

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Easter Sunday Guided Meditation (Matthew 28)

April 9, 2023 - 19 min

Holy & Silent Saturday Guided Meditation (Luke 23:50-56)

April 8, 2023 - 14 min

Good Friday Scripture Meditation (Matthew 27:27-56)

April 7, 2023 - 26 min

Maundy Thursday Scripture Meditation (Matthew 26:20-46)

April 6, 2023 - 25 min

Surprising Resurrection Details | Russ Ramsey

April 5, 2023 - 35 min

The resurrection story is likely familiar. And yet, there may be a few details you’ve missed. That’s why I love talking with Russ Ramsey, author of The Passion of the King of Glory, he notices things differently than I do. In this conversation, Russ helps us see and understand just how amazing the events are that led up to the cross and the resurrection. And why it was so beautiful when he entrusted Mary to share his resurrection with the disciples. You do not want to miss this episode. You will likely see something new. And may never read the story the same again afterward. NOTE: You can receive 30% off Russ’s entire Retelling the Story Series including the book we discuss on the podcast, The Passion of The King of Glory, at the following link until April 19, 2023 with the code MUCHMORE. https://www.ivpress.com/the-passion-of-the-king-of-glory Some highlights from our conversation: Have you ever wondered why Jesus could be tried and punished with capital punishment? Yes, we understand his death needed to happen at a cosmic level – but what was happening in Jesus’s world that made his actions punishable by death? Russ helps us understand the political and religious environment Jesus was in – and why he was such a threat to the establishment. Russ encourages us to read Scripture with our imagination – and makes a compelling case for why it was always intended to be read this way. Russ shares some details he saw and wondered about as he researched and wrote his book – like what kind of wine did Jesus really make? Here’s another detail to consider: Jesus was anointed with an oil-based perfume a few days before his crucifixion, is it possible that he carried that scent with him to the cross? We also talk about Mary showing up at the tomb when no one else does. And how Jesus reveals himself to her and sends her out to proclaim his resurrection to the others. We discuss why Jesus chose her, why it’s important, and what it means for the rest of us. Finally, Russ gives us some pastoral encouragement as we enter Easter week. I’ll sum it up: The pain we endure in this life is not the end of the story… because of Jesus. (He says it better – so listen to the end for this!) You can connect with Russ at http://russ-ramsey.com/ On Instagram https://www.instagram.com/russramsey1/ On Facebook https://www.facebook.com/russ.ramsey Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Why are You Crying? (Meditation on John 20:11-14)

April 3, 2023 - 18 min

Mary stood outside of the tomb in distress. She didn’t know where Jesus was. It’s a beautiful and emotional scene. Jesus is there, just not how she expects. He has risen. When he reveals himself to her, she grabs ahold of him in what I can only imagine is deep rejoicing. He tells her not to hold on to him but sends her to tell the others. In this meditation, we contemplate this deeply personal and emotional moment between Mary and Jesus. There is something for you in this passage. Allow the Spirit to lead you into it and help you notice what he has for you. After you’ve listened to this Scripture Experience podcast, head over to the next episode (which releases on April 5, 2023) and listen to the interview with pastor and author Russ Ramsey. He shares some observations he noticed about Mary that are very encouraging. Plus, a lot of other encouraging and inspiring details about the moments leading to the cross and Jesus’s resurrection. 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 20:11-14, NIV 11 Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb 12 and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot. 13 They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?” “They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” 14 At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

3 Ways Comparison Derails Us | Shannon Popkin

March 29, 2023 - 30 min

Comparison is sneaky. One minute we’re humming along, content with our life and calling – then suddenly, comparison sneaks in, making us distracted and discontent. We all deal with comparison, measuring ourselves against others. It’s a tactic of our enemy to throw us off course. But Jesus has better for us. Shannon Popkin is the author of Comparison Girl, and host of the Live Like It’s True podcast. In this conversation, Shannon challenges us with Jesus’s words and actions to help us lay aside destructive comparisons and embrace the freedom of living in our calling and gifts. Some highlights from our conversation: Shannon tells us the three ways comparison can throw us off track. It can distract us, deplete us, and destroy us. Shannon shares how she struggled with comparison and what the Lord started to show her in Scripture. We discuss how Jesus used comparison as a teaching tool. For example, He says Mary chose what was better than Martha, and she holds up the widow who gave her last two coins as an example of generosity. When we compare ourselves to these people, they positively challenge us to be more whom we are created to be. This means not all comparison is bad. So, how do we know the difference? Shannon says it simply: we evaluate if it’s pride or humility. We talk about the passage we meditated on from Philippians and how Jesus exemplified laying aside all his advantages in an act of ultimate humility. Shannon shared how she meditated on the passage in a different translation (the CSB), which says, “did not consider equality with God as something to be exploited” instead of “used for his own advantage.” We discussed the word “exploited” and what it triggered for both of us. Finally, Shannon gives us a few practical ways to lay aside comparisons during this Lenten season and beyond. You can connect with Shannon at: https://www.shannonpopkin.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannonpopkin/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shanpopkin/ Listen to the Live Like It’s True Podcast: https://www.shannonpopkin.com/bible-podcast/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Value Others Above Yourself (Meditation on Philippians 2:3-8)

March 27, 2023 - 19 min

Jesus exemplified valuing others first. He was God but did not use it for his own advantage. Rather, he laid down his life for us. The ultimate act of humility. Through this act, he showed us how to put others ahead of ourselves. Yet - It’s easy to get caught in the vortex of comparison. And as soon as we get sucked in, we stop valuing others. In the comparison twister, we can only see ourselves and how we seem to measure up. In this meditation, we contemplate Jesus’ example of placing others ahead of himself and consider how it should impact our lives today. There are many places the Lord can take you in this familiar passage. In fact, it’s probably a good meditation to do more than once. After you’ve listened to this Scripture Experience podcast, head over to the next episode (releases on March 29, 2023) and listen to the interview with Bible study author and teacher Shannon Popkin. We discuss comparison and how it can distract us from God’s good plans. 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: Philippians 2:3-8, NIV Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. 5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Should You Fast During Lent? | Amy Seiffert

March 22, 2023 - 29 min

Why do we fast? There are many reasons, but one main reason is to draw near to God. During the season of Lent, Christians traditionally practice fasting. In this conversation with Amy Seiffert, author of Starved, we discuss all things fasting, including some how-tos and how-not-tos. Amy is also the author of Grace Looks Amazing on You and on the teaching team at Brookside Church. She is an affiliate Cru staff member and a regular YouVersion Bible Teacher. Some highlights from our conversation: Amy tells us the story of her son’s diagnosis with Crone’s disease. He was eating but was malnourished. As Amy dug in to get intentional about his needed diet change, she realized he wasn’t the only one malnourished. God helped her see that she and many others also needed a spiritual diet change. We discuss fasting and some of Amy’s attempts to fast – what worked and what didn’t. What didn’t work was fasting without feasting on God. We talk about fasting from food reveals what really controls us. Amy points out that the passage we meditated on, Matthew 6:16-18, indicates fasting is a practice. Practice implies we will get some things wrong and some things right. Based on Matthew 6, Jesus desired that fasting would remove performance and invite presence. What are some of the wrong motives for fasting? Fasting as a way to try to get something from God. The goal of fasting is to connect and commune with God. And yet, there are times we fast and pray to ask God for things, but if we don’t receive our request, will we still worship and trust God? Amy shares some examples of fasting from Scripture and what they had in common. Fasting from food isn’t the only way to fast. Amy gives us some ideas for different ways we can fast. Finally, Amy gives us some encouragement for how we can fast well. You can connect with Amy at https://www.amyseiffert.com/ On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amyseiffertblog/ On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amyseiffert/ You can order Amy’s book here: https://www.tyndale.com/p/starved/9781496460295 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

When You Fast (Meditation on Matthew 6:16-18)

March 20, 2023 - 16 min

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Meet Your Host

Jodie Niznik is a seminary-trained lover of God’s Word who has served in vocational ministry for over twelve years. She helps people create space for God in their lives through her Scripture meditation podcast and equips them to take another step with Jesus through her Real People, Real Faith Bible studies and teaching. You can connect with her at jodieniznik.com.