So Much More: Scripture Meditation (Lectio Divina)

Hurry is not a virtue – but we treat it like one. Is it even possible to live differently?In this conversation with Alan Fadling, we talk about practical ways you can live unhurried. Jesus had busy days, but he was never hurried. Unhurrying doesn’t mean abandoning your to do list, it just means you’re allowing God to speak into it and help you choose the best yeses. Alan is the president and co-founder of Unhurried Living, which inspires people to rest deeper, live fuller, and lead better. He speaks and consults internationally. And he is the award-winning author of An Unhurried Leader and An Unhurried Life and his newest book A Year of Slowing Down. He is the coauthor of What Does Your Soul Love? Written with his wife Gem (Who has also been on the podcast – see the links below to listen.) This podcast goes with our meditation on Psalm 62 which released January 2, 2023 in this feed.Some highlights from our conversation:-Alan starts by dispelling the myth that hurry is a virtue. And states hurry costs us more than we think. -We talk about Jesus as the unhurried Savior. What does it look like for us to follow an unhurried Savior? Jesus invites us to move at the pace of grace.-Alan unpacks why he believes God invites us to live at the pace of grace and the pace of love.-Alan dispels another myth – that rest will come when the problem is solved, or the list gets accomplished, or the conflict is resolved. The truth is rest is not out there somewhere – it’s found in God. He is the place of security and provision. (This truth comes directly from the Psalm we meditated on in the previous podcast.)-Alan challenges us to observe what Jesus says yes to and no to. His values, priorities and decisions may surprise us when we really notice them.-And lest you think unhurried living means sitting in a recliner binging Netflix, Alan helps us see that unhurried is different than busy. Jesus had busy season and busy days. But he was never hurried. -Alan gives us a few ways we can start practicing unhurrying – starting our day with 5 minutes of silence and embracing the art of noticing people. You can connect with Alan at https://www.unhurriedliving.com/On Instagram https://www.instagram.com/alanfadling/ Or https://www.instagram.com/unhurriedliving/On Facebook https://www.facebook.com/alanfadlingOr https://www.facebook.com/unhurriedlivingYou can find my conversation with Gem Fadling here:https://www.spreaker.com/episode/51980161 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Do you long for rest? Deep and true rest?This Psalm of David says we can find this soul level rest in our God. If you are feeling anxious, start with a deep breath and remember God is in control – he sees you and he loves you. Then as you meditate on these rest promising words from long ago, allow the Spirit to bring them life in your soul. We should expect this to happen – we are engaging the living and active Word. We will enter this passage prayerfully and expectantly using the Lectio Divina Scripture meditation method. As you allow the Spirit to lead, you may be surprised by what he has for you. Once you’ve listened to this Scripture Experience podcast, then head over to the next episode and catch the interview with Alan Fadling, Founder of Unhurried Living and author of A Year of Slowing Down, on how God invites us to live at the unhurried pace of grace. You can find Jodie at http://www.jodieniznik.com/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/creatingspaceforgod/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/JodieGNiznikDownload your free Lectio Divina Guided journal at http://www.jodieniznik.com/connect-1The exact verses read in this podcast are printed here for your use:Psalm 62:5-8, NIV5 Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. 6 Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. 7 My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. 8 Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

It’s that time of year. The time we naturally think through and process the year we just lived and start to wonder about the new one. Grab your journal, your favorite cozy drink and a quiet spot – then pop in your earbuds and let’s get to prayerful work processing with the Lord. It will be time well spent. If you haven’t listened to the conversation with Cheri Hudspith, Spiritual Director, and Julie Pierce, Leadership Coach to help you prepare for this reflection you can find it here:http://www.jodieniznik.com/somuchmorepodcastHere’s the flow of conversation, questions and Scriptures for your reference:Part 1: Looking backPrompt 1: Name at least three things you can rejoice over and praise God for from the last year.Prompt 2: What comes to mind from the last year that left you feeling weary and burdened? Prompt 3: What comes to mind from the last year that felt like it was soul filling – gave you energy and peace?Prompt 4: As you review these lists, ask the Lord: Is there any place where I feel overwhelmed, afraid or disappointed? Prompt 5: Is there anything you, Lord, want me to let go of or think differently about?Part 2: Looking forwardPrompt 1: Name some of the seasons you think your year will hold.Prompt 2: Consider the next season that’s coming - what good work do you sense the Lord may be inviting you into for that season in your relationship with him, Your relationship with others, and in relationship with the world around you?Prompt 3: Are there any barriers to moving forward or anything you sense the Lord is inviting you to do differently in 2023?The exact verses read in this podcast are printed here for your use:Philippians 4:4-6Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Matthew 11:28-3028 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 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. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”Ephesians 2:10For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.Isaiah 40:31but 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. You can find Jodie at http://www.jodieniznik.com/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/creatingspaceforgod/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/JodieGNiznikDownload your free Lectio Divina Guided journal at http://www.jodieniznik.com/connect-1 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

It’s the end of year! What are you celebrating? What’s left you worn out? Where do you feel stuck? What do you anticipate for next year?All good questions. Some of us are energized by these types of questions. And some of us know they are important, but they feel daunting.No matter which camp you fall into – this conversation is for you. Cheri Hudspith is a trained Spiritual Director who has been helping people cultivate a deeper walk with the Lord for many years. And Julie Pierce is a seasoned leadership coach who has also been walking with leaders for years. We have an insightful conversation how to process the last year, move through stuck places, and appropriately dream with God. This conversation is like pulling up a chair with your besties to get wise counsel on life. (Spoiler – Cheri and Julie are my besties and I can’t wait to share them with you. They are so wise. I choose great friends and thankfully they stick it out with me!)Some highlights from our conversation:•Cheri shares daily prayer keeps the reflection cycles short – and while good to do this it can get us deep in the weeds of life. Year end reflection allows us to pull back and see the bigger picture of what God is doing. •Julie shared how metabolizing our year – a term borrowed from the book Necessary Endings – allows us to slow down and metabolize what’s happened in our year so we can take away the fuel for our growth and release anything that is going to be toxic for us moving forward. •Julie shared three reasons we can get stuck: Because we are overwhelmed, afraid, or disappointed/hurt. oIf overwhelmed she recommends to first step dump out our brain (like the junk drawer)oIf dealing with fear, she recommends you ask what you are really afraid of? And then, what’s one small thing I can do to remove that obstacle or move through it?oIf you are facing disappointment or hurt, she recommends naming what is disappointing or hurtful. Then do the work of metabolizing this with a trusted mentor or counselor to start the healing process. •Cheri then shares that even the process of becoming aware of being stuck, even if we can’t name it is a gift from God. She recommends paying attention to the types of things you’re saying to yourself and other people on repeat. These may indicate that you’re cycling and staying in the same place rather than move through to a new place.•Finally, we talk about dreaming about the new year and healthy ways to do this. Cheri starts with the importance of our dreams being in alignment with God. And Julie recommends seasons instead of full years for dreaming and goal setting. Resources mentioned in the podcast:Necessary Endings by Dr. Henry CloudThe Next Right Thing Journal by Emily P. FreemanListen to My Life Maps which you can find here: https://www.onelifemaps.com/You can connect with Julie at: https://www.juliepierceleadership.com/On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliepierceleadership/On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/juliehardinpierceYou can connect with Cheri at: On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cheri.hudspithOn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clhudspith/If you’d like to learn more about Spiritual Direction go here:http://beloved-daughter.blogspot.com/2017/01/spiritual-direction.html Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

You’ve heard the story of Jesus’ birth many times. Perhaps it’s time for some fresh insight into this beautiful and hope-filled story. This is exactly what Russ Ramsey gives us in this conversation. Russ is the pastor of Christ Presbyterian Church in Nashville, Tennessee. Where’s he’s also a writer and a speaker aiming to communicate the truths of Scripture in accessible ways to people in process.He’s written several books including the Retelling the Story Series, featuring The Advent of the Lamb of God. NOTE: You can receive 30% off Russ’s book, The Advent of the Lamb of God, at the following link until January 4, 2023 with the code MUCHMORE.https://www.ivpress.com/the-advent-of-the-lamb-of-godSome highlights from our conversation:-Russ starts with a pastoral encouragement to let Christmas, which falls on Sunday, disrupt our traditions. -Russ retells the Gospel story as narrative while still holding a high view of Scripture. His deep hope is to help increase biblical literacy. -Russ says we need to read Scripture with an engaged imagination. This is because Scripture was written in thrift as the resources for writing were scarce and hard to come by. -One area where Russ’s imagination is captured with Jesus’s birth is the story of Joseph. He wonders with us about how Joseph might have felt as he witnessed the birth of Jesus. -We also talk about the story of Elizabeth and Zachariah. Lord takes away Zachariah’s voice – but not his role. He’s became a silent priest. -We talk about shepherds. And Russ helps us understand why a shepherd’s life was ironic – caring for the sheep that would become sacrifices which disqualified them from making sacrifices. -We also talk about why it was that the angel appeared first to the shepherds and what that says about Jesus and his ministry.-Finally, Russ encourages us to look at Christmas through the lens of Easter. We’re not just celebrating the birth of a baby. We’re celebrating the birth of a baby who came to do something – and what it would mean for us. 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.

You know the story. Today I’m inviting you to hear it again with fresh ears. As you meditate on the Christmas Story, words from long ago that tell of Jesus’ birth, allow the Spirit to bring the story to life in your soul. We will enter this passage prayerfully and expectantly using the Lectio Divina Scripture meditation method. As you allow the Spirit to lead, you may be surprised by what he has for you. Once you’ve listened to this Scripture Experience podcast, then head over to the next episode and catch the interview with pastor and author Russ Ramsey. He helps us discover why shepherd were the chosen people the angel announced Jesus’ birth to and how the manger points to the cross.You can find Jodie at http://www.jodieniznik.com/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/creatingspaceforgod/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/JodieGNiznikDownload your free Lectio Divina Guided journal at http://www.jodieniznik.com/connect-1The exact verses read in this podcast are printed here for your use:Luke 2:7-11, NIVAnd (Mary) gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. 8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Elizabeth and Zechariah received an unexpected answer to a prayer they most likely lost hope on. And in God’s timing and God’s way, Elizabeth conceives a long dreamed for son. God’s timing is almost never our own. In this conversation with Pastor Jenni Wong Clayville, we explore God’s timing and what it teaches us. We also talk about how we can stand in God’s way or surrender to his plans. And what God can do through a surrendered life. In this case, God flips eternity on its head. Jenni Wong Clayville has been in full-time ministry since 2001. She has a wide variety of ministry experience in positions such as Worship Pastor to First Impressions to Executive Pastor. She is currently serving as the Weekend Experience Pastor at National Church in VA. Some highlights from our conversation:-Jenni questions what the outpouring of her heart would be if she had to be silent for as long as Zechariah was. -We discuss why this passage is a good reminder to slow down and take a moment to be still and silent before the Lord. -How the timing of Zechariah and Elizabeth’s pregnancy puts our life into perspective. God calls us to do things on his timeline. And our willingness to be used by him is critical. In this case, God flipped eternity on its head. -Jenni discussed how we can stand in the way of God’s plans or put barriers up to what the Lord wants to do in and through us. -We discussed how God’s timing is different than our timing. Jenni says, “nothing is on our timeline.” Sometimes promises don’t get fulfilled on this side of eternity. -Jenni helps us understand the term salvation. Often, we read salvation as only past tense – but when translated correctly it is also present and future tense. It’s a continual cycle. -We talk about Jenni’s calling to pastoral ministry as a woman. The hurdles she had to overcome and how she hopes things are changing for women that are coming behind her.You can connect with Jenni at https://national.cc/about/staff/bio/jenni-clayvilleOn Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jclayville/On Facebook https://www.facebook.com/jclayville Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Zachariah had been silenced for over nine months. When he finally spoke, these words flowed forth. A song of praise and prophecy. As you meditate on these words from long ago, allow the Spirit to bring them life in your soul. We should expect this to happen with the living and active Word. We will enter this passage prayerfully and expectantly using the Lectio Divina Scripture meditation method. As you allow the Spirit to lead, you may be surprised by what he has for you. Once you’ve listened to this Scripture Experience podcast, then head over to the next episode and catch the interview with pastor Jenni Wong Clayville on where the Lord led her and why it matters in her life right now. You can find Jodie at http://www.jodieniznik.com/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/creatingspaceforgod/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/JodieGNiznikDownload your free Lectio Divina Guided journal at http://www.jodieniznik.com/connect-1The exact verses read in this podcast are printed here for your use:Luke 1:68-75, NIV“Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them. 69 He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David 70 (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago), 71 salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us— 72 to show mercy to our ancestors and to remember his holy covenant, 73the oath he swore to our father Abraham: 74 to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear 75in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Parker Smith is a Dallas-based entrepreneur, author, and work-from-home Dad of two under two. He's the founder of Beginner's Apprenticeship, a project aiming to make daily prayer rhythms of the Christian faith accessible for families with young children through story and song, beginning with "The King is Coming" a board book / music pairing for the Advent season.Some highlights from our conversation:-Parker shares where the Lord led him as he meditated on Luke 1 – Mary’s song.-He also shares how this passage is deeply meaningful to him and was one of the passages that inspired his first book in the Beginner’s Apprenticeship series: The King is Coming.-We talk about why he decided to add songs to the books to help his son stay engaged with the content. And how it was evident that the Spirit was in the process of writing and producing the music. -The songs are modeled after a style of worship that is meditative and focuses on a phrase of two sung over and over. Perfect for children – and for us adults that struggle to memorize.-We talk about Parker’s deepest hope is with the Beginner’s Apprenticeship-Finally, we end with Mary Song – and you don’t want to miss this special ending so listen to the end.You can connect with Parker on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beginnersapprenticeship/You can find The King is Coming book here: https://www.beginnersapprenticeship.com/And the companion album here: https://www.beginnersapprenticeship.com/the-king-is-coming-music Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Lectio Divina is a method to prayerfully hear God’s Word. Create some sacred space for God and spend a few quiet moments engaging with Scripture. As you allow the Spirit to lead, you may be surprised by where he leads you. Once you’ve listened to this Scripture Experience podcast, then head over to the next episode and catch the interview with Parker Smith, founder of the Beginner’s Apprenticeship and author of “The King is Coming.”You can find Jodie at http://www.jodieniznik.com/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/creatingspaceforgod/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/JodieGNiznikThe exact verses read in this podcast are printed here for your use.Luke 1:46-53, NIV46 And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord 47and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed,49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. 50 His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. 51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. 52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. 53 He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.