So Much More: Scripture Meditation (Lectio Divina)

Bette Dickinson is a prophetic artist, writer, and speaker who invites audiences to connect with God through visual parables of the spiritual journey in her ministry Awakening the Soul. Bette earned her MDiv through Grand Rapids Theological Seminary and has worked with ministries like InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, World Vision, Infinitum, and Kensington Church to awaken the soul through beauty and wonder. Bette and her husband live in Traverse City Michigan with their two boys.Bette’s newest book is: Making Room in Advent: 25 Devotions for a Season of WonderYou can get 30% off and free shipping at https://www.ivpress.com/making-room-in-adventwith code MUCHMORE until December 14, 2022Some highlights from our conversation:-When Bette meditated on Luke 1 –the two statements made by Mary stood out to her. One was a statement of human limitations – I am a virgin. The other was a statement of surrender – I am the Lord’s servant. These statements led Bette to reflect on her own human limitations and posture of surrender.-We discussed how Bette’s book was developed amidst a cohort of women who prayerfully discussed and developed their unique contribution to the Kingdom. They played an Elizabeth-like role for each other - similar to how Elizabeth encouraged Mary. -We talked about how Luke, a researched and thoughtful physician, used story over facts to tell the story of Jesus birth and how this points to our need to connect both our right and left brain to the story of Scripture.-Bette also noted that Luke centered his entire birth narrative around Mary and Elizabeth… and yet we often don’t hear this story in a way that highlights these two women and the critical role they played.-Bette introduced us to the concept of Visio Divina – where it came from and why it can be a meaningful practice. She highlights art as a way to help us slow down and connect to the story of Scripture in a different way.You can connect with Bette at: www.bettedickinson.com.And follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bette_dickinson/If you want to be guided in free a Visio Divina experience, text WONDER to 55444 and follow the prompts. The other resources Bette mentioned in our conversations were:Blue Letter Bible: https://www.blueletterbible.org/The Other Half of Church by Jim Wilder and Michel Hendricks Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Lectio Divina is a method to prayerfully enter into 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 – even in familiar passages like this one.Once you’ve listened to this Scripture Experience podcast, head over to the next episode and listen to my conversation with Bette Dickinson, artist and author. We talk about her process meditating on Luke 1 and her beautiful new book, Making Room in Advent.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:Luke 1:34-38, NIV34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.” 38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Take a few minutes to meditate on Psalm 1 and then listen in to hear Aaron and I discuss the spiritual discipline of Scripture Memory.Some highlights from our conversation:-How Aaron found healing from a childhood diagnosis of multiple neurological disorders through memorizing God’s Word.-While healing was the initial driving factor that spurred Aaron to start memorizing God’s Word, he quickly discovered that the desire was to get to know God more through his Word.-We talk about if Aaron’s brain is better adapted to memory that the rest of us… he assured me it isn’t. We can memorize just like he does.-We talked about the nuts and bolts of how to memorize, why we should memorize and where to start.-Aaron gives us the pro tip of see it, say it, do it. Meaning we need to use all our learning styles to help us memorize. That means, memorizing through silent reading won’t give you success.You can find Aaron at: https://piercingword.org/ Where you can sign up for his newsletter and find links to resources.You can follow him on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/piercing_word/And on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/piercingword/The resources we discussed in the podcast are:Warriors of the Word book which you can get from Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/Warriors-Word-Memorization-Spiritual-Victories/dp/0578733838/ref=sr_1_1?crid=H003JCSB52TR&keywords=warriors+of+the+word&qid=1652206013&s=books&sprefix=warriors+of+the+word%2Cstripbooks%2C79&sr=1-1&pldnSite=1Verse Locker: https://scripturememory.com/verselocker/app/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Note: Meditation starts at 1:43   Lectio Divina is the divine or sacred reading of Scripture. Create some sacred space for God and spend a few quiet moments engaging with his Word. 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 listen to the interview with Aaron House, the Founder and Executive Director of Piercing Word ministry and co-author of the Warriors of the Word book and video course.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 1:1-3, NIV 1 Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, 2 but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. 3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Laura Murray is a spiritual director, coach, speaker and author. She served for years on the pastoral staff at a large church until the Lord called her to a new ministry of helping ministry leaders find healthy and restorative rhythms for their relationship with the Lord. One of the ways she does this is through her online silent retreats.Take a few minutes to meditate on 1 Corinthians 2:12-14 and then listen in on our conversation where we explore the practice of Silence and Solitude – and how it can be deeply impactful in your relationship with the Lord.Some highlights from our conversation:1. Silence and Solitude is a spiritual practice of receiving. We have the action of showing up. But beyond that we simply receive from the Lord. When practicing Silence and Solitude, expect resistance. Everything in our world cuts against this practice. It’s hard to be still in what can seem like an unproductive way. Yet God does much with our time of silence and solitude.2. Practical tips for entering into a time of silence and solitude: let people know you’re unavailable, take off your watch, and turn off your phone. When practicing silence and solitude, you don’t have to be still. You can go outside and go for a walk. Just don’t use it as a time to achieve something like exercise. Noises will come. Someone will start a lawnmower – a dog will bark – try to let those pass. And when internal noise rises up, don’t let it tempt you to abandon what you are doing. It is not a sign of failure.When practicing silence and solitude, expect it to get noisier before it gets quieter. Allow that noise to pass. You can find Laura and her silent retreats at: https://laurabmurray.com/ On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurabmurray/ On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laurabmurray Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Note: Meditation starts at 2:05 Lectio Divina is the divine or sacred reading of Scripture. Create some sacred space for God and spend a few quiet moments engaging with his Word. 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 Laura Murray - a spiritual director, coach and author on her experience with Silence and Solitude. 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 The exact verses read in this podcast are printed here for your use. 1 Corinthians 2:12-14, NIV:12 What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. 13 This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words. 14 The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Ruth has spent over 20 years as a student, a practitioner and a leader in the area of Christian spirituality and spiritual formation.  She served on the staff of several churches before founding the Transforming Center, a ministry dedicated to creating space for God to strengthen the souls of leaders, equipping them to lead transforming communities.   She has authored several books including Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership and her newest book, Embracing Rhythms of Work and Rest: From Sabbath to Sabbatical and Back Again. You can purchase her newest book, which is the topic of this podcast, at the link above for 30% off and free shipping with the code MUCHMORE until 11.23.22 Some highlights from our conversation: We talk about Ruth’s personal experience with Sabbath and how she resisted practicing Sabbath for many years. We discuss the theology of Sabbath. We also talk about the practicalities of practicing Sabbath, setting up wise boundaries and making good choices for your Sabbath. Ruth warns us about one of the hard things that can come from Sabbath – having to deal with our pain and grief. But reminds us that this pain and grief needs to be moved through no matter what. Jesus often healed on the Sabbath, perhaps that’s what he’s inviting us into too. Finally Ruth gives us her own personal account of what Sabbath has come to mean for her and her family.Here’s how you can connect with Ruth, the Transforming Center and her podcast: Transforming Center on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/transformingctr/Transforming Center on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/transformingcenter Transforming Center on Twitter: https://twitter.com/transformingctrRuth’s website: https://www.ruthhaleybarton.comTransforming Center website: https://transformingcenter.orgStrengthening the Soul of Your Leadership Podcast: https://transformingcenter.org/strengthening-the-soul-of-your-leadership-podcast/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Note: Meditation starts at 1:45Lectio Divina is the divine or sacred reading of Scripture. Create some sacred space for God and spend a few quiet moments engaging with his Word. 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 Ruth Haley Barton, author of Embracing Rhythms of Work and Rest: From Sabbath to Sabbatical and Back Again.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  The exact verses read in this podcast are printed here for your use. Hebrews 4:1, 9-11 (NRSV): Therefore, while the promise of entering his rest is still open, let us take care that none of you should seem to have failed to reach it. So then, a sabbath rest still remains for the people of God; 10 for those who enter God’s rest also cease from their labors as God did from his. 11 Let us therefore make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one may fall through such disobedience as theirs. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Gem is a founding partner of Unhurried Living, which is a non-profit that trains people to rest deeper, live fuller and lead better. She’s also a Certified Life Coach and a trained Spiritual Director. Gem hosts the podcast called I Can Do That! And she’s also the co-author of What Does Your Soul Love? Eight Questions That Reveal God's Work in You. And she recently released her new book: Hold That Thought: Sorting Through the Voices in Our Head   **** NOTE: you can get 30% off and free shipping on Hold That Thought by clicking the link and using the code MUCHMORE Code valid until 11/16/22 ****   Take a few minutes to meditate on Romans 12:1-2. And then listen in to this conversation where we talk through the practicalities of paying attention to our thoughts, discerning what is helpful and unhelpful, and choosing to think differently.   Some highlights from our conversation: Gem identifies 7 voices that we tend to go to in our minds, like the Stressed Achiever or the Anxious Controller. We talk through what these voices sound like and why they all point to helpful things – even when the voices themselves aren’t helpful. Gem gives us a very practical tool: Notice, Discern and Respond. And walks us through how we can use this tool to navigate our thinking. We talk about how our thinking can transform us… just like Paul says it will in Romans 12:1-2: Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.   You can follow Gem on Instagram @gemfadling On Facebook: GemFadling And find out more about Unhurried Living at unhurriedliving.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

New format starts this week. Meditations will be posted on Monday. A perfect way to start you week. #mondaymeditation Conversations will post on Wednesday.   Note: Meditation starts at 2:20   Lectio Divina is the divine or sacred reading of Scripture. Create some sacred space for God and spend a few quiet moments engaging with his Word. 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 to listen to my conversation with Gem Fadling, Spiritual Director, coach and author of Hold That Thought: Sorting Through the Voices in Our Head.   You can find Jodie at Jodieniznik.com Instagram @creatingspaceforgod Facebook @jodieniznik Download your free Lectio Divina Guided journal here.   The exact verses read in this podcast are printed here for your use. Romans 12:1-2 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.