So Much More: Scripture Meditation (Lectio Divina)

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.

Christy is the owner and founder of Love Well Collective, an online company dedicated to equipping women via education and custom gift boxes to tangibly love their people well who are walking through grief and other difficult circumstances. Christy started her company in 2019 and is passionate about encouraging others to take action when it comes to loving others as well as, helping to dispel some of the myths surrounding grief.   Take a few minutes to meditate on John 13:34-35 – Jesus’s exhortation to us that we love others well – and then listen into this conversation for some practical tips and tools for how we can love others well.   Some highlights from our conversation: Christy shares her story of grief and loss and how her learnings from this journey helped her start her company, Love Well Collective. Christy gives us practical tips for what we should and shouldn’t do when those we love are walking through grief. Christy also helps us understand some things we can do longer term that are helpful – like remembering the anniversary and talking about the person who passed away. Christy also shares about her business and how she helps people send gift boxes as a tangible way to show love and care.   You can find Christy at: https://www.lovewellcollective.com/ On Instagram: @lovewellco.shop On Facebook: lovewellco.shop   And use code: SOMUCHMORE15 to receive 15% off a custom giftbox. Good until 12/31/22 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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 my conversation with Christy Gandy, the owner and founder of Love Well Collective on some ways we can love others well, especially those who are hurting.   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 her for your use. John 13:34-35, NIV 34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Note: Meditation starts at 1:50   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 Rev. Summer Gross on the spiritual discipline of journaling.   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 her for your use. Psalm 111:2-5 2 Great are the works of the Lord; they are pondered by all who delight in them. 3 Glorious and majestic are his deeds, and his righteousness endures forever. 4 He has caused his wonders to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and compassionate. 5 He provides food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever. 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 111 and then listen in to hear Summer and I discuss the spiritual discipline of journaling.   Some highlights from our conversation: We start with Summer’s love for journaling and how her 4th grade teacher gave her space to practice writing her thoughts. We talk about some of the fears of journaling – and Summer gives us some tips for how to journal if we don’t think we’re much of a writer. We discuss the Psalms and how David models the kinds of prayers we can pray and journal about. Summer walks us through the practice of Immanuel Journaling and shares how it has brought substantial healing to her life.     You can find Summer at: https://www.athirstforgod.com/ You can follow her on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/revsummerjoy/ And on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/summer.gross.3   The resources we discussed in the podcast are: Listening Prayer by Leanne Payne Life Model Works and their guide of Immanuel Journaling Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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 Nancy Beach and Samantha Beach Kiley about the church and their new book, Next Sunday: An Honest Dialogue About the Future of the Church 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. Acts 2:42-47, NIV 42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.