So Much More: Scripture Meditation (Lectio Divina)

God speaks this blessing over Jesus: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” And then leads him straight into the wilderness.   Wait… what?   Have you ever wondered why? And if Jesus was led into the wilderness, what does that say about our own wilderness seasons?   Listen in and meditate on Mark 1. As you do, allow the Spirit to help you notice something from these words that a...

Poetry doesn’t give answers. It helps us notice. When the pandemic hit, Drew Jackson found solace in an unexpected place: poetry. It became a spiritual practice that settled his soul, helping him notice the world around him and the presence of God. Drew writes at the intersection of justice, peace, and contemplation, with a passion to contribute toward a more just and whole world. Join Drew and I...

One day, Jesus was praying in a certain place. The disciples were obviously watching Jesus. They seem curious and inspired. So, they ask him, Lord, teach us to pray. Teach us to do what you were just doing. And he does.   As you meditate on Luke 11, a version of what we often call “The Lord’s Prayer,” allow the Spirit to help you notice something from these words that applies to your own life.   O...

What if we viewed reading as not just a personal hobby or a personal indulgence but as a spiritual practice that deepens our faith?   Jessica Hooten Wilson, award-winning author and professor, makes the case that this is exactly what reading should be.   Listen in as we discuss all things readings – both Scripture and beyond.   Here’s some highlights from our conversation: Why reading more than Sc...

The disciples wondered why Jesus taught in parables and stories. Some understood and some didn’t. Jesus had good reason. He told them that many people look, but they don’t really see. And others hear, but they don’t really listen or understand. And then he tells them their eyes are blessed because they see; and their ears, because they hear.   As you meditate on Matthew 13, allow the Spirit to hel...

He is risen! He is risen, indeed. Prepare your heart for the glory of Easter as you meditate on the resurrection of Jesus.   Download your free Lent journal here: http://www.jodieniznik.com/free-lent-journal   You can find Jodie at http://www.jodieniznik.com/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/creatingspaceforgod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/JodieGNiznik   Looking for a Bible Study to help...

Prepare your heart for Easter as you meditate on this silent day of waiting and wondering.   Download your free Lent journal here: http://www.jodieniznik.com/free-lent-journal   You can find Jodie at http://www.jodieniznik.com/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/creatingspaceforgod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/JodieGNiznik   Looking for a Bible Study to help you go deeper with the Lord? Dow...

Prepare your heart for Easter as you meditate on this somber and hard day in Jesus’s journey, his crucifixion.   Download your free Lent journal here: http://www.jodieniznik.com/free-lent-journal   You can find Jodie at http://www.jodieniznik.com/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/creatingspaceforgod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/JodieGNiznik   Looking for a Bible Study to help you go deepe...

Prepare your heart for Easter as you meditate on Jesus’s actions and words from the Thursday before his crucifixion.   Download your free Lent journal here: http://www.jodieniznik.com/free-lent-journal   You can find Jodie at http://www.jodieniznik.com/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/creatingspaceforgod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/JodieGNiznik   Looking for a Bible Study to help you go...

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 entr...

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 persona...

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 podca...

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 a...

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 af...

When you fast.   This is how Jesus started his instructions on fasting. Not if you fast, but when. He assumed we would be fasting.   Why do we fast? There are many reasons.   As you meditate on this invitation from God, allow the Spirit to help you notice something from these words that applies to your own life.   Once you’ve listened to this Scripture Experience podcast, head over to the next epi...

Sometimes Scripture can feel confusing and disconnected from our lives. Yet it’s how God chose to communicate his heart with us. Which means it is how we come to know God and ourselves better.   So, how do we read Scripture in a way that helps us connect with God?   Andrew Abernethy, author and professor of Old Testament at Wheaton College, wrote the book Savoring Scripture: A Six-Step Guide to St...

The Lord is keeping watch over you. He cares so much that he never takes his eyes off you.   Even when storms come into your life, the Lord cares for you. He is keeping you from harm.   If you need this reminder, meditate on this beautiful Psalm for a few minutes. And allow the Spirit to comfort you with these words.   Once you’ve listened to this Scripture Experience podcast, head over to the nex...

It’s hard to love difficult people. We know we are called to it, but there are just some people who are really, really hard to love.   So, what do we do? Try harder? Muster up love by sheer willpower? We can try. But we will quickly find our true nature of frustration, exasperation, and resentfulness rearing its ugly head.   We need a different way. We need to start with the heart.   Asherita Ciuc...

Loving others can be hard. Especially those who are difficult to love.   Yet, Jesus, in some of his last words to his disciples, invited us to love radically – as he loved us.   Jesus calls this a new command. Which means this isn’t optional for followers of Jesus.   How is God calling you to love during this Lenten season?   As you meditate on this command given by Jesus, allow the Spirit to help...

Richard Foster spent a year searching for and learning about the vanishing virtue of humility. Why? Because the Lord invited him to – and because he noticed that few were talking about humility and the world seemed to be pushing against it more and more.   He captured his journey of discovery in his newest book, Learning Humility: A Year of Searching for a Vanishing Virtue.   Richard didn’t write...

The disciples had a curious question for Jesus. They wanted to know who was the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.   Jesus gave a surprising answer. He placed a child in front of them and said - become like little children, then you will be great.   It’s one more example of the upside-down kingdom of God. He values the lowly, the small, and those without power.    Create some space to reflect on t...

How is it that Easter sneaks up on us every year? Or maybe it doesn’t sneak up on you, but your heart never feels quite prepared to celebrate the most amazing of miracles. Somehow it just feels like another Sunday with nicer clothes and better music. This is what Lent is for. Forty days set aside to help us prepare our hearts for Easter. Aaron Damiani, pastor, and author of The Good of Giving Up:...

Download your free Lent Journal here . Jesus was led into the wilderness by the Spirit, where he fasted for 40 days. Then, in Jesus’ hunger and physical weakness, the enemy showed up to test him and tempt him. How did Jesus stay strong? And what can we learn from the encounter? Jesus turned to God in dependence, reminded himself (and his enemy) of what was true, and did the next right thing. He pa...

Breathwork and mindfulness may be all the rage, but did you know God is the original author of breathwork? Obviously, our bodies need to breathe to survive. But God also designed our bodies to naturally calm themselves with intentional breathing. Bonnie Gray, this week's podcast guest, calls it “God's CPR.” I like that. Bonnie is the author of Breathe: 21 Days to Stress Less and Transform Chaos to...

Are you worn out? Burned out? Feeling exhausted or bone-weary? If so, Jesus invites you to come to him, and he will help you find life again. He will help you find the rest you need. Not the rest that comes from a good night’s sleep or a delightful nap, although those are good and needed. No, Jesus is offering you the kind of rest that is found deep in the soul. The kind that no one can take away...