So Much More: Scripture Meditation (Lectio Divina)

A Fresh Start and A Clean Slate | Meditation on Psalm 32

This is a guided meditation and reflection on all of Psalm 32. Psalm 32 starts with the reminder of the joy we should know because of the fresh start and a clean slate we’ve been given through Jesus. Have we forgotten how amazing and miraculous his work is in our lives? This Psalm also reminds us that hiding sin in secret places will eat us up from the inside out. The amazing news is – when we bring anything hiden into the light, God renews and receives us. Did you catch that? Every single time you turn back to God, he receives you. Every. Single. Time. He does not tire of our returns, he celebrates them. In this meditation, we will listen to Psalm 32 from the Message Translation and I will give you prompts to reflect on with the Lord. Each reflection space in 1 minute long. Feel free to pause or rewind if you need more time. May the Lord guide you to what he has for you through his Word today. Here are the reflection prompts: Consider, what would your life be like without Jesus? Thank God that through Jesus he has given you a clean slate. Recall a time when you were hiding from God and others and how it felt. When you returned to God and stopped hiding from others, how did that feel? Thank him for his mercy. Bring it forward to today… is there any place in your life that you feel you are hiding from God or others? If so, what’s holding you back from bringing it to the light? Ask God if there is any place in your life where you’re being ornery like a horse or a mule and resisting him. If he reveals anything, Ask him for his help. If nothing comes to mind, ask him to help you stay tender and responsive to his leading. Praise God for the truth that you are loved every time you turn around. If there’s a place that God has shown you where you need to turn around, ask God for his help. And remember you will be received with love. Here’s some links I discussed in the podcast: The guided retreat to help you move into this new year with intention is here. You can find Jodie at http://www.jodieniznik.com/ Instagram @jodieniznik Facebook @JodieGNiznik Learn more about Lectio Divina and download your free Lectio Divina Journal here. And if you’re ready to make Scripture Meditation a part of your new year, I encourage you to join my Monday email newsletter here. I’ll send out link to the newest meditation every Monday morning. Download free sample chapters from my Bible studies here. The passages we meditated on is as follows: Psalm 32, The Message Count yourself lucky, how happy you must be— you get a fresh start, your slate’s wiped clean. 2 Count yourself lucky— God holds nothing against you and you’re holding nothing back from him. 3 When I kept it all inside, my bones turned to powder, my words became daylong groans. 4 The pressure never let up; all the juices of my life dried up. 5 Then I let it all out; I said, “I’ll make a clean breast of my failures to God.” Suddenly the pressure was gone— my guilt dissolved, my sin disappeared. 6 These things add up. Every one of us needs to pray; when all hell breaks loose and the dam bursts we’ll be on high ground, untouched. 7 God’s my island hideaway, keeps danger far from the shore, throws garlands of hosannas around my neck. 8 Let me give you some good advice; I’m looking you in the eye and giving it to you straight: 9 “Don’t be ornery like a horse or mule that needs bit and bridle to stay on track.” 10 God-defiers are always in trouble; God-affirmers find themselves loved every time they turn around. 11 Celebrate God. Sing together—everyone! All you honest hearts, raise the roof! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

God’s Ways Are Not Our Ways | Meditation on Isaiah 55:8-11

This guided Scripture meditation in Isaiah 55 uses Lectio Divina. God is doing work that we can’t even begin to imagine. In Isaiah God declares, “my thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways are not my ways.” I have to confess… from my limited perspective it can be hard to understand what God is doing. This passage reminds me that God is doing things beyond our knowing. (see Job 36:26) As I refocus on the truth that God is God and I am not. And that God is good – always good. Then I start to rest in him and his work. Listen in to this guided meditation and allow the Holy Spirit to remind you that God is working. And that he uses his good Word to accomplish his good purposes. Here’s some helpful links I discussed in the podcast: The guided retreat to help you move into this new year with intention is here. You can find Jodie at http://www.jodieniznik.com/ Instagram @jodienzinik Facebook @JodieGNiznik Learn more about Lectio Divina and download your free Lectio Divina Journal here. And if you’re ready to make Scripture Meditation a part of your new year, I encourage you to join my Monday email newsletter here. I’ll send out link to the newest meditation every Monday morning. Download free sample chapters from my Bible studies here. The passages we meditated on is as follows: Isaiah 55:8-11, CSB For my thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways are not my ways.” This is the Lord’s declaration. 9 “For as heaven is higher than earth, so my ways are higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. 10 For just as rain and snow fall from heaven and do not return there without saturating the earth and making it germinate and sprout, and providing seed to sow and food to eat, 11 so my word that comes from my mouth will not return to me empty, but it will accomplish what I please and will prosper in what I send it to do.” Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Choosing to Courageously Trust God | Meditation on Psalm 27: 1-3, 13-14

A Scripture Meditation on Psalm 27 using Lectio Divina. Do not be afraid. Easier said than done. Fear is a common emotion when we feel scared, concerned, or even ashamed. In this Psalm, David was being pursued by his very real enemies who wanted to do very real hard to him. In the face of this uncertainty, David chose courageous trust when he declared that God was greater than his enemies and therefore, he would not be afraid. David placed his confidence in the Lord. May we do the same. Listen in to this guided meditation and allow the Holy Spirit to direct you to what he has for you. Here’s some helpful links I discussed in the podcast: The guided retreat to help you move into this new year with intention is here. You can find Jodie at http://www.jodieniznik.com/ Instagram @jodieniznik Facebook @JodieGNiznik Learn more about Lectio Divina and download your free Lectio Divina Journal here. And if you’re ready to make Scripture Meditation a part of your new year, I encourage you to join my Monday email newsletter here. I’ll send out link to the newest meditation every Monday morning. Download free sample chapters from my Bible studies here. The passages we meditated on is as follows: Psalm 27:1-3, 13-14, NIV The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid? 2 When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall. 3 Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident. 13 I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. 14 Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Waiting Expectantly on God | Meditation on Psalm 37:5-9

This guided Scripture meditation is in Psalm 37 using Lectio Divina. Waiting on God is hard. This Psalm reminds us that God will act on our behalf – in his timing and in his ways. It also reminds us to not get caught up in comparison. It will only agitate us, and nothing good comes from this. So, take a deep breath and allow the Lord to guide you into this meditation in Psalm 37. I believe he has something just for you. Here’s some links I discussed in the podcast: The guided retreat to help you move into this new year with intention is here. You can find Jodie at http://www.jodieniznik.com/ Instagram @jodieniznik Facebook @JodieGNiznik Learn more about Lectio Divina and download your free Lectio Divina Journal here. And if you’re ready to make Scripture Meditation a part of your new year, I encourage you to join my Monday email newsletter here. I’ll send out link to the newest meditation every Monday morning. Download free sample chapters from my Bible studies here. Listen to another meditation on Psalm 37 from the Summer Series 2023 here The passages we meditated on is as follows: Psalm 37:5-9, CSB 5 Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act, 6 making your righteousness shine like the dawn, your justice like the noonday. 7 Be silent before the Lord and wait expectantly for him; do not be agitated by one who prospers in his way, by the person who carries out evil plans. 8 Refrain from anger and give up your rage; do not be agitated—it can only bring harm. 9 For evildoers will be destroyed, but those who put their hope in the Lord will inherit the land. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Embracing God’s Leading and Direction | Meditation on Isaiah 43:16-19

This guided Scripture meditation, from Isaiah 43, utilizes the Lectio Divina meditation method. God is always doing something new. Yes, he remains the same – but we are always changing and therefore he is always up to something new in our lives. As you enter this new year – are you ready for the new work God wants to do in your life? Listen in to this guided meditation and allow the Holy Spirit to direct you to what he has for you. Here are some helpful links I discussed in the podcast: The guided retreat to help you move into this new year with intention is here. You can find Jodie at http://www.jodieniznik.com/ Instagram @jodieniznik Facebook @JodieGNiznik Learn more about Lectio Divina and download your free Scripture Meditation Journal here. And if you’re ready to make Scripture Meditation a part of your new year, I encourage you to join my Monday email newsletter here. I’ll send out link to the newest meditation every Monday morning. Download free sample chapters from my Bible studies here. The passages we meditated on is as follows: Isaiah 43:16–19, NIV 16 This is what the Lord says— he who made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters, 17 who drew out the chariots and horses, the army and reinforcements together, and they lay there, never to rise again, extinguished, snuffed out like a wick: 18 “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. 19 See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.