So Much More: Scripture Meditation (Lectio Divina) – Details, episodes & analysis

In this guided Scripture meditation, we reflect on and rest in God’s mercy and compassion as revealed in Psalm 103:8-12.

In this new series, God Is, we take time to remember who God is and dwell on His incredible attributes.

Today, we reflect on the truth that God is merciful.

Psalm 103 reminds us that God is “compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.”

As you meditate on this passage, may you experience the depth of His mercy—a mercy that removes our sins as far as the east is from the west.

Let this meditation be a time to quiet your heart, reflect on God’s love, and embrace the richness of His mercy.

Here are some additional helpful links:

You can find out more about me, Jodie, at http://www.jodieniznik.com/

Follow me on Instagram @jodieniznik

Follow me on Facebook @JodieGNiznik

Learn more about Scripture meditation and download a FREE Guided Scripture Meditation Journal here.

Join my Monday email newsletter here, where I send links to the newest meditation every Monday morning.

Find out more about my partner, Life Audio, at lifeaudio.com.

Download FREE sample chapters from my Bible studies here.

The entire meditation text is as follows:

Psalm 103:8-12, NIV

8 The Lord is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger, abounding in love.
9 He will not always accuse,
nor will he harbor his anger forever;
10 he does not treat us as our sins deserve
or repay us according to our iniquities.
11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his love for those who fear him;
12 as far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

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This guided Scripture meditation will help you reflect on God’s mercies, both past and present.

Lamentations is a beautiful reminder that God's love never ends, and His mercies are new every morning.

“The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.” (Lamentations 3:22-23, NLT)

In this end-of-year meditation, we’ll:

• Reflect on God's faithfulness and mercy over the past year.
• Acknowledge our hopes and prayers as we step into the new year.
• Rest in the promise that God’s mercies will meet us afresh in every new moment and day.

I pray this meditation helps you start the new year with a heart full of trust, gratitude, and anticipation for all that God will do.

Here are some additional helpful links:

Learn more about Scripture meditation and download a FREE Scripture Meditation and Lectio Divina Journal here.

Join my Monday email newsletter here, where I send links to the newest meditation every Monday morning.

Find out more about my partner, Life Audio, at lifeaudio.com.

Download FREE sample chapters from my Bible studies here.

• You can find out more about me, Jodie, at http://www.jodieniznik.com/

• Follow me on Instagram: @jodieniznik
• Follow me on Facebook: @JodieGNiznik
• Join my Monday email newsletter and receive links to new meditations every week. Join here
• Learn more about Scripture meditation and download a FREE Lectio Divina Guided Meditation Journal here.

• Find out more about my partner, Life Audio, at lifeaudio.com.
• Download FREE sample chapters from my Bible studies here.

The entire meditation text is as follows:
Lamentations 3:22-26, NLT

22 The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease.

23 Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.

24 I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!”

25 The Lord is good to those who depend on him, to those who search for him.

26 So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the Lord.

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This guided Christian meditation from Psalm 141 creates space to pray and seek God’s help, especially regarding our words.

Get your FREE Praying with The Psalms Journal here.

Ever wish you could hit rewind and take back something you said? Maybe it was a harsh tone, biting sarcasm, or a juicy piece of gossip. It’s easy to let words slip out—and once they do, it’s just as easy to wish we could take them back.

The truth is, those words that slip out might feel satisfying in the moment, but they often leave a bitter taste behind. As this Psalmist puts it, they’re like delicacies—tempting but not truly good or nourishing.

And in today’s divisive world, our words are more important than ever. How can we, as followers of Jesus, be people who use our words to extend God’s love and peace, even when we don’t agree with something?

That’s why I’ve prayed this Psalm for years. I want to be someone who uses her words well—someone whose words are trustworthy, kind, and full of love.

So I pray, “Lord, set a guard over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips.”

And God is faithful. He gives those gentle nudges to stop talking or to tread more carefully.

Heeding his nudge is still up to me, though, as it always is.

This meditation offers space to ask God for His help and protection as we seek to be people who speak words filled with love.

You can follow along with a FREE printed guide for this meditation and the entire Praying with the Psalms series here.

Here are some additional helpful links:

You can find out more about me, Jodie, at http://www.jodieniznik.com/

Follow me on Instagram @jodieniznik

Follow me on Facebook @JodieGNiznik

Learn more about Scripture meditation and download a FREE Lectio Divina Scripture Meditation Journal here.

Join my Monday email newsletter here, where I send links to the newest meditation every Monday morning.

Find out more about my partner, Life Audio, at lifeaudio.com.

Download FREE sample chapters from my Bible studies here.

The entire meditation text is as follows:

Psalm 141:1-4, NIV

1 I call to you, Lord, come quickly to me;

hear me when I call to you.

2 May my prayer be set before you like incense;

may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice.

3 Set a guard over my mouth, Lord;

keep watch over the door of my lips.

4 Do not let my heart be drawn to what is evil

so that I take part in wicked deeds

along with those who are evildoers;

do not let me eat their delicacies.

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Let’s go back to the beginning, where it was good - very good.

Genesis says, "God created them; male and female he created them."

And God gave them the job of ruling and reigning together.

This passage may be familiar to you. But as you hear the words, ask the Spirit to help them become new. He will guide you to notice what he has for you. His Word is living and active, so God may help you see something you haven’t noticed before.

Once you’ve listened to this Scripture Experience podcast, head to the next episode and listen to the interview with Old Testament scholar, professor, and author Carmen Joy Imes. (Releases June 7, 2023) We discuss what it means to be created in the image of God and why it matters.

You can find Jodie at http://www.jodieniznik.com/

Instagram @creatingspaceforgod

Facebook @JodieGNiznik

Download free sample chapters from my Bible studies here.

The exact verses read in this podcast are printed here for your use:

Genesis 1:26-28, NIV

Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

At the end of your day, are you frustrated by your lack of progress? Do you feel overwhelmed by constant distractions? Listen in and discover how you can make real and lasting change through the simple act of paying attention.

Meet my guest Paul Angone:

Paul Angone is a trusted voice for young professionals, individuals navigating change and transitions, and those seeking to live a more intentional life. Paul, a best-selling author, has written "101 Secrets for Your Twenties," "101 Questions You Need to Ask in Your Twenties," "25 Lies 20-Somethings Need to Stop Believing," and his latest work, "Listen to Your Day: The Life-Changing Practice of Paying Attention." In addition, he is the creator of Allgroanup.com and the All Groan Up Podcast. Paul's passion for helping others find focus and intentionality in their lives stems from his own challenges and personal growth, making him an engaging and relatable guide.

Some highlights from our conversation:

- The Problem with Smartphones,
Paul Angone discusses how smartphones have become an increasing distraction in our lives. He highlights some practical tips on how to reduce screen time.

-  Philippians 4:8,
Jodie and Paul discuss the meditation verse from Philippians 4:8 and how paying attention to what is good and right in our lives can change our entire outlook on things.

- Embracing Awkwardness and Boredom,
Paul discusses why it’s important to embrace awkward, boring, and quiet spaces instead of constantly seeking to escape them.

- Not-So-Chance Encounters,
Paul discusses the "providential moments" of life. And how sometimes these moments can lead to huge changes - if we’re paying attention.

- The Productivity of Silence,
Paul shares why he schedules a 45-minute walk into his workday and how this time away from distraction has become one of the most fruitful and productive times of his day.

- The Entrepreneurial Mindset,
Paul and Jodie discuss the mindset model of entrepreneurs and how they view problems as opportunities to be solved instead of roadblocks.

- The Monk Mindset,
Jodie and Paul discuss the importance of silence, reflection, and contemplation in our lives.

- The Importance of Community,
As a last word of encouragement, Paul reminds us that we are not meant to go on this journey alone and invites us to consider processing new ways of paying attention to our days in a community.

You can connect with Paul at: https://allgroanup.com/

On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paulangone

On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulangone/

On Twitter: https://twitter.com/PaulAngone

Order Listen to Your Day here: https://allgroanup.com/books-2/

You can find Jodie at http://www.jodieniznik.com/

Instagram @creatingspaceforgod

Facebook @JodieGNiznik

Download free sample chapters from my Bible studies here.

Download your free Lectio Divina Journal here.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What’s rolling around in your mind?

Are you dwelling on an uncertain future?

Relitigating the past?

Or are you thinking about the true and right things of God?

It’s easy to let our minds slip into worry and anxiety. That’s why the Apostle Paul invites us to be intentional with our thoughts.

As you meditate on Philippians 4:8, 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 episode and listen to the interview with author Paul Angone as we discuss the life-changing practice of paying attention. (Releases May 31, 2023)

You can find Jodie at http://www.jodieniznik.com/

Instagram @creatingspaceforgod

Facebook @JodieGNiznik

Download free sample chapters from my Bible studies here.

Download your free Lectio Divina journal here.

The exact verses read in this podcast are printed here for your use:

Philippians 4:8, NIV

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

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It all started when Terry found a Hopi translation of the Bible that no one could read.

Sadly, the Hopi people were never taught to read their language, so it sat in a shed gathering dust. This made Terry realize that the Native American people didn’t have a translation that spoke to them in their heart language.

Terry started small. He wrote and recorded, The Great Story from the Sacred Book. And it won the award for Best Spoken World from the Native American Music Awards. This began the journey that resulted in him and a team of translators translating the New Testament into what we now call the First Nations Version. A beautiful translation that will speak to your heart, Native American or not.

Some highlights from our conversation:

• Terry shares the backstory of the FNV. It all started when he was serving as a pastor to the Hopi people, and he found a Hopi translation of the Bible that no one could read. This helped him realize that most First Nations people could not read in their own language and there was no translation that really spoke to them in their heart language. Terry started slowly with audio recording. This recording won the Best Spoken Word award for the Native American Music Awards. Terry realized then that this was a needed project.
• We talk about some of the decisions he and the translation team made with names. And why that matters so much in the Native American culture.
• We discuss the oral culture – and how this translation leans into the patterns of oral storytelling.
• The FNV is a dynamic equivalence translation. Dynamic equivalence allows the translator to make edits as needed, so the translated text is comprehensible within the receiving culture. Oftentimes the target audience is not familiar with the source language or culture and needs idioms and references explained or localized to make sense.
• Terry shares the Lord’s prayer with us and how he thought through the phrase, “give us our daily bread.” And how daily bread for native American people would have been different than bread. So he used words like buffalo, corn, squash, and wild rice to communicate this truth.
• Another important change they made was in how they translated the word “sin.” Many Native American people were told long hair was a sin, speaking in their native language was a sin – even being a Native American person felt sinful to them. Since this word had been abused, Terry sought a new way to communicate this truth. He came up with “bad hearts and broken ways.”
• Terry also shares his vision for how all people groups can learn from each other. It’s beautiful.
• We end with a discussion on Ephesians 4 and Terry closes us by reading the Lord’s Prayer and praying over us. Don’t miss this!

You can find Terry and the FNV at: https://firstnationsversion.com/

On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FirstNationsVersion/

On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fnv.nt/

On Twitter: https://twitter.com/TerryMWildman

Great News! You can order the FNV for 30% off and free shipping from IVP until June 7, 2023 at:

https://www.ivpress.com/first-nations-version-paperback

You can find Jodie at http://www.jodieniznik.com/

Instagram @creatingspaceforgod

Facebook @JodieGNiznik

Download free sample chapters from my Bible studies here.

Download your free Lectio Divina Journal here.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

We have been made new. And God invites us to live in a way that represents who you are – standing in a good way and walking a true and sacred path.

As you meditate on Ephesians 4, allow the Spirit to help you notice something from these words that applies to your own life.

We’re meditating on this passage from the First Nations Version. In the companion podcast, I have a Conversation with Terry Wildman, the lead translator for the FNV (releases on Wednesday, 5/24). We discuss why he felt led to make this translation and why it’s needed.

You can find Jodie at http://www.jodieniznik.com/

Instagram @creatingspaceforgod

Facebook @JodieGNiznik

Download free sample chapters from my Bible studies here.

Download your free Lectio Divina Journal here.

The exact verses read in this podcast are printed here for your use:

Ephesians 4:22-24, FNV

Take off that worn-out and stained outfit of your past life with its selfish desires and worthless ways of thinking. It no longer represents who you are. You are now true human beings, with a new way of seeing and thinking. Put on the regalia of your new life. For you have been made new, created again to look like the one who made you, standing in a good way, and walking a true and sacred path.

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What’s the cost of living a distracted life?

Katie Westenberg, author of But Then She Remembered, believes it's dangerously high. She argues that our minds dwell on what our hearts and minds focus on. And if God isn’t our focus, then we will not only get distracted but derailed.

The solution is to remember. Remember who your God is and what he has called you to do.

Here’s a few highlights from our conversation:

• Katie and I discuss how she started to see distraction as a detriment in her life.
• The main source of distraction is, of course, technology. Katie has some great tips for us on how to use technology wisely.
• We then turn to why remembering is important and Katie reminds us that God commanded the Israelites to remember. And when they forgot – they wandered off course. The same is true for us.
• We talk about Psalm 77 and Katie shares how the Lord led her as she meditated on the passage.
• Katie shares some ways God has invited her to remember. And she reminds us that we don’t need to feel shame in our weakened memories but to ask the Spirit to help us remember. One of the beautiful gifts the Spirit gives us is to help us remember.
• One way Katie has intentionally focused on remembering God’s truth is through Scripture memory.
• When distractions creep into Katie’s life, she said her favorite trick is to speak to the distraction. So instead of mindlessly picking up her phone, she will say to herself – or anyone around her – I’m going to look this up on my phone. I loved this trick because I’ve been known to pick up my phone for one reason, get distracted, and then 15 minutes later, wonder why I grabbed my phone in the first place! I know I’m not the only one!
• Katie closes with sharing her take on what it means to take every thought captive (from 2 Corinthians 10:5)

Here’s how you can connect with Katie:

https://katiewestenberg.com/

Follow him on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/katie_westenberg/

Follow him on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KatieWestenbergauthor

You can find Jodie at http://www.jodieniznik.com/

Instagram @creatingspaceforgod

Facebook @JodieGNiznik

Download free sample chapters from my Bible studies here.

Download your free Lectio Divina Journal here.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

How do you find comfort when you’re distressed?

The author of Psalm 77 found comfort through remembering. Remembering who God is and what he has done.

As you meditate on this Psalm, may it help you remember and recall God’s faithfulness in the past and present. Allow the Lord to help you notice what he has for you in these words. Perhaps you have some remembering to do.

Once you’ve listened to this Scripture Experience podcast, don’t miss the next episode with Katie Westenberg (Releases 5/17/23). Katie is the author of But Then She Remembered. We talk about why remembering is critical – and she shares her thoughts on the real cost of distracted living.

You can find Jodie at http://www.jodieniznik.com/

Instagram @creatingspaceforgod

Facebook @JodieGNiznik

Download free sample chapters from my Bible studies here.

Download your free Lectio Divina Journal here.

The full meditation text is:

Psalm 77:11-15

11 I will remember the Lord’s works;

yes, I will remember your ancient wonders.

12 I will reflect on all you have done

and meditate on your actions.

13 God, your way is holy.

What god is great like God?

14 You are the God who works wonders;

you revealed your strength among the peoples.

15 With power you redeemed your people,

the descendants of Jacob and Joseph.

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