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 from the seat of one who has it all figured out but as a fellow traveler who wants us to notice all the beautiful sights along the way.

 

Listen in to this conversation – and then grab his book.

*** As listeners of So Much More, IV Press is graciously giving us 30% off and free shipping for 2 weeks (3/1/23-3/15/23) on both his print and digital book with the code MUCHMORE. You can use this link:

https://www.ivpress.com/learning-humility

Some highlights from our conversation:

• Richard tells us why writing on the topic of humility was difficult and how his family responded to the project when he told them about it.
• Brenda shares why she was drawn to walking with Richard as he developed this book and what it taught her about humility.
• We discuss what Jesus teaches us about humility as a way of life in Matthew 18 and beyond.
• We talk about why Richard chose the Lakota calendar and Lakota virtues to help him write the book and what he learned about the Lakota people.
• We discuss Lent and how humility is a part of Lent.
• Finally, Richard reads his parting words to the readers of his book to us – and Brenda prays a lovely prayer over us.

 

You can learn more about Richard and Renovare at: https://renovare.org/

 You can find Brenda at: https://renovare.org/people/brenda-quinn

You can follow Richard in Twitter: @FosterEveryday

You can order Richard’s book here: https://www.ivpress.com/richard-j-foster

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

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 this Scripture through the Scripture Experience podcast, then head over to the next episode and listen to the interview with Richard Foster and Brenda Quinn on their journey of discovering and learning about the virtue of humility (podcast release date March 1, 2023)

 

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

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/creatingspaceforgod/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/JodieGNiznik

Download your free Lent journal here: http://www.jodieniznik.com/free-lent-journal

 

Looking for a Bible Study to help you go deeper with the Lord? Download free sample chapters of my studies here: http://www.jodieniznik.com/studies

 

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

*Please note, if you are following along in the guided Lent Journal, this version is different than what is printed in your journal. I made the last-minute change based on my conversation with Richard Foster and Brenda Quin.

Matthew 18:1-5, NRSV

At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2 He called a child, whom he put among them, 3 and said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.

 

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

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: Discovering the Freedom of Lent, stumbled into practicing Lent years ago. He may have started with a half-hearted fast, but he quickly noticed his new church community was all in for Lent. He saw them not practicing Lent out of obligation but with hearts full of joy – especially on Easter.

 

Join Aaron and me as we discuss all things Lent: where it came from, how to practice it, and why we should try it.

Some highlights from our conversation:

• Where did Lent come from? While we don’t see Lent explicitly spelled out in Scripture, history tells us the very earliest followers of Jesus started with a communal overnight fast to mark the anniversary of Easter. This grew into what we now recognize as Lent.
• The three main practices in Lent are: fasting, prayer and almsgiving (generosity)
• Aaron tells us about his first Lent – and how it became a meaningful part of his journey with Jesus.
• We talked about what Aaron is giving up this year for Lent – and how you can discover what God might be inviting you to fast from for this season.
• Do you feel resistance to Lent? Aaron and I discuss this and he has some wise and pastoral words for us.
• Finally, Aaron prays over us. Here are the words he prayed written by Pastor Thomas Kramer: Heavenly Father, You have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you. So, look with compassion upon the heartfelt desires of your servants and purify our disordered affections that we may behold your eternal glory in the face of Christ Jesus, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God forever and ever. Amen.

 

You can connect with Aaron at: https://immanuelanglican.org/lent/

On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/damiani6/

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

You can order Aaron’s book here: https://www.moodypublishers.com/authors/d/aaron-damiani/

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

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 passed the enemy’s test with flying colors.

Lent, 40 days that mimic these 40 days of fasting by Jesus, helps us turn away from the things that comfort us to depend more fully on God.

As you meditate on Matthew 4, 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 pastor and author Aaron Damiani. We discuss Lent, where it came from, and how we can practice it today.

 

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:

Matthew 4:1-11, NIV

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted v by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”

4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6 “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written:

“ ‘He will command his angels concerning you,

and they will lift you up in their hands,

so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’”

7 Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”

8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”

10 Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’”

11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.

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

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 Calm and she hosts Breathe: The Stress Less Podcast. 

When Bonnie was suddenly plagued with panic attacks, she couldn't understand why. This sent her on a ten-year journey of healing. She shares that in addition to good counseling, God helped her discover that she could refocus her mind and calm her body with a few simple practices.

If you're ready to stress less, listen in for some helpful resources. 

If you’re ready to learn how to calm your own anxiety and stress, this is a good place to start.

Some highlights:

• Bonnie shares her story of the sudden onset of panic attacks and how she started her journey toward healing.
• Bonnie knew Jesus invited her to love him with her heart, mind, and soul. She understood how to love him with her heart and mind, but she had no idea what it meant to love him with her soul, so she started exploring the Scriptures to discover how to do this.
• Along the way, God led her to Psalm 46: “Be still and know that he is God.” She always resisted being still because she thought it meant stopping. But she discovered it really meant to relax. This led her to start wondering how she could relax. And what brought her relaxation.
• Bonnie shares some of the research she’s discovered about breathing and how it starts a rest and relaxation response in our bodies.
• The Lord helped Bonnie see that she needed to start savoring little bites of his Word in this season. She started using lectio divina to help her read Scripture slowly and notice a word the Lord had for her. She then used this word as a breath prayer. Breathing in one part of the verse and exhaling another part of the verse.
• Bonnie created a soul care quiz (link below) to help us discern which area of soul care we most need: emotional, spiritual, physical, or social wellness.
• Finally, Bonnie and I discuss Matthew 11:28-30 and why this verse is important to her.

You can connect with Bonnie at:

https://thebonniegray.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebonniegray/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebonniegray

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheBonnieGray

Pintrest: https://www.pinterest.com/thebonniegray/

Get a copy of her book: https://thebreathebook.com/

Take the Soul Care Quiz: Soulcarequiz.com

If you’re interested in the podcast we discussed on toxic relationships, you can find it here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s2-e8-quieting-imposter-syndrome-toxic-people/id1498959893?i=1000542120177

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

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 from you. That can help you face any situation.

We are meditating on this promise of Jesus from Matthew 11 using the Lectio Divina Scripture meditation method. Settle in, breathe deep, and see where the Spirit guides you.

Once you’ve meditated on the passage, then listen in to the conversation I have with Bonnie Gray, soul care coach and author, on her book “Breathe” and how the Lord helped Bonnie learn how to cope with her own anxiety and depression through breathing, breath prayer and lectio divina. (releases Wednesday 2/15)

You can find Jodie at http://www.jodieniznik.com/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/creatingspaceforgod/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/JodieGNiznik
Download your free Lectio Divina Guided journal at http://www.jodieniznik.com/connect-1

Are you looking for a new Bible Study? Check out Jodie’s Real People, Real Faith series and download free sample chapters here: http://www.jodieniznik.com/studies

The exact passage we meditate on is:

Matthew 11:28-30, NIV
28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

And in the final reading, I use the Message translation:
Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.

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

A significant life is more simple than you think.

In a culture where bigger is seen as better, it’s easy to wonder if your quick prayer between meetings or the short note you text a friend means anything in God’s Kingdom.

Rachael Adams, author and host of the Love Offering Podcast, found herself questioning her significance, when the Lord led her to take a deeper look at his Word to discover where true significance is found. In God’s Word, Rachael discovered that contrary to how she was feeling, every little thing could go a long way in God’s hands.

This discovery led her to write her devotional, A Little Goes a Long Way: 52 Days to A Significant Life.

If you’re wondering how to live a significant life – this conversation is for you.

Some highlights from our conversation:

• Rachael starts by telling us about her journey to discovering significance – and she shares honestly how she still wrestles with this today.

• Racheal shares some of the little things God helped her notice in Scripture. Like how he created us from dust (a very little thing), how he took Abraham in his very old age and brought a huge nation forth from him, and how Jesus’ whole life was small by our standards, yet he accomplished more than we could imagine.

• God often works in small ways and with small things. There are also times he does big miraculous things. Both are good as long as God is the one leading.

• We discuss Ephesians 2:8-10 and why Rachael loves this passage, and how God helped it come to life for her again when she meditated on it.

• We talk about some “little practices” to try that can help us move toward living a significant life: a little meal, a little invitation, and a little letter.

• Rachael encourages us to keep doing whatever God is calling us to do. And then sge closes with a beautiful prayer.

You can connect with Rachael and get her devotional at: https://rachaelkadams.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rachaeladamsauthor/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachaeladamsauthor/

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

Do you wonder what God has called you to do? These verses are for you.

Years ago, when I wondered what God was calling me to, these verses helped me take a deep breath and stop fretting. God had already created good work for me before I was even born. I didn’t need to hunt around to find it or create it. I only needed to follow God. He would let me know the next step at the right time.

He has been faithful in showing me the next steps. He will do the same for you.

Whether he’s called you to something small or big, behind the scenes or public. It is significant work because God prepared it in advance for you to do. And God takes even the little things and makes them go a long way.

We will meditate on this passage using the Lectio Divina Scripture meditation method. As you allow the Spirit to lead, you may be surprised by what he has for you.

Once you’ve listened to this Scripture Experience podcast, head over to the next episode and listen to the interview with author Rachael Adams. We discuss living a significant life by leaning into the little things, inspired by her devotional, A Little Goes a Long Way: 52 Days to a Significant Life.

You can find Jodie at http://www.jodieniznik.com/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/creatingspaceforgod/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/JodieGNiznik
Download 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:
Ephesians 2:8-10
8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

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

A spacious life sounds lovely, doesn’t it?
But it can also feel unattainable.
I mean, how are we supposed to live spacious lives and still get everything done?

The truth is you will never get everything done. And another truth is - there is a different way to live.
A way of life that honors the boundaries God has graciously set for us.

Ashley Hales, author of Spacious Living: Trading Hustle and Hurry for the Goodness of Limits, helps us think through a different way to live.

Ashley Hales is a writer, speaker, and host of the Finding Holy podcast. She is the author of Finding Holy in the Suburbs and A Spacious Life her writing has been featured in Christianity Today, Books & Culture, and The Gospel Coalition.

If you’re longing to leave hustle and hurry behind, start here.

GREAT NEWS! IVP is generously giving So Much More listeners 30% off and free shipping on Ashley’s new book, A Spacious Life, with the code MUCHMORE until February 15, 2023 at https://www.ivpress.com/a-spacious-life

Some highlights from our conversation:

• Ashley reminds us that limits are good. They were established at creation – before Adam and Eve sinned. The truth is: God always intended for us to have limits. Discovering and honoring them brings freedom and peace.

• Ashley finds it fascinating that another word for sin is trespass,which means to go beyond. Sin is ultimately moving beyond our good limits.

• Ashley shares her personal story of discovering limits through the disorienting season of the pandemic, a job change, selling their home, and moving.

• One of the things she discovered in this disorienting season is that God is most concerned with our formation. Helping us become more the people he’s created us to be.

• A spacious life is not a perfectly curated life. And a spacious life isn’t something you will have some day after you’ve accomplished everything. The invitation to spacious living is for now, no matter what season you are in.

• Ashley shares why Psalm 18 is important to her and how this verse reminds her that spacious living start with God’s gracious rescue.

• Ashley gives a few practices that can help us start living in our limits. She suggests we start with a time of short silence in the presence of God. She also suggests community because our limits are exposed in community and healed in community.

You can connect with Ashley at: https://aahales.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/aahales
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aahales/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aahales

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

Does your life feel hurried?
Are you hustling from one thing to the next?

Or worse, does it feel like you’re drowning in deep water.
Struggling to take the next breath?

If so, you aren’t alone.
That’s exactly how David felt when he penned Psalm 18.

The good news is, when David cried out to the Lord, the Lord rescued him.
God pulled him out of the deep water and brought him to a spacious place.

God may not immediately change your circumstances, but there is a promise for you in this passage. God is inviting you to live differently. To order your life in a way that leads to spaciousness and rest.

As you meditate on this invitation from God, allow the Spirit to help you notice something from these words that applies to your life.

Once you’ve listened to this Scripture Experience podcast, head over to the next episode and listen to the interview with Ashley Hales, author of A Spacious Life. We discuss how to trade hustle and hurry for the goodness of limit.

You can find Jodie at http://www.jodieniznik.com/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/creatingspaceforgod/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/JodieGNiznik
Download 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:
Psalm 18:16-19, NIV

16 He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters. 17 He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me. 18 They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the Lord was my support. 19 He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.

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