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 Lance Lang to hear where the Lord led him.   Lance is an author, speaker, non-profit coach and the founder of Hope is Alive Ministries, whose mission is to radically chance the lives of drug addicts, alcoholics and those who love them.   You can find Jodie at Jodieniznik.com Instagram @creatingspaceforgod Facebook @jodieniznik Download your free Lectio Divina Guided journal here.   The exact verses read in the podcast and printed below are Matthew 18:1-7, NIV.   At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2 He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. 3 And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. 6 “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. 7 Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble! Such things must come, but woe to the person through whom they come!

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Liz and her husband Chris serve as the founding Senior Pastors of Relevant Church in Daytona Beach, Fl. Liz also serves as the ministry administrator, overseeing operations for Relevant Church and she serves on the Equip team at Leading and Loving It – where she writes resources and devotions. Liz is also a speaker, worship leader and author who enjoys encouraging others to fulfill their destiny and reach their full potential in God. Take a few minutes to meditate on Matthew 15 and then tune into this interview to hear where God led Liz.   Some highlights from our conversation: We talk about how we can forget what God has done in the past and how he has provided for us. And that when we offer him what we have, he will make It enough. Liz shares her prayer asking Jesus to help her trust him more - and how she imagines Jesus would respond. We also talk about getting to the place of feeling like we are “over it” and how Jesus wants to help us become overcomers.   You can find Liz at: https://www.relevantfl.org/ Instagram: @liz_sarno Facebook: @lizsarno   Here’s the passage for your convenience:   Matthew 15:29-38, NIV 29 Jesus left there and went along the Sea of Galilee. Then he went up on a mountainside and sat down. 30 Great crowds came to him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute and many others, and laid them at his feet; and he healed them. 31 The people were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled made well, the lame walking and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel. 32 Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way.” 33 His disciples answered, “Where could we get enough bread in this remote place to feed such a crowd?” 34 “How many loaves do you have?” Jesus asked. “Seven,” they replied, “and a few small fish.” 35 He told the crowd to sit down on the ground. 36 Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, and when he had given thanks, he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and they in turn to the people. 37 They all ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. 38 The number of those who ate was four thousand men, besides women and children.

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Imaginative prayer invites us to use our God-given sanctified imagination to slow down and enter a story of Scripture. This form of Scripture meditation helps us notice details we may have missed before. It also gives us an opportunity to talk to Jesus about what we noticed and why it matters to us – and most importantly, why it matters to him.   Once you’ve listened to this Scripture Experience podcast, then head over to the next episode and catch the interview with Liz Sarno to hear where the Lord led her. Liz is a pastor, author, speaker and worship leader.   The exact verses read in this podcast are Matthew 15:29-38 in the NIV. It’s also printed below for your convenience.   You can find Jodie at Jodieniznik.com Instagram @creatingspaceforgod Facebook @jodieniznik Download the free Lectio Divina Guided Journal here   Matthew 15:29-38, NIV 29 Jesus left there and went along the Sea of Galilee. Then he went up on a mountainside and sat down. 30 Great crowds came to him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute and many others, and laid them at his feet; and he healed them. 31 The people were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled made well, the lame walking and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel. 32 Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way.” 33 His disciples answered, “Where could we get enough bread in this remote place to feed such a crowd?” 34 “How many loaves do you have?” Jesus asked. “Seven,” they replied, “and a few small fish.” 35 He told the crowd to sit down on the ground. 36 Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, and when he had given thanks, he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and they in turn to the people. 37 They all ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. 38 The number of those who ate was four thousand men, besides women and children.

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Barbie is an author, speaker, and coach. Her passion is sharing the story of God’s redeeming love and grace in her life – which she and her husband share in their book – The Right Combination: Finding Love and Life After Divorce. Her other passion is helping women discover and embrace their true identity, value and purpose.   Take a few minutes to listen to the experience podcast doing Lectio Divina on Matthew 10 and then tune into this interview to hear where God led Barbie.   Some highlights from our conversation: God sees us, even in the dark places, and he will help us through. Our stories need to be heard. When God brings us through hard seasons, we need to proclaim what happened so others know someone has gone before them. When Barbie got divorced, she believed God couldn’t use her anymore. She was wrong, very wrong. We talk about Barbie’s ministry, BRAVE 1, and what it means to her and why God called her to this work.   You can find Barbie at the following: https://www.brave1.net/ Instagram: @mrsbarbiearmenta Facebook: @BarbieA Note: Barbie just changed her Instagram handle. It is stated different in the podcast, but the above link is correct.   Here’s the passage for your convenience: Matthew 10:26-31, NIV 26 “So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. 27 What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. 28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. 30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

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Lectio Divina is the sacred reading of Scripture and is a way to meditate on God’s word. Create some space for God and spend a few quiet moments engaging with his Word. As you allow the Spirit to guide you into his living and active Word, you may be surprised by what he wants you to notice.     Once you’ve listened to this Scripture Experience podcast, then head over to the next episode and catch the interview with Barbie Armenta to hear where the Lord led her. Barbie is an author, speaker and coach.   The exact verses read in this podcast are Matthew 10:26-31 in the NIV. It’s also printed below for your convenience.   You can find Jodie at Jodieniznik.com Instagram @creatingspaceforgod Facebook @jodieniznik Download the free Lectio Divina Guided Journal here   Matthew 10:26-31, NIV 26 “So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. 27 What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. 28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. 30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

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Trey Grant is a graduate of Hampton University and has a Master of Religion from Redeemer Theological Seminary. Trey is currently the lead pastor of The Well Church in Keller, Texas – which is an intentionally diverse community that is seeking to worship Jesus together as a family. Take a few minutes to listen to the experience podcast doing Lectio Divina on Matthew 11 and then tune into this interview to hear where God led Trey. Some highlights from our conversation: How Scripture is living and why we can expect God to show up in personal ways as we read his Word. The usefulness of a yoke and why we want to take Jesus up on his offer to be yoked to him. What it’s like for Trey to lead a diverse community of Christ followers and how he counsels his congregation to lay aside differences and seek Christ first. The One Minute Pause App and how that has been a helpful tool in Trey’s walk with the Lord. You can find Trey and the Well Church below: https://www.thewellchurchkeller.org/ Instagram: @treygrant_ Facebook: @pastortreygrant Here’s the passage for your convenience: Matthew 11:25-30, NIV: 25 At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. 26 Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do. 27 “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. 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.”

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Lectio Divina is the sacred reading of Scripture and is a way to meditate on God’s word. Create some space for God and spend a few quiet moments engaging with his Word. As you allow the Spirit to guide you into his living and active Word, you may be surprised by what he wants you to notice.   Once you’ve listened to this Scripture Experience podcast, then head over to the next episode and catch the interview with Trey Grant, pastor of the Well Church in Keller, Texas.   The exact verses read in this podcast are Matthew 11:25-30 in the NIV. It’s printed below for your convenience.   You can find Jodie at Jodieniznik.com Instagram @creatingspaceforgod Facebook @jodieniznik Download the free Lectio Divina Guided Journal here   Matthew 11:25-30, NIV: 25 At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. 26 Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do. 27 “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. 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.”

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Steve is the Founder and President of Leadership Transformations, Inc (LTI). which focuses on the spiritual formation needs of leaders and the spiritual discernment processes of leadership teams in local church and parachurch ministry settings nationwide. He is also the Director of the Pierce Center for Discipleship-Building at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He is also a thought-provoking author of over a dozen books and has a new book out called: The Discerning Life: An Invitation to Notice God in Everything. Take a few minutes to meditate on Luke 24:25-34 and then tune into this interview to hear where God led Steve.   Some highlights from our conversation: The downtrodden disciples and how they had their eyes closed. And how Jesus loving invited them to reconnect with him. What a burning heart is and isn’t Steve’s new book and how he desires to help us expand our definition of discernment. Steve’s take on Lectio Divina and what it’s a meaningful practice for him in her personal journey with the Lord. Steve’s mentor, Reuben Job, and the influence he had on Steve’s ministry.   The exact verses read in this podcast are Luke 24:25-34 in the NIV.   You can find Steve at https://www.stevemacchia.com/ You can find Reuben Job’s prayer guides here You can find Steve’s new book here

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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 Rev. Dr. Stephen Macchia to hear where the Lord led him. Steve is the Founder and President of Leadership Transformations, Inc (LTI). He is also the Director of the Pierce Center for Discipleship-Building at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. And has authored over a dozen books. His latest is The Discerning Life: An Invitation to Notice God in Everything. The exact verses read in this podcast are Luke 24:25-34, NIV   You can find Jodie at Jodieniznik.com Instagram @creatingspaceforgod Facebook @jodieniznik Download your free Lectio Divina Guided journal here.

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Nika Spaulding has a Master of Theology and is currently pursuing her Doctor of Ministry. She recently helped plant a church called St Jude Oak Cliff in Oak Cliff, Dallas where she serves as the Resident Theologian. Take a few minutes to meditate on John 20 and then tune into this interview to hear where God led Nika.   In this conversation we talk about What it must have been like for Mary. And how our own grief journey can help us enter into this story in a more observant way. How Mary got that one moment we all long for when someone we love dies – to have one more conversation to say all the things we left unsaid. That there is a day coming when all will be made right, and we will be reunited with the people we love who have died in Christ. How to properly say “zoology” and how Nika’s Zoology degree has proved helpful (or not) to her current role in ministry. And as a bonus, I left our funny little outtake in for you. Nika thought we were done, but I was still going. It gave us both a good laugh - and it was very sweet of her too.  The exact verses read in this podcast are John 20:1, 11-18 in the NIV. You can find out more about Nika and her podcast, God on Tap, at https://www.nikaspaulding.com/ You can find her online theology classes here

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