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 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 in the guided Lent Journal for your use:

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

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: <a href="http://www.jodieniznik.com/free-lent-journal">http://www.jodieniznik.com/free-lent-journal</a>
 
You can find Jodie at <a href="http://www.jodieniznik.com/">http://www.jodieniznik.com/</a>
Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/creatingspaceforgod/">https://www.instagram.com/creatingspaceforgod/</a>
Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JodieGNiznik">https://www.facebook.com/JodieGNiznik</a>
 
Looking for a Bible Study to help you go deeper with the Lord? Download free sample chapters of my studies here: <a href="http://www.jodieniznik.com/studies">http://www.jodieniznik.com/studies</a>
 
The exact verses read in this podcast are printed in the guided Lent Journal for your use:
Download your free Lent journal here: <a href="http://www.jodieniznik.com/free-lent-journal">http://www.jodieniznik.com/free-lent-journal</a>

Welcome to So Much More where we're creating space to be with God. This podcast, hosted by Jodie Niznik, introduces you to two types of bible scripture meditation experiences, Lectio Divina and Imaginative Prayer, and gives you space to practice them. It also creates space to hear what others have experienced in their time with God.

Topics Covered:

📖 What Is Lectio Divina and Why Is It a Helpful Christian Practice
📖 What Is Christian Meditation and How Do We Use Scripture to Practice It
📖 Special Church Seasonal Series Including Lent, Easter, and Advent

If you are a Christian looking for ways to pray more or meditate more on Scripture, be sure to visit Jodie's website, https://www.jodieniznik.com/ for more information! 

Welcome to So Much More where we're creating space to be with God. This podcast, hosted by Jodie Niznik, introduces you to two types of bible scripture meditation experiences, Lectio Divina and Imaginative Prayer, and gives you space to practice them. It also creates space to hear what others have experienced in their time with God.
Topics Covered:
📖 What Is Lectio Divina and Why Is It a Helpful Christian Practice 📖 What Is Christian Meditation and How Do We Use Scripture to Practice It 📖 Special Church Seasonal Series Including Lent, Easter, and Advent
If you are a Christian looking for ways to pray more or meditate more on Scripture, be sure to visit Jodie's website, <a href="https://www.jodieniznik.com/">https://www.jodieniznik.com/</a> for more information!

So Much More: Scripture Meditation (Lectio Divina)

Good Friday Scripture Meditation (Matthew 27:27-56)

In this Scripture meditation on John 15:1–5 and 9–17, you’re invited to slow down and reflect on what it truly means to live a fruitful life.

We often measure fruitfulness by productivity—what we accomplish, how much we produce, or how many people we reach. But in this passage, Jesus gently redefines fruitfulness. He invites us not to strive, but to abide. Not to measure, but to remain.

Through the practice of Lectio Divina, this meditation creates space to listen for God’s voice and consider where He may be inviting you to let go, trust Him more deeply, and receive His definition of a fruitful life.

This meditation is especially personal for me. As I’ve spent time with this passage, God has been reshaping my understanding of fruitfulness—leading me into a season of letting go and choosing to abide in Him above all else.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re doing enough… or if your life is truly bearing fruit… this meditation is an invitation to release those questions and return to the simple, steady call of Jesus:

Remain in me.

🌿 In this guided Christian meditation, you’ll be invited to:
• Reflect on how you define a “fruitful life”
• Release pressure to measure your worth by productivity or outcomes
• Listen for where God may be inviting you to trust Him in a new way
• Rest in the truth that fruitfulness begins with abiding in Jesus

Take a deep breath. Let go of striving. And allow Jesus to show you what a life rooted in His love looks like.

This meditation is part of a small set of final episodes as I pause the podcast. I’m deeply grateful to have spent this time with you in God’s Word.

🌿 Helpful Links

Discover Your Daily Bible Verse:

Apple: https://linkly.link/2feXX

Spotify: https://linkly.link/2feXv
Free Scripture Meditation Journal: https://idyllic-fashion-59593.myflodesk.com/scripturemeditation
• Website: http://www.jodieniznik.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jodieniznik/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JodieGNiznik
• More from partner: https://www.lifeaudio.com
• Free Bible study samples: https://www.jodieniznik.com/bible-studies

 

Meditation Passage:

John 15:1–5 (NLT)
“I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.

“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.”

 

John 15:9–17 (NLT)
“I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!

This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me.

You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. This is my command: Love each other.”

In this Scripture meditation on John 15:1&ndash;5 and 9&ndash;17, you&rsquo;re invited to slow down and reflect on what it truly means to live a fruitful life.
We often measure fruitfulness by productivity&mdash;what we accomplish, how much we produce, or how many people we reach. But in this passage, Jesus gently redefines fruitfulness. He invites us not to strive, but to abide. Not to measure, but to remain.
Through the practice of Lectio Divina, this meditation creates space to listen for God&rsquo;s voice and consider where He may be inviting you to let go, trust Him more deeply, and receive His definition of a fruitful life.
This meditation is especially personal for me. As I&rsquo;ve spent time with this passage, God has been reshaping my understanding of fruitfulness&mdash;leading me into a season of letting go and choosing to abide in Him above all else.
If you&rsquo;ve ever wondered whether you&rsquo;re doing enough&hellip; or if your life is truly bearing fruit&hellip; this meditation is an invitation to release those questions and return to the simple, steady call of Jesus:
Remain in me.
🌿 In this guided Christian meditation, you&rsquo;ll be invited to: &bull; Reflect on how you define a &ldquo;fruitful life&rdquo; &bull; Release pressure to measure your worth by productivity or outcomes &bull; Listen for where God may be inviting you to trust Him in a new way &bull; Rest in the truth that fruitfulness begins with abiding in Jesus
Take a deep breath. Let go of striving. And allow Jesus to show you what a life rooted in His love looks like.
This meditation is part of a small set of final episodes as I pause the podcast. I&rsquo;m deeply grateful to have spent this time with you in God&rsquo;s Word.
🌿 Helpful Links
Discover Your Daily Bible Verse:
<a href="https://linkly.link/2feXX">Apple: https://linkly.link/2feXX</a>
<a href="https://linkly.link/2feXv">Spotify: https://linkly.link/2feXv</a>
<ul>
<li>Free Scripture Meditation Journal: <a href="https://idyllic-fashion-59593.myflodesk.com/scripturemeditation">https://idyllic-fashion-59593.myflodesk.com/scripturemeditation</a> &bull; Website: <a href="http://www.jodieniznik.com/">http://www.jodieniznik.com/</a> &bull; Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jodieniznik/">https://www.instagram.com/jodieniznik/</a> &bull; Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JodieGNiznik">https://www.facebook.com/JodieGNiznik</a> &bull; More from partner: <a href="https://www.lifeaudio.com/">https://www.lifeaudio.com</a> &bull; Free Bible study samples: <a href="https://www.jodieniznik.com/bible-studies">https://www.jodieniznik.com/bible-studies</a></li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Meditation Passage:
John 15:1&ndash;5 (NLT) &ldquo;I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn&rsquo;t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.
&ldquo;Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.&rdquo;
&nbsp;
John 15:9&ndash;17 (NLT) &ldquo;I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father&rsquo;s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!
This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one&rsquo;s life for one&rsquo;s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn&rsquo;t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me.
You didn&rsquo;t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. This is my command: Love each other.&rdquo;

Trusting God in the Pruning Process | A Final Meditation on John 15 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/1743a20f-92b4-45d1-a553-b42501285db0/transcript

In this Scripture meditation on Psalm 37:1–7, you’re invited to slow down and reflect on what it means to trust God when life feels unfair.

When others seem to prosper through wrongdoing… when injustice touches your life or the world around you… it’s easy to feel anxious, frustrated, or even envious. But Psalm 37 gently redirects our hearts—away from fretting and toward trust, surrender, and patient waiting on God.

Using the practice of Lectio Divina, this meditation creates space to pause, listen, and rest in the truth that God sees, God knows, and God is at work—even when His timing feels slow.

This passage has been deeply personal for me. In a season when life felt unjust, God repeatedly brought me back to these words—inviting me to trust Him, to rest in Him, and to wait for Him to move in His way and in His time.

If you’re walking through something that feels unfair or unresolved, this meditation is an invitation to release what you’re carrying and place it back into God’s hands.

🌿 In this guided Christian meditation, you’ll be invited to:
• Notice where you feel anxious, stirred up, or unsettled by injustice
• Release comparison, frustration, or envy
• Trust God with what feels unresolved or unfair
• Rest in His goodness as you wait for Him to act

Take a deep breath. Be still. And remember—God has not turned a blind eye. He sees you, He loves you, and He is moving on your behalf.

🌿 Helpful Links
• Free Scripture Meditation Journal: https://idyllic-fashion-59593.myflodesk.com/scripturemeditation
• Website: http://www.jodieniznik.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jodieniznik/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JodieGNiznik
• More from partner: https://www.lifeaudio.com
• Free Bible study samples: https://www.jodieniznik.com/bible-studies

Meditation Passage:

Psalm 37:1–7 (NIV)
Do not fret because of those who are evil
or be envious of those who do wrong;
for like the grass they will soon wither,
like green plants they will soon die away.

Trust in the Lord and do good;
dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Commit your way to the Lord;
trust in him and he will do this:
He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn,
your vindication like the noonday sun.

Be still before the Lord
and wait patiently for him;

do not fret when people succeed in their ways,
when they carry out their wicked schemes.

In this Scripture meditation on Psalm 37:1&ndash;7, you&rsquo;re invited to slow down and reflect on what it means to trust God when life feels unfair.
When others seem to prosper through wrongdoing&hellip; when injustice touches your life or the world around you&hellip; it&rsquo;s easy to feel anxious, frustrated, or even envious. But Psalm 37 gently redirects our hearts&mdash;away from fretting and toward trust, surrender, and patient waiting on God.
Using the practice of Lectio Divina, this meditation creates space to pause, listen, and rest in the truth that God sees, God knows, and God is at work&mdash;even when His timing feels slow.
This passage has been deeply personal for me. In a season when life felt unjust, God repeatedly brought me back to these words&mdash;inviting me to trust Him, to rest in Him, and to wait for Him to move in His way and in His time.
If you&rsquo;re walking through something that feels unfair or unresolved, this meditation is an invitation to release what you&rsquo;re carrying and place it back into God&rsquo;s hands.
🌿 In this guided Christian meditation, you&rsquo;ll be invited to: &bull; Notice where you feel anxious, stirred up, or unsettled by injustice &bull; Release comparison, frustration, or envy &bull; Trust God with what feels unresolved or unfair &bull; Rest in His goodness as you wait for Him to act
Take a deep breath. Be still. And remember&mdash;God has not turned a blind eye. He sees you, He loves you, and He is moving on your behalf.
🌿 Helpful Links &bull; Free Scripture Meditation Journal: <a href="https://idyllic-fashion-59593.myflodesk.com/scripturemeditation">https://idyllic-fashion-59593.myflodesk.com/scripturemeditation</a> &bull; Website: <a href="http://www.jodieniznik.com/">http://www.jodieniznik.com/</a> &bull; Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jodieniznik/">https://www.instagram.com/jodieniznik/</a> &bull; Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JodieGNiznik">https://www.facebook.com/JodieGNiznik</a> &bull; More from partner: <a href="https://www.lifeaudio.com/">https://www.lifeaudio.com</a> &bull; Free Bible study samples: <a href="https://www.jodieniznik.com/bible-studies">https://www.jodieniznik.com/bible-studies</a>
Meditation Passage:
Psalm 37:1&ndash;7 (NIV) Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away.
Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun.
Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.

Waiting, Trusting, and Letting Go | Psalm 37 Meditation

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/b36011e9-6a2b-4c9c-99f4-b4250126bbe3/transcript

In this final meditation of our Lenten series, I AM: A Lenten Journey with Jesus, we turn to a question Jesus asks His disciples in Matthew 16:13–17:

“Who do you say that I am?”

Throughout this series, we have listened to Jesus declare who He is.

He is the Bread of Life.
He is the Light of the World.
He is the Gate.
He is the Good Shepherd.
He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
He is the True Vine.
He is the Resurrection and the Life.
And before Abraham was, He declares, “I AM.”

But in this passage, Jesus turns the question toward His disciples—and toward us.

“Who do you say that I am?”

People around Jesus had many answers. Some believed He was a prophet. Others thought He was Elijah or John the Baptist. But Peter answers with clarity:

“You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

In this guided Scripture meditation, you are invited to reflect on this same question in your own life. Through several slow readings of Matthew 16:13–17, you will have space to consider who others say Jesus is—and who you believe Him to be.

As we conclude this Lenten journey, we are reminded that knowing who Jesus truly is changes everything. He is the Messiah, the Son of the living God, the One who reveals the Father and invites us into life with Him.

Here are some additional helpful links:

Download your FREE Lent Companion Journal Here

I AM: A Lenten Journey with Jesus 

This journal includes:
• Each week’s Scripture passage
• Reflection prompts from the meditations
• Space to journal, pray, and notice what God is revealing

Here are some additional helpful links:

Learn more about Jodie:
http://www.jodieniznik.com

Follow on Instagram:
@jodieniznik

Follow on Facebook:
@JodieGNiznik

Join the Monday email newsletter for new meditations, HERE

Explore other faith-centered podcasts from LifeAudio:

https://www.lifeaudio.com

 

Today’s Scripture

Matthew 16:13-17

13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”

14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”

15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”

16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.

In this final meditation of our Lenten series, I AM: A Lenten Journey with Jesus, we turn to a question Jesus asks His disciples in Matthew 16:13&ndash;17:
&ldquo;Who do you say that I am?&rdquo;
Throughout this series, we have listened to Jesus declare who He is.
He is the Bread of Life. He is the Light of the World. He is the Gate. He is the Good Shepherd. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He is the True Vine. He is the Resurrection and the Life. And before Abraham was, He declares, &ldquo;I AM.&rdquo;
But in this passage, Jesus turns the question toward His disciples&mdash;and toward us.
&ldquo;Who do you say that I am?&rdquo;
People around Jesus had many answers. Some believed He was a prophet. Others thought He was Elijah or John the Baptist. But Peter answers with clarity:
&ldquo;You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.&rdquo;
In this guided Scripture meditation, you are invited to reflect on this same question in your own life. Through several slow readings of Matthew 16:13&ndash;17, you will have space to consider who others say Jesus is&mdash;and who you believe Him to be.
As we conclude this Lenten journey, we are reminded that knowing who Jesus truly is changes everything. He is the Messiah, the Son of the living God, the One who reveals the Father and invites us into life with Him.
Here are some additional helpful links:
Download your FREE Lent Companion Journal<a href="https://jodieniznik.myflodesk.com/lent2026"> Here</a>
I AM: A Lenten Journey with Jesus&nbsp;
This journal includes: &bull; Each week&rsquo;s Scripture passage &bull; Reflection prompts from the meditations &bull; Space to journal, pray, and notice what God is revealing
Here are some additional helpful links:
Learn more about Jodie: <a href="http://www.jodieniznik.com/">http://www.jodieniznik.com</a>
Follow on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jodieniznik/">@jodieniznik</a>
Follow on Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JodieGNiznik/">@JodieGNiznik</a>
Join the Monday email newsletter for new meditations,<a href="https://jodieniznik.myflodesk.com/stayintouch"> HERE</a>
Explore other faith-centered podcasts from LifeAudio:
<a href="https://www.lifeaudio.com/">https://www.lifeaudio.com</a>
&nbsp;
Today&rsquo;s Scripture
Matthew 16:13-17
13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, &ldquo;Who do people say the Son of Man is?&rdquo;
14 They replied, &ldquo;Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.&rdquo;
15 &ldquo;But what about you?&rdquo; he asked. &ldquo;Who do you say I am?&rdquo;
16 Simon Peter answered, &ldquo;You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.&rdquo;
17 Jesus replied, &ldquo;Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.

Who do you say I AM? | Matthew 16:13-17

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/2290e34b-1f9b-4cb3-841a-b40a00d3f489/transcript

Good Friday Scripture Meditation (Matthew 27:27-56)

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So Much More: Scripture Meditation (Lectio Divina)

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