1 00:00:23,934 --> 00:00:26,253 Speaker 1: Well, hey, they're friends. Just a quick heads up that 2 00:00:26,414 --> 00:00:29,654 Speaker 1: I am taking a tiny little break and I'm also 3 00:00:29,734 --> 00:00:32,494 Speaker 1: getting ready for our lint series which begins in the 4 00:00:32,534 --> 00:00:36,254 Speaker 1: middle of February. So this is a replay of one 5 00:00:36,293 --> 00:00:39,814 Speaker 1: of my favorite scriptures. I do hope that you'll settle 6 00:00:39,854 --> 00:00:43,214 Speaker 1: in and enjoy it. God has something new for us 7 00:00:43,293 --> 00:00:44,854 Speaker 1: every time we hear his word. 8 00:00:45,293 --> 00:00:56,934 Speaker 2: So here you go, life audio. Well, hey they're friends. 9 00:00:57,174 --> 00:01:01,054 Speaker 1: I'm Jody Nisnick, and welcome to our new Year's series. 10 00:01:01,254 --> 00:01:03,214 Speaker 2: It's just a little space. 11 00:01:02,934 --> 00:01:06,774 Speaker 1: To reflect on the goodness of God and how He 12 00:01:06,934 --> 00:01:10,774 Speaker 1: is leading us as we enter into this new season together. 13 00:01:11,574 --> 00:01:13,974 Speaker 1: We're going to take a quick break for a word 14 00:01:14,054 --> 00:01:16,694 Speaker 1: from our sponsors, and then we'll be right back for 15 00:01:16,813 --> 00:01:24,134 Speaker 1: our meditation. Well, today we are meditating on a passage 16 00:01:24,334 --> 00:01:28,094 Speaker 1: taken from Isaiah chapter forty three, and we're going to 17 00:01:28,134 --> 00:01:32,534 Speaker 1: be using the Lectio Divina scripture meditation method. 18 00:01:33,334 --> 00:01:34,574 Speaker 2: Lectio Divina is. 19 00:01:34,654 --> 00:01:39,053 Speaker 1: A guided scripture meditation method that Christians have been using 20 00:01:39,094 --> 00:01:42,934 Speaker 1: for really centuries. But if it's new to you, well, first, 21 00:01:43,134 --> 00:01:46,934 Speaker 1: that's great. Second, I'm going to guide you every step 22 00:01:47,014 --> 00:01:49,854 Speaker 1: of the way, but I also want to invite you 23 00:01:49,934 --> 00:01:53,974 Speaker 1: to download the free Lectio Divina journal that I've created 24 00:01:54,014 --> 00:01:56,094 Speaker 1: for you. It will tell you a little bit more 25 00:01:56,174 --> 00:02:00,294 Speaker 1: about where Lectio Divina came from the process that we 26 00:02:00,494 --> 00:02:03,694 Speaker 1: use in doing this kind of meditation, and it also 27 00:02:03,734 --> 00:02:05,974 Speaker 1: gives you a little space to take some notes on 28 00:02:06,014 --> 00:02:09,734 Speaker 1: your reflections. There is a link to that free resource 29 00:02:09,974 --> 00:02:13,374 Speaker 1: in the show notes. Now, before we get started, I 30 00:02:13,413 --> 00:02:17,814 Speaker 1: do want to give just a little context about this passage. 31 00:02:17,853 --> 00:02:22,654 Speaker 1: This passage reflects back on the very first exodus, when 32 00:02:22,733 --> 00:02:25,494 Speaker 1: God rescue his people from slavery. 33 00:02:26,174 --> 00:02:27,694 Speaker 2: And as the people. 34 00:02:27,413 --> 00:02:30,374 Speaker 1: Were fleeing, they came upon a moment where they were 35 00:02:30,814 --> 00:02:34,734 Speaker 1: hemmed in by a mighty army on one side and 36 00:02:34,814 --> 00:02:37,894 Speaker 1: a raging sea on the other, and there was really 37 00:02:38,694 --> 00:02:41,774 Speaker 1: no place to turn. There were no good options. And 38 00:02:41,854 --> 00:02:44,974 Speaker 1: it was in this moment that God did something new. 39 00:02:45,654 --> 00:02:48,814 Speaker 1: He made a way where there was no way. He 40 00:02:48,934 --> 00:02:52,814 Speaker 1: split the sea open for the Israelites to walk through. 41 00:02:53,734 --> 00:02:58,014 Speaker 1: And in this passage, Isaiah the prophet, is reflecting on 42 00:02:58,134 --> 00:03:01,654 Speaker 1: that and he is again speaking to the nation of 43 00:03:01,774 --> 00:03:06,574 Speaker 1: Israel who had been in exile. God once again was 44 00:03:06,654 --> 00:03:09,574 Speaker 1: going to rescue his people. It was almost like a 45 00:03:09,654 --> 00:03:14,294 Speaker 1: second exodus for them, and he was telling them that 46 00:03:14,374 --> 00:03:17,934 Speaker 1: they did not need to fear, because God was going 47 00:03:17,974 --> 00:03:22,174 Speaker 1: to lead them through the wilderness and back into safety. 48 00:03:23,174 --> 00:03:26,614 Speaker 1: Now for us, as we are listening to this passage, 49 00:03:26,654 --> 00:03:30,894 Speaker 1: we too are waiting on God to do another big 50 00:03:30,974 --> 00:03:34,774 Speaker 1: rescue through Jesus. We're kind of waiting on our third Exodus. 51 00:03:34,774 --> 00:03:39,294 Speaker 1: I guess you could say God is not done doing 52 00:03:39,374 --> 00:03:42,254 Speaker 1: new things in our lives, just like he did for 53 00:03:42,334 --> 00:03:46,334 Speaker 1: the Israelites and these two encounters. He is not done 54 00:03:46,654 --> 00:03:51,014 Speaker 1: leading us through seasons that feel like wilderness seasons. 55 00:03:51,054 --> 00:03:53,694 Speaker 2: He's not done doing. 56 00:03:53,414 --> 00:03:56,014 Speaker 1: New things in our lives, like opening up seas where 57 00:03:56,054 --> 00:03:59,174 Speaker 1: we didn't see a pathway before and then all of 58 00:03:59,174 --> 00:04:02,654 Speaker 1: a sudden, there is one. So that's a little context 59 00:04:02,694 --> 00:04:06,054 Speaker 1: for this passage. Now, the first thing that we want 60 00:04:06,094 --> 00:04:09,014 Speaker 1: to do before we hear the first reading is just 61 00:04:09,414 --> 00:04:13,334 Speaker 1: settle in, and let's start by taking some deep in 62 00:04:13,534 --> 00:04:21,454 Speaker 1: and out breaths. And as you breathe in, just ask 63 00:04:21,494 --> 00:04:25,774 Speaker 1: the Lord to help you be mindful of His presence 64 00:04:25,813 --> 00:04:29,973 Speaker 1: with you, to help you be attentive to him right now. 65 00:04:32,974 --> 00:04:38,814 Speaker 1: And as you exhale, just take a quick assessment what 66 00:04:39,094 --> 00:04:42,493 Speaker 1: is it that feels heavy or burdensome to you right now? 67 00:04:43,454 --> 00:04:47,573 Speaker 1: And ask the Lord to hold on to that while 68 00:04:47,613 --> 00:04:52,654 Speaker 1: you do this meditation. So go ahead and keep taking 69 00:04:52,894 --> 00:04:57,254 Speaker 1: deep in and out breaths, and as you do, let 70 00:04:57,294 --> 00:05:04,974 Speaker 1: me pray for us. Oh Lord, we thank you for today. 71 00:05:05,534 --> 00:05:09,933 Speaker 1: We thank you for a new season that we've entered into, 72 00:05:10,053 --> 00:05:12,854 Speaker 1: and we pray that right now you would lead and 73 00:05:12,894 --> 00:05:18,214 Speaker 1: guide us. Lord. We desire to know your will, We 74 00:05:18,334 --> 00:05:22,654 Speaker 1: desire to know where you're leading. So would you just 75 00:05:22,774 --> 00:05:25,813 Speaker 1: help us to settle in, to be present to hear 76 00:05:25,854 --> 00:05:30,254 Speaker 1: your word, and would your spirit help us see what 77 00:05:30,334 --> 00:05:35,534 Speaker 1: we need to see? Lord, lead and guide us so 78 00:05:35,534 --> 00:05:39,654 Speaker 1: that we can have an encounter with you. We asked 79 00:05:39,694 --> 00:05:41,894 Speaker 1: that you would do this for our good, and we 80 00:05:41,974 --> 00:05:45,654 Speaker 1: asked that you would do it for your glory. We 81 00:05:45,734 --> 00:05:53,134 Speaker 1: pray this in Jesus' name. Amen. So the first time 82 00:05:53,174 --> 00:05:55,854 Speaker 1: I read the passage for you, I just want to 83 00:05:55,894 --> 00:05:58,374 Speaker 1: invite you to listen to the words. There's really no 84 00:05:58,613 --> 00:06:05,814 Speaker 1: agenda beyond that. This is Isaiah forty three, verses sixteen 85 00:06:06,214 --> 00:06:13,974 Speaker 1: through nineteen. This is what the Lord says, he who 86 00:06:14,134 --> 00:06:17,974 Speaker 1: made a way through the sea, a path through the 87 00:06:18,134 --> 00:06:23,693 Speaker 1: mighty waters, who drew out the chariots and horses. There 88 00:06:23,974 --> 00:06:29,094 Speaker 1: me and reinforcements together, and they lay there, never to 89 00:06:29,214 --> 00:06:38,014 Speaker 1: rise again, extinguished, snuffed out like a wick. Forget the former. 90 00:06:38,134 --> 00:06:44,654 Speaker 1: Things do not dwell on the past. See I am 91 00:06:44,894 --> 00:06:51,174 Speaker 1: doing a new thing. Now it springs up. Do you 92 00:06:51,254 --> 00:06:56,414 Speaker 1: not perceive it? I am making a way in the 93 00:06:56,454 --> 00:07:17,854 Speaker 1: wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Now, as I read 94 00:07:17,894 --> 00:07:21,214 Speaker 1: the passage for you a second time, this time we 95 00:07:21,254 --> 00:07:24,454 Speaker 1: want to ask the Lord to help us. Notice something 96 00:07:24,574 --> 00:07:27,934 Speaker 1: in the passage, A word, a phrase, maybe it's even 97 00:07:28,014 --> 00:07:32,374 Speaker 1: an idea. And I want to encourage you as always 98 00:07:32,454 --> 00:07:37,374 Speaker 1: to try not to overthink or overanalyze this process. Just 99 00:07:37,494 --> 00:07:41,854 Speaker 1: see what grabs your attention above the other things, and 100 00:07:41,894 --> 00:07:44,494 Speaker 1: then hold on to that, or you can jot it down. 101 00:07:45,334 --> 00:07:49,574 Speaker 1: And we're just going to go with that thought or 102 00:07:49,614 --> 00:07:52,614 Speaker 1: idea and trust that the Spirit is going to use 103 00:07:52,654 --> 00:07:57,974 Speaker 1: it in our lives. So this now is our second 104 00:07:57,974 --> 00:08:06,654 Speaker 1: reading of Isaiah forty three, verses sixteen through nineteen. This 105 00:08:06,894 --> 00:08:10,854 Speaker 1: is what the Lord says, he who made a way 106 00:08:10,974 --> 00:08:17,574 Speaker 1: through the sea, a path through the mighty waters, who 107 00:08:17,654 --> 00:08:23,734 Speaker 1: drew out the chariots and horses, the army and reinforcements together, 108 00:08:25,774 --> 00:08:33,814 Speaker 1: and they lay there, never to rise again, extinguished, snuffed out. 109 00:08:34,694 --> 00:08:35,174 Speaker 2: Like a wick. 110 00:08:38,134 --> 00:08:42,934 Speaker 1: Forget the former things. Do not dwell on the past. 111 00:08:44,654 --> 00:08:52,734 Speaker 1: See I am doing a new thing now it springs up. 112 00:08:54,694 --> 00:08:59,494 Speaker 1: Do you not perceive it? I am making a way 113 00:08:59,934 --> 00:09:11,014 Speaker 1: in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. So take 114 00:09:11,054 --> 00:09:13,733 Speaker 1: a moment now to ask the Lord, how does what 115 00:09:13,854 --> 00:09:42,694 Speaker 1: you drew my attention to connect to my life? Right now? 116 00:10:18,374 --> 00:10:20,774 Speaker 1: And now for our third reading, I want to invite 117 00:10:20,774 --> 00:10:24,254 Speaker 1: you to notice again whatever you noticed in the second reading, 118 00:10:25,254 --> 00:10:27,853 Speaker 1: and then we're going to take some time to respond 119 00:10:27,894 --> 00:10:33,134 Speaker 1: to God. However, he seems to be inviting us to respond, 120 00:10:34,014 --> 00:10:36,574 Speaker 1: and it may be that he shows us a sin 121 00:10:36,654 --> 00:10:40,174 Speaker 1: we need to confess. Maybe there's a step of trust 122 00:10:40,494 --> 00:10:43,374 Speaker 1: we need to take to follow him in something new. 123 00:10:44,333 --> 00:10:46,774 Speaker 1: Maybe there's a truth we needed to be reminded of. 124 00:10:47,814 --> 00:10:50,814 Speaker 1: Maybe we just need to worship him. Or it could 125 00:10:50,854 --> 00:10:53,094 Speaker 1: be something else. But I'm going to give you some 126 00:10:53,174 --> 00:10:57,574 Speaker 1: space after the reading to have that conversation and take 127 00:10:57,614 --> 00:11:02,054 Speaker 1: that next step with God. So with that, this is 128 00:11:02,294 --> 00:11:09,734 Speaker 1: our third reading of Isaiah forty three, verses sixteen through nineteen. 129 00:11:12,654 --> 00:11:17,014 Speaker 1: This is what the Lord says, he who made a 130 00:11:17,054 --> 00:11:22,534 Speaker 1: way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters, 131 00:11:23,094 --> 00:11:27,534 Speaker 1: who drew out the chariots and horses, the army and 132 00:11:27,654 --> 00:11:37,014 Speaker 1: reinforcements together, and they lay there, never to rise again, extinguished, 133 00:11:38,174 --> 00:11:46,854 Speaker 1: snuffed out like a wick. Forget the former things. Do 134 00:11:46,974 --> 00:11:53,334 Speaker 1: not dwell on the past. See I am doing a 135 00:11:53,414 --> 00:12:00,574 Speaker 1: new thing. Now it springs up. Do you not perceive it? 136 00:12:02,614 --> 00:12:08,213 Speaker 1: I am making a way in the wilderness and streams 137 00:12:08,254 --> 00:12:18,373 Speaker 1: in the wasteland. So take some time now to respond 138 00:12:18,894 --> 00:12:19,374 Speaker 1: to God. 139 00:12:30,294 --> 00:12:42,134 Speaker 3: It don't know. 140 00:12:44,534 --> 00:13:10,974 Speaker 4: It. 141 00:14:20,574 --> 00:14:22,814 Speaker 1: And now for our final reading, I want to invite 142 00:14:22,814 --> 00:14:28,454 Speaker 1: you to receive these words, posturing your heart in rest, 143 00:14:29,134 --> 00:14:35,054 Speaker 1: resting in God's goodness and his love for us, resting 144 00:14:35,254 --> 00:14:39,294 Speaker 1: in the truth that he is inviting us to forget 145 00:14:39,814 --> 00:14:44,774 Speaker 1: what's happened and to move forward with him. And for 146 00:14:44,854 --> 00:14:48,014 Speaker 1: this last reading, I'm going to read the passage for 147 00:14:48,134 --> 00:14:52,014 Speaker 1: us in the Message translation. So it will sound a 148 00:14:52,054 --> 00:14:57,494 Speaker 1: little different, but I think it is a beautiful translation. 149 00:14:58,734 --> 00:15:02,894 Speaker 1: And so this now is our final reading of Isaiah 150 00:15:03,014 --> 00:15:11,854 Speaker 1: forty three, verses sixteen through nineteen. This is what God says, 151 00:15:13,334 --> 00:15:16,654 Speaker 1: the God who built a road right through the ocean, 152 00:15:17,854 --> 00:15:23,254 Speaker 1: who carves a path through pounding waves, the God who 153 00:15:23,334 --> 00:15:30,214 Speaker 1: summons horses and chariots and armies. They lie down and 154 00:15:30,254 --> 00:15:36,974 Speaker 1: they can't get up. They're snuffed out like so many candles. 155 00:15:38,094 --> 00:15:45,734 Speaker 1: Forget what's happened. Don't keep going over old history. Be alert, 156 00:15:46,734 --> 00:15:52,894 Speaker 1: be present. I'm about to do something brand new. It's 157 00:15:52,934 --> 00:15:59,854 Speaker 1: bursting out. Don't you see it? There it is. I'm 158 00:15:59,854 --> 00:16:12,334 Speaker 1: making a road through the desert rivers in the bad lands. Lord, 159 00:16:12,374 --> 00:16:15,494 Speaker 1: we thank you that you are a god who does 160 00:16:16,614 --> 00:16:18,054 Speaker 1: new things in our lives. 161 00:16:18,894 --> 00:16:21,694 Speaker 2: That you don't leave us where. 162 00:16:21,494 --> 00:16:22,054 Speaker 3: We are. 163 00:16:23,934 --> 00:16:29,094 Speaker 1: As we enter into this new year and this new season. Lord, 164 00:16:29,134 --> 00:16:32,494 Speaker 1: would you help us know where it is that you 165 00:16:32,734 --> 00:16:37,014 Speaker 1: are leading us. You are the same God, the same 166 00:16:37,614 --> 00:16:43,894 Speaker 1: God yesterday, today and forever, and yet we are constantly changing, 167 00:16:43,934 --> 00:16:48,934 Speaker 1: and so you are always moving in our lives. So 168 00:16:48,974 --> 00:16:50,854 Speaker 1: we asked that you would give us the grace to 169 00:16:50,934 --> 00:16:55,494 Speaker 1: know how you are moving and give us the courage 170 00:16:55,574 --> 00:17:01,174 Speaker 1: to follow where you are leading us. Lord, we thank 171 00:17:01,214 --> 00:17:04,334 Speaker 1: you for this passage, and we thank you for the 172 00:17:04,374 --> 00:17:08,654 Speaker 1: timeless truth that it holds what it meant to the 173 00:17:08,694 --> 00:17:13,094 Speaker 1: Israelites so long ago, the hope that it gave them, 174 00:17:13,174 --> 00:17:15,773 Speaker 1: and what it means to us today, and the hope 175 00:17:16,694 --> 00:17:21,093 Speaker 1: that it gives us that you are still doing new things. 176 00:17:21,414 --> 00:17:27,254 Speaker 1: You are still create roads through seas and roads through 177 00:17:27,333 --> 00:17:34,533 Speaker 1: deserts and leading us through into new places. Lord, Thank 178 00:17:34,574 --> 00:17:38,694 Speaker 1: you for your goodness, thank you for your son. We 179 00:17:38,734 --> 00:17:45,414 Speaker 1: pray all of this in Jesus' name. Amen. Well, friends, 180 00:17:45,494 --> 00:17:47,813 Speaker 1: just a few quick things before we close, and the 181 00:17:47,853 --> 00:17:49,974 Speaker 1: first is I just want to let you know that 182 00:17:50,134 --> 00:17:54,373 Speaker 1: we have created a special series of guided reflections to 183 00:17:54,454 --> 00:17:58,174 Speaker 1: help you enter into this new year with intention. Now. 184 00:17:58,214 --> 00:18:00,853 Speaker 1: I've called it a retreat, but you can space it 185 00:18:00,893 --> 00:18:04,413 Speaker 1: over a few quiet mornings, over one afternoon, or if 186 00:18:04,454 --> 00:18:06,974 Speaker 1: you have the time, I do recommend you take a. 187 00:18:06,853 --> 00:18:07,653 Speaker 2: Full day away. 188 00:18:08,174 --> 00:18:11,853 Speaker 1: But no matter how you do it, these reflections and 189 00:18:11,974 --> 00:18:15,094 Speaker 1: thoughtful questions are going to guide you into space with 190 00:18:15,174 --> 00:18:19,573 Speaker 1: the Lord to help you discern what is the new 191 00:18:19,654 --> 00:18:22,254 Speaker 1: thing God is doing in your life, what do you 192 00:18:22,293 --> 00:18:24,894 Speaker 1: need to leave behind, what you need need to bring forward, 193 00:18:26,134 --> 00:18:30,294 Speaker 1: and where is He leading you. You'll find a link 194 00:18:30,333 --> 00:18:33,893 Speaker 1: in the notes with more information. And also there is 195 00:18:33,934 --> 00:18:36,974 Speaker 1: a small fee for this retreat, but if for any 196 00:18:37,014 --> 00:18:40,333 Speaker 1: reason it is cost prohibitive for you, just let me 197 00:18:40,414 --> 00:18:43,374 Speaker 1: know and I'll make sure you get one. I also 198 00:18:43,414 --> 00:18:45,494 Speaker 1: want to do a quick shout out for the team 199 00:18:45,654 --> 00:18:49,333 Speaker 1: at Life Audio for their partnership with us on this podcast. 200 00:18:49,893 --> 00:18:51,974 Speaker 1: If you go to lifeaudio dot com. You're going to 201 00:18:52,014 --> 00:18:56,773 Speaker 1: see all of their other faith centered podcasts, and finally, 202 00:18:57,333 --> 00:19:01,454 Speaker 1: thank you, thank you for joining me on so much 203 00:19:01,494 --> 00:19:06,254 Speaker 1: more because we really do believe Jesus has so much 204 00:19:06,293 --> 00:19:09,494 Speaker 1: more to say to us, and we are creating space 205 00:19:09,893 --> 00:19:10,494 Speaker 1: to listen