Hey everybody, welcome to the podcast, I’m Nick and it is fabulous to be here with you today. It is January 12.
Each day, we follow a simple rhythm: Slow Down, Read, Notice, Reread, Meditate, Respond, and Exercise.
Let’s begin.

Slow Down

Take a seat in your favorite chair. You are here to meet Jesus in the scripture. He wants to spend time with you, so take a moment to sense his presence with you.
Close your eyes. Take a deep breath in, then slowly release it. Repeat this three times.
As you inhale, whisper in your heart: “God is near.”
As you exhale, pray: “Near to me.”
Do this three times, then sit in silence for a few moments.

Read

Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men* from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose,* and we have come to worship him.”
King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem. He called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religious law and asked, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?”
“In Bethlehem in Judea,” they said, “for this is what the prophet wrote:
‘And you, O Bethlehem in the land of Judah,
are not least among the ruling cities* of Judah,
for a ruler will come from you
who will be the shepherd for my people Israel.’ ”
Then Herod called for a private meeting with the wise men, and he learned from them the time when the star first appeared. Then he told them, “Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child. And when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him, too!”
After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
When it was time to leave, they returned to their own country by another route, for God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod.  (Matthew 2:1–12, NLT)

Notice

What stands out to you in this passage? Is there a word or phrase that catches your attention? Write it down in your journal or here.

Reread
As we read the passage again, imagine yourself as one of the wise men from the East. Picture the story unfolding before you. Close your eyes and step into the scene.

Meditate

What do you see as you enter the bustling streets of Jerusalem?
How does it feel to stand before King Herod?
Can you sense the joy and awe of finally finding the child you traveled so far to see?
What do you notice about Mary as you present your gifts?
What thoughts stir in your heart when you are warned to take another way home?Take a few moments to reflect on this truth:
God guides those who seek Him — if our eyes and hearts are open to see the signs.

Respond

Thank you God for leading me to Jesus…

Exercise

The rush of life will meet you again when you leave this sacred place—but you can carry this moment into your day by forming new habits.
Habit: Gratitude List 
Write down three things that God has done for you recently and take time to thank him.
The goal is to be grateful to God for all that he does for you.

That’s your two minutes with Jesus for today.
Now, take what you’ve heard… and live it.
Until next time, keep slowing down, keep listening, and keep walking with Jesus.
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