Today is January 3, I’m Nick and it is amazing to be here with you today.
Each day, we follow a simple rhythm:
Slow down…
Read…
Notice…
Reread…
Meditate…
Respond…
and Exercise, take a small step to live out what we’ve heard.
It’s a moment to pause, breathe, and meet Jesus in His Word — so He can shape our hearts and guide our day.
Let’s begin.

Slow Down

In our world today, we hurry everywhere. We are in such a hurry to go from moment to moment that we miss so much along the way. When we slow down, we can clearly see the things that are right under our noses. Take a moment to pause, quiet your mind, and turn your attention toward Jesus.
Close your eyes. Take a deep breath in, then slowly release it. Repeat this three times.
As you inhale, whisper in your heart: “You are my Father.”
As you exhale, pray: “I am your child.”
Do this three times, ask God to speak to you, then sit in silence for a few moments.

Read

God sent a man, John the Baptist, to tell about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony. John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light. The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.
He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.  
(John 1:6–13, NLT)

Notice

What are you hearing from God? 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

Now read the passage again slowly, being mindful of what God is wanting you to hear from Him.

Meditate

Have you ever been somewhere only to discover that a close friend was in the same place, but you didn’t recognize them and missed out on a chance to connect? I recently missed out on connecting with someone I work with because I didn’t recognize them.
I’m struck by this scripture because I don’t want to miss out on this rebirth that comes from God. I want to make sure I recognize Jesus and respond to Him so we can connect.
Take a few moments to reflect on these questions:
Are my eyes open to see Jesus? Are my ears open to hear His voice? Is my heart receptive to him?

Respond

Thank you God that when I received Jesus, I was reborn into your family…

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: Helping
Sometimes we can be oblivious to what is going on around us because we are distracted by our thoughts or phones. Today, look around you and see if there is anyone who needs your help, and help them.
Examples:
If you’re walking by someone and see that they dropped something, help them pick it up.
If you see someone carrying a heavy load, offer to help them carry it and follow through.
The goal is to recognize what is going on around you and lend a helping hand.

That’s your two minutes with Jesus for today.
Now, take what you’ve heard… and live it.
Whether it’s a prayer in the moment, a smile to light someone’s world, or a helping hand —
let God’s Word shape your steps.
Remember, discipleship isn’t just something we learn…
it’s something we live.
Until next time,
keep slowing down,
keep listening,
and keep walking with Jesus.