Hey everybody, welcome to the podcast, I’m Nick and it is outstanding to be here with you today.
Today is January 21.
Each day, we follow a simple rhythm: Slow Down, Read, Notice, Reread, Meditate, Respond, and Exercise.
Let’s begin.
Slow Down
Jesus is here.
He’s sitting in your favorite spot, waiting for you to join Him.
You have a million things on your mind that need your attention, but right now it’s time to be with Jesus.
Set those things aside, relax, and calm your body.
Close your eyes. Take a deep breath in, then slowly release it. Repeat this three times.
As you inhale, whisper in your heart: “Don’t be afraid.”
As you exhale, pray: “God is near.”
Do this three times, then sit in silence for a few moments.
Ask God to speak to you.
Read
He is ready to separate the chaff from the wheat with his winnowing fork. Then he will clean up the threshing area, gathering the wheat into his barn but burning the chaff with never-ending fire.”
Then Jesus went from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. But John tried to talk him out of it. “I am the one who needs to be baptized by you,” he said, “so why are you coming to me?”
But Jesus said, “It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires.” So John agreed to baptize him. (Matthew 3:12–15, 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?
Hold it in your heart for a moment.
Reread
Let’s hear the passage again slowly, being mindful of what God is wanting you to hear from Him.
Meditate
The phrase that stands out to me is: “We must carry out all that God requires.”
It brings to mind Micah 6:8:
No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good,
and this is what he requires of you:
to do what is right, to love mercy,
and to walk humbly with your God.
I imagine Jesus had this in mind when He said those words, and why being baptized by John was important to Him.
If I want to be like Jesus, I have to ask myself: Am I doing what God requires?
God sifts us — separating wheat from chaff — to see if our lives are truly aligned with His requirements.
Take a few moments to reflect on this truth: God is looking to see if we are really doing what He requires.
Respond
God, I praise You for Jesus doing what You required of Him. Help me to live in a way that fulfills what You require.
Exercise
The rush of life will meet you again when you leave this sacred space — but you can carry this moment into your day by forming new habits.
Today’s habit is Bragging on God:
Habit: Bragging on God **
Tell someone the story of how God answered a prayer in your life.
Share it as a testimony of His goodness and faithfulness.
**The goal is to give glory to our good God and encourage others through your story.
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.