Hey everybody, welcome to the podcast, I’m Nick and it’s so cool to be here with you today.
Today is April 15.
Each day, we follow a simple rhythm: Slow Down, Read, Notice, Reread, Meditate, Respond, and Exercise.
Let’s begin.

Slow Down

We carry so much around every day — financial worries, relational stress, anxiety about the future, and the pressure to succeed.
Now is the time to set those things down for a few minutes and enjoy some time with Jesus.
Close your eyes. Take a deep breath in, then slowly release it.
As you inhale, whisper: “Jesus, I receive Your forgiveness.”
As you exhale, pray: “Help me to freely give it.”
Do this three times, then rest in His presence.

Read

“If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.
“And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.  (Matthew 6:14–18, NLT)

Notice

What stands out to you in this passage?
Is there a phrase that surprises or challenges you?
Hold it in your heart for a moment.

Reread

Hear these words again, not as a transaction about forgiveness and fasting, but as a window into the kind of hidden, genuine devotion that God truly delights in.

Meditate

Jesus brings together two practices that seem unrelated — forgiveness and fasting — but they share a common thread: both are meant to be genuine, inward, and unperformed.
On forgiveness: Jesus is strikingly direct. The way we receive God’s forgiveness is intimately connected to the forgiveness we extend to others. This isn’t about earning God’s grace — it’s about whether our hearts are actually open. An unforgiving heart is a closed fist. And a closed fist can’t receive what God is offering.
On fasting: the hypocrites made sure everyone knew they were fasting. Their spiritual discipline became a costume. Jesus says — wash your face. Comb your hair. Keep it between you and God. The discipline that shapes you most deeply is often the discipline no one else ever sees.
Both forgiveness and fasting are about the condition of the hidden life — the life you live when no one is watching. And Jesus says your Father sees that life, and He treasures it.
Take a few moments to reflect on this question:
Is there someone I am withholding forgiveness from — and what is that unforgiveness costing my own heart?

Respond

Father, thank You for the forgiveness You have lavished on me — forgiveness I never earned and could never repay. I don’t want a closed heart to block what You’re offering. Bring to mind the person I need to forgive, and give me the grace to release them — not because it’s easy, but because You first forgave me.

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: The Practice of Forgiveness
— Write Down the Name of Someone You Need to Forgive and Pray Over It
Today’s habit is one of the most personally significant things you can do: write down the name of someone you need to forgive — someone you may have been carrying resentment toward — and spend two minutes praying over that name.
You don’t have to feel the forgiveness to begin the process. Forgiveness is often less of a feeling and more of a decision — a repeated choice to release someone from the debt you feel they owe you, and to place them in God’s hands instead of yours.
You may need to pray this more than once. That’s okay. Start today.
Write the name. Then pray: “Father, I choose to release [name] to You. I don’t want to carry this anymore. I trust You to be the judge. Heal what this has cost me, and free my heart to receive Your forgiveness fully.”

I have one ask of you before you go, could you please share this podcast with one person today? One person at a time will grow this podcast to help more people walk with Jesus.
That’s your two minutes with Jesus for today.
Now, take what you’ve heard…share it and live it.
Until next time, keep slowing down, keep listening, and keep walking with Jesus.