Hey everybody, welcome to the podcast, I’m Nick and it’s fantastic to be here with you today.
Today is May 11.
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 may have a million things on your mind, but for these few moments, set them aside. Relax. Calm your body.
Close your eyes. Take a deep breath in, then slowly release it.
As you inhale, whisper: “Jesus, I am listening.”
As you exhale, pray: “Speak — and let me truly hear.”
Do this three times, then rest in His presence.

Read

Once again Jesus began teaching by the lakeshore. A very large crowd soon gathered around him, so he got into a boat. Then he sat in the boat while all the people remained on the shore. He taught them by telling many stories in the form of parables, such as this one: “Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seed. 
 Later that same day Jesus left the house and sat beside the lake. A large crowd soon gathered around him, so he got into a boat. Then he sat there and taught as the people stood on the shore. He told many stories in the form of parables, such as this one: Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seeds.  
(Mark 4:1–3; Matthew 13:1–3, NLT)

Notice

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

Reread

Hear these words again — and notice the very first word Jesus speaks before the parable begins: Listen.
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Meditate

Before Jesus tells a single parable, He does something worth noticing: He sits down. In the ancient world, a teacher sat to signal that something important was about to be said. This is not casual conversation. This is intentional, authoritative teaching — and Jesus wants the crowd to receive it as such.
Then He begins with one word: Listen. It is both an invitation and a warning. Jesus is about to speak in parables — stories that carry truth beneath their surface, stories that reward those who lean in and think carefully, but that slide right past those who are only half paying attention.
There is something tender about this scene. The crowd is so large that Jesus has to push out from shore in a boat just to be seen and heard. And He meets them where they are — not in a synagogue, not behind a lectern, but by the water, in the open air, using the language of farmers and seeds and soil that everyone in that crowd would understand.
Jesus still teaches. He still sits down and speaks with authority. He still begins with Listen. The question is whether we are truly doing that — not just hearing words, but receiving them, turning them over, letting them find the soil of our hearts and take root.
Take a few moments to reflect on this question:
When I come to the words of Jesus, am I truly listening — unhurried, open, and expectant — or am I just going through the motions?

Respond

Jesus, I want to be someone who truly listens — not just hears.

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: Slow Listening
— Read One Short Passage of Scripture Today More Slowly Than You Normally Would
Today’s habit is an act of intentional attention: choose one short passage of Scripture — it could be today’s reading, or any passage that has been on your heart — and read it more slowly than you normally would.
Read it once. Then read it again. Then sit with it for two minutes in silence, asking: “Jesus, what are You saying to me specifically in this? What word or phrase do You want me to carry today?”
We live in a world that rewards speed and volume. The kingdom of God often rewards slowness and depth. The same words you’ve read a hundred times can open up in ways you’ve never seen — if you give them enough time and enough quiet.
Before you begin, pray: “Jesus, I am listening. Not just reading — listening. Speak to me through what I am about to read.”

I have one ask of you before you go, would you please consider supporting this podcast with a coffee today? One coffee at a time will help me to keep this podcast growing to help more people walk with Jesus. Click the coffee link and give a simple gift. ☕️
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.