Hey everybody, welcome to the podcast, I’m Nick and it’s an honor to be here with you today.
Today is May 14.
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 receive Your word.”
As you exhale, pray: “Let it take root and bear fruit in me.”
Do this three times, then rest in His presence.

Read

“Now listen to the explanation of the parable about the farmer planting seeds: The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message about the Kingdom and don’t understand it. Then the evil one comes and snatches away the seed that was planted in their hearts. The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word. The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, so no fruit is produced. The seed that fell on good soil represents those who truly hear and understand God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!”  (Matthew 13:18–23, NLT)

Notice

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

Hear Jesus’ explanation again — and notice how specific and honest He is about what prevents the word from taking root.
 

Meditate

Jesus unpacks each soil with honesty and precision. The hard path: the word never gets in — the enemy snatches it away immediately. The rocky ground: emotion without depth — the word produces excitement but no roots, and the first difficulty blows it over. The thorny ground: the word is present but crowded — worries and the lure of wealth slowly strangle it until no fruit appears. And the good soil: the word is truly heard, truly understood, truly received — and it produces a harvest that multiplies beyond what anyone planted.
Notice that the enemy, suffering, and wealth are all named as specific threats to fruitfulness. Jesus is not painting an idealized picture of the life of faith. He is describing the real obstacles with clear eyes — and inviting us to take them seriously so that we become, and remain, good soil.
Take a few moments to reflect on this question:
Which of the specific obstacles Jesus names is most active in my life right now?

Respond

Jesus, I want to be good soil. Help me to identify what is hardening, shallowing, or crowding the word in my life — and give me the grace to deal with it honestly. I want to bear fruit.

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: Removing Thorns
— Identify One Worry or Distraction That Is Crowding Out God’s Word and Address It
Today’s habit targets the most common soil problem Jesus names — the thorny ground of worry and wealth crowding out the word. Identify one specific worry or distraction that has been taking up space that belongs to God, and take one concrete step to address it today.
Maybe it means putting your phone in another room during your morning time with God. Maybe it means writing down a financial anxiety and consciously placing it in God’s hands. Maybe it means turning off a form of entertainment that has been consuming more of your attention than God’s word.
You don’t have to remove every thorn at once. Just address one — today — with intention and prayer.
Before you act, pray: “Lord, I can see this thorn. It’s been crowding out what You’ve been trying to grow in me. I’m pulling it up today — help me to keep the ground clear.”

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.