Hey everybody, welcome to the podcast, I’m Nick and it’s an honor to be here with you today.
Today is June 1.
Each day, we follow a simple rhythm: Slow Down, Read, Notice, Reread, Meditate, Respond, and Exercise.
Let’s begin.

Slow Down

You are stepping into a sacred space with the intent of meeting Jesus.
He wants to meet with you and spend time with you.
Take this moment to slow down, quiet your mind, and prepare your heart to connect with Him.
Close your eyes. Take a deep breath in, then slowly release it.
As you inhale, whisper: “Jesus, I need Your wisdom.”
As you exhale, pray: “Guide every word I speak.”
Do this three times, then rest in His presence.

Read

 “Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves. But beware! For you will be handed over to the courts and will be flogged with whips in the synagogues. You will stand trial before governors and kings because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell the rulers and other unbelievers about me. When you are arrested, don’t worry about how to respond or what to say. God will give you the right words at the right time. For it is not you who will be speaking—it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.  
(Matthew 10:16–20, 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 these words again — and notice that Jesus is not surprised by the opposition His disciples will face. He has already accounted for it.

Meditate

Jesus sends His disciples out as sheep among wolves. He doesn't soften it or pretend the mission will be without danger. He is clear-eyed about what they are walking into - and He sends them anyway, with a very specific kind of preparation: be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.
That pairing is worth sitting with. Serpent-wisdom without dove-innocence becomes cunning and manipulative. Dove-innocence without serpent-wisdom becomes naïve and ineffective. Jesus calls His disciples to hold both — to be shrewd enough to navigate a hostile world without becoming corrupted by it.
And then He adds something that should take the pressure off entirely: when they hand you over and you have to speak - don't worry about what to say or how to say it. The Spirit of your Father will speak through you.
This is not a permission slip for laziness or lack of preparation. It is a promise for the moments when preparation runs out - when you are standing before opposition with nothing left but your faith. In those moments, Jesus says, you will not be alone. The Spirit will be there, and He will give you what you need.
The mission of following Jesus has never been without cost or risk.
But it has also never been without His presence and provision in the hardest moments.
Take a few moments to reflect on this question:
Am I approaching the challenges and opposition in my life with both the wisdom and the innocence Jesus describes - and am I trusting the Spirit to speak when I don't know what to say?

Respond

Jesus, You never promised the mission would be easy — remind me that Your Spirit is already there, ready to speak.

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: Spirit-Dependent Speech
Today's habit is a practice of Spirit-dependence: identify one conversation you are facing today that feels difficult - one where you're not sure what to say or how to say it -and before you enter it, stop and pray specifically for the Spirit to guide your words.
Not a long prayer. Just a moment of honest dependence: "Holy Spirit, I don't know how to handle this on my own. Give me the words. Give me the wisdom. Give me the right tone. I trust You to speak through me."
Then enter the conversation with open hands — not gripping your own agenda, but available to what the Spirit wants to do through you.

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.