Hey everybody, welcome to the podcast, I’m Nick and it’s amazing to be here with you today.
Today is August 5.
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.
As you inhale, whisper: “Jesus, I love you.”
As you exhale, pray: “with all of my heart, soul, strength and mind.”
Do this three times, then rest in His presence.

Read

One day an expert in religious law stood up to test Jesus by asking him this question: “Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?”
Jesus replied, “What does the law of Moses say? How do you read it?”
The man answered, “ ‘You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ”
“Right!” Jesus told him. “Do this and you will live!”
(Luke 10:25–28, 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 this passage again — and notice how Jesus answers a question with a question.

Meditate
The expert already knew the answer.
He comes to test Jesus with a question about eternal life. And Jesus — instead of answering — turns it back on him: "What does the law say? How do you read it?"
And the man answers perfectly. Love God with everything you have. Love your neighbor as yourself.
"Right," Jesus says. "Do this and you will live."
The answer was never the problem. The doing is the problem.
We know the answer too. Love God. Love others. It's on coffee mugs and church signs and bumper stickers. It's the catchphrase of the Christian life. And yet — if we're honest — it's the hardest thing Jesus ever asked us to do.
Loving God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind means there's no part of you held back. No compartment He can't access. No area of your life where He isn't Lord.
And loving your neighbor as yourself means extending to others the same patience, grace, and generosity you extend to yourself. The same benefit of the doubt. The same second chances.
The expert knew the answer. But knowing and doing are two very different things.
Take a few moments to reflect on this question:
Where is the gap between what I know about love and how I actually love — and what would it look like to close that gap today?

Respond
Jesus, I know the answer. Help me to live it. Help me to love You with every part of me — and to love my neighbor with the same grace and patience I want for myself. Close the gap between what I know and what I do.

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: Love Your Neighbor Today
Today's habit is beautifully simple and profoundly difficult: identify one specific neighbor you struggle to love.
Write their name down.
Then identify one specific act of love you can offer them today. It doesn't have to be grand. It might be a kind word. A text. A prayer on their behalf. A moment of genuine attention. A small act of service.
Before you do it, pray: "Jesus, I don't always feel like loving _________________. But You loved me when I was difficult. You loved me when I was undeserving. Help me to extend that same love today — not because it comes naturally, but because You live in me and Your love is greater than my feelings."
Then do it.

I have two asks of you before you go, could you please share this podcast with one person today and check out the review of this podcast on Elevate Society?
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.