Hey everybody, welcome to the podcast, I’m Nick and it’s awesome to be here with you today.
Today is September 23.
Each day, we follow a simple rhythm: Slow Down, Read, Notice, Reread, Meditate, Respond, and Exercise.
Let’s begin.

Slow Down

Jesus is glad you’re here. He longs to spend time with you. He loves you deeply and wants to be in your presence.
Take a moment to pause, quiet your mind, and turn your attention toward Him.
Close your eyes. Take a deep breath in, then slowly release it.
As you inhale, whisper: "Jesus, I’m glad that you were not there."
As you exhale, pray: "I really believe you now."
Do this three times, then rest in silence.

Read

Finally, he said to his disciples, “Let’s go back to Judea.” But his disciples objected. “Rabbi,” they said, “only a few days ago the people in Judea were trying to stone you. Are you going there again?” Jesus replied, “There are twelve hours of daylight every day. During the day people can walk safely. They can see because they have the light of this world. But at night there is danger of stumbling because they have no light.” Then he said, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but now I will go and wake him up.” The disciples said, “Lord, if he is sleeping, he will soon get better!” They thought Jesus meant Lazarus was simply sleeping, but Jesus meant Lazarus had died. So he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead. And for your sakes, I’m glad I wasn’t there, for now you will really believe. Come, let’s go see him.” Thomas, nicknamed the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, “Let’s go, too—and die with Jesus.”
(John 11:7–16, NLT)

Notice

What hits you most?
Is there a phrase that jumps out to you?
Hold that phrase gently before the Lord.

Reread

Hear these words again — and pay attention to what Jesus is saying to you..

Meditate

When Jesus announces His intention to return to Judea, the disciples immediately object. Their fear is reasonable. Jewish authorities had recently sought to stone Him. Jesus has narrowly escaped death before. Why would He walk back into danger?
But Jesus responds with a cryptic teaching about light and darkness.
"There are twelve hours of daylight every day. During the day people can walk safely. They can see because they have the light of this world. But at night there is danger of stumbling because they have no light."
This metaphor suggests that Jesus operates according to divine timing rather than human caution. His "day"—His appointed time—continues, and within that period, He moves with purpose and safety. The disciples' fear assumes Jesus should hide from danger. But Jesus indicates He walks in the light of God's will, which provides protection.
Then Jesus tells them plainly: "Lazarus is dead. And for your sakes, I'm glad I wasn't there, for now you will really believe. Come, let's go see him."
The disciples are confused. They're afraid. They're trying to talk Jesus out of going. But Jesus is clear: Let's go.
And then Thomas speaks up. Thomas, who will later be known as "the doubter," says something stunning: "Let's go, too—and die with Jesus."
Thomas recognizes what's happening. Returning to Judea means walking into mortal danger. The people there want to stone Jesus. Going back is walking toward death. Yet rather than counseling retreat, Thomas commits to following Jesus even unto death.
This moment reveals something profound about Thomas: he may struggle with faith and understanding, but his willingness to accompany Jesus into danger demonstrates genuine devotion. His words anticipate the cost of discipleship: following Jesus leads toward the cross, not away from it.
Here's what should land: fear is real. The danger is real. The disciples' objections are valid. But Jesus walks in the light of God's will. And those who follow Him walk in that light too.
The question isn't: Will I be safe? The question is: Will I follow Jesus even when it's dangerous?
Take a few moments to sit with this question:
How do I respond to fear? Do I let it stop me? Or do I walk in the light of God's will?

Respond

Jesus, I'm glad for Your timing and Your divine protection. I'm choosing to follow You, even when I'm afraid. Even when I don't understand. Even when it leads toward the cross. Help me walk in Your light.

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: Walk in the Light
Today's habit is an act of courageous trust.
Jesus said those who walk in the light don't stumble. Today, you're going to identify one area where fear is stopping you from following Jesus—and you're going to take one step forward anyway.
Spend 15–20 minutes on this exercise:
Part 1: What Fear Is Stopping You?
Identify one specific thing Jesus is calling you to do that fear is preventing. Where is He saying, "Let's go," and you're saying, "But what about the danger?"
Write it down.
Part 2: Name the Fear:
Now ask yourself: What specifically am I afraid of? Rejection? Failure? Loss? Danger? Misunderstanding?
Be honest about what's holding you back.
Part 3: Take One Step:
Finally, commit to one action today that moves you forward despite the fear. One step toward following Jesus into the light.
Before you take the step, pray: "Jesus, I'm afraid of _________________. But You're walking in the light of God's will, and You're asking me to follow. I'm taking one step today. Help me walk in Your light. Help me trust that You're protecting me. Help me be like Thomas—willing to go, even when it's dangerous."

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.