Hey everybody, welcome to the podcast, I’m Nick and it’s fabulous to be here with you today.
Today is October 10.
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 want to lead different.”
As you exhale, pray: “Help me to serve others."
Do this three times, then rest in His presence.

Read

So Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
(Mark 10:42–45, 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 the passage again and pay attention to what Jesus is saying to you.

Meditate

James and John have just asked Jesus for the prime positions in His kingdom. They want to sit at His right and left hand. They want the seats of honor. They want to be first.
And Jesus uses this moment to teach something radical about leadership.
"You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them."
That's how the world does it. Power. Dominion. Authority. The person at the top is served by everyone below. The higher you climb, the more people serve you.
But then Jesus says: "But among you it will be different."
Different. Upside down. Inverted.
"Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else."
In God's kingdom, leadership is measured by service. Position comes from humility. Greatness is defined by how many people you serve, not how many people serve you.
And Jesus gives the ultimate example: "For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Jesus—the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, the one who created the universe—came not to be served but to serve. He washed His disciples' feet. He healed the sick. He ate with sinners. He gave His life as a ransom for many.
That's leadership in God's kingdom.
Here's what should land: if you want to be great in God's eyes, you don't climb the ladder. You serve. You humble yourself. You put others first. You become the slave of everyone else.
This is the opposite of what the world teaches. The world says: climb higher, accumulate more, serve yourself first, make sure you get yours.
Jesus says: go lower, give more, serve others first, make sure they get theirs.
The kingdom of God is upside down. And the only way to be first is to be last. The only way to lead is to serve.
Take a few moments to sit with this question:
What would it look like for me to lead like Jesus—by serving, by humbling myself, by putting others first?

Respond

Jesus, help me lead like You—with a servant's heart and a willingness to give my life for others.

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: Serve Someone Today
Today's habit is an act of humble service.
Today, you're going to identify one person and serve them in a concrete, tangible way.
Spend 15–20 minutes on this exercise:
Part 1: Who Will You Serve? Identify one person in your life who needs help. Someone you can serve today.
Write their name down.
Part 2: How Will You Serve? Now ask yourself: What do they need? How can I serve them?
It might be:
Doing a task they've been putting off
Listening to their struggles
Helping with a practical need
Offering your time or skills
Simply being present with them
Part 3: Do It: Finally, commit to serving them today—not someday, but today.
Before you serve, pray: "Jesus, You came not to be served but to serve. You washed feet. You gave Your life. Help me serve _________________ today. Help me go lower. Help me put them first. Help me lead by serving."
Then serve. Today.

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