Hey everybody, welcome to the podcast, I’m Nick and it’s awesome to be here with you today.
Today is April 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 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, fill me with Your truth.”
As you exhale, pray: “Shape my heart from the inside out.”
Do this three times, then rest in His presence.
Read
“Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear until its purpose is achieved. So if you ignore the least commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who obeys God’s laws and teaches them will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven.
“But I warn you—unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven! (Matthew 5:17–20, NLT)
Notice
What stands out to you in this passage?
Is there a phrase or truth that speaks directly to you?
Hold it in your heart for a moment.
Reread
Hear these words again, not as a burden to carry, but as an invitation into something deeper than rule-keeping.
Meditate
Jesus isn’t here to tear down the law — He’s here to fulfill it, to bring it to its fullest and truest expression. The Pharisees followed the rules meticulously, and yet Jesus says their righteousness isn’t enough. Why? Because they had mastered the outside while neglecting the inside.
God has never been after mere compliance. He’s after transformation. The law was always meant to point us toward a heart that loves God fully and loves others genuinely — not a checklist to be completed and displayed.
When Jesus says our righteousness must surpass that of the Pharisees, He isn’t raising the bar to an impossible height to crush us. He’s pointing us to Himself — the only One who can truly fulfill the law, and the One who now lives in us by His Spirit.
Take a moment to reflect on this question:
Am I more focused on my outward behavior before others, or on the condition of my heart before God?
Respond
Jesus, thank You for seeing both the broken and the hard places in us. Soften my heart and make me willing to join You in doing good.
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: Send a Quick Text to Encourage Someone *
Today’s habit is one of the simplest and most powerful things you can do: pull out your phone and send one encouraging text to someone who could use it.
It doesn’t have to be long. It doesn’t have to be eloquent. A few honest, warm words — “I’ve been thinking about you,” or “I’m grateful for who you are” — can carry more weight than you know.
Here’s why this connects to today’s passage: Jesus is calling us to a righteousness that goes deeper than outward religion. True love for God always overflows into love for people. Encouraging someone today isn’t just a kind gesture — it’s an act of the heart, a small way of saying, “I see you, and you matter.”
Before you send it, say a quick prayer: “Lord, let these words carry Your kindness, not just mine.”
Then send it — and trust God to do something with it.
I have one ask of you before you go, could you please share this podcast with one person today? One person at a time will grow this podcast to help more people walk with Jesus.
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.