2 Minute Disciple | Daily Devotional Podcast - Episodes Tagged with “Self Care”

Episode 184: What I am learning from Jesus is… I have to carve out time for prayer, especially when life is busy.

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Sat, 15 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Life is busy! Each day has a list of things that need to be accomplished for work and around the house as well as to keep up family relationships. We have enough things to keep ourselves busy 24/7. I can relate to the frenetic pace of Jesus’ ministry here in Mark’s gospel, however, Jesus shows us that our relationship with God needs time too. I am learning that I have to carve out time to be with God, it doesn’t just happen naturally, I have to intentionally carve out time to be alone with God. I meet with Him in the shower and and I listen to his word while I iron clothes. This is what works for me and what I’ve learned from Jesus is that if he could carve out time to be with the father, then so can I.

Support 2 Minute Disciple | Daily Devotional Podcast

Episode 180: Luke Chapter 12

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Fri, 24 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0500

We all wear some sort of mask that makes us look like what we think the people we are around at the time want us to look. However, Jesus challenges us to be real and take off our masks and be who we say we are.

Support 2 Minute Disciple | Daily Devotional Podcast

Episode 179: Luke Chapter 11

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Thu, 23 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0500

We don’t talk a lot about spiritual warfare, because if we can’t see it our touch it , we can’t understand it and if we can’t understand it, we dismiss it as not real. However, the more we hang out with Jesus, we realize that spiritual warfare is real and we need to be on guard against the spiritual forces that want to torment us. Jesus said that this is war and we need to choose our side and guard his word with our lives.

Support 2 Minute Disciple | Daily Devotional Podcast

Episode 176: Luke Chapter 8

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Mon, 20 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0500

What stuck me in the chapter is that obedience is thicker than blood and how trust and obedience go hand in hand. Trust leads to obedience and we see some examples of what trust looks like and doesn’t look like. Trust looks like some women who fund his ministry and a man who is relieved of demon possession and obeys Jesus by going home and proclaiming what Jesus had done for him. But, the disciples who had seen everything that Jesus had done didn’t trust him in the storm and began to panic. Trust and obey is the only way to live our lives for Jesus,

Support 2 Minute Disciple | Daily Devotional Podcast

Episode 152: Mark Chapter 1

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Sat, 07 May 2022 00:00:00 -0500

In this chapter, the action comes fast and furious, it’s kind of like how I like to read on audible when I’m reading along, cranked up to 3x speed. You can just feel how fast things are happening and then while it was still dark, Jesus got away from everyone to pray and we catch our breath. That moment just speaks to my heart and reminds me of how important it is to get away from the speed of life and the crush of people to just be with God on 1x speed or slower. The other thing that jumped off of the page to me was that Jesus touched a leper. You never touched a leper, because it would transfer over to you and you would be unclean too. But Jesus touched him and transferred his wholeness to the man. That is so cool, God is here and he has come to make us whole.

Support 2 Minute Disciple | Daily Devotional Podcast

Episode 151: Matthew Chapter 28

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Fri, 06 May 2022 10:00:00 -0500

There are two things that stick out to me in this chapter. First of all, worship, the women who first saw Jesus alive fell down in worship and the disciples when they saw him on the mountain worshipped him. Second was that out of worship came a charge to go. I find it fascinating that worship came in response to the miracle of the resurrection, but Jesus didn’t want them to stay in worship, rather he charges them to go and tell. I find the connection between worship and being sent out fascinating. This is another of those right side up ways of living, we worship God for who He is and what He has done for the purpose of going out to spread the message of the kingdom and teaching people how to live right side up.

Support 2 Minute Disciple | Daily Devotional Podcast

Episode 150: Matthew Chapter 27

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Thu, 05 May 2022 12:00:00 -0500

We are continuing in the story of Jesus’s agony on the cross. What I am struck by is how this story drives home the point that Jesus is showing us how to live right side up through his humiliation on the cross and his exaltation in rising from the dead. In our upside down way of seeing things, we want the exaltation without the humiliation. We want the glory without the suffering, but the right side up way is to humble yourself before God and he will exalt you. That is what Jesus says and does.
I chose to follow Jesus about 40 years ago, and I didn’t take the time to get to know him by hanging out in the Gospels for the first 25 years or so. However, the more that I get to know him and the more that we dive into his life and teaching, the more I am convinced that Jesus’ way is the best way. I am glad that you are on this journey with me, so that you can discover who Jesus is and decide for yourself if you agree with me. If not, no pressure, just keep searching and hanging out with Him.

Support 2 Minute Disciple | Daily Devotional Podcast

Episode 149: Matthew Chapter 26

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Wed, 04 May 2022 10:00:00 -0500

We are now turning the corner to face the climax of Jesus story, his death and resurrection. This chapter leads us squarely into Jesus’ last day and we can see his focus narrow and in his teaching, we see him trying to get his disciples to understand what was about to happen, but they really didn’t get it. Jesus did everything he could to prepare them but when he needed them the most, they all cut and ran. However, Jesus faced it with great poise in spite of being all alone. He knew that the cross was coming, and yet he did not waver and he fulfilled God’s plan. He hoped in the resurrection that would take place on the third day.
As we read today, try to put yourself in the shoes of the Jesus and feel the anxiety and fear balanced by the peace of mind that comes from knowing that you are doing exactly what God had planned. Savor the bread and wine and remember that his suffering brought us peace and that his stripes healed us. Experience this story through the eyes of the Jesus.

Support 2 Minute Disciple | Daily Devotional Podcast

Episode 148: Matthew Chapter 25

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Tue, 03 May 2022 13:00:00 -0500

Don’t you love guilt trips.I can’t tell you how many things that I have done because I was guilted into it. Most of the time it worked out ok, but a few of those things were a little adventurous to say the least. Whenever I would read Matthew 25, I would read it through the guilt lens, don’t be one of those foolish girls, be a better planner and be organized. Be a good money manager unlike that last guy, you don’t want to be that guy, so use your money wisely with a “budget” approved by Dave. The last one was an ice cream Sunday with 3 giant scoops of guilt, don’t be a slacker, do more and achieve more for God or your a goat and you are BAD! So, I would try harder to be a “good” Christian, fail, try even harder and on and on the cycle would go.
But I think that it misses the point, it’s not about beating yourself up for not measuring up, but being ready by living for Jesus each day. It’s about looking for opportunities to grow in your skills for God’s glory and to not be afraid of being stretched. It’s about taking those skills and serving others not out of guilt or fear of not measuring up, but living each day for Jesus as his witness to God’s new government.
That new perspective is so freeing! I am so motivated to serve and love because I want to be more like Jesus each day. This subtle shift fits in with what we have learned about Jesus in the Gospels and I wish that I would have figured this truth out earlier in life, but that’s what this journey is for, discovering who Jesus is and how we can follow him. We can take these daily discoveries and change our trajectory and that’s success.

Support 2 Minute Disciple | Daily Devotional Podcast

Episode 146: Matthew Chapter 23

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Fri, 29 Apr 2022 11:00:00 -0500

What I love about this journey of discovery that we are on, is that it forces us to look into our hearts and see that what Jesus is talking about is not just for THOSE people, but for ME! Many times when I have read this chapter, I want to cheer Jesus on, YES! Get those mean Pharisees! But when I look at what he is saying, “They talk a good line, but they don’t live it. They don’t take it into their hearts and live it out in their behavior. It’s all spit-and-polish veneer.” All that I can say is OUCH! I try not to live like that, I do try to take his words into my heart, but if I’m honest with myself, I do this less than I care to admit. It’s like a default setting in my brain, the ‘look good on the outside no matter how ugly the inside is’ setting. Taking time to let Jesus’ words sink in begins that process of rewiring my brain so that my default is the let ‘Jesus change my heart and behavior’ setting. It is a daily process and that is exactly why I created this podcast, so that we can take Jesus seriously and allow his words to change our hearts. We are spending time with Jesus so that he can rub off on us and we can be different. No matter where you are on your journey with Jesus, a little tweak each day will add up to a major life change later. We are all in this together, so what spoke to you?

Support 2 Minute Disciple | Daily Devotional Podcast

Episode 145: Matthew Chapter 22

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Thu, 28 Apr 2022 11:00:00 -0500

This chapter reminded me of a tennis match between an all-time great and a lesser opponent who is trying to stick with them. The religious leaders are giving Jesus their best shots but continue to have Jesus send it screaming past them. He is a master at debate and is excellent at staying out of a verbal trap. What I am learning here is that following Jesus takes everything that you’ve got, your heart, soul, mind and strength. Jesus used it all to live his life to the glory of God and we can too. Let’s pray… What are you learning from Jesus? Make sure you share in the comments.

Support 2 Minute Disciple | Daily Devotional Podcast

Episode 144: Matthew Chapter 21

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Wed, 27 Apr 2022 09:00:00 -0500

There are two things in the first part of this chapter that I have totally missed over the years of reading and studying this passage. First of all, Jesus kicked out the money changers and the those selling animals in order to make room for what should really happen in the temple, healing and worship. I never caught the fact that his actions freed up space for the lame and blind to come in and get healed by Jesus. I have always gotten caught up in the audacity of Jesus to go in and turn over tables and his red faced anger that I missed the point of it, healing and worship. I also never caught the fact that the children who were shouting Hosanna in the streets followed him in worship into the temple. They were running (and we all no that you can’t run in church) and praising God. I’m sure that the lame that had just been healed were also running around. This just blows me away and it says something to me, we put up roadblocks to healing and worship unintentionally. We need Jesus to come in and break them down in order to make room for true healing and worship. What are the roadblocks in your life that Jesus needs to knock over?

Support 2 Minute Disciple | Daily Devotional Podcast

Episode 143: Matthew Chapter 20

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Tue, 26 Apr 2022 09:00:00 -0500

I want my eyes open and I want to see. As my eyes open, I see this great reversal, the first are last, and real power comes from being a servant. Jesus' cup is a cup of suffering service on the cross and I can see it all more clearly. Jesus touched my eyes and now I can see clearly that in order to live the resurrection life, I have to die to myself. I’m hard to kill, but I know that I’m better off dead to myself so that I can live fully to him. This is a hard truth to come to, but now that my eyes are open, I can see it clearly. What are you seeing from Jesus? Join the conversation in the comment section of the website.

Support 2 Minute Disciple | Daily Devotional Podcast

Episode 142: Matthew Chapter 19

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Mon, 25 Apr 2022 10:00:00 -0500

Jesus shows us again what living right side up looks like, the ones who we think are the top of the heap are really at the bottom. The rich are not automatically in God’s kingdom because they are rich and children are to be seen and heard. Nice guys don’t always finish last in God’s kingdom. When we give up things now, we will get even more than that in God’s kingdom. These words of Jesus today give me a boost, they are words that I need to hear and to realize that in God’s kingdom I have a place and I belong. I can breathe easier and hold my head up a little higher knowing that I belong in God’s kingdom. What are you learning from Jesus today? Leave a comment below and join the conversation.

Support 2 Minute Disciple | Daily Devotional Podcast

Episode 141: Matthew Chapter 18

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Sat, 23 Apr 2022 11:00:00 -0500

I saw this tweet from Bob Goff today and I thought it fit with today’s reading. “Next to grace, I bet God thinks making us need each other was one of His best ideas.” That is exactly what this chapter is about, relational health. God made us for community and Jesus gives us the road map to having healthy and thriving relationships. Everyone can benefit from the lessons that Jesus teaches here. This is where I want you to join the conversation and tell me what you learned from Jesus in this chapter. Either go to the show notes page and scroll to the bottom and type your response or if you are using a podcast platform, click on the podcast episode website link and you will see it at the bottom of the page. Please join me in conversation.

Support 2 Minute Disciple | Daily Devotional Podcast

Episode 139: Matthew Chapter 16

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Thu, 21 Apr 2022 10:00:00 -0500

Who is Jesus? That is still the question that needs to be answered by followers of Jesus. This question is the heart of the 2 Minute Disciple Podcast, to discover who Jesus is so that we can follow him better. This podcast is for seasoned Jesus followers who desire to spend more time in the Gospels to get to know Jesus better. It is also for serious seekers desiring to discover who Jesus is for themselves and gain wisdom that will help them on their spiritual journey.
What is the answer to this sincere question, who is Jesus? He is the one that God had been promising that would come to rescue his people, usher in His kingdom and put things to rights. He is the one who heals the sick, raises the dead, casts out demons and sends out his followers to do the same. He is God in the flesh, not a distant God with his arms crossed waiting to zap us, but a God who walks among us as one of us. He has been the plan from the beginning and he is here. Do you believe it?

Support 2 Minute Disciple | Daily Devotional Podcast

Episode 138: Matthew Chapter 15

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Wed, 20 Apr 2022 13:00:00 -0500

In this chapter, I observed that persistence impresses Jesus. The Canaanite woman came to Jesus asking him to heal her daughter, but he first ignored her and she persisted asking the disciples and with Jesus until he healed her daughter. She would not take no for an answer and Jesus rewarded her persistence that was driven by her faith in Jesus. This makes me pause and consider my own prayers, am I persistent in asking or do I give up easily. If I’m honest with myself, I do give up too easily and back off when my prayers aren’t answered in as timely manner as I would like. My faith is not big enough at times and I’m not as persistent as I should be. This woman would probably be labeled a ‘Karen’ today and most of us don’t want to be perceived that way, so we back down easily in all areas of life. In my prayer life, I see that I need to risk being a Karen to grow my faith and see God work. That is a stretch for me, but if I am to become a better follower of Jesus, I need to stretch my faith muscles and be persistent in my prayers.
What did you observe in today’s reading?

Support 2 Minute Disciple | Daily Devotional Podcast

Episode 137: Matthew Chapter 14

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Tue, 19 Apr 2022 12:00:00 -0500

My biggest takeaway from this chapter is Jesus’ flexibility and ability to adapt to changing circumstances. After hearing of the death of John, Jesus planed for some solitude and silence, however, word got out about where he was going and there was a crowd of people who needed him. Instead of getting mad and sending everyone away, he has compassion on them and heals them. When supper time come, he feeds the crowds with a small meal that stretches to feed 5000+ people. He then sends his ride away with the disciples and finally gets the alone time he craves. Then he adapts by walking to his ride on the water. He calls Peter out to him and Peter is doing it and realizes it and the anxiety creeps back up, so he sinks. Jesus pulls him up and they get into the boat. Jesus did not fold under the crush of the people or the circumstances. The way that he handled these different situations inspires me to respond this way. I am reminded that I am also equipped by the Holy Spirit to be able to respond like Jesus. We saw this same way of ministry by Paul and he was able to do it like Jesus because of the Holy Spirit working in him.
I have been doing ministry all wrong for years, I tried hard to be like Jesus without tapping in to the power that I have been given, the power of the Holy Spirit. Doing ministry without the power of the Spirit only gets you anxiety and high blood pressure. This week, I want to allow the Holy Spirit to power me through and guide me just like Jesus.

Support 2 Minute Disciple | Daily Devotional Podcast

Episode 134: Matthew Chapter 12

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Fri, 15 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Something that I noticed in this chapter is that Jesus is getting criticized for every little thing and he handled it similarly to how he handled the temptation in the wilderness, by referring to scripture. I think that is such a great strategy for handling critics. I need to learn this lesson because if I got all of the criticism that Jesus got, I would scream and want to slap someone. But Jesus I think was frustrated, but he handled it with the scripture and with a calm manner. The way that he handled himself is truly inspiring and something that I am striving to do with the help of the Holy Spirit. What inspired you from this chapter?

Support 2 Minute Disciple | Daily Devotional Podcast

Episode 132: Matthew Chapter 10

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Wed, 13 Apr 2022 11:00:00 -0500

I never really connected the dots on Jesus call for his followers to pray for workers for the harvest and the sending out of the twelve into the harvest. I have always thought of that scripture as connected to foreign missions and the starving kids in Africa that I missed the point of the harvest all around us that Jesus is sending us to. I’m not saying that we shouldn’t go to the starving kids in Africa, but not all of us can do that and there are starving kids all around us where ever we are. This is such a powerful message to us who are learning to follow Jesus. The other thing that ties this all together for me is Jesus call to be all in with him in this kingdom work. What in today’s chapter is connecting with you?

Support 2 Minute Disciple | Daily Devotional Podcast

Episode 131: Matthew Chapter 9

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Wed, 13 Apr 2022 09:00:00 -0500

What strikes me the most in this chapter is Jesus’ heart for those on the outside of the religious elite. He seeks out the down and out and those far from religious purity and he eats with them, has compassion on them, heals them and urges his followers to pray for them and for workers to reach them with news of his kingdom. He is not following the normal procedures of the religious elite, he is announcing that everyone is welcome in his kingdom. The question that comes to mind is if I am learning from Jesus, am I as concerned about those on the outside as Jesus is?

Support 2 Minute Disciple | Daily Devotional Podcast

Episode 129: Sermon on the Mount Part 7

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Sun, 10 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0500

This week, we have taken some time to listen to Jesus words and let them sink in to our hearts. I have been working these words into my life and I’m seeing a difference. These are truly foundational words that can help us live our lives right side up. This is not a one time fix, but these are the things that we can ponder and daily work them into our lives. The thing that makes Jesus’ words so powerful is that he lived them out and showed us what life looks like when it is lived right side up. I have been working forgiveness into my life and it has really lightened my load. What words of Jesus are you working into your life?

Support 2 Minute Disciple | Daily Devotional Podcast

Episode 128: Sermon on the Mount Part 6

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Sat, 09 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Verses one through five should be the new rules for social media. It might tone down some of the sniping and canceling that goes on these days. This section of the sermon is so timely for our culture and it is a strong reminder that we are definitely flying upside down in this area today. If just “Christian” people would live this out, we would see a huge difference in the way we treat one another in our culture. I also love how the golden rule is restated here in the Message. It makes so much sense and the idea of taking the initiative to do good to others is another one that if we actually did it, we could change our communities. This is the whole reason that I am doing this podcast, so that we can look into the mirror of scripture and let it change us. I know that I need to cut the sarcasm and attitude before I point out what’s wrong with you. This is what I’m asking God to help me work on. What needs to be changed in your life?

Support 2 Minute Disciple | Daily Devotional Podcast

Episode 127: Sermon On The Mount Part 5

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Fri, 08 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0500

It is so hard to not worry or be anxious, but worry and anxiety don’t work, they just make things worse. When we focus on God and how he works and provides for us, we can let go of those worries and watch God go to work for us. I needed to hear this today and I need to ask God to help me to make this a reality in my life. Worry and anxiety rob us of what God wants to give us and we are valuable to him. This week I have struggled to see what I have gained in a career given to vocational ministry. I’m having a hard time switching careers and seeing my value. However, when I think about my career in ministry as storing up treasures in heaven, I realize that my skills used to his glory were not wasted and that I can trust him to help us through this hard transition even if we can’t see it. I’m still a work in progress, however, because I just want God to hurry up already.
What is God showing you today?

Support 2 Minute Disciple | Daily Devotional Podcast

Episode 126: Sermon on the Mount Part 4

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Thu, 07 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0500

We all want to live these well curated lives that make people look at you and say wow, they have it all together. However, that’s not what God wants from us. God wants us to live fully for him and to worship him with our lives. What we do is for him and not for others to applaud us or stroke our ego. We get to live in partnership with God and by doing our part, we get to see God in action and he gets to enjoy us in action. Sometimes I forget that part, I don’t need the applause of people because God’s appreciation is more than enough to satisfy my soul.
A good sermon steps on your toes and makes you uncomfortable with the tension between the reality of your soul and what God wants from you. This sermon from Jesus sure delivers the punch and I hope that you are wrestling with these words of Jesus. What is the tension that you are feeling as you wrestle with Jesus’ words?
Let’s pray…

Support 2 Minute Disciple | Daily Devotional Podcast

Episode 121: Matthew 3

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Sat, 02 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0500

The idea that everything is coming together in Jesus is a key thing that we want to pick up on and follow the thread. We also see those little details that God is interested in, Jesus being baptized and the Spirit coming down with a voice from heaven. God is bringing everything together in Jesus and he is still working in this world today. May we open our eyes to him working. Let’s pray.

Support 2 Minute Disciple | Daily Devotional Podcast

Episode 120: Matthew Chapter 2

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Fri, 01 Apr 2022 11:00:00 -0500

The thing that hit me in this chapter is that God is a master of details. He is fulfilling his promises that he made to the people in the genealogy and he is making sure that even the stars announce what he is doing. This is important because there are people who notice what goes on in the stars. God did not miss a trick in announcing the birth of Jesus, and not only that, he protected Jesus from harm and got him right where he needed to be in Nazareth. Every little detail was covered and Jesus is fulfilling God’s plan.
Today, look for God in the details of your life and you will find him fulfilling promises for you.

Support 2 Minute Disciple | Daily Devotional Podcast

Episode 118: Acts Chapter 28

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Wed, 30 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0500

I love the last 2 sentences of the book of Acts, “He explained everything about Jesus Christ. His door was always open” (Acts 28:31 The Message). I want that to be said of me. What about you?
Tomorrow begins a new season for the 2 Minute Disciple Podcast. We will start back at Matthew Chapter 1 and journey through the Gospels again to discover who Jesus is and what it looks like to follow him. See you tomorrow.

Support 2 Minute Disciple | Daily Devotional Podcast