2 Minute Disciple | Daily Devotional Podcast - Episodes Tagged with “Spiritual Formation”

Episode 314: The Eye, the Heart, and Two Masters — You Cannot Serve God and Money | Matthew 6:22–24

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode of 2 Minute Disciple, host Nick Oyler leads a contemplative devotional through Matthew 6:22–24 — Jesus’ honest and penetrating look at what happens when our focus becomes divided and our hearts try to serve more than one master. What you fix your gaze on determines what fills you. And you cannot sustainably live with a divided heart.
🎯Through guided breathing, Scripture meditation, and a practical habit of simplicity, this episode invites you to honestly examine what is quietly functioning as your master — shaping your decisions, your anxieties, and your sense of security — and take one courageous step toward reorienting your gaze back to God.

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Episode 313: Where Is Your Treasure? — Investing in What Truly Lasts | Matthew 6:19–21

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode of 2 Minute Disciple, host Nick Oyler leads a contemplative devotional through Matthew 6:19–21 — Jesus’ piercing question about where your heart has truly settled. Moths, rust, and thieves: everything here is temporary. No matter how carefully you protect or accumulate it, the things of this world were never meant to be your foundation.
🎯Through guided breathing, Scripture meditation, and a practical habit of intentional generosity, this episode invites you to honestly examine what you are building your life around — and begin, one choice at a time, to invest more deeply in what will still matter when everything else has faded.
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Episode 312: Forgiveness and Fasting — The Hidden Life God Treasures | Matthew 6:14–18

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode of 2 Minute Disciple, host Nick Oyler leads a contemplative devotional through Matthew 6:14–18 — Jesus’ striking teachings on forgiveness and fasting and what they reveal about the hidden life. Both practices share a common thread: they are meant to be genuine, inward, and unperformed.
🎯Through guided breathing, Scripture meditation, and a practical habit of written prayer, this episode invites you to examine whether an unforgiving heart may be blocking what God is offering you — and challenges you to live the kind of hidden, authentic devotion that your Father sees and truly treasures.

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Episode 311: The Lord’s Prayer — How Jesus Taught Us to Pray | Matthew 6:9–13

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode of 2 Minute Disciple, host Nick Oyler leads a contemplative devotional through Matthew 6:9–13 — the Lord’s Prayer. When the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray, He didn’t give them a theology lecture. He gave them a prayer. Every line worth a lifetime of reflection.
🎯Through guided breathing, Scripture meditation, and a practical habit of praying line by line, this episode invites you to rediscover this ancient prayer not as a recitation to rush through, but as a living template that starts with worship, moves through surrender, and arrives at honest need — reshaping your heart every time you pray it.

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🙏The Lord's Prayer Exercise

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Episode 310: When You Pray, Go to Your Room — The Intimacy of Private Prayer | Matthew 6:5–8

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode of 2 Minute Disciple, host Nick Oyler leads a contemplative devotional through Matthew 6:5–8 — Jesus’ intimate invitation to trade performative prayer for genuine conversation with your Father. Go to your room. Shut the door. It’s just you and Him.
🎯Through guided breathing, Scripture meditation, and a practical habit of private prayer, this episode challenges you to examine whether your prayer life has become more about routine or performance than real relationship — and invites you back to the simple, unguarded place where intimacy with God actually lives.

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Episode 309: Giving in Secret — The Quiet Joy of Living for an Audience of One | Matthew 6:1–4

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode of 2 Minute Disciple, Nick Oyler leads a contemplative devotional through Matthew 6:1–4 — Jesus’ gentle but penetrating call to secret generosity. In a culture that practically demands we document and share our good deeds, Jesus invites us to resist that pressure and discover the quiet joy of giving with no audience but God.
🎯Through guided breathing, Scripture meditation, and a practical habit of anonymous kindness, this episode will challenge you to examine who you’re really giving for — and experience the particular lightness that comes from living for God’s eyes alone.

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Episode 308: The Impossible Standard: Love Your Enemies — God’s Radical Love | Matthew 5:43–48

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode of 2 Minute Disciple, host Nick leads a contemplative devotional through Matthew 5:43–48 — perhaps the most radical teaching in the entire Sermon on the Mount. Love your enemies. Pray for those who persecute you. Not tolerate them. Not ignore them. Love them.
🎯Through guided breathing, Scripture meditation, and a practical habit of intercessory prayer, this episode invites you into the kind of all-encompassing, undivided love that God Himself embodies — a love that doesn’t come naturally, but flows supernaturally from a heart shaped by Jesus.

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Episode 307: The Radical Way of Non-Retaliation — Inner Freedom & the Teachings of Jesus | Matthew 5:38–42

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0500

In Episode 100 of 365 Days with Jesus, 2 Minute Disciple host, Nick Oyler leads a contemplative devotional through Matthew 5:38–42 — one of the most challenging passages in the Sermon on the Mount. Turn the other cheek. Walk the extra mile. Give your coat as well as your shirt. These aren’t images of weakness — they’re pictures of extraordinary inner freedom.
🎯Through guided breathing, Scripture meditation, and a practical daily habit, this milestone episode will challenge you to examine where retaliation is driving your responses and invite you into a life so rooted in God’s love that you can afford to be generous even when it hurts.

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Episode 306: Let Your Yes Mean Yes — Integrity, Honesty & the Words of Jesus | Matthew 5:33–37

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode of 2 Minute Disciple, guest host Payton Dellevoet leads a contemplative devotional through Matthew 5:33–37 — Jesus’ call to radical honesty and simple integrity. In a world of fine print, hedging, and impression management, Jesus invites us into something countercultural: let your yes mean yes and your no mean no.
🎯Through guided breathing, Scripture meditation, and a practical daily habit, this episode will challenge you to examine whether your words truly reflect your heart — and take one small step toward becoming a person whose word can always be trusted.

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Special Guest: Payton Dellevoet.

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Episode 285: Mark 3:1–6 — Healing in the Hard Hearts? (Daily Devotional Podcast)

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Today’s episode of the 2 Minute Disciple Christian devotional podcast is a short, contemplative Christian meditation on Mark 3:1–6. We slow down with Jesus, practice daily scripture meditation, and watch Him heal a man with a deformed hand in the synagogue—right in front of His critics. 🙏

Each episode follows a simple rhythm: Slow Down, Read, Notice, Reread, Meditate, Respond, and Exercise. In this passage, Jesus notices both the man’s broken hand and the religious leaders’ hard hearts. They are watching Him closely, not to learn, but to accuse. Jesus brings the man to the center and asks a piercing question: “Does the law permit good deeds on the Sabbath, or is it a day for doing evil? Is this a day to save life or to destroy it?” ❤️

Mark tells us that Jesus is angry and deeply saddened by their hard hearts. Yet in that tension, He still chooses to heal: “Hold out your hand.” The hand is restored—but instead of rejoicing, the Pharisees begin plotting how to kill Him.

Together, we reflect on this question: Where is Jesus inviting me to let Him soften places in my heart that have become rigid, critical, or resistant to His compassion?

If you’re looking for a Bible podcast that fits into a busy day, this short Christian devotional will help you create a quiet time with Jesus, grow in Christian discipleship, and deepen your spiritual formation through scripture meditation and contemplative prayer. ✝️

Key themes in this episode:

Mark 3:1–6 devotional 📖
Jesus healing the man with the withered / deformed hand ✋
Healing in the midst of hard hearts and criticism 💔➡️💗
Good deeds on the Sabbath and saving life rather than destroying it 🌿
Letting Jesus soften rigid, critical, or resistant places in our hearts 😌
Take two minutes with Jesus today—slow down, listen, and let Him soften your heart. 🌅

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Episode 284: Luke 6:1–5 — The Son of Man and the Sabbath (Daily Devotional Podcast)

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Today’s episode of the 2 Minute Disciple Christian devotional podcast is a short, contemplative Christian meditation on Luke 6:1–5. We slow down with Jesus, practice daily scripture meditation, and hear Him say again, “The Son of Man is Lord, even over the Sabbath.” 🙏

Each episode follows a simple rhythm: Slow Down, Read, Notice, Reread, Meditate, Respond, and Exercise. In this passage, Luke shows us Jesus and His disciples walking through grainfields on the Sabbath, casually rubbing grain between their fingers to eat. The Pharisees see law-breaking, but Jesus points them back to Scripture and to God’s heart in times of need. ❤️

The Sabbath is not only about a day; it’s about who defines rest, worship, and what is truly good. Jesus claims that authority. To walk with Him—even in something as ordinary as a field on the Sabbath—is to be in step with the Lord of rest.

Together, we reflect on this question: What would it look like for me to walk through my day—my work, my rest, my routines—with Jesus as Lord over all of it?

Key themes in this episode:

Luke 6:1–5 devotional 📖
“The Son of Man is Lord, even over the Sabbath” 🙌
Walking with Jesus through ordinary moments 🚶‍♂️
Rest, worship, and daily life under His Lordship 🌿
Christian mindfulness and grateful awareness of God’s presence
Take two minutes with Jesus today—slow down, listen, and keep walking with Him. 🌅
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Episode 282: Matthew 12:1–8 — Mercy Over Sacrifice (Daily Devotional Podcast)

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Today’s episode of the 2 Minute Disciple Christian devotional podcast is a short, contemplative Christian meditation on Matthew 12:1–8. We slow down with Jesus, practice daily scripture meditation, and reflect on His words, “I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.” 🙏

Each episode follows a simple rhythm: Slow Down, Read, Notice, Reread, Meditate, Respond, and Exercise. In this passage, Jesus confronts the Pharisees and reveals that the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath and greater than the temple. Together, we explore what it means to choose mercy over legalism and to stop “condemning the innocent” in our thoughts and words. ❤️

Key themes in this episode:

Matthew 12:1–8 devotional 📖
“Mercy over sacrifice” and “show mercy not sacrifice” 💗
Walking with Jesus in daily life 🚶‍♂️
Christian mindfulness and slowing down 🌿
Lectio divina–style reflection on scripture 📜
Take two minutes with Jesus today—slow down, listen, and keep walking with Him. 🌅
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Episode 283: Mark 2:23–28 — Lord of the Sabbath (Daily Devotional Podcast

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Today’s episode of the 2 Minute Disciple Christian devotional podcast is a short, contemplative Christian meditation on Mark 2:23–28. We slow down with Jesus, practice daily scripture meditation, and listen as He declares, “The Sabbath was made to meet the needs of people, and not people to meet the requirements of the Sabbath… So the Son of Man is Lord, even over the Sabbath!” 🙏

Each episode follows a simple rhythm: Slow Down, Read, Notice, Reread, Meditate, Respond, and Exercise. In this passage, the disciples are simply picking grain on the Sabbath, and the Pharisees see it as breaking the law. Jesus responds with Scripture and a powerful principle: God’s gift of rest was meant to bless people, not crush them under burdens. ❤️

Together, we reflect on how we sometimes turn God’s good gifts—like rest, Scripture, or spiritual practices—into pressure and performance, instead of places to meet Jesus, the Lord of the Sabbath.

Key themes in this episode:

Mark 2:23–28 devotional 📖
“The Son of Man is Lord, even over the Sabbath” 🙌
The Sabbath was made for people, not people for the Sabbath 🌿
Finding true rest in Jesus, the Lord of the Sabbath 😌
Christian mindfulness and slowing down in God’s presence
Take two minutes with Jesus today—slow down, listen, and keep walking with Him. 🌅
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Episode 269: Mark 2:13–17 — Called in the Middle of Life (Daily Devotional Podcast)

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0600

In this episode, we watch Jesus call Levi, a tax collector, right in the middle of his workday (Mark 2:13–17, NLT). Levi leaves his booth to follow Jesus and then opens his home so that other “disreputable sinners” can meet Him too.
Together, we reflect on how Jesus calls us not after we’ve cleaned up our lives, but in the middle of them—and what it might mean to open our own “table” to others.
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Episode 191: What I am Learning From Jesus Is...How to pray, Jesus style

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Sat, 22 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Have you ever wanted to learn how to pray better? Jesus’ disciples wanted to know how to pray Jesus’ style and he taught them how to pray and his way of prayer can take us way past our feeble attempts at prayer.
Luke 11:1–10 (CEB): Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”
2 Jesus told them, “When you pray, say:
‘Father, uphold the holiness of your name.
Bring in your kingdom.
3 Give us the bread we need for today.
4 Forgive us our sins,
for we also forgive everyone who has wronged us.
And don’t lead us into temptation.’
5 He also said to them, “Imagine that one of you has a friend and you go to that friend in the middle of the night. Imagine saying, ‘Friend, loan me three loaves of bread 6 because a friend of mine on a journey has arrived and I have nothing to set before him.’ 7 Imagine further that he answers from within the house, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is already locked, and my children and I are in bed. I can’t get up to give you anything.’ 8 I assure you, even if he wouldn’t get up and help because of his friendship, he will get up and give his friend whatever he needs because of his friend’s brashness. 9 And I tell you: Ask and you will receive. Seek and you will find. Knock and the door will be opened to you. 10 Everyone who asks, receives. Whoever seeks, finds. To everyone who knocks, the door is opened.

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Episode 189: What I Am Learning From Jesus Is...Check my own heart before I dole out advice to others.

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0500

I hate unsolicited advice from others. If I wanted to know what you thought, I would have asked. However, I can jump right in and point out your faults before I look at my own log. This is the part of Jesus’ sermon where he is starting to meddle. If I’m honest with myself, I need his meddling and he is teaching me to check my heart before I dole out advice. Man, this learning from Jesus is a process and I’m a slow learner sometimes.

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Episode 188: What I Am Learning From Jesus Is...The Key to Life in God’s Kingdom is Obedience.

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Wed, 19 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0500

I have to admit that I like to do stuff for God more than doing what he says, but I’m slowly learning to do what he says rather than just doing something for him. This podcast was an act of obedience to God. I was praying and asking God to help me find what was next in my career and he nudged me to lean into my podcast, so I was obedient. My why for 2 Minute Disciple, is to get to know Jesus and his words so that we can put them into practice.

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Episode 186: What I Am Learning From Jesus Is... Suffering and death are a part of life, but so is resurrection and life.

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Mon, 17 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0500

The longer that I live, the more I realize that life is painful and death is part of life. It’s not easy to loose someone close to you and grief can be overwhelming. It hurts so much that we can’t bear it and the if only game starts to play on repeat in our heads and sometimes comes out of our mouths. Jesus is teaching me that resurrection and life are also a part of our lives, when we believe in him we never die. We also know that our God cries with us, we are not alone in our pain, God is with us.

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Episode 185: What I Am Learning From Jesus Is...Forgiveness Is The Key To Faith In God

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Sun, 16 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0500

This is interesting, if I want God to answer my prayers and if I want to receive things from God, then I need to offer forgiveness to receive forgiveness. I like holding things over people’s heads, I’m that Cardinal fan who still holds on to the angst of the bad call in the ‘85 World Series. I’m that Bears fan who can’t get past the double doink and I’m that crazy Illini fan that can’t get over Bruce Pearl ratting on our program and their recruiting practices. Some of you have no idea what I’m talking about, but that’s what unforgiveness is, hanging on to hurts that no one cares about anymore and you can’t change the outcome by holding on to them. Jesus is teaching me to let go of those hurts so that God can answer my prayers and give me true life. Sometimes, I don’t even realize that I’m hanging on to unforgiveness until something makes me remember and I have to let it go and ask for forgiveness as I am forgiving.

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Episode 182: What I'm Learning From Jesus Is...to see people with eyes of compassion.

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Thu, 13 Jul 2023 20:00:00 -0500

Jesus is teaching me to listen to people and to speak the Gospel into their lives in the midst of a simple conversation. It’s not about beating people over the head with a Bible or being obnoxious by shouting through a bullhorn the four spiritual laws. It’s about being present and having compassion on the people in your path. When we do that, we are looking a lot like Jesus and making a dent on the harvest. The little things we do every day to show compassion like Jesus are just as important as the big things we do for Jesus.

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Episode 178: Luke Chapter 10

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Wed, 22 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0500

What do you get worked up over? So many times, it’s the little stuff of life and we miss out on what Jesus wants us to focus on. I was reminded that before Jesus sent the disciples out to bring in the harvest, Jesus tells them to pray for harvest hands to get the message out about the Gospel. Before we get all worked up, we need to get on our knees and pray.

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Episode 177: Luke Chapter 9

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

Who is in the driver’s seat of your life? If we are going to follow Jesus, we have to get out of the driver’s seat and let him drive without being a backseat driver. That means that we let him take us where he wants and to enjoy the scenery. This is way easier said than done, but it is what Jesus is asking of us, so will we let him drive?

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Episode 174: Luke Chapter 6

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Wed, 08 Jun 2022 22:00:00 -0500

There is so much teaching in this chapter and there are some great things that will make you think and what Jesus finishes the chapter with is what struck me. We need to work the words of Jesus into our lives and it will give us a firm foundation that will stand in the storms of life. If we don’t work Jesus’ words into our lives, we will fall flat in the storms of life.
The words that I want to work into my life are from Luke 6:27–28 (The Message): “To you who are ready for the truth, I say this: Love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer for that person. Instead of getting mad and fighting back, we can respond by praying for that person, it will do much more for them than my anger.

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Episode 173: Luke Chapter 5

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

In the story of the miraculous catch of fish it never quite dawned on me exactly how many fish that was and what that meant for those fishing families. To have two boats filled with fish, that was enough money that they would be set for life. They were able to walk away from their lively hood because their families were taken care of. They answered the call of Jesus to fish for people because of this miracle, they had been eking it out to that point but now God provided more than enough. I think ahead a little to the catch that Peter had at Pentecost of 3000 people saved that day. This story reminds me that when God calls you, he will provide for you.

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Episode 171: Luke Chapter 3

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

In our reading today, we have a ton of names to read through and the temptation is to skip over them and get on with the good stuff. However, part of getting to know someone is to understand where the came from, who in the past shaped their life by what they passed down. I also love the fact that Luke traces Jesus’ lineage all the way to God and we will see that color the story that Luke tells. Don’t let your eyes glaze over when we read the names, but think of them as people who influenced who Jesus was.
What strikes me in this chapter is the role of the Holy Spirit in Jesus life and ministry. Jesus is going to ignite in us the kingdom life, fueled by the Holy Spirit that will change us from the inside out. That is a key thing for us to remember as we continue with Luke and later in Acts. Jesus is given the Holy Spirit at his baptism and God speaks this blessing over him, “You are my Son, chosen and marked by my love, pride of my life” Luke 3:22 (The Message). Jesus is set apart to usher in God’s Kingdom and he opens up access to God for all of us. There is a part of me that feels like this is a stretch, but when you realize that Jesus has made us children of God, this blessing can relate to us as well. We are God’s children and we are chosen by God, marked by his love and God is proud of us.

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Episode 170: Luke Chapter 2

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Wed, 01 Jun 2022 14:00:00 -0500

We are on a journey through the Gospels and we find ourselves in a very familiar story from Jesus’ life. Every year, before we opened Christmas presents, my grandma would break out the bathrobes and towels so that we could act out the Christmas story from Luke 2. It is easy, then, to speed past this story, but I want us to listen with new ears and savor the details so that we can learn who Jesus is.
What I learned about Jesus in this chapter is that the temple is a magnet for Jesus, because his purpose is to be about the things of his Father. I was struck that the teachers in the temple were impressed with him, but his parents were NOT! However, Jesus lived obediently with them and grew up. Jesus knew who he was, but he also knew that he didn’t have to rush it either. He had other things to do and experience before he went back to the temple and focused on the things of his Father.
I was reminded of the fact that even if we know where we want to go, we have to go through the journey of life’s ups and downs to get there. We have to grow in wisdom and to have the blessing of being shaped by those who are further along in their journey. Jesus had to grow up before he could save the world and so do we.

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Episode 169: Luke Chapter 1

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Tue, 31 May 2022 11:00:00 -0500

We are now moving into the Gospel of Luke today. The four Gospels give us a grand mosaic of who Jesus is, what he did and said, and they show us how to live in his kingdom. We will be reading from Luke chapter 1 today along with the introduction from the Message.

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Episode 167: Mark Chapter 15

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Thu, 26 May 2022 11:00:00 -0500

We are making progress in our journey through the Gospels and we find ourselves at the end of the book of Mark. We have seen Jesus in action, from healing the sick, raising the dead, feeding thousands of people, and walking on water. We have also seen him get away from the crowds to pray and recharge and he has been teaching us about the kingdom life that he is ushering in. The one thing about Mark 15 is how much Jesus told his disciples that it was going to happen and it did. This was what Jesus came to do, to take the abuse of violent people to open up God’s kingdom to all of us. So, let’s dive in to Mark Chapter 15.
At the moment that Jesus died, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The significance of this moment is that God is opening up access to himself to everyone. Now we can have direct access to God and not have to go to the temple and have someone else go into God’s presence for us. His sacrifice made that possible for us. The other thing that I am pondering is the fact that God had to watch his only son die at the hands of wicked violent people. God knows what it’s like. God stands with those who have lost children senselessly by wicked violent people and he weeps with them. He also points to the torn veil and says today your child is with me.

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Episode 166: Mark Chapter 14

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Wed, 25 May 2022 15:00:00 -0500

I was struck by the depth of pain that Jesus was in while he was praying in the garden. Jesus really felt the weight of what was going to happen to him, from the betrayal, abandonment, rejection, beating and crucification. He really wanted to skip all of this if he could, but in perfect obedience, he went through it. I’m glad that he went through all of this, because we have a God who knows exactly what we feel and has been through it and worse, quite frankly. When I am tempted to tell God that he doesn’t know what I’m going through, this is the gentle reminder that he does and he cares for me.

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Episode 165: Mark Chapter 13

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Tue, 24 May 2022 12:00:00 -0500

What jumped off the page and is rolling through my mind is this statement: “When the time comes, say what’s on your heart—the Holy Spirit will make his witness in and through you.” Times are tough for Christians right now, and part of it is our own fault for allowing the world to press us into it’s mold and for holding up a standard that we are not living to. We look way more like those who killed Jesus than we do Jesus. It’s also tough to be a Jesus follower, because the world hates him and those who shine light in the darkness.
However, we still have to speak to those around us and it is comforting to know that all we have to do is speak from our heart and the Holy Spirit makes his witness in and through us. God will use our words for his glory and witness for those around us. God is so good and his forgiveness is so thorough and his grace is enough, however we need to stop shooting ourselves in the foot and keep listening to Jesus and work his words into our lives.

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Episode 164: Mark Chapter 12

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Mon, 23 May 2022 10:00:00 -0500

What stuck out for me in this chapter is that the people who are supposed to have it all together in their religious and financial lives are the ones arguing with Jesus and trying to trip him up. However, all of these people are set alongside a widow who is faithful to God and gives her everything without quibbling. Again we see the scriptures as a mirror to our souls, who are we most like if we are completely honest with ourselves? As we pray, ask God to help you to be more like the widow.

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Episode 162: Mark Chapter 11

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Fri, 20 May 2022 12:00:00 -0500

Jesus’ teaching on prayer in this chapter, jumped off the page and slapped me in the face. I know that the things he said are true and I want to live them out them in practice, but when it comes down to doing it, I freeze. God wants me to bring everything to him in prayer, but I hprold back. I’m not sure exactly why, but it could be because I think it’s not big enough to bother God with. It could be because I think I can handle it or that he doesn’t care enough to do those little things for me. However, I know better and want to take everything to him, I want to walk into God’s everything, I want to take everything to God and ask big things, but why do I doubt and hold back, when I know that if I include everything in prayer, I get God’s everything.
There is a lot to work on here for me, bringing everything to God and letting go of my pride.

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Episode 160: Mark Chapter 9

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Wed, 18 May 2022 14:00:00 -0500

Quick summary of this chapter: God’s kingdom on display on a mountain top…admiring excitement upon seeing Jesus…a demon that won’t leave until Jesus forces it to…an argument about who is the greatest settled with the embrace by Jesus of a child. I think what amazes me the most about this chapter is what really puzzles the disciples is Jesus’ foretelling of his death and resurrection. I see it from my perspective of 2022 Easters later and I’m like how do you not get it? However, when I put myself in their shoes, I can start to see how they can miss the point. It is a foreign concept to talk about rising from the dead and it’s hard to see beyond the moment we are in to grasp the future. Even with Jesus saying, this is going to happen multiple times, it just wouldn’t sink in. I am now getting a clear picture, there was so much going on, that they couldn’t see the forrest for the trees. So that makes me think, what are we missing?

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Episode 159: Mark Chapter 8

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Tue, 17 May 2022 10:00:00 -0500

It’s allergy season right now and my eyes are red and watery. Sometimes, things are a bit blurry which is no fun when I’m taking pictures. I found some eye drops that help but I’ve struggled with this all of my life with some years better than others. I can relate to the blind man who said he saw people who looked like blurry trees. This chapter makes me smile, because I love the play between physical blindness and spiritual blindness, we can see the disciples see in one moment and then not see in the next. They are making their way out of spiritual blindness, things are a bit blurry, but they are starting to see. What about us, where are we in our spiritual blindness? Are things just a bit out of focus or are they coming in to focus? We need Jesus to “spit” on us and touch our eyes so that we can see clearly.

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Episode 158: Mark Chapter 7

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Mon, 16 May 2022 11:00:00 -0500

We get so focused as people on outward appearances. If everything looks good on the outside and we have it all put together, people see us as good people, but if we are a bit cringy on the outside, then that’s what people think of us. That causes us to work hard to curate a good online presence so that people think good of us. However, it is what we put on our souls that really matters, because that is were our attitudes and behaviors originate. Good things come out when we clothe our souls in good things and bad things come out when we clothe our souls with bad things. What are you clothing your soul in?

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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.

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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.

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Episode 147: Matthew Chapter 24

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Mon, 02 May 2022 10:00:00 -0500

That is the theme of this chapter. However, the conspiracy theorist in me wants to figure out the details of the end of time, who, what where, and especially WHEN? But Jesus just gives us a you’ll know it when you see it answer and tells us to keep going and keep spreading the kingdom message. Keep going even when you just don’t feel like it. It’s that locker room pep talk when you’re down by 50 at half time, keep chipping away and we will win in the end, it’s going to be ugly, but stick with it. It’s the kind of speech that we all need even though we want to figure out if there is a rapture, who’s in and who’s out, and who is the big baddy antichrist, but Jesus tells us to keep going and keep looking and I’ll take care of the rest.
So, we keep going and keep spreading the message of God’s kingdom until the end.

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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?

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Episode 110: Acts Chapter 20

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Mon, 21 Mar 2022 09:30:00 -0500

I love the story of Eutychus falling asleep and falling from the third story window. I can imagine his eyelids just slowly getting more and more heavy. Then he falls to his death. I love that Paul picks him up and says that he’s alive and goes back to teaching. This shows us the determination of Paul to invest in these disciples so they can spread the message. Investing in others with the Gospel message is an integral part of following Jesus. I am investing in you, and I hope that I’m not putting you to sleep, through this journey.
Keep searching, keep growing and keep sharing what you learn with someone else.

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Episode 109: Acts Chapter 19

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Sun, 20 Mar 2022 17:00:00 -0500

In this chapter we see the implications of the Gospel on society in Ephesus with people accepting the Gospel, the worship of Artemis is threatened. The message and power of Jesus not only changes individual lives, but society as a whole. Why is the message not having more impact in our society today?

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Episode 106: Acts Chapter 16

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Wed, 16 Mar 2022 11:00:00 -0500

In the book of Acts, we have seen two ways that God has moved his people and grown the church. First, he has moved them to new fields through visions and we see that in this chapter, a vision of a man from Macedonia. This vision changes the map for Paul and Silas’ missionary journey, which takes them to Philippi. In Philippi, the circumstances bring growth to the church. Paul and Silas are in jail when they are released and the jailer is saved along with his whole household. There is a church established in Philippi and they move on.
This pattern makes me ponder God’s movements in my life. Take some time today to consider how God is moving you to where he wants you.

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Episode 105: Acts Chapter 15

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Tue, 15 Mar 2022 10:00:00 -0500

This chapter contains the most important moment for these Jesus followers. There was a divide in their ranks over what to do with new believers who are not Jewish. There was a movement that wanted new believers to convert to Judaism before becoming a Jesus follower. The leaders of the church decided that it was not necessary to become a Jew first. These are the requirements that they passed on to new believers: Be careful to not get involved in activities connected with idols, to guard the morality of sex and marriage, to not serve food offensive to Jewish Christians—blood, for instance.’ This is basic wisdom from Moses, preached and honored for centuries now in city after city as we have met and kept the Sabbath” (Acts 15:20-21 MSG).
Those non-Jewish believers were thrilled with the news.
The Christian life tends to be this big list of do’s and don’ts, but this chapter teaches us to keep it simple.

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Episode 104: Acts Chapter 14

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Sun, 13 Mar 2022 10:00:00 -0500

Paul and Barnabas were mistaken for gods when they healed a man. Check out how it turned out for them.

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Episode 55: Luke Chapter 11

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Sun, 23 Jan 2022 23:00:00 -0600

Blessed are those who hear the word of God and obey it.

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Episode 46: Luke Chapter 2

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Fri, 14 Jan 2022 23:00:00 -0600

This chapter gives us a glimpse into Jesus' childhood. He just about gave his parents a heart attack when he went to the temple while they they were in Jerusalem for the passover. He was obedient to his parents and grew is wisdom.

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Episode 25: Matthew Chapter 25

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Sat, 25 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0600

Merry Christmas! This episode reminds us that we need to be ready for Jesus to return. Make sure to look for ways to bless others and you will be blessing Jesus.
We are reading from the God's Word Translation.

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Episode 24: Matthew Chapter 24

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Fri, 24 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0600

It's Christmas Eve and I decided to invite a special guest to read today, my mom, Sue Oyler. We are reading from Matthew Chapter 24 in the God's Word translation.

Special Guest: Sue Oyler.

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Episode 22: Matthew Chapter 22

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Wed, 22 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0600

What's the greatest commandment? Love God and love others. In this episode, we find Jesus in the middle of being tested by the pharisees and sadducees. See how Jesus handles being tested.

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Episode 2: Matthew Chapter 2

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Wed, 01 Dec 2021 23:00:00 -0600

In this episode of the 2 Minute Disciple Podcast, we read through Matthew chapter 2 and discover that Jesus' birth was written in the stars. God is worthy of our worship.

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