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

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.

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Episode 181: Luke Chapter 13

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

Jesus saw people, had concern for them and changed their story regardless of what was going on around him. The religious leaders, on the other hand were more concerned with keeping the rules than seeing the needs of people. If there is one thing that we can learn from Jesus here is that he has a genuine concern for people and their needs over the rules for the day.

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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.

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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.

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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,

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Episode 175: Luke Chapter 7

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Mon, 13 Jun 2022 22:00:00 -0500

We continue reading through the Gospels and we find ourselves in Luke chapter 7.

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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 172: Luke Chapter 4

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Mon, 06 Jun 2022 17:00:00 -0500

What stuck out to me in this chapter is the Holy Spirit’s role in Jesus’ ministry. It is the Spirit who led him to the wilderness and powered his ministry and teaching. I find it interesting that Luke picks up on how the Holy Spirit was involved in Jesus’ ministry as a template for us who are given the Holy Spirit as a gift when we believe in Jesus. We see the Spirit in the driver’s seat steering Jesus where he should go and also powering the engine of his ministry. How many of us who follow Jesus allow the Spirit to steer and power our lives? I do not yield control of my life to the Holy Spirit very well and unfortunately, I lack the power and direction that he wants to offer me. I want to follow Jesus’ example and allow the Holy Spirit access to steering wheel and to power my ministry engine. This is something worth praying about and pondering as we look for clues while reading through Luke.

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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 168: Mark Chapter 16

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Fri, 27 May 2022 08:00:00 -0500

What strikes me most in this chapter is the importance of women to the ministry of Jesus. They are the first to see him alive and Jesus entrusts them with the important message of his resurrection. I love that God sees us all as vital to his kingdom, no matter your sex, race, ethnicity or financial status, we are all a part of God’s kingdom.

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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 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 161: Mark Chapter 10

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Thu, 19 May 2022 11:00:00 -0500

In our upside down way of looking at things, we want to earn our keep. It is common sense that if you work hard, you can achieve whatever you want. However, Jesus teaches that it is not that way with entering God’s Kingdom. No amount of work, charm, merit or money can gain you entrance into God’s Kingdom. Then how do we get in? We let God do the work and trust in Him. It’s that simple, but also that complex because it’s not that easy to trust Him when it’s wired in our brains to pull ourselves up. We have to forget about striving for our gain and embrace giving ourselves away and we will get everything back and more in God’s Kingdom. How hard is this concept to wrap your brain around?

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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 157: Mark Chapter 6

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

There is a lot going on in this chapter, but there was one insightful piece of information in verse 52, Mark 6:52 (The Message): They didn’t understand what he had done at the supper. None of this had yet penetrated their hearts. These guys had seen so much, healing, casting out demons, feeding the hungry and walking on the water, but it hadn’t sunk in yet. I get it now, in the big moments like they were going through with Jesus, it takes a little bit for it to sink in and penetrate our hearts. There are so many things that we face in life that don’t sink in right away. What is God doing in you that hasn’t yet penetrated your heart?

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Episode 156: Mark Chapter 5

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Thu, 12 May 2022 10:15:00 -0500

I can feel the desperation of Jairus and the woman who reaches out to touch the edge of Jesus’ robe. I can sense their anxiety and determination to do get the healing that they needed. Then to be caught by Jesus, I can feel her face get flush with embarrassment and then the relief with Jesus' compassion toward her. I appreciate this story more now because I have been desperate to get what I need from Jesus, if I could just stretch out and just touch a little piece, then…I know it is cringy to come across as desperate, but over and over in scripture, we see that desperation before God is rewarded. He wants us to come to him when we are desperate and he will provide. The most important thing that we see with the demon possessed man is that once we get what we need from him, we need to make it known to those around us.
What are you desperate for God to do for you? For me it is getting a new job to be able to support my family with. Each rejection hurts and threatens to take me under, but God provides the encouragement I need to keep believing and trusting at just the right time.
Thank you all for your support and prayers, let’s pray.

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Episode 155: Mark Chapter 4

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Wed, 11 May 2022 08:00:00 -0500

We have a special guest reader today, Adam Tomlinson. Adam is the Lead Minister at Westwood Christian Church, in Madison, Wisconsin. Adam grew up in Illinois and Wisconsin before going to Milligan College where he met his wife, Lauren. He has been in ministry since 2014 and they have 3 children: Nathanael (7), Caleb (4), and Junia (1). I used to play church softball with his dad and I remember Adam in the stroller at the softball games.
At the end of this episode, Adam and I will talk about the chapter, which is Mark chapter 4, so let’s dive in.

Special Guest: Adam Tomlinson.

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Episode 154: Mark Chapter 3

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

Lions and tigers and large crowds, oh my! The large crowd has become to many of us overwhelming and something to be feared. It’s getting a little less fearful to gather in large crowds, but the large crowds pushing to get to Jesus, the few chosen on the mountain and Jesus’ family on the outside of the crowded house jumped off the page at me. Now that we live in a post pandemic world, the idea of large crowds really got my attention in this chapter. I am intrigued by the thought of all of these sweaty stinky people crowed together just to get to Jesus for what they needed, healing of body and spirit. Jesus had to get in a boat so that he wouldn’t get trampled and chose a handful to set apart to spread the message of the kingdom and kick out demons. When he got home, another crowd wanted to be healed by Jesus. I can totally relate to the skepticism of the religious leaders, this can’t be real. I tend to want to beat up on those religious leaders, but when it comes down to it, I can relate more than I care to admit. Would I brave the crowd to get healed or would I be on the outside talking it down?
The real question that stirs in my heart is, am I willing to brave ___________________ to get what I need from Jesus? The second question then is, am I open to what Jesus is doing or have I closed my mind and heart to him?

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Episode 153: Mark Chapter 2

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Mon, 09 May 2022 12:00:00 -0500

The thing that stuck out to me is the fact that Jesus and his disciples are keeping company with the so called riffraff and as unlikely as it seems, more than a few of them had become believers. Then Jesus famously says that he has come for the sin-sick, not the spiritually fit.
I notice that Jesus is not hanging around with the likely people, the ones who ‘have it all together’ spiritually, but those who don’t. He hangs out with people who are a little shady and have a past. They probably cuss a lot and break most of the rules. I admire Jesus for going to the people that you wouldn’t expect him to go to and the fact that some of them believe and follow Jesus.
I feel great comfort with the fact that Jesus hung out with the ‘riffraff’ and I love his emphasis on looking out for the down and out and the forgotten, because that’s how I’m feeling right now and each time I go to church, I hear my inner critic chastise me and tell me how I’m not good enough to be a pastor and that I haven’t amounted to any thing and I never will. To see Jesus hanging out with the down and outs, I am comforted and I am able to shut up that critic by saying, “see, Jesus wants to hang out with me.” What sticks out to you.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 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 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Episode 140: Matthew Chapter 17

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

I try to put myself in the shoes of Peter in this story. I would be in shock to see Jesus in all of his glory, my chin would be on the ground like in a cartoon and I would have fallen over. I’m not sure that I could have spoken to get the words that Peter babbles out, but I know that I would have been stumbling and bumbling through that moment. I would have missed the point too until the resurrection, which would make everything click.
I am just pondering the sight of Jesus in all of his glory standing before me and as I close my eyes I can see him shining. I just want to soak it in and be reminded that Jesus is God with me and that he promised to be with me through thick and thin. I can trust him with my life and daily decisions.

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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?

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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.

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Episode 136: Matthew Chapter 13

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Mon, 18 Apr 2022 07:45:00 -0500

What is the Kingdom of God like? Jesus has been teaching that God’s new government is here and has been showing it’s power through his miracles of healing and casting out demons. He has also sent out his apprentices and empowered them to usher in the kingdom. Now we find him telling stories that answer the question of what is God’s kingdom like? The stories that he uses to describe it in this chapter are all about seeds that grow. It brings to my mind gardening, I love to garden each summer and I make all kinds of things from the vegetables and herbs that I grow. God’s kingdom is growing and it produces wonderful fruit from small seeds. The thing that stuck out to me was this question, “Are you listening, really listening?” That is such a crucial question, because of all the noise around us, we get used to tuning things out, but for the seeds to grow in our live, we need to really listen to Jesus’ words. Are we listening?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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…

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Episode 125: Sermon on the Mount Part 3

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

I had a rough day yesterday and I poured all of the anger, hurt, doubt, and junk that I have been stuffing inside, out onto my journal (no you can’t read it). It was a shake your fist at God moment for me and he prevailed. The words that spoke to me the most in this reading today are “Grow Up!” & “live like it.” Jesus’ way of living seems counter intuitive, but it really is life giving to be honest and open and to not dress yourself up in religious lace just to look the part. Living as citizen of God’s new government is not about looking the part, but it is about really living it out in the grit and grime of life. You can’t have one foot in and the other foot out, you have to be all in or all out of God’s way of life. Are you ready to grow up and be all in for God’s new government?

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Episode 122: Matthew Chapter 4

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

I love Jesus’ call to follow him, it’s simple, direct and for anybody and everybody. His call is so simple because he just invites us, “come follow me...” and he promises to change our lives as we are introduced to his new government. He is ushering in an era of renewal and putting things to rights. People are being healed and transformed in to a new kind of person. All of this happens after Jesus passes his test with the devil. Jesus is now able to usher in the new kind of rule.
When I have read this before, my mindset is usually that Jesus did all of this stuff so that if I believe in him, I will get to go to heaven with him when I die. However, that’s not what Jesus was talking about. He is ushering in a new era and we no longer have to settle for the status quo of this sin stained life. We can now be transformed and put back together to live for God’s glory. I like the sound of that so much better, I get to be apart of this new government now and proclaim this new life now and not as some kind of fire insurance for after I die.
I’m ready to sign up now, how about you?

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Episode 119: Matthew Chapter 1

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

We are going to change things up a little in this new season, instead of changing translations every week, we are going to stick with the Message for the whole season. I am also going to read the introduction to the book of Matthew from the Message before I read the first chapter of the book. I will do the same for the other books too. I am also going to be adding more bonus episodes, more guest readers and guest conversations about following Jesus. Thank you so much for being a part of this journey with me. We are back at Matthew chapter 1, so lets dive in…
There are three things that strike me in this first chapter of Matthew, first is the fulfillment of God’s promises. This is seen through the genealogy of Jesus. God made promises to these men and women that are fulfilled in Jesus. The second thing is obedience. I mean it oozes out of the genealogy with people like Abraham, Ruth and David to name a few. Then Joseph obeys God and takes Mary to be his wife. The third is that there are five women mentioned in this genealogy. As a dad of two daughters and a girl dog, I find this inclusive nature of the Gospel fascinating, that it is for everyone, even the foreigner and the prostitute. God’s kingdom is now and it is for everybody.

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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.

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Episode 117: Acts Chapter 27

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Tue, 29 Mar 2022 12:00:00 -0500

All through Acts, we have seen God move his people to spread the message of Jesus and his new life from Jerusalem to the ends of the world. He is now taking Paul to Rome as a prisoner on a ship through a storm. Paul is assured that he will survive to get to Rome, but not without a shipwreck disaster to go through. We find that God did what he said and continued to give Paul an audience for his message.
This makes me think about my calling to this podcast, it kind of feels like I have been through a shipwreck to get here. However, we are almost to 2000 downloads and quit a bit of encouragement to keep going. Once we finish Acts tomorrow, we will begin again in Matthew Chapter 1 for season 2.

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Episode 116: Acts Chapter 26

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Mon, 28 Mar 2022 15:00:00 -0500

I love this chapter, because we get to hear Paul’s turnaround story again and my favorite part is the two different responses. The first response is from Festus, and it’s the "You’re crazy" response that many of us who follow Jesus have heard before. The second response is from King Agrippa, and it’s the "if you keep this up, you’ll make a Christian out of me response". This is the response that we really want to hear. What strikes me here is that Paul was ready for both responses and expected both. I think that sometimes we just want the second response but when we get the first, we give up and stop sharing. Not Paul, he kept going and I love what he said to Agrippa in verse 29 (The Message): Paul, still in chains, said, “That’s what I’m praying for, whether now or later, and not only you but everyone listening today, to become like me—except, of course, for this prison jewelry!”
His response is a challenge to me, because I tend to pray more selfish prayers and I need to be praying for this when I talk about the Gospel with people. What do your prayers look like? Are you willing to pray for others the way that Paul did?

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Episode 112: Acts Chapter 22

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Wed, 23 Mar 2022 08:30:00 -0500

It’s interesting to me how God chooses to partner with people to take the Gospel to those who need to hear it the most. I am struck by the way that God uses what we have been through to shape us for the job ahead. Paul is able to gain access to unique audiences because of where he had been in life. He was an up and coming Jewish leader who was climbing the ranks when Jesus stepped in and he was also born a Roman citizen which will open other doors to him for the Gospel. I know in the moment, the things we go through don’t seem to be important, but God takes those things that have formed us and uses them in partnership with us to spread the Gospel where only we can.
Today, I want you to ponder this question, what have I been through that God can use in partnership with me to spread the Gospel?

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Episode 111: Acts Chapter 21

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Tue, 22 Mar 2022 14:00:00 -0500

This chapter reminds me of Jesus’ last trip to Jerusalem and his passion story. However, this story has the pattern that we have seen of resistance to the message, but God moving the message forward. Paul is sure of his mission and twice he has to tear himself away from the tears of his friends.
I love how this chapter ends with Paul taking advantage of an opportunity to address the crowd so he can spread the message of Jesus. I have two things that I want us to ponder today. First, how sure are we of our mission? Second, how often do we take advantage of our opportunities to share the message of Jesus?

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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 107: Acts Chapter 17

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Fri, 18 Mar 2022 13:00:00 -0500

In Acts 17, we find the familiar pattern, Paul and Silas enter a town, preach the good news of Jesus, people respond, others resist and they move on to another town. This pattern repeats three times in this chapter. What strikes me most about this pattern is that in spite of the resistance and pain that it causes, Paul and Silas keep moving and the church keeps spreading. That challenges me to keep sharing with others the good news of Jesus and keep moving with His guidance. What do you think?

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Episode 103: Acts Chapter 13

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Sat, 12 Mar 2022 09:45:00 -0600

The theme of the Book of Acts is clearly that the disciples of Jesus would be his witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth. God is moving his people in this direction and we keep seeing this resistance to the message going forward. However, each time, God pushes the message past this resistance. This chapter is no different, because when Sergius Paulus wants to hear the message there is resistance. Again when the people of Antioch Pisidia hear the message and respond positively, we see strong resistance. However, every resistance is met with God moving his message forward and more people joining his movement.

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Episode 101: Acts Chapter 11

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Thu, 10 Mar 2022 09:00:00 -0600

It's funny how the church today is not that different from the first church. We see the church not wanting to break barriers, but God moving them to break barriers. We also see the way that God is uses the church to take care of one another. We see the church in action in this episode for bad and good.

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Episode 96: Acts Chapter 6

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Sat, 05 Mar 2022 09:00:00 -0600

Think stirring up trouble on twitter is a new thing? Check out this chapter.

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Episode 80: John Chapter 12

Nick Oyler | Host of the Daily Bible Devotional Podcast “2 Minute Disciple” — Thu, 17 Feb 2022 23:00:00 -0600

Are you more concerned about what other people think of you or about what God thinks about you?

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