Episode 22 — Luke 3:21–23 — Loved and Bringing Joy to God

Hey everybody, welcome to the podcast. I’m Nick and it is fantastic to be here with you today.
Today is January 22.
Each day, we follow a simple rhythm: Slow Down, Read, Notice, Reread, Meditate, Respond, and Exercise.
Let’s begin.

Slow Down
Life spins at a relentless pace, with demands pressing in from every direction. But right now, you are stepping into a sacred space. Pause. Quiet your mind. Turn your attention toward Jesus.
Close your eyes.
Take a deep breath in, then slowly release it. Repeat this three times.
As you inhale, whisper in your heart: “Lord Jesus Christ.”
As you exhale, pray: “Have mercy on me.”
Do this three times. Ask God to speak, then sit in silence for a few moments.

Read
One day when the crowds were being baptized, Jesus himself was baptized. As he was praying, the heavens opened, and the Holy Spirit, in bodily form, descended on him like a dove. And a voice from heaven said, “You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.”
Jesus was about thirty years old when he began his public ministry. (Luke 3:21–23a, NLT)

Notice
What are you hearing from God? 
What stands out to you in this passage? 
Is there a word or phrase that catches your attention? 
Hold it in your heart for a moment.

Reread
Let’s hear the passage again slowly, being mindful of what God is wanting you to hear from Him.

Meditate
When I read what the voice from heaven was speaking about Jesus, I can’t help but smile.
I picture God the Father beaming with joy as Jesus begins His ministry with baptism.
Jesus brings God great joy.
And when we are in Christ, we bring God joy too.
Because the righteousness of Jesus is given to us when we commit our lives to Him, our lives make God smile.
We are loved by God, and we bring Him joy because of Jesus.
Take a few moments to reflect on this truth:
Jesus is dearly loved by God — and so are we, because of Him.

Respond
God, I am so grateful to be your child because of Jesus.

Exercise
The rush of life will meet you again when you leave this sacred place—but you can carry this moment into your day by forming new habits.
Habit: Prayer in the Moment
Today, before you start your workday, pause and whisper a short prayer to God.
It doesn’t have to be long or elaborate — just a simple acknowledgment of His presence and an invitation for Him to guide you.
This habit is about weaving prayer into the natural rhythm of your day.
When you take a moment to pray before beginning a task, starting a meeting, or entering a conversation, you’re reminding yourself that God is with you in every moment — not just during your quiet time.
Think of it as an ongoing conversation with God.
Just as you’d check in with a close friend throughout the day, you can check in with Him — thanking Him for small blessings, asking for wisdom, or simply saying, “I’m listening.”
The goal is to stay connected to God’s presence and allow His Spirit to shape your thoughts, words, and actions all day long.

That’s your two minutes with Jesus for today.
Now, take what you’ve heard… and live it.
Until next time, keep slowing down, keep listening, and keep walking with Jesus.