Episode 17 — Matthew 3:5–8 — Actions That Prove a Changed Heart

Hey everybody, welcome to the podcast, I’m Nick and it is a pleasure to be here with you today. Today is January 17.
Each day, we follow a simple rhythm: Slow Down, Read, Notice, Reread, Meditate, Respond, and Exercise.
Let’s begin.
Slow Down
In our world today, we hurry everywhere. We rush from moment to moment and miss so much along the way.
When we slow down, we can clearly see the things that are right under our noses.
Take a moment to pause, quiet your mind, and 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 I repent.”
As you exhale, pray: “Of all my sin.”
Do this three times, then sit in silence for a few moments.

Read
People from Jerusalem and from all of Judea and all over the Jordan Valley went out to see and hear John. And when they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River.
But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming to watch him baptize, he denounced them. “You brood of snakes!” he exclaimed. “Who warned you to flee the coming wrath? Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. (Matthew 3:5–8, 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 read the passage again slowly, being mindful of what God is wanting you to hear from Him.

Meditate
Talk is cheap.
Actions speak louder than words.
These statements may sound cliché, but they are true.
When we have a true change of heart, the way we act will be different.
The best way to know if your heart has been changed is to see if your actions have changed.
When we truly repent and allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives, our actions will reflect that transformation.

Take a few moments to reflect on this question:
Are my actions different now because of the change in my heart?

Respond
Lord, help me to show that my repentance is real — through actions that prove my change of heart.

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: Scripture Wallpaper
Remember what you heard today by changing your phone wallpaper to a scripture from this passage.
Whenever you turn your phone on, you’ll be reminded of God’s Word, letting it continue to speak to your heart throughout the day.
You can download the wallpaper on the description page for this episode, then load it as a wallpaper on your phone and you are all set.
📲 Download the wallpaper here: Scripture Wallpaper Link

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.

Download it here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XBWnqpSglzIXIOLf--U1epFvkvvBDIWc/view?usp=share_link