Episode 114 — Matthew 7:21–23 — Not Everyone Who Says Lord, Lord

Hey everybody, welcome to the podcast, I’m Nick and it’s amazing to be here with you today.
Today is April 24.
Each day, we follow a simple rhythm: Slow Down, Read, Notice, Reread, Meditate, Respond, and Exercise.
Let’s begin.

Slow Down
Jesus is here. He’s sitting in your favorite spot, waiting for you to join Him.
You may have a million things on your mind, but for these few moments, set them aside. Relax. Calm your body.
Close your eyes. Take a deep breath in, then slowly release it.
As you inhale, whisper: “Jesus, I want to truly know You.” 
As you exhale, pray: “Reveal Yourself to me today.”
Do this three times, then rest in His presence.

Read
Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’  (Matthew 7:21–23, NLT)

Notice
What stands out to you in this passage?
Is there a phrase or truth that speaks directly to you?
Hold it in your heart for a moment.

Reread
Hear these words again — especially the phrase I never knew you — not with fear, but with honest openness to what Jesus is really after in your life.
  
Meditate
This may be the most sobering passage in the entire Sermon on the Mount. People who prophesied, cast out demons, and performed miracles — all in Jesus’ name — and yet He says: I never knew you.
Activity for God is not the same as closeness with God.
Jesus isn’t dismissing service or obedience. He says those who do the will of His Father will enter the kingdom. But the will of the Father begins with knowing and loving the Son — and letting that relationship be the source from which everything else flows.
Take a moment to reflect on this question:
Is my relationship with Jesus something I genuinely cultivate — or has activity and religious routine taken the place of actual intimacy with Him?

Respond
Jesus, I don’t just want to be busy for You — I want to truly know You. Draw me close. Let me know You — and let everything I do flow from that place.

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: Intimacy Over Activity 
— Set Aside Ten Minutes Today Just to Be with Jesus — No Agenda, No Tasks
Today’s habit is perhaps the most important one in this entire series: set aside ten minutes today with no agenda, no prayer list, no Bible reading plan — just you and Jesus, being together.
You might sit in silence. You might speak honestly about where you are. You might simply say: “Jesus, I’m here. I want to know You — not just serve You. I want this to be real.”
This is the heart of what today’s passage is pointing toward. Not more activity — more intimacy. Not louder proclamations of “Lord, Lord” — but a quieter, deeper, more genuine knowing.
If silence feels uncomfortable, let that discomfort be honest material for the conversation: “Jesus, I realize I don’t know how to just be with You. Teach me.”
He will. That’s exactly the kind of prayer He loves to answer.

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