Episode 90 — March 31 — Matthew 5:11–12 — Joy in the Opposition

Hey everybody, welcome to the podcast, I’m Nick and it’s amazing to be here with you today.
Today is March 31.
Each day, we follow a simple rhythm: Slow Down, Read, Notice, Reread, Meditate, Respond, and Exercise.
Let’s begin.

Slow Down
Jesus is glad you’re here. He longs to spend time with you. He loves you deeply and wants to be in your presence.
Take a moment to pause, quiet your mind, and turn your attention toward Him.
Close your eyes. Take a deep breath in, then slowly release it.
As you inhale, whisper: “Jesus, I belong to You.”
As you exhale, pray: “Strengthen my heart.”
Do this three times, then rest in silence.

Read
“God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.  (Matthew 5:11–12, NLT)

Notice
What hits you most?
Is there a phrase that jumps out to you?
Hold that phrase gently before the Lord.

Reread
Hear Jesus speaking directly to His followers, including you, about the cost and reward of belonging to Him.

Meditate
Jesus is honest: following Him may bring mocking, lies, and all kinds of unfair accusations—because you are His. Yet He calls such people blessed.
He even says, “Be happy about it! Be very glad!” Not because pain is good, but because it connects you with a long line of faithful witnesses and because “a great reward awaits you in heaven.” Your suffering for His sake is seen and treasured by God.
Take a few moments to reflect on this question:
Where have I felt misunderstood, mocked, or misjudged because of my desire to follow Jesus—and how might He be inviting me to see that through His eyes?

Respond
Jesus, You know what it is to be mocked, lied about, and rejected.
When I experience even a small taste of that for Your sake, help me remember that I’m sharing in Your story.
Give me strength to endure and joy that looks beyond this moment to Your reward.

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: Thank God After Tasks
Today, after you finish a task—big or small—pause for a brief moment and say:
“Thank You, Lord, for helping me complete this.”
Let that simple prayer remind you that you live and work as His follower, even in ordinary things.

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.