Hearing Jesus: Daily Bible Study, Christian Affirmations, Hearing God, Prayer, Holy Spirit, Daily Devotional

Who Does God Say He Is? Bible Study 101: Hearing Jesus, Bible Study,
Devotional

In today's episode, Rachael walks through the moment God introduces Himself to Moses in His own words, right after Israel's worst betrayal, the golden calf. What God leads with, and what comes right after it, gives a fuller and more honest picture of His character than most of us were taught to hold onto.

Sign up for Rachael's newsletter here

Send Rachael a voicemail with any questions at her SpeakPipe here

Go on a trip with Rachael: Bible Study Live

Get Ad-Free Episodes, Bonus Content, and more here: patreon.com/HearingJesus

Chapters

0:12 What are we actually looking for when we look for God in a passage?

3:19 The golden calf, and the worst timing possible

5:33 Moses asks to see God's glory

6:03 Exodus 34:6-7, God introduces Himself in His own words

7:32 Why God leads with compassion, not power

8:58 What "slow to anger" and "lovingkindness" actually
mean in Hebrew

10:54 The justice side: the third and fourth generation

13:14 A personal story about generational sin

16:43 How this same passage gets quoted throughout Scripture

19:41 How to start building your own list of who God is

23:18 Closing prayer

What Does Exodus 34:6-7 Actually Say About God?

Right after Israel's worst betrayal, the golden calf, God passes in front of
Moses and introduces Himself in His own words: "The LORD, the LORD
God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth; who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin." He doesn't lead with power, even though He'd just parted the Red Sea. He leads with compassion, a Hebrew word tied to the tenderness of a mother for the child she carried.

Does God Punish Children for Their Parents' Sins?

The same passage continues: "Yet He will by no means leave the
guilty unpunished, visiting the iniquity of fathers on the children and on the
grandchildren to the third and fourth generations." This isn't God
assigning guilt to people who didn't sin. It's an honest description of how far
the damage of unaddressed sin actually travels through a family line,
generational patterns, addiction, broken relationships, until someone in that
line chooses to stop it.

Why Does This Passage Get Quoted So Often Elsewhere in Scripture?

David uses it in the Psalms. Nehemiah uses it during Israel's confession of
failure. Joel uses it as a call to return to God. Jonah even throws it back at
God in complaint, because he didn't want God to be merciful to Nineveh.
Different authors, different centuries, different circumstances, all returning
to the same description, because it's the fixed reference point for who God
actually is.

FAQ

Is this the same as the "God is the hero" teaching from earlier
episodes? It builds on it. Once you're looking for God in a passage, this is
the actual content you're looking for, His own self-description.

What's a simple way to start applying this? Keep a running list titled
"God is like" somewhere in your Bible or journal, and add one line
every time you study a passage.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thursday: God's Uses My Life: Daily Affirmations, Christian Affirmations, Biblical Affirmations, Affirmations

You were created on purpose—for a purpose. In this episode of Daily
Affirmations, we focus on walking with intention, clarity, and wisdom, grounded in God’s truth. Whether you’re questioning your calling or navigating a new season, these affirmations help you trust God’s plan, listen for His guidance, and move forward with boldness.

AD-FREE Daily Affirmations can be found on
my Patreon at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/c/HearingJesus⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

 

God created you for a reason. Your life is not an accident, and
your steps are not random. He has a plan for you—a purpose that brings glory to Him and fulfillment to your heart.

 

As you listen to these affirmations, let them remind you that God is leading, guiding, and equipping you for everything He has called you to do.

I’ll say the affirmation, pause so you can repeat it after me, and
then share the Scripture reference it’s based on.

 

Affirmations and Scriptures:

 

God has a purpose for my life and I walk in His plan.

Jeremiah 29:11

 

I trust in the Lord to guide my steps.

Proverbs 3:5–6

 

I seek wisdom, and God gives it freely.

James 1:5

 

God is directing my steps and I do not walk alone.

Psalm 37:23

 

I am a light in this world, shining for Christ.

Matthew 5:14

 

God has prepared good works for me to do today.

Ephesians 2:10

 

I am equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:17

 

I walk in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 1:8

 

I will walk in faith, not in fear.

2 Timothy 1:7

 

God’s Word lights my path.

Psalm 119:105

 

I choose obedience, knowing God’s ways are best.

Deuteronomy 5:33

 

I live with purpose and do not waste my time.

Ephesians 5:15–16

 

I am called to make an impact for God’s Kingdom.

Matthew 28:19–20

 

I have the
mind of Christ and seek His wisdom daily.

1 Corinthians 2:16

 

I am a vessel for God’s work.

2 Corinthians 4:7

 

I will not grow weary in doing good.

Galatians 6:9

 

God’s purpose for me cannot be stopped.

Job 42:2

 

I do everything for the glory of God.

Colossians 3:23

 

God is using my life to accomplish His plan.

Romans 8:28

 

I am bold in sharing the gospel.

Romans 1:16

 

I walk in step with the Spirit.

Galatians 5:25

 

I remain
steadfast in my calling.

1 Corinthians 15:58

 

God will finish the work He started in me.

Philippians 1:6

 

I live with an eternal perspective.

Colossians 3:2

 

I press forward in my faith, knowing my reward is in Heaven.

Philippians 3:13–14

 

Closing Prayer:

Father, thank You for calling me to a life of purpose. Help me
to walk in wisdom today, seeking You in all I do. Give me clarity where I need
direction, courage where I need boldness, and a heart that is always ready to
serve You. Let my life bring You glory.

 

In Jesus’ name, amen.

 

I hope these affirmations spoke to your heart today. If you want to
go deeper, just keep listening—your full Bible study episode is coming up next.

Listen daily and start your morning with God’s truth so you can
walk in faith, clarity, and confidence.

 

 

#ChristianPodcast #DailyAffirmations
#FaithOverFear #BiblicalTruth #MorningDevotions #RenewYourMind
#HearingJesusPodcast

 
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Looking for the Hero: What the Bible Actually Says About Heroes: Bible Study 101: Hearing Jesus, Bible Study, Devotional

In today's episode, Rachael talks about why the people in the Bible were never meant to be our heroes, using Abraham's decision to hand his wife Sarah over to Pharaoh, twice, as the example. It's a harder story than the version most of us learned growing up, and understanding why God let it stay in Scripture changes how you read every Bible character after this one.

Sign up for Rachael's newsletter here

Send Rachael a voicemail with any questions at her SpeakPipe here

Go on a trip with Rachael: Bible Study Live

Get Ad-Free Episodes, Bonus Content, and more here: patreon.com/HearingJesus

Chapters

0:11 Why we keep turning Bible characters into role models

1:10 The problem with character-study Sunday school lessons

3:39 What happens when we put a person at the center of the story instead of God

6:12 Genesis 12: Abraham hands Sarah over to Pharaoh

10:53 God steps in to protect the promise Abraham put at risk

12:14 Abraham does it again in Genesis 20, and Isaac repeats it in Genesis 26

16:59 What about Hebrews 11 and the "heroes of faith"?

19:32 The one question to ask before you ever get to application

20:31 Closing prayer

Why Did Abraham Lie About Sarah Being His Sister?

Abraham told his wife Sarah to say she was his sister so the Egyptians wouldn't kill him to take her, then let her be taken into Pharaoh's household in exchange for livestock and servants. He wasn't protecting her. He was protecting himself, and profiting from it. God intervened directly, striking Pharaoh's household with disease until Sarah was released, not because Abraham did anything to fix it, but because God was protecting His own promise from the man He'd given it to.

Why Does the Bible Show Its Heroes' Flaws Instead of Hiding Them?

Because the Bible was never trying to hand you a role model. If the people in Scripture were meant to be heroes, this story would have been edited out. It stayed in on purpose. The pattern makes room for your story too: you're not disqualified by being someone who panics, protects yourself, and repeats the same failure more than once. Abraham does the identical lie again in Genesis 20, and his son Isaac repeats it in Genesis 26. The point was never "be like Abraham." The point is that the promise was never dependent on Abraham's character to begin with.

What Does Hebrews 11 Mean If the Bible's Heroes Weren't Actually Heroic?

Hebrews 11 doesn't hold up Abraham's character. It holds up his faith, specific moments he trusted God, not his whole life. It skips right past the Egypt story entirely. The chapter is pointing at God's faithfulness to ordinary, flawed people, not at the people themselves.

FAQ

Does this mean Abraham wasn't a real man of faith? No. His calling and obedience were genuine. This episode is about not confusing his character with the reason God used him.

Is this the same lesson as reading Scripture without making it about yourself, covered in a previous episode? It's the next layer of that same principle, applied specifically to Bible characters instead of to ourselves.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wednesday: I Choose To Rest in God's Peace: Daily Affirmations, Christian Affirmations, Biblical Affirmations, Affirmations

In today’s Wednesday Affirmations episode, Rachael leads listeners
through declarations of peace, trust, and confidence grounded in Scripture. As the world feels overwhelming, these affirmations anchor the listener in God’s promises. From surrendering anxiety to trusting God’s timing, each statement is followed by a full Bible verse designed to renew faith and calm the heart. This episode is a gentle reminder that God’s peace isn’t just a feeling—it’s a promise.

 

AD-FREE Daily Affirmations can be found on
my Patreon at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/c/HearingJesus⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

 

 

Today’s daily affirmations are for peace and trust in God’s plan. I
will say the statement, then pause so you can repeat it after me. Then I’ll
share the Scripture reference where it comes from.

Breathe in God’s peace… and exhale your worries. This day is a
gift, and no matter what’s ahead, you can trust that God is in control. His
love is steady. His plans for you are good. His presence goes before you. Let
these affirmations remind you to trust Him today.

Affirmations and Scriptures:

 

I am ruled by God’s peace today.

Isaiah 26:3

 

I cast all my worries onto Jesus—He carries them for me.

1 Peter 5:7

 

I will not be anxious. I will pray and trust God.

Philippians 4:6–7

 

God’s plans for me are good, and I trust Him.

Jeremiah 29:11

 

I do not need to worry about tomorrow.

Matthew 6:34

 

I will rest in God’s presence today.

Exodus 33:14

 

God is my refuge and strength.

Psalm 46:1

 

I will not let my heart be troubled. I trust in God.

John 14:27

 

The Lord directs my steps.

Proverbs 3:5–6

 

Even when I don’t understand, I trust in God’s wisdom.

Romans 11:33

 

I do not have to be afraid because God is with me.

Deuteronomy 31:8

 

God is fighting for me.

Exodus 14:14

 

I am not alone. God walks with me.

Isaiah 41:13

 

God is my rock and salvation. I will not be shaken.

Psalm 62:6

 

I find rest in God alone.

Psalm 62:1

 

God’s love never fails me.

Lamentations 3:22–23

 

I have peace because I am in Christ.

John 16:33

 

I wait on the Lord and He renews my strength.

Isaiah 40:31

 

I will trust in God, even when I don’t see the whole picture.

2 Corinthians 5:7

 

God is working all things for my good.

Romans 8:28

 

God’s peace
rules in my heart today.

Colossians 3:15

 

I give my burdens to the Lord and He sustains me.

Psalm 55:22

 

I will be still and know that He is God.

Psalm 46:10

 

I trust God’s timing and His ways.

Ecclesiastes 3:11

 

I will rejoice in the Lord always.

Philippians 4:4

 

Closing Prayer:

Father, I surrender my worries to You. I choose to rest in Your
peace today, trusting that You are in control. Fill my heart with faith instead
of fear, and let Your peace guard my mind. In Jesus’ name, amen.

I hope these affirmations spoke to your heart today. If you want to
go deeper, just keep listening—your full Bible study episode is coming up next.

 

Listen daily and start your morning with
God’s truth so you can walk in faith, clarity, and confidence.

 

#ChristianPodcast #DailyAffirmations
#FaithOverFear #BiblicalTruth #MorningDevotions #RenewYourMind
#HearingJesusPodcast

 
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Looking for God Instead of Ourselves: Bible Study 101: Hearing Jesus,
Bible Study, Devotional

In today's episode, Rachael talks about the very first question we bring to
a passage of Scripture, and why the order of our questions matters more than we realize. Using the Martha and Mary story and the parting of the Red Sea as examples, she walks through what changes when you ask "what does this show me about God?" before you ever ask what it means for you.

Sign up for Rachael's newsletter here

Send Rachael a voicemail with any questions at her SpeakPipe here

Go on a trip with Rachael: Bible Study Live

Get Ad-Free Episodes, Bonus Content, and more here: patreon.com/HearingJesus

Chapters

0:09 Why the order of your questions matters

1:30 The Martha and Mary trap: making a passage about you first

3:17 Exodus 14 and the parting of the Red Sea

9:01 What the Red Sea story is actually revealing

12:19 How you learn to recognize a voice you know well

15:41 Why the first question always has to be about God

16:46 What about passages that are directly about us?

18:17 What does "seek first the kingdom of God" actually mean?

20:03 Closing prayer

How Do I Read the Bible Without Making It About Myself?

Most of us read Scripture and immediately ask what it means for us, what it
says about our situation, or how we're supposed to apply it. Those aren't bad
questions, but asked first, they turn a passage that's about God into a passage about you. The fix is simple to say and hard to practice: ask what a passage shows you about God before you ask what it means for you.

What Does the Martha and Mary Story Actually Teach?

The common teaching turns Martha and Mary into a mirror, are you a Martha or a Mary. That's not wrong, but it's incomplete, because it makes the story about our personality and our to-do list before it says anything about who Jesus is. The same self-centered pattern shows up anywhere we look for ourselves in Scripture first: David and Goliath becomes about our giants, the storm on the lake becomes about our storms.

What Does Exodus 14 Show Us About God?

Read to find yourself, Exodus 14 becomes a lesson about complaining, don't
be like the panicking Israelites at the Red Sea. Read to find God, it becomes
something bigger: "Do not fear! Stand by and see the salvation of the
LORD which He will accomplish for you today... The LORD will fight for you
while you keep silent." Every part of Moses' answer is about God, not
about the people's attitude. And God tells us directly why He's doing this, so
that the Egyptians would know who He is. The rescue is real, but it's serving
something bigger than the rescue itself.

Why Does the Order of the Question Matter So Much?

Because you learn to recognize a voice by spending time with the person, not by collecting facts about yourself. Asking "what does this show me about
God" first is what builds the kind of familiarity that lets you recognize
His voice later, the same way a close friend or family member can tell you
exactly what you'd say before you say it.

What About Passages That Are Directly About Me?

Some commands really are about our behavior, love your neighbor, don't be
anxious. But even those are anchored to God's character. "Be holy"
comes with a reason: because I am holy. The behavior is always attached to who God is.

What Does "Seek First the Kingdom of God" Mean?

"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these
things will be added to you" (Matthew 6:33, NASB). In the Greek,
"seek" means to intensely strive after something, and
"first" means first in order of priority. It's a direct instruction
to look for God before anything else, including before your own need for an
answer.

FAQ

Does this mean I shouldn't ever ask what a passage means for my life? No.
Application still matters, but it should be built on God's character, not
personal reflection alone.

Is this method the same as the Color Method mentioned in the series?

It's related but not identical. This episode focuses on question order; the Color Method is a separate marking system covered later in the series.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices