The most played episodes among Podcast App listeners.

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   Number 1: Sunday: I Choose Obedience Over Control:  Daily Affirmations, Christian Affirmations, Biblical Affirmations

   Sunday: I Choose Obedience Over Control: Daily Affirmations, Christian Affirmations, Biblical Affirmations Today is about looking ahead with God. Before the week begins, we pause and place what’s coming into His hands. These affirmations are meant to help you enter the week grounded, attentive, and trusting God to lead you one day at a time. AD-FREE Daily Affirmations can be found on my Patreon at: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/c/HearingJesus⁠ Repeat after me, then listen to the Bible verse. I place this coming week in God’s hands. Psalm 31:15 – “My times are in Your hands.” I trust God to guide my steps. Psalm 37:23 – “The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in Him.” I enter this week with expectancy, not fear. Romans 15:13 – “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him.” I invite God into every moment ahead. Proverbs 16:3 – “Commit to the Lord whatever you do.” I trust God to order my priorities. Matthew 6:33 – “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness.” I receive God’s wisdom for the days ahead. James 1:5 – “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God.” I walk into this week anchored in truth. Psalm 119:105 – “Your word is a lamp to my feet.” I trust God with what I cannot foresee. Isaiah 46:10 – “I make known the end from the beginning.” I choose faith over anticipation of stress. Psalm 56:3 – “When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.” I rely on God’s grace for each day. 2 Corinthians 12:9 – “My grace is sufficient for you.” I trust God’s timing this week. Habakkuk 2:3 – “Though it linger, wait for it.” I remain open to God’s leading. Psalm 25:4 – “Show me Your ways, Lord.” I step forward with humility and trust. Micah 6:8 – “What does the Lord require of you? To walk humbly with your God.” I depend on God’s strength, not my own. Psalm 68:35 – “God gives strength and power to His people.” I trust God with every conversation and decision. Proverbs 20:24 – “A person’s steps are directed by the Lord.” I choose obedience over control. John 14:23 – “Anyone who loves Me will obey My teaching.” I walk into this week aware of God’s presence. Exodus 33:14 – “My Presence will go with you.” I trust God to work through ordinary moments. Zechariah 4:10 – “Do not despise these small beginnings.” I release anxiety about outcomes. Psalm 112:7 – “They will have no fear of bad news.” I remain attentive to God’s voice. John 10:27 – “My sheep listen to My voice.” I trust God to meet my needs. Philippians 4:19 – “My God will meet all your needs.” I step into this week with courage. Psalm 31:24 – “Be strong and take heart.” I trust God to shape my character. Romans 8:29 – “To be conformed to the image of His Son.” I begin this week grounded in hope. Hebrews 6:19 – “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul.” I rest in God’s faithfulness as I move forward. Psalm 33:4 – “The word of the Lord is right and true.” Closing Prayer: God, as I step into this new week, I place everything ahead of me in Your care. Go before me, guide my steps, and help me stay attentive to You. I trust You with what’s coming, one day at a time. Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

   August 30, 2026·10min
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   Number 2: Monday: Nothing Can Seperate Me From God's Love: Daily Affirmations, Christian Affirmations, Biblical Affirmations, Affirmations

   Monday: Nothing Can Seperate Me From God's Love: Daily Affirmations, Christian Affirmations, Biblical Affirmations, Affirmations Start your day with confidence, peace, and purpose through these Daily Affirmations for Adults. Each episode is a short but powerful way to realign your heart and mind with biblical truth. Speak life over your day, renew your faith, and step into God’s promises with Scripture-based affirmations. AD-FREE Daily Affirmations can be found on my Patreon at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/c/HearingJesus⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Here are your Monday affirmations. I will read the phrase, then you repeat it, and then I’ll tell you the Scripture it’s from. Take a deep breath. This is a new day filled with God’s grace and purpose. You are not defined by your past or your mistakes or the opinions of others. You are defined by the truth of God’s Word. Let these affirmations fill your heart as you step into today. I am a child of God, chosen and loved. 1 John 3:1 I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14 I am fully known and loved fully by God. Psalm 139:1–2 I have been chosen before the foundation of the world. Ephesians 1:4 I am created in the image of God. Genesis 1:27 I am redeemed and made new in Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:17 I am set apart for God’s purpose. 1 Peter 2:9 I am God’s masterpiece, created for good works. Ephesians 2:10 I am loved with an everlasting love. Jeremiah 31:3 I am called by name and belong to God. Isaiah 43:1 I am not my past. I am a new creation. 2 Corinthians 5:17 I have been bought with a price and I belong to God. 1 Corinthians 6:20 I’m seated in heavenly places with Christ. Ephesians 2:6 I am co-heir with Christ. Romans 8:17 I am not rejected. I am accepted in Christ. Ephesians 1:6 I am never alone. God is always with me. Hebrews 13:5 I am valuable and precious in God’s sight. Isaiah 43:4 I have been set free by the truth of Jesus. John 8:36 I am more than a conqueror through Christ. Romans 8:37 I am a light in this world, shining for Christ. Matthew 5:14 I am God’s dwelling place. His Spirit lives within me. 1 Corinthians 3:16 I am forgiven and free from condemnation. Romans 8:1 I have a divine purpose and calling from God. Jeremiah 29:11 I am dearly loved and nothing can separate me from God’s love. Romans 8:38–39 Father, thank You for reminding me who I am in You. Help me to walk in confidence today, knowing that I am chosen, loved, and called by You. No matter what comes my way, let my identity be rooted in Your truth. 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

   August 31, 2026·10min
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   Number 3: Bible Study 101: How to Prepare Your Heart to Read the Bible: Hearing Jesus, Devotional

   How to Prepare Your Heart to Read the Bible: Bible Study 101: Hearing Jesus Bible Study, Devotional In today's episode, Rachael talks about what happens before you ever open your Bible, scheduling the time, checking in honestly with your heart, and giving yourself permission to bring real emotion into that space instead of a sanitized version of it. 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 0:01 Why we prepare for a Zoom call but not for Scripture 2:00 Scheduling time versus just fitting it in 3:26 There's no biblically required time of day 6:45 Why the phone belongs in another room 7:42 Reading Psalm 42 9:32 What Psalm 42 gives us permission to feel 12:49 Checking your heart before you read 14:58 It's okay to say you don't want to be there 15:36 A word about confession 17:57 Inviting the Holy Spirit to teach you 18:52 Why worship before reading changes your posture 25:15 Closing prayer What Does Psalm 42 Actually Mean? "As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants for You, O God" isn't a picture of quiet contentment. It's a picture of a person in a dry, desperate season, someone who feels forgotten and says so directly to God: "Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me?" Psalm 42 exists in Scripture on purpose, to give you permission to bring the real, unresolved version of what you're feeling into your time with God instead of a cleaned-up one. Is There a Right Time of Day to Read the Bible? No. There's no verse requiring a specific hour. Morning has real value, and Scripture shows people meeting God there, but it also shows people meeting Him at night and in the middle of the day. The actual goal is consistency, a set time you'll actually keep, not a specific clock hour. Is It Okay to Not Want to Read My Bible? Yes, and saying so honestly to God is more valuable than pretending otherwise. He already knows. Naming it, "God, I'm here out of obedience, but I don't want to be," is itself an act of honesty He can work with. FAQ How long should heart preparation take before Bible reading? A few minutes is enough, naming where you're at, a short confession if something specific comes to mind, and a simple invitation for the Holy Spirit to teach you. Does this replace the Color Method mentioned in the series? No, this is the preparation step that comes before it. The Color Method itself is covered in a later episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

   August 28, 2026·32min
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   Number 4: Bible Study 101: What’s The Difference Between Reading and Studying? Hearing Jesus, Bible Study, Daily Affirmations

   Bible Study 101: What’s The Difference Between Reading and Studying? Hearing Jesus, Bible Study, Daily Affirmations Summary Hey friend, welcome to the first episode of Bible Study 101. Before diving into the fall Luke and Acts series, Rachael is taking a few episodes to go back to basics. In this one, she unpacks just how biblically illiterate most Americans really are (backed by real research), walks through a real example of Scripture being twisted to manipulate people, and lays the groundwork for learning to recognize God's voice for yourself instead of taking anyone else's word for it. Join the email list at rachaelgroll.com/newsletter to be entered in the Bible Study 101 giveaway, starting August 28th. ☆Sign up for Rachael's newsletter here: RachaelGroll.com/Newsletter ☆Send Rachael a voicemail with any questions at her SpeakPipe here: SpeakPipe Voicemail ☆Go on a trip with Rachael: Bible Study Live ☆Get Ad-Free Episodes, Bonus Content, and more here: patreon.com/HearingJesus ☆Pick up a copy of my latest book: Bible Study and Devotional ☆If you would like to give to Hearing Jesus and financially support the podcast, you can do so here! ➤ Give Here ☆Facebook ➤ https://www.facebook.com/SheHears.org/ ☆Instagram ➤ https://www.instagram.com/rachael.d.groll/ ☆Website ➤ Hearing Jesus Rachael realized at a recent gathering that not everyone listening had the same foundation for reading Scripture, even longtime believers. So before this fall's Luke and Acts series, she's teaching a short refresher on how to actually study the Bible, not just read it. If you're new to Bible study, this is the perfect place to start. If you've read your Bible for years, she still thinks it's worth the time. Yes, and it's not a sign that you don't love God. Rachael describes the common experience of reading a chapter, underlining something that jumps out, and then being unable to explain what it meant by lunchtime. She compares it to handing someone a violin and telling them to play. Without the right tools, you'll make sound, but not music. More than most people assume. Rachael cites the American Bible Society's State of the Bible study, where only 17 percent of surveyed adults said they'd read the whole Bible. A separate study, State of Theology, found that 53 percent of American evangelicals agreed people are "basically good by nature," which contradicts what Scripture actually teaches, and 43 percent agreed that Jesus was a great teacher but not God. These weren't casual respondents either. Everyone surveyed had to affirm the Bible as their highest authority to be counted. Rachael walks through a real example: Do not touch My anointed ones, and do My prophets no harm (Psalm 105:15, NASB; the same line appears in 1 Samuel 24 and 26). This verse has been used for years to silence people who question a pastor, framing the pastor's authority as equal to God's. But read in context, the verse is about God protecting a vulnerable, powerless people, not shielding leaders from accountability. Rachael calls this pattern cherry picking: pulling one verse out of its paragraph and assigning it to an agenda it was never meant to carry. There's no licensing board for pastors the way there is for hairdressers or electricians. Requirements vary wildly by denomination, and some require none at all. Rachael is clear that a degree isn't the safeguard, some of the best teachers she's sat under never went to seminary, and some of the worst had doctorates. Since there's no one else checking what's said from the stage, the responsibility to verify it against Scripture falls to you. The same way you'd recognize a voice you love on the phone before they say their name: by spending time with it. Rachael compares reading the Bible to just plucking a violin's strings, while studying it, sitting with what God actually said and did, is what teaches you His character well enough to notice when something doesn't sound like Him. A physical Bible (Rachael recommends stepping away from an app for this study so notifications don't compete with the Holy Spirit) and something to write with, like Bible highlighters, colored pencils, or pens. She'll be teaching her color method step by step, together, rather than just describing it. The first few episodes cover the basics: who wrote a passage, who it was written to, and where it sits in the bigger story. From there, Rachael covers two of her favorite topics, looking for God in a passage instead of looking for ourselves, and why people in the Bible aren't meant to be our role models, before teaching her full color method. When does the Bible Study 101 giveaway start, and how do I enter? It starts August 28th and runs for three weeks, with three separate giveaways. Entry is automatic once you're on the email list at rachaelgroll.com/newsletter, no extra steps. What's included in the giveaway bundle? Two of Rachael's books (the Hearing Jesus 365-day devotional and Knowing God's Voice), a Hosanna Revival Bible, a set of Bible highlighters, and a few other extras. Where can I learn the color method if I don't want to wait for this series? It's outlined in Rachael's earlier book, She Hears, available on Amazon. This series will walk through it live, together, rather than just explaining it. 0:00 Welcome and why we're doing Bible Study 101 before Luke and Acts 1:12 Why a foundational series matters, even if you've read the Bible for years 2:36 The reality: most Americans are biblically illiterate 4:40 What the research says about how well people actually know Scripture 7:05 How Scripture gets weaponized to manipulate people 8:24 What "do not touch My anointed ones" really means 11:32 Why there's no licensing board for pastors 13:07 Why checking what you hear has to fall to you 14:54 How to actually learn to recognize God's voice 17:18 A personal story about learning to trust again 20:20 Why you already have direct access to God 21:48 How the Bible Study 101 series will work 23:12 What you'll need to get started 27:36 Closing thoughts and prayer 29:02 Before you go: bring a friend 30:01 The Bible Study 101 giveaway starts August 28th CTA Why start with Bible Study 101 instead of going straight into Luke and Acts?Is it normal to read a verse and forget what it said an hour later?How biblically illiterate is America, really?How does Scripture get used to manipulate people?Why isn't there more oversight for pastors and spiritual leaders?How do you actually learn to recognize God's voice?What do I need before this series starts?What's the format for the rest of this series?FAQ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

   August 19, 2026·35min
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   Number 5: Bible Study 101: Questions and Answers: Hearing Jesus, Devotional

   Your Questions, Answered | Bible Study 101 Q&A You sent in questions during the Bible Study 101 series, and this episode is Rachael working through a handful of them. Where does a brand new believer start reading? Which Bible should you buy when you're standing in the store with no idea what NIV or NLT even means? Is the SOAP method the same thing as looking for God first? Can women be pastors? Listen in to get Rachael's answers to these questions and more! Links Speakpipe: Leave a voice message or prayer request Join the newsletter Chapters 0:00 Why we're doing a Q&A episode 0:39 How SpeakPipe works and why some messages didn't get a reply 2:03 What SpeakPipe is for, and what it isn't for 4:27 Where should someone brand new to faith start reading? 7:22 Which Bible should I buy, and does translation matter? 10:11 Is the SOAP method the same as looking for God first? 12:35 Can you tell us the chapters ahead of time? 13:57 The Hearing Jesus for Kids show, and a question from a kid 17:53 The rescue of 136 children, and what Rachael is praying about now 27:22 Can women be pastors? 33:01 How to send in your question 33:38 Prayer Where should a new Christian start reading the Bible? Start with a Gospel or with Genesis, and don't overthink it. Rachael points new believers toward John, since it focuses on who Jesus is, or Genesis, which sets the stage for the rest of Scripture and lays out our spiritual DNA. She also makes the case that the Bible Study 101 series itself is a good starting place, because learning how to read is what makes everything after it stick. Luke and Acts are coming this fall, and those two books were written as part one and part two of the same work, so that's another natural entry point. The honest answer underneath all of it is that no part of God's word comes back empty. He can use any of it in any season. If you're stuck choosing, pray about it and pick one. What Bible should I buy, and does the translation matter? Get a study Bible, whatever translation you land on. That's the part that matters most. A study Bible gives you notes on the verses, plus an introduction before each book that tells you who wrote it, when, and who was originally reading it. When you're new, that context does more for your understanding than the translation choice does. For translation, the New Living Translation and the NIV tend to be the easiest to read. But Rachael's real advice is to go into a local Christian bookstore, open several of them, look up a verse you already know like John 3:16, and see which one sounds like language you can follow. It's a personal decision, and holding them in your hands tells you more than a review will. Is the SOAP method the same as looking for God first? Close, and the instinct behind the question is right. SOAP stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer, and yes, observation comes before application in that method. So the order is the same idea. The distinction Rachael draws is what you're observing. Looking for God first means the observation step isn't just noticing details in the text, it's specifically asking who God is in this passage, what He's doing, and what His character looks like, before you ask what it means for you. Rachael teaches the color method rather than SOAP, which she wrote about in She Hears, and she walks through it in the episodes right after this one. Can women be pastors? Rachael's answer is yes, and she grounds it in the text rather than in tradition or denomination. Jesus called, equipped, and sent women. Paul called women co-laborers. God has been doing this since the beginning of the story, which means the women we point to in Scripture weren't exceptions to a rule, they were part of the rule. Her concern is with how a handful of verses get pulled out of context and used to define what leadership can look like. She names it directly: convincing people that half the warriors aren't equipped for war is one of the enemy's most effective moves. She's written three books that walk through the scriptural case, including Never Unseen, releasing March 2027, which looks at the female leaders working alongside Paul in the early church. If this is something you're wrestling with, the invitation is to read the word yourself and see what it actually says. What is the Hearing Jesus for Kids podcast? It's a companion show for children, with around a hundred episodes covering three of the Gospels. When the adult show starts Luke this fall, the kids' show will run a Luke series alongside it, so families can be in the same material at the same time and talk about it at dinner or at bedtime. One of the questions answered in this episode came from a child listener asking how Jesus knew which side of the boat the fish were on. How did Rachael help rescue trafficked children? Rachael and her husband pursued an international adoption for about five years before their son was trafficked out of the country. What followed was a fight alongside that nation's government and Interpol that brought home somewhere around 136 children, most of whom were not orphans but had been taken. They were never able to recover their own little guy. There was no organization behind it. It was the two of them, working out of relationships built through missions trips Rachael had led. She's currently praying about launching a nonprofit arm of She Hears for missions trips, scholarships, and missionary support, and she asks listeners to pray about the timing. For anyone looking to give now, she points to Metro World Child, which she has worked with for around 25 years. FAQ How do I send in a question? Use the SpeakPipe link in the show notes. Click the button and leave a voice message. Can I stay anonymous? Yes. You can also ask for your question to be kept off the show entirely if you'd rather it not air. Note that anonymous messages can't receive a private reply, since there's no contact to reply to. I sent one and didn't hear back. Why? A batch of messages landed in the wrong folder and were only recently found. Otherwise, check your spam folder, since replies have gone out to every message with a working contact and clear audio. What is SpeakPipe not for? It isn't a place for coaching requests, confession, or arguments about the validity of Scripture. Questions about the Bible, the current series, or something you're wrestling with are all welcome, and feedback is welcome too. When does the Luke series start? At the end of the Bible Study 101 series, this fall. Acts follows it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

   August 31, 2026·38min
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