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

Bible Study 101: Why Context Changes Everything: Hearing Jesus, Bible Study, Daily Affirmations

Hey friend, welcome to part two of Bible Study 101. Today Rachael digs into why it matters that real people, in real places, with real problems, actually wrote down the words of Scripture. She walks through the most misquoted verse in America, Philippians 4:13, and shows what it actually meant coming from a man writing in a Roman prison, plus a handful of other common pitfalls that keep us from understanding the Bible the way it was meant to be understood.

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Why does it matter that real people wrote the Bible?

Because Scripture didn't drop out of the sky. It's God breathed, but God partnered with real people to write it down, someone sitting somewhere in a particular year, in a particular place, writing to other real people who had names and problems. Rachael compares it to finding a bundle of your grandmother's handwritten letters. You wouldn't pull a random sentence from the middle of one and apply it to your Tuesday without first asking who wrote it, who they wrote to, and what was happening at the time.

Why should I think of the Bible as a library instead of one book?

Because that's literally what it is: 66 separate documents, written by around 40 different people, over roughly fifteen hundred years, in three languages, on three continents. Kings, shepherds, a doctor, a government official, and a man in a Roman prison all contributed, often without knowing their words would ever sit together in one book. Different books are different genres too: letters, poetry, law, history, prophecy. You already know not to read a text message the same way you read a mortgage statement. Scripture deserves that same instinct.

Why is "what does this verse mean to me" the wrong first question?

Because Scripture was written for you, but it wasn't written to you. The better first question is what a passage actually means, since it was written to a specific person or church about specific circumstances. Once you understand what it meant to them, it becomes God's word to you by first being God's word to them.

What does Philippians 4:13 actually mean?

Paul wrote it from prison in Rome, chained, with no guarantee he'd survive. Writing to the church in Philippi, a congregation that had supported him financially for years and had just sent him a gift through a man named Epaphroditus, Paul says:

But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my affliction. You yourselves also know, Philippians, that at the first preaching of the gospel, after I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you alone; for even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs. Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account. But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God. And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever. Amen. (Philippians 4:10-20, NASB)

Is "my God will meet all your needs" a blanket promise?

Not the way it's often quoted. Paul says it to a specific church, right after describing their gift to him as a fragrant offering and an acceptable sacrifice. It's what Paul says to people who have given sacrificially, spoken from prison, with a heart of gratitude, not a slogan to recite before an offering plate goes around.

Why does it matter that some books of the Bible are only half a conversation?

Because letters like 1 Corinthians are Paul's replies to questions and reports he received, questions we don't have in front of us. That's why some passages can feel like the subject jumps around. Once you realize you're reading a reply, you start asking a better question: what must have been going on for him to say that?

What do I do if all of this feels like too much?

Start with three simple, mostly free tools. Read your Bible's introduction page for each book before you start it, since a study Bible will usually tell you the author, audience, date, and reason it was written in just a page or two. Pay attention to what the text tells you outright about itself. And read the whole book in one sitting before studying any part of it, so you can feel its shape before you slow down.

Where do I send a question about this series? Leave a voicemail through the SpeakPipe link in the show notes, or send an email. Questions from listeners help shape future episodes in this series.

What's the homework before the next episode? Read the introduction page in your Bible for the book of Philippians (or the first few verses if your Bible doesn't have one), and consider picking up a study Bible if you don't already have one.

How do I enter the Bible Study 101 giveaway? Join the email list at rachaelgroll.com/newsletter. Entry is automatic, no extra steps, and there are three separate giveaways over three weeks.

0:01 Welcome back to part two of Bible Study 101

0:31 The Bible was written by real people, in real places, for real reasons

2:24 Reading Scripture like a bundle of letters instead of random sentences

4:37 Pitfall one: the Bible is a library, not a single book

7:40 Pitfall two: stop asking "what does this mean to me?"

10:35 Pitfall three: the most misquoted verse in America

11:47 Reading the full passage: Philippians 4:10-20 in context

14:09 What "I can do all things through Christ" is actually about

15:27 A second misquoted verse: "my God will supply all your needs"

17:39 Pitfall four: you're only hearing half the conversation

20:37 Pitfall five: giving up before you start

24:30 Closing thoughts and prayer

25:26 Before you go: tonight's homework

26:25 The Bible Study 101 giveaway

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Thursday: I Am Bold in Sharing the Gospel: 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.

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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

 
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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

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☆If you would like to give to Hearing Jesus and financially support the podcast, you can do so here! ➤ Give Here

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☆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

CTAWhy 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
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Wednesday: I Surrender My Worries to the Lord: 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.

 

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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

 
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What Is Prayer? Answers to the Questions We All Have: Hearing Jesus, Daily Bible Study

In today's episode, Rachael has a conversation on prayer before starting the
Bible Study 101 series, working through what prayer actually is, why it belongs at the center of Bible study, and how to work through the obstacles that keep most people from praying consistently: not knowing what to say, a wandering mind, falling asleep, and what to do with prayers that still feel unanswered.

Sign up for Rachael's newsletter here: https://rachaelgroll.com/newsletter

This episode's conversation was with Monika Kirkland. Her new book, It Is
Well With You: Becoming Fully Awake to the God Who Is Near, releases August 18th. Find her at monikakirkland.com

Send Rachael a voicemail with any questions at her SpeakPipe here:
https://www.speakpipe.com/HearingJesusPodcast

Go on a trip with Rachael: https://biblestudylive.org/

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

Chapters

0:00 Why we're pausing for a conversation on prayer before Bible study 101

2:17 What is prayer?

4:16 What does prayer have to do with Bible study?

6:56 What do I do when I don't know what to say in prayer?

9:25 Why does my mind wander when I pray?

13:30 Is it okay to fall asleep while praying?

18:06 A story of answered prayer

23:01 What do I do with unanswered prayer?

24:18 What does it mean to war in the spirit?

26:04 How do I pray scripture over someone?

28:19 Two simple prayer rhythms to start this week

30:41 A closing prayer for you

What Is Prayer?

Prayer is connection and communion with God, the way we relate to Him
directly instead of only hearing about Him secondhand. It's also an invitation
to participate in what God is already doing in the world. Prayer isn't a
formality before Bible study. It's the relationship Bible study is meant to
deepen.

What Do I Do When I Don't Know What to Say in Prayer?

Start where you are. It's common to feel unsure your words sound right,
especially early in your faith. The fix isn't finding the correct phrasing,
it's showing up honestly. Prayer, like any relationship, feels a little awkward
at first and becomes natural the more time you spend in it.

Why Does My Mind Wander When I Pray?

A wandering mind during prayer is common and not a sign of spiritual
failure. In seminary, Rachael's professor John Coe taught that instead of just
fighting your way back to focus, you should pay attention to where your mind wandered. Sometimes that reveals a person God wants you praying for. Other times, it reveals something you're holding onto more tightly than your relationship with Him.

Is It Okay to Fall Asleep While Praying?

Yes, and it isn't something to carry shame over. Changing your position or
environment can help if it happens often, standing, walking, or praying with
worship music playing. Rachael shares her own practice of never saying
"amen" in her personal prayer time, choosing instead to stay in
ongoing communication with God throughout the day, including into sleep.

What Do I Do With Unanswered Prayer?

When you cannot trace God's hand, trust His heart. Some prayers are answered with a no, some with a not yet. The posture Jesus modeled in Gethsemane, presenting the request and then surrendering to God's will, is the posture we're invited into while we wait.

What Does It Mean to War in the Spirit?

Warring in the spirit means actively partnering with God against the enemy's
work in a specific situation, through fasting, prayer, and praying scripture
aloud over someone by name. It's not passive waiting. It's active, focused
intercession.

How Do I Pray Scripture Over Someone?

Find a verse that speaks to what the person actually needs and pray it
directly over them in your own words. Colossians 1:11, "strengthened with
all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all
steadfastness and patience," is one example of a verse that can become a
lifeline in an exhausting season.

Two Simple Prayer Rhythms to Start This Week

Start the day with scripture before screens, opening the Bible before
opening your phone, to set the tone for your whole day. There's also a practice from Richard Foster's Celebration of Discipline worth trying: turn your palms down and give God whatever is troubling you, then turn your palms up and ask Him to fill you with His peace.

FAQ

Do I need a certain amount of time to pray? No. Prayer doesn't require a set
length. A short, honest prayer counts as much as a long one.

What Bible verse is good to pray when I'm struggling to find words?
Colossians 1:11 is a good starting point, or any Psalm that matches what you're feeling in the moment.

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