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

569: Risking it All: Esther: Women of the Old Testament Bible Study The Book of Esther is a captivating story filled with suspense, intrigue, and romance. It reads like a novel or a movie, and even though God is not mentioned by name, His presence is evident throughout the story. The main character, Esther, is a brave queen who risks her life to save her people. The story highlights the importance...

568: The Power of a Woman’s Voice in God’s Plan: Huldah: Women of the Old Testament Bible Study In this episode, Rachael explores the story of Huldah, a prophetess in the Old Testament who played a significant role in verifying the authenticity of the Book of the Law. Despite the cultural norms that marginalized women's voices, King Josiah sought out Huldah's testimony and trusted her spiritual gi...

567: A Faith That Won’t Quit: The Shunammite Woman: Women of the Old Testament Bible Study In today’s episode, we learn about the story of the Shunammite woman. Her example of faith helps us understand that sometimes we have to keep going, even when it seems like our hope is dead. This woman was a leader in her community, generous, and kind. Her relationship with the prophet Elisha helps us see ho...

566: Did You Know That the Bible Is 30% Poetry? How to Understand Poetry in the Bible  In this episode, Rachael talks with Bible teacher Jen Weaver about the role of poetry in Scripture and how it can deepen our understanding and connection with God. They discuss how poetry is often overlooked or misunderstood, but it actually makes up over 30% of the Bible. They explore key themes and passages in...

565: God’s Provision During Desperate Times: Widow of Zarephath: Women of the Old Testament Bible Study In this episode, Rachael explores the story of a nameless widow from the Old Testament who experiences a miraculous provision from God. Despite being in a desperate and hopeless situation, the widow demonstrates faith and obedience, which leads to a supernatural abundance of food and sustenance....

564: Walking on Egg Shells: Jezebel: Women of the Old Testament Bible Study In this episode, Rachael explores the story of Jezebel and her reputation. Jezebel, the wife of King Ahab, was a pagan princess who opposed the worship of Yahweh. She was manipulative, domineering, and exploited people to get what she wanted. Jezebel's name has become synonymous with evil and immorality. Rachael encourages...

563: Knowing About God Isn’t The Same as KNOWING God: Queen of Sheba: Women of the Old Testament Bible Study The story of the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon is about seeking wisdom and knowing God. The Queen of Sheba traveled a great distance to test Solomon with hard questions and was overwhelmed by his wisdom. However, knowing about God is not the same as knowing Him. It is surrendering to Him,...

562: Beyond David’s Shadow: Bathsheba: Women of the Old Testament Bible Study Bathsheba's story is often overshadowed by her relationship with David, but there is much more to her. This episode explores Bathsheba's role in the Old Testament and her redemption story. Bathsheba caught David's attention while bathing on her rooftop. But what happened next? Despite her past, Bathsheba's story is a tes...

561: Brokenness Doesn’t Have to Lead to Bitterness: Michal: Women of the Old Testament Bible Study In this episode, Rachael explores the story of Michal, one of David's wives, and how her experiences shaped her into a bitter and hardened woman. The episode highlights the importance of choosing to follow God and surrendering our brokenness to Him, rather than allowing it to lead to bitterness. Rach...

560: No One Has it All Together: Avoiding the Comparison Trap: Abigail: Women of the Old Testament Bible Study Abigail's story teaches us that no one has it all together, despite appearances. We should not compare ourselves to others or make assumptions about their lives. Instead, we should be kind and compassionate, as we never know what someone may be going through. Abigail's husband, Nabal, was...

559: Pouring Out Our Hearts in Prayer: Hannah: Women of the Old Testament Bible Study In this episode, Rachael discusses the story of Hannah from the Old Testament. Hannah was a woman who struggled with infertility and faced rivalry from her husband's other wife. Despite her pain, Hannah remained faithful and poured out her heart to God, making a vow to dedicate her child to Him if He granted her...

558: When God Writes a Love Story: Ruth: Women of the Old Testament Bible Study The story of Ruth is a beautiful love story that unfolds in the Bible. Ruth's impact goes beyond her own story and plays a significant role in the entire storyline of Scripture. In this episode, Rachael unpacks Ruth's story and explores the character of Naomi. The episode highlights the themes of hearing God's voice, f...

557: Trusting The God Of Provision During A Famine: Naomi: Women of the Old Testament Bible Study In today’s episode, Rachael discusses the story of Naomi and Ruth through the lens of Naomi's journey and the character of God. Naomi's decision to leave Bethlehem during a famine and her subsequent losses set the stage for her return and reconciliation with God. We also learn how the names of the cha...

556: Biblical Meditation and Contemplative Prayer: An Exercise to Connect With Jesus This conversation is a guided contemplative prayer exercise based on Scripture. Rachael leads the listener through a series of instructions to help them connect with Jesus and seek healing. The exercise involves visualizing the scene, imagining approaching Jesus in a crowded place, and experiencing his healing tou...

555: The Transforming Power of the Gospel: Hope for Mothers in Desperate Situations In this episode, Rachael chats with Alli Watson, about the impact of a survival program for mothers and babies. She shares her experience visiting Kenya and witnessing the transformation in the lives of mothers and children. Alli highlights the importance of empowering mothers with skills and providing them with vo...

554: Avoiding the Enemy’s Snares: Delilah: Women of the Old Testament Bible Study In this episode, Rachael focuses on the story of Samson and Delilah from the Old Testament. She explores Delilah's role and influence on Samson, highlighting the consequences of their relationship. Rachael emphasizes the importance of avoiding snares and persistent sins in our lives, and offers practical steps for ac...

553: Women Can Lead in the Church: Deborah and Jael: Women of the Old Testament Bible Study Deborah's story in the book of Judges reveals God's design to include women in leadership. Deborah, a prophet, wife, and judge, played a crucial role in delivering Israel from their enemies. Her leadership and partnership with Barak led to the defeat of General Sisera and the Canaanite army. Deborah's story...

552: Our Past Doesn’t Disqualify Us: Rahab: Women of the Old Testament Bible Study In this episode, Rachael discusses the story of Rahab, a woman in Scripture who was used mightily by God. Despite her past, Rahab believed in God and took action to protect the Israelite spies. As a result, she and her family were spared when the city of Jericho was destroyed. Rahab's story teaches us that our past...

551: Influence or Impact? How Five Women We Don't Know Shaped Legal History Daughters of Zelophehad: Women of the Old Testament Bible Study The daughters of Zalophehad in the Old Testament occupy a lot of real estate in scripture, yet many of us have no idea who they are. It turns out, their story is still impacting the American court system and their case is quoted by the American Bar Association...

550: How to Have a Healthy Relationship With the News as a Christian In this episode, host Rachael interviews Jason Woodruff, the creator of Pour Over News, a resource that provides a Christian perspective on current events. They discuss the importance of being informed without allowing the news to negatively impact our mood and worldview. They emphasize the need for Christians to have a spiritual...

549: Spring Bible Study: Miriam: Prepared to Praise SPRING BIBLE STUDY: WOMEN OF THE OLD TESTAMENT: Miriam In this episode, we continue our devotional Bible study through the Old Testament and focus on the story of Miriam. Miriam was one of the few women in scripture who was called a prophet. We explore her story and how she played a significant role in leading the women of Israel. Rachael encoura...

548: Spring Bible Study: Zipporah: An Unbelieving Spouse SPRING BIBLE STUDY: WOMEN OF THE OLD TESTAMENT: Zipporah Zipporah, the wife of Moses, is often overlooked in the Bible. This episode explores her life and the role she played in Moses' journey. It highlights the importance of obedience to God, even in difficult circumstances, and the need to deal with sin in our lives. The episode also touch...

547: Spring Bible Study: Jochebed: The Faith of a Mother SPRING BIBLE STUDY: WOMEN OF THE OLD TESTAMENT: Jochebed Jochebed, the mother of Moses, is an example of extraordinary faith and obedience. She hid Moses for three months and then placed him in a basket in the Nile, where he was found by Pharaoh's daughter. Jochebed's faith and obedience set the foundation for Moses' leadership and the deliv...

546: Spring Bible Study: Shiphrah and Puah: Fearing God Over Man SPRING BIBLE STUDY: WOMEN OF THE OLD TESTAMENT: Shiprah and Puah In this episode, Rachael explores the story of Shiphrah and Puah, two midwives in the book of Exodus who defied Pharaoh's orders to kill Hebrew baby boys. Despite the risk to their own lives, Shiprah and Puah feared God more than Pharaoh and chose to protect the innocen...

545: Spring Bible Study: Potiphar’s Wife: Chasing Pleasure SPRING BIBLE STUDY: WOMEN OF THE OLD TESTAMENT: Potiphar’s Wife In this episode, Rachael discusses the story of Potiphar's wife and the lessons we can learn from Joseph's character throughout his interactions with her. Potiphar's wife represents a woman who sins for the sake of sinning and lives a life of indulgence. Joseph, on the other h...