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

How Do We Handle Scary Headlines? Hearing God's Voice Q&A | Daily Devotional and Bible Study

How do we handle scary headlines as Christians without living in fear? Today’s answer starts in 2 Timothy 1:7.

It’s Friday, so we’re catching up on our daily Bible study and answering questions that came in. The first one came from a lot of you: what do we do with the fear that comes from the news and our social media feeds? Then we take a question from our Luke study about why Zechariah lost his voice when Abraham, Gideon, and Mary asked questions and didn’t.

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The Christ-first news summary I mentioned in this episode: The Pour Over

Questions we answer today

How do we handle scary headlines as Christians without living in fear? Why do social media feeds make the world feel more frightening than it is? Is the persecution of Christians around the world real, and how should we pray? Does scaring people about the end of the world actually lead them to Jesus? What does it look like to love our Muslim neighbors while we pray for persecuted believers? Why was Zechariah disciplined for his question when Abraham, Gideon, and Mary asked questions too?

Timestamps

00:00 Welcome, and why we do Friday Q&As
00:57 The question so many of you sent in
02:00 Feeds are built to keep you afraid
03:20 The first to plead his case seems right
03:50 Persecution is real, and it isn’t new
06:06 Headlines, protests, and propaganda
08:43 You steer where you stare
10:05 Why scaring people into the kingdom doesn’t work
11:26 Fire insurance doesn’t last
13:23 No one knows the day or the hour
14:31 What the good news actually is
15:14 Billions who still haven’t heard
15:43 Muslims coming to faith in Jesus
17:57 The agenda doesn’t change with the news
19:18 Staying informed without being consumed
21:10 Don’t let the news harden your heart
22:49 A spirit of love, power, and a sound mind
24:03 The Zechariah question
25:28 What Gabriel actually said
25:56 Abraham believed first
29:27 God welcomes honest questions
30:32 You can feel fear and still obey
31:02 Prayer
35:22 Your homework
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End your week anchored in peace and presence. These Scripture-based
Christian affirmations are a short, steady way to set down what you've been
carrying and find rest in God's care. Today's affirmations are about releasing
your burdens, letting go of striving, and remembering that God's strength,
love, and renewal are available right where you are. It's time to stop striving
and start resting in His goodness.

I'll say each affirmation, pause so you can repeat it after me, and then
share the Scripture it comes from.

Links

AD-FREE Daily Affirmations are on my Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠

Join me on an immersive Bible Study Experience. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠BibleStudyLive.org⁠⁠⁠

Have a question? Leave me a voicemail: ⁠⁠⁠SpeakPipe⁠⁠⁠

Before we begin

The week is ending, and as we step into the weekend, let's take a moment to
breathe. Release your burdens and rest in God's presence. We're not meant to carry everything ourselves. God calls us to lay our worries at His feet and
find renewal in Him.

Friday affirmations and Scripture

I release my worries and trust God to handle what I cannot.
1 Peter 5:7

God's peace fills my heart and I rest in His presence.
Matthew 11:28

I am not defined by my mistakes. God's grace is greater than my failures.
Lamentations 3:22-23

I let go of the need to control everything and surrender to God's perfect
plan.
Proverbs 3:5-6

I am deeply loved by God and nothing can separate me from His love.
Romans 8:38-39

God refreshes my soul and renews my strength.
Isaiah 40:31

I will be fully present today, trusting that God holds tomorrow.
Matthew 6:34

My body, mind, and spirit find rest in God alone.
Psalm 62:1

I let go of striving and choose to rest in God's love.
Zephaniah 3:17

I step into the weekend with joy, knowing that God is in control.
Psalm 118:24

God's presence is my safe place.
Psalm 91:1

I am fully known and fully loved by God.
Psalm 139:1-2

I will not let stress steal my peace today.
Philippians 4:6-7

God is my refuge and I am safe in His hands.
Psalm 46:1

I do not need to have all the answers. I trust God.
Romans 11:33

God is fighting my battles and I can rest in His victory.
Exodus 14:14

I will not fear because God is with me.
Isaiah 41:13

I am held together by God's love even when life feels overwhelming.
Colossians 1:17

God's goodness and mercy follow me every day.
Psalm 23:6

I will not carry burdens that God has already taken from me.
Matthew 11:29-30

I am at peace because God is in control.
Isaiah 26:3

I trust in God's timing even when I don't understand.
Ecclesiastes 3:11

I will lay down my burdens and take on God's.
Psalm 4:8

I am never alone for God is always with me.
Deuteronomy 31:6

No matter what happens today, God is still good.
Nahum 1:7

Closing prayer

Father, as this week comes to an end, I lay my burdens at Your feet. Help
me to release my worries, rest in Your peace, and trust You with everything I
cannot control. Refresh my heart and renew my spirit so I can step into the
weekend with joy. 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.
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Why Did Jesus Choose Judas? Hearing God's Voice in Luke 6:12-19 | Daily Devotional and Bible Study

Why did Jesus choose Judas when He knew what Judas would do? Luke 6:12-19 says He chose all twelve after a night of prayer.

Today in our daily Bible study we're in Luke 6, where Jesus prays all night before He names the twelve. That night of prayer changes how we read the whole list, including the name at the end. We'll look at why twelve, what apostle actually means, how a tax collector and a zealot ended up on the same team, and what it means that Judas could stand close enough to handle Jesus' money and still not be changed.

Join me on an immersive Bible Study Experience. Learn more at BibleStudyLive.org

Have a question about the series or a prayer request? Leave me a voicemail: SpeakPipe

Ad-free episodes and the full library of past series: Patreon

Questions we answer today

Why did Jesus pray all night before choosing the twelve? Why twelve, and what does it have to do with the tribes of Israel? What does the word apostle actually mean, and how is it different from a disciple? Why would Jesus put a tax collector and a zealot on the same team? Was Judas a mistake? Can you be close to Jesus and still not be changed?

Timestamps

00:00 Back in Luke 6 and the room full of opposites
04:11 Reading Luke 6:12-19
05:22 Prayer
07:22 Judas was not a mistake
07:49 A whole night in prayer before the choice
09:23 A much bigger group of followers
11:26 Why twelve
14:03 Why Judas was replaced and James was not
14:53 No priest, no scribe, no wealthy patron
17:45 What apostle actually means
19:47 The difference between a disciple and an apostle
20:14 Paul was never one of the twelve
22:35 What is repeatable and what isn't
24:05 The twelve, name by name
24:35 Andrew always brings someone to Jesus
28:58 Opposite ends of the spectrum, same team
29:55 Two men named Judas
32:01 Iscariot, and who Judas was
32:31 Luke says he became a traitor
33:31 Jesus knew, and the choices were still Judas's
34:35 Close enough to steal from Jesus
36:05 Prayer
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Thursday Daily Affirmations: God Has Prepared Good Works for Me to Do (Ephesians 2:10)

You were created on purpose, for a purpose. These Scripture-based Christian affirmations are a short, steady way to walk into your day with intention, clarity, and wisdom. Whether you're questioning your calling or finding your footing in a new season, today's affirmations will help you trust God's plan, listen for His guidance, and move forward with boldness.

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

Links

AD-FREE Daily Affirmations are on my Patreon: Patreon

Join me on an immersive Bible Study Experience. Learn more at BibleStudyLive.org

Have a question? Leave me a voicemail: SpeakPipe

Before we begin

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.

Thursday affirmations and Scripture

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

Do You Expect God to Heal? Hearing God’s Voice in Luke 6:6-11 | Daily Devotional and Bible Study

The Pharisees came to the synagogue that day specifically to watch whether Jesus would heal. Think about what that means. His enemies had more expectation than most of us walk in with.

Today in our daily Bible study we finish the Sabbath section of Luke 6. We start with the bread of the Presence and what David's story has to do with any of this, then move to the man with the withered right hand. Jesus puts him in the middle of the room, asks a question that reframes the entire debate, and heals him without ever touching him. By the end, men who had been filled with awe a few chapters earlier are filled with rage, and the reason why is worth sitting with.

Join me on an immersive Bible Study Experience. Learn more at BibleStudyLive.org

Have a question about the series or a prayer request? Leave me a voicemail: SpeakPipe

Ad-free episodes and the full library of past series: Patreon

Questions we answer today

What was the bread of the Presence, and why could only priests eat it? Why does it matter that Scripture never condemns David for eating it? Why is Lord lowercase in some Bibles, and which is right? Why was a withered right hand the perfect test case for the Pharisees? What turned their awe into fury?

Timestamps

00:00 Picking up where we left off on the Sabbath
01:29 Reading Luke 6:1-11
02:40 Prayer
03:34 The bread of the Presence
05:33 David running for his life
06:06 Scripture never condemns him for it
07:29 Why David was handled differently
08:02 The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath
08:32 What that claim actually means
09:20 The Sabbath was made for man
10:59 Why Lord is lowercase in some Bibles
12:27 The man with the withered right hand
12:50 Why the right hand mattered so much
13:41 He wasn't unclean, he was unable
14:11 Why this was the perfect test case
14:35 Watching closely to find a reason to accuse
15:03 They knew He could heal
15:46 Even His enemies expected it
17:04 Stand here in the middle
17:32 Doing good or doing harm
18:09 Withholding good is not neutral
19:15 Stretch out your hand
19:30 He never touched him
20:16 Restored to its original condition
20:52 Why we stopped expecting
21:29 Filled with fury
23:23 The trigger was authority
24:18 They loved the power and hated the authority
26:30 Where we miss the plot
28:18 When Jesus shows up, all of Him shows up
28:46 Prayer
29:39 Two healings in Rome last year

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