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Hearing Jesus: Daily Bible Study, Christian Affirmations, Hearing God, Prayer, Holy Spirit, Daily Devotional
Hosted by Hearing Jesus · EN
Hearing Jesus: Daily Bible Study, Christian Affirmations, Hearing God, Prayer, Holy Spirit, Daily Devotional
Daily Bible study, Christian affirmations, prayer, and spiritual growth come together on the Hearing Jesus Podcast to help you hear God’s voice more clearly and grow deeper in your relationship with Him. This Christian podcast combines Scripture teaching, daily devotionals, encouragement, and practical biblical application to help you walk with God in everyday life.
Hosted by Rachael Groll, each episode explores the Holy Bible through historical context, Spirit-led teaching, and relatable encouragement that helps listeners understand Scripture, strengthen their faith, and apply God’s truth to real life. Episodes include daily encouragement, Christian prayer, Bible teaching, hearing the Holy Spirit, emotional healing, identity in Christ, and learning how to recognize God’s direction in a noisy world.
Whether you are looking for a daily devotional podcast, Christian encouragement, Bible study for women, or practical teaching on hearing God and following Jesus, the Hearing Jesus Podcast offers biblical wisdom, spiritual insight, and faith-filled encouragement to help you grow spiritually every day.
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Psalms for the Soul: Psalm 124: Daily Bible Study, Daily Devotional, Hearing Jesus
2d ago00:16:28Tap to summarizePsalms for the Soul: Psalm 124: Daily Bible Study, Daily Devotional, Hearing Jesus Sometimes we forget that the world we live in is not neutral, it’s evil. We are powerless to fight the enemy of our lives without God’s help. Today we see Psalm 124 as a model to pray and thank God for the way He intervenes in our lives. I pray this episode encourages you! Today’s Key Verse: Our help is in the name of the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. Psalm 124:8 ☆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 Bible study, Christian affirmations, prayer, devotionals, hear God’s voice, grow spiritually, Scripture, biblical context, walk with God, hearing God, understanding the Bible, spiritual growth, the Holy Spirit, Christian living, emotional healing, identity in Christ, prayer, discipleship, apply Scripture, daily devotional, Christian encouragement, Bible teaching, faith-based, Bible teaching, Spirit-led, spirit-filled. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →Wednesday: I Give My Burdens To The Lord: Daily Affirmations, Christian Affirmations, Biblical Affirmations, Affirmations
2d ago00:10:27Tap to summarizeWednesday: I Give My Burdens 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. 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
Transcribe →Psalms for the Soul: Psalm 123: Daily Bible Study, Daily Devotional, Hearing Jesus
3d ago00:18:38Tap to summarizePsalms for the Soul: Psalm 123: Daily Bible Study, Daily Devotional, Hearing Jesus Psalm 123 showcases a humble posture before God as the psalmist asks God to intervene and help. In the New Testament, we see Jesus display His humility as He serves people and serves God. Today’s devotional helps us recognize this aspect of humility as we surrender to God, even when we don’t understand. Today’s Key Verse: To You I have raised my eyes, You who are enthroned in the heavens! Psalm 123:1 ☆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 Bible study, Christian affirmations, prayer, devotionals, hear God’s voice, grow spiritually, Scripture, biblical context, walk with God, hearing God, understanding the Bible, spiritual growth, the Holy Spirit, Christian living, emotional healing, identity in Christ, prayer, discipleship, apply Scripture, daily devotional, Christian encouragement, Bible teaching, faith-based, Bible teaching, Spirit-led, spirit-filled. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →Tuesday: God's Word Lights My Path: Daily Affirmations, Christian Affirmations, Biblical Affirmations, Affirmations
3d ago00:10:14Tap to summarizeTuesday: God's Word Lights My Path: Daily Affirmations, Christian Affirmations, Biblical Affirmations, Affirmations This Tuesday episode offers powerful, Scripture-based affirmations to help you step into your week with boldness, peace, and purpose. As the world demands more, God invites you to rely on His strength. Through these promises, you’re reminded that you are never alone, never powerless, and never without purpose. AD-FREE Daily Affirmations can be found on my Patreon at: https://www.patreon.com/c/HearingJesus Today’s daily affirmations are for strength and confidence for the week ahead. Whatever this week holds, you are not facing it alone. God is with you—strengthening you, guiding you, and fighting for you. No matter what challenges you encounter, you can walk in faith knowing that God has already prepared the way for you. Affirmation: I am strong and courageous in Christ. Joshua 1:9 Affirmation: I do not fear because God is with me. Isaiah 41:10 Affirmation: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 Affirmation: I am victorious through Jesus. 1 Corinthians 15:57 Affirmation: I have the power of God working within me. Ephesians 3:20 Affirmation: I will not be shaken because God is my refuge. Psalm 62:6 Affirmation: I walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7 Affirmation: No weapon formed against me shall prosper. Isaiah 54:17 Affirmation: God fights my battles and I need only to be still. Exodus 14:14 Affirmation: I am not afraid because God has overcome the world. John 16:33 Affirmation: I have authority in Christ over every attack of the enemy. Luke 10:19 Affirmation: I am rooted and established in God’s love. Ephesians 3:17 Affirmation: I have divine wisdom and strength for today. James 1:5 Affirmation: I am resilient and I will persevere through trials. Romans 5:3-4 Affirmation: I am filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. Acts 1:8 Affirmation: I will not grow weary in doing good. Galatians 6:9 Affirmation: God’s grace is sufficient for me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 Affirmation: I have peace that surpasses understanding. Philippians 4:7 Affirmation: I am never alone. God is always near. Deuteronomy 31:8 Affirmation: I am protected under the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1 Affirmation: God’s Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105 Affirmation: I stand firm in faith and do not waver. James 1:6 Affirmation: I am free from fear because God’s perfect love casts it out. 1 John 4:18 Affirmation: I have a spirit of power, love, and sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 Affirmation: God is working all things for my good today. Romans 8:28 Closing Prayer Lord, I surrender my fear to You. Fill me with boldness, courage, and confidence in You. No matter what today holds, I trust in Your strength. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 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
Transcribe →Psalms for the Soul: Psalm 122: Daily Bible Study, Daily Devotional, Hearing Jesus
4d ago00:17:28Tap to summarizePsalms for the Soul: Psalm 122: Daily Bible Study, Daily Devotional, Hearing Jesus We know that Jerusalem was the Holy place in the Old Testament where God revealed Himself to His people. However, Jesus talks about the body of Christ, believers, as the New Jerusalem. Because of the Holy Spirit, God’s presence is no longer bound to just one location. It’s important to remember that as we pray for our leaders in both Jerusalem and our own countries. Today’s Key Verse: For the sake of my brothers and my friends, I will now say, “May peace be within you.” Psalm 122:8 ☆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 Bible study, Christian affirmations, prayer, devotionals, hear God’s voice, grow spiritually, Scripture, biblical context, walk with God, hearing God, understanding the Bible, spiritual growth, the Holy Spirit, Christian living, emotional healing, identity in Christ, prayer, discipleship, apply Scripture, daily devotional, Christian encouragement, Bible teaching, faith-based, Bible teaching, Spirit-led, spirit-filled. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →Monday: I Am God's Dwelling Place: Daily Affirmations, Christian Affirmations, Biblical Affirmations, Affirmations
4d ago00:09:47Tap to summarizeMonday: I Am God's Dwelling Place: 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
Transcribe →Sunday: I Trust God's Timing: Daily Affirmations, Christian Affirmations, Biblical Affirmations
5d ago00:09:11Tap to summarizeSunday: I Trust God's Timing: 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
Transcribe →Saturday: Trusting God Deeply: Daily Affirmations, Christian Affirmations, Biblical Affirmations, Affirmations
6d ago00:11:04Tap to summarizeSaturday: Trusting God Deeply: Daily Affirmations, Christian Affirmations, Biblical Affirmations, Affirmations As we slow down today, this is a chance to look back over the week with God. Not to replay everything or overthink it, but to notice where He met you, where He carried you, and where His grace showed up. Let these affirmations help you reflect with honesty and gratitude. 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 thank God for walking with me through this week. Psalm 143:10 – “Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; may Your good Spirit lead me on level ground.” I recognize God’s faithfulness in both the seen and unseen moments. Psalm 77:11 – “I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember Your miracles of long ago.” I release regret and receive God’s grace. Psalm 32:5 – “Then I acknowledged my sin to You… and You forgave the guilt of my sin.” I trust that God was at work even when I didn’t notice. Ecclesiastes 3:11 – “He has made everything beautiful in its time.” I give thanks for the strength God provided each day. Psalm 28:7 – “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me.” I acknowledge where I grew this week. 2 Peter 3:18 – “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” I notice where God invited me to trust Him more deeply. Psalm 37:5 – “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this.” I receive God’s mercy for where I fell short. Micah 7:18 – “You delight in mercy.” I choose gratitude over self-criticism. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 – “Give thanks in all circumstances.” I honor the work God has been doing in my heart. Philippians 1:6 – “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.” I acknowledge God’s presence in ordinary moments. Psalm 16:11 – “You make known to me the path of life.” I release this week into God’s care. Psalm 55:22 – “Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you.” I trust God with what remains unfinished. Proverbs 16:9 – “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” I thank God for His patience with me. Psalm 103:8 – “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.” I rest in the truth that God sees me fully. Hebrews 4:13 – “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight.” I choose to end this week with gratitude. Psalm 92:1 – “It is good to give thanks to the Lord.” I release comparison and embrace contentment. Hebrews 13:5 – “Be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you.’” I acknowledge God’s protection this week. Psalm 121:7 – “The Lord will keep you from all harm.” I thank God for His provision. Matthew 6:31–32 – “Your heavenly Father knows that you need them.” I recognize God’s quiet guidance. Isaiah 30:21 – “This is the way; walk in it.” I let go of striving and receive rest. Psalm 23:2 – “He leads me beside quiet waters.” I honor the limits God has given me. Psalm 127:2 – “He grants sleep to those He loves.” I trust God with what I do not understand. Romans 11:33 – “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God.” I receive peace as I reflect with God. Psalm 4:7 – “You have filled my heart with greater joy.” I end this week grounded in God’s faithfulness. Lamentations 3:23 – “Great is Your faithfulness.” Closing Prayer: God, thank You for walking with me through this week. Help me to see Your faithfulness clearly and to release what I need to let go of. I trust that You were present in ways I noticed and in ways I didn’t. I place this week back into Your hands. Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →Psalms for the Soul: Psalm 121: Daily Bible Study, Daily Devotional, Hearing Jesus
1w ago00:19:12Tap to summarizePsalms for the Soul: Psalm 121: Daily Bible Study, Daily Devotional, Hearing Jesus In today’s psalm, we focus in on the way that God protects us as His people every moment of every day. There are things that He protects us from that we aren’t even aware of. As we look at this prayer of confidence from the psalms, I pray that it leaves you encouraged. God Who Watches Over You Day and Night. Today’s Key Verse: I will raise my eyes to the mountains; from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2 ☆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 Bible study, Christian affirmations, prayer, devotionals, hear God’s voice, grow spiritually, Scripture, biblical context, walk with God, hearing God, understanding the Bible, spiritual growth, the Holy Spirit, Christian living, emotional healing, identity in Christ, prayer, discipleship, apply Scripture, daily devotional, Christian encouragement, Bible teaching, faith-based, Bible teaching, Spirit-led, spirit-filled. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →Finding Your People: You Were Never Meant to Walk Alone
1w ago00:18:33Tap to summarizeFinding Your People: You Were Never Meant to Walk Alone What Acts 28:15 and an ancient Roman road show us about the gift of community There's a moment on the Via Appia, the ancient road Paul walked into Rome, that most of us read right past in Acts 28. Once you see it, it changes how you think about Christian community and what it means to find your people. Last week we went down into the dark of the Mamertine, where Paul wrote his final words. This week we come back up out of the city and onto the road. In this episode 00:00 Welcome and the Rome bonus series 02:20 Walking the road the story happened on 04:40 Acts 28:15 and the believers who walked out to meet Paul 06:56 What "took courage" really means 08:20 A moment on the road: "Welcome, I've been waiting for you" 10:55 The family you didn't know you were missing 13:16 You were never meant to walk alone, and a prayer 15:41 Come walk this road with us 16:48 Next week: the underground church The Via Appia, the Appian Way, was built in 312 BC by the Roman censor Appius Claudius Caecus. It was the first great Roman highway and the road into Rome from the south, and it helped inspire the saying that all roads lead to Rome. Long stretches are still walkable today on the original black basalt paving stones, laid down more than three hundred years before Jesus was born. When our groups walk it, we're not walking near where the story happened. We're walking the road the story happened on. By the time Paul reaches this road, he has survived a shipwreck, months of hardship, and a long imprisonment, and he is arriving in Rome as a prisoner in chains. He had written to the church in Rome years earlier and told them he longed to see them, but he had never been there and had never met most of them face to face. He is worn down by the very call that put him on this road. Believers from Rome walked out to meet him, some as far as forty-three miles from the city. And from there the brothers and sisters, when they heard about us, came as far as the Market of Appius and the Three Inns to meet us; and when Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage. (Acts 28:15) Word reached the church that Paul was coming, and they didn't wait at the gate. One group walked about forty-three miles to the Market of Appius. Another came about thirty-three miles to the Three Inns. On foot, to meet a man most of them had never met, so he could walk that last stretch into the city beside his people. The Greek word behind "took courage" is tharsos: confidence, boldness, the strength to face what's coming. Nothing about Paul's circumstances changed in that moment. The chains stayed on. The trial was still ahead. But the weight of walking alone lifted, because his people had come for him. That's what community does. It doesn't remove the hard road. It means you don't walk it by yourself. You can have a good marriage, a full house, a church you love, and still feel lonely. That's not a lack of people. It's the ache of not having people who are walking in the same direction you are, with the same hunger for God. There's a particular kind of loneliness that comes from never having people who are walking toward Jesus alongside you, and it's one many spiritually mature women carry without naming it. This same thing happens on our trips, and I could never plan it. Women come, sometimes alone and nervous, not knowing anyone, and by the end of the week the strangers they started with have become their people. One woman last year, walking a tree-lined stretch of the Appia as the afternoon sun broke through, heard the Holy Spirit say, Welcome. I've been waiting for you. She came thinking she had chosen an adventure. She left knowing God had been drawing her all along. Whether you ever walk that road in Rome or not, you were never meant to walk your road alone. When Paul hit one of the lowest points of his life, what God sent him wasn't a vision. It was people. So here's the question I can't stop asking: who is walking your road with you right now? And if the honest answer is no one, what is one step you could take toward the kind of community that comes out to meet you? What translation does Rachael use on the podcast? The written study materials use the New American Standard Bible (NASB). Is the Appian Way part of the Rome trip itinerary? Yes. Walking a preserved stretch of the original Via Appia is one of the stops on the trip, along with the sites from the rest of this bonus series. I want to come to Rome but I'd be traveling alone. Is that okay? More than okay. Many women come by themselves, and that's often the very person the Lord meets on the road. You won't stay by yourself for long. When does registration for this year's Rome trip close? Registration closes July 29, and there are only a few spots left. What's coming next on the podcast? This fall we're studying the Gospel of Luke and then the book of Acts, since Luke and Acts were written as part one and part two of the same story. If something in you is longing for the kind of people who walk the road alongside you, come walk this road with us this November. Registration closes July 29 and only a few spots are left. Learn more at BibleStudyLive.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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