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

Have you ever said yes to God and then watched everything get harder?
Luke 4 shows us why.

We're starting Luke chapter 4 in our fall Bible study, and before we get
to the three temptations, there's something in the first two verses most of us
read right past. Jesus was full of the Holy Spirit, and the Spirit is the one
who led Him into the wilderness. The hard season wasn't a detour from the
assignment. It was part of it. Today we look at the forty days, why that number matters, and how Jesus fought as a Spirit-empowered man rather than by pulling rank.

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

Questions we answer today

Was Jesus not already full of the Holy Spirit before His baptism?
Why does Scripture keep using the number forty?
Why did Jesus answer the devil with verses from Deuteronomy?
What does Israel's forty years have to do with Jesus' forty days?
Is the wilderness a detour or an assignment?

Timestamps

00:00 Starting Luke 4, and how this series works

01:00 Reading Luke 4:1-13

02:40 Prayer

04:00 Why the color method stopped me at "forty
days"

05:00 Was Jesus always full of the Holy Spirit?

07:00 What Isaiah said about a Spirit-empowered Messiah

08:30 What actually happened at the Jordan

10:00 Fully God and fully human

11:30 Why His victory matters for us

14:20 A callback to Israel's forty years

15:30 Why all three answers come from Deuteronomy

17:30 God's son Israel failed, God's Son Jesus passed

18:50 Other forty-day seasons in Scripture

21:00 Predictable resistance after obedience

23:30 Tempted the whole time, not just at the end

24:30 The wilderness was the assignment

25:00 Prayer
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Monday Daily Affirmations: Chosen Before the Foundation of the World
(Ephesians 1:4)

Start your Monday with confidence, peace, and purpose. These daily Christian affirmations are a short but powerful way to realign your heart and mind with biblical truth before the week begins. Today's affirmations are all about identity: who God says you are, and what changes when you believe it. Speak life over your day, renew your faith, and step into God's promises with Scripture straight from His Word.

I'll read each phrase, you repeat it, and then I'll tell you the Scripture
it comes from.

Links

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Before we begin

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.

Monday affirmations and Scripture

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

Closing prayer

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.

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Sunday Daily Affirmations: I Enter This Week with Expectancy, Not Fear
(Romans 15:13)
Sunday is for looking ahead with God. Before the week begins, we pause and place what's coming into His hands. These Scripture-based Christian
affirmations are a steady way to enter the week grounded, attentive, and
trusting God to lead you one day at a time.

I'll say each affirmation, pause so you can repeat it after me, and then
read the Bible verse 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

Sunday affirmations and Scripture

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.
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Saturday Daily Affirmations: I Release Regret (Psalm 32:5)
Saturday is a good day to slow down and look back over your 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. These Scripture-based Christian affirmations are a gentle way to reflect with honesty and gratitude before the new week begins.

I'll say each affirmation, pause so you can repeat it after me, and then
read the Bible verse 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

Saturday affirmations and Scripture

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.
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Every year around this time I get the same question. What do we do about Halloween?

You'll hear everything from it's a free-for-all with no spiritual implication, to turn the lights off and hide in the house. My answer lands somewhere in the middle, and it starts here: I don't want to live in a way that hands the devil my days.

Today we take on Halloween, and then a harder question about free will and the passages where God hardens a heart.

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How should Christians handle Halloween?

I'm answering this as both a parent and a former children's pastor. I grew up in a conservative Christian environment and later served in a charismatic one, so I've watched different churches handle this very differently.

Here's my baseline. As Christians we're called to take light into the darkness, not run from it. Most Christians would agree. But for some reason we treat Halloween as the one exception.

I don't want to give the devil any of my days. If I'm on this earth a hundred years and I hide every Halloween, that's a hundred days I handed over out of fear.

That said, I won't pretend there's nothing there. There are real spiritual implications around Halloween. So my answer isn't either extreme.

What does a good alternative look like?

When I was a children's pastor, we did a trunk or treat. We played music from Jump Start 3, a ministry that set Scripture to music kids actually liked, and gave away their CDs. We served a lot of low income families whose kids didn't get CDs bought for them. We used that same music in Sunday school because it got God's Word into kids in a way they remembered.

We had rules for the trunks. Nothing evil, nothing scary, nothing representing the occult. We had a Candyland trunk and an apple harvest trunk. We ran contests and giveaways and made it a genuinely fun night, so families had somewhere good to go. If your church does something like that, it's a great option.

When does a church alternative go wrong?

I've also seen the other side of it.

We took our youngest daughter to a trunk or treat at a local church. They'd advertised a fall harvest party, so we weren't expecting anything unusual. It turned out to be inside the building, and to get in you had to walk through a black tunnel with skeletons on the walls, stinky smoke, and fire. I thought maybe it was one of those heaven-or-hell presentations, which I'm not a fan of, but you couldn't turn around and you couldn't get out.

When we came through, the gymnasium was covered in scary, creepy Halloween decorations. My husband and I looked at each other and we were out. Then we met the pastor and he told us they wanted to make it even scarier next year.

That's losing the plot entirely. There's no reason to invite families into a church building and hand them a haunted house.

What else can we do on Halloween?

We're called to live in the world and not of it, so this has looked like different things for our family over the years. Sometimes when we went house to house, we gave something instead of taking something. Sometimes we'd make it an exchange and ask people if they needed prayer.

Here's what I keep coming back to. Yes, there is evil happening that night. It's also a night when kids and families are out looking for something. They are literally going door to door asking.

If you live in a neighborhood with kids, you could hand out Scripture music, or candy with a Bible verse attached. Or you could simply say, I love your costume, is there anything you need prayer for?

This is one of the few nights a year when we have a natural reason to meet our neighbors. If we have the good news, why wouldn't we offer it on a night when people are at our door asking for something?

Now, if you start handing out ghosts and goblins, you've missed the plot. But hiding with the lights off and pretending we're not home is literally hiding your light under a bushel. We all learned that song as kids. Halloween is a good chance to actually live it.

What about my kids?

If you're going to participate, it comes with a conversation, and it's still your responsibility to protect your children.

Letting them dress up as a witch is not okay. But there are plenty of options. They can be a favorite character or dress up as popcorn. There's a lot of room between a witch costume and hiding in the house.

While you're out, if a house looks evil, you skip it. Or maybe you pray for it. Or maybe you go up and offer to pray for those people. That depends on the age of your kids. If you have a four-year-old, I wouldn't. If you have a sixteen-year-old, maybe you should.

If we take the mentality of hiding from evil, where does it stop? We're not called to hide. We're called to face it.

What about "God hardened his heart" and free will?

A listener wrote in accepting that God is sovereign while also believing we can choose to turn away, and wrestling with Romans 9 and the Pharaoh passages. You're not the first to sit with this. Scholars have discussed it for centuries.

Start in the garden. God put the tree there and gave a real command with a real consequence. That means they had a choice, and that matters, because love that can't say no isn't love. It's control. That theme runs all the way through. Moses sets before Israel life and death and tells them to choose life. Joshua says choose this day whom you will serve. God calls people to respond, but He doesn't force it.

So what about Pharaoh?

Before the plagues begin, God tells Moses that Pharaoh's heart will be hardened. Read that alone and it's troubling. Read the whole story and something else emerges.

Again and again, Pharaoh hardens his own heart. He sees God's power, experiences a plague, asks Moses to stop it, the plague is removed, then he changes his mind and hardens his heart again. Only later does Exodus say the Lord hardened Pharaoh's heart.

This isn't a willing heart that God forces into rebellion. Pharaoh is already resisting. God allows that resistance to solidify and uses it for His purpose.

The Hebrew helps. One word is chazaq, meaning to strengthen or make firm. When I taught this to kids I compared it to Jell-O. The ingredients are all there, and eventually they set. Another is kabed, carrying the sense of making something heavy. The picture is God confirming Pharaoh in a direction he already chose.

That connects to Romans 1, where three times Paul says God gave them over to the sin they had chosen. Sometimes God's judgment isn't forcing someone to do what they don't want. It's allowing them further down the road they keep insisting on.

How should I read Romans 9?

In context, which means reading 9, 10, and 11 together. Those chapter divisions were added centuries later by scribes.

Paul doesn't open Romans 9 with a lecture on predestination. He opens by grieving, saying he has unceasing anguish because his own people have rejected Jesus. The question he's answering is whether God's promise to Israel failed.

His answer is no. God's purposes have not failed, and He has always been free to choose how He accomplishes them. That's the context for I will have mercy on whom I have mercy. The point isn't that God randomly decides who gets saved. It's that He decides how He accomplishes His plan.

Keep reading. In chapter 10, Paul says everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Everyone. Then that Israel can be grafted back in, and eventually that God has bound everyone over to disobedience so He may have mercy on them all.

How do both things hold together?

Scripture doesn't feel the need to pick one and throw out the other. At Pentecost, Peter says Jesus was handed over according to God's deliberate plan, and in the same breath tells the people they were responsible for His death. Paul says work out your salvation with fear and trembling, then adds that it is God who works in you.

We also read difficult passages in light of clear ones. God wants all people to be saved. Jesus stood over Jerusalem and said how often He longed to gather her children, and they were not willing.

So here's where I land. God is sovereign and nothing is outside His authority, and our choices are real. I don't believe God creates some people for salvation and others for hell. That isn't consistent with His character, and predestining someone to hell and then holding them responsible for a choice they were never free to make throws out free will entirely.

He is powerful enough to accomplish His purposes even when people resist. Pharaoh said no and God didn't lose control.

Mystery isn't the same thing as contradiction. When we want to know what God is like, we look at Jesus.

Timestamps

00:00 Why we do Q&A episodes

01:40 The Halloween question

03:06 Taking light into the darkness

03:32 A hundred years, a hundred days

04:32 What our trunk or treat looked like

06:25 The trunk or treat that went wrong

07:51 When churches lose the plot

08:17 Giving instead of taking

08:47 They're already at your door asking

09:45 Hiding your light under a bushel

10:13 Talking with your kids about it

11:26 The free will question

14:22 What about Pharaoh?

16:31 Chazaq and kabed

18:37 Reading Romans 9 in context

26:36 Where I land on it

28:27 Mystery is not contradiction

Frequently asked questions

What is Jump Start 3?
A music ministry that set Scripture to music kids enjoyed. We used it in Sunday school and gave the CDs away at our trunk or treat.

How do I send in a question?
Through the SpeakPipe link above. You can stay anonymous, or ask me to email you back.

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