438// What do Near Death Experiences (NDE) Reveal About the God of Heaven? Today we are talking about the fascinating concept of near death experiences. I invited the best-selling author, John Burke on to the show to talk about his research of over 1,000 NDE’s. In John’s research, he has found ten areas that overlap, regardless of the age, location, or religion of those he interviewed. Join us for a powerful conversation that confirms what the Bible says about the God of Heaven. Episode Resource...
Dec 01, 2023•45 min•Ep. 438
437// Jesus’ Guide to Greatness: Humility and Sacrifice- Devotional, Bible Study Matthew 20 Jesus was counter-cultural in so many ways, including his perspective on leadership. In today’s study, we see the disciples make some bold requests, and then learn from Jesus how to truly lead in the kingdom- and it’s not what they expect. Calling all kids (and parents of kids)! Check out my new show Hearing Jesus for Kids - be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode! This episode is a companion to...
Nov 30, 2023•19 min•Ep. 437
436// Who Is First and Who Is Last In God’s Kingdom? Devotional, Bible Study, Matthew 20:1-16 In this passage of Scripture, Jesus is helping his listeners understand something essential about his kingdom: that the gospel is lavishly generous, in a way that for someone struggling with self-righteousness, might feel very unfair. Let’s read this passage of God’s Word together and learn what God has for us today. Calling all kids (and parents of kids)! Check out my new show Hearing Jesus for Kids - ...
Nov 29, 2023•27 min•Ep. 436
435// What Does Jesus Say About Wealth? Devotional, Bible Study, Matthew 19:16-30 We’re wrapping up chapter 19 in the Gospel of Matthew by looking closely at what Jesus had to say about riches and the kingdom of God. While there is nothing wrong with having nice things, they should not get in the way of your relationship with God. Chasing after wealth should not be our goal. But as we’ll see in today’s passage, Jesus had some pretty radical things to say about riches. Let’s study scripture toget...
Nov 28, 2023•18 min•Ep. 435
434// What Does Jesus Say About Divorce? Devotional, Bible Study, Matthew 19:1-15 As we make our way through the Gospel of Matthew, today we are diving into Jesus’ teaching on divorce. This is a topic that is widely debated within the body of Christ. I'm sure you've been part of or heard some of those conversations yourself, but what we see here is that this is a topic that was debated even in Jesus' time. The Pharisees during the time of Jesus had this as a topic of confusion because it was rea...
Nov 27, 2023•25 min•Ep. 434
How That Nightly Glass of Wine Can Keep Us From Hearing God's Voice For today's episode, I wanted to air a conversation I had with my friend Christy Osborne to talk about the wine culture many women find themselves in. Christy explains how alcohol can rob us of our joy, despite the fact that we can sometimes go to it to find joy. Christy shares from her personal story and shares some biblical insight that I am sure will bless you. Episode Resources: To Sponsor a Child through Compassion Internat...
Nov 24, 2023•35 min•Ep. 433
432// How to Forgive Like Jesus: Devotional, Bible Study, Matthew 18:21-35 In today’s Bible story, Peter asks a question about forgiveness, and Jesus’ answer was as radical then as it is today. The forgiveness of our Father is unconditional, and he expects our forgiveness of others to be like his. How can we do this? Listen to today’s study of Scripture and find out. Calling all kids (and parents of kids)! Check out my new show Hearing Jesus for Kids - be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an e...
Nov 23, 2023•21 min•Ep. 432
431// Childish vs. Childlike Faith: What's The Difference? Devotional, Bible Study, Matthew 18:1-20 In order for Christ to transform us from the inside out and to transform our character, our attitude towards him has to be like a child. But what does it mean to have childlike faith - and how is that different than childishness? That’s what we’re going to study in today’s Bible reading and devotional around Matthew 18, along with Jesus’ warning not to cause those of childlike faith to stumble - w...
Nov 22, 2023•26 min•Ep. 431
430// How Prayer Results Are Connected to How Much Time We Spend With God: Devotional, Bible Study, Matthew 17 Today we are exploring the connection between the time we spend with God and how that impacts the results of our prayers. As we study this topic, we'll uncover the power of faith, as described in Matthew 17, and the significance of the Mustard Seed parable. Join us on this spiritual journey and discover how to strengthen your faith and deepen your relationship with God. If you enjoy our...
Nov 21, 2023•26 min•Ep. 430
429// The Power of the Keys to the Kingdom: Devotional, Bible Study, Matthew 16 In today's episode, we talk through what Jesus meant when He said that He would build His church on the rock. We also look at the authority and power Jesus assigns as He explains what it means to have the keys to the kingdom. As we learn more about the apostle Peter, it helps us understand how Jesus wants us to walk in authority as a believer today. I pray this episode blesses you! Calling all kids (and parents of ki...
Nov 20, 2023•26 min•Ep. 429
428// From Fear to Freedom: How the Gospel Changes Everything On today's episode, I asked my friend Jey Mbiro to join me to talk about his experience with how the gospel can replace fear with freedom. Jey grew up in the slums of Nairobi and was jailed as a child for stealing food. He experienced the horrors of slum life, extreme poverty, and extreme hunger before being enrolled in Compassion International's sponsorship program. His life was changed when he was introduced to a relationship with J...
Nov 17, 2023•46 min•Ep. 428
427// The Power of Faith: Canaanite Woman's Story, Devotional, Bible Study, Matthew 15:21-28 What comes out of our mouths is an indication of what’s in our hearts. As Jesus confronted the Pharisees, He challenged their interpretation of the law, drawing a distinction between their traditions and God’s actual law. As we consider what it means to have a clean heart, we see from the perspective of Jesus that it may not be what you think. Calling all kids (and parents of kids)! Check out my new show...
Nov 16, 2023•20 min•Ep. 427
426// Clean Hands vs. A Clean Heart: Devotional, Bible Study, Matthew 15:1-20 What comes out of our mouths is an indication of what’s in our hearts. As Jesus confronted the Pharisees, He challenged their interpretation of the law, drawing a distinction between their traditions and God’s actual law. As we consider what it means to have a clean heart, we see from the perspective of Jesus that it may not be what you think. Calling all kids (and parents of kids)! Check out my new show Hearing Jesus ...
Nov 15, 2023•24 min•Ep. 426
425// Jesus Draws Us Out of Deep Waters: Devotional, Bible Study, Matthew 14:22-36 As Jesus was preparing Peter for leadership, one of the ways He did that was by calling Him to step out of the boat. As Peter took those first steps, He was focused on Jesus and was able to do what God was calling Him to do. It wasn’t until he allowed the circumstances of what was going on around him to distract him, that he started to sink. In that moment, Jesus stepped in to rescue him. As we think through our o...
Nov 14, 2023•21 min•Ep. 425
424// How God Can Multiply What You Give Him: Devotional, Bible Study, Matthew 14:13b-21 Repeatedly in the gospels, we see Jesus attend to physical needs as a means to reach spiritual ones. And this incredible, miraculous story is no exception. While Jesus mourns the death of his cousin, a great crowd gathers near, hoping to see, hear, and hopefully touch and be touched by Jesus. We see how He ministers to them, multiplying a small gift in a way that only He can do. Let’s study this amazing gosp...
Nov 13, 2023•23 min•Ep. 424
What if God is Silent: With Special Guest Addison Bevere Today I decided to re-air this powerful conversation I had with my friend Addison Bevere. Addison and I talk about a struggle that is probably familiar to most of us: God's silence. Addison shares from his new book, Words With God, about this very issue and offers some practical and heart felt insight on how to hear God’s voice more clearly. **Addison Bevere is COO of Messenger International (founded by John & Lisa Bevere), a cofounder...
Nov 11, 2023•45 min•Ep. 423
423// Is the Rapture Happening Soon? Are We in the End Times? And Other Audience Questions Today Rachael answers some pressing questions from the audience. Together we discuss everything from the end times, to heaven, to grief. To ask Rachael your own questions, email them to rachael@shehears.org Calling all kids (and parents of kids)! Check out my new show Hearing Jesus for Kids - be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode! Episode Resources: For family discussion guides, journaling work...
Nov 10, 2023•26 min•Ep. 423
422// Standing Up for What's Right: Devotional, Bible Study, Matthew 14:1-13 There's a lot going on in this story, and you have probably heard it in the past. Today, we’re diving into the death of John the Baptist and the picture it paints of the depravity of man. Despite how difficult this story is to hear, it helps us to be encouraged to stand up for what's right, speaking truth to those around us. Calling all kids (and parents of kids)! Check out my new show Hearing Jesus for Kids - be sure t...
Nov 09, 2023•20 min•Ep. 422
421// When You’re Not Accepted: Devotional, Bible Study, Matthew 13:44-58 In Jesus’ day, treasured possessions would often be buried for safekeeping. So his hearers would have instantly connected with the story of a man finding a buried treasure in a field. In this parable, Jesus uses buried treasure imagery to stir his listeners to see how the Kingdom of God is worth sacrificing whatever is necessary - because it is a treasure far greater than anything on earth. In today’s study, we’ll see how ...
Nov 08, 2023•21 min•Ep. 421
420// What is Heaven Like? Jesus Answers: Devotional, Bible Study, Matthew 13:31-43 Jesus used all sorts of metaphors to describe the indescribable kingdom of God and the people who will inhabit it: it’s like a mustard seed, yeast in dough, seeds in a field. In this section of Scripture, Jesus tells the crowd these parables to reveal things that were until that point hidden from them. We’ll unpack the meaning of these parables and see what God wants us to hear and understand today. Calling all k...
Nov 07, 2023•21 min•Ep. 420
419// Dealing With Root Sins in Our Lives: A Devotional Bible Study on Matthew 13:24-30 At first glance, this may feel very similar to the Parable of the Sower. So, what’s different or unique in the parable of the wheat and the weeds? Today, we’ll unpack what this is and learn what it looks like today to allow weeds to grow alongside the harvest. Calling all kids (and parents of kids)! Check out my new show Hearing Jesus for Kids - be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode! This episode ...
Nov 06, 2023•21 min•Ep. 419
418// How to Persevere After Church Hurt Today I’m thrilled to welcome my friend Natalie Runion on the show. Natalie is the author of “Raised to Stay: Persevering in Ministry When You Have a Million Reasons to Walk Away.” We talk about what it’s like to be called to ministry as a woman and the temptation to walk away after hurt and struggle, particularly after serving under toxic leadership. We also discuss the concept of deconstruction and what it looks like to find healing and hope on the othe...
Nov 03, 2023•44 min•Ep. 418
417// What Does The Parable of The Sower Mean: Devotional, Bible Study, Matthew 13:1-23 The Kingdom of God was unexpected and different from anything the disciples of the people of Jesus’ day had been expecting, and so Jesus often used parables to try to help them understand exactly what the kingdom and God were like and to confront his opponents. We can learn a lot from studying the parables, not only about the kingdom of God but about healthy boundaries and who and how Jesus offered revelation...
Nov 02, 2023•31 min•Ep. 417
416// Have I Committed the Unpardonable Sin? Devotional, Bible Study, Matthew 12:30-43 Some people carry around a fear that they have committed an unpardonable sin, based on these verses in Matthew. Today, we’re going to talk through what blasphemy against the Spirit means, and why we shouldn’t fear this sin. We’ll also discuss what the sign of Jonah means and what Jesus meant when he called his disciples his mother and brothers. Calling all kids (and parents of kids)! Check out my new show Hear...
Nov 01, 2023•25 min•Ep. 416
415// Dealing with Evil in Our World : A Devotional Bible Study on Matthew 12:15-29 The American church, so many times, wants to ignore that we are facing a spiritual battle. But Jesus did not deny that demons and spiritual forces were at work against him and the Kingdom of God. Today, we’re talking about demon possession, spiritual warfare, and what deliverance looks like for us in the Western church. Calling all kids (and parents of kids)! Check out my new show Hearing Jesus for Kids - be sure...
Oct 31, 2023•21 min•Ep. 415
414// How to Correctly View the Sabbath: A Devotional Bible Study on Matthew 12:1-14 The Fourth Commandment specified that no work should be performed on the Sabbath, and that day would be kept holy to honor God. So over time the Sabbath became one of the most recognizable characteristics of the Jewish people. That, along with things like their dietary laws, set them apart as a culture. So in this chapter of Matthew, Jesus tackles the topic of the Sabbath and how to correctly interpret the Sabba...
Oct 30, 2023•25 min•Ep. 414
Take Every Thought Captive with Guest Kelly Balarie With everything that is going on in the world today, I thought it would be helpful to air this episode with my friend Kelly Balarie. Kelly joins us to talk about ways to exchange the lies of the enemy for the mind of Christ. In this powerful discussion, Kelly and I talk through ways to tell the difference between our own thoughts, and the lies from the enemy. I pray this episode blesses you. Take Every Thought Captive: Exchange the Lies of the ...
Oct 28, 2023•40 min•Ep. 413
Using the Scriptures to Pray Today we have a special guest joining us, Jodie Berndt, who is the author of the new book, Praying the Scriptures for Your Marriage. So many of us struggle when it comes to prayer. It can be intimidating to start praying with our spouse if you’ve never done it before. Jodie helps break down some common barriers and helps us understand how powerful praying God’s word back to Him can be. I pray this conversation blesses you! Jodie's book can be found here: https://amzn...
Oct 27, 2023•36 min•Ep. 413
412// His Yoke Is Easy and His Burden Is Light: A Devotional Bible Study on Matthew 11 There’s a lot happening in this chapter of the Bible, and we’re going to study it together. First, we have John the Baptist, who has a question for Jesus, and it seems like a huge change in attitude since we saw him in Matthew 3. Next, Jesus has stern warnings for several of the cities where he had done the bulk of his miracles. Finally, we see Jesus share some of the most comforting words of Scripture for tho...
Oct 26, 2023•25 min•Ep. 412
411// Do Not Fear Persecution: A Devotional Bible Study on Matthew 10:24-42 Sometimes, when we are sharing the gospel, there are going to be people who are not receptive to the gospel message. In fact, not only are they not receptive, they're going to hate us because of it. What do you do with that kind of persecution? If it makes you afraid, you’re not alone. The disciples were probably afraid too. That’s why Jesus tells them specifically not to be afraid of what man or even the enemy can do to...
Oct 25, 2023•28 min•Ep. 411
