David is on the run, but he’s not alone. In 1 Samuel 19–20, we witness one of the Bible’s most moving friendships. Jonathan, Saul’s son, risks his future and safety to protect David. Their covenant friendship shows us that loyalty isn't passive—it’s active, courageous, and rooted in righteousness. This episode explores what it means to stand beside those God has called, even when it costs us something personally.

• Jonathan’s Covenant Loyalty: He risks everything to protect David.

• David’s Growing Danger: Saul’s jealousy escalates into multiple murder attempts.

• Integrity Over Inheritance: Jonathan chooses obedience to God’s will over personal gain.

Friendship rooted in faith can become a lifeline in the storm. Like Jonathan, we’re called to be friends who choose what’s right over what’s comfortable—and to trust God with what we might lose in the process.

1. Am I celebrating others, even when their success challenges my own hopes?

2. Where do I need to choose faithfulness over fear in my relationships?

3. What’s one area where I need to release control and trust God’s plan?

Thanks so much for joining me today on No Dusty Bibles! Remember—God isn’t asking you to be perfect. He’s inviting you to choose Him, to choose life, one faithful step at a time.

Until next time, stay in the Word and trust in His promises. We’ll be back tomorrow as Hannah walks us through 1 Samuel 21–22, and we explore how God meets us even in the cave. See you soon!

Recap Summary

This week we’ve traced the dramatic rise—and faltering obedience—of Saul, and the quiet anointing of David. From hidden baggage to battlefield bravery, the contrast between human appearance and God’s heart couldn’t be clearer. Through it all, one theme rings out: God doesn’t choose the way people do. He sees differently. He calls the unlikely. He honors obedience. And He’s faithful—even when we falter.

Devotional Reflection: “When No One Else Sees”

When others overlook you, God doesn’t. In the quiet, the ordinary, the faithful—He sees. David’s story reminds us that God chooses and uses those who walk closely with Him, even when the spotlight isn’t on them.

Preview of Next Week

Coming up in 1 Samuel 19–28: David is on the run, but never without God's presence. We'll encounter jealousy, loyalty, pursuit, and deep spiritual testing. Through every valley, God is there.

Summary Closing

Thanks so much for joining me today on No Dusty Bibles! Remember—God isn’t asking you to be perfect. He’s inviting you to choose Him, to choose life, one faithful step at a time.

Until next time, stay in the Word and trust in His promises. See you soon!

Episode Summary

David’s encounter with Goliath is more than a story of bravery—it’s a testimony of faith. While others saw a threat, David saw an opportunity to trust God. Chapter 17 reminds us that no giant is bigger than our God. Chapter 18 begins to reveal David’s rise and the complexities of favor, jealousy, and leadership dynamics. This episode challenges us to respond to life’s battles not with fear, but with unwavering faith.

Key Highlights

David vs. Goliath (1 Samuel 17): Faith over fear, courage rooted in trust.

David’s Rise (1 Samuel 18): God's favor follows obedience, even as new trials emerge.

God Fights With You: Your giants are never bigger than His faithfulness.

Devotional Application

You don’t need to be the strongest—you just need to believe in the strength of your God. Let past victories build your present faith. The same God who helped you before stands ready today.

Reflection Prompts

What “giant” are you facing today that feels overwhelming?

How has God shown up for you in the past—and how can that strengthen your present?

Where is He calling you to step out with bold, simple faith?

Summary Closing

Thanks so much for joining me today on No Dusty Bibles! Remember—God isn’t asking you to be perfect. He’s inviting you to choose Him, to choose life, one faithful step at a time.

Until next time, stay in the Word and trust in His promises. We’ll be back tomorrow as Heather guides us through a recap of 1 Samuel 9–18, helping us reflect on how God sees the heart. See you soon!

Episode Summary

These chapters bring us face-to-face with a sobering truth: partial obedience is still disobedience. Saul’s failure to fully follow God’s command costs him the kingdom. In contrast, God chooses David—a humble shepherd—to be Israel’s next king. Why? Because God looks at the heart. This episode reminds us that God values surrender over sacrifice and humility over performance.

Key Highlights

Saul’s Disobedience (1 Samuel 15): He spares what God told him to destroy, then tries to justify it.

David’s Anointing (1 Samuel 16): God bypasses outward strength to choose a heart aligned with Him.

God Sees Differently: He honors the quiet yes, the hidden faithfulness, the willing spirit.

Devotional Application

Are you offering God a partial yes? These chapters call us back to wholehearted obedience—not perfection, but sincerity. God isn’t asking for outward polish. He’s inviting inward surrender.

Reflection Prompts

Is there an area in your life where you're obeying halfway?

How does it change your confidence to know God sees your heart, not just your image?

What does it look like for you to say yes to God today?

Summary Closing

Thanks so much for joining me today on No Dusty Bibles! Remember—God isn’t asking you to be perfect. He’s inviting you to choose Him, to choose life, one faithful step at a time.

Until next time, stay in the Word and trust in His promises. We’ll be back tomorrow as Hannah walks us through 1 Samuel 17–18 and we consider courage in the face of giants. See you soon!

Episode Summary

In today’s passage, we see the tension between fear-driven action and faith-filled obedience. Saul acts impulsively when the pressure mounts, stepping outside his role and disobeying God's command. In contrast, Jonathan shows us what bold trust looks like—even when the odds are stacked against him. This episode highlights the importance of waiting well and obeying fully, even when circumstances tempt us to take shortcuts.

Key Highlights

Saul’s Panic (1 Samuel 13): His fear leads to disobedience and a loss of God’s favor.

Jonathan’s Bold Faith (1 Samuel 14): Jonathan steps forward with confidence in God’s ability to save.

Obedience Over Strategy: God values trust over tactical brilliance.

Devotional Application

We’re reminded that God honors the heart that waits, even when the waiting feels unbearable. In those moments, faith isn’t passive—it’s active trust. Whether you're holding still or taking bold steps, the key is to align your response with God's timing and Word.

Reflection Prompts

Where are you tempted to fix things yourself instead of waiting on God?

How can you embody Jonathan's “perhaps the Lord will act” kind of courage?

What does obedience look like for you in this in-between moment?

Summary Closing

Thanks so much for joining me today on No Dusty Bibles! Remember—God isn’t asking you to be perfect. He’s inviting you to choose Him, to choose life, one faithful step at a time.

Until next time, stay in the Word and trust in His promises. We’ll be back tomorrow as Heather walks us through 1 Samuel 15–16, and we reflect on obedience and God’s heart for the humble. See you soon!

Episode Summary

In 1 Samuel 11–12, we see a remarkable contrast between triumph and conviction. God empowers Saul to lead Israel to a stunning victory, affirming his new role as king. But the celebration is quickly grounded by Samuel’s honest confrontation of Israel’s past mistakes—their insistence on a human king over divine leadership. Yet even then, God does not abandon His people. These chapters reassure us that God’s mercy endures, even when our choices fall short. His faithfulness is not dependent on our perfection but anchored in His unwavering love.

Key Highlights

Victory Through God’s Power (1 Samuel 11): Saul’s leadership begins with a Spirit-empowered rescue mission.

Conviction with Compassion (1 Samuel 12): Samuel reminds Israel of their rejection of God but reassures them of His mercy and enduring presence.

Faithfulness in the Face of Failure: God invites His people to keep turning to Him—even after missteps.

Devotional Application

These chapters are for anyone walking with the weight of regret. Whether you’ve made poor decisions or are struggling with misplaced trust, God’s message remains clear: Return to Me. He doesn't hold your past against you—He holds out His hand for you to come back.

Reflection Prompts

Is there a past decision you’re still carrying shame over? Lay it before the Lord and receive His grace.

Where might you be leaning more on human systems than on God's guidance?

What does faithfulness look like for you today—even if yesterday didn’t go well?

Summary Closing

Thanks so much for joining me today on No Dusty Bibles! Remember—God isn’t asking you to be perfect. He’s inviting you to choose Him, to choose life, one faithful step at a time.

Until next time, stay in the Word and trust in His promises. We’ll be back tomorrow as Hannah walks us through 1 Samuel 13–14, where we explore obedience over impulse. See you soon!

In today’s episode, we walk through 1 Samuel 9–10, where we meet Saul and witness the beginning of his anointing as Israel’s first king. Though Saul looks the part—tall, handsome, impressive—his heart is hesitant. When called, he hides. These chapters remind us that God doesn’t look at the outward qualifications we tend to value. He sees the heart. And He often calls those who feel unqualified to fulfill extraordinary purposes. If you’ve ever felt too small for the task in front of you, this episode is for you.

Historical Context: This section follows Israel’s demand for a king. In response, God selects Saul through the prophet Samuel, marking the start of Israel’s monarchy and a pivotal shift in leadership structure.

Purpose of the Passage: To demonstrate that God’s call isn’t based on human standards of strength or appearance, but on His sovereign plan and ability to equip the unlikely for His purposes.

God’s Calling Isn’t About Qualifications (1 Samuel 9:15–21): Though Saul was outwardly impressive, he didn’t see himself as worthy. His humility—though later misdirected—initially reveals how God uses those who least expect it.

Hidden Among the Baggage (1 Samuel 10:20–24): When it was time to step into his role, Saul hid. This moment illustrates how fear and insecurity often keep us from stepping into what God has prepared for us.

God Sees What We Can’t (1 Samuel 10:1, 6–7): Samuel anoints Saul and affirms that the Spirit of the Lord will come upon him in power. God doesn’t just call—He equips.

This story asks a bold question: Are you hiding from what God has clearly called you to? Like Saul, we might feel unqualified, uncertain, or overwhelmed. But God sees more than our fear. He sees the future He’s prepared for us. When God calls us, He doesn’t leave us on our own. He anoints, He empowers, and He walks with us. Don’t let insecurity keep you from saying yes. You don’t have to be fearless—you just have to be faithful.

Where do you feel unqualified for what God is asking of you? Identify areas where fear or insecurity might be causing you to "hide" instead of step forward.

What “baggage” are you clinging to that’s holding you back? Is it comparison? Past failure? Fear of judgment? Lay it down and ask God to give you courage.

Are you more focused on appearances than obedience? Ask the Lord to shift your heart from trying to look the part to living surrendered to Him.

This episode draws attention to the quiet battle between calling and confidence. With gentle encouragement, it affirms that our greatest strength doesn’t come from personal ability—it comes from divine anointing. Through Saul’s story, we’re invited to see ourselves not just as we are, but as God sees us: called, chosen, and equipped.

Thanks so much for joining me today on No Dusty Bibles! Remember—God isn’t asking you to be perfect. He’s inviting you to choose Him, to choose life, one faithful step at a time. Until next time, stay in the Word and trust in His promises. We’ll be back tomorrow as Heather walks us through 1 Samuel 11–12 and we continue to see how God leads, equips, and calls His people—even through their doubts and demands. See you soon!

Episode Summary

In this week’s recap of Ruth 3–4 and 1 Samuel 1–8, we explore a journey marked by faith, longing, redemption, and the tension of trusting God’s leadership. From Ruth’s quiet courage and Boaz’s honorable provision, to Hannah’s tearful prayers and Israel’s bold demand for a king, each passage invites us to examine how we wait, how we ask, and who we believe is truly in charge. Through both the beauty of surrender and the ache of human desire, God is weaving a bigger story of grace.

Key Highlights from the Episode

Overview of the Passage or Topic

• Ruth 3–4: Ruth steps out in faith at Naomi’s urging and finds redemption in Boaz, concluding with the birth of Obed, grandfather of King David.
• 1 Samuel 1–2: Hannah prays for a child and surrenders Samuel to the Lord, highlighting the contrast between her devotion and the corruption of Eli’s sons.
• 1 Samuel 3–4: God calls Samuel to prophetic ministry; meanwhile, Israel misplaces their trust in ritual rather than relationship and suffers defeat.
• 1 Samuel 5–6: God shows His holiness and unmatched authority by defending the Ark Himself among the Philistines.
• 1 Samuel 7–8: After spiritual renewal, Israel still asks for a human king, choosing visibility over trust—even as God prepares them for what’s ahead.

Key Themes or Lessons

• God honors faithful obedience, even when it’s quiet and unseen (Ruth, Hannah, Samuel).
• True leadership is defined by character, not appearance—a truth that will become even more important in upcoming chapters (1 Samuel 8).
• God allows free will, but never stops working for redemption, even in the face of human rejection (1 Samuel 8:7–9).

Devotional Application

When God’s leadership doesn’t look how we imagined, we may be tempted to reach for what feels easier, visible, or common. But like Israel, our desire for control can cost us peace. This week’s passages remind us that God is always offering more than we can see—and even when our requests miss the mark, His mercy continues to meet us. Whether we are faithfully waiting like Ruth or boldly asking like Israel, God remains the steady, sovereign King of our hearts.

Reflection Prompts

1. What area of your life are you tempted to manage or control rather than trust God with? Invite Him into your desire and ask for the courage to surrender.
2. Can you name an “Ebenezer” moment where God clearly helped you in the past? Write it down, share it with someone, or use it as an anchor when trust feels hard.
3. Are you asking for something right now—and are you open to how God might answer? Reflect on whether your heart is postured to receive what’s best, not just what’s familiar.

Additional Details

With warmth and insight, this episode threads together Ruth’s redemption, Hannah’s answered prayer, Samuel’s calling, and Israel’s restlessness. It encourages listeners to stay faithful in seasons of both waiting and asking, trusting that God’s leadership—even when unexpected—is always good.

Summary Closing

Thanks so much for joining me today on No Dusty Bibles! Remember—God isn’t asking you to be perfect. He’s inviting you to choose Him, to choose life, one faithful step at a time. Whether you’re in a chapter of waiting or asking, know this: He sees you, He hears you, and He’s still writing your story.

Until next time, stay in the Word and trust in His promises. We’ll be back Monday as we dive into 1 Samuel 9–10 and meet Israel’s first king—and the shepherd who would one day take his place. See you soon!