• 79: Hiding Behind the Baggage: Where's Our Mighty King?
    Aug 17 2025

    Get ready to dive into the heart of true strength! Today, we're unpacking an awesome lesson about where real power comes from, and spoiler alert: it’s not just about muscles or looking tough! We chat about King Saul, who, despite being chosen as the first human king of Israel, had a bit of a rocky start—hiding behind baggage like a kid avoiding chores. We’ll explore how the Bible shows us that God’s power shines through those who are weak . Plus, we’ll have some laughs along the way as we uncover the twists and turns of Saul's journey from a timid farmer to a king who learns that true strength comes from relying on God. Buckle up for a fun ride filled with stories, giggles, and some serious insights!

    Takeaways:

    • In the podcast, we discussed how true strength isn't about muscles or power, but understanding who the real source of strength is.
    • We learned that even when Saul looked like a powerful king, he hid in fear, showing that appearances can be deceiving.
    • The story emphasized that while human leaders may seem strong, it's God who truly saves and empowers His people.
    • Despite Saul's initial hesitation and fear, he eventually became a courageous leader when empowered by God.
    • This episode highlighted how God's strength is often displayed through those who appear weak, making His power even more evident.
    • We wrapped up by reminding listeners that real power comes from God, and we should seek to point others to Him rather than ourselves.

    Find out more about the Dave and the show at faithfulgod.net.

    Show your thanks and support for Dave and help other people hear Stories of a Faithful God by signing up for the monthly prayer letter and by becoming a regular financial supporter here.

    To ask a question, make a comment, give encouragement or invite Dave to speak, you can make contact here.

    Check out this playlist on Spotify to hear lots of great songs that link to things we've discussed in the show.

    If you're a teen or adult, be sure to check out Dave's other podcast, Stories of a Faithful God, to take a deeper dive into these same passages.

    The Holy Bible, International Children’s Bible® Copyright© 1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission.

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    18 mins
  • 78. From Donkeys to Destiny: God's Kindness When Others are Cruel
    Aug 5 2025

    When you've been mean to someone, how do you expect them to treat you back? Probably not very well. For God, though, other people's cruelty to him doesn't stop him from showing his faithful kindness to them. In this episode, discover how one unimportant man's search for donkeys leads to a discovery of just how kind God will be to his people, and us! Join Dave as he explores 1 Samuel 9-10.

    Find out more about the Dave and the show at faithfulgod.net.

    Show your thanks and support for Dave and help other people hear Stories of a Faithful God by signing up for the monthly prayer letter and by becoming a regular financial supporter here.

    To ask a question, make a comment, give encouragement or invite Dave to speak, you can make contact here.

    Check out this playlist on Spotify to hear lots of great songs that link to things we've discussed in the show.

    If you're a teen or adult, be sure to check out Dave's other podcast, Stories of a Faithful God, to take a deeper dive into these same passages.

    The Holy Bible, International Children’s Bible® Copyright© 1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission.

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    20 mins
  • 77. The Great King Swap: An Epic Fail!
    Jul 30 2025

    Would you trade the best just to get something not as good? In today's story, we hear how the Israelites had the ultimate king, but still wanted to trade Him for someone less awesome. They thought having a human king would be all sparkles and rainbows, but it’s more like a slippery slope into regret. As Dave shares the tale of Samuel and the Israelites, he highlights how the Israelites missed the memo on having the best king ever – God Himself! The episode wraps with a reminder that trading what’s perfect for something lesser can lead to some serious “oops” moments, so stick with the King who’s got your back! Enjoy hearing this story from 1 Samuel 8.

    Find out more about the Dave and the show at faithfulgod.net.

    Show your thanks and support for Dave and help other people hear Stories of a Faithful God by signing up for the monthly prayer letter and by becoming a regular financial supporter here.

    To ask a question, make a comment, give encouragement or invite Dave to speak, you can make contact here.

    Check out this playlist on Spotify to hear lots of great songs that link to things we've discussed in the show.

    If you're a teen or adult, be sure to check out Dave's other podcast, Stories of a Faithful God, to take a deeper dive into these same passages.

    The Holy Bible, International Children’s Bible® Copyright© 1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission.

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    17 mins
  • 76. Real Repentance - 1 Samuel 7
    Jul 17 2025

    What is the right way to treat God? How does he want us to treat him. For years the Israelites treated him as a thing to be used or feared while they worshipped other, pretend gods. Now, they've realised their mistake. They want to come back to God and serve him properly. Their new trust in him is about to be tested though. The Philistines are coming, and they're not happy! Join Dave as he explores what it looks like to turn away from sin and back to God.

    Find out more about the Dave and the show at faithfulgod.net.

    Show your thanks and support for Dave and help other people hear Stories of a Faithful God by signing up for the monthly prayer letter and by becoming a regular financial supporter here.

    To ask a question, make a comment, give encouragement or invite Dave to speak, you can make contact here.

    Check out this playlist on Spotify to hear lots of great songs that link to things we've discussed in the show.

    If you're a teen or adult, be sure to check out Dave's other podcast, Stories of a Faithful God, to take a deeper dive into these same passages.

    The Holy Bible, International Children’s Bible® Copyright© 1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission.

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    17 mins
  • 75. God is No Loser: 1 Samuel 5-6
    Jul 14 2025

    It looks like God has lost. Israel has been defeated, the Ark has been stolen, and the Philistines have put it in the temple of their god Dagon. Looking like God has lost, though, is very different to God actually losing, and the Philistines are about to learn a very important lesson about who the real God is. Join Dave as he explores these amazing chapters of 1 Samuel, and discover how God's greatest victories come when he looks like he's lost.

    Find out more about the Dave and the show at faithfulgod.net.

    Show your thanks and support for Dave and help other people hear Stories of a Faithful God by signing up for the monthly prayer letter and by becoming a regular financial supporter here.

    To ask a question, make a comment, give encouragement or invite Dave to speak, you can make contact here.

    Check out this playlist on Spotify to hear lots of great songs that link to things we've discussed in the show.

    If you're a teen or adult, be sure to check out Dave's other podcast, Stories of a Faithful God, to take a deeper dive into these same passages.

    The Holy Bible, International Children’s Bible® Copyright© 1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission.

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    19 mins
  • 74: God is No Tool: 1 Samuel 4
    Jul 9 2025

    War has come to Israel, and they're not doing well. As they think about what the problem might be, they decide they really needs God's help. Unfortunately, the way they go about it has nothing to do with treating God as God. Join Dave as he explores how the Israelites tried to use God like a tool from the shed, and learn how we can do better.

    Find out more about the Dave and the show at faithfulgod.net.

    Show your thanks and support for Dave and help other people hear Stories of a Faithful God by signing up for the monthly prayer letter and by becoming a regular financial supporter here.

    To ask a question, make a comment, give encouragement or invite Dave to speak, you can make contact here.

    Check out this playlist on Spotify to hear lots of great songs that link to things we've discussed in the show.

    If you're a teen or adult, be sure to check out Dave's other podcast, Stories of a Faithful God, to take a deeper dive into these same passages.

    The Holy Bible, International Children’s Bible® Copyright© 1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission.

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    19 mins
  • 73. A Midnight Message - God Saves the Day (Again!)
    Jun 15 2025

    Do you ever feel like evil is winning? That's how it might have felt in Samuel's day. Evil people were in charge of Israel, and they even stopped the people from worshipping God properly! All the time, though, God was getting ready to replace them with a much better leader. Join Dave as he explores 1 Samuel 2 and 3, and discover how God works in surprising ways to make his good plans work.

    Find out more about the Dave and the show at faithfulgod.net.

    Show your thanks and support for Dave and help other people hear Stories of a Faithful God by signing up for the monthly prayer letter and by becoming a regular financial supporter here.

    To ask a question, make a comment, give encouragement or invite Dave to speak, you can make contact here.

    Check out this playlist on Spotify to hear lots of great songs that link to things we've discussed in the show.

    If you're a teen or adult, be sure to check out Dave's other podcast, Stories of a Faithful God, to take a deeper dive into these same passages.

    The Holy Bible, International Children’s Bible® Copyright© 1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission.

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    21 mins
  • 72. The Joy of Having God: The Beginning of 1 Samuel
    Jun 8 2025

    What do you do when you're feeling sad or hurt? Do you get angry? Do you throw things? Do you pretend everything is fine? As we begin the story of 1 Samuel, we meet a lady is is very, very sad. She doesn't hide it or get angry. Instead, she goes to the one person who can help her. She goes to God, and in him, she finds real joy. Join Dave as we begin our journey through 1 Samuel and see the many ways God saves and cares for his people.

    Find out more about the Dave and the show at faithfulgod.net.

    Show your thanks and support for Dave and help other people hear Stories of a Faithful God by signing up for the monthly prayer letter and by becoming a regular financial supporter here.

    To ask a question, make a comment, give encouragement or invite Dave to speak, you can make contact here.

    Check out this playlist on Spotify to hear lots of great songs that link to things we've discussed in the show.

    If you're a teen or adult, be sure to check out Dave's other podcast, Stories of a Faithful God, to take a deeper dive into these same passages.

    The Holy Bible, International Children’s Bible® Copyright© 1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission.

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    18 mins