No Dusty Bibles

1 Samuel 17-18 | Courage in the Face of Giants

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!

1 Samuel 15-16 | Obedience and God’s Heart for the Humble

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!

1 Samuel 13-14 | Obedience Over Impulse

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!

1 Samuel 11-12 | A Faithful God, Even When We Fail

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!

1 Samuel 9-10 | When God Calls the Unlikely

Episode Summary
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.
Key Highlights from the Episode
Overview of the Passage or Topic
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.
Key Themes or Lessons
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.
Devotional Application
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.
Reflection Prompts
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.
Additional Details
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.
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 11–12 and we continue to see how God leads, equips, and calls His people—even through their doubts and demands. See you soon!

Ruth 3 - 1 Samuel 8 Recap | Faithful in the Waiting and the Asking

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
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.
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.
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!

1 Samuel 7-8 | Who’s Really in Charge?

Episode Summary
In today’s episode, we explore 1 Samuel 7–8, a powerful contrast between spiritual revival and spiritual rejection. Israel first turns to God with repentance and is met with His deliverance. Yet, soon after, they demand a king to lead them “like all the other nations.” This episode challenges us to consider where we may be choosing human control over divine leadership—and reminds us that true peace comes from surrendering to the One who rules with righteousness.
Key Highlights from the Episode
Overview of the Passage or Topic
Historical Context: Set during the time of the prophet Samuel, these chapters mark a transition from the era of the judges to the beginning of Israel’s monarchy.
Purpose of the Passage: To highlight God’s faithfulness in response to repentance (ch. 7) and to contrast it with Israel’s desire to replace God’s rule with a human king (ch. 8).
Key Themes or Lessons
Repentance Leads to Restoration (1 Samuel 7:3–13): Israel’s return to God brings deliverance from the Philistines and spiritual peace.
Ebenezer: Remembering God's Help (1 Samuel 7:12): Samuel sets a stone of remembrance to declare, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.”
Rejection of God as King (1 Samuel 8:6–8): The people’s request for a king reveals their misplaced trust in human systems rather than God’s leadership.
Devotional Application
The story of Israel in 1 Samuel 7–8 invites us to pause and evaluate where our trust truly lies. Like the Israelites, we’re prone to crave what’s visible, immediate, and familiar. But God doesn’t ask us to understand every step—He asks us to surrender every step. Whether we’re celebrating an Ebenezer moment or facing pressure to conform, our peace comes from letting God be King. He’s not just looking for lip service—He’s inviting us into deep, daily trust.
Reflection Prompts
Where in your life are you relying on a person, system, or plan more than you're relying on God?Consider your sources of security—are they grounded in faith or control?
What “Ebenezer” moments can you remember that remind you of God’s faithfulness?Write them down or revisit them in prayer to anchor your trust in this current season.
What decision are you facing right now that needs to be laid before God rather than rushed into?Invite the Lord to lead, and resist the urge to move ahead without His direction.
Additional Details
This episode uses the tension between Israel’s revival and rebellion to spark a personal reflection on our own faith journey. With warmth and honesty, it encourages listeners to trade fear-driven decisions for faith-filled dependence on God as their ultimate leader.
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. When the world says “be like everyone else,” may we be the ones who say, “God, we choose You.”
Until next time, stay in the Word and trust in His promises. We’ll be back tomorrow as Hannah walks us through a recap of all we’ve read this week and we consider being faithful in the waiting and faithful in the asking. See you soon!

1 Samuel 5-6 | You Can’t Box in God

Episode Summary
In this powerful episode, we journey through 1 Samuel 5–6, where the Ark of the Covenant is captured by the Philistines—but instead of signaling defeat for Israel, the story becomes a striking reminder of God's unmatched power. Without a single human rescue, God topples idols, afflicts His enemies, and proves that His glory cannot be managed or contained. This episode challenges us to stop striving and start trusting the God who defends His own name.
Key Highlights from the Episode
Overview of the Passage or Topic
Historical Context: These chapters continue the narrative after Israel’s defeat in battle and the loss of the Ark. The Philistines think they’ve gained the upper hand—but they’ve severely underestimated the power of Israel’s God.
Purpose of the Passage: To reveal God's supremacy over idols and nations, and to show that His presence carries weight—even when it's mishandled or misunderstood.
Key Themes or Lessons
God’s Sovereignty Is Not Limited by Human Circumstances (1 Samuel 5:1–4): Even in enemy territory, God proves His authority by toppling the Philistine god Dagon.
God Doesn’t Need to Be Rescued—He Rescues (1 Samuel 5:6–12): The Ark’s presence leads to outbreaks of tumors and panic, affirming that God fights His own battles.
Reverence Over Ritual (1 Samuel 6:1–21): When the Philistines return the Ark, they send guilt offerings and confess God’s power—highlighting the importance of acknowledging God rightly.
Devotional Application
God doesn’t need us to protect or prove Him—He simply invites us to surrender. This story reminds us that while God works through His people, He is never dependent on us. Whether we’re in a season of waiting or facing what feels like loss, we can rest in the truth that He is still in control. Our job is not to contain His presence or use Him for our purposes—it’s to recognize His holiness, submit to His authority, and trust His plans.
Reflection Prompts
Are you trying to fit God into your plans rather than fully surrendering to His?Identify areas where you might be treating God as a side character instead of the Author of your story.
Where do you need to release control and trust that God is already working?Reflect on situations where you’ve been striving to fix things and ask God to help you rest in His power.
How do you respond when God’s power disrupts your expectations?Consider your posture when life feels out of control—do you resist or return to reverence?
Additional Details
This episode encourages listeners to reframe how they view setbacks and surrender. God’s power is not a tool for our comfort—it’s a reality to be honored. Whether we’re facing personal idols or cultural confusion, 1 Samuel 5–6 calls us to trust the God who doesn’t need to be managed—just worshipped.
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. And in every moment, He remains in control.
Until next time, stay in the Word and trust in His promises. We’ll be back tomorrow as Heather walks us through 1 Samuel 7–8 and we consider “Who’s really in charge?” See you soon!

1 Samuel 3-4 | When God Speaks and Glory Departs

Episode Summary
In this episode of No Dusty Bibles, we step into the contrasting spiritual atmospheres of 1 Samuel 3–4. We witness young Samuel’s first encounter with God’s voice—a quiet call that comes in the stillness of night—and we see the tragic outcome of Israel’s spiritual deafness as they treat God’s presence like a good-luck charm. This episode calls us to cultivate a listening heart and live in reverence before the God who still speaks today.
Key Highlights from the Episode
Overview of the Passage or Topic
1 Samuel 3–4 bridges the transition from the failing priesthood of Eli to the prophetic leadership of Samuel. Written in the early monarchy period, these chapters reveal God’s desire to speak to His people and His judgment on corrupt leadership.
Samuel is called by God in a quiet moment of obedience, while Israel, led by Eli’s rebellious sons, suffers defeat after treating the Ark of the Covenant like a tool rather than honoring the presence it represented.
Key Themes or Lessons
God Speaks to the Available (1 Samuel 3:10): Samuel's willingness to listen sets him apart. Spiritual readiness is more about posture than position.
Reverence Matters (1 Samuel 4:3–11): Israel’s assumption that the Ark would guarantee victory—without repentance or relationship—shows a superficial faith.
Judgment Follows Repeated Disobedience (1 Samuel 4:17–22): Eli’s sons persist in sin, and the results are devastating. The glory of God departs from the people when they cease to honor Him.
Devotional Application
The core message is clear: God is still speaking—are we still listening?Samuel didn’t need status or age to hear from God. He needed stillness and obedience. In contrast, Israel’s leaders tried to manipulate God’s power without submitting to His will. This episode reminds us that listening to God requires humility, space, and reverence. God’s voice brings direction, but His presence demands honor.
Reflection Prompts
When was the last time you made space to truly hear from God? Consider what rhythms or distractions may be keeping you from listening and how you can shift your day to include stillness.
Are you pursuing God’s presence—or just His help?Reflect on where your heart has leaned more toward what God can do for you than who He is to you.
What is one way you can posture your heart like Samuel’s today?Choose a specific moment—whether in the morning or before bed—to say, “Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening.”
Additional Details
This episode gently contrasts the peace of personal revelation with the chaos of communal disobedience. It encourages listeners not to fear God’s voice but to welcome it—and to approach God's presence with awe, not assumption. With tender truth, it helps the audience long for intimacy with the Lord over any outward form of religion.
Summary Closing
Thanks so much for joining me today on No Dusty Bibles! Remember—God isn’t asking you to have all the answers. He’s simply asking you to listen, trust, and respond. He’s still speaking—will we be still enough to hear?
Until next time, stay in the Word and trust in His promises. We’ll be back tomorrow as Hannah walks us through 1 Samuel 5–6. See you soon!

1 Samuel 1-2 | Seen, Heard, and Surrendered

Episode Summary
In today’s episode, we open the book of 1 Samuel and meet Hannah, a woman whose silent anguish and steadfast faith invite us into a deeper trust in God’s character. As we journey through chapters 1–2, we witness Hannah’s honest prayers, God’s tender response, and the birth of Samuel—the prophet who would help transition Israel into a new era of leadership. This episode offers powerful encouragement for anyone walking through seasons of waiting, weeping, or surrender.
Key Highlights from the Episode
Overview of the Passage or Topic
1 Samuel begins during a spiritually dark period in Israel’s history, following the book of Judges. The authorship is traditionally linked to the prophet Samuel, with later scribes possibly contributing to its final form around 930–900 BC.
Chapters 1–2 focus on Hannah, her anguish over infertility, and her vow to dedicate her future son to the Lord. These chapters lay the foundation for Israel’s prophetic future by introducing Samuel and contrasting faithful prayer with corrupt priestly leadership.
Key Themes or Lessons
God Hears the Honest Heart (1 Samuel 1:10–17): Hannah’s silent, anguished prayer reminds us that God doesn’t require polished words—He responds to raw, honest surrender.
Surrender as Worship (1 Samuel 1:27–28): Hannah’s willingness to give Samuel back to God reflects radical faith. She trusted God not only with her prayer—but with the answer too.
Praise in the Middle of the Story (1 Samuel 2:1–10): Hannah’s prayer of praise celebrates God's sovereignty and justice—even though life remained imperfect. Her worship becomes a prophetic declaration of the kind of leader Israel truly needed.
Devotional Application
The core takeaway: God sees our tears, hears our prayers, and honors surrendered hearts.
Like Hannah, we can come before God vulnerably, without shame or fear. Whether our prayers are answered or still in progress, we can praise God for who He is. Hannah’s story reminds us that the waiting season is never wasted—it often births purpose, legacy, and unexpected redemption.
Reflection Prompts
What is something in your life you’ve been praying for—or have stopped praying for?Take time to bring that desire to God today. Let Hannah’s story remind you that your silence or sorrow doesn’t disqualify you from being heard.
How can you practice surrender in your current season?Write a prayer of release, entrusting one area of longing to God’s care and timing.
What praise can you offer today—even if your circumstances haven’t changed?Consider journaling or praying through a list of God's attributes as a way to strengthen your heart with truth while you wait.
Additional Details
With warmth and empathy, this episode sets the tone for the entire book of 1 Samuel—reminding us that spiritual leadership begins with humility, and that God often works through the quietest voices to shape history. Hannah’s story teaches us that faith doesn’t always shout—it often weeps, whispers, and waits.
Summary Closing
Thanks so much for joining me today on No Dusty Bibles! Remember—your tears are never wasted, and your prayers never fall on deaf ears. Like Hannah, you can trust that God sees, hears, and responds—sometimes in ways we never imagined.
Until next time, stay in the Word and trust in His promises. We’ll be back tomorrow as Heather walks us through 1 Samuel 3–4. See you soon!