DON'T GIVE UP by Grace Freeman Smith & David Butler

NOW I SEE GOD by Grace Freeman Smith & David Butler

In this episode of Don’t Miss This, Dave Butler and Grace Freeman study the book of Esther, one of the Bible's most remarkable stories of courage, faith, and redemption. Although God's name is never mentioned in the book, His hand can be seen on every page as He quietly prepares people and circumstances to bring about deliverance. Esther reminds us that even when the Lord seems absent, He is still writing a story of hope. As Queen Vashti, Mordecai, and Esther each make courageous choices, the discussion explores how God often works through ordinary people who are willing to trust Him. From unexpected opportunities to faithful friendships and timely acts of courage, every moment reveals that the Lord is present in ways we may only recognize when we look back. The story invites us to reflect on where we have already seen God's hand in our own lives. The episode also highlights Mordecai's famous reminder that Esther may have come "for such a time as this," encouraging us to trust that God has been preparing us long before we realize what lies ahead. Rather than calling only a few people to great acts of service, the Lord invites each of us to participate in quiet rescues, strengthening and lifting those He has placed in our path. Above all, the story of Esther points to Jesus Christ, whose redeeming power turns mourning into joy and fear into hope. Just as the decree of death was reversed and became a day of celebration, the gospel promises that every sorrow can one day be transformed. Because of Christ, our story is never finished on its hardest day. The Lord is still at work, leading us toward the good day He has prepared. Chapters: 00:00 Welcoming new and returning viewers 06:14 Uniqueness of the Book of Esther 09:39 Queen Vashti's defiance and beauty 11:38 Vashti's Humiliation and Rescue Story 14:00 Introducing Esther and Mordecai 20:06 Esther's influence and learning from Mordecai 21:14 Reflecting on life with faith 25:28 Finding God in Mom's Support 28:14 Community reactions to shocking news 32:13 Esther's Urgent Call to Action 33:43 Esther's pivotal moment of action 37:44 Valuing every individual's role 42:15 Relationship and career crossroads 46:17 Esther's courageous approach to the king 48:48 Haman's parade for Mordecai 50:52 Mordecai's Surprising Turn of Fate 54:19 Finding hope in tough times 57:27 Social media and goodbye Sign up for the Don’t Miss This newsletter at www.dontmissthisstudy.com #dontmissthis #comefollowme NEWSLETTER LINK: The Don’t Miss This video, the prayer poster, and tip-ins for kids, teens, couples and individuals can all be found in this week’s newsletter. Sign-up link in bio if you haven’t had a chance yet!! www.dontmissthisstudy.com Instagram: @dontmissthisstudy Podcast: Don’t Miss This Study Facebook: Don’t Miss This Study Follow Grace Instagram @thisweeksgrace Follow David Instagram: @mrdavebutler Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mrdavebutler/ Subscribe to the Don't Miss This App https://www.dontmissthisstudy.com/app

In this episode of Don’t Miss This, Dave Butler and Grace Freeman study Ezra and Nehemiah, following Israel's return from exile as they begin the long work of rebuilding Jerusalem, the temple, and their covenant relationship with God. These chapters remind us that every story of faith includes moments of starting again, and that the Lord is always ready to welcome His people home. As the people lay the temple's foundation, face opposition, and press forward despite discouragement, they discover that rebuilding rarely happens all at once. Faith grows one step at a time through small, consistent acts of devotion, even when progress feels slow. Again and again, scripture reminds us that the good hand of God is upon His people, strengthening them as they continue the work He has called them to do. This episode also highlights the role of prophets in times of rebuilding. Through the words of Ezra, Nehemiah, Haggai, and Zechariah, we see that God's servants encourage, strengthen, and remind His people of who they truly are. Rather than being defined by past mistakes, the Lord invites us to accept His new decree over our lives and move forward with faith, courage, and joy. Above all, Ezra and Nehemiah testify that rebuilding is not a story of shame but of hope. The joy of the Lord becomes our strength as we remember His goodness, recognize His hand in our lives, and choose once again to walk with Him. No matter where we begin, His gracious hand is always reaching out, inviting us to build something beautiful with Him. Chapters: 00:00 INTRO 05:45 Ezra 1: Cyrus' decree to return 11:24 Experiencing renewed faith 21:22 Laying the temple's foundation 26:30 Reflecting on love and grief 32:16 Scripture study and personal growth 33:43 Addressing daily frustrations 42:24 Jews' Reputation with Persian King 49:09 Role of prophets in scripture 51:34 The good hand of God 58:25 Praising and Worshiping Together 01:01:25 The joy of spiritual commitments 01:06:58 Observing the Feast of Booths 01:12:19 Creating a personalized teaching blueprint Sign up for the Don’t Miss This newsletter at www.dontmissthisstudy.com #dontmissthis #comefollowme NEWSLETTER LINK: The Don’t Miss This video, the prayer poster, and tip-ins for kids, teens, couples and individuals can all be found in this week’s newsletter. Sign-up link in bio if you haven’t had a chance yet!! www.dontmissthisstudy.com Instagram: @dontmissthisstudy Podcast: Don’t Miss This Study Facebook: Don’t Miss This Study Follow Grace Instagram @thisweeksgrace Follow David Instagram: @mrdavebutler Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mrdavebutler/ Subscribe to the Don't Miss This App https://www.dontmissthisstudy.com/app

In this episode of Don’t Miss This, Dave Butler and Grace Freeman study 2 Chronicles 14-20; 26; 30, discovering what some of the greatest prayers in scripture teach us about the heart of God. Through the lives of Asa, Jehoshaphat, and Hezekiah, we see leaders who faced impossible situations yet continually turned to the Lord, trusting that His power was greater than any obstacle before them. As armies gathered, kingdoms were threatened, and fear surrounded them, these faithful kings chose prayer before panic. Whether facing overwhelming odds, uncertain futures, or desperate personal trials, they sought the Lord with humble hearts, believing that God hears every cry and remains faithful to His promises. Their stories remind us that prayer is not a last resort but the first place we can turn when we don't know what to do. This episode also explores what it means to fix our eyes on God instead of our fears. Rather than counting reasons to give up, these kings remembered who God is and what He had already done for His people. As they trusted Him, the Lord answered with guidance, protection, peace, and unexpected miracles, showing that His graciousness reaches every sincere soul who calls upon Him. Above all, these chapters offer hope for anyone who has ever wondered if heaven is listening. The same God who heard the prayers of ancient kings still hears ours today. He sees every tear, knows every burden, and invites us to bring every fear before Him. No prayer offered in faith goes unnoticed, because our God is gracious, merciful, and always ready to hear His children. Chapters: 00:00 INTRO 03:03 Studying prayers of three kings 07:06 Finding faith over logic 12:27 Temple dedication and divine promise 13:21 Reflecting on First Kings 8 17:28 Imagining prayer in a new way 20:46 Discussing Hezekiah in 2 Kings 23:03 Hezekiah receives and prays over letter 27:52 Discussing Faith and Feeling Ignored 30:10 Hezekiah's Illness and Prayer 34:21 Weekly word: Graciousness and prayer 35:44 Subscribing to the app and newsletter Sign up for the Don’t Miss This newsletter at www.dontmissthisstudy.com #dontmissthis #comefollowme NEWSLETTER LINK: The Don’t Miss This video, the prayer poster, and tip-ins for kids, teens, couples and individuals can all be found in this week’s newsletter. Sign-up link in bio if you haven’t had a chance yet!! www.dontmissthisstudy.com Instagram: @dontmissthisstudy Podcast: Don’t Miss This Study Facebook: Don’t Miss This Study Follow Grace Instagram @thisweeksgrace Follow David Instagram: @mrdavebutler Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mrdavebutler/ Subscribe to the Don't Miss This App https://www.dontmissthisstudy.com/app

In this episode of Don’t Miss This, Dave Butler and Grace Freeman study 2 Kings 16–25, following the final years of the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. As one kingdom falls and another struggles to survive, these chapters reveal that the greatest danger was never the nations surrounding them, but the slow drift of hearts turning away from God. Even in seasons of decline, the Lord continued to invite His people to return, reminding us that repentance is always an invitation to come home. Through the faithful examples of Hezekiah and Josiah, we see what it looks like to seek God with a whole heart. They opened the doors of the temple, restored true worship, gathered the people, rediscovered the scriptures, and removed anything that drew hearts away from the Lord. Their stories remind us that spiritual renewal often begins with small, intentional choices to place God first, trust His voice, and create room for His presence in our lives. This episode also explores the voices we choose to listen to. While the enemy filled God's people with fear, doubt, and discouragement, the scriptures continually pointed them back to truth, hope, and covenant promises. Whether through worship, scripture study, generosity, or quiet acts of repentance, every step toward God helped retune hearts that had slowly drifted out of harmony. The Lord never stopped inviting His people to return, no matter how far they had wandered. Although these chapters record the fall of kingdoms and the sorrow of exile, they end with a quiet reminder that God is never finished with His people. Even after loss and captivity, He continued preparing the way for restoration. The same promise is true today. No matter where our story has taken us, the Lord continues to call us back, restore what has been broken, and remind us that with Him, our story is never over. Chapters: 00:00 INTRO 05:36 Kings vs Chronicles narratives 08:45 King Ahaz adopts foreign altar design 12:27 Life's guitar strings and faith 16:30 Reflecting on Personal Accountability 17:45 Relying on faith in hard times 20:30 Repetitive cycles in human life 25:35 Repairing Doors and Hearts 29:32 Embracing sudden change through faith 32:11 Discussing Passover timing changes 34:00 Embracing joyful persistence 38:45 Singing enthusiastically in church 41:21 Hezekiah's faith and success 44:20 Inviting everyone to the covenant 48:37 Using scripture to guide life 51:23 Destroying the old altar 54:31 Jacob Becomes Israel 57:08 Reflecting on Faith and Priorities 59:28 Jehoiakin's partial restoration Sign up for the Don’t Miss This newsletter at www.dontmissthisstudy.com #dontmissthis #comefollowme NEWSLETTER LINK: The Don’t Miss This video, the prayer poster, and tip-ins for kids, teens, couples and individuals can all be found in this week’s newsletter. Sign-up link in bio if you haven’t had a chance yet!! www.dontmissthisstudy.com Instagram: @dontmissthisstudy Podcast: Don’t Miss This Study Facebook: Don’t Miss This Study Follow Grace Instagram @thisweeksgrace Follow David Instagram: @mrdavebutler Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mrdavebutler/ Subscribe to the Don't Miss This App https://www.dontmissthisstudy.com/app

In this episode of Don’t Miss This, Dave Butler and Grace Freeman study 2 Kings 2–7 and discover that the God who worked miracles through Elijah is the same God who continues to work through Elisha. As one prophet passes the mantle to another, these chapters remind us that God's power has never been limited to one person or one generation. He is the same God yesterday, today, and forever, still healing, providing, rescuing, and strengthening His children. From the healing of the waters at Jericho to the widow's overflowing oil, each miracle points beyond Elisha and toward the heart of God. Whether providing more than enough for a grieving family, reminding us that repentance brings lasting healing, or showing that His blessings often exceed our expectations, these stories reveal a Savior whose grace is abundant. God is not interested in merely helping us survive. He delights in restoring, multiplying, and making us whole. The story of Naaman teaches that God's greatest miracles often come through simple acts of faith. Though Naaman expected a dramatic solution, healing came through humble obedience as he washed in the Jordan River. These chapters invite us to trust that God is patient with our growth, willing to work with us through every attempt, every setback, and every step toward becoming completely clean. His purpose is not partial healing, but complete restoration. The episode concludes by showing that no concern is too great or too small for the Lord. Whether raising a child back to life, helping someone recover a borrowed axe head, or answering the quiet prayers of everyday disciples, God cares deeply about every part of our story. Together, these chapters testify that the same God who performed miracles in the Old Testament still works in our lives today, inviting us to trust Him, seek His Spirit, and believe that His power is never exhausted. Chapters: 00:00 INTRO 03:52 Discussing Elijah's Miracles in Hebrew 08:29 Discussing faith and relationship journey 10:21 Desiring a life led by the Spirit 13:31 Continuing God's miracles and presence 16:54 Discussing lasting impact of miracles 22:44 Widow's plea for help 26:03 Questioning and starting to pray 26:33 Questioning faith and superstitions 30:20 Elisha's miraculous revival 33:05 Discussing a leper's honorable introduction 38:23 Naaman's Servants Encourage Him 41:01 The significance of number seven 44:33 Floating ax head miracle story 47:08 God's care in everyday life Sign up for the Don’t Miss This newsletter at www.dontmissthisstudy.com #dontmissthis #comefollowme NEWSLETTER LINK: The Don’t Miss This video, the prayer poster, and tip-ins for kids, teens, couples and individuals can all be found in this week’s newsletter. Sign-up link in bio if you haven’t had a chance yet!! www.dontmissthisstudy.com Instagram: @dontmissthisstudy Podcast: Don’t Miss This Study Facebook: Don’t Miss This Study Follow Grace Instagram @thisweeksgrace Follow David Instagram: @mrdavebutler Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mrdavebutler/ Subscribe to the Don't Miss This App https://www.dontmissthisstudy.com/app

In this episode of Don’t Miss This, Dave Butler and Grace Freeman study 1 Kings 12-13; 17-22 and explore the divided kingdom of Israel, the ministry of Elijah, and the many ways God shows up in our lives. Through stories of kings, prophets, miracles, and personal struggles, these chapters remind us that faith is not about choosing the easiest path, but about trusting God enough to keep moving forward even when we cannot see the outcome. As the kingdom divides under Rehoboam and Jeroboam, the discussion highlights the danger of choosing convenience over covenant commitment. The temptation to make discipleship easier often comes at the cost of sacrifice, growth, and devotion. Dave and Grace reflect on how spiritual strength is built through consistent faithfulness, reminding us that some of the deepest blessings come not from avoiding difficulty, but from remaining dedicated when the journey requires effort. The heart of the episode follows Elijah’s remarkable experiences during a time of drought and uncertainty. Whether being fed by ravens, helping a widow whose oil never fails, or witnessing God’s power on Mount Carmel, Elijah learns again and again that the Lord provides exactly what is needed. These stories invite us to get off the bench and step into faith, trusting that God can work through unlikely circumstances, unexpected people, and miracles that often begin with simple acts of obedience. The episode concludes with Elijah’s moments of exhaustion, discouragement, and renewal. Under a juniper tree and later on a mountain, he discovers that God does not always appear through dramatic displays of power. Sometimes He comes through a meal, a moment of rest, a small cloud on the horizon, or a still small voice. Together, these chapters testify of a God who is both powerful and personal, who keeps His promises, strengthens His people, and remains present through every season of the journey. Chapters: 00:00 INTRO 04:01 Jeroboam's Prophecy and Kingdom Split 06:45 The king's misguided counsel 10:52 Types of athletes and mindsets 15:45 Introduction to Elijah's Stories 18:10 Unexpected ways God provides 22:35 Fetching water and asking for bread 26:06 Elijah's promise and the sick son 27:08 Faith before evidence 30:54 Biblical story and themes discussion 36:03 Elijah's Sacrifice and Miracle 36:59 Miraculous biblical fire story 40:39 Holding onto faith through doubt 45:40 Discussing Biblical Verse Interpretation 48:16 Elijah's time in the cave 51:15 God's appearances in scripture 53:50 Social media handles and sign-off Sign up for the Don’t Miss This newsletter at www.dontmissthisstudy.com #dontmissthis #comefollowme NEWSLETTER LINK: The Don’t Miss This video, the prayer poster, and tip-ins for kids, teens, couples and individuals can all be found in this week’s newsletter. Sign-up link in bio if you haven’t had a chance yet!! www.dontmissthisstudy.com Instagram: @dontmissthisstudy Podcast: Don’t Miss This Study Facebook: Don’t Miss This Study Follow Grace Instagram @thisweeksgrace Follow David Instagram: @mrdavebutler Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mrdavebutler/ Subscribe to the Don't Miss This App https://www.dontmissthisstudy.com/app

In this episode of Don’t Miss This, Dave Butler and Grace Freeman study 2 Samuel 11–12 and 1 Kings 1–9, exploring the stories of David and Solomon and the lessons they teach about mercy, redemption, wisdom, and devotion. These chapters remind us that scripture is filled with imperfect people, and yet God continues to work through them, write them into His story, and accomplish His purposes through their lives. The episode begins with one of the most heartbreaking moments in David’s life. His choices involving Bathsheba and Uriah reveal the consequences of sin and the pain that can follow when we lose sight of the Lord. Yet even in the middle of failure, God does not abandon David. Through Nathan’s confrontation, David is invited to repent, and the story becomes a powerful reminder that mistakes do not place us beyond the reach of God’s grace. The discussion highlights how redemption remains possible, even after our lowest moments, because God’s work with us is not finished. From David’s story, the focus shifts to Solomon, a young king who begins his reign with a sincere love for the Lord. When given the opportunity to ask God for anything, Solomon chooses an understanding heart. Dave and Grace reflect on what it means to see people the way God sees them and how experiences, relationships, and mercy can change the way we view others. Through Solomon’s request, we are invited to seek wisdom, compassion, and greater understanding in our own lives. The episode concludes with Solomon’s construction and dedication of the temple, a place built through sacrifice and devoted to God. As they study the promises found in the temple dedication prayer, Dave and Grace emphasize God’s willingness to hear prayers, offer forgiveness, and welcome all who come seeking Him. Together, these chapters testify of a God who remains dedicated to His people, who redeems broken stories, grants wisdom to those who seek it, and invites everyone to draw closer to Him. Chapters: 00:00 INTRO 05:47 Lessons from David's Mistakes 07:42 Uriah summoned back by David 10:00 David's realization and consequences 13:32 Lessons from Jesus' genealogy 18:38 David's influence on Solomon 21:12 David's life and God's mercy 25:28 Thanksgiving prank gone emotional 28:14 Solomon builds the first temple 32:29 Building the temple with sacrifices 34:26 Dedication to Temple Building 39:12 Dedication prayer discussion 42:32 Solomon's prayer for wisdom 46:01 Reflecting on holy places 46:52 Wrapping up and social media links Sign up for the Don’t Miss This newsletter at www.dontmissthisstudy.com #dontmissthis #comefollowme NEWSLETTER LINK: The Don’t Miss This video, the prayer poster, and tip-ins for kids, teens, couples and individuals can all be found in this week’s newsletter. Sign-up link in bio if you haven’t had a chance yet!! www.dontmissthisstudy.com Instagram: @dontmissthisstudy Podcast: Don’t Miss This Study Facebook: Don’t Miss This Study Follow Grace Instagram @thisweeksgrace Follow David Instagram: @mrdavebutler Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mrdavebutler/ Subscribe to the Don't Miss This App https://www.dontmissthisstudy.com/app

In this episode of Don’t Miss This, Dave Butler and Grace Freeman study 1 Samuel 17–18, 24–26 and 2 Samuel 5–7, following the journey of David from shepherd boy to king. What begins with an unexpected anointing in Bethlehem unfolds through battlefields, friendships, acts of mercy, and years of preparation, revealing how God sees potential long before the world can recognize it. As Samuel searches for Israel’s next king, the Lord teaches one of scripture’s most powerful lessons: man looks on the outward appearance, but God looks on the heart. David may have seemed like the least likely choice, yet God saw something greater. Through the story of David and Goliath, we see a young man whose confidence came not from his own strength, but from his trust in God, reminding us that the greatest victories come when our eyes are fixed on the Lord instead of the giants before us. The episode also explores the people who shaped David’s life along the way. From Jonathan’s loyal friendship to Abigail’s wisdom and mercy, these stories reveal how God places the right people in our path during seasons of uncertainty and growth. The account of David’s mighty men highlights the power of surrounding ourselves with faithful people who strengthen our courage, share our battles, and help us become who God is calling us to be. Ultimately, David’s story is about more than a shepherd becoming a king. It is a reminder that God sees who we can become long before we see it ourselves. Through every battle, friendship, triumph, and setback, the Lord was shaping David into the leader He had promised he would be. The same God who saw a king in a shepherd boy continues to see divine potential in each of us and patiently helps us grow into it. Chapters: 00:00 INTRO 06:01 God's criteria for choosing a king 13:48 The description of Goliath 15:55 Facing Personal Goliaths in Life 21:21 Building confidence through small wins 31:20 David runs to the army 35:09 Finding courage through past victories 39:17 Meeting Jonathan and forming a bond 47:12 David shows kindness to Mephibosheth 51:34 Abigail's intervention with David 56:49 David's mighty men introduction 01:01:43 Creating a support network 01:06:19 David becomes king of Israel 01:10:28 Finding reasons to dance Sign up for the Don’t Miss This newsletter at www.dontmissthisstudy.com #dontmissthis #comefollowme NEWSLETTER LINK: The Don’t Miss This video, the prayer poster, and tip-ins for kids, teens, couples and individuals can all be found in this week’s newsletter. Sign-up link in bio if you haven’t had a chance yet!! www.dontmissthisstudy.com Instagram: @dontmissthisstudy Podcast: Don’t Miss This Study Facebook: Don’t Miss This Study Follow Grace Instagram @thisweeksgrace Follow David Instagram: @mrdavebutler Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mrdavebutler/ Subscribe to the Don't Miss This App https://www.dontmissthisstudy.com/app