In this bonus episode, we meet Kate Morris - Kate is a writer, speaker, and educator who supports families with neurodivergent children. She has served in children’s ministry as a cross-cultural worker in France, and now lives in Sydney with her husband and three children, including two who are neurodivergent. Kate combines her background in education and biblical studies with further study in neurodivergence to equip families and churches with practical, Bible-shaped resources.

You can read her Substack articles here at An Extraordinary Normal: Faith, Family and Neurodivergence

You can listen to our new podcast, Neurodivergence, Family and Faith, on your listening app or here.

Check out all the podcasts on the Faithful God Network at faithfulgod.net

What do you hope for? That’s the big question we’re diving into today! In this episode, we chat about the nature of hope—how it can lift us up or leave us feeling pretty dashed when things don’t go as planned. We explore the Israelites' hope in King Saul and how that hope quickly crumbles under pressure, revealing that sometimes our expectations can lead us astray. But don’t worry, it’s not all doom and gloom! We also highlight God's unwavering faithfulness, showing us that even when our hopes are misplaced, He remains steadfast and true. So join Dave as he explores 1 Samuel 11-14, and see how Jonathon's faith in God gives him hope and courage, while Saul's Faithlessness drives him into fear.

Find out more about 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.

If you have or know kids, be sure to check out Dave's other podcast, Stories of a Faithful God for Kids.

The Christian Standard Bible. Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible®, and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers, all rights reserved.

What do you want from a leader? For Israel, they wanted to move towards having a human king, just like the nations around them. By making that request, they were rejecting their one true king, the Lord God. God could just abandon them, but instead, he shows his love yet again by establishing a kingship that will leads to both their salvation and the salvation of the world. Join Dave as he explores 1 Samuel 8-10, and discover the faithful love of God in caring for his rebellious people.

Find out more about 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.

If you have or know kids, be sure to check out Dave's other podcast, Stories of a Faithful God for Kids.

The Christian Standard Bible. Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible®, and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers, all rights reserved.

Do you ever try to manipulate God? He holds the greatest power in the universe, and we often want it used for our own plans. In today's story, we explore how the Israelites try to weaponise the power of God by taking the ark with them into battle. They are going to learn, though, that God is not a tool to be wielded whenever they want, but the king of the universe. Only through true worship can they come to enjoy the true power of God. Join Dave as he explores 1 Samuel 4-7.

Takeaways:

• In the podcast, the host emphasizes the importance of allowing biblical passages to communicate their intended messages without personal bias or interpretation.
• The narrative highlights the contrast between genuine devotion to God and the tendencies of individuals to manipulate Him for personal gain.
• The discussion also delves into the consequences faced by the Israelites due to their failure to respect and honor God's sovereignty during their battles.
• Furthermore, the episode illustrates the significance of true repentance and reliance on God as the Israelites finally turn away from false gods and seek His assistance.

Find out more about 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.

If you have or know kids, be sure to check out Dave's other podcast, Stories of a Faithful God for Kids.

The Christian Standard Bible. Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible®, and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers, all rights reserved.

Have you ever been disappointed by unmet expectations? Have you ever felt like God has let you down? In this episode, we explore how God so often does what is not expected. This isn't bad, though, as what he does is so much better than what people expect of him. The episode is the start of a new series in 1 Samuel. We see how God brings hope and joy out of one woman's suffering. The hope and joy is not for her alone, but for the whole nation of Israel. As God does this, he also begins his plans to rid Israel of corrupt and bullying leaders. We'll see how God's wonderful actions of the past pointed to an an even greater hope and joy through Jesus. Join Dave as he explores 1 Samuel chapters 1-3.

Find out more about 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.

If you have or know kids, be sure to check out Dave's other podcast, Stories of a Faithful God for Kids.

The Christian Standard Bible. Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible®, and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers, all rights reserved.

We all face the profound experience of grief and death. It robs us of relationships, hopes and dreams. We share this experience no matter where or when we live. After Jesus' death, all the hopes of those who trusted him were shattered. The thought of him, coming back to life was unbelievable. Though what they saw and heard, though, their skepticism was overcome.

The episode delves into the profound and universal experience of grief stemming from the inevitability of death, a truth we all confront, regardless of our circumstances. We explore the impact of mortality on our lives, whether it be the premature loss of a child or the heart-wrenching farewell to a loved one in their twilight years. I explore the skepticism surrounding the resurrection of Jesus, recounting how even those closest to Him struggled to believe in His triumph over death. Through the narrative of Mary Magdalene and the initial disbelief of the disciples, we see the transformative power of encountering the risen Christ, which shifts despair into hope and disbelief into faith. Ultimately, we are invited to reflect on the implications of Jesus' victory over death and the hope it extends to all who believe.

Find out more about 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.

If you have or know kids, be sure to check out Dave's other podcast, Stories of a Faithful God for Kids.

The Christian Standard Bible. Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible®, and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers, all rights reserved.

Uncertainty. Fear. Lack of control. These are things almost everyone feels on the first Good Friday. Remarkably, the only one who appears calm and in control is the man who is about to be crucified. Jesus is abandoned, denied, unjustly accused and executed, and yet he endures it all because of his unshakeable faithful love. Join Dave as he explores John 18-19 and the astounding events of the first Good Friday, and discover why Jesus is truly the greatest king.

Find out more about 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.

If you have or know kids, be sure to check out Dave's other podcast, Stories of a Faithful God for Kids.

The Christian Standard Bible. Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible®, and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers, all rights reserved.

If you follow Jesus there will be trouble you have to face because of it. In Jesus' final words to his disciples he prepares them and us for those troubles. He shows how we will have great joy and be secure if we remain in him. He will not leave us alone, but will give us everything we need to stand firm because he has overcome the world. Join Dave as he explores these encouraging words from Jesus on the eve of the first Christmas.

Takeaways:

• The message of Christianity is often distorted to suggest that faith in Jesus guarantees a trouble-free life, which is misleading and dangerous.
• Jesus prepares his disciples for the inevitable troubles they will face, emphasizing the importance of remaining in Him for strength and hope.
• The relationship between Jesus and his disciples is characterized by love and mutual connection, which is essential for their spiritual fruitfulness and joy.
• The unity and love among believers are crucial, as they reflect the unity of the Father and the Son, which Jesus prays for in His final moments with them.
• By remaining in Jesus, you will have complete, satisfying joy with God.

Find out more about 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.

If you have or know kids, be sure to check out Dave's other podcast, Stories of a Faithful God for Kids.

The Christian Standard Bible. Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible®, and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers, all rights reserved.

How do you live as a follower of Jesus if Jesus isn't here? On the night before Jesus died, he sat down with his disciples to prepare them for that moment. They were scared, confused and frustrated, but Jesus knew what he was doing. The words he spoke on that night not only shaped their lives, but the lives of all who have followed Jesus since. Join Dave as he explores these profound words in John 13-14.

Takeaways:

• In the podcast, we explore the impact of Jesus' imminent departure on his disciples, emphasizing their emotional turmoil and confusion as they grapple with his impending absence.
• We reflect on the significance of Jesus washing his disciples' feet, illustrating how true leadership is characterized by humble service rather than power and authority.
• The discussion includes the critical importance of love among Jesus' followers, as he commands them to love one another as he has loved them, marking a fundamental principle of Christian discipleship.
• We discover that faith in Jesus is the only path to a relationship with God the Father, highlighting the exclusivity of Christ's role in salvation.
• Despite the disciples' initial confusion and fear, Jesus assures them of his continuing presence through the Holy Spirit, offering comfort and guidance in their future endeavors.
• Lastly, we anticipate the transformative power of believing in Jesus, which not only leads to eternal life but also empowers individuals to engage in the mission of sharing the Gospel with others.

.

Find out more about 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.

If you have or know kids, be sure to check out Dave's other podcast, Stories of a Faithful God for Kids.

The Christian Standard Bible. Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible®, and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers, all rights reserved.

The central moment in all of history has arrived. Even as he is hailed as king, Jesus prepares for death. How people respond to Jesus is a matter of life or death. Jesus understands the time he's in, but will everyone else. Join Dave as he explores John chapter 12 and discover the urgency of the moment we live in.

.

Find out more about 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.

If you have or know kids, be sure to check out Dave's other podcast, Stories of a Faithful God for Kids.

The Christian Standard Bible. Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible®, and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers, all rights reserved.