Don't Miss This Study

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

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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

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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!!
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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

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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
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Follow David Instagram: @mrdavebutler
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