July 26 - Aug 1 -

Curated Reading for July 26 – Aug 1

Sermon Series: Real Stories Week 5
Sermon Title: The God of Hidden Fields delivered on July 26, 2026

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Day 1 READ: 1 Samuel 16:1-13
David wasn't even brought in when Samuel came to anoint Israel's next king. Why do you think Jesse left him tending the sheep? What does 1 Samuel 16:7 teach us about what God values?

Day 1 PRAY: Ask God to search your heart this week. Is there an area where you've been more concerned with appearance than obedience? Invite Him to shape your character in the hidden places, trusting that He sees what others cannot.

Day 2 READ: 1 Samuel 16:14–23
Before David ever faced Goliath, he faithfully served King Saul by playing the harp. Even after being anointed king, David continued serving wherever God placed him. What does this teach us about humility, waiting, and faithfulness?

Day 2 PRAY: Think about an ordinary responsibility God has placed in front of you today. How can you serve with excellence and humility, believing that God often prepares us through everyday obedience?

Day 3 READ: 1 Samuel 17:1–37
For forty days, the Israelites listened to Goliath's threats. David heard the same words, yet responded very differently. Why? What was David focused on that everyone else seemed to miss? Why do you think he referred to God as "the living God"?

Day 3 PRAY: Ask yourself: What voice am I listening to most right now? Fear? Culture? My own doubts? Or the voice of God? Ask the Holy Spirit to replace one lie you've believed with one truth from His Word.

Day 4 READ: 1 Samuel 17:38–58
David's victory didn't just change his life; it changed the future of an entire nation. How did God use David's years in the hidden field to prepare him for this moment? Who benefited from David's trust in God?

Day 4 PRAY: Consider how God may be developing your faith today, not only for your own benefit, but so your life can become a blessing to others. Ask God to show you one person who might be encouraged by your trust in Him this week.

Day 5 READ: 1 Samuel 17:45–50 and Hebrews 2:14–15
David's victory over Goliath points beyond itself to a greater victory. Just as David defeated the enemy threatening God's people, Jesus defeated our greatest enemies - sin, death, and the devil. How does David's story prepare your heart to better understand what Jesus accomplished on the cross?

Day 5 PRAY: Spend time thanking Jesus for fighting the battle you could never win. Bring one "giant" you're facing before Him today, asking not only for His help, but for a deeper trust in Him.

Memorize and Reflect

1 Samuel 17:47

All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.

Real Stories Weekly Challenge

Real Stories Challenge

Share Your Hidden Field: Think of a season when God quietly grew your faith through difficulty, waiting, or ordinary obedience. Share that story with someone this week. Your testimony may encourage them to trust God in their own hidden field.
Take One Step of Trust: Identify one area where fear has been shaping your perspective. This week, replace that fear with God’s truth and take one intentional step of obedience, trusting that the battle belongs to the Lord.