Hearts Aflame

In this episode, we consider John Owen’s sobering call: “Be killing sin, or sin will be killing you.” We explore what it means to put sin to death daily—not merely avoiding outward sins, but striking at the root through the power of the Spirit. Mortification is a lifelong battle, but it is also the path to spiritual strength, peace, and joy. We’ll look at how the cross of Christ provides both the pattern and the power for this work, and close with reflection questions to help you wage war against sin and walk in life and communion with God.

In this episode, we meditate on the tenderness of Christ toward weak and wounded sinners. Drawing from "The Bruised Reed" by Richard Sibbes, we reflect on how Christ never crushes the bruised reed nor quenches the faintly burning wick, but instead fans even the smallest spark of grace into a flame. If you’ve ever felt hesitant to come to Christ because of your sin or weakness, this episode will remind you that His compassion is deeper than your misery and His mercy greater than your sin. We’ll close with thoughtful reflection questions to help you draw near to Him and imitate His gentleness toward others.

In this episode, we meditate on the comforting truth that when sin accuses, Christ intercedes. Drawing from Thomas Goodwin’s "Christ Our Advocate," we explore how Jesus appears before the Father on our behalf, presenting His finished work as the reason we are accepted. His advocacy is not occasional but continual — every moment He stands for His people, silencing every accusation and securing their peace. We’ll reflect on how this reality brings assurance to trembling consciences and strength to weary believers, and close with questions to help you rest in Christ’s unceasing intercession. 

In this episode, we reflect on what it means to fix our hearts on God in every circumstance. Drawing from William Bridge’s "A Lifting Up for the Downcast," we explore how faith steadies the soul, quiets fears, and brings perfect peace even when life feels uncertain. We’ll consider how to roll our burdens onto the Lord, trust His promises, and wait patiently for His timing. This episode closes with reflection questions to help you practice staying your heart on God throughout the week and experience His double peace — peace with Him and peace within. 

In this episode, we reflect on the urgency of using our days wisely. Drawing from Thomas Watson’s "The Great Gain of Godliness," we consider time as a gift and a talent entrusted to us by God—one for which we must one day give an account. Every hour misspent is a pearl thrown away, and the market days of grace will not last forever. Together, we’ll think about what it means to “redeem the time,” to sow to the Spirit while it is still day, and to live each moment in light of eternity. The episode closes with reflection questions to help you examine how you are spending your days and how to use them for God’s glory.

Assurance of your standing in Christ brings peace, as seen in Richard Alleine’s "Heaven Opened" (1670). The Spirit confirms you’re God’s child, sparking love and duty, not carelessness. This episode unpacks how to seek it through Christ’s promises—trust Him today. Are you walking in assurance?

Being almost a Christian falls short of true faith, as seen in Matthew Mead’s "The Almost Christian Discovered" (1661). Many have outward religion but lack heart conversion—prayer without the Spirit or reform without repentance. This episode urges self-examination to embrace Christ fully—don’t stop short today. Are you truly His?

Humility adorns the Christian, as seen in Edward Reynolds’ "A Treatise on the Passions and Faculties of the Soul" (1640). It sees you as a sinner saved by grace, serving without pride, learning from Christ’s lowliness. This episode unpacks how it fuels faith and lifts you up—embrace it today. Are you living humbly?

Holiness brings true joy, as seen in George Swinnock’s "The Beauty of Holiness" (1665). Unlike sin’s fleeting pleasures, it crowns your soul with peace, turning duties and trials into worship. This episode unpacks how living holy, like God, starts heaven now—pursue it today. Are you embracing holiness?

Prayer unlocks heaven, as seen in John Bunyan’s "A Discourse Touching Prayer" (1663). It’s a heartfelt cry, powered by faith and the Spirit, opening God’s mercy through Christ. This episode unpacks how sincere prayer, even when answers delay, ascends to Him—pray with trust today. Are you using prayer’s key?