The Harder Way Podcast

#150 - 2 Ki 16 - 1 Chr 27 On the Harder Way

Join Scott and Mattie on The Harder Way Podcast as they continue a nine-month journey through the Bible, moving from the end of 2 Kings into 1 Chronicles. This episode examines Judah’s fall, the Babylonian exile, the hope that remains in God’s covenant, and David’s preparations for the temple, all through the lens of faith over fear and the wisdom of the persecuted church.
They highlight themes of spiritual warfare, leadership and repentance, the power of testimony and genealogy, and call listeners to prayer and unity as they apply these stories to life and ministry today.
 
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#149 - 1 Ki 11 - 2 Ki 15 On the Harder Way

Week 10 of the Harder Way Podcast explores 1 Kings 10–2 Kings 15, tracing Solomon’s spiritual decline, the division of Israel and Judah, and the rise of bold prophets such as Elijah and Elisha. Hosts Scott and Mattie explore how idolatry, fear, and poor stewardship led to national collapse while the faithful remnant preserved God’s light.
The episode ties these Old Testament stories to the theme of faith over fear, urging listeners to confront idols in their own lives and to pray for persecuted Christians worldwide. It highlights the prophetic mercy and judgment, as well as the foreshadowing of Christ, in the ministries of Elijah and Elisha.
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#148 - 2 Sa 5 - 1 Ki 10 On the Harder Way

Scott and Mattie continue their Bible read-through, covering 2 Samuel 4 through 1 Kings 9–10. They trace David’s rise, the Ark’s arrival in Jerusalem, his grievous sin with Bathsheba, and his powerful repentance in Psalm 51, as well as Solomon’s humble request for wisdom and the building of the temple.
Along the way, our hosts reflect on leadership, repentance, and choosing faith over fear, offer practical ways to support the podcast, and remind listeners to pray for persecuted Christians, including those suffering in Mozambique.
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#147 - 1 Samuel - On the Harder Way

Scott and Mttdie walk through the book of 1 Samuel (with a brief look at 2 Samuel), highlighting key stories from Hannah and Samuel to Saul and David, and the Ark of the Covenant. They explore how God’s sovereignty and timing shape leaders and nations.
The episode connects these biblical accounts to the podcast’s theme of "faith over fear," discusses responses to persecution and compromise, and offers practical application about trusting God's promises, choosing noncompliance when required by conscience, and embracing the harder, God-honoring way.
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#146 - Joshua’s Covenant to Ruth’s Redemption: Walking the Harder Way

Scott and Mattie walk through Joshua 22–24, the book of Judges, and Ruth, tracing covenant renewal, the recurring cycle of sin and deliverance, and the hope of the kinsman‑redeemer. They connect these stories to Christ’s work and to the faithfulness of believers living under persecution.
The episode highlights practical takeaways for modern Christians—reminding listeners to renew covenant faithfulness, recognize patterns of spiritual drift, and find encouragement in God’s steadfast love (hesed) as modeled in Ruth and Boaz.Sign up for Weekly Email
Week 8 Reading: 1 Samuel 7 - 2 Samuel 5
Monday 1 Samuel 7–12
Tuesday 1 Samuel 13–16
Wednesday 1 Samuel 17–20
Thursday 1 Samuel 21–24
Friday 1 Samuel 25–30
Saturday 1 Samuel 31; 2 Samuel 1–5
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#145 - Deu 20 - Josh 21 On the Harder way

Join Scott and Mattie as they cover Deuteronomy 20 through Joshua 21, exploring themes of holiness, covenant renewal, and choosing faith over fear. Hear stories of the restricted church and Bible courier ministry, plus key moments like the fall of Jericho, Rahab’s faith, Joshua’s commissioning, and the cities of refuge — all pointing to God’s faithfulness and the work of Christ.
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Week 7 Reading: Joshua 22 - 1 Samuel 6
Monday       Joshua 22–24; Judges 1
Tuesday       Judges 2–6
Wednesday Judges 7–10
Thursday     Judges 11–15
Friday          Judges 16–19
Saturday     Judges 20–21; Ruth 1–4
Sunday       1 Samuel 1–6
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#144 - Num 22 - Deu 19 on the Harder Way

Scott and Mattie walk through Numbers 22–Deuteronomy 19, unpacking stories such as Balaam and his speaking donkey, Israel's fall into idolatry, the Shema, and the cities of refuge (a type of Christ!), while highlighting God's sovereignty and providential care.
This episode urges listeners to choose faith over fear, embrace holiness the "God way," and learn from the persecuted church to live faithfully on the Harder Way.
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Week 6 Reading: Deuteronomy 20 - Joshua 21
Monday          Deuteronomy 20–24
Tuesday          Deuteronomy 25–28
Wednesday    Deuteronomy 29–33
Thursday        Deuteronomy 34; Joshua 1–5
Friday            Joshua 6–9 Deuteronomy 4–8
Saturday        Joshua 10–15
Sunday          Joshua 16–21
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#143 - Lev 19 - Num 21 On the Harder Way

Scott and Mattie guide listeners through Leviticus 19–27 and Numbers 1–21, unpacking holiness codes, laws, and the practical challenges of faith over fear. They highlight key stories, the manna and quail, the twelve spies, Korah's rebellion, Moses striking the rock, and the bronze serpent, and draw connections to Jesus, leadership, and the persecuted church.
The episode encourages readers to trust God’s timing and providence, learn from Israel’s failures, and embrace the "Harder Way" of faithful obedience even under pressure, accompanied by pastoral reflections on accountability and resilience.
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Week 5 Reading: Numbers 22-Deuteronomy 19
Monday          Numbers 22–26Tuesday          Numbers 27–31Wednesday    Numbers 32–35Thursday        Numbers 36; Deuteronomy 1–3Friday             Deuteronomy 4–8Saturday        Deuteronomy 9–13Sunday          Deuteronomy 14–19
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