The Read Think Pray Podcast

In this episode, we find a New Testament connection to the rise and fall of King Uzziah in Jesus's letter to the Church in Laodicea. We read and think through Revelation 3:15-17 and confront the reality that while we may say one thing, the Lord knows what's really going on. He knows what and who we sound like, and we consider asking him before he tells us. Also in this episode, we read from the book, ⁠Humility by Andrew Murray⁠.And here is the series schedule if you'd like to read ahead or along:Ep. 1 - 2 Chronicles 24:1-15Ep. 2 - 2 Chronicles 24:15-27Ep. 3 - Matthew 23:34-36Ep. 4 – 2 Chronicles 25:1-13Ep. 5 – 2 Chronicles 25:14-28Ep. 6 – Matthew 22:37-38Ep. 7 – 2 Chronicles 26:1-15Ep. 8 – 2 Chronicles 26:16-23Ep. 9 – Revelation 3:17Ep. 10 - Isaiah 6:1-6Keep up with the series and all these details on Instagram @ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thereadthinkpraypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠--Reach out to the podcast by emailing ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠And visit the podcast website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠readthinkpray.com⁠⁠

When King Uzziah grew strong, pride became his downfall. In this reflection on 2 Chronicles 26, we examine how pride can lead to destruction and how humility can prevent it. Will we humble ourselves—or will the Lord have to step in and humble us?Also in this episode, I briefly discussed this book: Humility by Andrew MurrayAnd here is the series schedule if you'd like to read ahead or along:Ep. 1 - 2 Chronicles 24:1-15Ep. 2 - 2 Chronicles 24:15-27Ep. 3 - Matthew 23:34-36Ep. 4 – 2 Chronicles 25:1-13Ep. 5 – 2 Chronicles 25:14-28Ep. 6 – Matthew 22:37-38Ep. 7 – 2 Chronicles 26:1-15Ep. 8 – 2 Chronicles 26:16-23Ep. 9 – Revelation 3:17Ep. 10 - Isaiah 6:1-6Keep up with the series and all these details on Instagram @ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thereadthinkpraypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠--Reach out to the podcast by emailing ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠And visit the podcast website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠readthinkpray.com⁠

We continue our Rise and Fall of Kings series by reading the start of King Uzziah’s reign. His rise wasn’t self-made though. In this episode, we explore how Uzziah’s strength and success came from seeking God—and how true prosperity still begins the same way: with God, not ourselves. He is the one who makes us prosper.And here is the series schedule if you'd like to read ahead or along:Ep. 1 - 2 Chronicles 24:1-15Ep. 2 - 2 Chronicles 24:15-27Ep. 3 - Matthew 23:34-36Ep. 4 – 2 Chronicles 25:1-13Ep. 5 – 2 Chronicles 25:14-28Ep. 6 – Matthew 22:37-38Ep. 7 – 2 Chronicles 26:1-15Ep. 8 – 2 Chronicles 26:16-23Ep. 9 – Revelation 3:17Ep. 10 - Isaiah 6:1-6Keep up with the series and all these details on Instagram @ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thereadthinkpraypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠--Reach out to the podcast by emailing ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠And visit the podcast website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠readthinkpray.com⁠

In this episode, we continue our series, The Rise and Fall of Kings, by exploring the connection of King Amaziah in 2 Chronicles 25 to the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament. Do the Scriptures teach neutrality? Can we love the Lord and the things of this world? What might be the danger in not loving our God with a whole heart? These are some of the questions we wrestle through. And here is the series schedule if you'd like to read ahead or along:Ep. 1 - 2 Chronicles 24:1-15Ep. 2 - 2 Chronicles 24:15-27Ep. 3 - Matthew 23:34-36Ep. 4 – 2 Chronicles 25:1-13Ep. 5 – 2 Chronicles 25:14-28Ep. 6 – Matthew 22:37-38Ep. 7 – 2 Chronicles 26:1-15Ep. 8 – 2 Chronicles 26:16-23Ep. 9 – Revelation 3:17Ep. 10 - Isaiah 6:1-6Keep up with the series and all these details on Instagram @ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thereadthinkpraypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠--Reach out to the podcast by emailing ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠And visit the podcast website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠readthinkpray.com⁠

In this episode of The Read Think Pray Podcast, we continue our series, The Rise and Fall of Kings, by exploring the fall of King Amaziah in 2 Chronicles 25. His story raises some questions - what is normal in our lives that ought not to be? How much of the world has crept in? And in which way will we reign?If you'd like to read more of the book mentioned by Paul House in this episode, you can purchase it here.And here is the series schedule if you'd like to read ahead or along:Ep. 1 - 2 Chronicles 24:1-15Ep. 2 - 2 Chronicles 24:15-27Ep. 3 - Matthew 23:34-36Ep. 4 – 2 Chronicles 25:1-13Ep. 5 – 2 Chronicles 25:14-28Ep. 6 – Matthew 22:37-38Ep. 7 – 2 Chronicles 26:1-15Ep. 8 – 2 Chronicles 26:16-23Ep. 9 – Revelation 3:17Ep. 10 - Isaiah 6:1-6Keep up with the series and all these details on Instagram @ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thereadthinkpraypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠--Reach out to the podcast by emailing ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠And visit the podcast website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠readthinkpray.com⁠

In this episode of The Read Think Pray Podcast, we continue our series The Rise and Fall of Kings by exploring the reign of King Amaziah in 2 Chronicles 25. We’ll see how his rise began with killing sin and learning to lead with less. Check out the book mentioned in this episode, The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel.Here is the series schedule if you'd like to read ahead or along:Ep. 1 - 2 Chronicles 24:1-15Ep. 2 - 2 Chronicles 24:15-27Ep. 3 - Matthew 23:34-36Ep. 4 – 2 Chronicles 25:1-13Ep. 5 – 2 Chronicles 25:14-28Ep. 6 – Matthew 22:37-38Ep. 7 – 2 Chronicles 26:1-15Ep. 8 – 2 Chronicles 26:16-23Ep. 9 – Revelation 3:17Ep. 10 - Isaiah 6:1-6Keep up with the series and all these details on Instagram @ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thereadthinkpraypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠--Reach out to the podcast by emailing ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠And visit the podcast website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠readthinkpray.com⁠

In this episode of The Read Think Pray Podcast, we continue our series The Rise and Fall of Kings by connecting King Joash’s story in 2 Chronicles 24 with Jesus’ words in Matthew 23. How do we respond when God sends correction, because whether we receive it or reject it might determine if we rise or fall. Here is the series schedule if you'd like to read ahead or along:Ep. 1 - 2 Chronicles 24:1-15Ep. 2 - 2 Chronicles 24:15-27Ep. 3 - Matthew 23:34-36Ep. 4 – 2 Chronicles 25:1-13Ep. 5 – 2 Chronicles 25:14-28Ep. 6 – Matthew 22:37-38Ep. 7 – 2 Chronicles 26:1-15Ep. 8 – 2 Chronicles 26:16-23Ep. 9 – Revelation 3:17Ep. 10 - Isaiah 6:1-6Keep up with the series and all these details on Instagram @ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thereadthinkpraypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠--Reach out to the podcast by emailing ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠And visit the podcast website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠readthinkpray.com⁠

We read from 2 Chronicles 24:15-27 in the second episode of The Rise & Fall of Kings. And the story of Joash’s reign takes a sobering turn, inviting us to think through our forgetfulness, our forsakenness, and how God responds to both our faithfulness and our UNfaithfulness. Here is the series schedule if you'd like to read ahead or along:Ep. 1 - 2 Chronicles 24:1-15Ep. 2 - 2 Chronicles 24:15-27Ep. 3 - Matthew 23:34-36Ep. 4 – 2 Chronicles 25:1-13Ep. 5 – 2 Chronicles 25:14-28Ep. 6 – Matthew 22:37-38Ep. 7 – 2 Chronicles 26:1-15Ep. 8 – 2 Chronicles 26:16-23Ep. 9 – Revelation 3:17Ep. 10 - Isaiah 6:1-6Keep up with the series and all these details on Instagram @ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thereadthinkpraypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠--Reach out to the podcast by emailing ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠And visit the podcast website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠readthinkpray.com⁠

We read from 2 Chronicles 24:1-15 in this first episode of The Rise & Fall of Kings, where we meet King Joash—a boy king who rose to greatness through the guidance of his spiritual sponsor, Jehoiada the priest. Discover the formula for King Joash's rise; how obedience, worship, and spiritual sponsorship led to his success—and the subtle clue that foreshadows his eventual fall.Here is the series schedule if you'd like to read ahead or along:Ep. 1 - 2 Chronicles 24:1-15Ep. 2 - 2 Chronicles 24:16-27Ep. 3 - Matthew 23:34-36Ep. 4 – 2 Chronicles 25:1-13Ep. 5 – 2 Chronicles 25:14-28Ep. 6 – Matthew 22:37-38Ep. 7 – 2 Chronicles 26:1-15Ep. 8 – 2 Chronicles 26:16-23Ep. 9 – Revelation 3:17Ep. 10 - Isaiah 6:1-6Keep up with the series and all these details on Instagram @ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thereadthinkpraypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠--Reach out to the podcast by emailing ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠And visit the podcast website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠readthinkpray.com⁠

Join us as we launch a 10-part series, “The Rise and Fall of Kings,” exploring the lives of Joash, Amaziah, and Uzziah from 2 Chronicles. Each king’s story reveals a powerful journey of promise, faith, and failure, pointing us ultimately to Jesus as the great example and perfect King to follow and finish well.Here is the series schedule if you'd like to read ahead or along:Ep. 1 - 2 Chronicles 24:1-16Ep. 2 - 2 Chronicles 24:17-27Ep. 3 - Matthew 23:34-36Ep. 4 – 2 Chronicles 25:1-13Ep. 5 – 2 Chronicles 25:14-28Ep. 6 – Matthew 22:37-38Ep. 7 – 2 Chronicles 26:1-15Ep. 8 – 2 Chronicles 26:16-23Ep. 9 – Revelation 3:17Ep. 10 - Isaiah 6:1-6Keep up with the series and all these details on Instagram @ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thereadthinkpraypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠--Reach out to the podcast by emailing ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠And visit the podcast website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠readthinkpray.com⁠

In this episode, we read from A.W. Pink’s The Sovereignty of God and wrestle with a challenging question: Who’s really in charge of the world—God or the Devil? Pink urges us to look beyond what we see and walk by faith, letting Scripture—not sight—shape our understanding of God’s rule in the world today.Purchase The Sovereignty of God by A.W. Pink.--Find the podcast on Instagram @ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thereadthinkpraypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Reach out to the podcast by emailing ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠And visit the podcast website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠readthinkpray.com⁠

John the Baptist waited decades in the wilderness, and his parents waited a lifetime for a child; and we are still waiting for all kinds of things, including the return of Christ. In this episode, we reflect on how waiting is deeply woven into the life of faith—and how it might be exactly where God is shaping us most.The devotional mentioned in this episode is O Come, O Come, Emmanuel by Jonathan Gibson, and you can purchase it on Amazon or directly from the publisher. --Find the podcast on Instagram @ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thereadthinkpraypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Reach out to the podcast by emailing ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠And visit the podcast website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠readthinkpray.com⁠

In this episode, we reflect on John Calvin’s powerful words: “Paul rested, for he found wonder.” Through deep theology, Scripture, and personal questions of restlessness, we explore how wonder—not answers—can become our place of peace before God. Purchase Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin on ⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or directly from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the publisher⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠--You can reach out to the podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit the podcast website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠readthinkpray.com

After nine months of silence, Zechariah finally speaks—and what comes out isn’t bitterness, but blessing. In this episode, we reflect on Zechariah’s prophecy in Luke 1:67–79 and ask ourselves if, through suffering and discipline, we'll become better or bitter?--Find the podcast on Instagram @ ⁠⁠⁠⁠thereadthinkpraypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠Reach out to the podcast by emailing ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠And visit the podcast website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠readthinkpray.com⁠

In this episode of The Read Think Pray Podcast, we reflect (again) on Zechariah and Elizabeth in Luke 1:57–66. Where in your life have there been “would haves” and “should haves”? Has the Lord been faithful every time? These are just a few of the questions we think through together.--Find the podcast on Instagram @ ⁠⁠⁠thereadthinkpraypodcast⁠⁠⁠Reach out to the podcast by emailing ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠And visit the podcast website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠readthinkpray.com⁠

In this episode, we read from "Remaking the World " by Andrew Wilson, reflecting on just how weird our lives really are. From education to electricity, freedom to faith, we’ve been shaped. But do we know it? Are we aware? Purchase Remaking the World by Andrew J. Wilson on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or directly from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the publisher.⁠⁠⁠⁠--You can reach out to the podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit the podcast website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠readthinkpray.com

In this episode, we read and reflect on Mary's Song of Praise, also known as The Magnificat. It's clear that Mary had in her an "inner Bible." Do we? Do you? When we praise God, do we use his language? Do we sound like the Bible? Just as Elizabeth served as a model in Luke 1:39–45 for the Spirit-filled life, here Mary shows us what it sounds like to have an "inner Bible."--Find the podcast on Instagram @ ⁠⁠thereadthinkpraypodcast⁠⁠Reach out to the podcast by emailing ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠And visit the podcast website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠readthinkpray.com

In this episode of The Read Think Pray Podcast, we return to Luke 1 and reflect on the meeting between Mary and Elizabeth. We explore Elizabeth being “filled with the Holy Spirit” and, with insight from theologian Amos Yong, consider how she models a Spirit-filled life—marked by joy, encouragement, and deep faith.We read from Renewing Christian Theology by Amos Yong which you purchase on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or directly from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the publisher.⁠⁠⁠⁠I would also love to hear your thoughts on this painting, which was inspired by the passage we thought about in this episode: Visitation by Rogier van der Weyden. (Here is the Wikipedia article).Comment on Instagram @ ⁠thereadthinkpraypodcast⁠ or anywhere else you can.--You can reach out to the podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠And visit the podcast website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠readthinkpray.com

This week on the Read Think Pray Podcast, we explore Early Christian Readings of Genesis One by Craig D. Allert. In the opening of his book, he shares with us a challenge he got himself- "Stop thinking like a Protestant!" Can we, though? Can we stop thinking like the thing that we are? Can we think like others? I think we can, but it takes hard work and some deep introspective thought. Join us for the challenge!Purchase Early Christian Readings of Genesis One by Craig D. Allert on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or directly from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the publisher.⁠⁠⁠Here were some other resources for this week's episode:Global Gospel by Douglas JacobsenMisreading Scripture with Western Eyes by E. Randolph Richards and Brandon J. O'Brien.Remaking the World by Andrew WilsonRyan Reeves YouTube ChannelWord on Fire podcastTheology in the Raw podcast--You can reach out to the podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit the podcast website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠readthinkpray.com

In this episode, we reflect on a powerful excerpt from The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey. Focusing on character over technique, we explore how who we are shouts louder than what we say—and why authenticity matters.Purchase The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or directly from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the publisher.⁠⁠⁠ ⁠--You can reach out to the podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit the podcast website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠readthinkpray.com

The podcast is taking a brief week or two break but in the meantime, please reach out at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. I've love to hear how the Lent series went; favorite episode, themes you picked up, general thoughts, and any ideas for books to read from on the podcast. Also, check us out at Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thereadthinkpraypodcast/)Be back soon!

In this final episode of our Lent series, we reflect on Joby Martin’s book Anything is Possible and how it encourages us to make room for the secret disciples. That carrying our cross for Christ might be a witness, or an invitation, to it. Purchase Anything Is Possible by Joby Martin on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠ or directly from ⁠⁠⁠⁠the publisher.⁠⁠⁠ --You can reach out to the podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit the podcast website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠readthinkpray.com

In today’s episode, we read and reflect on a powerful section from What If It’s True? by Charles Martin. And, as our Lent series nears its end, a theme has emerged—one that Martin captures well: following Jesus always leads to the cross. Every follower of Jesus will eventually face it—not necessarily through martyrdom, but through the daily choice to die to self. Jesus considered the cross—and he considered you. Let’s consider him today.2 hymns to consider on Good Friday: Jesus, Remember Me & O Sacred Head Now Wounded.Purchase What If It's True?: A Storyteller's Journey With Jesus by Charles Martin on ⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠ or directly from ⁠⁠⁠the publisher.⁠⁠ --You can reach out to the podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit the podcast website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠readthinkpray.com

In this episode, we explore a powerful image of the cross as a raft drawn from James K.A. Smith’s On the Road with Saint Augustine. We reflect on how God doesn’t send us a battleship or a cruise liner to cross the ocean between where we are and where we long to be—but a rough, wooden raft in the shape of a cross. It’s uncomfortable, vulnerable, and splintered—but it keeps our eyes fixed on home. Join us as we consider the cost of self-reliance, the illusion of comfort, and the invitation to surrender control to the One who can carry us safely to shore.Purchase On The Road With St. Augustine by James K. A. Smith on ⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠ or directly from ⁠⁠the publisher.⁠⁠ --You can reach out to the podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit the podcast website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠readthinkpray.com

In this episode, we explore a powerful idea from John Piper’s Providence that the cross of Christ doesn’t just secure our future salvation—it fuels our present sanctification. Through Scripture and reflection, we consider how the law of Christ is written on our hearts, shaping our desires, obedience, and transformation even now.Purchase Providence by John Piper on ⁠Amazon⁠ or directly from ⁠the publisher.⁠ --You can reach out to the podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit the podcast website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠readthinkpray.com⁠⁠

In this Lent reflection, we explore Walter Brueggemann’s challenge in The Prophetic Imagination to confront death, suffering, and “crossless” Christianity. We consider how the cross shapes true discipleship, why denial of death numbs us, and how embracing grief, lament, and hope leads us to deeper faith in the God of endings—and resurrection.Purchase The Prophetic Imagination by Walter Brueggemann on Amazon or directly from the publisher. --You can reach out to the podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit the podcast website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠readthinkpray.com⁠⁠

As Lent draws to a close and we enter Holy Week, we look back at the story of the first Christian martyr—Stephen. Though the cross isn’t explicitly mentioned in Acts 7, Stephen’s final words echo the words of Jesus from the cross, revealing how deeply the message of Christ had taken root. This episode reflects on how the cross had already begun to spread—into Stephen, into the church, and ultimately into the world. Even in apparent failure and suffering, God’s plan moves forward. The cross spreads—through us, too.--Reach out to the podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit the podcast website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠readthinkpray.com⁠⁠

In this episode of The Read Think Pray Podcast, we read from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s sermon “Transformed Nonconformist,” found in his collection Strength to Love. Dr. King reminds us that the Christian life is not a path around suffering, but often a journey straight through it. Carrying the cross will leave marks—but they are marks of faithfulness, not failure.What if the pain you're experiencing isn’t a sign something’s gone wrong—but a sign you're walking the narrow road of Christ?Listen, reflect, and pray as we near the end of our Lenten journey.Purchase Strength To Love by Martin Luther King Jr.--You can reach out to the podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit the podcast website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠readthinkpray.com⁠⁠

What sets Christianity apart from other religions and Christians from other virtuous people? The cross. Believing in it and acting like the man crucified on it.Purchase The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer--You can reach out to the podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit the podcast website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠readthinkpray.com⁠⁠

To answer the question, "Is Christianity hard or easy?" we bring in C.S. Lewis who answers...it's both. To follow Jesus Christ means to go all-in. Christ wants all of us. ALL. That's what the cross took from Christ, all. So it's hard in that way, we give Christ all of us. But it's easy in that Christ accepts our all, and gives us his. Purchase Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis.--You can reach out to the podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit the podcast website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠readthinkpray.com⁠⁠

The disciples experienced the crucifixion of Jesus prior to understanding why it was necessary, as is often true with the crosses we bear. Despite our desire for an answer to "why," it's usually on the other side, if it's there at all. And it is some comfort that we at least know how the Lord works and that we are not getting some special 'keep them in the dark' treatment. So instead of knowing we must lean on our faith. Purchase The Wonderful Works of God by Herman Bavinck from ⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠ or directly from ⁠⁠the publisher⁠.⁠ --You can reach out to the podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit the podcast website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠readthinkpray.com⁠⁠

People around Jesus at his crucifixion commanded him, "Come down now from the cross that we may see and believe" (Mk. 15:32). Do we sometimes do the same thing? Command Jesus? We see injustice or unfairness and think, "I know what Jesus should do right now!" Except Jesus doesn't take commands—well, not from us, but from the Father. Instead, we ought to trust Jesus. Put our faith that is from him in him. --You can reach out to the podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit the podcast website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠readthinkpray.com⁠⁠

In this episode we look at who stood near to Christ during the crucifixion and who "stood at a distance." The cross reveals where we stand; right there with Jesus or far off, treating him like an "acquaintance." The good news is that no matter where we stand, Jesus invites us to come closer and has work for us to do. --Reach out to the podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit the podcast website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠readthinkpray.com⁠⁠

We are called to pick up our cross and...hold it for how long? Baxter suggests a long time, until Christ's return. He also challenges us to be patient while we hold the cross this whole time. How does someone do that? 1) prayer, 2) community, 3) not putting it down, and 4) keeping our eyes on Christ. Purchase The Saints Everlasting Rest by Richard Baxter.--You can reach out to the podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit the podcast website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠readthinkpray.com⁠⁠

Our afflictions are not curses, because Christ became a curse for us on the cross. People often wonder why certain things happen to them or others and there isn't always a good answer. We know this though, for those in Christ it's not happening because your are being cursed. And one way to help us see and understand such a profound truth is to take inventory of our mercies and see God at work in around us. Purchase A Lifting Up For The Downcast by William Bridge from ⁠Amazon⁠ or directly from ⁠the publisher.⁠ --You can reach out to the podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit the podcast website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠readthinkpray.com⁠⁠

When you are discontent, what do you do? The puritan Jeremiah Burroughs suggests that you look to Jesus on the cross. It sounds obvious but when is the last time you tried it? The cross breaks a lot of our reasons for being discontent and encourages us to see the greater ill, the greater pain, the greater sacrifice in Jesus. Purchase The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment from Amazon or directly from the publisher. --You can reach out to the podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit the podcast website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠readthinkpray.com⁠⁠

In his classical work, John Owen discusses how sin remains in the believer's life and how our daily work ought to be the mortification of the flesh. In this episode, we discuss how even though the cross finished the work of sin's penalty and debt, we still have to keep fighting, lest we too misunderstand the cross. Purchase The Mortification of Sin from Amazon or directly from the publisher. --You can reach out to the podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit the podcast website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠readthinkpray.com⁠⁠

Today begins our week of reading through the Puritans and we begin with Richard Sibbes and his explanation of who the bruised reeds are from Matthew 12:20. By being made aware of our sin we are bruised, in that we see just how prideful and sinful and incomplete works we still are. But the very person who bruises us is the same person (and the only person) who can offer us true healing from such a bruising. Purchase The Bruised Reed from Amazon⁠ or directly from the publisher.--You can reach out to the podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit the podcast website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠readthinkpray.com⁠⁠

In this episode, we discuss Jesus being mocked at the cross and how those ridiculing him misunderstood; they missed it. Carrying your cross for Christ comes with being misunderstood; the world won't get it. But is our job always to react by correcting or yelling? Is that how Christ treated us when we misunderstood? Is that how Christ treated those who misunderstood at the cross? --Reach out to the podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit the podcast website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠readthinkpray.com⁠⁠

In the summer of 1573, Janneken van Munstdorp was martyred for her faith. She was 28 years old, had gotten married just six months prior, and was pregnant with their first child. Her husband was quickly executed, and she was allowed to give birth to their baby daughter and give the baby away before being burned at the stake. Before dying though, she wrote a letter to her newborn daughter, which we read a portion of in today's episode. You can read the full letter here: https://kingdomoutpost.org/2021/10/24/a-mothers-farewell-letter-by-janneken-muntsdorp-martyred-in-1573/--You can reach out to the podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit the podcast website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠readthinkpray.com⁠⁠

In today's episode, we consider John Calvin's likening the cross to medicine (or vitamins). That, without frequently coming to the cross we will drift from it. We become out of shape spiritually and lazy. On our own, the flesh wants to indulge and go wild, or go low and isolated, or perhaps the greatest temptation...to go normal. According to Calvin, the remedy for this sickness is the cross. --You can reach out to the podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit the podcast website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠readthinkpray.com⁠⁠

What do we do when we want to pick up our cross for Christ but can't? Ulrich Zwingli, a giant of church history and tough-as-nails Swiss Reformer, lay sick in bed with the plague, convinced he was both dying and being attacked. And what did he do? He said that he lay beneath the cross of Christ. If we can't pick up our own cross, perhaps Zwingli teaches us to crawl under the cross of Jesus and hold it tight. --You can reach out to the podcast: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠Visit the podcast website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠readthinkpray.com⁠⁠

In this episode, Martin Luther teaches how to confess our sins; "...when my conscience hurts with remorse and sin’s sting, I fix my eyes on Christ." There on the cross, we find the sin that conquers our sin and a death that kills our death. The cross is both the result of our sin and the resolve for its stain and pain. --You can reach out to the podcast: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠Visit the podcast website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠readthinkpray.com⁠⁠

John Wycliffe teaches us that Christianity is not a contest of who can suffer the most. In doing so he uses Martha as an example of carrying our Cross. As far as we know Martha never suffered some great pain or was persecutred for the faith, but she believed in Christ. That is the point; Jesus Christ, not how much we suffer for him. --You can reach out to the podcast: ⁠[email protected]⁠Visit the podcast website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠readthinkpray.com⁠⁠

In John 19:19 we get the inscription of Jesus on the cross, "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews." Except, it wasn't true. What does the cross say about us? And what does the world, or people, say about us because of the cross? Do we know the difference? And how do we respond to both? Those are some of the questions we think through in this episode.--You can reach out to the podcast: [email protected] the podcast website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠readthinkpray.com⁠⁠

In this episode we read Thomas Aquinas respond to the opposition of where Jesus died, that he ought to have died somewhere more divine. But the hill Jesus was crucified on was pretty insignificant...until after Christ. Something we all can relate to. --You can each out at [email protected] the podcast website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠readthinkpray.com⁠⁠

In a leadership book to clergy St. Gregory The Great reminds his readers that Jesus "did not wish to become a king." Don't you wish for rank, for title, for exaltation? Even if we don't seize it, don't we wish it? This Lent try, just try, for one day, to not even wish for exaltation. Pray and ask for help to wish for the cross. --Visit the podcast website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠readthinkpray.com⁠

In a leadership book to clergy St. Gregory The Great reminds his readers that Jesus "did not wish to become a king." Don't you wish for rank, for title, for exaltation? Even if we don't seize it, don't we wish it? This Lent try, just try, for one day, to not even wish for exaltation. Pray and ask for help to wish for the cross. --Visit the podcast website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠readthinkpray.com⁠

St. Augustine, in a sermon on Mark 8:34, encourages us to take the road that leads to heaven, the road of the cross. It's a hard and long road; with abuse, wounds, insults, and more. And if you're not in the best season of life right now, follow all the same, choose the cross still, just...with a step. One small step if that's all you got today. But choose the cross, because Jesus is better. And because he took on the whole cup of humility, we only need at times to take a step. --Visit the podcast website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠readthinkpray.com⁠

Eusebius, in 308 A.D., recalls watching Christians being martyred while holding their arms out in the shape of the cross. It's both a sobering reminder of the sacrifices made in defending Christ and a challenge for us to bear witness to His cross in our own lives.--Visit the podcast website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠readthinkpray.com⁠