The Harder Way Podcast

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.

Week 8 Reading: 1 Samuel 7 - 2 Samuel 5

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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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

Send Bibles to the persecuted church ($15 gets a needed Bible from the store to a persecuted saint.)

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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

Send Bibles to the persecuted church ($15 gets a needed Bible from the store to a persecuted saint.)

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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 22–26

Scott and Mattie walk through Exodus 27–Leviticus 18, exploring God’s specific design for worship, the tabernacle, and the call to holiness. They trace Israel’s pattern of rebellion, renewal, and idolatry, and explain how the priestly laws and Day of Atonement point to Jesus.

The hosts connect these Old Testament themes to the persecuted church and modern Christian life, urging listeners to choose the harder way of faith over fear and to let inward transformation shape outward actions.

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Week 4 Reading: Leviticus 19-Numbers 21

In this episode, Scott and Mattie recap Genesis 40–50 and Exodus 1–26, tracing Joseph’s rise from slavery to second‑in‑command, his forgiveness of his brothers, and the theme of God turning evil intent into a good outcome. They then cover Exodus: Moses’ calling, the ten plagues and Passover, the parting of the Red Sea, the giving of the Ten Commandments, and the tabernacle instructions.

Throughout the conversation, they highlight Harder Way themes—God’s sovereignty, the refining effect of persecution, the call to holiness, and care for the vulnerable—and invite listeners to join the nine‑month Bible reading plan.

Bible Reading for Week 3: Exodus 27 - Leviticus 18

Monday - Exodus 27–30

Season 2 of the Harder Way Podcast begins with a concise walkthrough of Genesis 1–39 — creation, the fall, Noah’s flood, Babel, and the stories of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph — highlighting the recurring choice of faith over fear and the roots of God’s covenant people.

Hosts Scott and Mattie invite listeners to join a nine-month Bible reading plan, reflect on persecution and living the God-way, and follow along via show notes or their email signup for weekly readings and short reflections.

Bible Reading for Week 2: Genesis 40 - Exodus 26

Monday - Genesis 40–44

Join Scott and Mattie for Season Two of the Harder Way Podcast: a nine‑month read‑through of the entire Bible, exploring Scripture through the lens of the persecuted church and choosing faith over fear.

Each week, the assigned reading (approximately 15–25 minutes a day) is tied to practical application and current events. Start with Genesis 1 and follow the show notes or sign up through the episode links to read along.

Bible Reading for Week 1: Genesis 1-39

Monday - Genesis 1–6

Join Scott and Mattie for an exclusive sneak peek of Season 2 of the Harder Way Podcast as they invite listeners on a nine-month journey to read the entire Bible from Genesis to Revelation, viewing Scripture through the lens of faith over fear and the persecuted church.

Each week, they'll summarize passages, offer simple reading tips, and encourage a 20-minute daily habit to experience spiritual transformation, grow compassion for believers under persecution, and deepen your walk with Jesus.

Welcome to The Harder Way Podcast! In this episode, Scott and Mattie explore the profound impact of living as if God is real. They share powerful stories of persecuted Christians around the world, highlighting how their unwavering faith challenges us to reflect on our own commitment to God.

Join the conversation as Scott and Mattie reflect on the importance of believing in God's sovereignty and providential care. They encourage listeners to actively live out their faith, focusing on the intellectual, emotional, and volitional aspects that shape a life devoted to Christ.

They also discuss how the unique challenges of living in the West can cloud our judgment and distract us from fully trusting in God's plan. Scott and Mattie invite you to embrace the reality that God is real and experience the transformative power of faith that follows.