Hearts Aflame

Isaac Ambrose’s "Looking Unto Jesus" (1658) beautifully explores the joy and privilege all believers have of worshiping Christ. True worship flows from a heart that is captivated by His glory and love, expressing thankfulness, adoration, and submission to His will.  Ambrose challenges us to reflect on the fact that worship is not just an act but a way of life, as we are to reflect every...

In his work, "The Existence and Attributes of God" (1682), Stephen Charnock highlights the majesty and comfort of God’s sovereignty. With absolute authority and perfect wisdom, God reigns over all creation, directing everything according to His glory and our good. Charnock reminds believers that trusting in God’s sovereignty brings peace in trials, humility in submission, and confidence...

John Owen’s "The Glory of Christ" (1684) unveils the beauty of Christ’s humility. The eternal Son of God, rich in glory, became poor and became a servant for our sake. In His self-emptying obedience and love, we see the glory of God’s grace displayed in all its fullness. Today, reflect on how the humility of Christ encourages worship, kills pride, and calls us to imitate His character in...

"The Art of Prophesying" (1606) by William Perkins highlights the sufficiency and authority of Scripture. Described as the fountain of all wisdom and the guide to true holiness, Scripture provides everything necessary for salvation and godliness. Perkins calls believers to treasure the Bible as divinely inspired, eternal, and unbreakable in its promises. Learn how to engage with God’s Wo...

In this episode, we explore "The Doctrine of Prayer" (1665) by Thomas Watson, uncovering the tremendous privilege and power of prayer. Watson reminds us that prayer is the soul’s communion with God, a means of accessing His grace, strength, and guidance in every season of life. Reflect on the benefits of prayer—peace, strength, transformation, and deeper fellowship with God—and be challe...

In this episode, we reflect on Christ's tender and unchanging love as described in Richard Sibbes’ The Bruised Reed (1630). Sibbes reveals the infinite mercy of Christ, who stoops to care for the weakest sinner and offers rest to the weary. Discover the four qualities of Christ’s love—tender, abundant, free, and unchanging—and be reminded that His mercy is greater than our sin. Let this medit...

In this episode, we explore Thomas Brooks’ “ Heaven on Earth” (1654), uncovering the connection between obedience and true happiness. Brooks reminds us that obedience is not a mere duty but a joyful response to God’s love, leading to peace, joy, and deeper fellowship with Him. Reflect on the beauty of aligning your life with God’s will, walking in the footsteps of Christ, and experiencing the assu...

We turn to Samuel Rutherford’s Letters of Samuel Rutherford (1664) for a meditation on the beauty and joy of holiness in the Christian life. Rutherford exalts Christ’s loveliness and reminds us that true holiness is the believer’s adornment, joy, and path to deeper communion with our Lord. Discover how holiness transforms our lives, glorifies God, and reflects His beauty to the world. Let Rutherfo...

Today, we explore the words of Jeremiah Burroughs’ “ The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment” (1648), meditating on the sweetness of God’s promises. Burroughs reminds us that God’s promises are the Christian’s foundation, offering peace, comfort, and assurance in every trial. Discover how these promises, sealed by Christ’s blood and guaranteed by His resurrection, give the believer a sure foundati...

Today, we explore John Owen’s “Communion with God” (1657). This work profoundly reflects the believer’s privilege of fellowship with the Triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Owen writes of all believers' joy of approaching the Father with reverence, the peace in the Son’s atonement, and the love stirred in our hearts by the Spirit. Discover how this communion transforms prayer, Scripture,...

In this episode, we explore John Bunyan’s “The Pilgrim’s Progress” (1678), and the powerful allegory of Christian’s journey to salvation. From the burden of sin falling off of his back at the cross of Christ to the joy of being clothed in the righteousness of Christ, Bunyan powerfully illustrates the transforming power of grace. Today, reflect on what it means to leave behind the old self and walk...

In this episode, we explore the beauty and worth of Christ through the words of Thomas Watson’s “The Godly Man’s Picture” (1666). Watson portrays Christ as the joy of the saints, the wonder of angels, and the treasure of every believer's heart.  Join us as we reflect on what it means to treasure Christ above all—finding in Him our ultimate satisfaction, delight, and love. Be encouraged and ch...

In this episode, we turn to “The Saints’ Everlasting Rest” (1650) by Richard Baxter. In this timeless work, Baxter reminds us of the joy, peace, and communion that awaits every believer in Christ—a rest free from sin, suffering, and sorrow. Discover how this glorious inheritance, purchased by Christ’s blood and resurrection, strengthens us in trials, draws us from the fleeting pleasures of this wo...

As we begin the New Year, join us in fixing our gaze on the radiant glory of Christ. In this inaugural episode of Hearts Aflame, we explore a timeless meditation from John Owen’s “The Glory of Christ ” (1684), reflecting on the believer’s greatest privilege: beholding Christ's beauty, wisdom, and grace. Owen reminds us that Christ is the treasure of all divine truth, the radiance of the Fathe...

Join host Dustin Benge for Hearts Aflame , a new daily devotional podcast exploring the timeless wisdom and biblical meditations of the Puritans. Beginning January 1, 2025, each episode will feature reflections drawn from these rich works, paired with Scripture to ignite your heart with passion for Christ and deepen your communion with God. A ministry of Unashamed Truth, Hearts Aflame invites you...