jonathan.edwards@premier.org.uk<\/a><\/p>\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nQUESTION<\/p>\\n
Why do you think it is so easy to listen to God\u2019s word and do nothing about it?<\/p>\\n
PRAYER<\/p>\\n
Lord God, give me your strength to walk in your ways, however tough it might be. Amen<\/p>\"}\"\n \"duration_seconds\" => 215\n \"hash\" => \"3e81cd3d3f0ba3514b1c9f37f4022223\"\n \"published_at\" => \"2023-01-13 04:00:00\"\n \"created_at\" => \"2024-12-19 13:36:14\"\n \"updated_at\" => \"2024-12-19 13:36:14\"\n \"deleted_at\" => null\n ]\n #changes: []\n #casts: array:3 [\n \"episode_data\" => \"object\"\n \"published_at\" => \"datetime\"\n \"deleted_at\" => \"datetime\"\n ]\n #classCastCache: []\n #attributeCastCache: []\n #dateFormat: null\n #appends: []\n #dispatchesEvents: []\n #observables: []\n #relations: array:1 [\n \"podcast\" => App\\Models\\Podcast {#2670\n #connection: \"mysql\"\n #table: \"podcasts\"\n #primaryKey: \"id\"\n #keyType: \"int\"\n +incrementing: true\n #with: []\n #withCount: []\n +preventsLazyLoading: false\n #perPage: 15\n +exists: true\n +wasRecentlyCreated: false\n #escapeWhenCastingToString: false\n #attributes: array:17 [\n \"id\" => 12\n \"brand_id\" => 81\n \"title\" => \"Episodes\"\n \"meta_title\" => null\n \"intro\" => \"Bring some Spirit-filled peace into your hectic schedule every weekday morning with this new Daily Devotional.\"\n \"slug\" => \"episodes\"\n \"original_thumbnail_img\" => \"https:\/\/pcr-rss.streamguys1.com\/be-still-and-know\/20250325131114-1200x1200BSAK.webp\"\n \"thumbnail_img\" => \"thumbnails\/PwPnKXLnoWUTSPin7YwSrTjOguQlT9SfdeJlWDLn.webp\"\n \"xml_feed_url\" => \"https:\/\/pcr-rss.streamguys1.com\/be-still-and-know\/be-still-and-know-daily-bible-devotion.xml\"\n \"brand_nav_order\" => null\n \"is_active\" => 1\n \"is_open_access\" => 0\n \"is_playlist\" => 0\n \"last_cached_at\" => \"2025-08-04 14:32:07\"\n \"created_at\" => \"2023-03-09 09:22:35\"\n \"updated_at\" => \"2025-08-04 15:32:07\"\n \"deleted_at\" => null\n ]\n #original: array:17 [\n \"id\" => 12\n \"brand_id\" => 81\n \"title\" => \"Episodes\"\n \"meta_title\" => null\n \"intro\" => \"Bring some Spirit-filled peace into your hectic schedule every weekday morning with this new Daily Devotional.\"\n \"slug\" => \"episodes\"\n \"original_thumbnail_img\" => \"https:\/\/pcr-rss.streamguys1.com\/be-still-and-know\/20250325131114-1200x1200BSAK.webp\"\n \"thumbnail_img\" => \"thumbnails\/PwPnKXLnoWUTSPin7YwSrTjOguQlT9SfdeJlWDLn.webp\"\n \"xml_feed_url\" => \"https:\/\/pcr-rss.streamguys1.com\/be-still-and-know\/be-still-and-know-daily-bible-devotion.xml\"\n \"brand_nav_order\" => null\n \"is_active\" => 1\n \"is_open_access\" => 0\n \"is_playlist\" => 0\n \"last_cached_at\" => \"2025-08-04 14:32:07\"\n \"created_at\" => \"2023-03-09 09:22:35\"\n \"updated_at\" => \"2025-08-04 15:32:07\"\n \"deleted_at\" => null\n ]\n #changes: []\n #casts: array:2 [\n \"last_cached_at\" => \"datetime\"\n \"deleted_at\" => \"datetime\"\n ]\n #classCastCache: []\n #attributeCastCache: []\n #dateFormat: null\n #appends: []\n #dispatchesEvents: []\n #observables: []\n #relations: []\n #touches: []\n +timestamps: true\n +usesUniqueIds: false\n #hidden: []\n #visible: []\n #fillable: []\n #guarded: array:1 [\n 0 => \"*\"\n ]\n +parent_relationship: \"brand\"\n #forceDeleting: false\n }\n ]\n #touches: []\n +timestamps: true\n +usesUniqueIds: false\n #hidden: []\n #visible: []\n #fillable: []\n #guarded: array:1 [\n 0 => \"*\"\n ]\n +parent_relationship: \"podcast\"\n #forceDeleting: false\n }\n \"nextEpisodes\" => Illuminate\\Database\\Eloquent\\Collection {#2752\n #items: array:3 [\n 0 => App\\Models\\PodcastEpisode {#2751\n #connection: \"mysql\"\n #table: \"podcast_episodes\"\n #primaryKey: \"id\"\n #keyType: \"int\"\n +incrementing: true\n #with: []\n #withCount: []\n +preventsLazyLoading: false\n #perPage: 15\n +exists: true\n +wasRecentlyCreated: false\n #escapeWhenCastingToString: false\n #attributes: array:15 [\n \"id\" => 28717\n \"podcast_id\" => 12\n \"guid\" => \"bestillandknowpodcast.podbean.com\/689f2ce2-4923-39f8-94ba-8b429b33b0cd\"\n \"episode_no\" => 1622\n \"title\" => \"January 14th - Isaiah 2:4\"\n \"slug\" => \"january-14th-isaiah-24\"\n \"original_thumbnail_img\" => \"https:\/\/pcr-rss.streamguys1.com\/be-still-and-know\/20230308180514-BSAK-Podcast-Thumb-3000x3000.jpg\"\n \"thumbnail_img\" => null\n \"episode_data\" => \"{\"duration\": \"03:04\", \"subtitle\": \"Isaiah 2:4\\nThis beautiful verse gives us an insight into the heart of God, who always longs for peace. In this passage we are given a vision of what the world will look like at the end of time when God takes charge and there is complete peace. Th...\", \"audio_src\": \"https:\/\/pcr-od.streamguys1.com\/be-still-and-know\/20230308180831-BS_K_1401237jl3g.mp3?awCollectionId=Be+Still+and+Know&awGenre=Religion+and+Spirituality\", \"description\": \"
Isaiah 2:4<\/p>\\n
This beautiful verse gives us an insight into the heart of God, who always longs for peace. In this passage we are given a vision of what the world will look like at the end of time when God takes charge and there is complete peace. The instruments of war will become useful agricultural implements, all war will cease and there will be no longer any need to train people to fight. It\u2019s a stirring vision and one that should thrill us all.<\/p>\\n
Our present world is continually in the grip of violence and war. They are characteristic of a world that lives in rebellion against God but, as we worship him, we need to remind ourselves of his longing for peace. It is so easy for us to feel that world politics and historic rivalries between nations are so complex that we cannot relate to them at all. But as followers of the God of peace we need to continually pray for peace, and long for a world in which warfare will have no place.<\/p>\\n\\n\\n
Most of us live our lives far away from international politics but that doesn\u2019t mean that we are uninvolved in peace making. Every day all of us have the opportunity to be peace makers. We can bring peace to people as we listen to their concerns, pray for them, and give them encouragement. It might seem far removed from bringing peace to the world, but it is intimately connected and all part of God\u2019s mission. As Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount: \u201cGod blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God\u201d (Matthew 5:9).<\/p>\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n
QUESTION<\/p>\\n
In what way might you be able to work for peace today?<\/p>\\n
PRAYER<\/p>\\n
God of peace, thank you for the way in which you have brought peace into my life. Help me always to be willing to share it with others. Amen<\/p>\"}\"\n \"duration_seconds\" => 184\n \"hash\" => \"d65ff02683d169f3c0d7fbef587e9eb9\"\n \"published_at\" => \"2023-01-14 04:00:00\"\n \"created_at\" => \"2024-12-19 13:36:14\"\n \"updated_at\" => \"2024-12-19 13:36:14\"\n \"deleted_at\" => null\n ]\n #original: array:15 [\n \"id\" => 28717\n \"podcast_id\" => 12\n \"guid\" => \"bestillandknowpodcast.podbean.com\/689f2ce2-4923-39f8-94ba-8b429b33b0cd\"\n \"episode_no\" => 1622\n \"title\" => \"January 14th - Isaiah 2:4\"\n \"slug\" => \"january-14th-isaiah-24\"\n \"original_thumbnail_img\" => \"https:\/\/pcr-rss.streamguys1.com\/be-still-and-know\/20230308180514-BSAK-Podcast-Thumb-3000x3000.jpg\"\n \"thumbnail_img\" => null\n \"episode_data\" => \"{\"duration\": \"03:04\", \"subtitle\": \"Isaiah 2:4\\nThis beautiful verse gives us an insight into the heart of God, who always longs for peace. In this passage we are given a vision of what the world will look like at the end of time when God takes charge and there is complete peace. Th...\", \"audio_src\": \"https:\/\/pcr-od.streamguys1.com\/be-still-and-know\/20230308180831-BS_K_1401237jl3g.mp3?awCollectionId=Be+Still+and+Know&awGenre=Religion+and+Spirituality\", \"description\": \"
Isaiah 2:4<\/p>\\n
This beautiful verse gives us an insight into the heart of God, who always longs for peace. In this passage we are given a vision of what the world will look like at the end of time when God takes charge and there is complete peace. The instruments of war will become useful agricultural implements, all war will cease and there will be no longer any need to train people to fight. It\u2019s a stirring vision and one that should thrill us all.<\/p>\\n
Our present world is continually in the grip of violence and war. They are characteristic of a world that lives in rebellion against God but, as we worship him, we need to remind ourselves of his longing for peace. It is so easy for us to feel that world politics and historic rivalries between nations are so complex that we cannot relate to them at all. But as followers of the God of peace we need to continually pray for peace, and long for a world in which warfare will have no place.<\/p>\\n\\n\\n
Most of us live our lives far away from international politics but that doesn\u2019t mean that we are uninvolved in peace making. Every day all of us have the opportunity to be peace makers. We can bring peace to people as we listen to their concerns, pray for them, and give them encouragement. It might seem far removed from bringing peace to the world, but it is intimately connected and all part of God\u2019s mission. As Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount: \u201cGod blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God\u201d (Matthew 5:9).<\/p>\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n
QUESTION<\/p>\\n
In what way might you be able to work for peace today?<\/p>\\n
PRAYER<\/p>\\n
God of peace, thank you for the way in which you have brought peace into my life. Help me always to be willing to share it with others. Amen<\/p>\"}\"\n \"duration_seconds\" => 184\n \"hash\" => \"d65ff02683d169f3c0d7fbef587e9eb9\"\n \"published_at\" => \"2023-01-14 04:00:00\"\n \"created_at\" => \"2024-12-19 13:36:14\"\n \"updated_at\" => \"2024-12-19 13:36:14\"\n \"deleted_at\" => null\n ]\n #changes: []\n #casts: array:3 [\n \"episode_data\" => \"object\"\n \"published_at\" => \"datetime\"\n \"deleted_at\" => \"datetime\"\n ]\n #classCastCache: []\n #attributeCastCache: []\n #dateFormat: null\n #appends: []\n #dispatchesEvents: []\n #observables: []\n #relations: []\n #touches: []\n +timestamps: true\n +usesUniqueIds: false\n #hidden: []\n #visible: []\n #fillable: []\n #guarded: array:1 [\n 0 => \"*\"\n ]\n +parent_relationship: \"podcast\"\n #forceDeleting: false\n }\n 1 => App\\Models\\PodcastEpisode {#2750\n #connection: \"mysql\"\n #table: \"podcast_episodes\"\n #primaryKey: \"id\"\n #keyType: \"int\"\n +incrementing: true\n #with: []\n #withCount: []\n +preventsLazyLoading: false\n #perPage: 15\n +exists: true\n +wasRecentlyCreated: false\n #escapeWhenCastingToString: false\n #attributes: array:15 [\n \"id\" => 28714\n \"podcast_id\" => 12\n \"guid\" => \"bestillandknowpodcast.podbean.com\/b32070eb-e2e8-31e0-b5fc-91aa12ccf3bd\"\n \"episode_no\" => 1623\n \"title\" => \"January 15th - Isaiah 5:7\"\n \"slug\" => \"january-15th-isaiah-57\"\n \"original_thumbnail_img\" => \"https:\/\/pcr-rss.streamguys1.com\/be-still-and-know\/20230308180514-BSAK-Podcast-Thumb-3000x3000.jpg\"\n \"thumbnail_img\" => null\n \"episode_data\" => \"{\"duration\": \"03:46\", \"subtitle\": \"Isaiah 5:7\\nThere is only one reason why you would plant a vineyard. It would be because you wanted grapes. No one has ever planted a vineyard for any other reason. You certainly wouldn\u2019t plant one for their natural beauty, or because you want to ...\", \"audio_src\": \"https:\/\/pcr-od.streamguys1.com\/be-still-and-know\/20230308180828-BS_K_15012387xrr.mp3?awCollectionId=Be+Still+and+Know&awGenre=Religion+and+Spirituality\", \"description\": \"
Isaiah 5:7<\/p>\\n
There is only one reason why you would plant a vineyard. It would be because you wanted grapes. No one has ever planted a vineyard for any other reason. You certainly wouldn\u2019t plant one for their natural beauty, or because you want to make use of their wood which struggles to burn. This chapter poignantly describes God\u2019s desperate disappointment with his people. They were planted to be fruitful. He had gone to great lengths to prepare his vineyard, planting it on a fertile hill. God then ploughed the land, cleared its stones and planted one of the best of the vines. What could possibly go wrong?<\/p>\\n
But the outcome was appalling. The result had been the exact opposite of what God had been looking for. Instead of the justice that he longed to see, he saw oppression; instead of righteousness there was murder. God had given his people free will and they chose to use it to oppose him rather than obey him. The most amazing fact is that God didn\u2019t give up on his people. He had given them every opportunity to thrive and they had thrown it all back in God\u2019s face.<\/p>\\n
The prophecy of Isaiah is an amazing study of the love and faithfulness of God. Disappointed as God clearly was, he didn\u2019t reject his people but looked for new ways of blessing them. We may feel that we haven\u2019t acted as badly as the nation of Israel, but the truth is that we have all sinned. We have all been a disappointment to God. He has given us every advantage and time and again we have ignored him and gone our own way. But God doesn\u2019t give up on us. In Isaiah 40:11, we see a beautiful picture of the persistent and gentle love of God for his people: \u201cHe will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young.\u201d That\u2019s our God! He loves us so much that he has high expectations for us. He longs to see us being fruitful. However, he doesn\u2019t give up on us when we fail but looks for every opportunity to shower us with his love.<\/p>\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n
QUESTION<\/p>\\n
In what ways do you think that you have disappointed God\u2019s expectations?<\/p>\\n
PRAYER<\/p>\\n
Loving God, thank you that you never give up on me. I confess my sins and ask you to help me to live closer to you day by day. Amen<\/p>\"}\"\n \"duration_seconds\" => 226\n \"hash\" => \"3b1915c9ab013e94b04ba941fa79afc0\"\n \"published_at\" => \"2023-01-15 04:00:00\"\n \"created_at\" => \"2024-12-19 13:36:14\"\n \"updated_at\" => \"2024-12-19 13:36:14\"\n \"deleted_at\" => null\n ]\n #original: array:15 [\n \"id\" => 28714\n \"podcast_id\" => 12\n \"guid\" => \"bestillandknowpodcast.podbean.com\/b32070eb-e2e8-31e0-b5fc-91aa12ccf3bd\"\n \"episode_no\" => 1623\n \"title\" => \"January 15th - Isaiah 5:7\"\n \"slug\" => \"january-15th-isaiah-57\"\n \"original_thumbnail_img\" => \"https:\/\/pcr-rss.streamguys1.com\/be-still-and-know\/20230308180514-BSAK-Podcast-Thumb-3000x3000.jpg\"\n \"thumbnail_img\" => null\n \"episode_data\" => \"{\"duration\": \"03:46\", \"subtitle\": \"Isaiah 5:7\\nThere is only one reason why you would plant a vineyard. It would be because you wanted grapes. No one has ever planted a vineyard for any other reason. You certainly wouldn\u2019t plant one for their natural beauty, or because you want to ...\", \"audio_src\": \"https:\/\/pcr-od.streamguys1.com\/be-still-and-know\/20230308180828-BS_K_15012387xrr.mp3?awCollectionId=Be+Still+and+Know&awGenre=Religion+and+Spirituality\", \"description\": \"
Isaiah 5:7<\/p>\\n
There is only one reason why you would plant a vineyard. It would be because you wanted grapes. No one has ever planted a vineyard for any other reason. You certainly wouldn\u2019t plant one for their natural beauty, or because you want to make use of their wood which struggles to burn. This chapter poignantly describes God\u2019s desperate disappointment with his people. They were planted to be fruitful. He had gone to great lengths to prepare his vineyard, planting it on a fertile hill. God then ploughed the land, cleared its stones and planted one of the best of the vines. What could possibly go wrong?<\/p>\\n
But the outcome was appalling. The result had been the exact opposite of what God had been looking for. Instead of the justice that he longed to see, he saw oppression; instead of righteousness there was murder. God had given his people free will and they chose to use it to oppose him rather than obey him. The most amazing fact is that God didn\u2019t give up on his people. He had given them every opportunity to thrive and they had thrown it all back in God\u2019s face.<\/p>\\n
The prophecy of Isaiah is an amazing study of the love and faithfulness of God. Disappointed as God clearly was, he didn\u2019t reject his people but looked for new ways of blessing them. We may feel that we haven\u2019t acted as badly as the nation of Israel, but the truth is that we have all sinned. We have all been a disappointment to God. He has given us every advantage and time and again we have ignored him and gone our own way. But God doesn\u2019t give up on us. In Isaiah 40:11, we see a beautiful picture of the persistent and gentle love of God for his people: \u201cHe will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young.\u201d That\u2019s our God! He loves us so much that he has high expectations for us. He longs to see us being fruitful. However, he doesn\u2019t give up on us when we fail but looks for every opportunity to shower us with his love.<\/p>\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n
QUESTION<\/p>\\n
In what ways do you think that you have disappointed God\u2019s expectations?<\/p>\\n
PRAYER<\/p>\\n
Loving God, thank you that you never give up on me. I confess my sins and ask you to help me to live closer to you day by day. Amen<\/p>\"}\"\n \"duration_seconds\" => 226\n \"hash\" => \"3b1915c9ab013e94b04ba941fa79afc0\"\n \"published_at\" => \"2023-01-15 04:00:00\"\n \"created_at\" => \"2024-12-19 13:36:14\"\n \"updated_at\" => \"2024-12-19 13:36:14\"\n \"deleted_at\" => null\n ]\n #changes: []\n #casts: array:3 [\n \"episode_data\" => \"object\"\n \"published_at\" => \"datetime\"\n \"deleted_at\" => \"datetime\"\n ]\n #classCastCache: []\n #attributeCastCache: []\n #dateFormat: null\n #appends: []\n #dispatchesEvents: []\n #observables: []\n #relations: []\n #touches: []\n +timestamps: true\n +usesUniqueIds: false\n #hidden: []\n #visible: []\n #fillable: []\n #guarded: array:1 [\n 0 => \"*\"\n ]\n +parent_relationship: \"podcast\"\n #forceDeleting: false\n }\n 2 => App\\Models\\PodcastEpisode {#2749\n #connection: \"mysql\"\n #table: \"podcast_episodes\"\n #primaryKey: \"id\"\n #keyType: \"int\"\n +incrementing: true\n #with: []\n #withCount: []\n +preventsLazyLoading: false\n #perPage: 15\n +exists: true\n +wasRecentlyCreated: false\n #escapeWhenCastingToString: false\n #attributes: array:15 [\n \"id\" => 28711\n \"podcast_id\" => 12\n \"guid\" => \"bestillandknowpodcast.podbean.com\/57453834-4e4e-32ba-9508-2ca098e2b1b3\"\n \"episode_no\" => 1624\n \"title\" => \"January 16th - Isaiah 6:1\"\n \"slug\" => \"january-16th-isaiah-61\"\n \"original_thumbnail_img\" => \"https:\/\/pcr-rss.streamguys1.com\/be-still-and-know\/20230308180514-BSAK-Podcast-Thumb-3000x3000.jpg\"\n \"thumbnail_img\" => null\n \"episode_data\" => \"{\"duration\": \"03:06\", \"subtitle\": \"Isaiah 6:1\\nUzziah had become king when he was 16 and reigned for 52 years. For much of that time the kingdom of Judah had thrived. Uzziah had listened to the prophet Zechariah and walked in the ways of the Lord. But later on in his reign he had b...\", \"audio_src\": \"https:\/\/pcr-od.streamguys1.com\/be-still-and-know\/20230308180824-BS_K_160123btzz4.mp3?awCollectionId=Be+Still+and+Know&awGenre=Religion+and+Spirituality\", \"description\": \"
Isaiah 6:1<\/p>\\n
Uzziah had become king when he was 16 and reigned for 52 years. For much of that time the kingdom of Judah had thrived. Uzziah had listened to the prophet Zechariah and walked in the ways of the Lord. But later on in his reign he had become arrogant and, on one occasion, he went into the temple to burn incense, a task which only priests could perform. Uzziah was struck down with leprosy and lived in isolation for the last years of his reign.<\/p>\\n
The death of King Uzziah after such a long reign was clearly a turning point for Isaiah. His world had suddenly changed. One wonders what his mood was when he entered the temple. It is quite likely that he was feeling confused and insecure as the nation faced a major time of change. But in that moment God met with him in an amazing way. Suddenly he was overwhelmed by the majesty and holiness of God, and forced to take a completely new look at his life.<\/p>\\n
God meets with us in many different ways. He can do so when we are in a church building or a garden. He can speak to us as we read the Bible or the newspaper. He can reveal himself through a friend or a stranger. The main question is whether we are ready to meet with him. Celtic Christianity speaks of thin places. Places where heaven and earth seem to meet and where it can be particularly easy to experience God. The islands of Iona and Lindisfarne are two places that have been identified as thin places for hundreds of years.<\/p>\\n\\n\\n
The ways in which God might meet with us are many and various. What matters is that we should, like Isaiah, be ready for that moment.<\/p>\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n
QUESTION<\/p>\\n
Have you discovered any thin places where it seems particularly easy to meet with God?<\/p>\\n
PRAYER<\/p>\\n
Lord God, thank you that you want to speak with me. Help me always to be ready to hear your voice. Amen<\/p>\"}\"\n \"duration_seconds\" => 186\n \"hash\" => \"e2c5abc50047772e3a5ad4732e96320c\"\n \"published_at\" => \"2023-01-16 04:00:00\"\n \"created_at\" => \"2024-12-19 13:36:13\"\n \"updated_at\" => \"2024-12-19 13:36:13\"\n \"deleted_at\" => null\n ]\n #original: array:15 [\n \"id\" => 28711\n \"podcast_id\" => 12\n \"guid\" => \"bestillandknowpodcast.podbean.com\/57453834-4e4e-32ba-9508-2ca098e2b1b3\"\n \"episode_no\" => 1624\n \"title\" => \"January 16th - Isaiah 6:1\"\n \"slug\" => \"january-16th-isaiah-61\"\n \"original_thumbnail_img\" => \"https:\/\/pcr-rss.streamguys1.com\/be-still-and-know\/20230308180514-BSAK-Podcast-Thumb-3000x3000.jpg\"\n \"thumbnail_img\" => null\n \"episode_data\" => \"{\"duration\": \"03:06\", \"subtitle\": \"Isaiah 6:1\\nUzziah had become king when he was 16 and reigned for 52 years. For much of that time the kingdom of Judah had thrived. Uzziah had listened to the prophet Zechariah and walked in the ways of the Lord. But later on in his reign he had b...\", \"audio_src\": \"https:\/\/pcr-od.streamguys1.com\/be-still-and-know\/20230308180824-BS_K_160123btzz4.mp3?awCollectionId=Be+Still+and+Know&awGenre=Religion+and+Spirituality\", \"description\": \"
Isaiah 6:1<\/p>\\n
Uzziah had become king when he was 16 and reigned for 52 years. For much of that time the kingdom of Judah had thrived. Uzziah had listened to the prophet Zechariah and walked in the ways of the Lord. But later on in his reign he had become arrogant and, on one occasion, he went into the temple to burn incense, a task which only priests could perform. Uzziah was struck down with leprosy and lived in isolation for the last years of his reign.<\/p>\\n
The death of King Uzziah after such a long reign was clearly a turning point for Isaiah. His world had suddenly changed. One wonders what his mood was when he entered the temple. It is quite likely that he was feeling confused and insecure as the nation faced a major time of change. But in that moment God met with him in an amazing way. Suddenly he was overwhelmed by the majesty and holiness of God, and forced to take a completely new look at his life.<\/p>\\n
God meets with us in many different ways. He can do so when we are in a church building or a garden. He can speak to us as we read the Bible or the newspaper. He can reveal himself through a friend or a stranger. The main question is whether we are ready to meet with him. Celtic Christianity speaks of thin places. Places where heaven and earth seem to meet and where it can be particularly easy to experience God. The islands of Iona and Lindisfarne are two places that have been identified as thin places for hundreds of years.<\/p>\\n\\n\\n
The ways in which God might meet with us are many and various. What matters is that we should, like Isaiah, be ready for that moment.<\/p>\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n
QUESTION<\/p>\\n
Have you discovered any thin places where it seems particularly easy to meet with God?<\/p>\\n
PRAYER<\/p>\\n
Lord God, thank you that you want to speak with me. Help me always to be ready to hear your voice. Amen<\/p>\"}\"\n \"duration_seconds\" => 186\n \"hash\" => \"e2c5abc50047772e3a5ad4732e96320c\"\n \"published_at\" => \"2023-01-16 04:00:00\"\n \"created_at\" => \"2024-12-19 13:36:13\"\n \"updated_at\" => \"2024-12-19 13:36:13\"\n \"deleted_at\" => null\n ]\n #changes: []\n #casts: array:3 [\n \"episode_data\" => \"object\"\n \"published_at\" => \"datetime\"\n \"deleted_at\" => \"datetime\"\n ]\n #classCastCache: []\n #attributeCastCache: []\n #dateFormat: null\n #appends: []\n #dispatchesEvents: []\n #observables: []\n #relations: []\n #touches: []\n +timestamps: true\n +usesUniqueIds: false\n #hidden: []\n #visible: []\n #fillable: []\n #guarded: array:1 [\n 0 => \"*\"\n ]\n +parent_relationship: \"podcast\"\n #forceDeleting: false\n }\n ]\n #escapeWhenCastingToString: false\n }\n \"previousEpisode\" => App\\Models\\PodcastEpisode {#2740\n #connection: \"mysql\"\n #table: \"podcast_episodes\"\n #primaryKey: \"id\"\n #keyType: \"int\"\n +incrementing: true\n #with: []\n #withCount: []\n +preventsLazyLoading: false\n #perPage: 15\n +exists: true\n +wasRecentlyCreated: false\n #escapeWhenCastingToString: false\n #attributes: array:15 [\n \"id\" => 28723\n \"podcast_id\" => 12\n \"guid\" => \"bestillandknowpodcast.podbean.com\/4dfad9f2-9397-3094-8563-70f8c50895cf\"\n \"episode_no\" => 1620\n \"title\" => \"January 12th - Isaiah 1:18\"\n \"slug\" => \"january-12th-isaiah-118\"\n \"original_thumbnail_img\" => \"https:\/\/pcr-rss.streamguys1.com\/be-still-and-know\/20230308180514-BSAK-Podcast-Thumb-3000x3000.jpg\"\n \"thumbnail_img\" => null\n \"episode_data\" => \"{\"duration\": \"03:14\", \"subtitle\": \"Isaiah 1:18\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nIf you want to know what God\u2019s like when he\u2019s in a rage, read the first chapter of Isaiah. He is fuming. He simply can\u2019t believe that anyone could treat him like this. After all he had done for his people it was as though they now...\", \"audio_src\": \"https:\/\/pcr-od.streamguys1.com\/be-still-and-know\/20230308180838-IB_BS_K_1201236pus9.mp3?awCollectionId=Be+Still+and+Know&awGenre=Religion+and+Spirituality\", \"description\": \"
Isaiah 1:18<\/p>\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n
If you want to know what God\u2019s like when he\u2019s in a rage, read the first chapter of Isaiah. He is fuming. He simply can\u2019t believe that anyone could treat him like this. After all he had done for his people it was as though they now didn\u2019t even recognise his existence. God pointed out that even an ox and a donkey know who their owner is, but Israel didn\u2019t seem to have a clue who their master was. The country was in ruins and beautiful Jerusalem had been abandoned. The situation was disastrous and yet, amazingly, the people continued with their religious practices. However, God was repelled by their worship because he knew that it didn\u2019t come from their heart. He asked them to stop making their sacrifices and offering their meaningless gifts, and assured them that when they prayed he would refuse to listen.<\/p>\\n
We spend so much of our time thinking of God\u2019s love, generosity and kindness that it\u2019s hard to think of him being so cross. It would be understandable if the chapter concluded by saying that it was game over and God wanted nothing more to do with them. But he didn\u2019t. Instead, he invited them to sort things out, and that needed to affect every aspect of their lives. They certainly needed to confess their sins and turn away from them, but they also needed to \u201cseek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows\u201d (Isaiah 1:17).<\/p>\\n\\n\\n
This passage is a good challenge for all of us. God does love our worship and praise but only when it is offered by people whose whole lives are committed to living for him. God will be looking at the way in which we care for the poor and marginalised in our communities in order to work out the reality of our worship.<\/p>\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n
QUESTION<\/p>\\n
In what ways do you reach out to the needy members of your own community?<\/p>\\n
PRAYER<\/p>\\n
Loving God, thank you that you don\u2019t give up on us when we fail you. Help us to be the people that you want us to be throughout the whole week. Amen<\/p>\"}\"\n \"duration_seconds\" => 194\n \"hash\" => \"d53cde1b0c64aeb1e1a7c2a3785210e8\"\n \"published_at\" => \"2023-01-12 04:00:00\"\n \"created_at\" => \"2024-12-19 13:36:14\"\n \"updated_at\" => \"2024-12-19 13:36:14\"\n \"deleted_at\" => null\n ]\n #original: array:15 [\n \"id\" => 28723\n \"podcast_id\" => 12\n \"guid\" => \"bestillandknowpodcast.podbean.com\/4dfad9f2-9397-3094-8563-70f8c50895cf\"\n \"episode_no\" => 1620\n \"title\" => \"January 12th - Isaiah 1:18\"\n \"slug\" => \"january-12th-isaiah-118\"\n \"original_thumbnail_img\" => \"https:\/\/pcr-rss.streamguys1.com\/be-still-and-know\/20230308180514-BSAK-Podcast-Thumb-3000x3000.jpg\"\n \"thumbnail_img\" => null\n \"episode_data\" => \"{\"duration\": \"03:14\", \"subtitle\": \"Isaiah 1:18\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nIf you want to know what God\u2019s like when he\u2019s in a rage, read the first chapter of Isaiah. He is fuming. He simply can\u2019t believe that anyone could treat him like this. After all he had done for his people it was as though they now...\", \"audio_src\": \"https:\/\/pcr-od.streamguys1.com\/be-still-and-know\/20230308180838-IB_BS_K_1201236pus9.mp3?awCollectionId=Be+Still+and+Know&awGenre=Religion+and+Spirituality\", \"description\": \"
Isaiah 1:18<\/p>\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n
If you want to know what God\u2019s like when he\u2019s in a rage, read the first chapter of Isaiah. He is fuming. He simply can\u2019t believe that anyone could treat him like this. After all he had done for his people it was as though they now didn\u2019t even recognise his existence. God pointed out that even an ox and a donkey know who their owner is, but Israel didn\u2019t seem to have a clue who their master was. The country was in ruins and beautiful Jerusalem had been abandoned. The situation was disastrous and yet, amazingly, the people continued with their religious practices. However, God was repelled by their worship because he knew that it didn\u2019t come from their heart. He asked them to stop making their sacrifices and offering their meaningless gifts, and assured them that when they prayed he would refuse to listen.<\/p>\\n
We spend so much of our time thinking of God\u2019s love, generosity and kindness that it\u2019s hard to think of him being so cross. It would be understandable if the chapter concluded by saying that it was game over and God wanted nothing more to do with them. But he didn\u2019t. Instead, he invited them to sort things out, and that needed to affect every aspect of their lives. They certainly needed to confess their sins and turn away from them, but they also needed to \u201cseek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows\u201d (Isaiah 1:17).<\/p>\\n\\n\\n
This passage is a good challenge for all of us. God does love our worship and praise but only when it is offered by people whose whole lives are committed to living for him. God will be looking at the way in which we care for the poor and marginalised in our communities in order to work out the reality of our worship.<\/p>\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n
QUESTION<\/p>\\n
In what ways do you reach out to the needy members of your own community?<\/p>\\n
PRAYER<\/p>\\n
Loving God, thank you that you don\u2019t give up on us when we fail you. Help us to be the people that you want us to be throughout the whole week. Amen<\/p>\"}\"\n \"duration_seconds\" => 194\n \"hash\" => \"d53cde1b0c64aeb1e1a7c2a3785210e8\"\n \"published_at\" => \"2023-01-12 04:00:00\"\n \"created_at\" => \"2024-12-19 13:36:14\"\n \"updated_at\" => \"2024-12-19 13:36:14\"\n \"deleted_at\" => null\n ]\n #changes: []\n #casts: array:3 [\n \"episode_data\" => \"object\"\n \"published_at\" => \"datetime\"\n \"deleted_at\" => \"datetime\"\n ]\n #classCastCache: []\n #attributeCastCache: []\n #dateFormat: null\n #appends: []\n #dispatchesEvents: []\n #observables: []\n #relations: []\n #touches: []\n +timestamps: true\n +usesUniqueIds: false\n #hidden: []\n #visible: []\n #fillable: []\n #guarded: array:1 [\n 0 => \"*\"\n ]\n +parent_relationship: \"podcast\"\n #forceDeleting: false\n }\n \"brandTitle\" => \"Be Still and Know\"\n \"startTimeSeconds\" => 0\n \"isFavourite\" => false\n \"isSubscribed\" => false\n \"previousProgress\" => 0\n \"loggedViewPortionEvents\" => array:5 [\n 20 => false\n 40 => false\n 60 => false\n 80 => false\n 100 => false\n ]\n ]\n \"name\" => \"section-podcast-player\"\n \"component\" => \"App\\Livewire\\SectionPodcastPlayer\"\n \"id\" => \"UXJqP1VuA3W6eewjX41b\"\n]"},"count":1},"symfonymailer_mails":{"count":0,"mails":[]},"gate":{"count":0,"messages":[]},"session":{"_token":"vtjBkMfT7gH9sGZVdGOOdrHdb1zy0itr9RUhUKQO"},"request":{"data":{"status":"200 OK","full_url":"https:\/\/premier.amperative.online\/be-still-and-know\/podcasts\/episodes\/january-13th-isaiah-22-3","action_name":"brands.podcasts.episodes.show","controller_action":"App\\Http\\Controllers\\PodcastEpisodesController@showPodcastEpisodeForBrand","uri":"GET {brand}\/podcasts\/{podcast}\/{episode}","scope_bindings":true,"controller":{"value":"App\\Http\\Controllers\\PodcastEpisodesController@showPodcastEpisodeForBrand","xdebug_link":{"url":"phpstorm:\/\/open?file=%2Fvar%2Fwww%2Fhtml%2Flaravel%2Fapp%2FHttp%2FControllers%2FPodcastEpisodesController.php&line=38","ajax":false,"filename":"PodcastEpisodesController.php","line":"38"}},"file":{"value":"app\/Http\/Controllers\/PodcastEpisodesController.php:38-51","xdebug_link":{"url":"phpstorm:\/\/open?file=%2Fvar%2Fwww%2Fhtml%2Flaravel%2Fapp%2FHttp%2FControllers%2FPodcastEpisodesController.php&line=38","ajax":false,"filename":"PodcastEpisodesController.php","line":"38"}},"middleware":"web","duration":"1.29s","peak_memory":"12MB","response":"text\/html; charset=utf-8","request_format":"html","request_query":"
[]\n<\/pre>