Galatians 6:7-8<\/p>\\n
The principle of \u201cyou reap what you sow\u201d is both obvious and profound. If you sow a field full of wheat you would be crazy to expect a crop of potatoes. It\u2019s so obvious that it hardly needs saying, but the message fundamentally challenges the way in which we live each day, because each word that we speak and action that we perform will have consequences. If we are kind, gracious and loving then there will be one kind of outcome, and if we are spiteful, angry and destructive there will be a completely different result.<\/p>\\n
Paul drew the conclusion that we should, therefore, not become tired of doing good things, knowing that sooner or later there will be a good harvest. Of course, the problem is that it often takes a long time to see any positive outcome from doing good. It is possible to work in a children\u2019s or youth club for years before you see any positive outcomes. I have known people work\\nin local churches for decades without seeing any tangible successes. Indeed, sometimes people are unkind and critical of the things that we do, and it all feels like terribly hard work.<\/p>\\n\\n\\n
All of this means that we need to focus our energies on ensuring that we plant good seed. That was precisely Paul\u2019s situation with the Galatian church. He faced fierce opposition and many people wanted him to believe that he had got it all wrong. But he knew that the seed he was planting was the best. The good news of salvation was a message of hope and liberty that would never let people down, and so he kept preaching it, however cruel and resistant people were. Similarly, we will often find ourselves in situations that are tough and unrewarding. But if we are convinced that we are doing God\u2019s good work, he would encourage us to hang in there, knowing that a good harvest will definitely result one day.<\/p>\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n
QUESTION<\/p>\\n
In what situations or relationships are you needing to \u201chang in there\u201d at the moment?<\/p>\\n
PRAYER<\/p>\\n
Lord God, thank you for the work that you call me to do. Help me to keep doing good even when it is tough and unrewarding. Amen<\/p>\"}\"\n \"duration_seconds\" => 217\n \"hash\" => \"38524ec814543e71f799d1de4c326192\"\n \"published_at\" => \"2023-02-01 04:00:00\"\n \"created_at\" => \"2024-12-19 13:36:10\"\n \"updated_at\" => \"2024-12-19 13:36:10\"\n \"deleted_at\" => null\n ]\n #original: array:15 [\n \"id\" => 28666\n \"podcast_id\" => 12\n \"guid\" => \"bestillandknowpodcast.podbean.com\/5d54abc2-2424-34ee-be08-fea5161c157b\"\n \"episode_no\" => 1639\n \"title\" => \"February 1st - Galatians 6:7-8\"\n \"slug\" => \"february-1st-galatians-67-8\"\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\": \"03:37\", \"subtitle\": \"Galatians 6:7-8\\nThe principle of \u201cyou reap what you sow\u201d is both obvious and profound. If you sow a field full of wheat you would be crazy to expect a crop of potatoes. It\u2019s so obvious that it hardly needs saying, but the message fundamentally ch...\", \"audio_src\": \"https:\/\/pcr-od.streamguys1.com\/be-still-and-know\/20230308180725-BS_K_010223b20p5.mp3?awCollectionId=Be+Still+and+Know&awGenre=Religion+and+Spirituality\", \"description\": \"
Galatians 6:7-8<\/p>\\n
The principle of \u201cyou reap what you sow\u201d is both obvious and profound. If you sow a field full of wheat you would be crazy to expect a crop of potatoes. It\u2019s so obvious that it hardly needs saying, but the message fundamentally challenges the way in which we live each day, because each word that we speak and action that we perform will have consequences. If we are kind, gracious and loving then there will be one kind of outcome, and if we are spiteful, angry and destructive there will be a completely different result.<\/p>\\n
Paul drew the conclusion that we should, therefore, not become tired of doing good things, knowing that sooner or later there will be a good harvest. Of course, the problem is that it often takes a long time to see any positive outcome from doing good. It is possible to work in a children\u2019s or youth club for years before you see any positive outcomes. I have known people work\\nin local churches for decades without seeing any tangible successes. Indeed, sometimes people are unkind and critical of the things that we do, and it all feels like terribly hard work.<\/p>\\n\\n\\n
All of this means that we need to focus our energies on ensuring that we plant good seed. That was precisely Paul\u2019s situation with the Galatian church. He faced fierce opposition and many people wanted him to believe that he had got it all wrong. But he knew that the seed he was planting was the best. The good news of salvation was a message of hope and liberty that would never let people down, and so he kept preaching it, however cruel and resistant people were. Similarly, we will often find ourselves in situations that are tough and unrewarding. But if we are convinced that we are doing God\u2019s good work, he would encourage us to hang in there, knowing that a good harvest will definitely result one day.<\/p>\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n
QUESTION<\/p>\\n
In what situations or relationships are you needing to \u201chang in there\u201d at the moment?<\/p>\\n
PRAYER<\/p>\\n
Lord God, thank you for the work that you call me to do. Help me to keep doing good even when it is tough and unrewarding. Amen<\/p>\"}\"\n \"duration_seconds\" => 217\n \"hash\" => \"38524ec814543e71f799d1de4c326192\"\n \"published_at\" => \"2023-02-01 04:00:00\"\n \"created_at\" => \"2024-12-19 13:36:10\"\n \"updated_at\" => \"2024-12-19 13:36:10\"\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\" => 28663\n \"podcast_id\" => 12\n \"guid\" => \"bestillandknowpodcast.podbean.com\/560e38a6-6e31-3f3a-baa3-122e074d4b85\"\n \"episode_no\" => 1640\n \"title\" => \"February 2nd - Galatians 6:14\"\n \"slug\" => \"february-2nd-galatians-614\"\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\": \"03:18\", \"subtitle\": \"Galatians 6:14\\nThere was clearly a lot of boasting going on amongst the Galatians! There were those who boasted of the fact that they continued to keep the Jewish law. They continued to practice circumcision and to stand by the Old Testament law....\", \"audio_src\": \"https:\/\/pcr-od.streamguys1.com\/be-still-and-know\/20230308180721-BS_K_0202237wv5t.mp3?awCollectionId=Be+Still+and+Know&awGenre=Religion+and+Spirituality\", \"description\": \"
Galatians 6:14<\/p>\\n
There was clearly a lot of boasting going on amongst the Galatians! There were those who boasted of the fact that they continued to keep the Jewish law. They continued to practice circumcision and to stand by the Old Testament law. They\\nwere convinced that they were doing extremely well, and looked down their noses at Paul, who was firmly opposed to circumcision for Christians and who spoke constantly about the inadequacies of the law. Paul was keen to do his own boasting but that was focused entirely upon the cross of Christ. For him, what Christ had done on the cross was all important. Through the cross he had found true freedom and a wonderful new life.<\/p>\\n
I wonder when you last boasted. You were so proud of something that had happened in your life, or in someone close to you, that you just couldn\u2019t wait for the opportunity to tell other people about it. I visited a couple yesterday and they couldn\u2019t wait to tell me all about their grandson and his progress. He is two years old and extremely bright and they were thrilled to tell me all about his recent exploits. It was delightful and I was happy to hear all about it. Boasting is a natural activity when we are thrilled about something, and that describes Paul perfectly. He was so thrilled about the new life he had found in Christ that he was eager for everyone to hear about it.<\/p>\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n
Boasting is encouraged in many parts of the Bible. In Jeremiah we hear God saying: \u201cBut those who wish to boast should boast in this alone: that they truly know me and understand that I am the LORD who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth\u201d (Jeremiah 9:24). In Psalm 34:2, King David proclaimed: \u201cI will boast only in the LORD.\u201d Boasting of how wonderful we are and of our great achievements is always foolish, but boasting of the Lord is always a blessing.<\/p>\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n
QUESTION<\/p>\\n
How could you become better at boasting about the Lord?<\/p>\\n
PRAYER<\/p>\\n
Lord God, thank you for all that you have done for me. Help me to become increasingly proud of all that you have done. Amen<\/p>\"}\"\n \"duration_seconds\" => 198\n \"hash\" => \"283d0dd8f3384dd5ded3a7631541feef\"\n \"published_at\" => \"2023-02-02 04:00:00\"\n \"created_at\" => \"2024-12-19 13:36:10\"\n \"updated_at\" => \"2024-12-19 13:36:10\"\n \"deleted_at\" => null\n ]\n #original: array:15 [\n \"id\" => 28663\n \"podcast_id\" => 12\n \"guid\" => \"bestillandknowpodcast.podbean.com\/560e38a6-6e31-3f3a-baa3-122e074d4b85\"\n \"episode_no\" => 1640\n \"title\" => \"February 2nd - Galatians 6:14\"\n \"slug\" => \"february-2nd-galatians-614\"\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\": \"03:18\", \"subtitle\": \"Galatians 6:14\\nThere was clearly a lot of boasting going on amongst the Galatians! There were those who boasted of the fact that they continued to keep the Jewish law. They continued to practice circumcision and to stand by the Old Testament law....\", \"audio_src\": \"https:\/\/pcr-od.streamguys1.com\/be-still-and-know\/20230308180721-BS_K_0202237wv5t.mp3?awCollectionId=Be+Still+and+Know&awGenre=Religion+and+Spirituality\", \"description\": \"
Galatians 6:14<\/p>\\n
There was clearly a lot of boasting going on amongst the Galatians! There were those who boasted of the fact that they continued to keep the Jewish law. They continued to practice circumcision and to stand by the Old Testament law. They\\nwere convinced that they were doing extremely well, and looked down their noses at Paul, who was firmly opposed to circumcision for Christians and who spoke constantly about the inadequacies of the law. Paul was keen to do his own boasting but that was focused entirely upon the cross of Christ. For him, what Christ had done on the cross was all important. Through the cross he had found true freedom and a wonderful new life.<\/p>\\n
I wonder when you last boasted. You were so proud of something that had happened in your life, or in someone close to you, that you just couldn\u2019t wait for the opportunity to tell other people about it. I visited a couple yesterday and they couldn\u2019t wait to tell me all about their grandson and his progress. He is two years old and extremely bright and they were thrilled to tell me all about his recent exploits. It was delightful and I was happy to hear all about it. Boasting is a natural activity when we are thrilled about something, and that describes Paul perfectly. He was so thrilled about the new life he had found in Christ that he was eager for everyone to hear about it.<\/p>\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n
Boasting is encouraged in many parts of the Bible. In Jeremiah we hear God saying: \u201cBut those who wish to boast should boast in this alone: that they truly know me and understand that I am the LORD who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth\u201d (Jeremiah 9:24). In Psalm 34:2, King David proclaimed: \u201cI will boast only in the LORD.\u201d Boasting of how wonderful we are and of our great achievements is always foolish, but boasting of the Lord is always a blessing.<\/p>\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n
QUESTION<\/p>\\n
How could you become better at boasting about the Lord?<\/p>\\n
PRAYER<\/p>\\n
Lord God, thank you for all that you have done for me. Help me to become increasingly proud of all that you have done. Amen<\/p>\"}\"\n \"duration_seconds\" => 198\n \"hash\" => \"283d0dd8f3384dd5ded3a7631541feef\"\n \"published_at\" => \"2023-02-02 04:00:00\"\n \"created_at\" => \"2024-12-19 13:36:10\"\n \"updated_at\" => \"2024-12-19 13:36:10\"\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\" => 28660\n \"podcast_id\" => 12\n \"guid\" => \"bestillandknowpodcast.podbean.com\/b83c355a-365f-39f1-9bb1-29162df2de92\"\n \"episode_no\" => 1641\n \"title\" => \"February 3rd - Galatians 6:17\"\n \"slug\" => \"february-3rd-galatians-617\"\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\": \"03:23\", \"subtitle\": \"Galatians 6:17\\nAlan Paton wrote a book called Cry, the Beloved Country (Simon & Schuster) and was a fierce opponent of apartheid in South Africa. He once wrote about his death: \u201cWhen I go up there, which is my intention, the Big Judge will say to ...\", \"audio_src\": \"https:\/\/pcr-od.streamguys1.com\/be-still-and-know\/20230308180718-BS_K_030223ayvi7.mp3?awCollectionId=Be+Still+and+Know&awGenre=Religion+and+Spirituality\", \"description\": \"
Galatians 6:17<\/p>\\n
Alan Paton wrote a book called Cry, the Beloved Country (Simon & Schuster) and was a fierce opponent of apartheid in South Africa. He once wrote about his death: \u201cWhen I go up there, which is my intention, the Big Judge will say to me, Where are your wounds? and if I say I haven\u2019t any, he will say, Was there nothing to fight for? I couldn\u2019t face that question.\u201d If we are willing to stand up for truth and justice in this world, we will pay a price for it. That was certainly the apostle Paul\u2019s experience. He was thrilled with the new life that Christ had given him, but he had to pay a very high price.<\/p>\\n
When he wrote to the church in Corinth, Paul recounted the many occasions when he had suffered physically. He had been: \u201cwhipped times without number, and faced death again and again. Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty- nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea\u201d (2 Corinthians 11.23-25). There is no doubt that his scars revealed the depth of his commitment to Christ. When Paul wrote to the church in Rome, he spoke of himself as being a slave of Christ, and he knew that slaves were normally branded. The mark of the owner was clearly placed on the body of the slave. Paul\u2019s reference to his scars seems to be his way of saying that these were the clear signs that Christ was his master.<\/p>\\n\\n\\n
I don\u2019t believe that we should ever seek to suffer for Christ. However, I do believe that we shouldn\u2019t be surprised when serving him is tough. Perhaps the reason that we haven\u2019t suffered is because we have refused to stand up for the weak and vulnerable in our society. Perhaps it has been easy for us to serve Christ because we have ducked when more challenging roles have been offered to us. We all need to share Paul\u2019s sense of privilege that we are called to do demanding work for the Lord we love.<\/p>\\n\\n\\n\\n
QUESTION<\/p>\\n
How willing are you to do difficult work for Christ?<\/p>\\n
PRAYER<\/p>\\n
Lord God, I thank you for the privilege of serving you. Help me never to flinch when the going gets tough. Amen<\/p>\"}\"\n \"duration_seconds\" => 203\n \"hash\" => \"2887efb619a1b519aced5cfee55194dc\"\n \"published_at\" => \"2023-02-03 04:00:00\"\n \"created_at\" => \"2024-12-19 13:36:09\"\n \"updated_at\" => \"2024-12-19 13:36:09\"\n \"deleted_at\" => null\n ]\n #original: array:15 [\n \"id\" => 28660\n \"podcast_id\" => 12\n \"guid\" => \"bestillandknowpodcast.podbean.com\/b83c355a-365f-39f1-9bb1-29162df2de92\"\n \"episode_no\" => 1641\n \"title\" => \"February 3rd - Galatians 6:17\"\n \"slug\" => \"february-3rd-galatians-617\"\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\": \"03:23\", \"subtitle\": \"Galatians 6:17\\nAlan Paton wrote a book called Cry, the Beloved Country (Simon & Schuster) and was a fierce opponent of apartheid in South Africa. He once wrote about his death: \u201cWhen I go up there, which is my intention, the Big Judge will say to ...\", \"audio_src\": \"https:\/\/pcr-od.streamguys1.com\/be-still-and-know\/20230308180718-BS_K_030223ayvi7.mp3?awCollectionId=Be+Still+and+Know&awGenre=Religion+and+Spirituality\", \"description\": \"
Galatians 6:17<\/p>\\n
Alan Paton wrote a book called Cry, the Beloved Country (Simon & Schuster) and was a fierce opponent of apartheid in South Africa. He once wrote about his death: \u201cWhen I go up there, which is my intention, the Big Judge will say to me, Where are your wounds? and if I say I haven\u2019t any, he will say, Was there nothing to fight for? I couldn\u2019t face that question.\u201d If we are willing to stand up for truth and justice in this world, we will pay a price for it. That was certainly the apostle Paul\u2019s experience. He was thrilled with the new life that Christ had given him, but he had to pay a very high price.<\/p>\\n
When he wrote to the church in Corinth, Paul recounted the many occasions when he had suffered physically. He had been: \u201cwhipped times without number, and faced death again and again. Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty- nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea\u201d (2 Corinthians 11.23-25). There is no doubt that his scars revealed the depth of his commitment to Christ. When Paul wrote to the church in Rome, he spoke of himself as being a slave of Christ, and he knew that slaves were normally branded. The mark of the owner was clearly placed on the body of the slave. Paul\u2019s reference to his scars seems to be his way of saying that these were the clear signs that Christ was his master.<\/p>\\n\\n\\n
I don\u2019t believe that we should ever seek to suffer for Christ. However, I do believe that we shouldn\u2019t be surprised when serving him is tough. Perhaps the reason that we haven\u2019t suffered is because we have refused to stand up for the weak and vulnerable in our society. Perhaps it has been easy for us to serve Christ because we have ducked when more challenging roles have been offered to us. We all need to share Paul\u2019s sense of privilege that we are called to do demanding work for the Lord we love.<\/p>\\n\\n\\n\\n
QUESTION<\/p>\\n
How willing are you to do difficult work for Christ?<\/p>\\n
PRAYER<\/p>\\n
Lord God, I thank you for the privilege of serving you. Help me never to flinch when the going gets tough. Amen<\/p>\"}\"\n \"duration_seconds\" => 203\n \"hash\" => \"2887efb619a1b519aced5cfee55194dc\"\n \"published_at\" => \"2023-02-03 04:00:00\"\n \"created_at\" => \"2024-12-19 13:36:09\"\n \"updated_at\" => \"2024-12-19 13:36:09\"\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\" => 28657\n \"podcast_id\" => 12\n \"guid\" => \"bestillandknowpodcast.podbean.com\/eb1f4d5c-5e0c-35ce-9899-948aec48867d\"\n \"episode_no\" => 1642\n \"title\" => \"February 4th - Galatians 6:18\"\n \"slug\" => \"february-4th-galatians-618\"\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\": \"03:30\", \"subtitle\": \"Galatians 6:18\\n\\n\\n\\nThe story of John Newton is well known. He first went to sea with his father when he was eleven years old and soon became deeply involved in working on slave ships. It was a terrible experience and, after falling out with the cre...\", \"audio_src\": \"https:\/\/pcr-od.streamguys1.com\/be-still-and-know\/20230308180714-BS_K_040223ad3rr.mp3?awCollectionId=Be+Still+and+Know&awGenre=Religion+and+Spirituality\", \"description\": \"
Galatians 6:18<\/p>\\n\\n\\n\\n
The story of John Newton is well known. He first went to sea with his father when he was eleven years old and soon became deeply involved in working on slave ships. It was a terrible experience and, after falling out with the crew of the Pegasus in 1745 he even found himself in slavery. Three years later, he was rescued and, on his return home, he read the Bible and became a Christian. He finally became a Church of England vicar and famously reflected on his conversion in his hymn \u2018Amazing grace\u2019. His life was completely transformed. He knew that it was entirely down to God\u2019s gracious gift to him and, in his later years, he fought for the abolition of the slave trade.<\/p>\\n
The apostle Paul often reflected on the amazing grace of God. The word \u2018grace\u2019 takes us right to the heart of God\u2019s nature. He is a generous God who loves to share his gifts with us, and he did that supremely by sending Jesus into the world to be our saviour. When he wrote to the Ephesians, Paul said: \u201cWe praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out to us who belong to his dear Son. He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins...God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can\u2019t take credit for this; it is a gift from God\u201d (Ephesians 1.6-7; 2:8). In short, God has given us the best gift imaginable and there is nothing we can do to pay for it or deserve it.<\/p>\\n\\n\\n\\n
If you have lived a good life then I\u2019m delighted, but you will never live a life that is so good that you will deserve or earn salvation. It cannot be done. All we can do is recognise that God is incredibly generous and willing to give salvation to anyone who will receive it. No wonder Paul finishes this wonderful letter by longing that his friends in Galatia would experience the grace of God for themselves.<\/p>\\n\\n\\n\\n
QUESTION<\/p>\\n
In your own experience, what is so amazing about grace?<\/p>\\n
PRAYER<\/p>\\n
Loving God, thank you for your incredible generosity. Help me not only to receive your gift but to pass it on to others. Amen<\/p>\"}\"\n \"duration_seconds\" => 210\n \"hash\" => \"6f8f78ad0cb146485b6c073fd06ff9a5\"\n \"published_at\" => \"2023-02-04 04:00:00\"\n \"created_at\" => \"2024-12-19 13:36:09\"\n \"updated_at\" => \"2024-12-19 13:36:09\"\n \"deleted_at\" => null\n ]\n #original: array:15 [\n \"id\" => 28657\n \"podcast_id\" => 12\n \"guid\" => \"bestillandknowpodcast.podbean.com\/eb1f4d5c-5e0c-35ce-9899-948aec48867d\"\n \"episode_no\" => 1642\n \"title\" => \"February 4th - Galatians 6:18\"\n \"slug\" => \"february-4th-galatians-618\"\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\": \"03:30\", \"subtitle\": \"Galatians 6:18\\n\\n\\n\\nThe story of John Newton is well known. He first went to sea with his father when he was eleven years old and soon became deeply involved in working on slave ships. It was a terrible experience and, after falling out with the cre...\", \"audio_src\": \"https:\/\/pcr-od.streamguys1.com\/be-still-and-know\/20230308180714-BS_K_040223ad3rr.mp3?awCollectionId=Be+Still+and+Know&awGenre=Religion+and+Spirituality\", \"description\": \"
Galatians 6:18<\/p>\\n\\n\\n\\n
The story of John Newton is well known. He first went to sea with his father when he was eleven years old and soon became deeply involved in working on slave ships. It was a terrible experience and, after falling out with the crew of the Pegasus in 1745 he even found himself in slavery. Three years later, he was rescued and, on his return home, he read the Bible and became a Christian. He finally became a Church of England vicar and famously reflected on his conversion in his hymn \u2018Amazing grace\u2019. His life was completely transformed. He knew that it was entirely down to God\u2019s gracious gift to him and, in his later years, he fought for the abolition of the slave trade.<\/p>\\n
The apostle Paul often reflected on the amazing grace of God. The word \u2018grace\u2019 takes us right to the heart of God\u2019s nature. He is a generous God who loves to share his gifts with us, and he did that supremely by sending Jesus into the world to be our saviour. When he wrote to the Ephesians, Paul said: \u201cWe praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out to us who belong to his dear Son. He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins...God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can\u2019t take credit for this; it is a gift from God\u201d (Ephesians 1.6-7; 2:8). In short, God has given us the best gift imaginable and there is nothing we can do to pay for it or deserve it.<\/p>\\n\\n\\n\\n
If you have lived a good life then I\u2019m delighted, but you will never live a life that is so good that you will deserve or earn salvation. It cannot be done. All we can do is recognise that God is incredibly generous and willing to give salvation to anyone who will receive it. No wonder Paul finishes this wonderful letter by longing that his friends in Galatia would experience the grace of God for themselves.<\/p>\\n\\n\\n\\n
QUESTION<\/p>\\n
In your own experience, what is so amazing about grace?<\/p>\\n
PRAYER<\/p>\\n
Loving God, thank you for your incredible generosity. Help me not only to receive your gift but to pass it on to others. Amen<\/p>\"}\"\n \"duration_seconds\" => 210\n \"hash\" => \"6f8f78ad0cb146485b6c073fd06ff9a5\"\n \"published_at\" => \"2023-02-04 04:00:00\"\n \"created_at\" => \"2024-12-19 13:36:09\"\n \"updated_at\" => \"2024-12-19 13:36:09\"\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\" => 28669\n \"podcast_id\" => 12\n \"guid\" => \"bestillandknowpodcast.podbean.com\/60e1ea0b-8b7b-3e4d-bde0-02b95c9dd824\"\n \"episode_no\" => 1638\n \"title\" => \"January 31st - Galatians 6:6\"\n \"slug\" => \"january-31st-galatians-66\"\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\": \"03:11\", \"subtitle\": \"Galatians 6:6\\nIt\u2019s not surprising that Paul spoke so clearly about the need to care for teachers in the early Church. They had a crucial role and, if they were not supported by the financial gifts of the church members, they would starve. The Gal...\", \"audio_src\": \"https:\/\/pcr-od.streamguys1.com\/be-still-and-know\/20230308180728-BS_K_310123az2wx.mp3?awCollectionId=Be+Still+and+Know&awGenre=Religion+and+Spirituality\", \"description\": \"
Galatians 6:6<\/p>\\n
It\u2019s not surprising that Paul spoke so clearly about the need to care for teachers in the early Church. They had a crucial role and, if they were not supported by the financial gifts of the church members, they would starve. The Galatian Christians needed to be reminded of their responsibilities. When Paul wrote to his young colleague Timothy, he referred to the need to show respect for church leaders and ensure they were well paid. He used an interesting verse from the Old Testament to support this view. \u201cYou must not muzzle an ox to keep it from eating as it treads out the grain\u201d (Deuteronomy 25:4). Perhaps you hadn\u2019t thought of comparing your church leader to an ox but the point was clear \u2013 the church members needed to accept the responsibility to provide for their teachers and leaders.<\/p>\\n
Churches are far more organised these days and most churches have a thoughtful and responsible way of supporting their ministers. But it is still important for church members to be alert to their responsibilities. I have known many ministers suffer significantly because of the thoughtlessness of their congregations. Church members have simply assumed that their leaders were well provided for, and have been unaware of financial and housing needs. Some have even thought that it was appropriate for their church leaders to suffer as part of their Christian calling. Such immoral thinking is deeply shocking but, happily, increasingly rare.<\/p>\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n
Whatever their work, everyone needs to be well cared for in order to be truly effective. Christian teachers and leaders are no different. In the words of the apostle Paul, we all need to accept our responsibility for ensuring that all good things are shared with them.<\/p>\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n
QUESTION<\/p>\\n
Are you confident that your own church leaders are well provided for?<\/p>\\n
PRAYER<\/p>\\n
Lord God, I thank you for my church leaders. Help me always to do what I can to ensure they receive the support and encouragement they need. Amen<\/p>\"}\"\n \"duration_seconds\" => 191\n \"hash\" => \"dc6e4a7ced27d207fa5c4e767318cebf\"\n \"published_at\" => \"2023-01-31 04:00:00\"\n \"created_at\" => \"2024-12-19 13:36:10\"\n \"updated_at\" => \"2024-12-19 13:36:10\"\n \"deleted_at\" => null\n ]\n #original: array:15 [\n \"id\" => 28669\n \"podcast_id\" => 12\n \"guid\" => \"bestillandknowpodcast.podbean.com\/60e1ea0b-8b7b-3e4d-bde0-02b95c9dd824\"\n \"episode_no\" => 1638\n \"title\" => \"January 31st - Galatians 6:6\"\n \"slug\" => \"january-31st-galatians-66\"\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\": \"03:11\", \"subtitle\": \"Galatians 6:6\\nIt\u2019s not surprising that Paul spoke so clearly about the need to care for teachers in the early Church. They had a crucial role and, if they were not supported by the financial gifts of the church members, they would starve. The Gal...\", \"audio_src\": \"https:\/\/pcr-od.streamguys1.com\/be-still-and-know\/20230308180728-BS_K_310123az2wx.mp3?awCollectionId=Be+Still+and+Know&awGenre=Religion+and+Spirituality\", \"description\": \"
Galatians 6:6<\/p>\\n
It\u2019s not surprising that Paul spoke so clearly about the need to care for teachers in the early Church. They had a crucial role and, if they were not supported by the financial gifts of the church members, they would starve. The Galatian Christians needed to be reminded of their responsibilities. When Paul wrote to his young colleague Timothy, he referred to the need to show respect for church leaders and ensure they were well paid. He used an interesting verse from the Old Testament to support this view. \u201cYou must not muzzle an ox to keep it from eating as it treads out the grain\u201d (Deuteronomy 25:4). Perhaps you hadn\u2019t thought of comparing your church leader to an ox but the point was clear \u2013 the church members needed to accept the responsibility to provide for their teachers and leaders.<\/p>\\n
Churches are far more organised these days and most churches have a thoughtful and responsible way of supporting their ministers. But it is still important for church members to be alert to their responsibilities. I have known many ministers suffer significantly because of the thoughtlessness of their congregations. Church members have simply assumed that their leaders were well provided for, and have been unaware of financial and housing needs. Some have even thought that it was appropriate for their church leaders to suffer as part of their Christian calling. Such immoral thinking is deeply shocking but, happily, increasingly rare.<\/p>\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n
Whatever their work, everyone needs to be well cared for in order to be truly effective. Christian teachers and leaders are no different. In the words of the apostle Paul, we all need to accept our responsibility for ensuring that all good things are shared with them.<\/p>\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n
QUESTION<\/p>\\n
Are you confident that your own church leaders are well provided for?<\/p>\\n
PRAYER<\/p>\\n
Lord God, I thank you for my church leaders. Help me always to do what I can to ensure they receive the support and encouragement they need. Amen<\/p>\"}\"\n \"duration_seconds\" => 191\n \"hash\" => \"dc6e4a7ced27d207fa5c4e767318cebf\"\n \"published_at\" => \"2023-01-31 04:00:00\"\n \"created_at\" => \"2024-12-19 13:36:10\"\n \"updated_at\" => \"2024-12-19 13:36:10\"\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\" => \"RoyBy8oTHoNmwm8DoM58\"\n]"},"count":1},"symfonymailer_mails":{"count":0,"mails":[]},"gate":{"count":0,"messages":[]},"session":{"_token":"ysojAwj3U06YJE6grET49o5dnONXVKESG3P1P2d0"},"request":{"data":{"status":"200 OK","full_url":"https:\/\/premier.amperative.online\/be-still-and-know\/podcasts\/episodes\/february-1st-galatians-67-8","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":"1.18s","peak_memory":"12MB","response":"text\/html; charset=utf-8","request_format":"html","request_query":"
[]\n<\/pre>