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: 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\" => 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 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\" => 28708\n \"podcast_id\" => 12\n \"guid\" => \"bestillandknowpodcast.podbean.com\/3cef84f9-c99f-3aa9-a2ea-dc34810a928a\"\n \"episode_no\" => 1625\n \"title\" => \"January 17th - Isaiah 6:5-7\"\n \"slug\" => \"january-17th-isaiah-65-7\"\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\": \"03:03\", \"subtitle\": \"Isaiah 6:5-7\\n\\n\\n\\nI\u2019m sure you\u2019ve had the experience of cleaning a window with great care. The last smudge has been removed andyou are convinced that you\u2019ve done an excellent job. And then you sit down and see the sunlight streaming in, and you c...\", \"audio_src\": \"https:\/\/pcr-od.streamguys1.com\/be-still-and-know\/20230308180821-BS_K_1701239hxm0.mp3?awCollectionId=Be+Still+and+Know&awGenre=Religion+and+Spirituality\", \"description\": \"
Isaiah 6:5-7<\/p>\\n\\n\\n\\n
I\u2019m sure you\u2019ve had the experience of cleaning a window with great care. The last smudge has been removed and\\nyou are convinced that you\u2019ve done an excellent job. And then you sit down and see the sunlight streaming in, and you cannot believe how dirty and smudgy it still looks. That was Isaiah\u2019s experience in these verses. He came into the presence of a holy God and the brilliant light of God\u2019s presence shone on the inadequacies and failings of his life. He felt doomed. His predicament seemed completely hopeless. But it wasn\u2019t.<\/p>\\n\\n\\n\\n
God did for Isaiah what he could never have done for himself. He forgave him. Isaiah recognised that he had filthy lips and lived amongst a people with filthy lips. And so the seraphim touched them with a burning coal from the altar. His guilt was removed and his sins forgiven. His life was transformed from one of hopelessness and defeat to one in which he would be able to carry God\u2019s word to his people.<\/p>\\n
Forgiveness was the turning point in Isaiah\u2019s life, and that is the experience of every Christian. Until we come to the point of recognising our sin and seeking God\u2019s forgiveness we will inevitably be weighed down by our sin and guilt. Only God can set us free, and he does so by totally removing our sins from us. As David put it in Psalm 103: \u201cHe has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west\u201d (Psalm 103:12).<\/p>\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n
QUESTION<\/p>\\n
How has God\u2019s gift of forgiveness affected your life?<\/p>\\n
PRAYER<\/p>\\n
Holy God, I worship you and praise you for your love for me. I recognise my need of your forgiveness, and thank you for your willingness to set me free from my sin. Amen<\/p>\"}\"\n \"duration_seconds\" => 183\n \"hash\" => \"07f43c5ecf18a67733a499ac262da48b\"\n \"published_at\" => \"2023-01-17 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\" => 28708\n \"podcast_id\" => 12\n \"guid\" => \"bestillandknowpodcast.podbean.com\/3cef84f9-c99f-3aa9-a2ea-dc34810a928a\"\n \"episode_no\" => 1625\n \"title\" => \"January 17th - Isaiah 6:5-7\"\n \"slug\" => \"january-17th-isaiah-65-7\"\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\": \"03:03\", \"subtitle\": \"Isaiah 6:5-7\\n\\n\\n\\nI\u2019m sure you\u2019ve had the experience of cleaning a window with great care. The last smudge has been removed andyou are convinced that you\u2019ve done an excellent job. And then you sit down and see the sunlight streaming in, and you c...\", \"audio_src\": \"https:\/\/pcr-od.streamguys1.com\/be-still-and-know\/20230308180821-BS_K_1701239hxm0.mp3?awCollectionId=Be+Still+and+Know&awGenre=Religion+and+Spirituality\", \"description\": \"
Isaiah 6:5-7<\/p>\\n\\n\\n\\n
I\u2019m sure you\u2019ve had the experience of cleaning a window with great care. The last smudge has been removed and\\nyou are convinced that you\u2019ve done an excellent job. And then you sit down and see the sunlight streaming in, and you cannot believe how dirty and smudgy it still looks. That was Isaiah\u2019s experience in these verses. He came into the presence of a holy God and the brilliant light of God\u2019s presence shone on the inadequacies and failings of his life. He felt doomed. His predicament seemed completely hopeless. But it wasn\u2019t.<\/p>\\n\\n\\n\\n
God did for Isaiah what he could never have done for himself. He forgave him. Isaiah recognised that he had filthy lips and lived amongst a people with filthy lips. And so the seraphim touched them with a burning coal from the altar. His guilt was removed and his sins forgiven. His life was transformed from one of hopelessness and defeat to one in which he would be able to carry God\u2019s word to his people.<\/p>\\n
Forgiveness was the turning point in Isaiah\u2019s life, and that is the experience of every Christian. Until we come to the point of recognising our sin and seeking God\u2019s forgiveness we will inevitably be weighed down by our sin and guilt. Only God can set us free, and he does so by totally removing our sins from us. As David put it in Psalm 103: \u201cHe has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west\u201d (Psalm 103:12).<\/p>\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n
QUESTION<\/p>\\n
How has God\u2019s gift of forgiveness affected your life?<\/p>\\n
PRAYER<\/p>\\n
Holy God, I worship you and praise you for your love for me. I recognise my need of your forgiveness, and thank you for your willingness to set me free from my sin. Amen<\/p>\"}\"\n \"duration_seconds\" => 183\n \"hash\" => \"07f43c5ecf18a67733a499ac262da48b\"\n \"published_at\" => \"2023-01-17 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 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\" => 28705\n \"podcast_id\" => 12\n \"guid\" => \"bestillandknowpodcast.podbean.com\/7e9f35b9-ac28-341a-bc3b-650bcff32aad\"\n \"episode_no\" => 1625\n \"title\" => \"January 18th - Isaiah 6:8\"\n \"slug\" => \"january-18th-isaiah-68\"\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\": \"03:21\", \"subtitle\": \"Isaiah 6:8\\nIsaiah\u2019s encounter with God in the temple was so intimate that he was able to overhear God having a conversation. In it God was wondering who he could send as a messenger and Isaiah immediately put up his hand and offered his services....\", \"audio_src\": \"https:\/\/pcr-od.streamguys1.com\/be-still-and-know\/20230308180817-BS_K_180123640xq.mp3?awCollectionId=Be+Still+and+Know&awGenre=Religion+and+Spirituality\", \"description\": \"
Isaiah 6:8<\/p>\\n
Isaiah\u2019s encounter with God in the temple was so intimate that he was able to overhear God having a conversation. In it God was wondering who he could send as a messenger and Isaiah immediately put up his hand and offered his services. Isaiah\u2019s response stands in marked contrast to others, such as Moses and Jeremiah, who offered God reasons why he had chosen the wrong person. Isaiah was willing and God took him at his word.<\/p>\\n
Willingness is a wonderful quality. When gifts were given for the building of the temple in Jerusalem the people were incredibly generous. They gave 170 tonnes of gold, 10,000 gold coins, 240 tonnes of silver, 612 tonnes of bronze, and 3,400 tonnes of iron. That is phenomenal generosity by any standards. We read that \u201cthe family leaders, the leaders of the tribes of Israel, the generals and the captains of the army and the king\u2019s administrative officers all gave willingly...The people rejoiced over the offerings, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the Lord, and King David was filled with joy\u201d (1 Chronicles 29:6, 9).<\/p>\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n
Isaiah was willing to serve God but that doesn\u2019t mean life suddenly became easy for him. Far from it. He was given a desperately difficult task to perform. God forewarned him that people wouldn\u2019t want to hear his message. They would \u201cplug their ears and shut their eyes\u201d (Isaiah 6:10). Even this discouraging information didn\u2019t undermine Isaiah\u2019s willingness, he simply enquired of God how long this would go on for. God replied that it would continue until the land had been turned into a wasteland and the people had been carried off into exile. It was a tough message, but Isaiah\u2019s willingness was undiminished. He knew that the greatest thing he could ever do was serve the living God.<\/p>\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n
QUESTION<\/p>\\n
Are you willing to do whatever God asks you to do?<\/p>\\n
PRAYER<\/p>\\n
Lord God, help me always to be willing to serve you in whatever way you choose. Amen<\/p>\"}\"\n \"duration_seconds\" => 201\n \"hash\" => \"98e3550c1a28140ae6763aad7e46e6b3\"\n \"published_at\" => \"2023-01-18 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\" => 28705\n \"podcast_id\" => 12\n \"guid\" => \"bestillandknowpodcast.podbean.com\/7e9f35b9-ac28-341a-bc3b-650bcff32aad\"\n \"episode_no\" => 1625\n \"title\" => \"January 18th - Isaiah 6:8\"\n \"slug\" => \"january-18th-isaiah-68\"\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\": \"03:21\", \"subtitle\": \"Isaiah 6:8\\nIsaiah\u2019s encounter with God in the temple was so intimate that he was able to overhear God having a conversation. In it God was wondering who he could send as a messenger and Isaiah immediately put up his hand and offered his services....\", \"audio_src\": \"https:\/\/pcr-od.streamguys1.com\/be-still-and-know\/20230308180817-BS_K_180123640xq.mp3?awCollectionId=Be+Still+and+Know&awGenre=Religion+and+Spirituality\", \"description\": \"
Isaiah 6:8<\/p>\\n
Isaiah\u2019s encounter with God in the temple was so intimate that he was able to overhear God having a conversation. In it God was wondering who he could send as a messenger and Isaiah immediately put up his hand and offered his services. Isaiah\u2019s response stands in marked contrast to others, such as Moses and Jeremiah, who offered God reasons why he had chosen the wrong person. Isaiah was willing and God took him at his word.<\/p>\\n
Willingness is a wonderful quality. When gifts were given for the building of the temple in Jerusalem the people were incredibly generous. They gave 170 tonnes of gold, 10,000 gold coins, 240 tonnes of silver, 612 tonnes of bronze, and 3,400 tonnes of iron. That is phenomenal generosity by any standards. We read that \u201cthe family leaders, the leaders of the tribes of Israel, the generals and the captains of the army and the king\u2019s administrative officers all gave willingly...The people rejoiced over the offerings, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the Lord, and King David was filled with joy\u201d (1 Chronicles 29:6, 9).<\/p>\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n
Isaiah was willing to serve God but that doesn\u2019t mean life suddenly became easy for him. Far from it. He was given a desperately difficult task to perform. God forewarned him that people wouldn\u2019t want to hear his message. They would \u201cplug their ears and shut their eyes\u201d (Isaiah 6:10). Even this discouraging information didn\u2019t undermine Isaiah\u2019s willingness, he simply enquired of God how long this would go on for. God replied that it would continue until the land had been turned into a wasteland and the people had been carried off into exile. It was a tough message, but Isaiah\u2019s willingness was undiminished. He knew that the greatest thing he could ever do was serve the living God.<\/p>\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n
QUESTION<\/p>\\n
Are you willing to do whatever God asks you to do?<\/p>\\n
PRAYER<\/p>\\n
Lord God, help me always to be willing to serve you in whatever way you choose. Amen<\/p>\"}\"\n \"duration_seconds\" => 201\n \"hash\" => \"98e3550c1a28140ae6763aad7e46e6b3\"\n \"published_at\" => \"2023-01-18 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\" => 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 \"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\" => \"RtOIfF2wtO3uQo0Ha4Pb\"\n]"},"count":1},"symfonymailer_mails":{"count":0,"mails":[]},"gate":{"count":0,"messages":[]},"session":{"_token":"asOvYZr1p1EhhCoYsjigRD3VjjrGj1pfnXmz387D"},"request":{"data":{"status":"200 OK","full_url":"https:\/\/premier.amperative.online\/be-still-and-know\/podcasts\/episodes\/january-15th-isaiah-57","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":"1.36s","peak_memory":"12MB","response":"text\/html; charset=utf-8","request_format":"html","request_query":"
[]\n<\/pre>