2 Timothy 2:9-10<\/p>\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n
If it were possible to extinguish Christianity through violent persecution, it would have been snuffed out long ago. But it is a fact of the last 2,000 years that the persecution of the Church has simply accelerated its growth. Tertullian, an author in the second century, wrote: \u201cThe blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church.\u201d Most of us have had no experience of violent persecution, but it is important to remember that it continues to be the experience of many Christians around the world today. Every year, thousands of Christians are killed because of their faith in countries such as Afghanistan, North Korea, Somalia, Libya and Yemen.<\/p>\\n\\n\\n
Paul was certain that, however great the persecution, the word of God could never be chained. We find exactly the same truth in the prophecy of Isaiah 55:10-11. God declared: \u201cThe rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry. It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.\u201d<\/p>\\n
What an encouragement these words should be for us all! It often seems as if people aren\u2019t remotely interested in God\u2019s word, and we can get discouraged. But we should hold on to the truth that the word of God then and now is, to use the words of Hebrews 4:12, \u201calive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword\u201d.<\/p>\\n
Paul was willing to suffer anything in the cause of proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ. For him, nothing in the world could be more important or worthwhile than that.<\/p>\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n
QUESTION<\/p>\\n
How much are you willing to endure as you live for God?<\/p>\\n
PRAYER<\/p>\\n
Lord God, I thank you for the inspiration of Paul\u2019s testimony. Help me to be willing to serve you faithfully, however tough it might be. Amen<\/p>\"}\"\n \"duration_seconds\" => 200\n \"hash\" => \"e3ad212a06005d1e6f846ceb766b9cb7\"\n \"published_at\" => \"2023-04-21 04:00:00\"\n \"created_at\" => \"2024-12-19 13:35:51\"\n \"updated_at\" => \"2024-12-19 13:35:51\"\n \"deleted_at\" => null\n ]\n #original: array:15 [\n \"id\" => 28441\n \"podcast_id\" => 12\n \"guid\" => \"bestillandknowpodcast.podbean.com\/409626e1-708e-375f-adf7-a9e5452b59b7\"\n \"episode_no\" => 1718\n \"title\" => \"April 21st - 2 Timothy 2:9-10\"\n \"slug\" => \"april-21st-2-timothy-29-10\"\n \"original_thumbnail_img\" => null\n \"thumbnail_img\" => null\n \"episode_data\" => \"{\"duration\": \"03:20\", \"subtitle\": \"2 Timothy 2:9-10\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nIf it were possible to extinguish Christianity through violent persecution, it would have been snuffed out long ago. But it is a fact of the last 2,000 years that the persecution of the Church has simply accelerated its growt...\", \"audio_src\": \"https:\/\/pcr-od.streamguys1.com\/be-still-and-know\/20230421031016-BS_K_-_2104237kjfz.mp3?awCollectionId=Be+Still+and+Know&awGenre=Religion+and+Spirituality\", \"description\": \"
2 Timothy 2:9-10<\/p>\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n
If it were possible to extinguish Christianity through violent persecution, it would have been snuffed out long ago. But it is a fact of the last 2,000 years that the persecution of the Church has simply accelerated its growth. Tertullian, an author in the second century, wrote: \u201cThe blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church.\u201d Most of us have had no experience of violent persecution, but it is important to remember that it continues to be the experience of many Christians around the world today. Every year, thousands of Christians are killed because of their faith in countries such as Afghanistan, North Korea, Somalia, Libya and Yemen.<\/p>\\n\\n\\n
Paul was certain that, however great the persecution, the word of God could never be chained. We find exactly the same truth in the prophecy of Isaiah 55:10-11. God declared: \u201cThe rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry. It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.\u201d<\/p>\\n
What an encouragement these words should be for us all! It often seems as if people aren\u2019t remotely interested in God\u2019s word, and we can get discouraged. But we should hold on to the truth that the word of God then and now is, to use the words of Hebrews 4:12, \u201calive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword\u201d.<\/p>\\n
Paul was willing to suffer anything in the cause of proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ. For him, nothing in the world could be more important or worthwhile than that.<\/p>\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n
QUESTION<\/p>\\n
How much are you willing to endure as you live for God?<\/p>\\n
PRAYER<\/p>\\n
Lord God, I thank you for the inspiration of Paul\u2019s testimony. Help me to be willing to serve you faithfully, however tough it might be. Amen<\/p>\"}\"\n \"duration_seconds\" => 200\n \"hash\" => \"e3ad212a06005d1e6f846ceb766b9cb7\"\n \"published_at\" => \"2023-04-21 04:00:00\"\n \"created_at\" => \"2024-12-19 13:35:51\"\n \"updated_at\" => \"2024-12-19 13:35:51\"\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\" => 28438\n \"podcast_id\" => 12\n \"guid\" => \"bestillandknowpodcast.podbean.com\/80709b97-5123-33c9-ae93-f704d643af1d\"\n \"episode_no\" => 1719\n \"title\" => \"April 22nd - 2 Timothy 2:15-16\"\n \"slug\" => \"april-22nd-2-timothy-215-16\"\n \"original_thumbnail_img\" => null\n \"thumbnail_img\" => null\n \"episode_data\" => \"{\"duration\": \"03:20\", \"subtitle\": \"2 Timothy 2:15-16\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nIt\u2019s always a pleasure to see someone who is a good worker. They may be an accountant, a cleaner, a lawyer or a shop-worker but, the moment you see them at work, you know that they are fully committed to the task. However, i...\", \"audio_src\": \"https:\/\/pcr-od.streamguys1.com\/be-still-and-know\/20230422031015-IB_BS_K_-_2204238w8xp.mp3?awCollectionId=Be+Still+and+Know&awGenre=Religion+and+Spirituality\", \"description\": \"
2 Timothy 2:15-16<\/p>\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n
It\u2019s always a pleasure to see someone who is a good worker. They may be an accountant, a cleaner, a lawyer or a shop-worker but, the moment you see them at work, you know that they are fully committed to the task. However, it is very easy to be less than that.<\/p>\\n
Laziness can be a temptation in any walk of life, and that includes Christian teachers. It is possible for them to look for short cuts and offer their teaching without being properly prepared with prayer and careful study. Paul urges his friend Timothy to ensure this never happens to him. He needs to give his best so that he will never be ashamed of his teaching. That will only happen if he is self-disciplined and determined to serve the Lord wholeheartedly.<\/p>\\n
Paul knew only too well that words that can be a great blessing but also a curse. In verse 14, he urged Timothy to remind people that they shouldn\u2019t fight over words. He said such arguments were useless and could lead to disaster. The word that he actually used is \u201ccatastrophe\u201d which literally means \u2018turning upside down\u2019. It is the complete opposite of what a teacher should be doing.<\/p>\\n\\n\\n
We don\u2019t know where Hymenaeus and Philetus went wrong, but it is clear that this was a painful and continual challenge during Paul\u2019s ministry. Foolish talk is deeply damaging. In Greek, Paul describes it as being like gangrene - which may start in a small way but can quickly lead to death if not treated.<\/p>\\n
It is easily possible to have a very casual attitude towards Christian teaching, as though it is a harmless hobby that some people like to pursue. Paul would vigorously disagree with such a view. For him, it was a matter of life and death. I believe we need to make sure that good teaching has a central place in Church life.<\/p>\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n
QUESTION<\/p>\\n
Can you think of any illustrations of foolish talk?<\/p>\\n
PRAYER<\/p>\\n
Lord God, I pray for those who have the awesome responsibility of Christian teaching. May they stay very close to you and know your guidance and strength. Amen<\/p>\"}\"\n \"duration_seconds\" => 200\n \"hash\" => \"10107c761643b290c77edd9cf1079c10\"\n \"published_at\" => \"2023-04-22 04:00:00\"\n \"created_at\" => \"2024-12-19 13:35:51\"\n \"updated_at\" => \"2024-12-19 13:35:51\"\n \"deleted_at\" => null\n ]\n #original: array:15 [\n \"id\" => 28438\n \"podcast_id\" => 12\n \"guid\" => \"bestillandknowpodcast.podbean.com\/80709b97-5123-33c9-ae93-f704d643af1d\"\n \"episode_no\" => 1719\n \"title\" => \"April 22nd - 2 Timothy 2:15-16\"\n \"slug\" => \"april-22nd-2-timothy-215-16\"\n \"original_thumbnail_img\" => null\n \"thumbnail_img\" => null\n \"episode_data\" => \"{\"duration\": \"03:20\", \"subtitle\": \"2 Timothy 2:15-16\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nIt\u2019s always a pleasure to see someone who is a good worker. They may be an accountant, a cleaner, a lawyer or a shop-worker but, the moment you see them at work, you know that they are fully committed to the task. However, i...\", \"audio_src\": \"https:\/\/pcr-od.streamguys1.com\/be-still-and-know\/20230422031015-IB_BS_K_-_2204238w8xp.mp3?awCollectionId=Be+Still+and+Know&awGenre=Religion+and+Spirituality\", \"description\": \"
2 Timothy 2:15-16<\/p>\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n
It\u2019s always a pleasure to see someone who is a good worker. They may be an accountant, a cleaner, a lawyer or a shop-worker but, the moment you see them at work, you know that they are fully committed to the task. However, it is very easy to be less than that.<\/p>\\n
Laziness can be a temptation in any walk of life, and that includes Christian teachers. It is possible for them to look for short cuts and offer their teaching without being properly prepared with prayer and careful study. Paul urges his friend Timothy to ensure this never happens to him. He needs to give his best so that he will never be ashamed of his teaching. That will only happen if he is self-disciplined and determined to serve the Lord wholeheartedly.<\/p>\\n
Paul knew only too well that words that can be a great blessing but also a curse. In verse 14, he urged Timothy to remind people that they shouldn\u2019t fight over words. He said such arguments were useless and could lead to disaster. The word that he actually used is \u201ccatastrophe\u201d which literally means \u2018turning upside down\u2019. It is the complete opposite of what a teacher should be doing.<\/p>\\n\\n\\n
We don\u2019t know where Hymenaeus and Philetus went wrong, but it is clear that this was a painful and continual challenge during Paul\u2019s ministry. Foolish talk is deeply damaging. In Greek, Paul describes it as being like gangrene - which may start in a small way but can quickly lead to death if not treated.<\/p>\\n
It is easily possible to have a very casual attitude towards Christian teaching, as though it is a harmless hobby that some people like to pursue. Paul would vigorously disagree with such a view. For him, it was a matter of life and death. I believe we need to make sure that good teaching has a central place in Church life.<\/p>\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n
QUESTION<\/p>\\n
Can you think of any illustrations of foolish talk?<\/p>\\n
PRAYER<\/p>\\n
Lord God, I pray for those who have the awesome responsibility of Christian teaching. May they stay very close to you and know your guidance and strength. Amen<\/p>\"}\"\n \"duration_seconds\" => 200\n \"hash\" => \"10107c761643b290c77edd9cf1079c10\"\n \"published_at\" => \"2023-04-22 04:00:00\"\n \"created_at\" => \"2024-12-19 13:35:51\"\n \"updated_at\" => \"2024-12-19 13:35:51\"\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\" => 28435\n \"podcast_id\" => 12\n \"guid\" => \"bestillandknowpodcast.podbean.com\/06aaea7c-c552-374f-be59-4a1677c75cce\"\n \"episode_no\" => 1720\n \"title\" => \"April 23rd - 2 Timothy 2:20-21\"\n \"slug\" => \"april-23rd-2-timothy-220-21\"\n \"original_thumbnail_img\" => null\n \"thumbnail_img\" => null\n \"episode_data\" => \"{\"duration\": \"03:16\", \"subtitle\": \"2 Timothy 2:20-21\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nHere Paul is describing the Church. It is made up of very different people who have a wide variety of roles. Paul\u2019s concern is that Timothy should live in a state of constant readiness for whatever the Lord might want him to...\", \"audio_src\": \"https:\/\/pcr-od.streamguys1.com\/be-still-and-know\/20230423031017-IB_BS_K_-_23042371eri.mp3?awCollectionId=Be+Still+and+Know&awGenre=Religion+and+Spirituality\", \"description\": \"
2 Timothy 2:20-21<\/p>\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n
Here Paul is describing the Church. It is made up of very different people who have a wide variety of roles. Paul\u2019s concern is that Timothy should live in a state of constant readiness for whatever the Lord might want him to do. But he could only do that by keeping himself pure.<\/p>\\n
Paul had his eyes wide open to the challenges that Timothy would face as a young leader in a non-Christian, and largely anti-Christian, society. He knew Timothy would be tempted to compromise and to slip back into godless ways. And, of course, Paul would say exactly the same to leaders today.<\/p>\\n
Our society is driven by a lust for money, sex and power in just the same way as Roman society was. It is clearly expressed in completely different ways but the challenge to keep pure is as vital today as it was then. The devil does an amazing job in making purity sound dull and joyless, because the truth is the exact opposite. Purity is the route to living life to the full and Paul was eager that Timothy shouldn\u2019t settle for anything less than the best.<\/p>\\n\\n\\n
Paul\u2019s prime desire for Timothy was that he should always be ready for the Lord to use him, and I have no doubt that is our greatest desire too. We want our lives to count for something. We want to do things that will be a lasting blessing. Or, to use Paul\u2019s language, we want to be like a household utensil that is ready to be used.<\/p>\\n
If so, that\u2019s great! But we need to work hard each day to ensure that we stay clean in a polluted society which will try to make us mucky.<\/p>\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n
QUESTION<\/p>\\n
What do you do each day to help you to stay clean?<\/p>\\n
PRAYER<\/p>\\n
Lord God, help me to live so close to you that I will always be available for you to use. Amen<\/p>\"}\"\n \"duration_seconds\" => 196\n \"hash\" => \"1a323fb529d09eaa68f724c732834baa\"\n \"published_at\" => \"2023-04-23 04:00:00\"\n \"created_at\" => \"2024-12-19 13:35:51\"\n \"updated_at\" => \"2024-12-19 13:35:51\"\n \"deleted_at\" => null\n ]\n #original: array:15 [\n \"id\" => 28435\n \"podcast_id\" => 12\n \"guid\" => \"bestillandknowpodcast.podbean.com\/06aaea7c-c552-374f-be59-4a1677c75cce\"\n \"episode_no\" => 1720\n \"title\" => \"April 23rd - 2 Timothy 2:20-21\"\n \"slug\" => \"april-23rd-2-timothy-220-21\"\n \"original_thumbnail_img\" => null\n \"thumbnail_img\" => null\n \"episode_data\" => \"{\"duration\": \"03:16\", \"subtitle\": \"2 Timothy 2:20-21\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nHere Paul is describing the Church. It is made up of very different people who have a wide variety of roles. Paul\u2019s concern is that Timothy should live in a state of constant readiness for whatever the Lord might want him to...\", \"audio_src\": \"https:\/\/pcr-od.streamguys1.com\/be-still-and-know\/20230423031017-IB_BS_K_-_23042371eri.mp3?awCollectionId=Be+Still+and+Know&awGenre=Religion+and+Spirituality\", \"description\": \"
2 Timothy 2:20-21<\/p>\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n
Here Paul is describing the Church. It is made up of very different people who have a wide variety of roles. Paul\u2019s concern is that Timothy should live in a state of constant readiness for whatever the Lord might want him to do. But he could only do that by keeping himself pure.<\/p>\\n
Paul had his eyes wide open to the challenges that Timothy would face as a young leader in a non-Christian, and largely anti-Christian, society. He knew Timothy would be tempted to compromise and to slip back into godless ways. And, of course, Paul would say exactly the same to leaders today.<\/p>\\n
Our society is driven by a lust for money, sex and power in just the same way as Roman society was. It is clearly expressed in completely different ways but the challenge to keep pure is as vital today as it was then. The devil does an amazing job in making purity sound dull and joyless, because the truth is the exact opposite. Purity is the route to living life to the full and Paul was eager that Timothy shouldn\u2019t settle for anything less than the best.<\/p>\\n\\n\\n
Paul\u2019s prime desire for Timothy was that he should always be ready for the Lord to use him, and I have no doubt that is our greatest desire too. We want our lives to count for something. We want to do things that will be a lasting blessing. Or, to use Paul\u2019s language, we want to be like a household utensil that is ready to be used.<\/p>\\n
If so, that\u2019s great! But we need to work hard each day to ensure that we stay clean in a polluted society which will try to make us mucky.<\/p>\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n
QUESTION<\/p>\\n
What do you do each day to help you to stay clean?<\/p>\\n
PRAYER<\/p>\\n
Lord God, help me to live so close to you that I will always be available for you to use. Amen<\/p>\"}\"\n \"duration_seconds\" => 196\n \"hash\" => \"1a323fb529d09eaa68f724c732834baa\"\n \"published_at\" => \"2023-04-23 04:00:00\"\n \"created_at\" => \"2024-12-19 13:35:51\"\n \"updated_at\" => \"2024-12-19 13:35:51\"\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\" => 28432\n \"podcast_id\" => 12\n \"guid\" => \"bestillandknowpodcast.podbean.com\/6edec9b0-a7a3-347a-9494-c7d23370ca02\"\n \"episode_no\" => 1721\n \"title\" => \"April 24th - 2 Timothy 2:24\"\n \"slug\" => \"april-24th-2-timothy-224\"\n \"original_thumbnail_img\" => null\n \"thumbnail_img\" => null\n \"episode_data\" => \"{\"duration\": \"03:21\", \"subtitle\": \"2 Timothy 2:24\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nEvery Christian is a servant of the Lord but there is no doubt that in this verse, Paul is particularly thinking of the responsibilities of church leaders. Clearly they cannot serve the Lord if they are prone to pick quarrels b...\", \"audio_src\": \"https:\/\/pcr-od.streamguys1.com\/be-still-and-know\/20230424031016-IB_BS_K_-_24042387w56.mp3?awCollectionId=Be+Still+and+Know&awGenre=Religion+and+Spirituality\", \"description\": \"
2 Timothy 2:24<\/p>\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n
Every Christian is a servant of the Lord but there is no doubt that in this verse, Paul is particularly thinking of the responsibilities of church leaders. Clearly they cannot serve the Lord if they are prone to pick quarrels but, more than that, they need to be kind to everyone.<\/p>\\n
Kindness is a word which reflects the nature of Jesus. This doesn\u2019t mean that church leaders should avoid getting into debate with opponents, or that they should side-step difficult situations. Far from it. Church leaders are called upon to face the toughest of challenges with gentleness, warmth and kindness.<\/p>\\n
Being patient with difficult people has always been a fundamental requirement of church leaders. When Paul wrote to the church in Corinth he referred to them suffering fools gladly (2 Corinthians 11:19). I once heard it said that our calling is not merely to suffer fools gladly but to enjoy them enormously! Every community will include people who are challenging and, if we are honest, we might recognise that we can be awkward and difficult at times.<\/p>\\n\\n\\n
We all approach life differently. Some are eager to keep everything and others are bored easily. Some enjoy traditional hymns and others prefer contemporary worship songs. Some are unhappy if things aren\u2019t exactly the way they want them to be, and others are not that bothered. We all need to be constantly kind and patient but, in church leadership, this is often tested to the limit.<\/p>\\n
For many years, I have been involved in the selection of ministers. Amid the many qualifications and requirements, I believe that kindness and patience are close to the top of the list.<\/p>\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n
QUESTION<\/p>\\n
What would help you become more patient with difficult people?<\/p>\\n
PRAYER<\/p>\\n
Lord God, thank you for the church leaders who serve me. Fill them with your Spirit so that they will teach well and exercise their ministry with kindness and patience to all. Amen<\/p>\"}\"\n \"duration_seconds\" => 201\n \"hash\" => \"aee8438bc238aefb443aa5f424a605e9\"\n \"published_at\" => \"2023-04-24 04:00:00\"\n \"created_at\" => \"2024-12-19 13:35:51\"\n \"updated_at\" => \"2024-12-19 13:35:51\"\n \"deleted_at\" => null\n ]\n #original: array:15 [\n \"id\" => 28432\n \"podcast_id\" => 12\n \"guid\" => \"bestillandknowpodcast.podbean.com\/6edec9b0-a7a3-347a-9494-c7d23370ca02\"\n \"episode_no\" => 1721\n \"title\" => \"April 24th - 2 Timothy 2:24\"\n \"slug\" => \"april-24th-2-timothy-224\"\n \"original_thumbnail_img\" => null\n \"thumbnail_img\" => null\n \"episode_data\" => \"{\"duration\": \"03:21\", \"subtitle\": \"2 Timothy 2:24\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nEvery Christian is a servant of the Lord but there is no doubt that in this verse, Paul is particularly thinking of the responsibilities of church leaders. Clearly they cannot serve the Lord if they are prone to pick quarrels b...\", \"audio_src\": \"https:\/\/pcr-od.streamguys1.com\/be-still-and-know\/20230424031016-IB_BS_K_-_24042387w56.mp3?awCollectionId=Be+Still+and+Know&awGenre=Religion+and+Spirituality\", \"description\": \"
2 Timothy 2:24<\/p>\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n
Every Christian is a servant of the Lord but there is no doubt that in this verse, Paul is particularly thinking of the responsibilities of church leaders. Clearly they cannot serve the Lord if they are prone to pick quarrels but, more than that, they need to be kind to everyone.<\/p>\\n
Kindness is a word which reflects the nature of Jesus. This doesn\u2019t mean that church leaders should avoid getting into debate with opponents, or that they should side-step difficult situations. Far from it. Church leaders are called upon to face the toughest of challenges with gentleness, warmth and kindness.<\/p>\\n
Being patient with difficult people has always been a fundamental requirement of church leaders. When Paul wrote to the church in Corinth he referred to them suffering fools gladly (2 Corinthians 11:19). I once heard it said that our calling is not merely to suffer fools gladly but to enjoy them enormously! Every community will include people who are challenging and, if we are honest, we might recognise that we can be awkward and difficult at times.<\/p>\\n\\n\\n
We all approach life differently. Some are eager to keep everything and others are bored easily. Some enjoy traditional hymns and others prefer contemporary worship songs. Some are unhappy if things aren\u2019t exactly the way they want them to be, and others are not that bothered. We all need to be constantly kind and patient but, in church leadership, this is often tested to the limit.<\/p>\\n
For many years, I have been involved in the selection of ministers. Amid the many qualifications and requirements, I believe that kindness and patience are close to the top of the list.<\/p>\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n
QUESTION<\/p>\\n
What would help you become more patient with difficult people?<\/p>\\n
PRAYER<\/p>\\n
Lord God, thank you for the church leaders who serve me. Fill them with your Spirit so that they will teach well and exercise their ministry with kindness and patience to all. Amen<\/p>\"}\"\n \"duration_seconds\" => 201\n \"hash\" => \"aee8438bc238aefb443aa5f424a605e9\"\n \"published_at\" => \"2023-04-24 04:00:00\"\n \"created_at\" => \"2024-12-19 13:35:51\"\n \"updated_at\" => \"2024-12-19 13:35:51\"\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\" => 28444\n \"podcast_id\" => 12\n \"guid\" => \"bestillandknowpodcast.podbean.com\/0d6599bd-5b57-3104-b257-75c591859bd1\"\n \"episode_no\" => 1717\n \"title\" => \"April 20th - 2 Timothy 2:6\"\n \"slug\" => \"april-20th-2-timothy-26\"\n \"original_thumbnail_img\" => null\n \"thumbnail_img\" => null\n \"episode_data\" => \"{\"duration\": \"03:14\", \"subtitle\": \"2 Timothy 2:6\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nPaul was well aware of what a hard job it was to be a Christian leader. When he wrote to the Corinthians, he told them he was \u201cpressed on every side by troubles\u201d. He knew what it was to be perplexed, hunted down and to live in c...\", \"audio_src\": \"https:\/\/pcr-od.streamguys1.com\/be-still-and-know\/20230420031018-BS_K_-_200423azq8a.mp3?awCollectionId=Be+Still+and+Know&awGenre=Religion+and+Spirituality\", \"description\": \"
2 Timothy 2:6<\/p>\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n
Paul was well aware of what a hard job it was to be a Christian leader. When he wrote to the Corinthians, he told them he was \u201cpressed on every side by troubles\u201d. He knew what it was to be perplexed, hunted down and to live in constant danger of death (2 Corinthians 2:4-11). He didn\u2019t want Timothy to have any illusions about the challenges that would face him and, so, having compared his ministry to that of a soldier and an athlete, he now points to the example of a hardworking farmer. All farmers are focused on bringing in a good harvest, but they only achieve it if they put in months of really hard work.<\/p>\\n
This is a good reminder for us all. There is something in all of us which would like God\u2019s work to be easy and straightforward. We would prefer everyone to be co-operative, helpful and smiling. But if you have ever been involved in a local church, you will\\nknow that it is not always like that. It is often difficult to find people to do all the jobs that need doing. People are not necessarily as easy to work with as one would like. In addition, we are living with ever-increasing legal responsibilities. We need safeguarding measures in place to protect children and vulnerable adults, and clear responsibilities to account for our finances. All of these requirements are entirely appropriate and wise, but no one could deny that they are hard work.<\/p>\\n\\n\\n
Paul\u2019s message is that we shouldn\u2019t ever be surprised that working for God is demanding. That was precisely his experience.<\/p>\\n
But, at the same time, we shouldn\u2019t be surprised at the incredible blessings for those who put in the hard work. Farmers are the first people to enjoy their own crop and, as Christians, we have the incredible joy of being first on the scene to enjoy the blessing of seeing people\u2019s lives changed and renewed by God.<\/p>\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n
QUESTION<\/p>\\n
Do you find it hard work being involved in your church? If so, how do you cope with it?<\/p>\\n
PRAYER<\/p>\\n
Loving God, thank you for the privilege of working for you. Help me never to be grumpy, surprised or resentful when it is hard doing what you have called me to do. Amen<\/p>\"}\"\n \"duration_seconds\" => 194\n \"hash\" => \"13c8756e64f21d9e5c1ecdc0f4cdfe07\"\n \"published_at\" => \"2023-04-20 04:00:00\"\n \"created_at\" => \"2024-12-19 13:35:52\"\n \"updated_at\" => \"2024-12-19 13:35:52\"\n \"deleted_at\" => null\n ]\n #original: array:15 [\n \"id\" => 28444\n \"podcast_id\" => 12\n \"guid\" => \"bestillandknowpodcast.podbean.com\/0d6599bd-5b57-3104-b257-75c591859bd1\"\n \"episode_no\" => 1717\n \"title\" => \"April 20th - 2 Timothy 2:6\"\n \"slug\" => \"april-20th-2-timothy-26\"\n \"original_thumbnail_img\" => null\n \"thumbnail_img\" => null\n \"episode_data\" => \"{\"duration\": \"03:14\", \"subtitle\": \"2 Timothy 2:6\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nPaul was well aware of what a hard job it was to be a Christian leader. When he wrote to the Corinthians, he told them he was \u201cpressed on every side by troubles\u201d. He knew what it was to be perplexed, hunted down and to live in c...\", \"audio_src\": \"https:\/\/pcr-od.streamguys1.com\/be-still-and-know\/20230420031018-BS_K_-_200423azq8a.mp3?awCollectionId=Be+Still+and+Know&awGenre=Religion+and+Spirituality\", \"description\": \"
2 Timothy 2:6<\/p>\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n
Paul was well aware of what a hard job it was to be a Christian leader. When he wrote to the Corinthians, he told them he was \u201cpressed on every side by troubles\u201d. He knew what it was to be perplexed, hunted down and to live in constant danger of death (2 Corinthians 2:4-11). He didn\u2019t want Timothy to have any illusions about the challenges that would face him and, so, having compared his ministry to that of a soldier and an athlete, he now points to the example of a hardworking farmer. All farmers are focused on bringing in a good harvest, but they only achieve it if they put in months of really hard work.<\/p>\\n
This is a good reminder for us all. There is something in all of us which would like God\u2019s work to be easy and straightforward. We would prefer everyone to be co-operative, helpful and smiling. But if you have ever been involved in a local church, you will\\nknow that it is not always like that. It is often difficult to find people to do all the jobs that need doing. People are not necessarily as easy to work with as one would like. In addition, we are living with ever-increasing legal responsibilities. We need safeguarding measures in place to protect children and vulnerable adults, and clear responsibilities to account for our finances. All of these requirements are entirely appropriate and wise, but no one could deny that they are hard work.<\/p>\\n\\n\\n
Paul\u2019s message is that we shouldn\u2019t ever be surprised that working for God is demanding. That was precisely his experience.<\/p>\\n
But, at the same time, we shouldn\u2019t be surprised at the incredible blessings for those who put in the hard work. Farmers are the first people to enjoy their own crop and, as Christians, we have the incredible joy of being first on the scene to enjoy the blessing of seeing people\u2019s lives changed and renewed by God.<\/p>\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n
QUESTION<\/p>\\n
Do you find it hard work being involved in your church? If so, how do you cope with it?<\/p>\\n
PRAYER<\/p>\\n
Loving God, thank you for the privilege of working for you. Help me never to be grumpy, surprised or resentful when it is hard doing what you have called me to do. Amen<\/p>\"}\"\n \"duration_seconds\" => 194\n \"hash\" => \"13c8756e64f21d9e5c1ecdc0f4cdfe07\"\n \"published_at\" => \"2023-04-20 04:00:00\"\n \"created_at\" => \"2024-12-19 13:35:52\"\n \"updated_at\" => \"2024-12-19 13:35:52\"\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\" => \"MLfOlyM8OvhenqNnaBya\"\n]"},"count":1},"symfonymailer_mails":{"count":0,"mails":[]},"gate":{"count":0,"messages":[]},"session":{"_token":"JaUoXREECmmVVOmxDCVJQ5KNvICDFSQHF0UI4vp5"},"request":{"data":{"status":"200 OK","full_url":"https:\/\/premier.amperative.online\/be-still-and-know\/podcasts\/episodes\/april-21st-2-timothy-29-10","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":"244ms","peak_memory":"12MB","response":"text\/html; charset=utf-8","request_format":"html","request_query":"
[]\n<\/pre>