Arise and Abide

In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally read and reflect on Isaiah 5, where God describes His people as a carefully tended vineyard that produced bitter fruit instead of justice and righteousness. They explore the warning against calling evil good and good evil, and how sin becomes a burden we drag behind us. The discussion also points forward to Jesus' teaching that true life and good fruit are only found when we remain rooted in Him.

In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally explore Psalm 147, a psalm that celebrates God's power, care, and faithfulness. The psalm calls believers to praise the Lord by reflecting on His works—from rebuilding Jerusalem and healing the brokenhearted to sustaining creation and providing for every living thing. Curtis highlights the psalm's unique structure, noting how repeated calls to praise are followed by lists of God's actions that reveal His greatness and goodness. Together, Curtis and Sally reflect on how the psalm moves from intimate care—God binding wounds and supporting the humble—to His vast authority over creation, commanding the stars, weather, and seasons. The conversation centers on themes of humility, hope, and trust in God's unfailing love. Rather than relying on human strength or achievement, the psalm reminds us that the Lord delights in those who fear Him and place their hope in His steadfast love. As they discuss the promises found throughout the psalm, Curtis and Sally encourage listeners to respond with humility, surrender, and obedience—learning to find peace and contentment as we abide in God and trust His character. Join us as we reflect on the beauty of praising God for who He is, recognizing His care in every detail of our lives, and resting in the promise that His love never fails.  

In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally walk through Isaiah chapters 3 and 4, where the prophet confronts Judah and Jerusalem with a sobering message of judgment—followed by a surprising promise of restoration. Isaiah exposes a society marked by pride, self-reliance, and injustice, where leaders exploit the poor and take credit for prosperity that ultimately comes from the Lord alone. As everything the people depend on is stripped away—resources, leadership, status, and security, the true condition of their hearts is revealed. The conversation lingers on Isaiah's vivid imagery of Jerusalem as an adorned woman whose external beauty masks deep spiritual decay, and how God's judgment unmasks what has long been hidden. Curtis and Sally reflect on the cost of discipleship, particularly God's heart for justice and the responsibility to treat the poor with dignity, compassion, and equity. They wrestle with how systems of power—both ancient and modern—can perpetuate oppression when left unchallenged. Yet Isaiah's message does not end in devastation. Chapter 4 turns toward hope, pointing to "the Branch of the Lord" and a restored remnant made holy by God's cleansing work. The episode closes with reflections on God's faithful presence—like the cloud and fire of the Exodus—offering shelter, guidance, and renewal. Even in judgment, the Lord remains a refuge, inviting His people to depend on Him alone and to find life under the shade of His presence

In this episode of Arise + Abide, Sally and Curtis reflect on Psalm 146, a powerful call to praise and a clear invitation to examine where we place our trust. The psalm contrasts the fragility of human power with the faithfulness of God, reminding us not to put our confidence in people whose plans perish, but in the Lord who reigns forever. As they walk through the text, Sally and Curtis highlight God's character and actions—bringing justice to the oppressed, providing food for the hungry, freeing prisoners, opening the eyes of the blind, lifting the weary, and caring for foreigners, orphans, and widows. They explore how these descriptions are not only reasons for praise, but also a picture of God's heart for inclusion, compassion, and faithfulness across generations. The conversation also connects Psalm 146 with the ministry of Jesus, noting how His life and words echo the same priorities—good news for the poor, freedom for the captive, and hope for those weighed down. Together, they reflect on what it means to live as disciples who trust God above all else, resist misplaced hope in worldly systems or people, and participate in the work that reflects God's kingdom. This episode offers encouragement for anyone feeling burdened, uncertain, or in need of hope, pointing listeners back to the joy found in trusting the Lord, who keeps His promises forever.

     In this episode of Arise + Abide, Sally and Curtis walk through Psalm 145, David's sweeping psalm of praise that exalts God as King over all generations. Together, they reflect on what it means to live a life shaped by praise—not as a momentary response, but as a daily posture rooted in God's unchanging character.      Psalm 145 paints a rich picture of who God is: merciful and compassionate, slow to anger, faithful in all His promises, and near to all who call on Him in truth. As the conversation unfolds, Sally and Curtis explore how praise flows naturally from remembering God's goodness and how meditation on His works helps guard against humanity's tendency to forget. This psalm becomes both a declaration of God's greatness and an invitation to pass that testimony on—from one generation to the next.      The episode also highlights the hope found in God's everlasting kingdom. From lifting the fallen to satisfying the needs of every living thing, Psalm 145 reminds listeners that God rules with righteousness, kindness, and steadfast love. As David exalts the Lord, we are encouraged to surrender our own attempts at control, recognize God's lordship, and live confidently under His care.      Whether you're in a season of joy or weariness, this psalm offers reassurance: the Lord is close, He hears our cries, and His faithfulness endures forever.

In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally walk through Isaiah 2:1–22, a powerful vision of the Lord's future reign. Isaiah paints a striking contrast: a coming day when God is exalted above all things and humanity's pride, idols, and false securities are finally brought low. The episode opens with the promise of hope—a vision of the Lord's house raised high, drawing people from every nation to learn His ways and walk in His light. Under God's reign, justice is restored, disputes are settled, and instruments of war are transformed into tools for flourishing. This is a peace no human system can manufacture. From there, the conversation turns sober as Isaiah confronts Judah's present reality: a people filled with wealth, power, and idols they've crafted with their own hands. Curtis and Sally explore how this ancient warning speaks directly to modern life, where idolatry often looks less like shrines and more like misplaced identity, self-reliance, achievement, and trust in human strength. Throughout the discussion, the theme remains clear—when God is rightly exalted, people flourish. The chapter ends not only with judgment, but with hope: idols will disappear, hearts will be restored, and peace will follow God's reign. The episode closes with a call to honest self-examination, confession, and a renewed commitment to walk in the light of the Lord, trusting Him alone to lead us on the path of everlasting life.

In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally reflect on Psalm 144, a prayer of praise that declares God as our rock, fortress, and rescuer. Before David asks for deliverance, he first names who God is—faithful, powerful, and deeply attentive to His people. The hosts explore how this order matters: worship and trust come before petition. As the conversation unfolds, Curtis and Sally highlight the tension between human frailty and God's care. David's question—"What are human beings that you should notice them?"—becomes an invitation into humility, reminding us that our worth and security are not self-made but rooted in God's love and attention. They contrast this biblical humility with modern messages of self-sufficiency, pointing instead to an identity grounded in belonging to God. The episode also reflects on God as provider and protector—not only rescuing individuals but blessing entire communities with peace, abundance, and stability. Drawing connections to Isaiah, the wilderness narratives, and the New Testament, Curtis and Sally emphasize that everything we depend on ultimately flows from the Lord. Psalm 144 becomes both a song of trust and a call to place our hope fully in God, who prepares us for what lies ahead and holds the victory over every battle we face.

In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally continue their journey through the opening chapter of Isaiah by reflecting on Isaiah 1:21–31, a passage that confronts the spiritual corruption of Jerusalem and the leaders who once upheld justice and righteousness. What was meant to be a faithful city has become compromised—its leaders driven by greed, its worship emptied of truth, and its people disconnected from the life-giving presence of the Lord. As the conversation unfolds, Curtis and Sally explore God's sharp yet hopeful imagery: silver refined from slag, a city washed clean, and a garden restored by living water. Though the passage speaks strongly of judgment, it is also filled with promise. God does not abandon His people; instead, He commits to a painful but purposeful process of cleansing and restoration. Justice will return. Righteousness will be revived. Wise counselors will be raised up again. The episode also draws connections between Israel's leaders, the religious authorities in Jesus' time, and the ongoing human temptation to misuse power. Curtis and Sally reflect on how leadership—when disconnected from God—can easily drift into self-preservation rather than service. Yet the passage ultimately calls listeners back to hope: God Himself will rule, restore, and reign. True justice and righteousness are not achieved through human effort alone, but through humility, repentance, and dependence on the Lord, who alone is worthy to sit on the throne.

In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally reflect on Psalm 143, a raw and urgent prayer that cries out, "Answer me quickly, Lord." David finds himself overwhelmed—pursued by enemies, afraid, and on the brink of despair—yet he anchors his plea not in his own righteousness, but in God's unfailing faithfulness. As the conversation unfolds, Curtis and Sally explore the powerful gospel theme woven throughout the psalm: God rescues not because we deserve it, but because He is good. David's prayer models a posture of humility—acknowledging sin, remembering God's past faithfulness, and asking to be taught and led by God's Spirit even in the midst of distress. This episode invites listeners to consider how seasons of hardship become opportunities to remain deeply dependent on the Lord. Drawing connections to Jesus' words in John 15 and the promise of God's patient mercy, Curtis and Sally remind us that fruitfulness flows from abiding, even when hope feels thin. Psalm 143 ultimately calls us to trust God's character when outcomes are unclear and to lift our hands toward Him, thirsty for His presence like parched land longing for rain.

In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally read Isaiah 1:1–31, a powerful opening message addressed to rebellious Judah and Jerusalem. Isaiah's vision confronts a people who continue their religious rituals while failing to recognize the Lord or reflect His heart through justice, obedience, and compassion. The conversation explores God's sharp indictment of empty worship—sacrifices and prayers offered without repentance or care for the oppressed—and His call to something deeper. Curtis and Sally reflect on Isaiah's striking imagery of a nation that is wounded, sick, and unaware of its true condition, drawing connections to the ongoing human need for renewal of both mind and heart. They discuss God's desire not for performative spirituality, but for transformed lives marked by justice, care for the vulnerable, and faithfulness. At the heart of the passage is a gracious invitation: "Come now, let us settle this." Despite rebellion, God offers cleansing, healing, and restoration—promising to make scarlet sins white as snow. The hosts connect this promise to the broader story of Scripture, pointing to Jesus as the one who alone can truly wash us clean and teach us how to live out God's call to love God and love people. This episode invites listeners to slow down, allow God to search their hearts, and consider what faithful obedience looks like—not as a religious performance, but as a life shaped by humility, justice, and trust in God's provision.

In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally reflect on Psalm 142, a prayer of David written during his time in the cave—a moment marked by fear, isolation, and deep dependence on God. As David cries out with honesty and desperation, he models a pattern we see throughout the Psalms: pouring out complaints before the Lord, acknowledging feelings of abandonment, and then slowly turning toward hope as he remembers who God is. The conversation explores how David's circumstances were filled not only with physical danger, but also with subtle traps—temptations to take matters into his own hands rather than wait on God's timing. Drawing parallels to David's refusal to harm Saul, Curtis and Sally discuss how reliance on God often means resisting shortcuts, power grabs, or self-rescue, even when they seem justified. This episode invites listeners to consider what it means to truly call God our refuge—not as a last resort, but as our greatest desire. Psalm 142 reminds us that even when others cannot save us, the Lord remains faithful. In hardship, loneliness, and waiting, God's goodness endures, and He alone is the One who brings us through.

In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally explore 2 Kings 17:24–41, a sobering passage that follows the fall of Samaria and the resettlement of the land by foreign nations. As Assyria relocates people from across its empire into Israel, the newcomers attempt to worship the God of the land—yet they also cling tightly to their former gods and practices. The hosts unpack the strange and unsettling moment when lions are sent among the people, examining both the historical context and the deeper symbolism of God's righteous authority, strength, and judgment. Even when a priest is sent back to teach the people how to worship the Lord, their response reveals a divided heart: God is treated as a solution to a problem, not as the center of their lives. Curtis and Sally reflect on what it means to truly worship the Lord—not as one voice among many, but as the only voice that shapes our lives. They draw thoughtful connections between the syncretism of ancient Samaria and the modern tendency to compartmentalize faith, trusting God in some areas while relying on cultural norms, influencers, or personal strategies in others. This conversation invites listeners to examine where competing voices may be shaping their decisions, and to consider God's consistent call to covenant faithfulness. As Scripture reminds us, the issue is not a lack of information, but a lack of wholehearted devotion—a challenge that remains just as relevant to this day.

In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally reflect on Psalm 141, a heartfelt prayer of David that invites us into a posture of humility, dependence, and trust in God. As David cries out for the Lord to "hurry" and hear his prayer, the conversation explores what it means to approach God honestly while recognizing Him as our true refuge. Together, they unpack David's request for God to guard his words, restrain his heart from drifting toward evil, and help him receive correction as a kindness rather than a burden. The discussion highlights the subtle danger of spiritual "drift," the importance of accountability, and the willingness to invite God—and others—into the work of shaping our character. Curtis and Sally also wrestle with the psalm's strong language toward the wicked, ultimately pointing to David's deeper desire that even his enemies would come to know truth. The episode closes with encouragement to trust God's guidance through unseen traps and snares, resting in the promise that He is faithful, near, and always attentive to the prayers of His people.

In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally walk through 2 Kings 17:6–23 and 2 Kings 18:10–12, passages that recount the fall of Samaria and the exile of Israel. Together, they reflect on how years of persistent disobedience, idolatry, and refusal to listen to the Lord ultimately led to Israel being swept away from His presence. The conversation traces Israel's gradual spiritual decline—following pagan nations, introducing new forms of worship, rejecting God's covenant, ignoring prophetic warnings, and placing trust in lies rather than in the Lord who had rescued them from Egypt. Curtis and Sally highlight two key themes: Israel's choice to follow the ways of the world (or invent their own) instead of God's ways, and their stubborn refusal to believe and trust the Lord despite repeated invitations to rest in Him. Drawing connections to Isaiah 28 and the broader biblical story, the episode explores what this account reveals about God's heart, His patience, and His faithfulness to remove sin when His people refuse to turn back. Curtis reflects on how these passages point disciples back to the core of God's law—loving God and loving people—while Sally emphasizes the importance of trust and belief in God's promises amid the lies that compete for our allegiance. This episode invites listeners to examine where they place their trust, to heed the Lord's voice, and to find hope in His grace, forgiveness, and redemptive work—even when the process is difficult.

In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally continue their chronological journey through the Old Testament, reading from 2 Kings 17:15,18:9 and Isaiah 28. Together, these passages reveal the downfall of Samaria, the consequences of misplaced trust, and God's patient, persistent call to His people. As Assyria lays siege to Samaria, Isaiah's prophetic imagery exposes a nation meant to be a "glorious crown" but now marked by pride, excess, and spiritual blindness. The hosts reflect on striking images from the text—fading flowers, crumbling refuges, and tables covered in filth—contrasted with God's promise to become the true crown and refuge for a faithful remnant. Curtis and Sally explore the tenderness of God's communication with His people, described as teaching "one line at a time, a little here and a little there." Rather than overwhelming demands, God offers rest—a place for the weary to stop striving and trust Him. The discussion highlights the human tendency to rush, to build false security, and to believe we can "cheat death" apart from God. At the heart of the episode is the promise of the tested cornerstone—a firm foundation that cannot be shaken. Pointing forward to the Messiah, this cornerstone stands in contrast to every refuge built on pride, lies, or self-reliance. This episode invites listeners to examine where they have built false refuges, to release the need for control, and to rediscover true rest in the Lord—ultimately pointing to the promised cornerstone fulfilled in Jesus, the only foundation that will never be shaken.

In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally reflect on Psalm 140, a raw and honest prayer for rescue in the face of violence, evil, and hidden schemes. As David cries out for protection, the hosts explore how the psalm moves from urgent plea to confident trust—reminding us who God is when circumstances feel overwhelming. The conversation highlights God as the strong rescuer, the One who sees hidden traps, opposes pride, and ultimately brings justice to the oppressed. Curtis and Sally discuss the tension between praying for deliverance from enemies and praying in a way that honors God's justice and glory, drawing connections to Jesus' call to love and pray for those who persecute us. This episode invites listeners to bring their fears, frustrations, and concerns about evil in the world directly to God—trusting that He sees, He protects, and His plan for justice will prevail. Whether in seasons of peace or turmoil, Psalm 140 reminds us that the godly will dwell in the Lord's presence, confident in His rescue.

In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally conclude the book of Hosea by walking through chapter 14, a powerful invitation to repentance, healing, and restoration. After the warnings and judgment of chapter 13, Hosea 14 offers hope—calling God's people to return with confession, humility, and renewed trust in the Lord alone. Together, they explore God's clear instructions for repentance: acknowledging sin, renouncing misplaced trust in idols, power, and self-reliance, and returning to the One who truly saves. Curtis and Sally reflect on God's promise to heal faithlessness, remove His anger, and restore His people with mercy and unfailing love. The conversation highlights the rich imagery of the chapter—refreshing dew, blossoming lilies, deep roots, spreading branches, shade, fragrance, and fruitfulness—contrasting the dryness and barrenness of life apart from God with the abundant life found in relationship with Him. They discuss how confession restores intimacy with God and how true flourishing comes not from human strength or substitutes for security, but from abiding in the Lord who hears prayers and cares deeply for His people. This episode is an encouragement to anyone seeking restoration: a reminder that God eagerly welcomes the repentant, offers healing and renewal, and provides the shade under which His people can once again live, grow, and bear fruit.

In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally reflect on Psalm 139, a deeply personal prayer that invites God to search, know, and lead the human heart. Together, they walk through David's words that proclaim God's complete knowledge of us, His constant presence, and His intimate role as Creator—knitting us together even in the hidden darkness of the womb. The conversation explores the tension within the psalm: the impossibility of hiding from God, paired with the profound comfort of knowing we are never lost or abandoned by Him. Curtis frames Psalm 139 as a prayer of discipleship—an ongoing posture of surrender where God examines, corrects, and shapes us into who we were created to be. Sally highlights the imagery of darkness and seclusion, showing how places we often fear or avoid are revealed as spaces where God is already at work, guiding and sustaining us. The episode also wrestles honestly with the psalm's challenging verses about enemies and hatred, noting how David ultimately turns his anxious and conflicted thoughts back over to God. Rather than resolving tension through human strength or intellect, Psalm 139 models bringing fear, anger, and uncertainty before the Lord and trusting Him to lead the way forward. As the episode closes, Curtis and Sally emphasize that spiritual growth is a continuous process—one marked by testing, failure, and grace—and that true resolution and peace come not from endlessly replaying our worries, but from submitting them to God in prayer. This episode invites listeners to make David's closing words their own: "Search me, O God… and lead me along the path of everlasting life."

In this episode of Arise + Abide, Sally and Curtis explore Hosea 13, a powerful chapter that highlights the culmination of Israel's long pattern of unfaithfulness. Building on chapter 12's warnings, Hosea 13 opens with a sobering reminder that Ephraim—once a tribe whose words carried weight and inspired fear—has now fallen into idolatry and self-reliance, sealing its own destruction. Through vivid imagery of mist, chaff, and smoke, God reveals how fleeting the nation's strength has become apart from Him. Sally and Curtis reflect on the themes of misplaced trust, forgotten dependence, and misused influence. They discuss how Israel's prosperity led them to pride, causing them to forget the Lord who provided for them in the wilderness. Curtis draws attention to the responsibility that comes with influence, while Sally highlights the warning embedded in Israel's story: when comfort replaces devotion, hearts drift. Even as the chapter describes fierce judgment, the conversation emphasizes God's patience, His desire for His people to return, and the hope that ultimately finds its fulfillment in Christ. The episode closes by pointing forward to the restoration promised in Hosea 14 and with Paul's triumphant reminder from 1 Corinthians that through Jesus, God brings victory over sin and death.

In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally reflect on David's heartfelt praise in Psalm 138, a song filled with gratitude, trust, and confidence in God's unfailing love. Together they explore how David's worship—offered "with all his heart"—reminds us that God's promises are backed by the full honor of His name, giving us assurance even when circumstances remain unchanged. The conversation highlights the comfort of God's immediate encouragement when we pray, the strength He provides in troubling times, and the promise that He faithfully works out His plans for our lives. Curtis and Sally also discuss the psalm's forward-looking hope: a future in which all people recognize God's glory, and how our own testimony becomes a way of praising God before others. Grounded in David's example and supported by New Testament encouragements, this episode invites listeners to trust deeply, pray continuously, and live as gentle, confident witnesses to God's goodness.