Arise and Abide

In this episode of Arise and Abide, Curtis and Sally read Isaiah 23 and reflect on God's judgment of Tyre, a wealthy and influential city brought low because of its pride.

Their conversation explores the cycle of pride, shame, and self-reliance—and why changing outward behavior is not enough if the deeper condition of the heart remains unchanged. Curtis and Sally discuss the difference between healthy confidence and pridefulness, the temptation to measure our worth through performance or good works, and the freedom that comes when our identity rests in Christ instead of our own accomplishments.

Isaiah 23 ultimately points beyond temporary correction to humanity's deeper need for Jesus. Through His grace, we do not have to hide in shame or build ourselves up through pride. Instead, we can acknowledge our need for God, give Him the glory for what He has done, and find our confidence in Christ.

"If you want to boast, boast only about the Lord." — 1 Corinthians 1:31

In Proverbs 8, wisdom does not hide or remain out of reach—it calls openly to anyone willing to listen. Curtis and Sally discuss the invitation to pursue godly wisdom and the striking connections between this chapter, John 1, and the New Testament description of Jesus as the wisdom of God.

Together, they explore what it means to seek wisdom rather than relying solely on our own understanding, especially when we find ourselves standing at a crossroads. Wisdom requires pursuit, patience, prayer, time in Scripture, and a willingness to listen for what God is saying rather than rushing toward our own conclusions.

The conversation also turns to the relationship between wisdom, truth, light, and life. While deception prefers darkness, God's truth invites us into the light where we can see clearly. And Scripture gives us a remarkable promise: when we seek God for wisdom, He generously gives it.

Join us as we read Proverbs 8 and reflect on the God who calls us to seek Him, know His truth, and find life in His wisdom.

In this episode of Arise+Abide, Curtis and Sally read Isaiah 22, where Jerusalem prepares for destruction by strengthening its walls, gathering weapons, and storing water—yet never turns to the Lord. They discuss how repeatedly placing our trust in worldly security can weaken our inclination to seek God when trouble comes. The chapter also contrasts Shebna's self-exalting leadership with Eliakim's God-given authority, pointing ahead to Jesus as the humble servant and only One worthy of ultimate honor.

In Proverbs 7, a father warns his son about the destructive consequences of following temptation. Curtis and Sally discuss how temptation often disguises itself as something desirable, convenient, or perfectly timed while concealing the harm it will cause.

God's wisdom provides an internal warning system that helps us recognize the bait before we enter the trap. By writing His instruction on our hearts, considering the needs of others, and trusting God enough to wait for His provision, we experience the protection and abundant life He desires for us.

In this episode, Curtis and Sally read Isaiah 20 and 21, where God warns Egypt, Ethiopia, Babylon, Edom, and Arabia that earthly power, military alliances, and human wisdom cannot provide lasting security. Isaiah's prophetic sign and the watchman's message reveal the danger of placing our hope anywhere other than the Lord.

Curtis and Sally connect the watchman's vigilance to Jesus' call in Mark 13 to remain alert and faithful. Watching for Christ's return is not about becoming consumed with current events or trying to predict when He will come. It means continuing the work Jesus has given us—loving God, loving people, and sharing the good news. Even when following Jesus leads us through storms or long nights, we can listen, believe, and wait, trusting that the Lord will have the final victory.

Proverbs 6 warns us about the everyday traps created by pride, laziness, dishonesty, poor decisions, and sexual temptation. Curtis and Sally discuss why wisdom sometimes requires us to swallow our pride, act quickly, and change direction before a harmful situation becomes inescapable—with a memorable and slightly unsettling frog analogy along the way. They also explore how the instruction of godly parents and the wisdom of God's Word can guide, protect, and keep us from temptation. As Jesus declares in John 8:12, those who follow Him do not have to walk in darkness because His light leads to life.

In Isaiah 19, the Lord confronts Egypt's misplaced trust in idols, human wisdom, and earthly power. Curtis and Sally discuss how these false sources of security leave the nation fearful, divided, and unable to save itself—and how we can similarly rely on worldly advice rather than beginning with prayer, Scripture, and trust in God. Yet this chapter ultimately offers a remarkable message of hope: the Lord strikes Egypt but also brings healing, makes Himself known to its people, and reconciles former enemies. The promise of Egypt, Assyria, and Israel worshiping together reveals God's heart for every nation and points toward the peace, reconciliation, and salvation made possible through Jesus.

In this episode of Arise+Abide, Curtis and Sally read Proverbs 5 and discuss the warning to avoid the crooked path of sexual immorality and other desires that can lead us away from God. They reflect on how sin can appear desirable at first but eventually becomes a trap, holding us captive and leading to painful consequences. The conversation explores the importance of discipline, self-control, and trusting God's wisdom even when we do not fully understand His boundaries. Curtis and Sally also discuss how God sees the paths we take not simply with judgment, but with compassion and a desire to lead us back to life. Through Jesus, we can be freed from the sins that hold us captive, and through the Holy Spirit, our hearts and minds can be transformed as we learn to surrender our desires to God and follow His path.

In Isaiah 18, Ethiopia responds to the growing threat of Assyria by sending messengers to seek alliances with surrounding nations. Yet Isaiah reminds Judah that its security does not depend on human plans, military strength, or political partnerships. The Lord is quietly watching, fully aware of the approaching danger, and prepared to act at the proper time.

In this episode, Curtis and Sally discuss how fear can pressure us to react quickly and create our own solutions. Instead, God invites us to quiet our hearts, look for His direction, and listen for His voice. As we surrender our plans and trust Him through uncertainty, our faith grows and His faithfulness becomes a testimony to those around us. "You can make many plans, but the Lord's purpose will prevail." —Proverbs 19:21

In this episode of Arise and Abide, Curtis and Sally read and reflect on Proverbs 4, a chapter centered on a father's wise instruction to his children. Together, they explore the image of wisdom as a guiding path that protects, corrects, and leads God's people toward life. Sally reflects on the importance of staying on the path God has given rather than turning aside to our own understanding or following the way of others. Curtis connects the passage to discipleship, parenting, humility, and the need to receive correction with an open heart.

The conversation highlights the contrast between the way of righteousness, described as the first gleam of dawn growing brighter, and the way of wickedness, described as deep darkness. Curtis and Sally also connect Proverbs 4 to the words of Jesus in John 8 and John 12, reminding listeners that Christ is the true light who leads us away from darkness and into life. While wisdom calls for attention, discipline, and obedience, this episode also emphasizes God's grace: even when we stumble or lose our way, God continues to draw us back to Himself.