Arise and Abide

In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally dive into Psalms 111, reflecting on the call to praise God with a full heart and meet with godly people. They read through the psalm and discuss how it highlights God's amazing deeds, His righteousness, mercy, and unfailing love. Curtis emphasizes the importance of gathering with others to refocus on God amidst the distractions of life, while Sally reflects on how trusting in God allows us to give Him our whole heart.

The discussion also covers wisdom and obedience, with Curtis explaining that wisdom starts with reverence for God. They reference how Jesus teaches us to love and obey, which leads to joy and wisdom. Sally adds that God's commandments are trustworthy and just, even when following them means laying down one's life. The episode concludes by reminding listeners of God's covenant and the ransom He paid for His people, inspiring them to live in confidence and faith.

In this episode of Arise + Abide, Sally and Curtis explore the narrative in 2 Kings 8:7-29. The episode delves into the rise of new kings in both Israel and Judah, the tragic downfall of King Ben-Hadad, and the ominous future foretold by Elisha concerning Hazael's reign. Through deep reflection on the passage, Curtis and Sally discuss God’s sovereignty over the nations, His faithfulness to His promises, and the personal cost of discipleship. They highlight the influence of human choices and external voices in leadership, using Jehoram's downfall as an example. Ultimately, they emphasize God’s unwavering promise to David and how it is fulfilled in Jesus, the eternal light that leads to life. Tune in for a thoughtful reflection on obedience, leadership, and the eternal faithfulness of God.

I In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally dive deep into Psalm 110, a prophetic psalm of David, reflecting on its significance in understanding the Messiah. Through insightful discussions, they explore how Psalm 110 reveals Jesus as both King and eternal High Priest in the order of Melchizedek. Curtis and Sally emphasize the importance of faith, trust, and the need to surrender our thoughts to God, while also drawing connections to New Testament passages in Hebrews and Matthew, showing how Jesus fulfilled these ancient prophecies. Join them as they explore the powerful message of hope, faith, and expectation rooted in the life and teachings of Christ.

In this episode of Arise + Abide, Sally and Curtis explore 2 Kings 8:1-6, which revisits the story of the Shunammite woman, her son, and Gehazi, Elisha’s servant. After the famine prophesied by Elisha ends, the woman returns to reclaim her land and is met with divine timing as she encounters the king. Together, Sally and Curtis discuss themes of obedience, the power of testimony, and God’s perfect timing. The conversation highlights how God’s care and provision go beyond expectations and the importance of trusting His guidance even when faced with challenges. Join them for an insightful discussion on how God's promises and faithfulness manifest in unexpected ways, even through unlikely characters.

In this episode of Arise + Abide, Sally and Curtis dive into the powerful and intense words of Psalms 109, a psalm of David that deals with the weight of slander, false accusations, and the desire for justice. The hosts discuss the raw emotions expressed by David as he faces betrayal and hostility, exploring how these experiences resonate with our own struggles against unfair criticism and malicious intent.

Sally and Curtis emphasize the importance of turning to God in moments of deep frustration and pain, following David's example of bringing everything before the Lord—praise, anger, and pleas for deliverance. They discuss the challenge of not letting negative words define us, highlighting the transformative power of God's love and the new identity we gain through Christ.

The conversation touches on the profound impact of words, whether in parenting, discipleship, or everyday interactions. The hosts draw parallels to New Testament teachings, particularly how our words can either build up or tear down, much like fire that can either warm and purify or destroy.

Listeners are reminded that resistance often comes when we're aligned with God's will, but the ultimate victory is assured through Jesus Christ. As the episode concludes, Sally and Curtis leave listeners with the comforting truth that, no matter the accusations or challenges we face, God's faithful love and redemption are ever-present and powerful.

Tune in for an encouraging and insightful discussion on how to navigate life's toughest battles with grace and faith.

In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally delve into the dramatic events of 2 Kings 6:24-7:20, where King Ben-Hadad of Aram besieges Samaria, leading to extreme famine and despair. The story takes a dark turn as the king of Israel is confronted with the horrors of cannibalism within the city walls, a grim reflection of the desperation gripping the people.

Yet, even in such dire circumstances, the prophet Elisha delivers a message of hope, prophesying an imminent turnaround that seems impossible to believe. As four lepers venture into the Aramean camp, they discover that God has miraculously delivered Samaria by causing the enemy to flee, leaving behind an abundance of food and supplies. The lepers' decision to share this good news with the starving city becomes a powerful reminder of the importance of faith, even when all seems lost.

Curtis and Sally explore the themes of divine protection, the reversal of fortunes, and the role of God's people in sharing the good news, drawing parallels between the lepers' actions and our own responsibility to share the gospel. They emphasize the unexpected ways God can work through those considered outcasts and how He turns impossible situations around, challenging listeners to trust in God's provision and timing, even in the most desperate moments.

In this episode Curtis and Sally dive into Psalms 108, a powerful song of praise by David. The hosts explore the themes of confidence in God, praising Him in the midst of dark circumstances, and the importance of remembering God's unfailing love and faithfulness. Through David's example, they discuss how to approach life's challenges by praising God, praying for His help, and relying on His promises. Curtis and Sally also draw parallels between David's plea for God's guidance and our call as believers to advance the Kingdom of Heaven, emphasizing the need for the Holy Spirit's power in our lives. This episode is a heartfelt reminder of God's faithfulness and the strength we can find in Him, even during the darkest times.

In this episode Curtis and Sally delve into 2 Kings 6:8-23, where Elisha traps the Arameans. They discuss the remarkable ways God protects and guides His people, even when circumstances seem overwhelming. Curtis and Sally explore the historical context of Israel's ongoing conflicts with the Arameans, drawing parallels to the broader themes of God's providence, divine vision, and the importance of trusting in His unseen plans.

As they read through the passage, they highlight Elisha's deep faith and intimate relationship with God, which allowed him to see beyond the immediate danger to the divine protection that surrounded him. The discussion also reflects on how this story illustrates God's desire to save lives and demonstrate His love, even towards enemies.

The episode encourages listeners to seek God's perspective in their lives, asking Him to open their eyes to His work around them, just as Elisha prayed for his servant. Through reflections on both Old and New Testament scriptures, Curtis and Sally emphasize the promise of spiritual sight that God grants to those who turn to Him, allowing them to see and reflect His glory in their lives.

Join Curtis and Sally for a thoughtful exploration of faith, trust, and the transformative power of seeing the world through God's eyes.

In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally dive into the rich and powerful message of Psalm 107. The episode opens with a reading of the Psalm, highlighting God's enduring love and His ability to rescue and redeem in all circumstances—whether in times of physical hunger, mental gloom, or the storms of life.

Curtis and Sally explore the recurring theme of God's faithful love and how it endures forever, urging listeners to reflect on their own experiences of redemption. They emphasize the importance of crying out to God in times of distress and the transformative power of focusing on God's truth rather than being consumed by negative feelings or circumstances.

The discussion also touches on the challenge of asking for help, the role of humility in seeking God's assistance, and the promise that even in our unfaithfulness, God remains steadfast and true to His nature. The episode concludes with a reminder of the hope we can hold onto, rooted in the trustworthiness of God's promises.

In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally explore 2 Kings 6:1-7, the story of the floating ax head. The conversation delves into the everyday challenges faced by the prophets during Elisha's time and how God's presence guided them through even the smallest of predicaments. Curtis and Sally reflect on the importance of seeking God's guidance in all aspects of life, especially when setbacks arise. They discuss the faithfulness of God in providing solutions to problems that may seem insignificant but carry great weight in our personal lives. The episode encourages listeners to remain steadfast in their journey of faith, trusting that God will provide the necessary steps forward, even when the path seems unclear.