In this episode of Arise + Abide, Sally and Curtis dive into Psalms 119:1-8, reflecting on the profound joy and freedom found in following God’s commandments. They explore the Psalmist’s call to live a life of integrity, the transformative power of obedience, and the enduring grace of God in moments of failure. Through heartfelt discussion, they emphasize the importance of remaining connected to God, reflecting His love, and seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit in everyday decisions. The episode concludes with an inspiring reminder of God's faithfulness and the call to live as a new creation, producing the good fruit of the Spirit. Join them for an uplifting and honest journey into the richness of God's Word.

In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally explore 2 Kings 14:1-22 and 2 Chronicles 25, diving into the life and reign of King Amaziah of Judah. They discuss Amaziah’s initial obedience to God, his partial devotion, and the consequences of misplaced confidence. Reflecting on the examples we follow, they highlight the importance of wholehearted faith, sensitivity to the Holy Spirit, and giving glory to God for victories in life.

The episode unpacks key lessons from Amaziah's prideful missteps, including his ill-fated challenge to Israel and his downfall following idolatry. Through these scriptures, Curtis and Sally remind us to examine our own hearts, follow Christ’s example, and align our goals with God’s glory.

Join the conversation as they reflect on the ultimate prize of serving the Lord and living out a testimony that points others to Him.

In this episode of "Arise + Abide," Curtis and Sally explore Psalms 117 and 118, focusing on the powerful message of God's unfailing love and enduring faithfulness. They discuss Psalm 117's universal call for all people to praise the Lord and the depth of Psalm 118, which emphasizes God's steadfast love, the importance of taking refuge in Him, and the assurance He provides even in distress. Sally highlights the theme of God’s heart for all nations, while Curtis reflects on the security found in God amidst life’s uncertainties.

Through verses like, “The stone the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone,” they connect the psalms to Jesus, noting that He fulfills this cornerstone role in believers’ lives. They also delve into themes of triumph over adversity, the importance of gratitude, and the act of sharing testimonies to strengthen faith. This episode offers listeners encouragement to rely on God, to approach Him in times of distress, and to actively remember and share His goodness.

In this episode of Arise + Abide, Sally and Curtis dive into 2 Kings 13, exploring the reigns of Jehoahaz and Jehoash, the sons of Jehu, as kings of Israel. Despite their continued sinful practices following Jeroboam's idolatrous example, moments of humility and reliance on God highlight His unwavering mercy and faithfulness. The discussion reflects on God's character, the importance of turning to Him even in our failures, and the transformative power of surrender.

The episode also covers Elisha's final interactions, a miraculous revival, and the spiritual implications of renewed life through God's Spirit. Join Sally and Curtis as they unpack the lessons of leadership, faith, and redemption found in this compelling chapter.

In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally explore Psalm 116, reflecting on its themes of God’s kindness, mercy, and deep love for His people. They discuss the Psalmist’s gratitude for God's rescue and protection, emphasizing how God listens closely to those who call on Him with childlike faith. Curtis shares insights on the commitment of discipleship, encouraging listeners to surrender and praise God in all circumstances. Sally highlights the Psalmist’s honest, unfiltered prayer, underscoring the importance of trusting in God’s perfect plans. Together, they invite listeners to experience God's comforting presence and unchanging goodness.

In this episode of Arise + Abide, Sally and Curtis explore the reign of King Joash, drawing from 2 Kings 12 and 2 Chronicles 24. They begin by recounting Joash’s journey from his hidden upbringing in the temple to his early reign under the guidance of the high priest Jehoiada. Joash initiates a restoration of the Lord's Temple, demonstrating his commitment to God. However, following Jehoiada’s death, Joash succumbs to the influences of the leaders of Judah, ultimately abandoning the temple for idol worship, which leads to tragic consequences. The hosts reflect on themes of faith, the influences in our lives, and the importance of maintaining a relationship with God even amidst loss and grief. With heartfelt insights, they connect Joash’s story to Jesus' call to gather His people, highlighting God’s persistent love and desire to draw us closer to Him.

In this episode of Arise + Abide, titled "The God of Life," hosts Sally and Curtis dive into Psalm 115. They reflect on the contrasts between God, the living creator, and lifeless idols made by human hands. The psalm calls believers to place their trust solely in God, who is our helper and shield, rather than in worldly things that can’t provide true security. Sally and Curtis discuss how, as image-bearers of God, we’re called to reflect His life-giving nature and lay down the idols—whether material or ideological—that hinder our relationship with Him.

The episode explores themes of surrender and the cost of discipleship, emphasizing that while idols bring emptiness, God’s blessings are for all who trust and fear Him, both great and lowly. The hosts remind listeners that life’s true fulfillment is found in praising God, both now and for eternity, through Jesus, who brings us from death to life. This episode serves as a call to live with gratitude, purpose, and dedication to the glory of God, as reflected in the closing benediction from Psalm 150:6, "Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord!"

In this episode of Arise + Abide, Sally and Curtis dive into 2 Kings 11, which recounts the story of Athaliah's reign and the rise of King Joash. They discuss the dramatic events surrounding Athaliah’s attempt to destroy the royal family of Judah after the death of her son, King Ahaziah. The episode highlights Jehosheba's courageous act of saving the infant Joash, hiding him in the Temple of the Lord for six years until he is revealed and crowned king. The hosts reflect on themes of faith, God's faithfulness, and the importance of following God's laws as Joash’s rise symbolizes the triumph of God's promises over the schemes of power-hungry rulers. Curtis and Sally explore the contrast between the worldly pursuit of power and the kingdom of God, emphasizing the significance of daily engagement with God’s Word. This episode encourages listeners to reflect on their own lives, idols they may be holding onto, and the peace that comes from truly submitting to God's rule.

In this episode of Arise + Abide, Sally and Curtis delve into Psalms 114, a powerful depiction of God's sovereignty over all creation. The hosts reflect on the imagery of mountains skipping like rams and the Red Sea parting, emphasizing God's control over the natural world and His miraculous acts in history. They explore the role of God's creation as a witness to His might and discuss the importance of submitting to His authority. As they unpack the significance of these verses, Sally and Curtis remind listeners of God's omnipotence, His love for His people, and the ways He makes Himself known through both nature and history. Join them as they reflect on how creation responds to God's power and how believers today can be witnesses of God's glory in their own lives.

In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally dive into 2 Kings 10:18-35, exploring the story of Jehu's campaign to eliminate Baal worship in Israel. Jehu executes a cunning plan to gather and kill all the worshipers of Baal, leaving no trace of the cult. However, his zeal is tempered by his failure to completely turn away from idolatry, as he leaves the golden calves at Bethel and Dan untouched. The hosts reflect on the themes of obedience, the limitations of human effort, and the importance of wholehearted devotion to God. They also discuss how God’s covenantal faithfulness persists, even as Israel faces the consequences of its unfaithfulness. This episode invites listeners to consider their own areas of incomplete surrender and the enduring call to trust in God's plans over personal agendas.