Arise and Abide

In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally explore Isaiah 6 alongside brief readings from 2 Kings 15 and 2 Chronicles 26, reflecting on the momentous beginning of Isaiah's ministry. As Isaiah encounters the holy presence of God, he is undone by the contrast between divine purity and human sin. Yet, with a burning coal, God cleanses Isaiah—transforming impurity into purity and calling him into service. Curtis and Sally discuss the profound implications of this vision: God's glory fills the earth, yet hardened hearts may still fail to perceive it. The conversation highlights the hope of renewal—even when we feel cut down—and the importance of staying spiritually responsive to God's call.

In this episode, Sally and Curtis reflect on Psalm 119:129-136, a passage filled with awe for God's word and sorrow over the world's disobedience. They explore the psalmist's deep longing for God's commands, the peace that comes from waiting on the Lord, and the tension between divine truth and the brokenness of the world. With references to John 14, James 1, and 1 John 4, the conversation draws out how love for God leads to obedience and how the Spirit empowers us to live faithfully, even when surrounded by injustice. Ultimately, they offer encouragement rooted in Christ's victory and abiding presence.

In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally reflect on 2 Kings 14:28–29 and 15:8–29, examining a turbulent period in Israel's history marked by assassinations, short reigns, and a refusal to turn from sin. As king after king follows the destructive example of Jeroboam, the nation spirals toward exile despite God's long-suffering patience and repeated warnings through prophets like Amos. The hosts draw powerful parallels between the kings' desperate grip on power and our own tendency to control outcomes instead of trusting God's promises. Through this sobering account, they highlight the freedom that comes from surrender—releasing control, remembering God's faithfulness, and walking daily in His plan.

In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally reflect on Psalm 119:121-128, the stanza labeled Ayin. The psalmist's plea—"My eyes strain to see your rescue"—resonates deeply with anyone who has waited on God's promises in hard times. The conversation explores the tension between crying out for justice and submitting to God's loving discipline. They discuss the importance of discernment, the transformative power of God's Word, and how loving His commands shapes our understanding of what is true and good. Even when God's rescue feels far off, we are reminded of Christ's completed work and the abundant life available through Him.

In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally dive into Amos chapter 9, where the prophet receives a vision of the Lord standing beside the altar, declaring that judgment is inevitable and inescapable. As Curtis and Sally discuss, God's justice is thorough—reaching every hidden place—but His heart is ultimately set on restoration. They reflect on the humility needed to walk with God and the assurance that no true believer will be lost. Drawing connections to Psalm 139, Romans 8, and the promise of renewal seen through Ezra and Nehemiah, they remind listeners that God's relentless presence is both a warning and a comfort. Even in judgment, God's goal is to rebuild, restore, and reconcile His people to Himself.

In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally reflect on Psalm 119:113–120 (Samekh), a passage that contrasts divided loyalties with wholehearted devotion to God's Word. They explore the psalmist's call to reject evil influences and cling to God's sustaining truth, emphasizing the need for spiritual discernment and unwavering faith. Through honest discussion, Curtis and Sally connect the psalm to James 1 and John 8, highlighting the dangers of self-deception and the life-giving power of God's truth. Listeners are reminded that God's promises offer refuge and abundant life—both now and eternally—for those who remain undivided in their faith.

In this episode of Arise+Abide, Sally and Curtis reflect on Psalm 119:105-112, the section marked Nun, exploring how God's Word serves as both light and lifeline in life's darkest and most uncertain moments. They discuss the imagery of walking through darkness and the necessity of divine guidance to avoid the traps set by the enemy. With insights from Deuteronomy and the Gospel of John, the conversation highlights the beauty of covenant—our promise to follow God and His promise to sustain and treasure us. Even when life hangs in the balance, His light never goes out.

In this episode of Arise and Abide, Curtis and Sally reflect on Amos 8 and the vision of a basket of ripe fruit, symbolizing that Israel is ripe for judgment. They explore God's patience through previous visions and the shift to final warning as Israel's injustices and spiritual apathy reach a breaking point. The discussion highlights how God sees the hidden sins of dishonest gain and empty religious observance, and how His justice brings both accountability and the opportunity for repentance. Curtis and Sally connect this prophetic message to the spiritual famine Amos describes—a longing for the Word of the Lord—and point to Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of God's presence and sustenance.

In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally reflect on Psalm 119:97–104, a passage rich with the psalmist's love for God's Word. They explore the benefits of meditating on Scripture—gaining wisdom beyond enemies, teachers, and elders—and the joy of walking in obedience. Curtis highlights the continuity between Old and New Covenants, pointing to Jesus' teachings as the fulfillment and embodiment of God's law. Sally emphasizes the contrast between false and true ways of life, grounding her thoughts in Jesus' identity as the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Together, they point to the transforming power of God's Word and the call to live out His truth through love and action.

In this episode, Sally and Curtis explore Amos chapter 7, where God reveals three visions to the prophet Amos—locusts, fire, and a plumb line. These visions reflect the tension between God's mercy and justice, with Amos interceding for Israel and God twice relenting. But the third vision, the plumb line, signals that the time for judgment has come. The hosts discuss the significance of these visions, the rejection of Amos by Israel's leaders, and the deeper truth that God desires repentance and restoration, not destruction. Through thoughtful conversation, they challenge listeners to examine the foundations of their own lives and align with God's truth