Arise and Abide

In this episode of Arise+Abide, Curtis and Sally reflect on the enduring hope found in God's promises as they discuss Psalm 119:49-56. Together, they explore the human tendency to bargain with God during difficult times and the steadfast comfort found in trusting His word. Through personal reflections and scriptural insights, they emphasize the importance of endurance, hope, and the power of God's presence in our daily lives. Join them for an encouraging conversation on how God's promises revive and sustain us through life's trials.

In this episode of Arise+Abide, Sally and Curtis delve into the prophetic words of Amos, a shepherd and fig farmer called by God to deliver a message to the northern kingdom of Israel. Reading from Amos 1 through 2:3, they explore a time of prosperity overshadowed by moral and spiritual decay.

The discussion centers on God's pronouncements of judgment against surrounding nations, highlighting acts of violence, betrayal, and injustice. Sally and Curtis reflect on God's heart for justice, mercy, and righteousness, emphasizing the danger of harboring unchecked anger and the importance of repentance. Through the vivid imagery of Amos' warnings, listeners are reminded of God's compassion and the call to live with integrity and love for others.

Tune in for insights on how ancient prophecies remain relevant today, revealing the enduring nature of God's justice and mercy in a broken world.

In this episode of Arise+Abide, Sally and Curtis continue their journey through Psalm 119, focusing on verses 41-48 (Waw). They reflect on the profound connection between God's unfailing love and salvation, emphasizing the enduring value of His word. The discussion highlights themes of trust, obedience, and the freedom found in devotion to God's commandments. Curtis explores different translations of key verses, shedding light on the depth of God's love and mercy, while Sally contemplates the psalmist's plea to hold onto the truth. Together, they draw connections to Jesus as the living Word and the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises. Tune in for an insightful conversation on faith, surrender, and the joy of walking in freedom with the Lord.

1. How can we practically apply the psalmist's desire to "walk in freedom" by devoting ourselves to God's commandments? [05:38]
2. What are some specific ways we can boldly testify about God's laws and commands, even to those in positions of authority? [08:17]
3. How can we cultivate a deeper sense of delight and joy in meditating on God's decrees, as the psalmist describes?
4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure we do not become complacent in our obedience to God's instructions, but continue to keep them forever and ever? [07:57]
5. How can we better recognize and respond to the challenges and calls to surrender that are present in the passage, as the speaker identified? [09:29]

In this episode, Sally and Curtis dive into Jonah Chapter 4, exploring the prophet's reaction to God's mercy towards Nineveh. Despite witnessing the city's repentance and God's compassion, Jonah becomes angry, revealing his struggle with justice, fairness, and personal comfort. Through an in-depth discussion, they examine the contrast between Jonah's limited perspective and God's boundless grace. The episode also unpacks the significance of the leafy plant that God provides and then removes, using it as a lesson on misplaced priorities and spiritual blindness. Ultimately, this episode highlights the patience of God—not only towards Nineveh but also towards Jonah—as He seeks to guide His people towards repentance and understanding.

In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally reflect on Psalm 119:33-40, exploring the tension between the desire to follow God and the human tendency to stray. They discuss the Psalmist's acknowledgment of the need for God's guidance, wisdom, and transformation, emphasizing that obedience and faith are not achieved through sheer willpower but through a deep reliance on God.

Drawing parallels to Mark 9, where a father seeks Jesus' help but must first overcome his unbelief, they highlight how God reshapes hearts and minds, leading to spiritual renewal. Curtis and Sally also examine how the enemy plants doubt about God's promises and the importance of clinging to His truth for reassurance. They conclude with the powerful message of Christ's redemptive work, reminding listeners that true renewal comes through Jesus, who grants abundant life and reconciliation with God.

Tune in for an encouraging discussion on surrendering self-reliance, embracing transformation, and trusting in God's unwavering faithfulness.

Follow-Up Questions:

• How can believers practically apply the principles discussed in this conversation to their daily lives? [05:13]
• What specific strategies or spiritual disciplines can help believers cultivate a deeper understanding of God's word and a stronger desire to obey His commands? [02:18]
• How can the church community better support believers in their struggle against the tension between human desire and sin, and in their pursuit of God's goodness and renewal?
• What other biblical passages or themes could be explored to further deepen the understanding of the topics discussed in this conversation?

In this episode of Arise+Abide, Sally and Curtis delve into Jonah Chapter 3, exploring the remarkable story of Nineveh's repentance. Following Jonah's deliverance from the belly of the great fish, God gives him a second chance to deliver His message to the people of Nineveh. The hosts reflect on Jonah's obedience, the simplicity and power of his prophecy, and the profound response of the Ninevites, from the king to the common people. They discuss themes of humility, repentance, and God's eagerness to show mercy to those who turn from their wicked ways. This episode challenges listeners to examine their own lives: Are we stepping down from the thrones we've placed ourselves on and putting God first? Tune in for an inspiring conversation about obedience, transformation, and the boundless compassion of God.

Follow-Up Questions:

• How might the speakers' insights on obedience and humility apply to the listeners' own lives and faith journeys? [07:08]
• What other examples from the Bible or personal experiences could the speakers draw upon to further illustrate the themes of God's compassion and mercy? [10:51]
• How can the listeners actively seek to make God's character known to those around them, as the speakers emphasize is the purpose of God's interactions with His people?

In this episode, Sally and Curtis delve into Psalms 119:25-32, reflecting on the psalmist's heartfelt cry for guidance, wisdom, and renewal. They discuss the imagery of lying in the dust and being revived by God's Word, emphasizing themes of humility, surrender, and the transformative power of God's instructions. Curtis explores the significance of submitting our plans to God, while Sally examines the deceitfulness of the human heart, and the hope found in a relationship with God. Together, they highlight the importance of pursuing God's commands, seeking His presence, and aligning our desires with His will for a life of peace and abundance.

Follow-Up Questions:

1. How can we practically cultivate a daily habit of delighting in the Lord and seeking His guidance, as the psalmist describes? [10:05]
2. What are some specific ways we can identify and address the deceitfulness of our own hearts, and allow God to reshape our desires? [09:20]
3. How can we encourage others to pursue a deeper understanding of God's word and its application to their lives? [11:19]
4. What other biblical principles or passages could provide further insight into the themes discussed in this passage from Psalm 119?

In this episode of Arise+ Abide, Curtis and Sally dive into Jonah chapter 2, exploring the heartfelt prayer Jonah offers from the belly of the great fish. Reflecting on Jonah's journey—from fleeing God's call to his desperate plea for mercy—Curtis and Sally unpack the deep themes of repentance, God's unwavering mercy, and the irony of Jonah seeking the same grace he resisted sharing with the people of Nineveh.

They discuss the vivid imagery of Jonah's near-death experience, the parallels to our own struggles when we distance ourselves from God, and the comfort of knowing God's presence even in the darkest circumstances. Through thoughtful conversation, they highlight God's patience and steadfast love, even when we fall short or resist His plans.

Tune in for an inspiring and relatable episode that reminds us of the power of God's mercy and the hope we can find when we turn back to Him, no matter how far we've strayed.

Follow-Up Questions:

1. How might Jonah's experience and prayer have impacted his subsequent obedience to God's call to preach to Nineveh?
2. What lessons can modern-day believers learn from Jonah's journey and his recognition of God's mercy and sovereignty?
3. How can we cultivate a similar attitude of worship and dependence on God, even in the midst of our own struggles and difficulties?

Sally and Curtis read and reflect on Psalm 119:17-24. The key themes explored include the truth and wisdom found in God's instructions, the importance of surrendering to and depending on God, and the experience of facing opposition and insults while remaining faithful to God's decrees.

The discussion on the truth and wisdom found in God's instructions, as well as the experience of facing opposition while remaining faithful, encourages and inspires the audience to deepen their own relationship with God and reliance on His word.

Follow-Up Questions:

1. How can believers practically apply the insights from this psalm to their daily lives?
2. What other biblical examples or stories illustrate the contrast between relying on one's own understanding versus submitting to God's truth?
3. What strategies or practices can help believers maintain a posture of dependence on God and His guidance, even in the face of opposition or insults?
4. How can the church community support and encourage one another in remaining faithful to God's instructions and decrees, especially when facing challenges or persecution?

In this episode of Arise+Abide, hosts Sally and Curtis dive into Jonah Chapter 1, exploring the prophet's dramatic response to God's call. Reflecting on Jonah's attempt to flee from his mission to Nineveh, they examine themes of God's mercy, human disobedience, and divine purpose.

Through the lens of Jonah's journey, the hosts discuss relatable struggles with surrendering to God's will, the transformative power of repentance, and the unexpected ways God uses challenging situations to reveal His character. They also explore the parallels between Jonah's story and God's larger redemptive plan, highlighting how even in disobedience, God's grace shines through to bring others to faith.

This thought-provoking episode invites listeners to consider their own callings, the importance of obedience, and the assurance that God's plans prevail—even in the storms of life.