Arise and Abide

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.

In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally delve into Psalms 113, exploring the profound message of praising the Lord in all circumstances. They discuss the tension between reverence for God's name and the call to declare His glory openly. Curtis shares insights reflecting on the reverence for God's name, while Sally emphasizes God's relational nature—both high above the nations and intimately close to those in need. They highlight the theme of God's impartial love and His power to lift the lowly to positions of honor. The conversation connects the Psalm's imagery to the humility and elevation of Jesus, offering a message of hope and transformation through God's grace. Tune in for an inspiring reflection on how God uplifts the humble and reveals His unchanging goodness.

In this episode of Arise + Abide, Sally and Curtis delve into 2 Kings 9:30-10:17, and discuss the significance of Jehu's question, "Who is on my side?" as he challenges those around him to choose between allegiance to Ahab's family or obedience to God's will. The hosts reflect on how Jehu's faith evolves throughout the passage, from initial skepticism to a firm belief in God's plan. Sally also ties this theme of choosing sides to contemporary experiences, such as navigating difficult decisions during election seasons.

Sally and Curtis emphasize the cost and promise of following God, drawing parallels to the choices believers face today. They highlight Jehu's acceptance of responsibility for his actions, the necessity of humble obedience, and the assurance that God's promises will never fail.

In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally discuss Psalms 112. The hosts read through the scripture and reflect on its themes, focusing on how the blessings described are a result of following and obeying God's commands. Curtis emphasizes the concept of "fearing the Lord," not as fear in the worldly sense, but as a deep respect for God's authority and love. He points out that true generosity, as described in the psalm, includes lending money to those in need, not donating for personal benefit. Sally adds that following God's commands leads believers to adopt God's own characteristics of generosity, compassion, and righteousness.

They also contrast worldly ways of business and self-interest with the fairness and generosity that come from living a godly life. The episode delves into the cost of discipleship, explaining that true joy comes from submitting to God's authority, not trying to be the "king" of one's life. They encourage listeners to examine where they may not be fully submitting to God and remind them that God's promises of blessing and protection come through wholehearted obedience. The episode concludes with a reminder of the abundant life promised to those who follow Jesus.

In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally explore 2 Kings 9:1-29, where Jehu is anointed as the new king of Israel. They delve into the narrative of how Elisha the prophet sends a young disciple to anoint Jehu, commanding him to destroy the house of Ahab, fulfilling God's judgment on Jezebel and her family. Curtis reflects on how Jehu processes this sudden responsibility, emphasizing the role of community support in stepping into a divine calling. Sally highlights how Jehu's peers immediately recognize his anointing, supporting his God-given authority.

The conversation also covers Jehu's mission, which leads to a confrontation with King Joram and King Ahaziah, resulting in their deaths. The hosts discuss the theme of peace, contrasting the false peace that comes from worldly pursuits with the true peace found in God's plan. Curtis and Sally connect this story to modern life, encouraging listeners to reflect on where they seek peace and how only the peace that comes from Christ can truly rule in our hearts. The episode closes with a reflection on the peace that surpasses understanding, rooted in surrender to God's will.

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.