Arise and Abide

In this episode we explore the dramatic events of 1 Kings 22:29-53. The podcast delves into the fateful battle at Ramoth-gilead, where King Ahab of Israel, despite being warned by the prophet Micaiah of impending doom, disguises himself and goes to war, hoping to escape his prophesied fate. We discuss Ahab's ultimate demise from a stray arrow, fulfilling the prophecy, and contrast his actions with those of King Jehoshaphat of Judah, who, despite his good intentions, makes questionable decisions in the heat of battle. The episode reflects on the themes of hearing, disobeying, and attempting to outsmart divine prophecy, highlighting the consequences of such actions. Underscoring the importance of humility and obedience to divine guidance and offering insights into how these biblical events resonate with personal and communal decisions in contemporary life.

In this episode of "Arise + Abide," hosts Sally and Curtis explore the themes of justice, vengeance, and divine guidance in Psalm 94. The episode begins with a reading of the Psalm, highlighting the psalmist's plea for God's intervention against the wicked and unjust. Sally and Curtis discuss the structure of the Psalm, noting how it transitions from a lament about evil deeds to a hopeful affirmation of God's protective and corrective presence.

Throughout the episode, the hosts delve into the dual nature of God's actions — both punishing the wicked and nurturing the faithful through discipline. They emphasize the importance of understanding God's ultimate sovereignty in bringing about justice and the role of personal discipline in aligning with God's teachings. Curtis shares a personal anecdote to illustrate how parental discipline mirrors divine guidance, reinforcing the message that God's discipline aims to steer us towards joy and righteousness.

The discussion also touches on the societal and individual implications of ignoring divine guidance, with Curtis noting how both historical and contemporary efforts at justice often fall short without divine intervention. Sally wraps up the episode with reflections on the comforting and stabilizing presence of God during times of uncertainty and injustice, quoting Proverbs 21:15 to underscore the contrasting reactions to God's justice among the godly and evildoers.

Listeners are left with a deeper understanding of Psalm 94's relevance to contemporary issues of justice and personal growth through divine discipline, encouraging them to seek God's guidance and remain steadfast in their faith during challenging times.

In this episode of "Arise + Abide," hosts Curtis and Sally delve into the dramatic events of 1 Kings 22, where the prophetic voice of Micaiah clashes with King Ahab's quest for conquest. After three years of peace, tensions escalate when King Ahab of Israel and King Jehoshaphat of Judah contemplate recapturing the strategic city of Ramoth-gilead from Aram. Despite unanimous support for the battle from the prophets of Baal, Jehoshaphat's insistence on seeking a true word from God leads them to Micaiah, a prophet disfavored by Ahab for his unsettling truths.

As the kings don royal robes and gather their prophets for counsel, Micaiah's starkly different vision portrays a grim outcome for Ahab, revealing a heavenly council where a spirit volunteers to entice Ahab into a fatal battle. Despite the warning, Ahab pursues his military objective with Jehoshaphat and their armies. This episode not only explores the collision of divine will and human ambition but also reflects on the moral complexities of leadership and prophecy. Through their dialogue, Curtis and Sally unpack themes of truth, the consequences of ignoring divine warnings, and the eternal struggle between pleasing God versus pleasing man.

In this inspiring episode of Arise + Abide, hosts Curtis and Sally delve into Psalm 93, exploring the majestic and unshakeable nature of God's kingship. The episode begins with Curtis affirming the imagery of God robed in majesty, whose reign over the world is steadfast and eternal. Sally adds depth by reflecting on the symbolic stability that God provides in a world full of chaos and tumult, likening it to the unshakable foundations of a fortress amid stormy seas.

The discussion turns contemplative as they relate the scriptures to personal experiences and popular culture, with Curtis sharing an anecdote about the overwhelming power of waves at an amusement park, illustrating how, despite the chaos of life, God's might is greater than the most formidable natural forces.

The episode concludes on a reflective note with Sally drawing parallels between the biblical promises and the parable of building one's house on rock versus sand, emphasizing the permanence and purity of God’s laws compared to the fleeting, changeable nature of human decrees.

Listeners are left with a sense of comfort and certainty in the eternal stability offered by God's reign, making a spiritually enriching experience for those seeking solace in their faith amidst the uncertainties of life.

In this enlightening episode of Arise + Abide, hosts Sally and Curtis delve into the intricate narrative of 1 Kings 21, focusing on the story of Naboth’s Vineyard. The episode begins with a contextual backdrop provided by Curtis and Sally, recounting the events of 1 Kings 20, where King Ahab's interactions with Ben-hadad set the stage for the subsequent moral and ethical dilemmas faced by Ahab. The main scripture reading brings to light the covetous nature of King Ahab towards Naboth’s vineyard, his subsequent sullen and angry demeanor upon being denied, and the manipulative tactics employed by his wife, Jezebel, to falsely accuse Naboth, leading to his unjust death and Ahab’s temporary acquisition of the vineyard.

Sally and Curtis unpack the multifaceted layers of this story, emphasizing the contrast between worldly expectations of kingship and the divine expectations set by God. They highlight Ahab's struggle with contentment, his susceptibility to influence—particularly by Jezebel—and his eventual act of repentance. Despite Ahab’s deep-seated flaws and his significant moral failings, which marked him as one of the most evil kings, his story is also a testament to the possibilities of redemption and the boundless mercy of God.

The hosts also explore the broader biblical theme of servant leadership exemplified by Jesus, juxtaposing it with the worldly notion of power and entitlement. This episode not only offers a thorough analysis of the biblical text but also serves as a reflective lens on leadership, the human condition, and the transformative power of humility and repentance before God.

Listeners are left with a poignant reminder of the promise of God's mercy and grace, as encapsulated in the benediction from James 4:10, urging us to humble ourselves before the Lord to be lifted in honor. This episode of Arise + Abide enriches the understanding of 1 Kings 21 with its deep dive into the complexities of human nature, divine justice, and the ever-present hope for redemption.

In this uplifting episode of Arise + Abide, hosts Curtis and Sally embark on a spiritual journey through the resonant verses of Psalms 92, a hymn dedicated to Sabbath Day worship. As they unfold the scripture, listeners are invited into a profound exploration of gratitude, worship, and the steadfast love and faithfulness of the Lord.

The episode begins with a warm welcome and quickly transitions into a reflective reading of Psalms 92, highlighting the importance of giving thanks and proclaiming God's love from morning till evening. Curtis and Sally passionately discuss the psalm's vivid imagery of worship that spans the entire day, emphasizing the joy and thrill of recognizing God's magnificent works and deep thoughts.

As the conversation deepens, the hosts examine the contrasting fortunes of the wicked and the righteous, noting the psalmist's assurance that while evil may flourish temporarily, it is ultimately transient in the face of God's eternal exaltation. They underscore the promise of strength and flourishing bestowed upon those who trust in the Lord, drawing parallels to biblical wisdom that cautions against rejoicing in the downfall of one's enemies.

The dialogue gracefully shifts to discussing the battle against spiritual wickedness, with Sally invoking Ephesians 6:12 to remind listeners that the real fight is against the dark powers of this world. They stress the importance of wearing the full armor of God, standing firm in the promise of divine justice and goodness.

Curtis captures the essence of the psalm's promises, emphasizing the hopeful and enduring nature of God's faithfulness, particularly the capacity to bear fruit even in old age. This promise of vitality and spiritual growth despite life's challenges resonates as a core message of the episode.

Concluding with a benediction from Ephesians 6:23-24, Curtis and Sally leave their audience with a sense of peace, love, and grace, encouraging them to hold onto the eternal promise of worship and the unfailing love of Jesus Christ. This episode is not just a study but an invitation to engage in all-day worship, reflecting on the beauty of God's works and the depth of His love.

This podcast episode from "Arise + Abide" features hosts Sally and Curtis delving into the narrative of 1 Kings Chapter 20, where Ben-Hadad, the king of Aram, lays siege to Samaria, the capital of Israel. The episode unfolds with a contextual setup from 1 Kings 19, introducing the prophet Elisha's commitment to follow Elijah, symbolizing a complete dedication to God's calling. Transitioning to the main scripture, Sally and Curtis narrate the tale of aggression by Ben-Hadad towards Israel and King Ahab's initial submission to his demands, followed by a divine intervention where God promises victory to Israel, showcasing His omnipotence not just over the hills but also the plains.

The hosts reflect on King Ahab's flawed leadership, highlighting his susceptibility to external influences and lack of steadfast faith in God, despite witnessing miraculous victories. They emphasize the contrast between Ahab's desire for acceptance among earthly kings and God's intent for Israel to represent His sovereignty. The podcast sheds light on Ahab's missed opportunities for repentance and trust in God, using the treaty with Ben-Hadad as a metaphor for misplaced trust in worldly powers over divine providence.

The episode also explores the broader theme of God's relentless efforts to reveal Himself to His people, urging them to recognize His lordship in every aspect of life. Through the analysis of Ahab's experiences, Sally and Curtis aim to inspire listeners to acknowledge God's presence in their lives, encouraging a shift in focus from earthly challenges to divine guidance and victory.

The podcast concludes with a benediction, reminding listeners of their heavenly citizenship and the eternal life hidden with Christ, urging them to set their sights on divine realities over earthly distractions. This episode offers a deep dive into the complexities of faith, leadership, and divine intervention, providing valuable lessons on trust, obedience, and the recognition of God's sovereignty.

Reading Psalms 91. In this Psalm, we see a picture of God as our shelter, our refuge, the safe place that we can trust in. There's also just this beautiful image of the feathers. Normally, feathers could be comforting, but they're not necessarily going to protect you from an attack like an arrow coming in. So, I kind of imagine the outside of the feathers being like armor. Jewish tradition attributes it to Moses as opposed to David believing that David added it to this book of Psalms later, because of the experience Moses had when the Lord passed by him on the mountain. Verse 11 for He will order his angels to protect you wherever you go, is the verse Satan quotes to Jesus when he's tempting him in the wilderness. Jesus responds, it is said, don't put the Lord your God to the test, which is from Deuteronomy 6:16. This psalm right here is about making shelter in God. I'm trusting in God remaining in him and as we go through it, which we will, trials and tribulations will come. But what does this word say? Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrows that fly by day. Arrows are flying by day. Disease is stalking at night. And God says that when they call on me, I will answer, I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation. So, it's knowing that truth of God, that His promises are true and that He is with us.

Reading 1 Kings 19:19-21. Elijah throwing the cloak over Elisha’s shoulders and walking away as an act of surrender. The action spoke for itself and was a symbolic gesture of Elijah passing on his prophetic authority to Elisha. There wasn't much more for Elijah to say about it in that moment. Elisha responds with celebration. But we also see that Elisah is destroying the job that he had. It is symbolic that Elisha is done with this part in his life. He’s not going back. Four times in the scripture, in Mark 8:34, in Matthew 8:18, in Luke 9:57, and in Luke 14:27. And Jesus teaches that there is a cost to following Him. It is a wholehearted following. Luke 9:62 Jesus tells them, “Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the kingdom of God”. Here we see Elisah burning his plow from his previous life. There is this true cost to following Jesus that Jesus was not shy about in his teaching. He's talking about following Jesus as putting your hand to the plow, so, it's still work. Romans 5:3-5, We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. God gives directions to Elijah and though it will be hard, there’s hope.

Reading Psalms 90. You see this glimpse into Moses’ heart with this psalm and his understanding of reality, it's an awareness of how precious life is how brief life is. Now that Christ has come and died on the cross, all of God's wrath was poured out onto Christ on the cross and is no longer poured out onto us. God is our refuge. God sees all the pain that we go through the trials we go through. But God also sees our hearts and the sins of our heart. We have a God who is beyond time, a God who is completely just, a God who understands and can help us to realize the brevity of life so that we can grow in wisdom.

Before I started following Christ, the secret sins would be the things that I would think that I was getting away with, but in Christ, those secret sins are the things that we want Christ to work out of our life. I thank God for the discipline that He gives the correction that He brings. But it's only effective in our lives if it produces growth if it produces change. Without growth, we simply stay where we are. Life is brief and so many of the things that people fill life with is completely meaningless. When we're young we don't consider that our days are numbered. As we get older, looking back to our youth we understand and we tell the youth, take advantage of these days because we understand that that time lasts only a certain time. Although our bodies are dying, which I can definitely relate to as we get older, our spirits are being renewed each day and God is teaching us to fix our eyes on things that can't be seen.