Arise and Abide

In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally explore Hosea chapter 7—a sobering look at Israel's rebellion and God's grieving heart. The Lord longs to heal His people, yet their sins run deep. They've become unaware of their spiritual decay, chasing foreign gods and trusting in human power instead of turning back to Him. Through vivid metaphors—an overheated oven, a half-baked cake, a witless dove, and a crooked bow—Hosea exposes how misplaced passions and pride have made the people useless to God's purpose.

Curtis and Sally reflect on the Lord's perspective: He sees everything, hears every silence, and still desires restoration. Their discussion highlights the tragic blindness of those who seek fulfillment apart from God and the enduring mercy of a Creator who continues to call His people back. As the hosts connect Hosea's imagery to the human condition today, listeners are reminded that true wisdom, strength, and renewal come only from turning fully to the Lord who longs to heal and redeem.

In this episode of Arise + Abide, Sally and Curtis reflect on the final song of ascent, Psalm 134. As pilgrims arrive in Jerusalem, they call on those serving in the temple—especially those keeping the night watch—to lift their hands and praise the Lord. Together, they explore the beauty of worship that involves not just our voices but our whole selves, and how both travelers and temple servants encourage one another in unity. The discussion highlights the challenges of serving in unseen or difficult circumstances, the reminder that God always sees and knows, and the promise of blessing from the Lord who made heaven and earth.

In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally reflect on Hosea chapter 6, a passage titled A Call to Repentance. Hosea invites the people to return to the Lord with the assurance that God will respond as surely as the dawn breaks and the spring rains fall. Yet the chapter also reveals God's grief over Israel and Judah's fleeting devotion—love that evaporates like morning mist.

The discussion explores God's heart for relationship over ritual, emphasizing that He desires love and obedience rather than empty sacrifices. Curtis and Sally connect Hosea's message to Jesus' words in Matthew 9, where He calls for mercy instead of ritual offerings, reminding us that God has always sought hearts that truly know Him. They also consider the cost of discipleship: being vulnerable before God, allowing His Word to cut to the heart, and engaging deeply in scripture, prayer, and community.

Amid judgment, Hosea points to God's enduring desire to heal, restore, and make His people whole. The episode closes with the reminder that obedience and love are greater than any outward act of sacrifice, and that God's promises of renewal are as steady as the morning light.

In this episode of Arise + Abide, Sally and Curtis reflect on Psalm 133 and its powerful imagery of harmony. David compares unity among God's people to the anointing oil flowing over Aaron and the refreshing dew of Mount Hermon—both symbols of blessing and life. Together, Sally and Curtis explore how true harmony cannot be manufactured by individual effort but comes from God's Spirit, covering us like oil and refreshing us like dew.

They discuss the rarity and preciousness of harmony, connecting it to Paul's call in Philippians 2 to live with humility, put aside selfishness, and consider the needs of others. Harmony, they note, is not just pleasant but eternal—pointing us toward the blessing of life everlasting. Through stories, analogies, and Scripture, this conversation reminds us that when we live in God's truth and love, we join in the beautiful, Spirit-led symphony of unity that reflects Christ's character and promises life both now and forever.

In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally reflect on Hosea chapter 5, a sobering passage that exposes the failure of Israel's priests and leaders. The text reveals how arrogance, idolatry, and misplaced trust in foreign powers led God's people into spiritual ruin. Despite their sacrifices, the Lord had withdrawn, leaving them to experience the consequences of their rebellion.

Curtis and Sally discuss how this chapter shows the depth of Israel's brokenness—their deeds would not allow them to return to God without His intervention. They explore how God's judgment, though severe, carries the promise of restoration when His people confess their guilt and earnestly seek Him again. Drawing connections to Jesus' teachings, they reflect on the cost of discipleship, the danger of idolatry in modern life, and the enduring call to repent and turn back to the Lord.

Even in the midst of judgment, Hosea 5 reminds us of God's steadfast desire to be known by His people and His readiness to heal and redeem those who humbly return to Him.

In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally reflect on Psalm 132, a psalm that recalls God's promises to David and His desire to dwell among His people. Together they trace the psalm's echoes of David's devotion, Solomon's prayer, and ultimately the eternal fulfillment found in Jesus—the true anointed King from David's line.

The conversation explores the tension between human longing to build a place for God and God's deeper desire for relationship with His people. They discuss the psalm's reminder to remain faithful to God's calling, to remember His promises, and to find strength not in work or blessings but in abiding in His presence. From David's restless pursuit to build a house for the Lord, to God's declaration of Jerusalem as His eternal resting place, the episode highlights the unshakable covenant that points to Christ, the worthy One who reigns forever.

Listeners are encouraged to see God's heart not as seeking labor or ritual but as longing for communion—an invitation to dwell with Him, receive His strength, and rest in His faithful promises.

Reading Hosea 4.

In this episode of Arise + Abide, Sally and Curtis reflect on Psalm 131, a short but powerful psalm about humility, trust, and finding true peace in God. David reminds us not to trouble ourselves with matters beyond our understanding but instead to rest in the Lord with childlike faith. The conversation explores how humility allows us to release pride, entrust the unknown to God, and experience the calm of His presence. Like a weaned child who no longer cries for comfort, we can mature in our faith by finding contentment and security in the Lord rather than in circumstances or other people. Drawing connections to Hebrews 6 and Proverbs 11, this discussion highlights the anchor of hope God provides and the wisdom that comes through humility.

In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally reflect on Hosea chapter 3, where Hosea is called to redeem his unfaithful wife as a living picture of God's unfailing love for His people. Together, they explore how this passage reveals the depth of God's commitment to Israel despite betrayal and idolatry, and how it points forward to His covenant of love fulfilled in Christ. The conversation highlights how true love is rooted in relationship and care rather than physical desire, and how God's unconditional love calls us to extend grace to others who may not meet our expectations. Curtis and Sally also challenge listeners to consider where they may be seeking peace, security, or identity outside of God, and remind us that our calling as followers of Christ is to shine His light and embody His love to all people. The episode closes with a look at God's promise that, in the last days, people will tremble in awe of His goodness, recognizing Him alone as the true source of life and hope.

Reading Psalms 130 followed by discussion.