Arise and Abide

Reading Psalms 130 followed by discussion.

Reading from Hosea chapter two followed by a brief discussion.

Reading Psalms 129 followed by a brief discussion and encouragement.

Reading Hosea 1:1-2:1 followed by a brief discussion and encouragement.

Reading Psalms 128 followed by a brief discussion and encouragement.

We continue in the Chronological Life Application Study Bible reading 2 Kings 15:30-31 and 17:1-4 followed by 2 Chronicles 29:1-2 and then 2 Kings 18:1-8.

In this episode of Arise + Abide , Sally and Curtis explore Psalm 127, a Psalm of Solomon that reminds us that all our efforts are meaningless unless the Lord is the one building and protecting. They reflect on the difference between a lifeless house and a love-filled home, emphasizing that true value and blessing come only when God is at the center of our work, our provision, and our security. Dr...

In this episode of Arise+Abide , Curtis and Sally explore 2 Kings 16:10-18 and 2 Chronicles 28:16-25, tracing the tragic reign of King Ahaz of Judah. Faced with military threats from Israel, Syria, Edom, and the Philistines, Ahaz turns not to the Lord but to Assyria for help—paying tribute with treasures from the Temple and even remodeling Judah's worship to imitate pagan practices. Instead of res...

In this episode, Curtis and Sally reflect on Psalm 126, a song that captures the surreal joy of restoration after a long season of sorrow and waiting. Described as a dream fulfilled, this psalm celebrates God's faithfulness in bringing His people home, prompting laughter, singing, and praise—not only from His people but also from the watching world. Curtis shares how moments of joy, like graduatio...

In this episode, Sally and Curtis explore Isaiah 17, a chapter filled with vivid imagery of desolation and judgment but also powerful glimpses of hope and restoration. As the prophecy unfolds against Damascus and Israel, we see once-flourishing cities reduced to ruins, fields stripped bare like after a harvest, and the consequences of turning away from God. Yet, in the midst of this devastation, a...

In this episode of Arise + Abide , Curtis and Sally reflect on Psalm 125 and the assurance it offers to those who trust in the Lord. Drawing from the imagery of Mount Zion and the mountains encircling Jerusalem, they explore how God surrounds His people with unshakable protection—both now and forever. As they meditate on the psalmist's words, the hosts share personal reflections on the beauty and...

In this episode of Arise + Aide , Curtis and Sally dive into Isaiah 12, a brief but powerful chapter of celebration and restoration. Flowing directly from the promises of Isaiah 11, this chapter presents a song of praise for salvation—a turning point from judgment to joy. Curtis reflects on the imagery of God's anger turning to comfort and the hope of restoration even for a people heading into exi...

In this episode of Arise + Abide , we reflect on Psalm 124 and the powerful question it asks twice: What if the Lord had not been on our side? Through this poetic expression of Israel's deliverance, we explore how remembering God's past faithfulness strengthens our present confidence and gratitude. Curtis and Sally unpack the psalm's vivid imagery of being rescued from overwhelming waters and brok...

In this episode of Arise + Abide , Curtis and Sally reflect on the hope-filled vision of Isaiah 11, where a new branch from David's line emerges—pointing to the coming of Jesus. They explore how the Spirit of the Lord rests on this righteous ruler, who judges not by appearance but with divine wisdom, justice, and truth. The conversation highlights how Jesus embodies these prophetic promises and ho...

In this episode of Arise + Abide , Sally and Curtis reflect on Psalm 123—a short but powerful psalm of ascent that calls us to lift our eyes to the Lord, the one enthroned in heaven. As they explore this prayerful cry for mercy in the midst of contempt and opposition, they emphasize the importance of where we fix our focus in life. Like servants waiting attentively for their master's command, we a...

In this episode of Arise + Abide , Sally and Curtis reflect on Isaiah 10, where God's justice confronts corruption, pride, and oppression—first within Israel and then through the tool of Assyria. Though Assyria is used as an instrument of judgment, its own arrogance will not go unchecked. Amid the warnings, a message of hope emerges: a faithful remnant will return and trust in the Lord alone. Thro...

In this episode, Curtis and Sally reflect on Psalm 122, a song of ascents that invites worshipers to joyfully enter the house of the Lord. They explore the spiritual significance of pilgrimage, gathering with God's people, and praying for peace. Together, they highlight how this Psalm points forward to Jesus—the true gate, the Prince of Peace, and the fulfillment of God's promises to David. As the...

In this episode of Arise and Abide , Sally and Curtis reflect on Isaiah 9:8–21, a sobering passage that contrasts the hope of the Messiah with the harsh consequences of pride and rebellion. As Israel responds to ruin with arrogance and self-reliance, God allows them to face the fallout of their choices. Sally and Curtis explore how the wildfire of sin spreads when hearts resist repentance, and how...

In this episode of Arise + Abide , Curtis and Sally reflect on Psalm 121, a song of ascent that reminds us of God's constant care and protection. They explore the powerful imagery of looking to the mountains—not for false sources of help, but as a prompt to trust in the Creator of heaven and earth. Drawing from personal experiences and biblical connections, including the story of Jonah and the pro...

In this episode of Arise + Abide , Curtis and Sally reflect on the powerful hope found in Isaiah 9:1–7. After the bleak warnings of chapter 8, Isaiah 9 opens with a promise: light will shine in the darkness. The hosts explore how this prophecy points to the coming Messiah—Jesus—who brings joy, breaks the yoke of oppression, and reigns with justice and peace. They highlight the significance of God'...

In this episode of Arise + Abide , Sally and Curtis reflect on Psalm 120, the first of the Psalms of Ascent. They explore how this cry for rescue from lies and conflict becomes a model of trust in God's faithfulness. As the psalmist laments the struggle to live among those who hate peace, Sally and Curtis share personal insights on surrendering burdens to God, trusting Him to handle deceit and inj...

In this episode of Arise + Abide , Curtis and Sally explore Isaiah 8:11–22, a powerful passage calling God's people to resist fear and trust wholly in the Lord. In a time of national panic and looming invasion, Isaiah is instructed not to think like the fearful crowd but to honor the Lord as holy and sovereign. Curtis and Sally reflect on the relevance of this message today, urging listeners to re...

In this final stanza of Psalm 119 (verses 169–176), Curtis and Sally reflect on the psalmist's heartfelt plea for God's help, discernment, and rescue. They explore the tension between waiting on God's promises and the reality of suffering, highlighting how prayer and praise can emerge even in the hardest circumstances. Drawing parallels to Job's endurance and Jesus' parable of the lost sheep, they...

In this episode, Curtis and Sally explore Isaiah 8:1-10, where God commands Isaiah to name his son Maher-shalal-hash-baz—a prophetic sign of the swift Assyrian invasion. They discuss how Judah's rejection of God's gentle provision in favor of Assyrian protection leads to devastating consequences. Yet even amid judgment, God's presence remains. Through imagery of floods and promises of divine vindi...

In this episode, Curtis and Sally reflect on Psalm 119:161–168, the "Shin" section, which highlights the peace and stability found in loving and obeying God's Word. Despite facing harassment and chaos in a broken world, the psalmist rejoices in the truth and justice of God's commands. Curtis and Sally explore themes of trust, obedience, and love, drawing connections to Jesus' call to die to self a...