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 witle...

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...

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 discussio...

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...

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 Despite their sacrifices, the Lord had withdrawn, leaving them to experience the consequences of their rebellion.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...

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 bu...

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 t...

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 h...

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...