Episodes
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In this episode of Arise + Abide, titled "The God of Life," hosts Sally and Curtis dive into Psalm 115. They reflect on the contrasts between God, the living creator, and lifeless idols made by human hands. The psalm calls believers to place their trust solely in God, who is our helper and shield, rather than in worldly things that can’t provide true security. Sally and Curtis discuss how, as image-bearers of God, we’re called to reflect His life-giving nature and lay down the idols—whether material or ideological—that hinder our relationship with Him.
The episode explores themes of surrender and the cost of discipleship, emphasizing that while idols bring emptiness, God’s blessings are for all who trust and fear Him, both great and lowly. The hosts remind listeners that life’s true fulfillment is found in praising God, both now and for eternity, through Jesus, who brings us from death to life. This episode serves as a call to live with gratitude, purpose, and dedication to the glory of God, as reflected in the closing benediction from Psalm 150:6, "Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord!"
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In this episode of Arise + Abide, Sally and Curtis dive into 2 Kings 11, which recounts the story of Athaliah's reign and the rise of King Joash. They discuss the dramatic events surrounding Athaliah’s attempt to destroy the royal family of Judah after the death of her son, King Ahaziah. The episode highlights Jehosheba's courageous act of saving the infant Joash, hiding him in the Temple of the Lord for six years until he is revealed and crowned king. The hosts reflect on themes of faith, God's faithfulness, and the importance of following God's laws as Joash’s rise symbolizes the triumph of God's promises over the schemes of power-hungry rulers. Curtis and Sally explore the contrast between the worldly pursuit of power and the kingdom of God, emphasizing the significance of daily engagement with God’s Word. This episode encourages listeners to reflect on their own lives, idols they may be holding onto, and the peace that comes from truly submitting to God's rule.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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In this episode of Arise + Abide, Sally and Curtis dive into the powerful and intense words of Psalms 109, a psalm of David that deals with the weight of slander, false accusations, and the desire for justice. The hosts discuss the raw emotions expressed by David as he faces betrayal and hostility, exploring how these experiences resonate with our own struggles against unfair criticism and malicious intent.
Sally and Curtis emphasize the importance of turning to God in moments of deep frustration and pain, following David's example of bringing everything before the Lord—praise, anger, and pleas for deliverance. They discuss the challenge of not letting negative words define us, highlighting the transformative power of God's love and the new identity we gain through Christ.
The conversation touches on the profound impact of words, whether in parenting, discipleship, or everyday interactions. The hosts draw parallels to New Testament teachings, particularly how our words can either build up or tear down, much like fire that can either warm and purify or destroy.
Listeners are reminded that resistance often comes when we're aligned with God's will, but the ultimate victory is assured through Jesus Christ. As the episode concludes, Sally and Curtis leave listeners with the comforting truth that, no matter the accusations or challenges we face, God's faithful love and redemption are ever-present and powerful.
Tune in for an encouraging and insightful discussion on how to navigate life's toughest battles with grace and faith.
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In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally delve into the dramatic events of 2 Kings 6:24-7:20, where King Ben-Hadad of Aram besieges Samaria, leading to extreme famine and despair. The story takes a dark turn as the king of Israel is confronted with the horrors of cannibalism within the city walls, a grim reflection of the desperation gripping the people.
Yet, even in such dire circumstances, the prophet Elisha delivers a message of hope, prophesying an imminent turnaround that seems impossible to believe. As four lepers venture into the Aramean camp, they discover that God has miraculously delivered Samaria by causing the enemy to flee, leaving behind an abundance of food and supplies. The lepers' decision to share this good news with the starving city becomes a powerful reminder of the importance of faith, even when all seems lost.
Curtis and Sally explore the themes of divine protection, the reversal of fortunes, and the role of God's people in sharing the good news, drawing parallels between the lepers' actions and our own responsibility to share the gospel. They emphasize the unexpected ways God can work through those considered outcasts and how He turns impossible situations around, challenging listeners to trust in God's provision and timing, even in the most desperate moments.
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In this episode Curtis and Sally dive into Psalms 108, a powerful song of praise by David. The hosts explore the themes of confidence in God, praising Him in the midst of dark circumstances, and the importance of remembering God's unfailing love and faithfulness. Through David's example, they discuss how to approach life's challenges by praising God, praying for His help, and relying on His promises. Curtis and Sally also draw parallels between David's plea for God's guidance and our call as believers to advance the Kingdom of Heaven, emphasizing the need for the Holy Spirit's power in our lives. This episode is a heartfelt reminder of God's faithfulness and the strength we can find in Him, even during the darkest times.
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In this episode Curtis and Sally delve into 2 Kings 6:8-23, where Elisha traps the Arameans. They discuss the remarkable ways God protects and guides His people, even when circumstances seem overwhelming. Curtis and Sally explore the historical context of Israel's ongoing conflicts with the Arameans, drawing parallels to the broader themes of God's providence, divine vision, and the importance of trusting in His unseen plans.
As they read through the passage, they highlight Elisha's deep faith and intimate relationship with God, which allowed him to see beyond the immediate danger to the divine protection that surrounded him. The discussion also reflects on how this story illustrates God's desire to save lives and demonstrate His love, even towards enemies.
The episode encourages listeners to seek God's perspective in their lives, asking Him to open their eyes to His work around them, just as Elisha prayed for his servant. Through reflections on both Old and New Testament scriptures, Curtis and Sally emphasize the promise of spiritual sight that God grants to those who turn to Him, allowing them to see and reflect His glory in their lives.
Join Curtis and Sally for a thoughtful exploration of faith, trust, and the transformative power of seeing the world through God's eyes.
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In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally dive into the rich and powerful message of Psalm 107. The episode opens with a reading of the Psalm, highlighting God's enduring love and His ability to rescue and redeem in all circumstances—whether in times of physical hunger, mental gloom, or the storms of life.
Curtis and Sally explore the recurring theme of God's faithful love and how it endures forever, urging listeners to reflect on their own experiences of redemption. They emphasize the importance of crying out to God in times of distress and the transformative power of focusing on God's truth rather than being consumed by negative feelings or circumstances.
The discussion also touches on the challenge of asking for help, the role of humility in seeking God's assistance, and the promise that even in our unfaithfulness, God remains steadfast and true to His nature. The episode concludes with a reminder of the hope we can hold onto, rooted in the trustworthiness of God's promises.
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In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally explore 2 Kings 6:1-7, the story of the floating ax head. The conversation delves into the everyday challenges faced by the prophets during Elisha's time and how God's presence guided them through even the smallest of predicaments. Curtis and Sally reflect on the importance of seeking God's guidance in all aspects of life, especially when setbacks arise. They discuss the faithfulness of God in providing solutions to problems that may seem insignificant but carry great weight in our personal lives. The episode encourages listeners to remain steadfast in their journey of faith, trusting that God will provide the necessary steps forward, even when the path seems unclear.
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In this episode of "Arise + Abide," Curtis and Sally dive deep into Psalm 106, exploring the Psalmist's heartfelt praise for God's enduring love and the sobering reflection on humanity's recurring failure to remain faithful. They discuss the importance of remembering God's miraculous deeds and how easily we can forget His kindness when distracted by the world's temptations. Through a detailed examination of the scripture, they emphasize the need to stay focused on God's promises and to trust in His plan, even when we find ourselves in spiritual exile or facing life's challenges.
Curtis highlights the human tendency to turn away from God, as seen in the historical recounting of Israel's sins, and how despite repeated rebellions, God's love and mercy remain steadfast. Sally adds insight into how this Psalm reflects our own struggles with faith and obedience today, questioning what modern "idols" we might be placing before God and how we might be neglecting His counsel in our lives.
The episode encourages listeners to seek God for salvation and miracles, not for personal gain, but to glorify His name. As Curtis and Sally unpack the significance of trusting in God's enduring love, they remind us that even in our failures, God listens to our cries and continues to draw us back to Him. This episode serves as a powerful reminder of God's unchanging faithfulness and the peace that comes from keeping our focus on Him.
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In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally delve into 2 Kings 5:20-27, exploring the story of Gehazi's greed and its consequences. Building on the narrative of Naaman's miraculous healing from leprosy, Curtis and Sally discuss how Gehazi, Elisha's servant, succumbs to his desire for material gain, deceiving Naaman and ultimately suffering a severe punishment. The episode highlights themes of obedience, the value of God's gifts, and the dangers of selfish ambition. Curtis and Sally reflect on the broader lessons about God's grace, the true cost of greed, and the importance of humility and repentance. Join them as they unpack the spiritual and moral implications of Gehazi's actions and how they resonate in our own lives.
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