Daleth
Arise and Abide
In this episode, Sally and Curtis delve into Psalms 119:25-32, reflecting on the psalmist’s heartfelt cry for guidance, wisdom, and renewal. They discuss the imagery of lying in the dust and being revived by God's Word, emphasizing themes of humility, surrender, and the transformative power of God's instructions. Curtis explores the significance of submitting our plans to God, while Sally examines the deceitfulness of the human heart, and the hope found in a relationship with God. Together, they highlight the importance of pursuing God's commands, seeking His presence, and aligning our...
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Jonah’s Prayer
Arise and Abide
In this episode of Arise+ Abide, Curtis and Sally dive into Jonah chapter 2, exploring the heartfelt prayer Jonah offers from the belly of the great fish. Reflecting on Jonah's journey—from fleeing God's call to his desperate plea for mercy—Curtis and Sally unpack the deep themes of repentance, God's unwavering mercy, and the irony of Jonah seeking the same grace he resisted sharing with the people of Nineveh. They discuss the vivid imagery of Jonah's near-death experience, the parallels to our own struggles when we distance ourselves from God, and the comfort of knowing God's presence...
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Gimel
Arise and Abide
Sally and Curtis read and reflect on Psalm 119:17-24. The key themes explored include the truth and wisdom found in God's instructions, the importance of surrendering to and depending on God, and the experience of facing opposition and insults while remaining faithful to God's decrees. The discussion on the truth and wisdom found in God's instructions, as well as the experience of facing opposition while remaining faithful, encourages and inspires the audience to deepen their own relationship with God and reliance on His word. Follow-Up Questions: How can believers practically apply the...
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God’s Call to Repentance
Arise and Abide
In this episode of Arise+Abide, hosts Sally and Curtis dive into Jonah Chapter 1, exploring the prophet's dramatic response to God's call. Reflecting on Jonah's attempt to flee from his mission to Nineveh, they examine themes of God's mercy, human disobedience, and divine purpose. Through the lens of Jonah's journey, the hosts discuss relatable struggles with surrendering to God's will, the transformative power of repentance, and the unexpected ways God uses challenging situations to reveal His character. They also explore the parallels between Jonah's story and God's larger redemptive plan,...
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Beth
Arise and Abide
In this episode of Arise and Abide, Curtis and Sally delve into Psalm 119:9–16, exploring the theme of purity through obedience to God's word. Reflecting on the psalmist's yearning for closeness with the Lord, they discuss the metaphor of God's word as a treasure—something invaluable to cherish and guard in our hearts. Curtis shares insights inspired by Michael Pollan's The Botany of Desire, linking human desires to the deeper spiritual longing for God. Sally emphasizes the transformative power of meditating on scripture and delighting in God's decrees, which leads to a life of abundance...
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Contentment
Arise and Abide
In this episode of Arise and Abide, Curtis and Sally delve into the reign of King Uzziah as detailed in 2 Kings 14-15 and 2 Chronicles 26. They explore themes of faithfulness, pride, and God's unwavering patience and love. The conversation reflects on the dangers of pride, the importance of contentment in God's plan, and the lessons learned from Uzziah's overstepping his role, leading to his downfall. The hosts discuss how these stories illustrate God's faithfulness to His people despite their repeated failures, emphasizing the importance of humility, dependence on God, and seeking His glory...
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Aleph
Arise and Abide
In this episode of Arise + Abide, Sally and Curtis dive into Psalms 119:1-8, reflecting on the profound joy and freedom found in following God’s commandments. They explore the Psalmist’s call to live a life of integrity, the transformative power of obedience, and the enduring grace of God in moments of failure. Through heartfelt discussion, they emphasize the importance of remaining connected to God, reflecting His love, and seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit in everyday decisions. The episode concludes with an inspiring reminder of God's faithfulness and the call to live as a new...
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Follow the Leader
Arise and Abide
In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally explore 2 Kings 14:1-22 and 2 Chronicles 25, diving into the life and reign of King Amaziah of Judah. They discuss Amaziah’s initial obedience to God, his partial devotion, and the consequences of misplaced confidence. Reflecting on the examples we follow, they highlight the importance of wholehearted faith, sensitivity to the Holy Spirit, and giving glory to God for victories in life. The episode unpacks key lessons from Amaziah's prideful missteps, including his ill-fated challenge to Israel and his downfall following idolatry. Through...
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The LORD is for You!
Arise and Abide
In this episode of "Arise + Abide," Curtis and Sally explore Psalms 117 and 118, focusing on the powerful message of God's unfailing love and enduring faithfulness. They discuss Psalm 117's universal call for all people to praise the Lord and the depth of Psalm 118, which emphasizes God's steadfast love, the importance of taking refuge in Him, and the assurance He provides even in distress. Sally highlights the theme of God’s heart for all nations, while Curtis reflects on the security found in God amidst life’s uncertainties. Through verses like, “The stone the builders rejected has now...
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The Sons of Jehu
Arise and Abide
In this episode of Arise + Abide, Sally and Curtis dive into 2 Kings 13, exploring the reigns of Jehoahaz and Jehoash, the sons of Jehu, as kings of Israel. Despite their continued sinful practices following Jeroboam's idolatrous example, moments of humility and reliance on God highlight His unwavering mercy and faithfulness. The discussion reflects on God's character, the importance of turning to Him even in our failures, and the transformative power of surrender. The episode also covers Elisha's final interactions, a miraculous revival, and the spiritual implications of renewed life through...
info_outlineIn 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.