Ayin
Arise and Abide
In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally reflect on Psalm 119:121-128, the stanza labeled Ayin. The psalmist’s plea—“My eyes strain to see your rescue”—resonates deeply with anyone who has waited on God’s promises in hard times. The conversation explores the tension between crying out for justice and submitting to God’s loving discipline. They discuss the importance of discernment, the transformative power of God’s Word, and how loving His commands shapes our understanding of what is true and good. Even when God's rescue feels far off, we are reminded of Christ’s...
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A Vision of God at the Alter
Arise and Abide
In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally dive into Amos chapter 9, where the prophet receives a vision of the Lord standing beside the altar, declaring that judgment is inevitable and inescapable. As Curtis and Sally discuss, God's justice is thorough—reaching every hidden place—but His heart is ultimately set on restoration. They reflect on the humility needed to walk with God and the assurance that no true believer will be lost. Drawing connections to Psalm 139, Romans 8, and the promise of renewal seen through Ezra and Nehemiah, they remind listeners that God’s relentless...
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Samekh
Arise and Abide
In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally reflect on Psalm 119:113–120 (Samekh), a passage that contrasts divided loyalties with wholehearted devotion to God’s Word. They explore the psalmist’s call to reject evil influences and cling to God's sustaining truth, emphasizing the need for spiritual discernment and unwavering faith. Through honest discussion, Curtis and Sally connect the psalm to James 1 and John 8, highlighting the dangers of self-deception and the life-giving power of God's truth. Listeners are reminded that God’s promises offer refuge and abundant life—both...
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Nun
Arise and Abide
In this episode of Arise+Abide, Sally and Curtis reflect on Psalm 119:105-112, the section marked Nun, exploring how God's Word serves as both light and lifeline in life’s darkest and most uncertain moments. They discuss the imagery of walking through darkness and the necessity of divine guidance to avoid the traps set by the enemy. With insights from Deuteronomy and the Gospel of John, the conversation highlights the beauty of covenant—our promise to follow God and His promise to sustain and treasure us. Even when life hangs in the balance, His light never goes out.
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A Vision of Ripe Fruit
Arise and Abide
In this episode of Arise and Abide, Curtis and Sally reflect on Amos 8 and the vision of a basket of ripe fruit, symbolizing that Israel is ripe for judgment. They explore God's patience through previous visions and the shift to final warning as Israel’s injustices and spiritual apathy reach a breaking point. The discussion highlights how God sees the hidden sins of dishonest gain and empty religious observance, and how His justice brings both accountability and the opportunity for repentance. Curtis and Sally connect this prophetic message to the spiritual famine Amos describes—a longing...
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Mem
Arise and Abide
In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally reflect on Psalm 119:97–104, a passage rich with the psalmist’s love for God’s Word. They explore the benefits of meditating on Scripture—gaining wisdom beyond enemies, teachers, and elders—and the joy of walking in obedience. Curtis highlights the continuity between Old and New Covenants, pointing to Jesus' teachings as the fulfillment and embodiment of God’s law. Sally emphasizes the contrast between false and true ways of life, grounding her thoughts in Jesus’ identity as the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Together, they point...
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Visions of the Lord’s Judgement
Arise and Abide
In this episode, Sally and Curtis explore Amos chapter 7, where God reveals three visions to the prophet Amos—locusts, fire, and a plumb line. These visions reflect the tension between God’s mercy and justice, with Amos interceding for Israel and God twice relenting. But the third vision, the plumb line, signals that the time for judgment has come. The hosts discuss the significance of these visions, the rejection of Amos by Israel's leaders, and the deeper truth that God desires repentance and restoration, not destruction. Through thoughtful conversation, they challenge listeners to...
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Lamedh
Arise and Abide
In this episode of Arise+Abide, Sally and Curtis reflect on Psalm 119:89–96 and the powerful imagery of God’s eternal word standing firm in heaven. They explore how the unchanging nature of God brings hope and sustains us through life's struggles. The discussion highlights the relevance of God’s word across generations, the personal and rescuing nature of His commands, and how abiding in Him brings life and transformation. Curtis shares his journey with perfectionism and the realization that God's relational perfection far surpasses our human ideals. Sally offers insights on surrendering...
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Justice+Judgement
Arise and Abide
In this sobering episode, Sally and Curtis delve into Amos Chapter 6, where the prophet delivers a powerful warning against pride, luxury, and complacency. The hosts unpack God’s condemnation of Israel’s indulgence and injustice, highlighting how the nation's leaders ignored the suffering of others while reveling in comfort. Drawing connections to modern-day challenges, Sally and Curtis reflect on how easily people can fall into the same traps—trusting in their own strength, seeking status, and neglecting God's call to justice and righteousness. They offer a reminder that while God's...
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Kaph
Arise and Abide
In this episode, Sally and Curtis reflect on Psalm 119:81–88, exploring the emotional and spiritual tension of waiting on God in seasons of hardship. They discuss the psalmist's honesty about feeling worn out and under attack, yet remaining faithful to God's Word. Through vivid imagery and personal insight, they draw parallels to the wilderness moments in our own lives, emphasizing the power of Scripture, the discipline of waiting, and the importance of remaining present with God. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed or simply seeking encouragement, this episode offers a reminder of God's...
info_outlineIn this episode of Arise+Abide, Sally and Curtis continue their journey through Psalm 119, focusing on verses 41-48 (Waw). They reflect on the profound connection between God's unfailing love and salvation, emphasizing the enduring value of His word. The discussion highlights themes of trust, obedience, and the freedom found in devotion to God's commandments. Curtis explores different translations of key verses, shedding light on the depth of God's love and mercy, while Sally contemplates the psalmist's plea to hold onto the truth. Together, they draw connections to Jesus as the living Word and the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises. Tune in for an insightful conversation on faith, surrender, and the joy of walking in freedom with the Lord.
- How can we practically apply the psalmist's desire to "walk in freedom" by devoting ourselves to God's commandments? [05:38]
- What are some specific ways we can boldly testify about God's laws and commands, even to those in positions of authority? [08:17]
- How can we cultivate a deeper sense of delight and joy in meditating on God's decrees, as the psalmist describes?
- What are some practical steps we can take to ensure we do not become complacent in our obedience to God's instructions, but continue to keep them forever and ever? [07:57]
- How can we better recognize and respond to the challenges and calls to surrender that are present in the passage, as the speaker identified? [09:29]