Arise and Abide
A daily Devotional Podcast where married couple Curtis and Sally Perea read a portion of scripture then discuss what stood out to them, and apply it to their day to day growth.
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The Lord's Judgment and Love for Israel
11/14/2025
The Lord's Judgment and Love for Israel
In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally explore Hosea chapters 10 and 11—two striking passages that reveal both the severity of God’s judgment and the depth of His enduring love. Hosea paints Israel as a once-fruitful vine whose prosperity led them away from the Lord and deeper into idolatry. Their misplaced trust in altars, idols, and military strength exposes a hardened spiritual landscape in need of breaking up and renewal. Yet woven through the warnings is a tender reminder of God’s fatherly compassion. As Hosea recounts, God taught Israel to walk, lifted the yoke from their neck, and cared for them with kindness—even as they drifted further from Him. In chapter 11, we hear God’s heart break as He refuses to abandon His people completely: “How can I give you up, Israel?” Instead, He promises a future restoration, a gathering of His people when He roars like a lion calling them home. Curtis and Sally reflect on the themes of spiritual sowing and reaping, the danger of misplaced trust, and the hope found in God’s persistent love. Drawing connections to Galatians and the teachings of Jesus, they invite listeners to consider the call to surrender, to cultivate righteousness, and to trust the One who leads with both justice and compassion.
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His Faithful Love Endures Forever
10/29/2025
His Faithful Love Endures Forever
Hello everyone, Curtis here, thanks for listening! We had been trying to publish episodes twice a week but now that I am back in school full time we have had to scale back to once a week. We will continue to alternate episodes with psalms until we finish the book and continue with the Old Testament timeline. This episode is on Psalm 136, and we will explore the call to remember God’s faithfulness and the promise of God!
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Hosea Announces Israel’s Punishment
10/22/2025
Hosea Announces Israel’s Punishment
In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally read Hosea chapter 9 and reflect on the painful consequences of Israel’s unfaithfulness to God. As Hosea announces the nation’s coming punishment, the chapter reveals both the grief and justice of God—how His love has been betrayed by those who turned to idols and false gods. Israel’s worship has become distorted, their festivals corrupted, and their trust misplaced in fertility gods that cannot bless or sustain them. Curtis and Sally discuss how God’s judgment in this passage is not arbitrary but the natural result of Israel’s choices. When they reject His covenant, He allows them to experience the emptiness of what they have chosen. Yet even in these harsh words, the story reminds listeners that God’s discipline flows from love—a desire to bring His people back to truth and life. Drawing parallels to today, the hosts explore how humanity still resists God’s correction and dismisses His messengers as “fools.” Following Jesus means humbly listening, turning back when corrected, and surrendering self-made paths to walk in His way. Though Hosea 9 speaks of rejection, it ultimately points toward restoration—when “not loved” will once again become “the ones I love.”
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The Whirlwind
10/15/2025
The Whirlwind
In this episode of Arise + Abide, Sally and Curtis read Hosea chapter 8, where the prophet declares that Israel has “planted the wind and will harvest the whirlwind.” Through Hosea’s message, God warns His people that their idolatry, self-appointed kings, and misplaced alliances will lead to destruction. Israel has built altars meant to remove sin, yet those very altars have become places of sin. They’ve forgotten their Maker and trusted in their own strength, seeking security in palaces, fortified cities, and foreign powers instead of the Lord. As Sally and Curtis reflect, this passage reveals the danger of turning to anything other than God for hope and stability. Like Israel, we may strive to secure life through our own works or alliances, but these efforts are fruitless apart from the Lord. Curtis draws a parallel to modern faith, noting how our attempts at righteousness can drift into legalism when we depend on our own strength rather than Christ’s finished work. Sally reminds us that life and fruitfulness come only from seeking God first—echoing Matthew 6:33: “Seek the kingdom of God above all else…” Even amid judgment, there is grace. God still sends warnings—signs of His steadfast love calling us back to Him. As the hosts conclude, the true hope of this chapter is not in avoiding discipline but in trusting the Maker who loves, warns, and redeems His people.
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Praise The Lord!
10/12/2025
Praise The Lord!
In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally read and reflect on Psalm 135—a song of worship that calls all who serve the Lord to praise Him for His goodness, power, and enduring love. From creation to deliverance, the psalm recounts God’s mighty works, contrasting His living presence with the lifeless idols made by human hands. Curtis shares how the psalm’s repeated invitation to “praise the Lord” reminds us to glorify God in every circumstance—remembering His faithfulness through all generations. Sally explores the deep contrast between a living relationship with the Creator and the emptiness of false treasures that cannot see, speak, or hear. Together, they reflect on how God’s Spirit continually reminds us of His justice, compassion, and the victories He brings even when we don’t yet see them. Psalm 135 reminds us that God’s name endures forever, His compassion reaches His servants, and His justice is sure. Through praise and remembrance, we draw near to the living God who reigns with power and love across all time.
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Praise The Lord!
10/12/2025
Praise The Lord!
In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally read and reflect on Psalm 135—a song of worship that calls all who serve the Lord to praise Him for His goodness, power, and enduring love. From creation to deliverance, the psalm recounts God’s mighty works, contrasting His living presence with the lifeless idols made by human hands. Curtis shares how the psalm’s repeated invitation to “praise the Lord” reminds us to glorify God in every circumstance—remembering His faithfulness through all generations. Sally explores the deep contrast between a living relationship with the Creator and the emptiness of false treasures that cannot see, speak, or hear. Together, they reflect on how God’s Spirit continually reminds us of His justice, compassion, and the victories He brings even when we don’t yet see them. Psalm 135 reminds us that God’s name endures forever, His compassion reaches His servants, and His justice is sure. Through praise and remembrance, we draw near to the living God who reigns with power and love across all time.
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Israel’s Love for Wickedness
10/08/2025
Israel’s Love for Wickedness
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 witless dove, and a crooked bow—Hosea exposes how misplaced passions and pride have made the people useless to God’s purpose. Curtis and Sally reflect on the Lord’s perspective: He sees everything, hears every silence, and still desires restoration. Their discussion highlights the tragic blindness of those who seek fulfillment apart from God and the enduring mercy of a Creator who continues to call His people back. As the hosts connect Hosea’s imagery to the human condition today, listeners are reminded that true wisdom, strength, and renewal come only from turning fully to the Lord who longs to heal and redeem.
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Praise the Lord
10/05/2025
Praise the Lord
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 encourage one another in unity. The discussion highlights the challenges of serving in unseen or difficult circumstances, the reminder that God always sees and knows, and the promise of blessing from the Lord who made heaven and earth.
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A Call to Repentance
10/01/2025
A Call to Repentance
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 discussion explores God’s heart for relationship over ritual, emphasizing that He desires love and obedience rather than empty sacrifices. Curtis and Sally connect Hosea’s message to Jesus’ words in Matthew 9, where He calls for mercy instead of ritual offerings, reminding us that God has always sought hearts that truly know Him. They also consider the cost of discipleship: being vulnerable before God, allowing His Word to cut to the heart, and engaging deeply in scripture, prayer, and community. Amid judgment, Hosea points to God’s enduring desire to heal, restore, and make His people whole. The episode closes with the reminder that obedience and love are greater than any outward act of sacrifice, and that God’s promises of renewal are as steady as the morning light.
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Harmony
09/28/2025
Harmony
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 like oil and refreshing us like dew. They discuss the rarity and preciousness of harmony, connecting it to Paul’s call in Philippians 2 to live with humility, put aside selfishness, and consider the needs of others. Harmony, they note, is not just pleasant but eternal—pointing us toward the blessing of life everlasting. Through stories, analogies, and Scripture, this conversation reminds us that when we live in God’s truth and love, we join in the beautiful, Spirit-led symphony of unity that reflects Christ’s character and promises life both now and forever.
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The Failure of Israel’s Leaders
09/24/2025
The Failure of Israel’s Leaders
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 Sally discuss how this chapter shows the depth of Israel’s brokenness—their deeds would not allow them to return to God without His intervention. They explore how God’s judgment, though severe, carries the promise of restoration when His people confess their guilt and earnestly seek Him again. Drawing connections to Jesus’ teachings, they reflect on the cost of discipleship, the danger of idolatry in modern life, and the enduring call to repent and turn back to the Lord. Even in the midst of judgment, Hosea 5 reminds us of God’s steadfast desire to be known by His people and His readiness to heal and redeem those who humbly return to Him.
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Remembering God’s Promise to David
09/21/2025
Remembering God’s Promise to David
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 build a place for God and God’s deeper desire for relationship with His people. They discuss the psalm’s reminder to remain faithful to God’s calling, to remember His promises, and to find strength not in work or blessings but in abiding in His presence. From David’s restless pursuit to build a house for the Lord, to God’s declaration of Jerusalem as His eternal resting place, the episode highlights the unshakable covenant that points to Christ, the worthy One who reigns forever. Listeners are encouraged to see God’s heart not as seeking labor or ritual but as longing for communion—an invitation to dwell with Him, receive His strength, and rest in His faithful promises.
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The Lord’s Case Against Isarel
09/17/2025
The Lord’s Case Against Isarel
Reading Hosea 4.
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Proper Perspectives
09/14/2025
Proper Perspectives
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 the calm of His presence. Like a weaned child who no longer cries for comfort, we can mature in our faith by finding contentment and security in the Lord rather than in circumstances or other people. Drawing connections to Hebrews 6 and Proverbs 11, this discussion highlights the anchor of hope God provides and the wisdom that comes through humility.
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Hosea’s Wife is Redeemed
09/10/2025
Hosea’s Wife is Redeemed
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 highlights how true love is rooted in relationship and care rather than physical desire, and how God’s unconditional love calls us to extend grace to others who may not meet our expectations. Curtis and Sally also challenge listeners to consider where they may be seeking peace, security, or identity outside of God, and remind us that our calling as followers of Christ is to shine His light and embody His love to all people. The episode closes with a look at God’s promise that, in the last days, people will tremble in awe of His goodness, recognizing Him alone as the true source of life and hope.
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Counting on the LORD
09/07/2025
Counting on the LORD
Reading Psalms 130 followed by discussion.
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God’s Love for Unfaithful Israel
09/03/2025
God’s Love for Unfaithful Israel
Reading from Hosea chapter two followed by a brief discussion.
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But the LORD is Good
08/31/2025
But the LORD is Good
Reading Psalms 129 followed by a brief discussion and encouragement.
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Go Merry a Prostitute
08/27/2025
Go Merry a Prostitute
Reading Hosea 1:1-2:1 followed by a brief discussion and encouragement.
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Joyfully Fearing the LORD
08/24/2025
Joyfully Fearing the LORD
Reading Psalms 128 followed by a brief discussion and encouragement.
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Hoshea and Hezekiah Reign
08/20/2025
Hoshea and Hezekiah Reign
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.
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A Psalm of Solomon
08/17/2025
A Psalm of Solomon
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. Drawing connections to Ecclesiastes and Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6, they discuss the futility of striving in our own strength, the peace that comes from trusting God, and the rest He gives to His beloved. The conversation also celebrates the gift of children as a tangible expression of God’s life-giving work, pointing to the deeper truth that all creation flourishes when rooted in His presence. Through Scripture and personal insight, they invite listeners to seek God first, trusting Him to provide all they need.
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Ahaz Imitates Assyria
08/13/2025
Ahaz Imitates Assyria
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 rescue, Assyria brings further oppression, and Ahaz sinks deeper into idolatry, closing the Temple and filling the land with altars to false gods. Curtis and Sally reflect on how Ahaz’s decisions reveal a familiar human pattern: seeking success by imitating worldly power, trusting in human alliances instead of God, and hardening the heart when things go wrong. They contrast this with the call of Christ’s kingdom, where true greatness comes through servanthood and trust in the Lord. The conversation challenges listeners to examine where they place their hope, to repent when tempted to rely on their own understanding, and to remember that ultimate victory belongs to God alone.
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A Song of Joy
08/10/2025
A Song of Joy
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 graduations or major life milestones, can feel almost unreal after long anticipation—reminding us of God's perfect timing. Sally highlights the beauty of how God's acts of restoration become testimonies of His goodness to the nations. The hosts draw powerful connections between the psalm’s imagery of planting in tears and harvesting with joy, and Jesus' words in John 4 about the spiritual harvest. Whether we’re sowing seeds or gathering fruit, the work is God's—and both the process and the result can be filled with joy.
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The Rock Who Can Hide You
08/06/2025
The Rock Who Can Hide You
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 powerful shift occurs: the people finally lift their eyes to the Creator and abandon the idols of their own making. Sally and Curtis reflect on what it means to return to the One who gives life—the Holy One of Israel. They discuss how idolatry drains life while God, the true Rock, offers protection, refuge, and renewal. Curtis highlights the comforting image of a God who doesn’t just stand as a barrier but actively hides and shields His people from harm. They share how prayer and God’s covering provide a kind of spiritual invisibility in the face of darkness. As the episode concludes, listeners are reminded that no matter how overwhelming the opposition or how far we’ve wandered, nothing can thwart the Lord’s redemptive plan. His justice is real, but so is His desire to restore. When we turn back to Him, we find not judgment alone—but a Rock who hides us.
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Those Who Trust in the LORD
08/03/2025
Those Who Trust in the LORD
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 symbolism of mountain landscapes and how that physical imagery evokes God's spiritual guardianship. Curtis underscores the importance of trusting God not just as a distant protector, but as the One who dwells within us, transforming our hearts from the inside out. Sally ties in prophetic visions from Zechariah and Jeremiah to illustrate how God’s presence creates a protective “wall of fire” and a fruitful, enduring life for those rooted in Him. The conversation also considers the human tendency to sort people into “good” or “bad,” contrasted with God’s gracious invitation for all to turn from their ways and be made righteous through Him. With themes of trust, transformation, and spiritual alignment, this episode invites listeners to surrender more deeply and live with confidence in the faithful love of God.
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Songs of Praise for Salvation
07/30/2025
Songs of Praise for Salvation
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 exile. Sally draws rich connections between Isaiah’s words and Jesus' conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well, showing how the “fountain of salvation” echoes across Scripture and invites us to trust in God's provision. Together, they explore how this prophetic song calls us to witness and share our faith even in seasons of trial, becoming living testimonies of God’s grace. Themes of unity, divine presence, and worship in community resound throughout the discussion, revealing the beauty of God as our strength, our song, and our victory. With echoes from Exodus, the Psalms, and Revelation, Isaiah 12 becomes a chorus of hope that reminds us: joy comes after the storm, and God's presence is our greatest treasure.
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What if…
07/27/2025
What if…
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 broken traps, drawing connections to our own experiences of spiritual deliverance through Christ. As we consider the implications of God's presence in our lives, we confront the “what ifs” that often plague our thoughts. Whether it's anxiety about the future or regret over the past, counterfactual thinking—when surrendered to God—can be a tool that leads us into deeper gratitude and faith. Drawing from passages like Romans 8 and 2 Corinthians 10, this conversation encourages us to take every thought captive and stand firm in the assurance that our help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. Join us as we remember God's unfailing love, rejoice in our confident hope, and walk in the freedom and transformation Jesus provides.
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A Branch from David's Line
07/23/2025
A Branch from David's Line
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 how His reign brings deep transformation—personally, spiritually, and globally. From predator and prey living peacefully to nations reuniting and exiles returning home, Isaiah 11 paints a picture of radical peace and restored relationships. Curtis and Sally discuss the challenge of waiting on the Lord and allowing our nature to be transformed by His Spirit. They also emphasize the promise that God is actively drawing all people to Himself, creating unity and peace through relationship with Him. As the episode unfolds, listeners are invited to see God's ultimate plan for redemption—a world filled with people who know the Lord, walking in His truth, and living without fear. It’s a powerful reminder that the way back to God’s original design comes through the one who wears righteousness like a belt and truth as His foundation, Jesus.
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Look to the Lord
07/20/2025
Look to the Lord
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 are called to keep our eyes on God—not just on Sundays, but continually—watching and waiting for His guidance. Through heartfelt discussion, Sally and Curtis unpack the themes of patience, identity, and steadfast hope. They speak to the challenges of living in a world that often mocks and misunderstands God’s people, and how vital it is to find our worth and direction in Him. Drawing from both Psalm 123 and New Testament scriptures like Matthew 24 and 1 Peter 2, they remind listeners that though life may be full of distractions and spiritual opposition, God's mercy anchors us in truth and gives us strength to endure. Whether you’re weary from the noise of the world or simply in need of a reminder to lift your gaze heavenward, this episode offers encouragement to stay focused on the Lord, trust His timing, and stand firm in the identity we’ve been given through Jesus.
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