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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Message to Ethiopia
07/15/2026
Message to Ethiopia
In Isaiah 18, Ethiopia responds to the growing threat of Assyria by sending messengers to seek alliances with surrounding nations. Yet Isaiah reminds Judah that its security does not depend on human plans, military strength, or political partnerships. The Lord is quietly watching, fully aware of the approaching danger, and prepared to act at the proper time. In this episode, Curtis and Sally discuss how fear can pressure us to react quickly and create our own solutions. Instead, God invites us to quiet our hearts, look for His direction, and listen for His voice. As we surrender our plans and trust Him through uncertainty, our faith grows and His faithfulness becomes a testimony to those around us. “You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.” —Proverbs 19:21
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A Father’s Wise Advise
06/05/2026
A Father’s Wise Advise
In this episode of Arise and Abide, Curtis and Sally read and reflect on Proverbs 4, a chapter centered on a father’s wise instruction to his children. Together, they explore the image of wisdom as a guiding path that protects, corrects, and leads God’s people toward life. Sally reflects on the importance of staying on the path God has given rather than turning aside to our own understanding or following the way of others. Curtis connects the passage to discipleship, parenting, humility, and the need to receive correction with an open heart. The conversation highlights the contrast between the way of righteousness, described as the first gleam of dawn growing brighter, and the way of wickedness, described as deep darkness. Curtis and Sally also connect Proverbs 4 to the words of Jesus in John 8 and John 12, reminding listeners that Christ is the true light who leads us away from darkness and into life. While wisdom calls for attention, discipline, and obedience, this episode also emphasizes God’s grace: even when we stumble or lose our way, God continues to draw us back to Himself.
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Hezekiah’s Religious Reforms
05/25/2026
Hezekiah’s Religious Reforms
In this episode of Arise + Abide, Sally and Curtis read and reflect on 2 Chronicles 31, where the joy of Passover leads the people of Judah into renewed worship, repentance, and generosity. After celebrating together, the people return home and immediately tear down the idols, shrines, and altars that had drawn their hearts away from the Lord. Their worship becomes more than a festival moment; it becomes a wholehearted turning back to God. As Hezekiah reorganizes the priests and Levites and calls the people to support the work of the temple, the people respond with overwhelming generosity. Their gifts pile up in abundance, showing the blessing and provision of God among a people united in worship. Sally and Curtis discuss how God’s abundance often results in “more than enough,” and how true worship costs something: old habits, misplaced trust, personal resources, and daily surrender. This chapter gives a beautiful picture of revival, unity, faithful leadership, and wholehearted devotion. Hezekiah’s success is not merely political or material; his success is seen in pointing the people back to their true King, the Lord their God.
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Trusting in the Lord
05/10/2026
Trusting in the Lord
In this episode of Arise+Abide, Curtis and Sally read and reflect on Proverbs 3, a chapter filled with fatherly wisdom, practical instruction, and the well-known call to “trust in the Lord with all your heart.” The conversation explores how wisdom is not merely something to know, but something to store deep within the heart, hold tightly, and allow to shape daily life. Curtis and Sally discuss the danger of depending on our own understanding, the loving purpose of the Lord’s correction, and the promise that God’s wisdom leads to security, rest, healing, provision, favor, and peace. They also connect Proverbs 3 to the broader biblical story, from Jeremiah’s promise that God would write His law on His people’s hearts to the new covenant fulfilled in Jesus. Wisdom is a gift of God’s love that draws us away from self-reliance and back onto the path that leads to life.
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Celebration of the Passover
04/29/2026
Celebration of the Passover
In 2 Chronicles 30, King Hezekiah invites all Israel and Judah to return to the Lord by celebrating the Passover in Jerusalem. Though the celebration happens later than prescribed and many people are not ceremonially prepared, Hezekiah intercedes for them, asking the Lord to pardon those whose hearts are set on seeking Him. God listens, heals the people, and turns a delayed and imperfect gathering into a joyful celebration unlike anything Jerusalem had seen since the days of Solomon. This episode reflects on the grace and mercy of God toward those who humble themselves and return to Him. Curtis and Sally discuss how Hezekiah’s leadership reveals a pattern of calling people back to God, praying for them, encouraging them, and celebrating with them. Even when many mocked the invitation, God gave His people one heart to worship Him. The chapter reminds us that it is never too late to seek the Lord, and that God delights in healing, restoring, and uniting His people in joy.
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The Temple Rededication
04/22/2026
The Temple Rededication
In this episode of Arise+Abide, Curtis and Sally reflect on 2 Chronicles 29:18–36 and the restoration of the temple under King Hezekiah. After years of neglect and unfaithfulness under King Ahaz, the temple is cleansed, purified, and reopened for worship. What follows is a beautiful picture of repentance, sacrifice, praise, and wholehearted return to the Lord. They explore the significance of Hezekiah’s leadership—not only restoring the physical temple, but seeking spiritual restoration for all of Israel, not just Judah. His desire for national repentance reveals a heart aligned with God’s purposes rather than personal ambition. They also discuss how Hezekiah chose to follow the example of King David rather than repeat the destructive patterns of his father, reminding us that we all must decide which examples we will follow in our own lives. This episode is a reminder that repentance opens the door for restoration, and God is ready to move quickly when His people return to Him. No matter what has been neglected, broken, or shut down in our lives, the Lord is eager to restore relationship with those who turn back to Him.
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The Lord Grants Wisdom
04/19/2026
The Lord Grants Wisdom
In this episode of Arise+Abide, Curtis and Sally reflect on Proverbs 2 and the treasure of godly wisdom. Solomon’s words invite us to tune our ears to wisdom, cry out for understanding, and seek insight like hidden treasure. Together, they explore what it means to admit that we do not already know the right way and why true wisdom must be received from God rather than assumed from ourselves. Curtis highlights the deliberate choice to silence the many competing voices around us and listen for the voice of wisdom. The conversation connects this pursuit to humanity’s original deception in the garden—the false belief that we can define right and wrong apart from God. Sally expands on the beautiful imagery of wisdom as God’s gift: a treasure, a shield, and a guide that protects us from twisted voices, destructive paths, and poor decisions. Drawing from both personal experience and workplace leadership lessons, they discuss how easily we can become too invested in the wrong direction, making repentance difficult. Yet God, in His grace, continually calls us back to the path of truth. The discussion also beautifully ties Solomon’s promised land imagery to Jesus as the true vine, reminding us that remaining rooted in Him is where wisdom, fruitfulness, peace, and joy are found. If you are seeking clarity, direction, or peace in the midst of competing voices, this conversation is an encouragement to ask God for wisdom, trusting that He gives generously to all who ask.
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Hezekiah Reopens the Temple.
04/15/2026
Hezekiah Reopens the Temple.
In this episode of Arise+Abide, Curtis and Sally reflect on 2 Chronicles 29:3–17, where King Hezekiah begins his reign with a bold act of spiritual restoration: reopening and cleansing the temple of the Lord. After generations of neglect and defilement under King Ahaz, Hezekiah calls the priests and Levites back to their God-given purpose—purity, worship, and faithful service. Together, they explore how Hezekiah’s leadership models repentance as an active process, not merely sorrow over sin but a deliberate turning back to God through obedience, surrender, and covenant renewal. The temple cleansing, completed in sixteen days, becomes a powerful picture of the faithful and often gradual work of restoration in our own lives. Curtis highlights the encouragement found in the fact that renewal was a process that required perseverance, while Sally reflects on God’s faithfulness to meet His people when they return to Him with sincere hearts. This conversation invites listeners to consider the places in their own lives where God may be calling them back to wholehearted worship, faithful obedience, and trust in His promises. Be encouraged today: even when restoration takes time, God is faithful to complete the work of renewal when we respond in repentance.
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Wisdom Shouts in the Streets
04/12/2026
Wisdom Shouts in the Streets
What voice are you listening to, wisdom or the world? In this episode of Arise+Abide, Curtis and Sally explore Proverbs 1 and the powerful image of wisdom crying out in the streets, calling us toward discipline, discernment, and the abundant life God desires for His people. They reflect on Solomon’s God-given wisdom, the daily choice to reject sinful shortcuts, and the invitation to humble ourselves before the Lord. This conversation highlights the truth that the fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge and that wisdom is still available to all who come and listen. The real treasure is not earthly success but knowing God and walking in His ways. A thoughtful reflection on discipleship, surrender, biblical wisdom, and the life-giving promises of God’s Word.
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A Message for Moab
04/08/2026
A Message for Moab
In this episode of Arise+Abide, Curtis and Sally reflect on Isaiah 15 and 16, where the Lord delivers a sobering message of judgment over Moab. These chapters paint a haunting picture of cities destroyed overnight, land left scorched and lifeless, and a people mourning the collapse of everything they trusted apart from God. Curtis explores the suddenness of God’s justice, connecting Moab’s overnight downfall to Jesus’ warnings about the coming Day of the Lord in Matthew 24 and Luke 17. What seems permanent can change in a single night, reminding us to live watchfully and remain ready for Christ’s return. Sally draws attention to the tragedy of misplaced trust as Moab continues turning to powerless idols even in the midst of devastation. Yet woven into the mourning is a remarkable promise of hope: a descendant of David who will rule with mercy, truth, and justice. Even in judgment, God’s heart still grieves, still invites people to take refuge in Him, and still points forward to redemption.
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Praise the Lord!
04/05/2026
Praise the Lord!
Psalm 150 closes the Psalms with a joyful crescendo of worship, and in this episode of Arise+Abide, Curtis and Sally reflect on the beauty of wholehearted praise. Drawing from the psalm’s vivid imagery of ram’s horns, harps, tambourines, strings, flutes, and crashing cymbals, they explore what it means to praise God with everything we have and everything we do. The conversation moves beyond music into the posture of the heart: worship as surrender, gratitude, and a turning away from self-promotion. Curtis reflects on how every talent, skill, and daily task can become an offering of praise to God, while Sally highlights the psalm’s rising sense of celebration—a gathering call that builds into awe at God’s “unequaled greatness.” Together, they connect Psalm 150 to Colossians 3, the parable of the hidden treasure, and Isaiah 45, showing how the greatness of God makes every earthly achievement fade in comparison. This episode is a beautiful invitation to re-center your heart, lay down lesser crowns, and join the symphony of all creation in giving glory to the One who alone is worthy.
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The Fall of the Proud
04/01/2026
The Fall of the Proud
In this episode of Arise+Abide, Curtis and Sally reflect on Isaiah 14, a chapter filled with powerful imagery of the fall of the proud and the certainty of God’s justice. As Babylon, Assyria, and Philistia each receive words of judgment, the deeper theme emerges: every power that exalts itself against God will ultimately be humbled. Together, they explore the striking passage of the “morning star” cast down from heaven, considering its connection both to the king of Babylon and to the larger biblical picture of Satan’s rebellion. The conversation turns inward as they reflect on how pride still tempts every human heart—the desire to choose our own way over God’s will—and the call of discipleship to die to self, abide in Christ, and trust the Lord’s ways above our own. The discussion also highlights the promises woven through the chapter: God will protect his people, bring justice to the oppressed, feed the needy, and establish peace for those who trust in him. Even in a chapter centered on judgment, the heartbeat of God’s mercy and refuge shines through. This episode is a reminder that while human pride rises and falls, the plans of the Lord stand firm, and his peace remains available to those who abide in him.
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Rejoice in Your Maker
03/22/2026
Rejoice in Your Maker
In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally reflect on Psalm 149 and its powerful call to praise the Lord with joy, creativity, and wholehearted devotion. From singing a “new song” to rejoicing even in rest, this psalm paints a vibrant picture of worship that flows from a living relationship with God. As the conversation unfolds, they explore the striking shift in tone in the second half of the psalm—moving from celebration to themes of judgment and justice. Together, they wrestle with what this means for believers today, emphasizing that while God is just and will ultimately make all things right, we are called in this present time to reflect His love, humility, and patience. Drawing connections to the New Testament, including Paul and Silas praising God in prison, Curtis and Sally highlight the invitation to praise God in every season—whether in joy, hardship, or waiting. This episode is a reminder that our victory is found in Jesus, the humble King, and that a life of praise is not dependent on circumstances but rooted in who God is.
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A Message About Babylon
03/18/2026
A Message About Babylon
In this powerful episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally explore 2 Kings 16:19–20 and Isaiah 13, tracing the transition from King Ahaz to Hezekiah and unpacking Isaiah’s prophetic vision of Babylon’s fall. Reflecting on Israel’s earlier failure as God’s vineyard—called to produce justice but yielding oppression—they examine how God’s judgment extends beyond His own people to the nations. Though Babylon would be used as an instrument of discipline, it would not escape accountability. Isaiah’s message reveals a sobering truth: God opposes pride, judges wickedness, and ultimately humbles even the most powerful empires. The conversation dives into the meaning of “the day of the Lord,” a recurring biblical theme describing seasons of divine judgment and restoration. Curtis and Sally connect Isaiah’s imagery—darkened skies, trembling nations, and upheaval—to Jesus’ teachings in Matthew 24 and the broader biblical narrative, including Revelation’s portrayal of Babylon as a symbol of ongoing spiritual opposition to God. Yet, amid the intensity of judgment, this episode highlights hope. Believers are reminded that while the “spirit of Babylon” still operates in the world today, God’s promises remain secure. His coming will not only bring justice but also freedom—shaking loose everything that oppresses, leaving only what is unshakable. This episode invites listeners to examine where they place their trust, to reject fear, and to stand firm in the promises of God—living with boldness, hope, and confidence in Christ’s ultimate victory.
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Praise the Lord from Heaven and Earth
03/15/2026
Praise the Lord from Heaven and Earth
In this episode of Arise + Abide, Sally and Curtis reflect on Psalm 148, a powerful call for all creation to praise the Lord. From the heights of heaven to the depths of the earth, the psalm invites angels, stars, mountains, animals, rulers, and people of every generation to lift their voices in worship. Together they explore the structure of the psalm and the reasons it gives for praise: God is the Creator of all things, the One whose commands brought the world into being and whose authority extends over wind, weather, and all creation. They also discuss the unique nature of God compared to the false gods of the nations and the promise found in drawing near to Him. The conversation turns to what it means for believers today—praising God not only in good circumstances but in every season, remaining close to Him, and finding strength in His presence. As the episode concludes, Sally and Curtis reflect on the invitation God gives His people to draw near and live lives marked by continual praise and gratitude.
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Oh What Sorrow
03/11/2026
Oh What Sorrow
In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally read and reflect on Isaiah 5, where God describes His people as a carefully tended vineyard that produced bitter fruit instead of justice and righteousness. They explore the warning against calling evil good and good evil, and how sin becomes a burden we drag behind us. The discussion also points forward to Jesus’ teaching that true life and good fruit are only found when we remain rooted in Him.
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Joy in Restoration
03/08/2026
Joy in Restoration
In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally explore Psalm 147, a psalm that celebrates God’s power, care, and faithfulness. The psalm calls believers to praise the Lord by reflecting on His works—from rebuilding Jerusalem and healing the brokenhearted to sustaining creation and providing for every living thing. Curtis highlights the psalm’s unique structure, noting how repeated calls to praise are followed by lists of God’s actions that reveal His greatness and goodness. Together, Curtis and Sally reflect on how the psalm moves from intimate care—God binding wounds and supporting the humble—to His vast authority over creation, commanding the stars, weather, and seasons. The conversation centers on themes of humility, hope, and trust in God’s unfailing love. Rather than relying on human strength or achievement, the psalm reminds us that the Lord delights in those who fear Him and place their hope in His steadfast love. As they discuss the promises found throughout the psalm, Curtis and Sally encourage listeners to respond with humility, surrender, and obedience—learning to find peace and contentment as we abide in God and trust His character. Join us as we reflect on the beauty of praising God for who He is, recognizing His care in every detail of our lives, and resting in the promise that His love never fails.
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Judgment Against Judah and a Promise of Restoration
03/04/2026
Judgment Against Judah and a Promise of Restoration
In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally walk through Isaiah chapters 3 and 4, where the prophet confronts Judah and Jerusalem with a sobering message of judgment—followed by a surprising promise of restoration. Isaiah exposes a society marked by pride, self-reliance, and injustice, where leaders exploit the poor and take credit for prosperity that ultimately comes from the Lord alone. As everything the people depend on is stripped away—resources, leadership, status, and security, the true condition of their hearts is revealed. The conversation lingers on Isaiah’s vivid imagery of Jerusalem as an adorned woman whose external beauty masks deep spiritual decay, and how God’s judgment unmasks what has long been hidden. Curtis and Sally reflect on the cost of discipleship, particularly God’s heart for justice and the responsibility to treat the poor with dignity, compassion, and equity. They wrestle with how systems of power—both ancient and modern—can perpetuate oppression when left unchallenged. Yet Isaiah’s message does not end in devastation. Chapter 4 turns toward hope, pointing to “the Branch of the Lord” and a restored remnant made holy by God’s cleansing work. The episode closes with reflections on God’s faithful presence—like the cloud and fire of the Exodus—offering shelter, guidance, and renewal. Even in judgment, the Lord remains a refuge, inviting His people to depend on Him alone and to find life under the shade of His presence
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Praise The LORD
03/01/2026
Praise The LORD
In this episode of Arise + Abide, Sally and Curtis reflect on Psalm 146, a powerful call to praise and a clear invitation to examine where we place our trust. The psalm contrasts the fragility of human power with the faithfulness of God, reminding us not to put our confidence in people whose plans perish, but in the Lord who reigns forever. As they walk through the text, Sally and Curtis highlight God’s character and actions—bringing justice to the oppressed, providing food for the hungry, freeing prisoners, opening the eyes of the blind, lifting the weary, and caring for foreigners, orphans, and widows. They explore how these descriptions are not only reasons for praise, but also a picture of God’s heart for inclusion, compassion, and faithfulness across generations. The conversation also connects Psalm 146 with the ministry of Jesus, noting how His life and words echo the same priorities—good news for the poor, freedom for the captive, and hope for those weighed down. Together, they reflect on what it means to live as disciples who trust God above all else, resist misplaced hope in worldly systems or people, and participate in the work that reflects God’s kingdom. This episode offers encouragement for anyone feeling burdened, uncertain, or in need of hope, pointing listeners back to the joy found in trusting the Lord, who keeps His promises forever.
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A Psalm of Praise of David
02/15/2026
A Psalm of Praise of David
In this episode of Arise + Abide, Sally and Curtis walk through Psalm 145, David’s sweeping psalm of praise that exalts God as King over all generations. Together, they reflect on what it means to live a life shaped by praise—not as a momentary response, but as a daily posture rooted in God’s unchanging character. Psalm 145 paints a rich picture of who God is: merciful and compassionate, slow to anger, faithful in all His promises, and near to all who call on Him in truth. As the conversation unfolds, Sally and Curtis explore how praise flows naturally from remembering God’s goodness and how meditation on His works helps guard against humanity’s tendency to forget. This psalm becomes both a declaration of God’s greatness and an invitation to pass that testimony on—from one generation to the next. The episode also highlights the hope found in God’s everlasting kingdom. From lifting the fallen to satisfying the needs of every living thing, Psalm 145 reminds listeners that God rules with righteousness, kindness, and steadfast love. As David exalts the Lord, we are encouraged to surrender our own attempts at control, recognize God’s lordship, and live confidently under His care. Whether you’re in a season of joy or weariness, this psalm offers reassurance: the Lord is close, He hears our cries, and His faithfulness endures forever.
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The Lord’s Future Reign
02/11/2026
The Lord’s Future Reign
In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally walk through Isaiah 2:1–22, a powerful vision of the Lord’s future reign. Isaiah paints a striking contrast: a coming day when God is exalted above all things and humanity’s pride, idols, and false securities are finally brought low. The episode opens with the promise of hope—a vision of the Lord’s house raised high, drawing people from every nation to learn His ways and walk in His light. Under God’s reign, justice is restored, disputes are settled, and instruments of war are transformed into tools for flourishing. This is a peace no human system can manufacture. From there, the conversation turns sober as Isaiah confronts Judah’s present reality: a people filled with wealth, power, and idols they’ve crafted with their own hands. Curtis and Sally explore how this ancient warning speaks directly to modern life, where idolatry often looks less like shrines and more like misplaced identity, self-reliance, achievement, and trust in human strength. Throughout the discussion, the theme remains clear—when God is rightly exalted, people flourish. The chapter ends not only with judgment, but with hope: idols will disappear, hearts will be restored, and peace will follow God’s reign. The episode closes with a call to honest self-examination, confession, and a renewed commitment to walk in the light of the Lord, trusting Him alone to lead us on the path of everlasting life.
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My Strong Tower
02/08/2026
My Strong Tower
In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally reflect on Psalm 144, a prayer of praise that declares God as our rock, fortress, and rescuer. Before David asks for deliverance, he first names who God is—faithful, powerful, and deeply attentive to His people. The hosts explore how this order matters: worship and trust come before petition. As the conversation unfolds, Curtis and Sally highlight the tension between human frailty and God’s care. David’s question—“What are human beings that you should notice them?”—becomes an invitation into humility, reminding us that our worth and security are not self-made but rooted in God’s love and attention. They contrast this biblical humility with modern messages of self-sufficiency, pointing instead to an identity grounded in belonging to God. The episode also reflects on God as provider and protector—not only rescuing individuals but blessing entire communities with peace, abundance, and stability. Drawing connections to Isaiah, the wilderness narratives, and the New Testament, Curtis and Sally emphasize that everything we depend on ultimately flows from the Lord. Psalm 144 becomes both a song of trust and a call to place our hope fully in God, who prepares us for what lies ahead and holds the victory over every battle we face.
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Unfaithful Jerusalem
02/04/2026
Unfaithful Jerusalem
In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally continue their journey through the opening chapter of Isaiah by reflecting on Isaiah 1:21–31, a passage that confronts the spiritual corruption of Jerusalem and the leaders who once upheld justice and righteousness. What was meant to be a faithful city has become compromised—its leaders driven by greed, its worship emptied of truth, and its people disconnected from the life-giving presence of the Lord. As the conversation unfolds, Curtis and Sally explore God’s sharp yet hopeful imagery: silver refined from slag, a city washed clean, and a garden restored by living water. Though the passage speaks strongly of judgment, it is also filled with promise. God does not abandon His people; instead, He commits to a painful but purposeful process of cleansing and restoration. Justice will return. Righteousness will be revived. Wise counselors will be raised up again. The episode also draws connections between Israel’s leaders, the religious authorities in Jesus’ time, and the ongoing human temptation to misuse power. Curtis and Sally reflect on how leadership—when disconnected from God—can easily drift into self-preservation rather than service. Yet the passage ultimately calls listeners back to hope: God Himself will rule, restore, and reign. True justice and righteousness are not achieved through human effort alone, but through humility, repentance, and dependence on the Lord, who alone is worthy to sit on the throne.
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Answer Me Quickly
02/01/2026
Answer Me Quickly
In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally reflect on Psalm 143, a raw and urgent prayer that cries out, “Answer me quickly, Lord.” David finds himself overwhelmed—pursued by enemies, afraid, and on the brink of despair—yet he anchors his plea not in his own righteousness, but in God’s unfailing faithfulness. As the conversation unfolds, Curtis and Sally explore the powerful gospel theme woven throughout the psalm: God rescues not because we deserve it, but because He is good. David’s prayer models a posture of humility—acknowledging sin, remembering God’s past faithfulness, and asking to be taught and led by God’s Spirit even in the midst of distress. This episode invites listeners to consider how seasons of hardship become opportunities to remain deeply dependent on the Lord. Drawing connections to Jesus’ words in John 15 and the promise of God’s patient mercy, Curtis and Sally remind us that fruitfulness flows from abiding, even when hope feels thin. Psalm 143 ultimately calls us to trust God’s character when outcomes are unclear and to lift our hands toward Him, thirsty for His presence like parched land longing for rain.
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A Message for Rebellious Judah
01/28/2026
A Message for Rebellious Judah
In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally read Isaiah 1:1–31, a powerful opening message addressed to rebellious Judah and Jerusalem. Isaiah’s vision confronts a people who continue their religious rituals while failing to recognize the Lord or reflect His heart through justice, obedience, and compassion. The conversation explores God’s sharp indictment of empty worship—sacrifices and prayers offered without repentance or care for the oppressed—and His call to something deeper. Curtis and Sally reflect on Isaiah’s striking imagery of a nation that is wounded, sick, and unaware of its true condition, drawing connections to the ongoing human need for renewal of both mind and heart. They discuss God’s desire not for performative spirituality, but for transformed lives marked by justice, care for the vulnerable, and faithfulness. At the heart of the passage is a gracious invitation: “Come now, let us settle this.” Despite rebellion, God offers cleansing, healing, and restoration—promising to make scarlet sins white as snow. The hosts connect this promise to the broader story of Scripture, pointing to Jesus as the one who alone can truly wash us clean and teach us how to live out God’s call to love God and love people. This episode invites listeners to slow down, allow God to search their hearts, and consider what faithful obedience looks like—not as a religious performance, but as a life shaped by humility, justice, and trust in God’s provision.
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A Psalm of David Regarding His Experience in the Cave, a Prayer.
01/25/2026
A Psalm of David Regarding His Experience in the Cave, a Prayer.
In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally reflect on Psalm 142, a prayer of David written during his time in the cave—a moment marked by fear, isolation, and deep dependence on God. As David cries out with honesty and desperation, he models a pattern we see throughout the Psalms: pouring out complaints before the Lord, acknowledging feelings of abandonment, and then slowly turning toward hope as he remembers who God is. The conversation explores how David’s circumstances were filled not only with physical danger, but also with subtle traps—temptations to take matters into his own hands rather than wait on God’s timing. Drawing parallels to David’s refusal to harm Saul, Curtis and Sally discuss how reliance on God often means resisting shortcuts, power grabs, or self-rescue, even when they seem justified. This episode invites listeners to consider what it means to truly call God our refuge—not as a last resort, but as our greatest desire. Psalm 142 reminds us that even when others cannot save us, the Lord remains faithful. In hardship, loneliness, and waiting, God’s goodness endures, and He alone is the One who brings us through.
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Foreigners Settle in Israel
01/21/2026
Foreigners Settle in Israel
In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally explore 2 Kings 17:24–41, a sobering passage that follows the fall of Samaria and the resettlement of the land by foreign nations. As Assyria relocates people from across its empire into Israel, the newcomers attempt to worship the God of the land—yet they also cling tightly to their former gods and practices. The hosts unpack the strange and unsettling moment when lions are sent among the people, examining both the historical context and the deeper symbolism of God’s righteous authority, strength, and judgment. Even when a priest is sent back to teach the people how to worship the Lord, their response reveals a divided heart: God is treated as a solution to a problem, not as the center of their lives. Curtis and Sally reflect on what it means to truly worship the Lord—not as one voice among many, but as the only voice that shapes our lives. They draw thoughtful connections between the syncretism of ancient Samaria and the modern tendency to compartmentalize faith, trusting God in some areas while relying on cultural norms, influencers, or personal strategies in others. This conversation invites listeners to examine where competing voices may be shaping their decisions, and to consider God’s consistent call to covenant faithfulness. As Scripture reminds us, the issue is not a lack of information, but a lack of wholehearted devotion—a challenge that remains just as relevant to this day.
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Psalms 141, A Psalm of David
01/18/2026
Psalms 141, A Psalm of David
In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally reflect on Psalm 141, a heartfelt prayer of David that invites us into a posture of humility, dependence, and trust in God. As David cries out for the Lord to “hurry” and hear his prayer, the conversation explores what it means to approach God honestly while recognizing Him as our true refuge. Together, they unpack David’s request for God to guard his words, restrain his heart from drifting toward evil, and help him receive correction as a kindness rather than a burden. The discussion highlights the subtle danger of spiritual “drift,” the importance of accountability, and the willingness to invite God—and others—into the work of shaping our character. Curtis and Sally also wrestle with the psalm’s strong language toward the wicked, ultimately pointing to David’s deeper desire that even his enemies would come to know truth. The episode closes with encouragement to trust God’s guidance through unseen traps and snares, resting in the promise that He is faithful, near, and always attentive to the prayers of His people.
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Samaria Falls to Assyria
01/14/2026
Samaria Falls to Assyria
In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally walk through 2 Kings 17:6–23 and 2 Kings 18:10–12, passages that recount the fall of Samaria and the exile of Israel. Together, they reflect on how years of persistent disobedience, idolatry, and refusal to listen to the Lord ultimately led to Israel being swept away from His presence. The conversation traces Israel’s gradual spiritual decline—following pagan nations, introducing new forms of worship, rejecting God’s covenant, ignoring prophetic warnings, and placing trust in lies rather than in the Lord who had rescued them from Egypt. Curtis and Sally highlight two key themes: Israel’s choice to follow the ways of the world (or invent their own) instead of God’s ways, and their stubborn refusal to believe and trust the Lord despite repeated invitations to rest in Him. Drawing connections to Isaiah 28 and the broader biblical story, the episode explores what this account reveals about God’s heart, His patience, and His faithfulness to remove sin when His people refuse to turn back. Curtis reflects on how these passages point disciples back to the core of God’s law—loving God and loving people—while Sally emphasizes the importance of trust and belief in God’s promises amid the lies that compete for our allegiance. This episode invites listeners to examine where they place their trust, to heed the Lord’s voice, and to find hope in His grace, forgiveness, and redemptive work—even when the process is difficult.
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The End of the Northern Kingdom
01/07/2026
The End of the Northern Kingdom
In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally continue their chronological journey through the Old Testament, reading from 2 Kings 17:15,18:9 and Isaiah 28. Together, these passages reveal the downfall of Samaria, the consequences of misplaced trust, and God’s patient, persistent call to His people. As Assyria lays siege to Samaria, Isaiah’s prophetic imagery exposes a nation meant to be a “glorious crown” but now marked by pride, excess, and spiritual blindness. The hosts reflect on striking images from the text—fading flowers, crumbling refuges, and tables covered in filth—contrasted with God’s promise to become the true crown and refuge for a faithful remnant. Curtis and Sally explore the tenderness of God’s communication with His people, described as teaching “one line at a time, a little here and a little there.” Rather than overwhelming demands, God offers rest—a place for the weary to stop striving and trust Him. The discussion highlights the human tendency to rush, to build false security, and to believe we can “cheat death” apart from God. At the heart of the episode is the promise of the tested cornerstone—a firm foundation that cannot be shaken. Pointing forward to the Messiah, this cornerstone stands in contrast to every refuge built on pride, lies, or self-reliance. This episode invites listeners to examine where they have built false refuges, to release the need for control, and to rediscover true rest in the Lord—ultimately pointing to the promised cornerstone fulfilled in Jesus, the only foundation that will never be shaken.
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