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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.  

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.

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.

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.

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.  

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

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.

     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.