In this episode, Curtis and Sally reflect on Psalm 122, a song of ascents that invites worshipers to joyfully enter the house of the Lord. They explore the spiritual significance of pilgrimage, gathering with God's people, and praying for peace. Together, they highlight how this Psalm points forward to Jesus—the true gate, the Prince of Peace, and the fulfillment of God's promises to David. As they discuss the beauty of unity in the body of Christ, they encourage listeners to pursue fellowship, live in gratitude, and seek God's peace for their communities and the world.

In this episode of Arise and Abide, Sally and Curtis reflect on Isaiah 9:8–21, a sobering passage that contrasts the hope of the Messiah with the harsh consequences of pride and rebellion. As Israel responds to ruin with arrogance and self-reliance, God allows them to face the fallout of their choices. Sally and Curtis explore how the wildfire of sin spreads when hearts resist repentance, and how God's judgment is ultimately aimed at awakening His people to return to Him. Through honest conversation, they share how true repentance and humility lead us away from destruction and into the abundant life found in following Jesus.

In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally reflect on Psalm 121, a song of ascent that reminds us of God's constant care and protection. They explore the powerful imagery of looking to the mountains—not for false sources of help, but as a prompt to trust in the Creator of heaven and earth. Drawing from personal experiences and biblical connections, including the story of Jonah and the protective shade of God, the hosts invite listeners to rest in the assurance that God watches over our every step—now and forever.

In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally reflect on the powerful hope found in Isaiah 9:1–7. After the bleak warnings of chapter 8, Isaiah 9 opens with a promise: light will shine in the darkness. The hosts explore how this prophecy points to the coming Messiah—Jesus—who brings joy, breaks the yoke of oppression, and reigns with justice and peace. They highlight the significance of God's victory through humility and grace, reminding us that the passionate commitment of the Lord is the driving force behind redemption. This is a message of hope, light, and God's enduring love.

In this episode of Arise + Abide, Sally and Curtis reflect on Psalm 120, the first of the Psalms of Ascent. They explore how this cry for rescue from lies and conflict becomes a model of trust in God’s faithfulness. As the psalmist laments the struggle to live among those who hate peace, Sally and Curtis share personal insights on surrendering burdens to God, trusting Him to handle deceit and injustice, and finding lasting peace in His presence. With encouragement from Philippians 4, they remind us that true peace is not found in the absence of trouble but in continual prayer and deep reliance on God’s steadfast love.

In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally explore Isaiah 8:11–22, a powerful passage calling God’s people to resist fear and trust wholly in the Lord. In a time of national panic and looming invasion, Isaiah is instructed not to think like the fearful crowd but to honor the Lord as holy and sovereign. Curtis and Sally reflect on the relevance of this message today, urging listeners to reject fear-driven mindsets and instead embrace faith, reverence, and obedience.

The conversation highlights the danger of seeking guidance from the dead, the spiritually dead, worldly sources and the importance of clinging to God’s word in times of darkness. Even as Isaiah foretells stumbling and judgment, there is a promise shining through: the hope of the coming Messiah. Jesus, the light of the world, calls us out of darkness and into life.

Join us as we discuss the challenge of keeping God holy in our lives, trusting Him above all else, and living with confident hope in His promises.

In this final stanza of Psalm 119 (verses 169–176), Curtis and Sally reflect on the psalmist’s heartfelt plea for God’s help, discernment, and rescue. They explore the tension between waiting on God’s promises and the reality of suffering, highlighting how prayer and praise can emerge even in the hardest circumstances. Drawing parallels to Job’s endurance and Jesus’ parable of the lost sheep, they emphasize that God hears, sees, and seeks us—especially when we feel most lost. This episode offers a reminder that humility, trust, and faith anchor us as we wait for the Good Shepherd to carry us home.

In this episode, Curtis and Sally explore Isaiah 8:1-10, where God commands Isaiah to name his son Maher-shalal-hash-baz—a prophetic sign of the swift Assyrian invasion. They discuss how Judah’s rejection of God's gentle provision in favor of Assyrian protection leads to devastating consequences. Yet even amid judgment, God’s presence remains. Through imagery of floods and promises of divine vindication, the hosts reflect on the tension between God’s discipline and love, and the dangers of trusting worldly power over God’s steady care.