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.

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.

In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally reflect on Psalm 140, a raw and honest prayer for rescue in the face of violence, evil, and hidden schemes. As David cries out for protection, the hosts explore how the psalm moves from urgent plea to confident trust—reminding us who God is when circumstances feel overwhelming.

The conversation highlights God as the strong rescuer, the One who sees hidden traps, opposes pride, and ultimately brings justice to the oppressed. Curtis and Sally discuss the tension between praying for deliverance from enemies and praying in a way that honors God's justice and glory, drawing connections to Jesus' call to love and pray for those who persecute us.

This episode invites listeners to bring their fears, frustrations, and concerns about evil in the world directly to God—trusting that He sees, He protects, and His plan for justice will prevail. Whether in seasons of peace or turmoil, Psalm 140 reminds us that the godly will dwell in the Lord's presence, confident in His rescue.