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.

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 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.

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 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.