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

In this episode of Arise+Abide, Curtis and Sally read Proverbs 5 and discuss the warning to avoid the crooked path of sexual immorality and other desires that can lead us away from God. They reflect on how sin can appear desirable at first but eventually becomes a trap, holding us captive and leading to painful consequences. The conversation explores the importance of discipline, self-control, and trusting God's wisdom even when we do not fully understand His boundaries. Curtis and Sally also discuss how God sees the paths we take not simply with judgment, but with compassion and a desire to lead us back to life. Through Jesus, we can be freed from the sins that hold us captive, and through the Holy Spirit, our hearts and minds can be transformed as we learn to surrender our desires to God and follow His path.

In Isaiah 19, the Lord confronts Egypt's misplaced trust in idols, human wisdom, and earthly power. Curtis and Sally discuss how these false sources of security leave the nation fearful, divided, and unable to save itself—and how we can similarly rely on worldly advice rather than beginning with prayer, Scripture, and trust in God. Yet this chapter ultimately offers a remarkable message of hope: the Lord strikes Egypt but also brings healing, makes Himself known to its people, and reconciles former enemies. The promise of Egypt, Assyria, and Israel worshiping together reveals God's heart for every nation and points toward the peace, reconciliation, and salvation made possible through Jesus.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.