In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally reflect on Psalm 137, a passage that captures the experience of the Israelites living in exile. The psalm describes their sorrow, their memories of Jerusalem, and the difficulty of singing joyful songs in a place that feels far from home.

The conversation explores how the psalmist's longing for Jerusalem reveals a renewed appreciation for what was lost, as well as the honest emotions that come with hardship—grief, frustration, and the desire for justice. Curtis and Sally discuss the historical context of the Psalm, the role of perspective during challenging seasons, and how these ancient experiences invite us to consider our own responses when life feels unsettled or uncertain.

They also reflect on how followers of Christ today can continue to honor God in difficult circumstances, drawing attention to themes of hope, forgiveness, and trusting God's timing. Even in moments that feel like "exile," the episode highlights the steady truth that God remains present, just, and faithful.

A thoughtful, grounded conversation about remembering where our joy comes from and how to stay connected to God in every season.

In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally explore Hosea chapters 10 and 11—two striking passages that reveal both the severity of God's judgment and the depth of His enduring love. Hosea paints Israel as a once-fruitful vine whose prosperity led them away from the Lord and deeper into idolatry. Their misplaced trust in altars, idols, and military strength exposes a hardened spiritual landscape in need of breaking up and renewal.

Yet woven through the warnings is a tender reminder of God's fatherly compassion. As Hosea recounts, God taught Israel to walk, lifted the yoke from their neck, and cared for them with kindness—even as they drifted further from Him. In chapter 11, we hear God's heart break as He refuses to abandon His people completely: "How can I give you up, Israel?" Instead, He promises a future restoration, a gathering of His people when He roars like a lion calling them home.

Curtis and Sally reflect on the themes of spiritual sowing and reaping, the danger of misplaced trust, and the hope found in God's persistent love. Drawing connections to Galatians and the teachings of Jesus, they invite listeners to consider the call to surrender, to cultivate righteousness, and to trust the One who leads with both justice and compassion.

Hello everyone, Curtis here, thanks for listening! We had been trying to publish episodes twice a week but now that I am back in school full time we have had to scale back to once a week. We will continue to alternate episodes with psalms until we finish the book and continue with the Old Testament timeline. This episode is on Psalm 136, and we will explore the call to remember God's faithfulness and the promise of God!

In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally read Hosea chapter 9 and reflect on the painful consequences of Israel's unfaithfulness to God. As Hosea announces the nation's coming punishment, the chapter reveals both the grief and justice of God—how His love has been betrayed by those who turned to idols and false gods. Israel's worship has become distorted, their festivals corrupted, and their trust misplaced in fertility gods that cannot bless or sustain them.

Curtis and Sally discuss how God's judgment in this passage is not arbitrary but the natural result of Israel's choices. When they reject His covenant, He allows them to experience the emptiness of what they have chosen. Yet even in these harsh words, the story reminds listeners that God's discipline flows from love—a desire to bring His people back to truth and life.

Drawing parallels to today, the hosts explore how humanity still resists God's correction and dismisses His messengers as "fools." Following Jesus means humbly listening, turning back when corrected, and surrendering self-made paths to walk in His way. Though Hosea 9 speaks of rejection, it ultimately points toward restoration—when "not loved" will once again become "the ones I love."

In this episode of Arise + Abide, Sally and Curtis read Hosea chapter 8, where the prophet declares that Israel has "planted the wind and will harvest the whirlwind." Through Hosea's message, God warns His people that their idolatry, self-appointed kings, and misplaced alliances will lead to destruction. Israel has built altars meant to remove sin, yet those very altars have become places of sin. They've forgotten their Maker and trusted in their own strength, seeking security in palaces, fortified cities, and foreign powers instead of the Lord.

As Sally and Curtis reflect, this passage reveals the danger of turning to anything other than God for hope and stability. Like Israel, we may strive to secure life through our own works or alliances, but these efforts are fruitless apart from the Lord. Curtis draws a parallel to modern faith, noting how our attempts at righteousness can drift into legalism when we depend on our own strength rather than Christ's finished work. Sally reminds us that life and fruitfulness come only from seeking God first—echoing Matthew 6:33: "Seek the kingdom of God above all else…"

Even amid judgment, there is grace. God still sends warnings—signs of His steadfast love calling us back to Him. As the hosts conclude, the true hope of this chapter is not in avoiding discipline but in trusting the Maker who loves, warns, and redeems His people.

In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally read and reflect on Psalm 135—a song of worship that calls all who serve the Lord to praise Him for His goodness, power, and enduring love. From creation to deliverance, the psalm recounts God's mighty works, contrasting His living presence with the lifeless idols made by human hands.

Curtis shares how the psalm's repeated invitation to "praise the Lord" reminds us to glorify God in every circumstance—remembering His faithfulness through all generations. Sally explores the deep contrast between a living relationship with the Creator and the emptiness of false treasures that cannot see, speak, or hear. Together, they reflect on how God's Spirit continually reminds us of His justice, compassion, and the victories He brings even when we don't yet see them.

Psalm 135 reminds us that God's name endures forever, His compassion reaches His servants, and His justice is sure. Through praise and remembrance, we draw near to the living God who reigns with power and love across all time.

In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally explore Hosea chapter 7—a sobering look at Israel's rebellion and God's grieving heart. The Lord longs to heal His people, yet their sins run deep. They've become unaware of their spiritual decay, chasing foreign gods and trusting in human power instead of turning back to Him. Through vivid metaphors—an overheated oven, a half-baked cake, a witless dove, and a crooked bow—Hosea exposes how misplaced passions and pride have made the people useless to God's purpose.

Curtis and Sally reflect on the Lord's perspective: He sees everything, hears every silence, and still desires restoration. Their discussion highlights the tragic blindness of those who seek fulfillment apart from God and the enduring mercy of a Creator who continues to call His people back. As the hosts connect Hosea's imagery to the human condition today, listeners are reminded that true wisdom, strength, and renewal come only from turning fully to the Lord who longs to heal and redeem.

In this episode of Arise + Abide, Sally and Curtis reflect on the final song of ascent, Psalm 134. As pilgrims arrive in Jerusalem, they call on those serving in the temple—especially those keeping the night watch—to lift their hands and praise the Lord. Together, they explore the beauty of worship that involves not just our voices but our whole selves, and how both travelers and temple servants encourage one another in unity. The discussion highlights the challenges of serving in unseen or difficult circumstances, the reminder that God always sees and knows, and the promise of blessing from the Lord who made heaven and earth.