Arise and Abide Curtis Perea

In this episode Curtis and Sally explore Psalm 95, a scripture that encourages joyous praise and reverence for the omnipotent God. They delve into the psalm's vibrant call to worship, reflecting on the magnificence of a God who created the vast expanse of the earth and still tenderly shepherds His people. The episode vividly contrasts the joyous worship with a solemn warning from history—highlighting the consequences faced by ancestors who hardened their hearts and ignored God's guidance in the wilderness. Through their discussion, Sally and Curtis emphasize the importance of daily, active engagement with God's voice to avoid the pitfalls of rebellion and to embrace His promises of eternal rest, as reiterated in Hebrews chapters three and four. The episode concludes with a powerful reminder of the rest that awaits believers through faith in Jesus Christ, encapsulated by the comforting words of Matthew 11:28. This episode serves as a call to listeners to remain close to God, listening for His guidance through the chaos of life and into His promised peace.

In this episode we explore the dramatic events of 1 Kings 22:29-53. The podcast delves into the fateful battle at Ramoth-gilead, where King Ahab of Israel, despite being warned by the prophet Micaiah of impending doom, disguises himself and goes to war, hoping to escape his prophesied fate. We discuss Ahab's ultimate demise from a stray arrow, fulfilling the prophecy, and contrast his actions with those of King Jehoshaphat of Judah, who, despite his good intentions, makes questionable decisions in the heat of battle. The episode reflects on the themes of hearing, disobeying, and attempting to outsmart divine prophecy, highlighting the consequences of such actions. Underscoring the importance of humility and obedience to divine guidance and offering insights into how these biblical events resonate with personal and communal decisions in contemporary life.

In this episode of "Arise + Abide," hosts Sally and Curtis explore the themes of justice, vengeance, and divine guidance in Psalm 94. The episode begins with a reading of the Psalm, highlighting the psalmist's plea for God's intervention against the wicked and unjust. Sally and Curtis discuss the structure of the Psalm, noting how it transitions from a lament about evil deeds to a hopeful affirmation of God's protective and corrective presence.
Throughout the episode, the hosts delve into the dual nature of God's actions — both punishing the wicked and nurturing the faithful through discipline. They emphasize the importance of understanding God's ultimate sovereignty in bringing about justice and the role of personal discipline in aligning with God's teachings. Curtis shares a personal anecdote to illustrate how parental discipline mirrors divine guidance, reinforcing the message that God's discipline aims to steer us towards joy and righteousness.
The discussion also touches on the societal and individual implications of ignoring divine guidance, with Curtis noting how both historical and contemporary efforts at justice often fall short without divine intervention. Sally wraps up the episode with reflections on the comforting and stabilizing presence of God during times of uncertainty and injustice, quoting Proverbs 21:15 to underscore the contrasting reactions to God's justice among the godly and evildoers.
Listeners are left with a deeper understanding of Psalm 94's relevance to contemporary issues of justice and personal growth through divine discipline, encouraging them to seek God's guidance and remain steadfast in their faith during challenging times.

In this episode of "Arise + Abide," hosts Curtis and Sally delve into the dramatic events of 1 Kings 22, where the prophetic voice of Micaiah clashes with King Ahab's quest for conquest. After three years of peace, tensions escalate when King Ahab of Israel and King Jehoshaphat of Judah contemplate recapturing the strategic city of Ramoth-gilead from Aram. Despite unanimous support for the battle from the prophets of Baal, Jehoshaphat's insistence on seeking a true word from God leads them to Micaiah, a prophet disfavored by Ahab for his unsettling truths.
 
As the kings don royal robes and gather their prophets for counsel, Micaiah's starkly different vision portrays a grim outcome for Ahab, revealing a heavenly council where a spirit volunteers to entice Ahab into a fatal battle. Despite the warning, Ahab pursues his military objective with Jehoshaphat and their armies. This episode not only explores the collision of divine will and human ambition but also reflects on the moral complexities of leadership and prophecy. Through their dialogue, Curtis and Sally unpack themes of truth, the consequences of ignoring divine warnings, and the eternal struggle between pleasing God versus pleasing man.

In this inspiring episode of Arise + Abide, hosts Curtis and Sally delve into Psalm 93, exploring the majestic and unshakeable nature of God's kingship. The episode begins with Curtis affirming the imagery of God robed in majesty, whose reign over the world is steadfast and eternal. Sally adds depth by reflecting on the symbolic stability that God provides in a world full of chaos and tumult, likening it to the unshakable foundations of a fortress amid stormy seas.
The discussion turns contemplative as they relate the scriptures to personal experiences and popular culture, with Curtis sharing an anecdote about the overwhelming power of waves at an amusement park, illustrating how, despite the chaos of life, God's might is greater than the most formidable natural forces.
The episode concludes on a reflective note with Sally drawing parallels between the biblical promises and the parable of building one's house on rock versus sand, emphasizing the permanence and purity of God’s laws compared to the fleeting, changeable nature of human decrees.
Listeners are left with a sense of comfort and certainty in the eternal stability offered by God's reign, making a spiritually enriching experience for those seeking solace in their faith amidst the uncertainties of life.

In this enlightening episode of Arise + Abide, hosts Sally and Curtis delve into the intricate narrative of 1 Kings 21, focusing on the story of Naboth’s Vineyard. The episode begins with a contextual backdrop provided by Curtis and Sally, recounting the events of 1 Kings 20, where King Ahab's interactions with Ben-hadad set the stage for the subsequent moral and ethical dilemmas faced by Ahab. The main scripture reading brings to light the covetous nature of King Ahab towards Naboth’s vineyard, his subsequent sullen and angry demeanor upon being denied, and the manipulative tactics employed by his wife, Jezebel, to falsely accuse Naboth, leading to his unjust death and Ahab’s temporary acquisition of the vineyard.
Sally and Curtis unpack the multifaceted layers of this story, emphasizing the contrast between worldly expectations of kingship and the divine expectations set by God. They highlight Ahab's struggle with contentment, his susceptibility to influence—particularly by Jezebel—and his eventual act of repentance. Despite Ahab’s deep-seated flaws and his significant moral failings, which marked him as one of the most evil kings, his story is also a testament to the possibilities of redemption and the boundless mercy of God.
The hosts also explore the broader biblical theme of servant leadership exemplified by Jesus, juxtaposing it with the worldly notion of power and entitlement. This episode not only offers a thorough analysis of the biblical text but also serves as a reflective lens on leadership, the human condition, and the transformative power of humility and repentance before God.
Listeners are left with a poignant reminder of the promise of God's mercy and grace, as encapsulated in the benediction from James 4:10, urging us to humble ourselves before the Lord to be lifted in honor. This episode of Arise + Abide enriches the understanding of 1 Kings 21 with its deep dive into the complexities of human nature, divine justice, and the ever-present hope for redemption.