Arise Birmingham

Summary

Psalm 133 describes the power of unity among believers. The unity that comes from the Lord multiples the anointing and authority that God has provided for His people. It also brings a supernatural refreshing and a commanded blessing. But when God provides something for His people that gives us access to greater power and blessing, the enemy will try to divert attention from the pure, God-given thing and present us with diluted, counterfeit options that lack the power of God because they are not from God. It is important, as believers, to recognize the difference between the unity of the Lord and counterfeit unity.

Takeaways

• Unity is a powerful force that multiplies anointing and authority when believers gather together.
• The commanded blessing of God is present when His people unite in worship.
• True unity is rooted in covenant, not convenience. It is established in consecration, not compromise. It is accessed by separation from sin, not affirmation of sin.
• Spiritual authority should protect and empower the body of Christ.
• Submission to authority is a source of strength, not weakness.
• Counterfeit unity can be built on shared sin, shared defiances, shared grievances, and shared pain. It may feel like belonging, but it is bonding through darkness. It is affirmation without transformation, agreement without repentance, comfort without consecration, and community without covenant.
• The abundance of Hermon (the highest mountain) will descend on Zion (God's chosen mountain) and on God's people, His chosen inheritance.

Chapters

00:00 The Journey of Ascent

01:46 The Power of Unity

08:35 Elements of True Unity

15:18 Holiness and Alignment in Unity

26:21 Shared Inheritance and the Church

Summary

Walking in the fear of the Lord isn't about being afraid of Him, but about living in awe of Him and having reverence for that which is holy. By understanding and embracing this fear, we position ourselves to receive profound blessings in our lives, families, and communities. As we walk in obedience, we can trust that God’s blessings will flow not only to us but also through us, impacting generations to come.

Takeaways

• The Psalms of Ascent guide us in our spiritual journey.
• Fearing the Lord is foundational for receiving His blessings.
• Obedience to God leads to personal and family prosperity.
• The fear of the Lord is not about terror, but reverence.
• Success is measured by what grows around our tables.
• God's blessings extend to future generations.
• Surrendering to Jesus is key to experiencing God's favor.
• The journey of faith involves daily obedience and humility.
• Zion represents the presence of God and His blessings.
• Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises from Zion.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Psalms of Ascent

10:03 The Blessing of Fear and Obedience

19:45 The Blessings of Family and Legacy

24:30 The Ascent Towards Zion and Jesus

Summary

In today’s fast-paced world, we often find ourselves caught up in the hustle, striving to build our dreams and secure our futures. This step of ascent in Psalm 127 emphasizes the importance of allowing God to be the builder and protector of our lives. True success and security come not from our efforts alone, but from allowing God to be the architect of our lives. Surrendering our ambitions to God can lead to a fruitful and fulfilling legacy. When God builds it, we know it will last. When God guards it, we know it's holy ground. When God gives it, we know it's worth stewarding with all our hearts.

Takeaways

• Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.
• Protection is spiritual before it's structural.
• God gives His beloved sleep, emphasizing the importance of rest.
• Children are a heritage from the Lord, highlighting the importance of legacy.
• Building with God requires surrender and trust in His plans.
• It's essential to ask God what He is doing rather than seeking His blessing on our plans.
• The ascent towards God brings healing and restoration.
• Legacy is built through relationships, not just projects or ideas.
• The invitation is to build with God, not just for Him.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Psalms of Ascent

03:05 Understanding Psalm 127: The Lord as Builder and Protector

06:02 The Importance of Surrendering to God's Will

08:53 Anxiety and the Gift of Rest

12:12 Legacy and the Role of Children

14:59 The Invitation to Build with God

17:49 Closing Blessings and Reflections

Summary

Hope can transform our perspective and lead us to live from a place of victory. God keeps no record of wrongs; with Him, there is always forgiveness. We put our hope in the Lord and His Word. The journey with Him will always lead us to full redemption. Our hope is not in the outcome, but a Person. His Name is Jesus!

Takeaways

• Jesus is present in our lives, bringing joy and hope.
• Ascending the hill of faith requires focus on Jesus.
• Intimacy with Jesus is essential for spiritual growth.
• Hope is rooted in the character of God, not just outcomes.
• Forgiveness is a powerful gift from God that we must embrace.
• Our response to God's grace should be awe and reverence.
• Living from victory changes our approach to challenges.
• Prayer is a partnership with God, not a plea for help.
• Hope transforms our perspective and fuels our faith.

Chapters

00:00 The Journey of Faith

11:46 The Power of the Blood of Jesus

14:37 Living in Awe of God's Grace

16:53 The Importance of Keeping the Cross in Focus

20:11 Hope in God's Character

22:27 Living from Victory, Not for Victory

26:34 The Partnership of Prayer

32:01 The Nature of Hope

35:24 Anticipating God's Goodness

40:32 Invitation to Renew Hope

Summary

True joy comes from a relationship with Jesus rather than fleeting happiness. Living a restored life allows us to enjoy that relationship along our journey. Restoration involves not only forgiveness but also a commitment to holy living and a diligent pursuit of God. By being attentive and allowing God's presence to guide us, we can experience profound joy and freedom, impacting not only our lives but also those around us.

Takeaways

• We don't live on old bread; Jesus wants to be your daily bread.
• The most important thing you can do is to be still and just allow His presence to do what only it can do in your life.
• Restoration begins with forgiveness but continues in relationship.
• You will never be faced with anything alone; He is always with you.

Chapters

00:00 Gratitude and Fresh Starts

02:20 The Power of the Word

03:29 Psalms of Ascent: A Journey of Growth

06:42 The Importance of Being Still

12:18 Restoration and Joy: A Deep Dive

17:07 Living from a Place of Joy

22:14 The Two Parts of Restoration

28:17 The Call to Holy Living

Summary

The Psalms of Ascent teach us the importance of the journey with the Lord. Every step is an opportunity to ascend. We begin the journey to ascend by lifting our eyes from where we are to where God has called us. Then our soul answers the question, "Where does my help come from?" The Maker of heaven and earth made us, and He provides everything we need and protects us from every threat. He is the Lord our Keeper.

Takeaways

• The Psalms of Ascent transform an ordinary journey into a sacred pilgrimage.
• Every step taken is an intentional surrender to God.
• Lifting our eyes is the first step in our journey.
• The Maker of heaven and earth made us and He will provide our help.
• God's protection is vigilant and continuous.
• God preserves what we have failed to guard.
• Every step is an opportunity to ascend higher and draw closer to the One who walks with us.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Psalms of Ascent

05:24 The Journey Begins: Psalm 121

10:52 The Maker: God's Provision

17:25 The Watchman: God's Protection

24:21 The Guardian: God's Preserving

26:50 Conclusion: Ascending in Faith and Purpose

Summary

Be filled to the brim with expectation for 2026! This message centers around the miracle at the wedding in Cana, illustrating the miracle of Jesus transforming water into wine. Here are five keys to experiencing the new wine of Jesus this year:

• Invite Jesus into everything
• Know who Jesus is
• Do whatever He tells you
• Fill it to the brim
• Expect the best

As we move into 2026, invite Jesus into everything, know deeply Who it is that you are inviting into everything, do whatever He tells you, fill the jars of expectation to the brim, and you will begin to have moments throughout the year where you have this humbling and this holy realization that He was saving the best until now.

Takeaways

• The wedding at Cana illustrates Jesus' miraculous power.
• Invite Jesus into everything in your life.
• Know who Jesus is and what He is capable of.
• Do whatever Jesus tells you to do.
• Fill your jars of expectation to the brim.
• Expect the best from God this year.
• The past has refined you for your future.
• Miracles happen when we do what He tells us.
• Jesus takes water, and He turns it into wine. He takes praise, and He turns it into power. He takes your surrender, and He turns it into your destiny.

Chapters

00:00 Anticipating a New Year

02:36 The Wedding at Cana: Jesus' First Miracle

08:46 Five Keys to Experience New Wine

17:53 Blessing and Expectation for the New Year

Summary

This message reflects on the significance of Christmas, emphasizing the miracle of childbirth and the birth of Jesus. It explores the alignment of the Seven Feasts of Israel with the stages of a child's development in the womb, highlighting the divine orchestration of life.

Takeaways

• The birth of Jesus was the most miraculous and intentional way.
• The word Bethlehem means house of bread.
• You are under the blood of destiny.
• Jesus came as a servant king who showed us humility.

Chapters

00:00 The Significance of Christmas: More Than a Celebration

00:17 The Miracle of Childbirth: A Divine Connection

07:06 The Worth of King Jesus: A Call to Worship

14:01 Communion: Remembering the Gift of Jesus

Summary

This message explores the true meaning of Christmas, emphasizing the significance of Christ's birth and the importance of sharing the gospel during the holiday season. People are hungry for good news this time of year, setting the stage for believers to celebrate and share their faith. Also, the history of Christmas traditions begins with the Father and points to His Son, Jesus, Savior of the world.

Takeaways

• Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus.
• The significance of Christ's birth is foundational to our faith.
• Hearts are more expectant and ready to receive during the Christmas season.
• Every Christmas tradition can be redeemed for God's glory.
• The harvest is plentiful during this time of year.
• The evergreen tree symbolizes eternal life, created by God.
• Jesus' birth is the greatest event in history.
• We are called to share the good news of Jesus.

Chapters

00:00 The True Meaning of Christmas

12:38 Sharing the Gospel During the Holidays

13:48 The Christmas Atmosphere and Vulnerable Hearts

20:12 Redeeming Christmas Traditions

25:07 The Significance of Celebrating Jesus' Birth

29:49 The Longing for Jesus and the Harvest

36:54 Empowering the Church to Share Jesus

44:39 Prayer and Healing in the Christmas Season

Summary

Why did Jesus choose the fields of Bethlehem and a group of Shepherds to reveal His greatest news--the birth of the Messiah--to the world? How can we live our lives as those who see God's glory? Let's renew our wonder in the glory of God revealed to us!

Takeaways

• Stewarding learning to steward our own hearts before our positions leads to greater glory.
• God remembers our faithfulness to worship Him when no one is watching.
• True peace is not the absence of struggle but the presence of a Savior.
• God's plan for peace on earth was fulfilled through Jesus, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world.
• Mary's courage to surrender came from her belief that God's will is always good.