Ascend, Week 7, February 16, 2025. Psalm 126. When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad. Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like streams in the Negeb! Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy! He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him. Psalm 127. Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for He gives to His beloved sleep. Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate. “Most of Scripture speaks to us; the Psalms speak for us.” - Eugene Peterson Psalms of Ascent. Psalm 126-127. Songs of expectation, joy and truth. Dream. Pray. Sow. Participate. Ezra 1:1 … the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and also put it in writing. Calling comes with strategic purpose, specific intent, concrete direction. Ephesians 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Psalm 139:16 NLT You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in Your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. John 17:18  As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. Permission to dream and not let someone trample your dream! Lower level for kids and youth only. Water bottle filling station. Larger playground and matting. Cleared land. Property lighting. Parking lot. Updated Bathrooms. Good Cup cafe expanded. Full property Christmas light display. Church sign. Finish off empty space. Impact in community. More money to missionaries. People engaged in the mission. Waiting list to serve. Lines to get in for a service. Salvation and physical healing every week. God’s saving grace is meant to be seen by others and bring glory to His name. Water in Scripture speaks of : Cleansing. Purity. Sanctification Life. Salvation. Refreshing. God’s blessing on His people. God’s presence, intervention and provision. Habakkuk 2:14 The earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea. Scriptures links water to God’s intervention that comes complete with abundant grace and blessing. God restores ALL things and restores DOUBLE what the enemy stole. God can take the tears of yesterday and today and transform them into miracles of tomorrow. The harvest (blessing, restoration, salvation) is personal. Sow in tears requires faith and endurance. ASCEND : seek to participate with God. Wisdom of Psalm 127 : Don’t start anything without God. Don’t keep anything going without God. Don’t raise your children without God. Don’t have an attitude of self-sufficiency. We participate WITH God. Hebrews 3:4. For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything. John 4:34 Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.” 2 Thessalonians 3:10-11. For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. Psalm 74:12. For God is my King from of old, working salvation in the midst of the earth.