Establishing a Solid Foundation

2026 is a year of building with intention. This year is not simply another turn of the calendar. It is a divine appointment. This year, God is calling His people to build with intention. The storms of life are inevitable — rains will fall, floods will rise, winds will blow — but the strength of what we build depends entirely on the foundation beneath it.

Busa ang tanan nga nakadungog sa akong gisulti ug nagtuman niini mahisama sa usa ka maalamong tawo nga nagtukod sa iyang balay diha sa bato. Sa dihang mibundak ang ulan ug mibaha ang mga suba ug ang hangin mihapak ug mikusokuso niadtong balaya, wala kini matumba kay natukod man diha sa bato.

Apan ang tanan nga nakadungog sa akong gisulti ug dili motuman niini, mahisama sa usa ka tawong buangbuang nga nagtukod sa iyang balay diha sa balas. Sa dihang mibundak ang ulan ug mibaha ug ang hangin mihapak ug mikusokuso niadtong balaya, natumba kini ug nagun-ob!

‭‭Mateo‬ ‭7‬:‭24-‭27‬ ‭RCPV‬‬

Too often, we focus on the visible parts of life: achievements, appearances, or even spiritual activities that look impressive. Yet the bible teaches otherwise.

In Matthew 7:24-27, the rock foundation or bato symbolizes wisdom. When a person lacks wisdom, the signs are evident - negative things come out of his mouth impacting his surroundings. If the foundation is weak, collapse is only a matter of time. Jesus Himself reminds us that the wise builder is not the one who merely hears His words, but the one who acts on them. This is wisdom. The person thinks and speaks positively in acting what God commanded. It doesn't matter if the act seems crazy or impossible. Surely, the wise person will do it because he thinks positively. The difference between stability and ruin lies in obedience to the wisdom released by God.

Honoring God First

The first step in establishing a solid foundation is to honor God above all else. Many believers do not lack prayer or passion, but they struggle with priorities. God does not accept leftovers; He demands Lordship. He is not meant to be second, or squeezed in when convenient. He must be first.

To honor Him first means:

• First in time — giving Him the start and the portion of our day.

• First in decisions — seeking His wisdom before acting.

• First in finances — offering our best, not what remains.

• First in the heart — loving Him above all else.

Honoring God first means giving Him the beginning of our time, the weight of our decisions, the best of our resources, and the deepest place in our hearts. Proverbs 3:9–10 teaches us to honor the Lord with our substance and the firstfruits of our increase, promising abundance in return. Matthew 6:33 echoes this truth: “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

When God is first, everything else finds its rightful place. Work, relationships, emotions, and even fears lose their power to dictate our lives. A foundation built on honoring Him first will withstand pressures that would otherwise overwhelm us. Let God take the wheel!

Living in Your Birthright

Another key to building strong foundations is to embrace the identity and inheritance God has given us. Esau’s story in Genesis 25 is a sobering reminder of how easily destiny can be traded for temporary satisfaction. He gave up his birthright for a single meal, despising what was meant to secure his future.

Today, many still fall into the same trap — exchanging calling for comfort, purpose for pleasure, or destiny for compromise. But our birthright in Christ is not a fleeting feeling; it is a permanent position. Romans 8:17 declares that if we are children of God, then we are heirs — heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ. This is not survival; it is rulership.

“Magpasalamat kita sa Dios ug Amahan sa atong Ginoong Jesu-Cristo nga nagpanalangin kanato sa tanang espirituhanong gasa sa langit diha sa atong pagkahiusa kang Cristo.” ‭‭Mga Taga-Efeso‬ ‭1‬:‭3‬ ‭RCPV‬‬

To live in your birthright is to walk with confidence in who you are in Christ. It means refusing to settle for mediocrity or compromise. It means remembering that you were redeemed not to scrape by, but to reign with Him. In 2026, the challenge is clear: do not trade eternal inheritance for temporary satisfaction.

Refusing Fear

Fear is one of the greatest thieves of destiny. It is not merely an emotion; Scripture identifies it as a spirit. Fear steals peace of mind, drains joy, and paralyzes faith. It delays progress and keeps people from stepping into the fullness of what God has prepared. Paul reminds Timothy: “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7). Jesus Himself warns that the thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). Fear is that thief in disguise, robbing believers of courage and clarity.

But Isaiah 41:10 offers the solution: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

To refuse fear is to actively choose faith. It is to recognize that fear has no rightful place in the life of a believer. In 2026, we are called to confront fear head-on, to silence its lies, and to walk boldly in trust. A foundation built on faith cannot be shaken by the storms of uncertainty.

Christ Alone

Finally, the only true foundation is Jesus Christ Himself. Emotions shift, people change, money disappears, and circumstances fluctuate. But Christ remains unshakable.

Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 3:11: “For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” Psalm 127:1 reinforces this truth: “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it.”

Building on Christ means anchoring every aspect of life in Him — decisions, relationships, ambitions, and dreams. It means acknowledging that without Him, all effort is futile. But with Him, every structure stands secure.

When Christ is the foundation, storms may rage, but collapse will not come. Families are re-established, futures are secured, and lives are rebuilt in His strength.

This year is not about speed, noise, or appearances. It is about depth, stability, and obedience. The storms will come, but the house built on the Rock will stand.

To establish a solid foundation in 2026, we must honor God first, live in our birthright, refuse fear, and anchor everything in Christ alone. These are not optional principles; they are essential truths for anyone who desires to endure.

The rains will fall, the floods will rise, and the winds will blow. But the life built on Christ will testify of His faithfulness.

2026 is not just another year. It is the year to build it right.

This message was delivered by Bs. Rey Paraguya last January 25, 2026