From Pity to Praise

We each belong to one of two classifications. One who builds on solid rock, or one who builds on the sand.

Now is the time to check out foundations. Only the right foundation will withstand the storms that are coming.

Psalm 127:1 tells us, “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen guards it in vain.”

We should not be afraid if our lives are built on solid rock – Jesus. Why have fear and doubt enter our lives? With Jesus our foundation is secure.

If you’ve watched mainstream news lately, you’ve probably seen them “fear mongering.” The world loves to have people live in fear. Fear is a psychological tool used to manipulate, divide, and control by fostering compliance, doubt, and obedience. It forces people to abandon rights, fuel propaganda, and turns people against one another to maintain power. The psychological impact of fear can turn people into agents aggression and cause.

But:

God says, “For I am the Lord, I do not change, therefore you are not consumed” – Malachi 3:6. He is the same, yesterday, today, and forever.

Jesus is our solid foundation. Number 23:19 says, “God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent.”

God’s character, promises, and faithfulness remain steadfast, regardless of changing circumstances.

No building is stronger that it’s foundation. If a foundation does not include Jesus, it is weak, no matter the other materials in the building, it is in jeopardy.

Make sure you have the right foundation, a blood foundation with the divine blood of Jesus. Without divine blood, we have no solid rock, no Savior, no passport to heaven, no deliverance, and no forgiveness of sins.

Some people appear to take great interest in the work of God, but suddenly the storm blows in, and their house collapses. They can’t withstand the storms of life, they can’t take the winds -the troubles that come.

Make sure of your foundation. Make sure you know Jesus as Lord, Master, and Savior. Make sure you know Him as the Son of God, as your redeemer. He is the light of the world.

Riches won’t save you, the most expensive materials in the house matter nothing, if the house isn’t built on a solid foundation.

In Romans 8:1-11, Paul constructs life in the flesh and life in the Spirit. Those who follow Jesus are freed from sin’s power and live by the Spirit’s life-giving presence.

Living according to the flesh or the Spirit represents two opposing ways of life. Following sinful, selfish desires that lead to spiritual death, or being guided by the Holy Spirit, results in life, peace, and fruitfulness. It’s a daily choice between self-satisfaction and surrendering to God’s will.

I remember a few weeks ago I was talking to the pastor’s wife about living according to the flesh and she said something that has stuck with me. “You can’t expect God’s blessings in your living in sin.

• Living according to the flesh (Self-Reliance and Sin)

Mindset: Focused on selfish desires, simple nature, and trying to live self dependently without God.

Actions: Characterized by “works of the flesh” such as impurity, hatred, jealousy, fits of anger, and selfish ambition.

Result: This path is hostile to God and leads to spiritual death.

Motivation: Trying to be good or secure through one’s own efforts. (self- righteousness)

• Living according to the Spirit (Surrender and Faith)

Mindset: Set on the things of the Spirit, relying on God’s grace and promises.

Actions: Characterized by “fruit of the Spirit” such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Result: This path leads to life, peace, and spiritual growth.

Motivation: Walking in dependence on God and allowing the Holy Spirit to work within, rather than relying on self-effort.

Key differences

• Source of power: The flesh relies on human strength, while the Spirit relies on God’s power.
• Daily action: The flesh acts upon selfish desires, while the Spirit leads to godly behavior.

• The Outcome: The flesh leads to inner disruption and distance from God, while the Spirit brings harmony and connection to God.

This post is coming from something I’ve been thinking about for the last week.

What’s the connection?

In biblical traditions sickness is often viewed as a consequence of sin -a spiritual disruption that manifests physically. It is seen as divine discipline, a punishment for wrongdoing, or a “hole in the soul” resulting from a lack of holiness. That requires repentance, and prayer.

I was sick for so many years when I was living in sin. I thought it was bad genetics, or that I was cursed. I didn’t realize that I had brought most of it on myself. With unforgiveness, bitterness, and no repentance for my sins. My refusal to repent and keep everything locked up inside was eating my soul.

There are key aspects that link sin and sickness:

• Spiritual Disconnection

Sickness is considered unholy or profane that indicated a void of sanctity caused by breaking God’s laws.

• Divine Consequences

The Bible speaks about plagues or severe conditions like leprosy. It is seen as a divine response to sin, including personal failures like arrogance or wrongdoing.

Illness acts like a warning or a wake-up call to return to God, prompting the sick person to examine their actions and repent, which is a step toward healing. Because of these links healing is sought through prayer and repentance.

While some sickness is caused by sin, we have to keep in mind that we live in a broken world and some sickness is a result of this. I believe that it’s always best to run to God with any sickness.

I love these Bible verses that lead us to check ourselves.

“Search me, God, and know my heart. Try me, and know my thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way” -Psalm 139:23-24

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast Spirit within me” – Psalm 51:10

In Matthew 7:23 Jesus says something that the church very seldom speaks on. Jesus says, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, buy he who does the will of My Father in heaven .”

Jesus wasn’t talking about outright and believers or those who openly reject God. He said this to people who call him, “Lord,” preach His name performed miracles, and seemed powerfully anointed from the outside.

Jesus declared, “I never knew you.” That “knew” isn’t about facts or head knowledge. It’s about intimate relationship, surrender, obedience, and walking closely with Him day by day.

People who craved His power and authority without yielding to His Lordship. People who use His name, but ignored His will. People who pursue spiritual results without true repentance.

Jesus called them out plainly, “workers of lawlessness.” Not because they lacked activity, but because they lacked surrender.

This warning isn’t designed for true terrifying, genuine, believers. It’s a wake up call anyone coasting on on religion instead of resting in Jesus alone.

Memorizing scripture isn’t the same as knowing the Savior. Serving in ministry isn’t the same as following Him daily. Calling Him “Lord.” Means nothing in our lives if we don’t obey him.

That simple, difference separates empty religion from true redemption, using Jesus‘s name versus believing in Him completely.

I ask that you examine your heart today. Is Jesus truly Lord or is it just a label?

I recently had an upfront reminder of the lesson of staying under God’s protection covering. I don’t usually use others in my posts, but this is a perfect example of moving away from God’s covering.

I had a friend, whom I’ve known for close to 6 years. I would describe her as someone who is neither hot nor cold for the Lord. A few years ago she began coming to church. And what I would have called “plugged in” she was going to Bible studies and hardly missed. I’m not at all saying that missing church will remove us from God’s cover of protection, but living in sin and removing ourselves from His covering will.

We can’t live in sin and expect God’s blessings and protection.

I few months ago she met someone -someone who changed her almost immediately. They came to church once in a while because that was what she wanted. But then things changed.

One thing about God He always warns us when we’re headed in a dangerous direction. She began getting sick, He sent her a sign with a vision of someone, it had brought her no peace. But I think Satan took over, and she moved out of God’s covering.

Unless we live in obedient relationship with God, and treat Him as our primary refuge for protection, peace, and guidance we can move away from God’s covering. This I have known for years, but I have never seen it happen so fast.

God’s covering gives us security from spiritual harm, and in some cases, physical danger. We see this in Psalm 91.

When we are under God’s covering there is a sense of peace and rest despite, external chaos or fear.

He guides us with discernment to recognize truth from lies.

We need to learn to recognize and pay attention to God’s warnings. We need to slow down to detect subtle shifts rather than waiting for loud interruptions. God often uses warnings, which can come through unrest, or scripture to protect and redirect us.

The Union Pacific Big Boy 4041 is a legendary 1941 steam locomotive, recognized as the world’s largest operational steam engine. Built to haul heavy freight over steep mountain grades during WWll it’s a 1, 2 million-pound machine that was restored in 2019 and currently tours to showcase American rail history.