MAYBERRY

The fictional town of Mayberry became famous because it represented something many people longed to find: a place where life moved at a slower pace, neighbors knew one another, and ordinary moments carried extraordinary meaning.

Through the television series that introduced this small community to millions, Mayberry was portrayed as a place of front porches, friendly conversations, family relationships, and simple routines. It was not perfect, but it represented an ideal that many societies struggle to preserve.

The interesting question is why such a simple setting became so memorable. Human beings have always created visions of better communities. We imagine places where trust is common, conflict is resolved, and people recognize their responsibility toward one another.

Mayberry was not built on advanced technology, great wealth, or remarkable achievements. Its appeal came from something far more basic: human connection.

The Bible describes a similar need within the human heart. God did not create mankind to live in isolation but to live in relationship with Him and with one another.

The early believers shared their lives together, caring for each other’s needs and demonstrating a community shaped by love (Acts 2:42-47).

The strength of a society is not measured only by its buildings or inventions but by the character of the people who inhabit it.

Of course, no earthly town can completely fulfill humanity’s deepest hopes. Even the most peaceful communities experience disagreement, disappointment, and failure.

The Bible explains why.

Sin has affected every person and every society (Romans 3:23). The problem of humanity is not merely a lack of better systems. It is a need for transformed hearts.

Jesus did not come to establish a political Mayberry or an earthly paradise. He came to establish the kingdom of God within the hearts of people who would follow Him. He taught that His kingdom was not of this world (John 18:36). The qualities of that kingdom are righteousness, peace, joy, humility, and love (Romans 14:17; Galatians 5:22-23).

The lesson of Mayberry is not that the past was perfect or that every community can return to another era. The lesson is that people still hunger for kindness, belonging, and peace.

Those desires point beyond themselves to the Creator who made the human heart. The Lord calls His people to become examples of compassion and goodness in whatever community they inhabit (Matthew 5:14-16).

Perhaps the greatest community we can build is not one based on nostalgia but one shaped by the character of Christ. A place becomes better when people forgive more quickly, serve more willingly, and love more deeply.

The world does not ultimately need another imaginary town. It needs men and women whose lives reflect the reality of God’s kingdom.

Prayer

Our Father, thank You for the gift of community and the relationships You have given us. Help us become people who bring peace, kindness, and compassion wherever we go.

Teach us to build lives that reflect the love of Christ and to remember that our true home is found in Your eternal kingdom.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

BDD

THE JOY OF OBEDIENCE

The world often views obedience as a restriction, but the child of God discovers that obedience is a pathway to freedom.

A heart surrendered to the Lord is not a heart imprisoned by commands. It is a heart released from the confusion of sin and guided by the wisdom of the Creator.

The greatest joy is not found in doing whatever we desire, but in discovering that God’s desires are better than our own. Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15).

Love and obedience are forever joined together in the life of faith.

1. THE CALL TO OBEDIENCE

God’s call for obedience begins with His authority as our Maker and Redeemer. He does not command because He desires to burden us, but because He knows the way that leads to life.

Moses declared that the Lord requires His people to fear Him, walk in His ways, love Him, and keep His commandments for their good (Deuteronomy 10:12-13).

Obedience is the evidence of genuine faith. James warned that faith without works is dead because true faith always produces action (James 2:17-18).

A person who truly trusts God will desire to follow God’s word, not because he is trying to earn love, but because he has already experienced God’s love.

2. THE CHALLENGE OF OBEDIENCE

Obedience is tested when God’s will conflicts with our own desires. The human heart naturally wants control, but discipleship requires surrender. Jesus prayed in the garden, “Not My will, but Yours, be done” (Luke 22:42). The Son of God demonstrated that true strength is found in submission to the Father’s purpose.

Many people want the blessings of God without the surrender that brings those blessings. Saul learned this lesson when he offered partial obedience instead of complete obedience. Samuel reminded him, “To obey is better than sacrifice” (1 Samuel 15:22). God is not seeking empty religious activity. He desires hearts that willingly follow Him.

3. THE COMFORT OF OBEDIENCE

The obedient life is a blessed life because it walks in harmony with God’s design. The psalmist declared, “Blessed are those who walk in the law of the Lord” (Psalms 119:1). Obedience brings peace to the conscience, strength to the soul, and confidence before God.

The greatest blessing of obedience is deeper fellowship with Christ. Jesus taught that those who do the will of His Father are truly His family (Matthew 12:50). As we follow Him, we learn His heart, experience His presence, and become more like Him.

Obedience is not the enemy of joy. It is the doorway to joy. The world promises happiness through self-rule, but Christ offers lasting joy through surrender. The person who places his life in God’s hands discovers that the path of obedience is the path of blessing.

____________

Prayer

Our loving Father, teach us the joy of obeying You. Remove the pride that causes us to resist Your will and give us hearts that gladly follow Your commands.

Help us to trust Your wisdom above our own desires and to walk faithfully in the footsteps of Jesus. May our obedience bring honor to Your name and joy to our souls.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

BDD

EVERYBODY WANTS TO RULE THE WORLD

In 1985, the British band Tears for Fears released the song “Everybody Wants to Rule the World,” which quickly became one of the defining songs of that decade. With its memorable melody and thoughtful lyrics, the song captured a tension that has existed throughout human history: the desire for control, influence, and power.

Beneath the cheerful sound was a serious reflection on ambition, conflict, and the human longing to shape the world according to personal desires. It became popular because it spoke to something deeply familiar in every generation. People have always wanted to be in control.

Long before a song expressed that idea, the Bible revealed the condition of the human heart.

From the beginning, humanity has struggled with the desire to rule rather than submit. The temptation in the garden was not merely about fruit. It was about independence from God.

The serpent promised that mankind could become like God, knowing good and evil (Genesis 3:4-5). The tragedy was that humanity already possessed something greater: fellowship with the Creator. In reaching for control, man lost communion.

The desire to rule the world often begins with the desire to rule our own lives without God. We want our plans, our timing, and our purposes to sit upon the throne.

But the Lord declares, “The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein” (Psalms 24:1). We are not owners in the ultimate sense. We are stewards. Every breath, ability, opportunity, and blessing comes from the hand of God (James 1:17).

The irony of human ambition is that those who seek power often become servants of the very things they hoped to control. The pursuit of wealth can enslave the wealthy. The pursuit of recognition can imprison the famous. The pursuit of influence can create a hunger that is never satisfied.

Jesus asked, “What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” (Mark 8:36). The world may be gained and yet the heart may be lost.

The Savior revealed a different path to greatness. When His disciples argued about who would be greatest, Jesus taught them that greatness in His kingdom is found through humility and service. “Whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant” (Matthew 20:26-28).

The King of heaven did not conquer by taking from others. He conquered by giving Himself. He did not climb a throne of earthly power but endured the cross for the salvation of sinners (Philippians 2:5-8).

The greatest freedom comes when we surrender our need to rule everything. The person who trusts God no longer carries the impossible burden of controlling every outcome.

We can rest because the Lord reigns. “The Lord has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all” (Psalms 103:19). His wisdom is perfect, His love is faithful, and His purposes cannot fail.

The world tells us to grasp power, protect ourselves, and make our own kingdom. Christ calls us to surrender, serve, and seek His kingdom first (Matthew 6:33).

The person who gives God control discovers the peace that human power can never provide.

We were never created to rule the world.

We were created to worship the One who already does.

_____________

Prayer

Our gracious Father, forgive us for the times we have tried to sit upon a throne that belongs only to You.

Teach us to surrender our plans, our desires, and our fears into Your hands. Give us the humility of Christ and the wisdom to seek Your kingdom above all things.

May our lives not be spent trying to control the world, but glorifying the King who rules forever.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

BDD

DELUSIONS OF GRANDEUR

The greatest danger to the soul is not always found in obvious sins. Sometimes the enemy works through a false view of ourselves. The heart can quietly begin to believe that it is stronger, wiser, or more important than it truly is.

This is the deception of self-exaltation, where the creature forgets his dependence upon the Creator. God’s word warns, “Let no man think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly” (Romans 12:3). The beginning of spiritual wisdom is seeing ourselves in the light of God.

Pride is dangerous because it often disguises itself as confidence, ambition, or even devotion. A person may believe he is seeking God’s glory while secretly seeking his own recognition.

The Pharisee stood in the temple and thanked God, but his prayer revealed a heart centered on himself rather than mercy (Luke 18:9-14). The Lord is not impressed by outward appearance. He searches the heart and desires truth in the inward parts (Psalms 51:6).

The cure for the delusion of greatness is a true vision of Christ. When Isaiah saw the Lord high and lifted up, he did not immediately speak of his own accomplishments. He cried, “Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips” (Isaiah 6:1-5).

The presence of God does not destroy us. It restores us by showing us both our weakness and His sufficiency. The soul that truly sees Christ has no room to boast except in Him.

Jesus Himself displayed the perfect balance of authority and humility. He knew who He was, yet He willingly became a servant. Though He was in the form of God, He humbled Himself and became obedient even to the death of the cross (Philippians 2:5-8).

True greatness is not found in lifting ourselves above others but in surrendering ourselves to the will of God.

The proud heart seeks to control, but the surrendered heart learns to trust. The believer who walks closely with the Lord recognizes that every gift, every opportunity, and every accomplishment comes by grace.

“What do you have that you did not receive?” (1 Corinthians 4:7). When God uses us, the glory belongs to Him. The branch does not boast because it bears fruit. It simply remains connected to the vine (John 15:4-5).

God’s desire is not to crush our identity but to redeem it. He does not call us to think we are worthless. He calls us to understand that our worth comes from belonging to Him.

We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works (Ephesians 2:10). The humble believer becomes more useful because he no longer needs to prove himself. He is free to serve, love, and obey.

Let us ask the Lord to deliver us from every false idea of our own greatness. Let Him remove the pride that hinders His work and replace it with the humility of Christ.

The greatest life is not the life that makes the world notice us. It is the life that allows Christ to be seen through us.

______________

Prayer

Our Father, search our hearts and reveal every place where pride has taken root. Teach us to see ourselves honestly and to find our true identity in Christ.

Remove our desire for human praise and fill us with the humility that comes from walking closely with You.

May the life of Jesus be formed within us, and may all glory belong to Your name.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

BDD

Livestream Preaching Times for Monday, July 20, 2026

5:30 AM

SHALL WE CONTINUE IN SIN?

(Romans 6:1-2)

10:00 AM

THE KINGDOM AND THE NAME

(Acts 8:12)

2:00 PM

CONTINUE IN PRAYER

(Colossians 4:2)

6:00 PM

THE BEAUTY OF BAPTISM

(Romans 6:3-4)

TikTok: @dewaynedunawayministries

All times CST

THE GREATEST AMONG YOU

The world has always had its definition of greatness. It measures men by position, possessions, influence, and applause. Thrones, titles, and treasures become the symbols of importance in human eyes.

The kingdom of God turns the values of earth upside down. The Savior who created the heavens took the position of a servant and taught His disciples that true greatness is not found in being above others but in serving them. “Whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant” (Matthew 20:26-28).

The disciples themselves struggled with this lesson. They argued among themselves about who would be the greatest, and Jesus answered their ambition with a child as an example of humility (Mark 9:33-37).

The Lord was not condemning the desire to be useful. He was correcting the desire to be honored. There is nothing wrong with seeking greatness when greatness is measured by love, obedience, and service. The question is not whether we should desire to be great, but what kind of greatness we seek.

The greatest person in God’s sight is not the one who demands attention but the one who gives attention to others. Jesus said, “Whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave” (Matthew 20:27).

The servant does not ask, “How can I be recognized?” but “How can I bless?” Paul urged believers to look not only at their own interests but also at the interests of others, having the same humble mind that was displayed by Christ (Philippians 2:3-5).

Our Lord Jesus is the perfect example of this heavenly greatness. Though He was rich, He became poor for our sake. Though He was Lord of all, He washed the feet of His disciples. Though He deserved worship, He willingly endured the shame of the cross (John 13:12-15; 2 Corinthians 8:9).

The cross reveals that the greatest love is a giving love, and the greatest life is a surrendered life.

Humility does not mean weakness. It is strength under the control of God. Moses was called the meekest man on earth, yet he stood before Pharaoh and led Israel by the power of God (Numbers 12:3; Exodus 5:1-2).

The humble person knows that every ability, opportunity, and blessing comes from the Lord. “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5-6).

The world may forget those who serve quietly, but heaven remembers. A cup of cold water given in the name of Christ is not overlooked by God (Matthew 10:42). The smallest act of love offered with a sincere heart has eternal value.

Let us therefore seek the greatness that God honors, not the greatness that men celebrate. The path upward in God’s kingdom begins by kneeling low before Him.

____________

Prayer

Our loving Father, teach us the true meaning of greatness. Remove from us the desire for pride and recognition, and give us the heart of a servant.

Help us to follow Jesus, who humbled Himself and gave His life for others.

May our words, actions, and attitudes reflect Your love so that we may be great in Your sight.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

BDD

BLACK RAIN

Some storms bring refreshing showers, and some seem to cover the earth with darkness.

The farmer looks upward and wonders if the clouds will ever break. The traveler looks ahead and wonders if the path will ever become clear.

Even the darkest rain falls under the command of God. What appears to us as a black rain may still be carrying the hidden purposes of a gracious Father. “The clouds and darkness surround Him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne” (Psalms 97:2).

Many of God’s greatest servants have walked beneath dark skies. Joseph entered a pit before he entered a palace. David wandered in the wilderness before he sat upon the throne. Job lost nearly everything before he discovered a deeper knowledge of God.

The rain that fell upon their lives was bitter, but it was not without purpose. The Lord does not waste the tears of His children. He uses trials to refine faith, strengthen character, and draw the heart closer to Himself (Romans 5:3-5; James 1:2-4).

Sometimes we cannot understand the clouds above us. We pray, but the answer seems delayed. We seek direction, but the road remains hidden. Yet faith does not rest upon our ability to see through the storm. Faith rests upon the character of the One who controls it.

The Lord said through the prophet Isaiah, “My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways” (Isaiah 55:8-9). The child may not understand the wisdom of the Father’s hand, but he can trust the Father’s heart.

The black rain of suffering can also cleanse what sunshine leaves untouched. Comfort sometimes allows pride to remain hidden, but trials reveal the true condition of the soul.

God uses hardship to remove our dependence upon earthly things and teach us the sufficiency of His grace. Paul discovered this when he pleaded for the removal of his thorn, but the Lord answered, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:7-10).

Yet the believer does not stand beneath the storm without hope. Above every dark cloud shines the promise of Christ. Jesus entered the darkest hour of human history at Calvary, bearing the weight of sin and sorrow, but the darkness of the cross gave way to the glory of the resurrection.

The same God who turned a tomb into a testimony can turn our trials into triumphs (Matthew 28:5-6; Romans 8:28).

One day the last storm will pass away. The clouds will disappear, the tears will be wiped away, and the children of God will stand in everlasting light.

Until that day, let us remember that no darkness is greater than our Savior, and no rain falls beyond His control.

The black rain may fall upon the earth, but the rainbow of God’s promise still stretches across the heavens (Genesis 9:13-16; Revelation 21:4).

___________

Prayer

Our gracious Father, when dark clouds gather over our lives, help us to trust Your wisdom and rest in Your love. Teach us not to fear the storms You allow, but to see Your hand working through them.

Strengthen our faith, refine our hearts, and keep our eyes fixed upon Jesus Christ. May every trial draw us closer to You until the day we stand in Your eternal light.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

BDD

THE GAME OF LIFE

Life is often compared to a game. There are goals to pursue, choices to make, challenges to overcome, and consequences that follow our decisions.

Life is not merely a competition where people seek temporary victories. It is a journey before the eyes of God, and every person is accountable for how that journey is lived.

The Bible says that “we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body” (2 Corinthians 5:10). The question is not whether we are playing the game of life, but whether we are following the rules given by the Creator.

1. THE PLAYER MUST HAVE THE RIGHT PRIORITY

Every game requires focus. A person who does not know the objective cannot succeed. In the same way, life becomes confused when God is removed from first place.

Jesus taught, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). The greatest priority of life is not wealth, reputation, or personal comfort. It is knowing God and faithfully serving Him.

Many people spend their lives pursuing things that cannot satisfy. Solomon possessed wisdom, riches, and accomplishments, yet he discovered that life without God is empty. His conclusion was simple: “Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14).

The right priority produces the right direction.

2. THE PLAYER MUST FOLLOW THE PLAN

No successful competitor ignores the instructions. In spiritual matters, God has provided the perfect plan through His word.

David said, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalms 119:105). The Bible reveals what God desires, warns us of danger, and guides us toward righteousness.

Jesus declared that the wise person hears His words and does them, comparing such a person to one who builds a house upon the rock (Matthew 7:24-27). Faith is not merely agreeing with facts about God. It is trusting Him enough to obey Him.

God’s plan leads to salvation through Jesus Christ, repentance, confession, and faithful obedience (Acts 2:38; Romans 10:9-10; Revelation 2:10).

3. THE PLAYER MUST PERSEVERE TO THE PRIZE

A game is not won by a strong beginning alone. The finish matters. The Christian life requires endurance. Jesus said, “He who endures to the end shall be saved” (Matthew 24:13).

Trials, temptations, and disappointments will come, but the faithful believer continues because the reward is greater than the struggle.

Paul viewed his life as a race that required determination. Near the end of his journey he could say, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7-8). The prize was not earthly applause but the crown of righteousness promised by the Lord.

Life is not a game in which every choice is equally good. God has established truth, provided salvation through His Son, and revealed the path that leads to eternal life.

The wise person will choose the right priority, follow the divine plan, and persevere until the end. The greatest victory in the game of life is not gaining the world but gaining Christ.

_____________

Prayer

Our Father in heaven, help us to live this life with wisdom and purpose. Give us hearts that place You first, minds that follow Your word, and spirits that endure faithfully until the end.

May we not be distracted by temporary rewards but seek the eternal prize found in Jesus Christ. Guide our steps and help us finish the race with faithfulness.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

BDD

THE POWER OF A FAITHFUL LIFE

The world often celebrates the spectacular, but God delights in the faithful. Men may remember great accomplishments, impressive victories, and public achievements, but the Lord looks upon the heart and values steady devotion.

A faithful life may appear ordinary to human eyes, yet it carries great influence in the kingdom of God. Jesus said, “He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much” (Luke 16:10).

The greatest testimony is often built through small acts of obedience repeated throughout a lifetime.

1. THE FOUNDATION OF FAITHFULNESS

A faithful life must be built upon a strong foundation. Feelings change, circumstances shift, and human strength fails, but God remains constant.

The believer who builds upon the promises of the Lord finds stability when the storms of life arrive. Jesus taught that the wise man hears His words and does them, building his house upon the rock (Matthew 7:24-25).

Faithfulness begins with a heart that belongs completely to God. It is not merely outward activity but inward devotion. The Lord told Israel to love Him with all their heart, soul, and strength (Deuteronomy 6:5).

When love for God becomes the foundation, obedience becomes a joyful response rather than a heavy burden.

2. THE FIGHT FOR FAITHFULNESS

Faithfulness requires perseverance because the Christian journey is not without opposition. Temptation, discouragement, and hardship will test the commitment of every believer. Paul encouraged Timothy to “fight the good fight of faith” and remain faithful until the end (1 Timothy 6:12).

The devil often tries to convince us that our efforts are unnoticed or unimportant. God still sees every prayer, every sacrifice, and every act of service offered in His name. The writer of Hebrews said that God is not unjust to forget their work and labor of love (Hebrews 6:10). No faithful deed escapes His attention.

3. THE FRUIT OF FAITHFULNESS

A faithful life always produces fruit. The person who walks with God becomes a source of encouragement, strength, and blessing to others.

Jesus taught that a good tree produces good fruit, revealing that the condition of the heart eventually becomes visible in the life (Matthew 7:17-18).

The fruit of faithfulness is seen through love, patience, kindness, forgiveness, and endurance. Paul described these qualities as the fruit produced by the Spirit of God within His people (Galatians 5:22-23). A faithful Christian does not simply possess faith. A faithful Christian displays faith.

The Lord is not looking for perfect people who never stumble. He is looking for hearts that continue to trust Him, return to Him, and walk with Him.

At the end of Paul’s journey, he did not boast about his achievements but rejoiced that he had remained faithful: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7-8).

May we seek not merely moments of spiritual excitement but a lifetime of faithful obedience. The greatest reward is not the praise of men but the approval of the Savior who says, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21).

____________

Prayer

Faithful Father, help us to live lives that honor You. Strengthen us when we grow weary, encourage us when we feel unnoticed, and teach us to remain faithful in every season.

May our lives bear fruit for Your kingdom and bring glory to Jesus Christ until the day we see Him face to face.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

BDD

THE GOD WHO BUILDS THROUGH ORDINARY PEOPLE A Sermon

Nehemiah 2:17–20

God takes ordinary people who trust Him and uses them to accomplish extraordinary things.

INTRODUCTION

The world can change when somebody looks at what everybody else has accepted and says, “This is not the way it has to remain.”

That was Nehemiah.

For years, the people of Jerusalem had lived among broken walls and burned gates. They had become accustomed to the ruins. They had learned how to survive in a place that was never meant to stay broken.

But God placed a burden in the heart of one man.

Nehemiah was not a priest. He was not a prophet. He was not a military leader. He was a cupbearer serving a foreign king. But he had something that God could use: a heart that cared about what God cared about.

Before Nehemiah ever picked up a stone, he picked up a burden.

Before he ever rebuilt a wall, he prayed.

Before he ever faced opposition, he trusted the God of heaven.

And that is how God has always worked.

God used Noah to build an ark when nobody had ever seen rain.

God used Moses with a shepherd’s rod to stand before Pharaoh.

God used Gideon with only three hundred men to defeat a mighty army.

God used David, a young shepherd boy, to face a giant.

And God used Nehemiah and a group of ordinary people to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.

The question is not, “Are we strong enough?”

The question is, “Is God strong enough?”

And the answer is always yes.

I. RECOGNIZE THE PROBLEM

“You see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lies waste, and its gates are burned with fire…” — Nehemiah 2:17

Nehemiah begins by saying, “You see.”

He wanted the people to look at reality.

The walls were down.

The gates were burned.

The city was vulnerable.

The condition was serious.

But notice something important. Nehemiah did not recognize the problem because he was a pessimist. He recognized the problem because he had a burden.

There is a difference between criticism and conviction.

A critic looks at something broken and complains.

A person with God’s heart looks at something broken and says, “Lord, what can You do through me?”

Nehemiah did not walk away from Jerusalem because it was damaged. He walked toward Jerusalem because God had called him.

Sometimes we cannot experience God’s restoration until we are willing to acknowledge our need.

Isaiah had to recognize his condition before God could use him.

When Isaiah entered the presence of God, he said:

“Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips…”
Isaiah 6:5

Before God gave Isaiah a mission, God gave him a vision of himself.

Ezekiel stood in a valley full of dry bones.

God asked him:

“Son of man, can these bones live?”
Ezekiel 37:3

The answer was not found in the bones.

The answer was found in God.

Churches, families, and individuals must be willing to recognize what is broken, not so we can become discouraged, but so we can believe God for restoration.

II. RECEIVE THE PLAN

“Come and let us build the wall of Jerusalem…” — Nehemiah 2:17

Nehemiah did not simply identify the problem. He gave God’s people a purpose.

He said, “Let us build.”

Notice the word “us.”

He did not say:

“Let somebody build.”

“Let the talented people build.”

“Let the wealthy people build.”

He said, “Let us build.”

God’s work has always been accomplished through people who are willing to join together around His purpose.

When Moses built the tabernacle, God’s people gave willingly because their hearts were stirred.

“Then everyone came whose heart was stirred, and everyone whose spirit was willing…”
Exodus 35:21

When David prepared for the temple, the people rejoiced because they were able to participate in God’s work.

“Then the people rejoiced, for they had offered willingly…”
1 Chronicles 29:9

The great works of God are not built by a few spectators watching from a distance. They are built by people who say, “Lord, use my hands. Use my gifts. Use my life.”

Nehemiah also reminded them:

“And I told them of the hand of my God which had been good upon me…”
Nehemiah 2:18

The vision was not based on Nehemiah’s ability.

It was based on God’s hand.

The same God who called them to build would empower them to build.

III. RESIST THE PRESSURE

“But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official, and Geshem the Arab heard of it, they laughed us to scorn and despised us…”

Nehemiah 2:19

The moment God’s people decided to work, opposition arrived.

That should not surprise us.

Whenever God begins a work, the enemy tries to stop it.

Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem were not just names in a history book.

They represented the voices that rise up against the work of God.

Sanballat the Horonite was a powerful leader connected with Samaria. He had political influence and did not want Jerusalem restored.

Tobiah the Ammonite official was a man with connections and influence. He represented those who had interests in keeping things the way they were.

Geshem the Arab was a wealthy and respected leader among the surrounding nations.

Together, they represented intimidation, criticism, and resistance.

Their first weapon was not a sword.

It was a word.

“They laughed us to scorn and despised us…”
Nehemiah 2:19

The enemy knows that if he can discourage God’s people, he can often stop God’s work.

But God’s people must learn to resist the pressure.

David faced pressure when everyone else saw Goliath as unbeatable.

But David said:

“You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts…”
1 Samuel 17:45

The size of the giant was never the issue.

The greatness of God was the issue.

IV. RELY ON THE PROMISE

“The God of heaven Himself will prosper us…”

Nehemiah 2:20

This is where Nehemiah’s confidence shines.

He does not answer his critics by pointing to their resources.

He does not say:

“We have enough workers.”

“We have enough money.”

“We have enough strength.”

He says:

“The God of heaven Himself will prosper us.”

That is the foundation of every work God blesses.

Not human ability.

Divine power.

Not human greatness.

God’s greatness.

The same truth is found throughout God’s word:

“Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it.”
Psalm 127:1

Jesus said:

“I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.”
Matthew 16:18

Our confidence is not in what we can accomplish for God.

Our confidence is in what God can accomplish through us.

CONCLUSION

The walls of Jerusalem were rebuilt because one man believed that God was bigger than the ruins.

Nehemiah saw the problem.

He received the plan.

He resisted the pressure.

He relied on the promise.

And the God of heaven used ordinary people to accomplish an extraordinary work.

The same God is still working today.

He is still looking for people who will say:

“Lord, here are my hands.”

“Lord, here is my life.”

“Lord, use me for Your glory.”

Because the greatest question is not:

“Can we build?”

The greatest question is:

“Will we trust the God who builds?”

And when His people trust Him, the impossible becomes possible.

“The God of heaven Himself will prosper us.”
Nehemiah 2:20

BDD

Livestream Preaching Times for Sunday, July 19, 2026

8:00 AM

THE VERDICT OF THE LIGHT

Text: John 3:19–21

6:00 PM Communion Service

THE HEART OF GOD FOR THE WORLD

Text: 1 Timothy 2:3–4

TikTok: @dewaynedunawayministries

All times CST

HUMILITY

Humility is the garment that best fits the soul that has truly seen God. When a person stands in the light of the Lord’s greatness, he no longer boasts in his own strength.

The mountain does not become smaller because a man cannot climb it, and God does not become less glorious because we cannot comprehend Him.

The closer we draw to the Almighty, the more clearly we understand our own need. “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6).

The humble heart is not a defeated heart. It is a heart that has discovered the joy of resting completely upon God.

Pride is a subtle enemy because it can hide even among religious duties. A person may speak of God while quietly seeking praise for himself.

The Pharisee prayed in the temple, but his words revealed that he trusted in his own righteousness rather than the mercy of God (Luke 18:9-14). The tax collector came with no claim except his need and cried, “God, be merciful to me a sinner!”

The Lord teaches us that heaven is not impressed by the appearance of greatness but welcomes the broken and contrite heart (Psalms 51:17).

The greatest picture of humility is found in Jesus Christ. Though He possessed divine glory, He took the form of a servant and humbled Himself, becoming obedient even to the point of death on the cross (Philippians 2:5-8).

The King of heaven washed the feet of His disciples and showed that true greatness is found in serving others (John 13:3-5, 12-17). The Savior did not come demanding to be served, but He came to serve and give His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45).

Humility does not mean thinking less of our value. It means seeing ourselves correctly in the presence of God. We are created by Him, loved by Him, and dependent upon Him.

Every ability, every opportunity, and every blessing comes from His hand. Paul asked, “What do you have that you did not receive?” (1 Corinthians 4:7). The humble believer does not deny God’s gifts but gladly acknowledges their true source.

The humble heart is also a teachable heart. It listens when God’s word corrects, accepts wisdom from others, and willingly submits to the Lord’s direction.

The proud person closes the door of understanding, but the humble person leaves the door open for God’s transforming grace. “He guides the humble in justice, and He teaches the humble His way” (Psalms 25:9). The Lord delights to shape those who are willing to be shaped.

One day every earthly crown will fade, every human achievement will pass away, and every heart will stand before the Lord. The proud will discover that human greatness was only temporary, but the humble will find that God has been their everlasting treasure.

Let us therefore walk softly before Him, remembering that the path upward in God’s kingdom begins by bowing low. “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up” (James 4:10).

____________

Prayer

Our gracious Father, teach us the beauty of humility. Remove from our hearts every desire for pride and self-exaltation.

Help us to look to Jesus, who humbled Himself and gave everything for us.

Make us gentle, teachable, and willing to serve. May our lives reflect the humility of Christ until the day we stand in Your presence.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

BDD

WHAT DO YOU WANT IN LIFE?

Every person is pursuing something. Some seek wealth, others seek recognition, and many spend their lives chasing pleasures that soon fade away. It all serves as a temporary distraction, but when the noise of the world grows quiet, the heart still asks the most important question: “What do I truly want in life?”

The answer cannot be found in the treasures of earth alone, for the soul was created for something higher. The Lord Jesus calls us to look beyond the temporary and discover the lasting riches that come from walking with God.

If we would understand the purpose for which we were made, we must seek three great blessings: a Savior to guide us, a service to give us, and a sanctification to grow us.

1. A SAVIOR TO GUIDE YOU

The deepest desire of the human heart is not found in possessions, achievements, or earthly applause. The soul was made for God, and nothing less than fellowship with Him can satisfy.

Many search for happiness in the things that perish, but the heart remains hungry because it was created for eternity. Jesus asked, “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” (Matthew 16:26).

The greatest treasure in life is not what we can hold in our hands, but the Savior who holds us in His hands.

2. A SERVICE TO GIVE YOU

A life that only seeks to receive becomes small and empty. God has created us not merely to consume blessings but to become channels of blessing.

Paul wrote that we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand for us to walk in (Ephesians 2:10).

The question is not merely, “What can I gain?” but “What can I give?” The happiest soul is often the one that has learned to spend itself for the glory of God and the good of others.

3. A SANCTIFICATION TO GROW YOU

The Christian life is not a momentary decision without a continuing transformation. God calls His people to grow in holiness, becoming more like Christ day by day. Peter urged believers to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18).

The Lord is not finished with us when we first come to Him. He continues His gracious work, shaping our thoughts, refining our character, and teaching us to walk in His ways. The greatest desire of the redeemed heart is to become what God has called us to be.

______________

Prayer

Our gracious Father, teach us to desire what truly matters. Keep us from chasing the temporary treasures of this world and turn our hearts toward Christ.

Give us a Savior to follow, a service to fulfill, and a sanctification that reflects Your glory. May our greatest longing be to know You, love You, and honor You all the days of our lives.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

BDD

GENEROSITY

Generosity begins not with the hand but with the heart. Before a gift is ever placed before another person, there must first be a heart that has learned to trust God as the giver of all things.

The generous soul understands that everything we possess comes from above. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights” (James 1:17).

When we know that God is our source, we are freed from the fear that causes us to cling tightly to earthly possessions.

The greatest example of generosity is found in God Himself. He did not merely give us blessings, but He gave us His Son. “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son” (John 3:16).

The cross reveals a love that does not calculate the cost before giving. Christ gave Himself completely for us, and those who receive His grace are called to reflect that same spirit of selfless love (Ephesians 5:1-2; 2 Corinthians 8:9).

True generosity is not measured by the size of the gift but by the surrender of the heart. Jesus observed a poor widow who gave two small coins and declared that she had given more than all the others because she gave out of her poverty and trusted God with what remained (Mark 12:41-44).

The Lord does not look merely at what is placed in His service. He looks at the love, faith, and devotion behind the offering.

A generous spirit is cultivated through fellowship with Christ. The more we understand His mercy toward us, the less we are controlled by selfish desires.

Paul taught that those who sow generously will reap generously, and that God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:6-7).

Generosity is not forced obedience. It is the joyful response of a heart that has been changed by divine grace.

The generous believer gives not only money but also time, encouragement, forgiveness, and compassion.

The world often asks what it can receive, but Christ teaches His followers to consider what they can give. “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).

A life poured out for others becomes a testimony of the love of God working within us (Philippians 2:3-5; 1 John 3:16-18).

Let us ask the Lord to make us generous in spirit. We cannot produce true generosity by human effort alone. It flows from a heart surrendered to God and filled with gratitude for His grace.

As Christ becomes greater within us, our hands become more willing to serve, our hearts become more willing to love, and our lives become more willing to give.

____________

Prayer

Our loving Father, teach us the joy of generosity. Remove the selfishness that keeps us from fully trusting You. Help us remember that all we have belongs to You and that every blessing is an opportunity to glorify Your name.

Fill our hearts with the love of Christ so that we may give freely, serve faithfully, and reflect Your goodness to those around us.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

BDD

THE BEAUTY OF BROKENNESS

The world often teaches us to hide our weaknesses, cover our failures, and present an image of strength. That is not good.

God’s word reveals a surprising truth: the Lord often does His deepest work through hearts that have been humbled and broken before Him.

The broken vessel is not discarded by the Potter. It is reshaped for His glory.

David understood this when he wrote, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart” (Psalms 51:17).

What man may see as weakness, God can transform into a place of divine strength.

1. THE BREAKING OF SELF

Before God can fill us with His power, He must often empty us of our pride. The greatest obstacle to spiritual growth is not a lack of ability but an excessive confidence in ourselves.

Peter believed he was strong enough to stand even when others failed, but his denial of Christ revealed his dependence upon his own strength (Matthew 26:33-35, 69-75).

Through that failure, Peter learned a deeper lesson: usefulness comes not from self-confidence but from dependence upon God.

The Lord does not break us to destroy us. He breaks the stubbornness that prevents us from becoming what He desires.

Like a farmer breaking the soil before planting the seed, God prepares the heart so that His life may grow within us. “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6).

2. THE BLESSING OF BROKENNESS

Brokenness creates a place where God’s grace can be received. The person who recognizes his need is the person who seeks the Savior.

Jesus said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3). Spiritual poverty is not despair. It is the humble recognition that we need God for everything.

Paul discovered this truth through his own weakness. After asking God to remove his thorn in the flesh, he received an answer that changed his perspective: “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

The broken believer discovers that God’s power is greater than human ability.

3. THE BEAUTY OF BEING REBUILT

God never leaves His children in a broken condition. The same hands that humble us are the hands that restore us.

The Lord promised through the prophet Isaiah that He would give beauty instead of ashes and the garment of praise instead of the spirit of heaviness (Isaiah 61:3). The purpose of God’s work is not merely to reveal our weakness but to display His glory.

A broken life surrendered to Christ becomes a testimony of grace.

The woman who came to Jesus with a sinful past received forgiveness and became an example of devoted love (Luke 7:36-50).

The persecutor Saul became the apostle Paul through the transforming power of Christ (Acts 9:1-6).

God specializes in taking what seems unusable and making it useful for His kingdom.

The beauty of brokenness is that it brings us closer to the heart of God. When we stop trusting ourselves and begin resting completely in Him, we discover the strength, peace, and purpose that only Christ can provide.

The broken heart placed in God’s hands becomes a vessel filled with His presence.

____________

Prayer

Our gracious Father, teach us to surrender our pride and our self-reliance. Help us to see that Your work in us is not meant to harm us but to shape us into the image of Christ.

Use our weaknesses for Your glory and fill our lives with Your grace. May we always remain humble, dependent, and faithful before You.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

BDD

THE GENTLE SWAY

There is a strength that shouts and a strength that whispers. The oak stands firm against the storm, but the willow survives because it yields to the wind without surrendering its roots.

So it is with the child of God.

The Lord does not always display His power through dramatic acts. Often He shapes His people through a gentle sway, teaching them to lean upon Him instead of themselves.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5-6). The soul that rests in Christ discovers that surrender is not defeat but victory.

The Bible frequently reminds us that God works with quiet persistence. Elijah expected the Lord in the wind, the earthquake, and the fire, yet God spoke in a still, small voice (1 Kings 19:11-13).

The Savior invited the weary to come to Him, saying, “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart” (Matthew 11:28-30).

The gentle sway of God’s hand accomplishes what force never can. It bends pride into humility, fear into faith, and wandering hearts back to the Shepherd.

Many believers resist this gracious work because they mistake gentleness for weakness.

The strongest hand in the universe is also the most tender. A bruised reed He will not break, and smoking flax He will not quench (Isaiah 42:1-3; Matthew 12:18-21).

When the Lord disciplines His children, His purpose is restoration rather than destruction. Even painful trials become instruments of mercy, drawing us nearer to Christ and teaching us that His grace is sufficient for every burden (Hebrews 12:5-11; 2 Corinthians 12:9-10).

The gentle sway is seen whenever a Christian chooses forgiveness over bitterness, patience over anger, and kindness over retaliation.

These are not signs of weakness but of Christ living within. “Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand” (Philippians 4:5).

As we abide in Him, the fruit of the Spirit becomes increasingly evident, and the fragrance of Christ is carried into a world that has forgotten true peace (Galatians 5:22-23; Colossians 3:12-15; John 15:4-5).

One day the winds of this life will cease. Faith will become sight, and every storm will give way to everlasting calm in the presence of our Lord.

Until then, let us not fear the gentle sway of His providence. The same hand that guides the stars also holds His children.

He has never lost one who has trusted Him, and He will not begin with us.

Therefore, let us walk humbly, rest confidently, and follow the Savior wherever He leads (Psalms 23:1-6; Romans 8:35-39).

____________

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for leading us with wisdom, patience, and love. Teach us to yield to Your gracious hand instead of resisting Your work within us.

Help us to trust You in every trial, to reflect the gentleness of Christ in our lives, and to remain faithful no matter how strong the winds may become.

Keep our hearts fixed upon Jesus until the day we stand before You in everlasting joy.

In His name we pray, Amen.

BDD

Livestream Preaching Times for July 18, 2026

8:00 AM — “Divine Contentment” (Hebrews 13:1-6)

10:00 AM — “Walking Worthy of Your Calling” (Ephesians 4:1–3)

3:00 PM — “From Slaves to Children” (Galatians 4:1-7)

TikTok: @dewaynedunawayministries

All times CST

THE DEVIL HAS NOTHING IN ME

As our Lord approached the darkest hour of His earthly ministry, He spoke words of remarkable confidence. “The ruler of this world is coming, and he has nothing in Me” (John 14:30).

Satan was about to unleash every weapon at his disposal through betrayal, false witnesses, cruel soldiers, and the cross itself.

When he came searching for a foothold in the Son of God, he found none.

There was no hidden sin to accuse. No secret pride to inflame. No selfish desire to exploit.

The enemy found a heart perfectly devoted to the Father.

Jesus walked into Calvary not as a helpless victim, but as the spotless Lamb whose obedience could never be broken (Hebrews 4:15; 1 Peter 2:22).

This statement shines like the midday sun because it reveals the absolute holiness of Christ.

Every other child of Adam has given the devil something to work with. Our sins have opened doors to temptation, shame, and condemnation. “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

Satan is called the accuser because he can point to our guilt. But when he looked upon Jesus, every accusation failed.

The prince of darkness stood before the Prince of Life and found no corruption, no deceit, and no stain. Even Pilate repeatedly declared, “I find no fault in Him,” though he did not fully understand the greatness of those words (John 18:38; 19:4-6).

Our Lord did not speak these words, however, merely to display His perfection. He spoke them on the eve of His sacrifice. The One in whom Satan found nothing became the offering for those in whom Satan found far too much.

“He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21).

The spotless Savior took the place of guilty sinners.

The pure One bore the punishment of the impure.

The innocent Shepherd laid down His life for wandering sheep.

This is the wonder of the gospel. Our hope rests not in our ability to silence the accuser but in Christ, whose perfect righteousness answers every charge brought against those who belong to Him (Romans 8:33-34).

There is also a searching lesson for every believer. While none of us can honestly say, “The devil has nothing in me,” we are commanded to give him no place.

Every cherished sin becomes a handle by which the enemy seeks to pull us away from faithful obedience. Every unforgiven grudge, every proud thought, every careless word, and every worldly affection becomes fertile ground for temptation.

Therefore, let us walk in the light, confess our sins quickly, and keep our hearts near the Lord. “Submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (James 4:7-8; Ephesians 4:27).

One day, because of Christ, the struggle will end forever. The accuser will be cast down, temptation will cease, and God’s people will stand complete in His presence.

Until then, our confidence is not in ourselves but in the One who overcame the wicked one without a single blemish.

When Satan accuses us, we look away from our failures and fix our eyes upon Jesus. When temptation presses hard, we remember that our High Priest was tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin.

The victory of the Christian is not found in self-confidence but in abiding confidence in Christ, who declared with holy triumph, “The ruler of this world is coming, and he has nothing in Me.”

____________

Prayer:

Father, we thank You for sending Your spotless Son into the world. Thank You that the enemy found nothing in Him, and that through His sacrifice our sins can be forgiven and our consciences cleansed.

Help us to walk in holiness, to resist temptation, and to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus every day. May our lives reflect gratitude for His perfect obedience and victorious cross. Strengthen us by Your Spirit until the day we stand before You complete in Christ.

In His name we pray. Amen.

BDD

TO GAIN CHRIST

God does not always just add something to our lives. He brings some things to an end.

The natural heart thinks in terms of addition. It desires more knowledge, greater usefulness, deeper experiences, stronger faith, and richer blessings. God’s purpose begins with subtraction before it proceeds to fullness.

He empties before He fills.

He strips away before He clothes.

He causes us to lose confidence in everything that belongs to Adam so that Christ alone may become our confidence.

This is the great lesson lying beneath Paul’s testimony in Philippians 3. The apostle is not merely recounting his conversion. He is unveiling a spiritual law that governs the whole Christian life.

Before meeting Christ, Paul possessed everything that religion could offer. His heritage was honorable. His morality was beyond reproach. His zeal was unmatched. His learning was extraordinary.

If righteousness could have been obtained through religious attainment, Paul would have stood among the greatest of men.

But when the Lord Jesus revealed Himself, the entire structure upon which Paul had built his confidence collapsed in a single moment (Acts 9:3-6).

Notice carefully that Paul does not say those former things were necessarily evil in themselves.

Birth into Israel was a privilege. Knowledge of God’s word was a privilege. Zeal for truth, though tragically misdirected, demonstrated sincerity.

These things were gifts of God’s providence. The tragedy was not that Paul possessed them. The tragedy was that he trusted in them.

That distinction remains vital today.

The flesh is remarkably religious. It delights in collecting spiritual achievements. It quietly boasts in years of church attendance, theological understanding, faithful service, doctrinal precision, successful ministries, disciplined habits, or moral victories.

None of these things are wrong. Indeed, many are wonderful gifts from God. But the old creation possesses an astonishing ability to transform God’s gifts into substitutes for Christ Himself (Jeremiah 9:23-24).

This is why the Lord often permits seasons that dismantle every confidence we have carefully constructed.

He allows success to disappoint us. He permits strength to fail. He exposes the weakness of our wisdom. He reveals that what we called spiritual maturity often rested upon natural ability strengthened by religious activity.

Christ is never cruel in this work.

He removes only what prevents us from possessing something infinitely greater.

Paul therefore writes, “But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ” (Philippians 3:7).

The language is striking. It is the language of accounting.

Paul pictures his former life as a ledger. Across one column stood every accomplishment he had accumulated. Every achievement had once been entered as profit. Every distinction increased his confidence before God.

Then Christ appeared.

The entire ledger had to be rewritten.

Everything formerly recorded under “gain” was transferred into the column marked “loss.”

Nothing about Christ had changed.

Everything about Paul’s evaluation had changed.

This is always the effect of genuine revelation.

Education cannot produce it.

Argument cannot produce it.

Emotion cannot produce it.

Only the unveiling of the glory of Christ can alter a man’s values so completely that he gladly abandons what once defined his identity (2 Corinthians 4:6).

The Christian life is therefore not fundamentally a matter of self-denial.

That statement may seem surprising.

Certainly Jesus commands us to deny ourselves (Luke 9:23). Biblical self-denial, though, is never an end in itself.

God is not interested in producing people who simply live with less. His purpose is to create people who have found Someone infinitely greater.

Paul did not become an ascetic because earthly things were worthless.

He surrendered them because Christ possessed infinite worth.

That is an entirely different matter.

Many people attempt to renounce the world through sheer determination.

They grit their teeth. They discipline themselves. They suppress desires. But inwardly they remain fascinated by what they have abandoned. Their sacrifice becomes another form of pride.

Paul’s testimony reveals something altogether different.

The heart captivated by Christ does not continually stare backward.

It looks forward.

A child who discovers a treasure chest does not mourn the pebbles he leaves behind.

Likewise, the soul that has truly seen the Lord Jesus does not constantly calculate the cost of discipleship.

It becomes overwhelmed by the greatness of the One it has found (Matthew 13:44).

This explains why Paul intensifies his language in verse 8.

“Indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord.”

Notice the movement.

Verse 7 speaks of the things that had once been gains.

Verse 8 expands the circle dramatically.

Now it is “all things.”

Everything outside Christ must ultimately surrender its claim to ultimate importance.

Not because creation lacks beauty.

Not because family lacks value.

Not because ministry lacks significance.

Not because knowledge lacks usefulness.

But because none of these things were ever intended to occupy the throne reserved for God’s Son.

Christ does not ask merely to become the highest priority among many.

He becomes the center from which every other blessing receives its proper meaning (Colossians 1:16-18).

The tragedy of much modern Christianity is that Christ is often presented as the means to obtaining something else.

Come to Christ for peace.

Come to Christ for purpose.

Come to Christ for joy.

Come to Christ for blessing.

While these promises are wonderfully true, they remain incomplete if separated from their source.

The supreme gift of the gospel is not peace.

It is Christ.

The supreme gift is not forgiveness.

It is Christ.

The supreme gift is not heaven.

It is Christ.

Forgiveness removes every barrier so that we may know Him.

Peace enables us to rest in Him.

Heaven is glorious because He is there.

Every blessing of redemption exists to bring us into living union and increasing fellowship with the Son of God (John 17:3; Ephesians 1:3-10; Colossians 2:9-10).

This is why Paul does not merely speak about knowing doctrines concerning Christ.

He longs for “the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord.”

The word “knowledge” here reaches far beyond information. It speaks of living fellowship, personal acquaintance, growing communion, and continual discovery.

The more Paul knows Christ, the more he realizes how inexhaustible Christ is. Every fresh revelation creates an even deeper hunger. Every glimpse of His glory awakens a longing for greater conformity to His image.

The believer never reaches the place where he has mastered Christ.

Rather, Christ increasingly masters him.

This is the secret of true spiritual growth.

BDD

HOW GOD PREPARES A REBUILDER

God is never frightened by the broken places in your life. In fact, He often begins His greatest work there.

We usually ask Him to remove the rubble, but He first teaches us to walk through it.

Before He rebuilds the walls, He opens our eyes.

Before He strengthens our hands, He humbles our hearts.

That is exactly how God prepared Nehemiah, and it is often how He prepares every servant He intends to use (Nehemiah 2:11-15).

Nehemiah arrived in Jerusalem with a burden from God, yet he did not immediately call a meeting or announce his plans. “I came to Jerusalem, and was there three days” (Nehemiah 2:11).

Then, while the city slept, he quietly slipped through the gates with only a few trusted men. “I told no one what my God had put in my heart to do at Jerusalem” (Nehemiah 2:12).

Here is sacred wisdom: restraint. The greatest visions are often formed in silence before they are proclaimed in public.

Those who wait upon the Lord are not wasting time. They are learning to move at God’s pace instead of their own (Psalms 27:14; Isaiah 40:31).

As Nehemiah made his way through the darkness, every broken wall and every burned gate confirmed the seriousness of Jerusalem’s condition.

The destruction became so great that there was no room for the animal beneath him to continue, and he was forced to go on by foot (Nehemiah 2:13-15).

He did not turn away from the ruins because they were painful to see. He looked at them carefully.

Faith is never strengthened by denying reality. It grows stronger by seeing reality through the promises of God.

The Lord who created the heavens and the earth is never overwhelmed by broken stones or broken people (Jeremiah 32:17; Luke 1:37).

There is a lesson here for every Christian. We long for renewal, yet we often resist honest examination. We ask God to revive us while ignoring the places where our love has grown cold, our prayers have become shallow, or our obedience has weakened.

God’s word is “a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). David prayed, “Search me, O God, and know my heart and lead me in the everlasting way” (Psalms 139:23–24).

Conviction is not God’s rejection. It is His invitation. The Lord uncovers our ruins because He intends to restore them (1 John 1:9; Proverbs 28:13; Joel 2:25).

The broken walls of Jerusalem did not cancel God’s covenant, and the broken places in your life have not canceled His grace. Every fallen stone simply marked another place where His power could be displayed.

The Lord delights in taking what sin has shattered and making it a testimony to His mercy. “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart, these, O God, You will not despise” (Psalms 51:17).

He is near to the brokenhearted, and He saves those who are crushed in spirit (Psalms 34:18).

If God is leading you through the ruins today, do not lose heart. He has not brought you there to leave you discouraged. He has brought you there to give you His vision.

The inspection always comes before the rebuilding. The burden comes before the blessing. The night comes before the dawn.

Walk with Him through every broken gate and every fallen wall, for the God who reveals the damage is also the God who restores it.

The One who put the burden into Nehemiah’s heart is still preparing rebuilders today, and He has never failed to finish the work He begins (Nehemiah 2:20; Philippians 1:6).

____________

Prayer

Father, give me the courage to face the broken places in my life instead of hiding from them. Search my heart and reveal whatever keeps me from walking closely with You.

Teach me to wait upon You, to trust Your timing, and to believe that no ruin is beyond Your restoring power.

Make me a faithful rebuilder whose confidence rests not in human strength but in Your unfailing grace.

Through Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.

BDD