A CHANGE IS GONNA COME

When Sam Cooke wrote and recorded A Change Is Gonna Come, he captured something that lives in every human heart: the hope that tomorrow can be better than today. We all experience periods when life seems painfully stuck. Prayers appear unanswered, burdens grow heavier, and the future looks uncertain.

The Christian’s confidence is not in wishful thinking but in the promises of God. The Lord declared through Isaiah, “Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth” (Isaiah 43:19). God specializes in bringing change where people see only impossibility.

THE PATIENCE THAT WAITS

God’s timetable is rarely our timetable. Abraham waited years for the promised son. Joseph waited through slavery and prison before seeing God’s purpose fulfilled. Israel waited centuries for the Messiah. Waiting does not mean God has forgotten. Often, He is preparing us while He prepares the answer.

“Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart” (Psalm 27:14). Waiting is not wasted time when it is spent trusting the Lord. Every delay is another opportunity to deepen our faith.

The farmer plants his seed but cannot rush the harvest. Likewise, God’s blessings often grow beneath the surface long before they become visible.

THE POWER THAT CHANGES

Real change begins with God. We may alter our habits, improve our appearance, or adjust our routines, but only the Lord can transform the heart. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Saul of Tarsus was changed from a persecutor into a preacher. Zacchaeus was changed from a greedy tax collector into a generous disciple (Luke 19:1-10). Peter was changed from a fearful man who denied Christ into a bold apostle who proclaimed Him.

The gospel does more than forgive yesterday’s sins. It creates tomorrow’s servant. The greatest work of God is not merely a changed circumstance but a changed life.

THE PROMISE THAT WINS

One day, every promise of God will reach its perfect fulfillment. The pain of this world will not last forever. Tears will give way to joy, sorrow will give way to singing, and death itself will be swallowed up in victory.

“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory” (2 Corinthians 4:17). The struggles of today cannot compare with the glory that awaits God’s people (Romans 8:18).

The greatest change is still ahead. Christ will return, the dead will be raised, and God’s children will dwell with Him forever. Until that day, we live in hope, knowing that every promise He has made is sure.

The world hopes that things might improve. The Christian knows that, because of Jesus Christ, the greatest change is not merely possible—it is promised.

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Prayer

Our Father, thank You that You are the God who changes lives. Help us to trust You while we wait, to surrender our hearts to Your transforming power, and to live with confident hope in the promises You have prepared for Your children. Strengthen our faith when the road is long, and remind us that Your perfect plan is always worth the wait. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

BDD

STAND BY ME

When Ben E. King’s classic song Stand By Me was released, its simple message resonated with millions. Everyone longs for someone who will stay when life becomes uncertain. Friends may leave, circumstances may change, and even our own strength may fail. But there is One who has promised never to abandon His people. The Lord said, “Fear not, for I am with you” (Isaiah 41:10). The greatest comfort in life is not the absence of trouble but the presence of God.

THE FEAR THAT SURROUNDS US

Life has a way of bringing dark valleys and unexpected storms. Illness, grief, financial hardship, and disappointment can make us feel alone. Even the strongest believers sometimes wonder how they will make it through another day.

David understood those feelings. He wrote, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me” (Psalm 23:4). Notice that God does not always remove the valley. Instead, He walks with us through it. His presence transforms a place of fear into a pathway of faith.

The disciples experienced this truth when a violent storm arose on the Sea of Galilee (Mark 4:35-41). The waves terrified them, but Jesus was in the boat. As long as Christ is with us, we are never truly alone.

THE FRIEND WHO STAYS WITH US

Human relationships are precious, but they are limited. Even the most faithful friend cannot be with us every moment. Jesus, however, promised His followers, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).

The apostle Paul experienced abandonment near the end of his ministry. He wrote, “At my first defense no one stood with me. But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me” (2 Timothy 4:16-17). When everyone else had gone, Christ remained.

What a comfort it is to know that the Savior never grows weary, never forgets His promises, and never walks away from His children. Hebrews reminds us of God’s unchanging promise: “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). The faithful presence of Christ is greater than the strongest support this world can offer.

THE FAITH THAT SUSTAINS US

Because God stands with us, we can stand for Him. Courage is not the absence of fear; it is confidence in the One who is beside us. Joshua faced an overwhelming task when he succeeded Moses, but God repeatedly encouraged him, “Be strong and of good courage for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).

The Christian life is not built upon self-confidence but upon God-confidence. We endure trials because He supplies strength. We overcome temptation because He provides a way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13). We face tomorrow because the One who holds tomorrow is already there.

The world is filled with uncertainty, but the believer has an unshakable companion. When the shadows lengthen, when the road grows difficult, and when others cannot go another step with us, Jesus Christ remains. He stood by us at the cross, He stands by us in this life, and He will stand by us until we stand with Him in glory.

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Prayer

Our Father, thank You for Your constant presence in our lives. When fears surround us and our strength begins to fail, remind us that You are near.

Help us trust You in every trial, walk courageously by faith, and find peace in the promise that You will never leave us nor forsake us.

May we stand faithfully for You because You have always stood by us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

BDD

BRING IT ON HOME TO ME

The song Bring It On Home to Me by Sam Cooke, is often heard as a plea for reconciliation. A broken heart longs for someone to come back home.

While the song speaks of human love, it reminds us of an even greater invitation found in the Scriptures. In the Bible, God lovingly calls wandering sinners to return to Him. His message is not merely, “Come back because you owe Me,” but, “Come home because I love you.” The prophet Isaiah recorded God’s gracious invitation: “Return to Me, for I have redeemed you” (Isaiah 44:22).

THE FATHER’S INVITATION

From the Garden of Eden onward, humanity has been running from God. Sin separates us from our Creator, but God’s heart has always been to bring His children home. After Adam and Eve sinned, the Lord came seeking them, asking, “Where are you?” (Genesis 3:9). It was not because God lacked information, but because He desired restoration.

The story of the prodigal son beautifully illustrates this truth (Luke 15:11-24). The son wandered into a far country, wasted everything, and found himself empty. Yet when he finally came home, his father ran to meet him with compassion. God still extends that same invitation today. He is ready to receive every repentant heart with mercy rather than condemnation.

Jesus declared, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Heaven’s message has always been, “Bring it on home to Me.”

THE HEART OF REPENTANCE

Coming home begins with repentance. Repentance is more than feeling sorry for sin; it is a change of heart that leads to a change of direction. The prodigal did not simply regret his circumstances. He arose and went to his father.

The apostle Peter urged the crowds, “Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out” (Acts 3:19). God never asks us to clean ourselves up before returning. He asks us to come. Christ is the One who cleanses us through His blood.

Many remain far from God because pride keeps them away. They believe they have gone too far or failed too greatly. The cross declares otherwise. Jesus died precisely because sinners could never save themselves. No matter how distant the journey has been, grace is always greater than the miles.

THE JOY OF COMING HOME

There is joy in heaven when one sinner repents (Luke 15:7). God’s desire is not merely to forgive but to restore fellowship. Those who return to Him discover peace, purpose, and hope that cannot be found anywhere else.

The Christian life is not simply about escaping judgment. It is about living in the Father’s house. “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!” (1 John 3:1). What greater home could there be?

Perhaps today you feel far from God. Maybe your heart has wandered, your faith has grown cold, or your burdens seem too heavy to carry. The Lord still calls with open arms. His invitation is filled with grace, and His promise is certain: “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8).

The greatest homecoming is not when someone returns to an earthly house. It is when a sinner returns to the heavenly Father through Jesus Christ. His door remains open, His mercy remains abundant, and His welcome has never changed.

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Prayer

Our Father, thank You for never giving up on those who wander far from You. Thank You for the loving invitation to come home through Jesus Christ.

Give us humble hearts that are quick to repent and willing to return to Your presence. Restore those who have drifted away, strengthen those who are walking with You, and help us share Your invitation with others.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

BDD

BLAST FROM THE PAST

The past has a powerful voice. Sometimes it speaks through memories of joyful seasons, victories, and blessings. At other times, it reminds us of failures, regrets, and moments we wish we could change.

Like an old photograph discovered in a forgotten drawer, the past can suddenly appear before us and awaken emotions we thought were gone.

The child of God must learn that the past is a teacher, not a master. We may learn from yesterday, but we must not become imprisoned by it. Paul declared, “Forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal” (Philippians 3:13-14).

THE LESSONS OF THE PAST

The past carries lessons that can shape our future. God does not desire that we forget His faithfulness or ignore the wisdom gained through experience. Throughout the Bible, God’s people were commanded to remember His works because remembrance strengthens faith.

The Israelites were repeatedly told to remember how the Lord delivered them from Egypt and guided them through the wilderness (Deuteronomy 8:2). Their history was not meant to become a burden but a testimony of God’s power and faithfulness.

Our past failures can also teach us humility. Peter’s denial of Christ was a painful memory, but it became part of the story of his restoration and usefulness. The Lord did not define Peter by his worst moment. He transformed that failure into a deeper devotion (John 21:15-17).

THE DANGER OF THE PAST

While the past can teach us, it can also trap us. Some people live continually looking backward, either longing for former days or carrying guilt from former mistakes. But God does not call us to live in yesterday. He calls us to walk with Him today.

The apostle Paul had a past filled with opposition to Christ and persecution of believers. But after encountering Jesus, he did not remain trapped by his former life. He received God’s mercy and became a faithful servant of the gospel (1 Timothy 1:12-16).

The enemy often tries to use the past as a weapon, reminding us of our failures to convince us that we cannot be useful to God. But the grace of Christ is greater than our history. “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

THE POWER OF A REDEEMED PAST

God specializes in redemption. He does not erase history, but He transforms its meaning. The scars of yesterday can become reminders of His grace. The places where we once fell can become places where we testify of His restoration.

Joseph experienced betrayal, slavery, and injustice, but later recognized God’s hand working through those painful events. He told his brothers that what they meant for evil, God meant for good (Genesis 50:20). The past did not destroy Joseph’s purpose because God was greater than his circumstances.

Every believer has a story. Some chapters contain victories, and some contain failures. But when the story is placed in God’s hands, every chapter can point toward His glory.

The past should be remembered with gratitude, examined with wisdom, and surrendered with faith. We honor God not by pretending yesterday never happened but by trusting Him with everything that has happened. The greatest days of our lives are not behind us when we are walking with Christ. The Lord still writes new chapters for those who belong to Him.

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Prayer

Our gracious Father, thank You for the lessons You have taught us through the past. Help us remember Your faithfulness without becoming trapped by yesterday’s failures or successes.

Give us wisdom to learn, courage to move forward, and faith to trust that Your grace is greater than our history. May our lives bring glory to You today and in the days ahead.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

BDD

Livestream Preaching Times for Tuesday, July 28, 2026

5:30 AM

“The Race Set Before Us”
(Hebrews 12:1)

2:00 PM

“Seeking and Saving”
(Luke 19:10)

6:00 pm

“In the Spirit”
(Romans 8:9-11)

TikTok: @dewaynedunawayministries

All times CST

THE ORDER OF THE COSMOS AND THE LORDSHIP OF JESUS CHRIST

The elegance of natural laws—the way planets move with predictable rhythm, the way gravity binds galaxies, the way mathematics describes creation with astonishing precision—declares a universe not ruled by chance but upheld by Christ Himself.

The Bible says, “In Him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:17).

Not some things.

All things.

The stars in their courses obey Him (Judges 5:20).

The heavens declare His glory (Psalm 19:1).

The very fabric of creation is stitched together by the Word who spoke it into being (John 1:3).

Mankind has marveled at the cosmos as a grand machine, but the word of God reveals the Engineer behind the machine. Christ is not merely the Redeemer of souls. He is the Ruler of stars, the Sustainer of galaxies, the Lord of all dominions and powers (Ephesians 1:21).

Every orbit, every constant, every physical law is a testimony to His sovereignty. “By Him all things were created—visible and invisible” (Colossians 1:16). The macrocosm bows to Him; the microcosm obeys Him.

And the same Christ who governs the galaxies also governs the trembling heart. “He upholds all things by the word of His power” (Hebrews 1:3).

The One who keeps the universe from collapsing keeps you from falling (Jude 24).

The order of creation mirrors the order Christ brings to the believer’s life: purpose replacing chaos (Jeremiah 29:11), peace replacing fear (John 14:27), truth replacing confusion (John 8:32).

The universe is stable because Christ is sovereign. And so is the soul that trusts Him.

Lift your eyes from the disorder of the world to the order of the cosmos, and remember: the same Christ who commands the stars commands your steps (Psalm 37:23).

The heavens preach His majesty; your life can preach His grace.

Trust Him, for “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).

BDD

THE LOGIC OF LIGHT: WHY CHRIST IS THE TRUE ILLUMINATION OF THE MIND

Science tells us that light is the great revealer. It exposes what is hidden, defines what is vague, and makes the universe intelligible.

We marvel at how light, traveling across unimaginable distances, carries the story of the cosmos to our eyes. It is truly a fascinating consideration.

The Bible, however, tells us of a greater Light, One not bound by physics, distance, or time. “In Your light we see light” (Psalm 36:9).

Christ does not merely illuminate the world; He illuminates the soul. Scientist seek understanding through observation; believers seek understanding through Christ. Together they teach us that true clarity comes when the Light of the World shines into the heart (John 8:12).

The gospel reveals what sin obscures, what fear distorts, and what pride blinds. We come to know everything that we need to know through our knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Just as light reveals the structure of galaxies, Christ reveals the structure of our lives, our need, our purpose, our hope. He came to reveal to us everything we need.

“God has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6).

To walk in His light is to see reality as it truly is: God reigning, Christ redeeming, and the Spirit guiding.

The universe is illuminated by stars; the soul is illuminated by Christ.

BDD

PRAYER: THE SOUL’S STEADY CLIMB TOWARD GOD

Prayer is the soul’s steady climb toward God, the holy exercise by which we lay hold of His promises and cast our burdens upon the One who cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). It is not a cold formality, nor a duty performed to quiet the conscience, but the living breath of the renewed heart.

When we pray, we come to the throne of grace where mercy flows freely to the needy (Hebrews 4:16). In prayer, faith stretches itself upon the promises of God and finds them firm beneath its weight, for “the Lord is near to all who call on Him” (Psalm 145:18).

The believer learns that prayer is the key that opens the storehouses of heaven, the channel through which strength is given to the weary and wisdom to the perplexed. God declares, “Call to Me and I will answer you” (Jeremiah 33:3), and again, “Ask, and it will be given to you” (Matthew 7:7).

Prayer lifts the heart above the tumult of the world and anchors it in the unchanging Christ, who ever lives to intercede for His people (Hebrews 7:25).

And yet prayer is far more than asking. It is the expression of our union with Christ. Nothing we do is meant to emanate from ourselves. “He who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him” (1 Corinthians 6:17).

Prayer is the lifting of our eyes to God, the turning of the heart toward the One in whom our life is hidden (Colossians 3:3). It is the continual abiding Christ commanded when He said, “Abide in Me” (John 15:4).

Prayer is something we may study and contemplate for the rest of our lives, for it is the pathway into deeper fellowship with the living Christ. He has promised to hear: “the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears are attentive to their cry” (Psalm 34:15).

Prayer was His idea, His invitation, His gift. Therefore, we obey His call: “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17), until the day our communion becomes sight and our petitions become praise.

BDD

PRAYER: THE WORKSHOP OF TRANSFORMATION

Prayer becomes the place where the Spirit teaches us to see differently, where the eyes of the heart are opened to the supremacy of Jesus in all things. In prayer, the Lord draws us out of the narrow confines of our own understanding and into the vastness of His eternal perspective.

Here, the Spirit shines light upon the hidden motives of the heart, revealing both our need and His sufficiency. Paul prayed, “that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened” (Ephesians 1:18). So prayer becomes the chamber where this enlightenment occurs.

It is here that the illusions of self‑sufficiency are dismantled, and the truth of our dependence is embraced with joy rather than shame. Jesus said, “Apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5), and prayer is the place where this truth ceases to be theory and becomes living reality.

In prayer, the Lord forms within us a new orientation, turning us from our own strength to the sufficiency of His grace. The Spirit gently teaches us to exchange our restless striving for the rest Christ promised (Matthew 11:28).

Prayer is not merely speaking—it is yielding, listening, receiving. It is the place where the heart bows before the Lord and confesses, “Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit” (Zechariah 4:6). In this holy exchange, our weakness becomes the very platform upon which His strength is revealed (2 Corinthians 12:9). For “in Him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28).

Prayer is therefore the workshop of transformation, the holy ground where Christ’s life is imparted, where His mind becomes our mind, and where His purposes begin to govern our steps. It is the place where the Spirit writes the law of Christ upon our hearts (Hebrews 10:16), where desires are purified, where burdens are lifted, and where faith is strengthened to walk in obedience.

Prayer is the furnace where the corpse of self is consumed and the gold of Christlike character emerges. It is the sanctuary where the soul learns to say, “Your will be done” (Matthew 6:10), not as resignation but as joyful surrender.

And in this surrender, the believer discovers that prayer is not an escape from life but the entrance into the life God intended—a life shaped, sustained, and governed by the living Christ.

BDD

DRAW NEAR TO GOD IN PRAYER

Prayer, in its truest essence, is not the mere lifting of words toward heaven, but the deep movement of the heart into the life of Christ Himself. It is the Spirit drawing us out of the noise of our own striving and into the quiet reality of God’s goodness, where repentance becomes not a burden but a response to love.

In prayer, the Lord gently unveils the poverty of our self‑life and invites us into the richness of His Son, who alone is our righteousness, our wisdom, and our peace. We do not come before God to impress Him with our devotion, nor to persuade Him to act, but to be shaped by His presence until our desires reflect His own.

“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8). This drawing near is not a momentary gesture but a continual yielding, a surrender of the inner chambers of the heart to the rule of Christ. It is the soul’s journey out of self‑strength and into the abiding presence of the Lord, where all true communion is born.

We do not pray to inform God, nor to persuade Him, nor to awaken His interest in our condition; rather, prayer is the divine method by which He awakens us—bringing our inner life into alignment with His eternal purpose.

In prayer, the Spirit gently dismantles the illusions we have built around our own sufficiency, and He leads us into that holy ground where Christ becomes our wisdom, our strength, and our breath.

Many believers approach prayer as a duty, but the Lord intends it to be a place of unveiling, where the eyes of the heart are opened to see the supremacy of His Son.

When we pray, we are not merely speaking—we are yielding, listening, receiving.

The Father draws us into fellowship with the risen Christ so that His life may be formed within us, shaping our desires, cleansing our motives, and directing our steps.

Prayer is therefore the battleground where the self‑life is surrendered and the new creation life is strengthened.

It is the quiet chamber where the Spirit whispers the mind of Christ, and where faith is renewed to walk in His victory. To pray is to enter the sanctuary of divine intention, where the Lord works in us that which pleases Him, and where we learn that true power is never found in our effort, but in our union with the living Christ.

BDD

Livestream Preaching Times for Monday, July 27, 2026

5:30 AM

“Reasons to Believe”
(John 20:31)

11:00 AM

“When Shadows Aren’t Enough”
(Hebrews 10:1-4)

6:00 PM

“Kiss the Son: The Call to Surrender and Joy”
(Psalm 2:12)

TikTok: @dewaynedunawayministries

All times CST

UPHELD BY HIS RIGHT HAND

Beloved, when the heart grows faint and the burdens of the day press heavily upon your spirit, remember that the Lord does not abandon those who lean upon Him. The strength He gives is not the brittle courage of human resolve, but the living power of His Spirit working quietly within.

Isaiah 41:10 says God Himself upholds His children with His righteous hand. Therefore, walk forward with steady confidence, knowing that the One who called you is faithful and will not fail to complete His work in you (Philippians 1:6).

BDD

THE INDWELLING CHRIST

The reality of the indwelling Christ is the core mystery and triumph of the Christian faith. It shifts the believer's relationship with God from an external pursuit of a distant deity to an intimate, internal union with a living Person.

As the Apostle Paul boldly declares in Colossians 1:27, this magnificent truth is "Christ in you, the hope of glory."

This dwelling is not a metaphorical sentiment or a temporary emotional high; it is an objective, spiritual recreation. By faith, the human spirit becomes the sanctuary of the living Lord, providing a permanent foundation for identity, security, and eternal purpose that cannot be shaken by the shifting tides of the world.

This internal union serves as the exclusive source of genuine spiritual vitality and transformation. Human effort and legalistic striving are entirely hollow compared to the self-generating power of the divine life within.

In the Gospel of John, Jesus illustrates this absolute dependency through the metaphor of the vine and the branches, stating in John 15:5, "He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing."

When a believer yields to the indwelling Christ, the fruits of righteousness, love, and peace are produced naturally. It is an exchange of lives, beautifully summarized in Galatians 2:20: "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me."

Finally, the presence of the indwelling Christ manifests as an active, empowering force that equips the believer to overcome daily trials and spiritual warfare. Christians do not face the pressures of life using their own depleted reserves, but draw directly from the infinite strength of the Savior residing inside them.

This reality infuses the believer with bold confidence and supernatural resilience against external adversaries. As the Apostle John reassuringly reminds the early church, “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).

BDD

THE PAIN WE BORROW

Much of the pain we carry never actually comes from today’s burdens but from tomorrow’s fears. We borrow trouble from a future that has not yet arrived, filling our minds with “what if” questions and imagining the worst. We worry about problems that may never happen, and in doing so we rob ourselves of the peace God has provided for this very moment.

Jesus lovingly warned against this when He said, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (Matthew 6:34).

The Lord gives grace for today’s needs, not for tomorrow’s imaginary disasters. When tomorrow becomes today, His mercy will already be waiting there.

The Israelites received manna one day at a time, teaching them to depend upon God daily rather than stockpiling for an uncertain future.

Our heavenly Father has not promised to reveal every twist in the road ahead, but He has promised never to leave us nor forsake us.

Instead of borrowing pain from tomorrow, let us borrow hope from God’s promises. His faithfulness has carried His people through every generation, and it will carry us as well.

Trust Him with today’s burdens and leave tomorrow safely in His hands.

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Prayer

Father, forgive me for carrying worries You never intended me to bear. Teach me to trust You one day at a time, resting in Your unfailing care and believing that Your grace will always be enough when I need it. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

BDD

THE TRAIN OF TOMORROW

Many people spend their lives waiting for the train of tomorrow. They tell themselves, “Tomorrow I will follow Christ. Tomorrow I will forgive. Tomorrow I will begin reading my Bible. Tomorrow I will serve the Lord.”

But tomorrow has a way of never arriving.

Yesterday is gone, and tomorrow is only a promise we do not possess.

The only time God has placed into our hands is today. The Bible says, “Boast not yourself of tomorrow; for you do not know what a day may bring forth” (Proverbs 27:1).

Felix trembled as Paul preached of righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, yet he replied, “Go your way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for you” (Acts 24:25). The Bible never records that convenient season arriving.

Every delayed act of obedience is an opportunity surrendered. Every postponed decision hardens the heart a little more.

God’s voice is heard in the present, not in an imagined future.

The train of tomorrow may never pull into the station, but the grace of God is available today. If the Lord is calling you, don’t wait for a better time, better circumstances, or a better version of yourself.

Step aboard by faith now, for “now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2).

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Prayer

Heavenly Father, keep me from putting off what You have called me to do today. Give me a willing heart to obey Your voice immediately and to trust You with the future. Help me to live faithfully one day at a time, knowing that today is Your gift. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

BDD

THE RAIN OF SORROW

Often the clouds seem unwilling to part and the rain of sorrow falls day after day upon the soul. We ask why the skies have grown so dark, yet our heavenly Father never wastes a storm.

The same rain that floods the valley also softens the soil, preparing it to bear fruit that sunshine alone could never produce.

God often accomplishes His deepest work in us through tears rather than triumphs.

Joseph’s prison prepared him for Pharaoh’s palace.

David’s caves prepared him for Israel’s throne.

Even our blessed Lord was called “a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief” (Isaiah 53:3).

If the sinless Son of God walked through suffering, we should not think it strange when our own path becomes difficult. Every tear that falls is known to the Lord, for He “puts my tears into Your bottle” (Psalm 56:8).

The rain will not last forever. In God’s perfect time the clouds will break, the sun of His favor will shine again, and we will discover that what seemed to be a season of loss was, in truth, a season of growth.

Therefore, let us trust Him in the storm as well as in the sunshine, for the same hand that sends the rain also holds the rainbow. “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5).

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Prayer

Gracious Father, when the rain of sorrow falls upon my life, help me to trust Your loving heart even when I cannot understand Your ways. Strengthen my faith, remind me that You never leave Your children, and bring forth lasting fruit from every trial. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

BDD

Livestream Preaching Times for Sunday, July 26, 2026

8:00 AM

“The Cost of Confessing Christ”
(Matthew 10:33-34)

6:00 PM

“The Lord Added to the Church”
(Acts 2:42-47)

TikTok: @dewaynedunawayministries

All times CST

EMMETT TILL

Today marks the 85th anniversary of the birth of Emmett Till a day that should fill our souls with solemn remembrance and humble reflection before the Almighty.

Born into this transient world on July 25, 1941, this young boy was destined to become a tragic beacon, casting a piercing light upon the profound depths of human depravity and the desperate, crying need for divine justice.

When we look upon his brief earthly pilgrimage, we are reminded that the hearts of men, when untamed by the sovereign grace of God, are capable of the darkest cruelties.

Yet, even in the shadow of such monstrous malice, the sprawling providence of God remains unshakeable, turning the ashes of a cut-down youth into a trumpet blast that awakened a slumbering nation’s conscience.

How desperately we must weep when we consider the bitter cup of hatred pressed to the lips of one so young. Like a tender plant ruthlessly uprooted before it could blossom, young Emmett was snatched away by the hands of wicked men whose hearts were hardened by the poison of prejudice. It is a sorrowful truth that the cry of innocent blood rises from the ground, reaching the ears of the Lord, who sits upon the throne of absolute righteousness.

We look at the brokenness of Tallahatchie County not merely as a failure of earthly tribunals, but as a stark demonstration of man's fallen nature apart from the renewing power of the Holy Spirit. It forces us to our knees, crying out for that heavenly mercy which alone can wash away the deep, crimson stains of our collective transgressions.

Yet, let us not despond as those who have no hope, for our God is a master weaver who takes the tangled, severed threads of human tragedy and spins them into a tapestry of ultimate deliverance. The courageous resolve of a grieving mother, who chose to let the world behold the brutalized visage of her only son, became a catalyst for an unstoppable march toward righteousness.

It was as though the Lord took that closed, darkened grave and burst it wide open to expose the rotting sins of a generation, demanding that justice roll down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream. What the enemy intended for absolute destruction, the Sovereign Ruler of the universe used to kindle a holy fire for freedom that could never be quenched by the waters of oppression.

As we commemorate this day, let every believer examine his own heart under the searching light of God’s immutable Word. Let us not merely condemn the sins of the past while harboring the subtle roots of bitterness, pride, or apathy in our own bosoms today.

We must look forward to that glorious day when the true Judge of all the earth shall make all things new, where every tear shall be wiped away, and where hatred shall be utterly swallowed up in the victory of divine love.

Until that trumpet sounds, let us labor with unceasing zeal to stand for the oppressed, to speak for the voiceless, and to point a broken world to the cross of Christ, where alone true reconciliation, perfect justice, and everlasting peace are achieved.

BDD

WARNING LABELS

A warning label is a small message designed to protect us from danger. We see them on medicine bottles, electrical equipment, and hazardous materials.

A wise person does not ignore a warning simply because it is inconvenient. A warning exists because someone understands a danger that may not be immediately visible.

In the same way, God’s word contains warnings because the Lord loves us and desires to protect us from the destructive consequences of sin. “My son, hear the instruction of your father, and do not forsake the law of your mother” (Proverbs 1:8).

THE PURPOSE OF WARNINGS

Warnings are not given to remove joy but to preserve life. A guardrail on a mountain road does not exist to limit the traveler. It exists to keep the traveler from destruction. God’s commands function in the same way. His wisdom protects us from paths that lead to sorrow.

The Lord warned Adam and Eve about the forbidden tree because He knew the consequences of disobedience (Genesis 2:16-17). The command was not an expression of God’s cruelty but of His love. Every divine warning reveals that God cares enough to tell us the truth.

Jesus often warned His followers about spiritual dangers. He warned against hypocrisy, greed, false teachers, and unbelief because He desired His disciples to remain faithful (Matthew 16:6; Luke 12:15). The warnings of Christ are not meant to frighten His people away from Him but to keep them close to Him.

THE DANGER OF IGNORING WARNINGS

A warning only helps those who pay attention. Many tragedies occur because people dismiss the signs placed before them. Spiritually, the same is true. A person may hear God’s warnings repeatedly yet continue walking toward danger.

The Israelites provide many examples of this. They witnessed God’s power, received His guidance, and experienced His blessings, yet many hardened their hearts through unbelief and disobedience (Hebrews 3:7-12). Their history serves as a reminder that spiritual privileges do not replace spiritual faithfulness.

The greatest danger is not that we fail to hear God’s word. The greatest danger is hearing it and refusing to obey. James compared the person who hears God’s word but does not practice it to someone who looks into a mirror and forgets what he saw (James 1:22-24).

THE BLESSING OF FOLLOWING WARNINGS

The person who listens to God’s warnings discovers that obedience brings protection and peace. God’s instructions are not burdens placed upon us but guidance from a loving Father. “The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple” (Psalms 19:7).

A wise traveler appreciates warning signs because they reveal the safe path. A wise Christian appreciates God’s warnings because they reveal the path of life. The Lord corrects those He loves, and His discipline is evidence of His fatherly care (Hebrews 12:5-6).

The greatest warning in the Bible is the reality of standing before God in judgment. Yet the greatest promise is that those who come to Christ find forgiveness and eternal life. Jesus came not only to warn us about sin but to rescue us from its power.

Let us not ignore the warning labels God has placed throughout His word. Let us read them carefully, receive them humbly, and obey them faithfully. The God who warns us is the God who loves us, and every command He gives is for our eternal good.

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Prayer

Our loving Father, give us humble hearts that listen to Your warnings.

Keep us from becoming careless or hardened toward Your truth. Help us receive Your correction as an expression of Your love and guide us away from every path that leads to harm.

May we walk faithfully in the wisdom of Your word and remain close to Jesus Christ.

In His name, Amen.

BDD

MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS

The phrase “mind your own business” is often used in a negative way, as if it means ignoring others or refusing to care. But when understood through the wisdom of God’s word, it carries an important spiritual lesson.

There is a difference between loving concern and sinful interference. God calls us to bear one another’s burdens, yet He also calls us to examine our own lives and faithfully fulfill our own responsibilities. Wisdom knows when to help and when to step back.

Paul gave a practical command to believers in Thessalonica: “That you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands” (1 Thessalonians 4:11). This was not a call to selfishness. It was a call to live responsibly, avoid unnecessary conflict, and focus on the work God has given us.

THE DISCIPLINE OF SELF-EXAMINATION

Before we attempt to correct others, we must first examine ourselves. Human nature often makes us quick to notice the faults of others while overlooking our own weaknesses. Jesus warned about removing the plank from our own eye before trying to remove the speck from our brother’s eye (Matthew 7:3-5).

A humble person understands that personal growth begins with self-examination. David prayed, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties” (Psalms 139:23-24). The wise believer spends more time asking God to change his own heart than criticizing the hearts of others.

THE DANGER OF MEDDLING

There is a temptation to become overly concerned with matters that God has not assigned to us. Unnecessary involvement in the affairs of others can produce gossip, division, and frustration. Peter warned believers not to suffer as a “busybody in other people’s matters” (1 Peter 4:15).

A person who constantly watches the lives of others may neglect the responsibilities God has placed before him. Jesus corrected Peter when he became concerned about another disciple’s future. The Lord told him, “What is that to you? You follow Me” (John 21:21-22). Sometimes the most spiritual thing we can do is faithfully follow Christ in our own calling.

THE DUTY OF LOVING SERVICE

Minding our own business does not mean ignoring people in need. Christianity is not built on isolation but on love. We are commanded to bear one another’s burdens and restore those who have fallen (Galatians 6:1-2). The question is not whether we should care about others, but whether we care in the right way.

Love does not gossip about another person’s struggles. Love prays, helps, encourages, and restores. Love does not seek control over others. Love seeks their good. The servant of Christ learns to balance compassion with wisdom.

A mature believer understands that God has given each person a stewardship. We must faithfully manage our own lives while showing kindness toward others. We are responsible for our choices, our attitudes, and our obedience to the Lord.

The world would be better if people spent less time judging others and more time seeking God’s will for themselves. When we faithfully mind the business God has given us, we become more useful in His kingdom and more gracious toward those around us.

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Prayer

Our Father, give us wisdom to know when to speak and when to remain silent, when to help and when to step back. Help us examine our own hearts before judging others.

Teach us to love people with compassion while faithfully carrying the responsibilities You have given us. May our lives reflect the humility and grace of Jesus Christ.

In His name, Amen.

BDD