THE SERVICE OF LOVE

There is a vast difference between serving because we must and serving because we love. Duty may move the hands, but only love moves the heart.

The Christian life was never intended to be a cold routine of religious obligations. It is the joyful response of a soul that has been overwhelmed by the grace of God. We do not labor in order to earn His favor. We labor because we have already received it. “We love Him because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19).

Love transforms even the smallest act into an offering of worship. A cup of cold water given in Christ’s name. A kind word spoken to the discouraged. A visit to someone who is lonely. A prayer whispered for a hurting friend. These may appear insignificant in the eyes of the world, yet heaven measures them differently.

God is not merely looking at what we do. He is looking at why we do it. Love gives eternal value to ordinary acts of service (Matthew 25:40).

The greatest example of loving service is found in Jesus Himself. Though He was Lord of all, He wrapped a towel around His waist and washed the feet of His disciples. The Creator knelt before His creation. The King became a Servant. He did not seek recognition, applause, or earthly reward. His delight was in doing the Father’s will and blessing others.

Then He said, “I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you” (John 13:15). Every believer is called to wear that same towel of humility.

The apostle Paul understood this truth well. He urged believers, “Through love serve one another” (Galatians 5:13). Service without love soon becomes exhausting. It turns into obligation, frustration, and eventually resentment.

But when love fills the heart, service becomes a privilege rather than a burden. Love supplies the strength that duty alone can never produce. It enables us to continue giving even when no one notices and to keep helping even when there is no earthly reward.

The church shines brightest when her members serve one another with genuine affection. Every encouraging word strengthens a weary brother. Every act of generosity reflects the heart of Christ. Every sacrifice made for another believer becomes a testimony that Jesus is alive within His people.

The world may argue against our sermons, but it struggles to argue against sincere acts of Christlike love. Jesus declared that all people would know His disciples by their love for one another (John 13:35).

One day our opportunities to serve will come to an end. The hands that now comfort, give, teach, and encourage will one day rest. While we have time, let us gladly spend ourselves for others. Let us serve quietly, faithfully, and joyfully, not to build our own reputation but to magnify the Savior who first served us by giving His life upon the cross.

The service of love is never wasted. Every unseen act is remembered by God, and every labor done for Christ echoes into eternity (Hebrews 6:10).

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Prayer: Father, fill my heart with such a deep love for You that serving others becomes my greatest joy. Keep me from serving for recognition or praise. Teach me to follow the humble example of Jesus and to gladly spend my life for the good of others and the glory of Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

BDD

THE WOODS ARE HEAVY

There is an old saying among outdoorsmen: “The woods are heavy.” It describes those moments before a storm when the air is thick, the silence is unsettling. When everything seems to be waiting for what is about to come.

Spiritually, there are days when the soul feels that same heaviness. We wake up with a burden we cannot explain. Our feet still move, but our spirit struggles to keep pace. “The spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness, but who can bear a broken spirit?” (Proverbs 18:14). A wounded spirit is heavier than any load the body will ever carry.

The devil knows this. He cannot steal our salvation, but he will gladly try to steal our courage. He whispers that tomorrow will be no different than today. He magnifies every failure and minimizes every blessing.

Before long, the woods seem darker than they really are.

The child of God must therefore remember that feelings are not facts. Clouds may hide the sun, but they never extinguish it. God’s promises remain just as true in the darkness as they are in the daylight. “Why are you cast down, O my soul? Hope in God” (Psalm 42:11).

The Lord specializes in restoring wounded spirits. David cried, “He restores my soul” (Psalm 23:3).

Elijah collapsed beneath the juniper tree believing his work was finished, but God gently fed him, let him rest, spoke to him in a still small voice, and sent him back into service (1 Kings 19:4-8, 11-13).

Peter wept bitterly after denying Christ, yet the risen Savior sought him out, forgave him, and recommissioned him to feed the flock (John 21:15-17). God does not throw away broken people. He restores them.

Sometimes the woods are heavy because God is teaching us to lean instead of merely walk. As long as we feel strong, we are tempted to trust ourselves. But when our strength is gone, His strength becomes enough.

The Apostle Paul learned this lesson when the Lord told him, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). The very burden we wish God would remove may become the instrument He uses to draw us nearer to Himself.

If your woods are heavy today, do not stop walking. The Shepherd is already ahead of you on the trail. Every step taken by faith is a step taken with Him. The storm will pass. The silence will break. The sun will shine through the trees again.

Until then, lift your eyes higher than the forest. The One who made the trees also rules the storm.

“Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31).

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Prayer

Father, when my spirit is wounded and the woods seem heavy, remind me that You are near. Restore my soul, strengthen my heart, and help me trust Your promises more than my emotions. Carry me when I cannot carry myself, and lead me safely until the light breaks through the trees. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

BDD

THE FAITH OF THE SON OF GOD

One of the most beautiful truths of the Gospel is that the Christian life is not merely about our faith in Christ. It is also sustained by the faithfulness of Christ Himself. Paul declared, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. And the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). Our hope rests not in the strength of our grip on Jesus, but in the strength of His grip on us.

Jesus lived a life of perfect trust and flawless obedience to the Father. Where Adam failed, Christ succeeded. Where Israel stumbled, Christ remained faithful. Every temptation was met with unwavering confidence in the Father’s will. Every step He took was marked by obedience, even to the point of the cross (Philippians 2:8). His perfect faithfulness accomplished the righteousness we could never achieve on our own.

When we come to Christ, His life becomes our life. We are united with Him in His death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:4-5). The old self no longer rules us. Christ now lives within us by His Spirit. Our daily walk is no longer powered by self-effort but by dependence upon the One who never fails. The Christian life is not self-improvement. It is Christ expressing His life through surrendered believers.

This truth is deeply comforting when our own faith feels weak. We all experience moments of doubt, fear, and exhaustion. Yet our salvation does not stand upon the perfection of our faith but upon the perfection of our Savior. He remains faithful because He cannot deny Himself (2 Timothy 2:13). He who began a good work in us will carry it to completion (Philippians 1:6). His faithfulness steadies us when our hearts are trembling.

Live today with confidence, not because you are strong, but because Christ is. The Son of God loved you. The Son of God gave Himself for you. The Son of God lives in you. His faithful life is the source of your strength, your endurance, and your hope until the day you see Him face to face.

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Prayer

Father, thank You that my confidence is found in Jesus Christ and His perfect faithfulness. Help me to stop relying on my own strength and to rest in the life of Your Son within me. May His love, His obedience, and His power be seen in everything I do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

BDD

THE OPEN DOOR OF OBEDIENCE

Many people spend their lives waiting for God to reveal His grand plan while overlooking the simple commands He has already given. We pray for open doors, clearer direction, and greater opportunities, while the Lord often guides us one obedient step at a time. The next chapter of our lives frequently begins with faithfulness in the present one. God’s will is rarely discovered by standing still. It is found by walking in obedience (James 1:22).

When Abraham was called to leave his homeland, he did not receive a detailed map of every stop along the journey. He simply obeyed. As he walked by faith, God continued to direct his steps (Hebrews 11:8). The Lord delights in leading those who trust Him enough to move forward, even when they cannot see the entire road ahead. Obedience today opens doors for tomorrow.

We often ask God for more light when we have not yet responded to the light He has already given. If He tells us to forgive, we should forgive. If He tells us to serve, we should serve. If He tells us to share the gospel, we should speak. The blessings of God are often waiting on the other side of simple obedience. “If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them” (John 13:17).

Every act of obedience strengthens our faith. Every surrendered decision deepens our fellowship with Christ. We may not understand why God leads us in a certain direction, but we can trust the One who never makes a mistake. The Lord is more interested in forming our character than satisfying our curiosity. As we follow Him faithfully, He orders our steps and accomplishes His purpose through our lives (Psalm 37:23).

Do not wait for perfect conditions before obeying God. Take the next faithful step. Open the Bible. Offer the prayer. Make the phone call. Extend forgiveness. Share the good news of Jesus. The God who opens doors also walks beside those who enter them by faith.

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Prayer

Father, give me a heart that obeys without hesitation. Help me to trust You even when I cannot see the whole path. Teach me to be faithful in the small things, knowing that You are directing every step for Your glory and my good. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

BDD

COURAGE THAT CANNOT BE SILENCED

The Gospel has never advanced because God’s people had favorable circumstances. It has always advanced because ordinary men and women were filled with extraordinary courage. The first Christians did not ask God to remove every obstacle from their path. They asked Him to make them faithful in the middle of those obstacles.

When the world tries to silence the message of Jesus Christ, the Spirit of God gives His people a voice that cannot be muted (Acts 4:29-31).

Peter and John stood before the very leaders who had condemned Jesus only weeks before. They had been arrested, questioned, and threatened. And they still refused to soften the message. They proclaimed that Jesus Christ, rejected by men, is the chief Cornerstone chosen by God.

Then Peter declared one of the greatest truths in all of Scripture. “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). The world offers countless paths and philosophies, but only Jesus saves.

The religious leaders were astonished by the boldness of these uneducated fishermen. They could threaten them, intimidate them, and command them to stop preaching, but they could not erase what Christ had done in their lives.

Peter and John answered with unforgettable conviction. “We cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20). A heart that has truly encountered the risen Christ cannot remain silent. Genuine faith always finds a voice.

After their release, the believers did not gather to complain or surrender to fear. They gathered to pray. They did not ask God for easier lives. They asked Him for greater boldness. The Lord answered immediately. The place where they were assembled was shaken, they were filled again with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with even greater confidence (Acts 4:31).

Prayer transformed fearful hearts into fearless witnesses.

The same Spirit who empowered the early church still strengthens believers today. Boldness is not arrogance. It is humble confidence rooted in the truth of God’s Word and the presence of God’s Spirit.

When Christ is faithfully proclaimed, opposition may come. But when God’s people respond with prayer instead of panic, He supplies fresh courage for every challenge. A praying church will always be a powerful church.

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Prayer

Father, give us courage that cannot be silenced. Help us to proclaim Jesus without fear, to answer opposition with grace, and to seek Your strength through prayer. Fill us afresh with Your Spirit so our lives point others to the only Savior, Jesus Christ. In His name, Amen.

BDD

Livestream Preaching Times for Thursday, August 6, 2026

5:30 AM

“The Living Word”
(Hebrews 4:12)

2:00 PM

“Christ The End of the Law”
(Romans 10:1-4)

6:00 pm

“The Silence Before the Storm”
(Revelation 8)

TikTok: @dewaynedunawayministries

All times CST

THE BODY OF CHRIST AND THE MANY TRADITIONS OF MEN

The church that Jesus promised to build is not identified by a human name, a denominational structure, or an earthly institution. Jesus declared, “I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18).

The church belongs to Christ because He purchased it with His own blood (Acts 20:28).

Yet throughout history, human beings have organized themselves into various denominations, movements, and traditions in an attempt to preserve truth, express faith, and provide order. These structures may contain elements of wisdom and devotion, but they remain human arrangements rather than the church that Christ Himself established.

The word “denomination” itself suggests division. To denominate is to give something a name or classification, and over time Christians have attached many names to groups separated by differences in doctrine, practice, tradition, or interpretation. Paul warned the Corinthians about divisions among believers, asking, “Is Christ divided?” (1 Corinthians 1:13).

His concern was not merely that people disagreed; his concern was that allegiance to human leaders and parties could obscure the unity found in Christ. When believers identify themselves by human systems rather than their relationship to Jesus, they risk elevating what man has built above what God has revealed.

However, recognizing that denominations are human inventions does not mean denying that God has worked through individuals within them. Throughout history, faithful men and women have loved Scripture, served the poor, proclaimed the gospel, defended truth, and lived holy lives while being connected to various religious traditions.

The presence of God’s work among people does not necessarily validate every structure they belong to, just as God worked through individuals in Israel despite the failures of many leaders. The treasure is found not in the container but in the truth and faithfulness that God produces within His people.

The challenge for every Christian tradition is to continually examine itself by the standard of God’s Word. Jesus warned the religious leaders of His day, “Thus you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition” (Matthew 15:6). Tradition can preserve valuable lessons from the past, but tradition becomes dangerous when it takes the place of Scripture. The question is not whether something is old or new, traditional or contemporary. The question is whether it faithfully reflects the will of God.

Some believe the answer is to reform existing religious institutions, seeking to restore biblical faithfulness within established structures. Others believe the answer is to return to the simplicity of the New Testament church by leaving behind later developments and human traditions. Both approaches contain challenges.

Reform requires humility because those seeking change must recognize their own weaknesses and avoid the pride of believing they alone possess all truth. Restoration requires humility because those seeking to return to the original pattern must remember that they too are capable of creating traditions and mistakes.

Jesus Himself demonstrated both confrontation and compassion. He confronted religious corruption in the temple when He drove out those who had turned His Father’s house into a marketplace (John 2:13-16). Yet He also patiently taught, corrected, and called people within the religious environment of His day to return to God. He did not abandon the Scriptures because some misused them, nor did He accept human traditions simply because they were widely practiced.

The ultimate solution is not found in creating the perfect human organization. Every structure created by people will contain human weaknesses. The answer is found in returning continually to Christ, who is “the head of the body, the church” (Colossians 1:18). The church is not sustained by human wisdom, institutional power, or denominational loyalty. It is sustained by the Lord who promised, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).

The goal of every believer should not merely be to defend a tradition but to seek the truth, follow Christ, and live as part of His body. Human labels may separate people, but Jesus prayed for His followers “that they all may be one” (John 17:21).

The closer we draw to Christ, the closer we will come to one another. The church is not ultimately defined by the names men have created, but by the Savior who gave Himself for it.

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Prayer

Lord Jesus, help us to honor Your church above all human traditions and to seek Your will above our own preferences. Give us humility to recognize where we have followed human wisdom instead of Your Word. May we always remember that You alone are the Head of the church and that our greatest identity is found in belonging to You. Amen.

BDD

THE FOUNTAIN THAT NEVER RUNS DRY

“In that day a fountain shall be opened for the house of David and for the inhabitants of Jerusalem, for sin and for uncleanness” (Zechariah 13:1).

The Bible begins in a garden where sin entered the world, but it points us to a fountain where sin can be washed away. Zechariah looked far beyond his own generation and saw the day when God would open a fountain unlike any the world had ever known. This was not a fountain of water flowing from the earth. It was the cleansing stream that would flow from the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. What no amount of human effort could accomplish, God’s grace would provide (Zechariah 13:1).

The fountain is freely opened. God did not ask sinners to dig their own well or earn their own cleansing. He opened the fountain Himself. Salvation is God’s initiative from beginning to end. Christ came seeking those who were lost, and His invitation remains open to everyone who will come in faith. The water of life is offered without price because Jesus paid the full cost at Calvary (Isaiah 55:1; Revelation 22:17).

The fountain fully cleanses. Zechariah says it is opened “for sin and for uncleanness.” There is no stain too deep, no guilt too heavy, and no past too shameful for the blood of Christ to cleanse. When God forgives, He does not merely cover our sins for a season. He removes them completely and remembers them no more. The conscience that was burdened with guilt can rest because the sacrifice of Christ is sufficient forever (1 John 1:7; Hebrews 10:22).

The fountain forever flows. Unlike earthly fountains that may dry up in times of drought, this fountain never loses its power. Generation after generation, sinners have come to Christ and found mercy. Millions have been washed, yet the fountain has never diminished. Its cleansing power is as effective today as it was when Jesus cried, “It is finished.” Every believer may return daily, not for a new sacrifice, but to enjoy the ongoing fellowship and cleansing that Christ provides (John 19:30; 1 John 1:9).

The fountain of Zechariah is still open today. Its waters are not reserved for the worthy but for the needy. Those who come empty leave forgiven. Those who come guilty leave justified. Those who come defiled leave clean. The fountain still flows because the Savior still lives.

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Prayer

Father, thank You for opening a fountain that can wash away every sin. Help me never to trust in my own goodness, but only in the finished work of Jesus Christ. May I rejoice daily in the cleansing You have provided and point others to this life-giving fountain. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

BDD

WAITING ON GOD

Waiting is one of the hardest disciplines in the Christian life. We naturally want immediate answers, quick solutions, and instant results. Throughout the Bible, God often accomplishes His greatest work while His people are waiting. Waiting is not wasted time. It is preparation time. Those who learn to wait upon the Lord discover that His timing is always wiser than their own (Isaiah 40:31).

Waiting develops patience. God seldom works according to our schedule because He is more interested in shaping our character than satisfying our calendar. Every delay becomes an opportunity to trust Him more deeply. Patience is not simply enduring time. It is confidently believing that God is at work even when we cannot yet see His hand (James 1:2–4).

Waiting deepens perspective. When we rush ahead of God, we often see only the next step. When we wait on Him, He begins to reveal the bigger picture. Circumstances that once seemed confusing start to make sense through the lens of His wisdom. We remember that His thoughts are higher than our thoughts and His ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9). Waiting teaches us to exchange our limited viewpoint for His eternal perspective.

Waiting strengthens perseverance. Every season of waiting builds spiritual endurance. Like an eagle riding the currents instead of exhausting itself by frantic flapping, the believer learns to depend upon God’s strength instead of his own. Those who wait on the Lord find fresh courage to keep serving, keep praying, and keep believing. They discover that God’s power is renewed daily for those who rely upon Him (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Waiting on God is never passive. It is active faith. It is praying while we wait, obeying while we wait, worshiping while we wait, and trusting while we wait. The God who asks us to wait is the same God who has never failed to keep a promise. His delays are never denials. They are often His loving preparation for something greater than we imagined.

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Prayer: Father, teach me to trust Your timing when I cannot understand Your ways. Give me patience while I wait, perspective through every delay, and perseverance to remain faithful until Your purposes are fulfilled. Help me rest in the confidence that You are always working for Your glory and my good. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

BDD

THE SECOND MILE

The Christian life is not measured by doing the minimum. Anyone can do what is expected. Jesus calls His followers to something far greater. He invites us to live beyond obligation and into generosity, beyond duty and into delight. The second mile is where the character of Christ shines brightest, because it is there that love triumphs over selfishness (Matthew 5:41–42).

The second mile requires a surrendered spirit. The first mile may be forced upon us, but the second mile is always voluntary. We cannot control every inconvenience, insult, or interruption that comes our way, but we can control our response. A heart surrendered to Christ no longer asks, “How little can I do?” Instead it asks, “How much can I do to glorify God?” When our will is yielded to His, inconveniences become opportunities to display His grace (Romans 12:1).

The second mile reveals a serving heart. Jesus did not merely teach service. He embodied it. He washed the feet of His disciples, welcomed the outcast, touched the leper, and ultimately laid down His life for sinners (Mark 10:45). Every act of cheerful service points people to Him. Whether helping a neighbor, encouraging a discouraged friend, or giving generously to someone in need, we are reflecting the heart of our Savior. The world expects kindness only when it is deserved. Christians practice kindness because they have received undeserved mercy (Ephesians 4:32).

The second mile produces a shining testimony. People notice those who consistently do more than expected without complaining. Employers notice it. Families notice it. Churches notice it. Most importantly, unbelievers notice it. Our willingness to forgive, serve, and sacrifice often speaks louder than our words. As Jesus taught, we are to let our light shine before others so they may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16). The second mile often becomes the bridge over which the gospel travels.

The world says, “Do only what benefits you.” Jesus says, “Go another mile.” The world demands its rights. Christ teaches us to demonstrate His righteousness. Every second mile we walk becomes another opportunity to become more like Jesus and to show a weary world that His love is real.

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Prayer: Father, teach me to go beyond what is expected. Give me a surrendered spirit, a serving heart, and a shining testimony. Help me to walk the second mile with joy, knowing that every step is an opportunity to honor Christ and bless others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

BDD

THE MESSENGER OF THE COVENANT

“Behold, I send My messenger, and he will prepare the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple, even the Messenger of the Covenant, in whom you delight. Behold, He is coming,” says the LORD of hosts. (Malachi 3:1)

Malachi’s prophecy contains one of the most remarkable statements in all of the Old Testament. The prophet speaks of two figures who would appear: first, “My messenger,” who would prepare the way, and then “the Lord” Himself, who is identified as “the Messenger of the Covenant.”

The first messenger points to John the Baptist, who came “preaching in the wilderness of Judea” and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” (Matthew 3:1-2). He was the voice of one crying in the wilderness, “Prepare the way of the LORD; make His paths straight” (Matthew 3:3; Isaiah 40:3).

But the greater figure in Malachi’s prophecy is the One whose coming John announced. He is called “the Messenger of the Covenant.” The Hebrew word translated messenger is malak, meaning a messenger or one sent with a commission.

The same word is often used for angels, but it can also refer to human messengers or divine representatives. Here, the context points beyond a created messenger. This Messenger does not merely announce the covenant; He Himself is the One through whom God’s covenant promises are fulfilled.

The covenant spoken of throughout the Bible was not merely an agreement between God and man; it was a divine promise reaching back through generations. God made covenant promises with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He promised Abraham, “In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed” (Genesis 22:18). The apostle Paul later explained that this promise ultimately pointed to Christ: “Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made” and that Seed “who is Christ” (Galatians 3:16).

The Messenger of the Covenant came as the fulfillment of every promise God had made. He did not come to establish a temporary arrangement but to bring the covenant that Jeremiah had foretold: “I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah” (Jeremiah 31:31).

This covenant would not be written merely on tablets of stone but upon the hearts of God’s people. Through Jesus Christ, God’s promises would move from external commands to inward transformation.

The coming of this Messenger was also connected with the glory of God’s temple. Malachi declared, “The Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple.” When Jesus was brought to the temple as an infant, the aged Simeon recognized that he was seeing the fulfillment of God’s promise. He took Jesus in his arms and said, “My eyes have seen Your salvation” (Luke 2:30).

Later, Jesus Himself entered the temple and declared, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up” (John 2:19). John explains that He was speaking of “the temple of His body” (John 2:21).

The Messenger of the Covenant did not simply come to a building made of stone; He came to establish a people who would become God’s dwelling place. Paul wrote, “Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16). Through Christ, God was no longer revealing His presence through one physical location, but through a redeemed people who belong to Him.

Malachi’s prophecy also carries a warning: “But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner’s fire and like launderer’s soap” (Malachi 3:2). The Messenger of the Covenant came with grace, but He also came with a mission of purification. He came to cleanse His people from sin and prepare them to serve God.

This purification was accomplished through His sacrifice. The writer of Hebrews declared that Christ is “the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant” (Hebrews 9:15). Unlike the sacrifices offered repeatedly under the old covenant, Jesus offered Himself once for all. His blood became “the blood of the new covenant” (Matthew 26:28).

The Messenger of the Covenant who was promised by the prophets is the same Jesus who was revealed in the Gospels, who died on the cross, who rose from the grave, and who now reigns as Lord. He is not merely a messenger from God; He is God’s ultimate message to humanity.

As the writer of Hebrews declared, “God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son” (Hebrews 1:1-2).

The question before us is not whether God has spoken. He has spoken through His Son. The question is whether we will listen. The Messenger of the Covenant has come, and He still calls people into the relationship with God that He came to establish. Those who come to Him find forgiveness, hope, and the fulfillment of every promise God has made.

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Prayer

Lord Jesus, You are the Messenger of the Covenant, the fulfillment of God’s promises and the hope of the nations. Help us to see Your glory, trust Your word, and walk faithfully in the covenant You established through Your sacrifice. May our hearts be purified and our lives become a dwelling place for Your presence. Amen.

BDD

ARE THE GOOD TIMES REALLY OVER?

Merle Haggard’s song title, “Are the Good Times Really Over (I Wish a Buck Was Still Silver),” captures something weary in the human spirit: the longing for a better time. Many people look back on the past and remember days when life seemed simpler, families seemed closer, and the world seemed more stable. The question behind the song is one that every generation eventually asks: “Have we lost something that we will never get back?”

There is a truth in nostalgia. God created us with memories, and some memories are precious gifts. The Bible often tells us to remember—to remember God’s faithfulness, His mighty works, and the lessons learned from the past.

But the word also warns us that looking backward can become a trap. The Israelites remembered Egypt and forgot the slavery they endured. They longed for the food of the past while ignoring the bondage they had escaped.

The apostle Paul understood the danger of living in yesterday. He wrote in Philippians 3:13-14, “Forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead.”

While memories of the past can be valuable, God never called us to live there. The past can teach us, encourage us, and remind us of His faithfulness, but it cannot be our permanent dwelling place. When we constantly compare today with yesterday, we can miss the blessings God has placed before us right now.

Jesus said in Matthew 6:34, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” God gives us grace for today, not yesterday’s struggles or tomorrow’s uncertainties.

The Christian life is lived in the present moment with faith and trust in God. Each day is an opportunity to serve, love, forgive, grow, and draw closer to Him.

We honor the past by learning from it, but we glorify God by faithfully living in the present and trusting Him with the future. The good days God wants to give us are not only behind us; they can also be found in the opportunities He places before us today.

BDD

Livestream Preaching Times for Wednesday, August 5, 2026

2:00 PM

“Forgetting the Past”
(Philippians 3:13)

4:00 pm

“The Sway of the Wicked One”
(1 John 5:19)

TikTok: @dewaynedunawayministries

All times CST

DEWAYNE DUNAWAY MINISTRIES CONFERENCE 2026

September 19–20, 2026

A Weekend of Fellowship, Worship, Bible Study, and Encouragement

Join us for a special weekend as believers gather for worship, Bible teaching, Christian fellowship, and ministry encouragement. Whether you have followed the ministry for years or are joining us for the first time, we would love to have you with us for this family-centered conference.

Saturday, September 19

8:00–9:00 AM
Coffee and Fellowship
Arrive anytime during this hour.

9:00–10:00 AM
Praise and Worship

10:00–11:00 AM
Bible Message by Dewayne Dunaway

11:00 AM–12:00 PM
Ministry Update, Vision, Announcements, and Open Discussion

12:00–2:00 PM

Fellowship Lunch
Lunch will be provided.

2:00-5:00 PM
Free Time
Rest or explore the local area.

5:00–6:00 PM
Dewayne Dunaway Ministries Sermon Livestream

6:00–9:00 PM
Family Fun Night

• Talent Show

• Christian Comedy

• Ministry Fellowship

• Congregational Vote on the New Pastor

9:00 PM
Closing Song and Prayer

Sunday, September 20

10:00 AM
Livestream Bible Study with Indian Oaks Church

11:00 AM
Sunday Morning Assembly at Indian Oaks Church

12:00 PM
Fellowship Lunch (Provided)

1:00–2:00 PM
Conference Closing Session and Farewell

Everyone is welcome! There is no charge for the conference! No collections will be taken.

Come for a weekend of biblical teaching, meaningful fellowship, worship, and encouragement as we grow together in Christ. We look forward to seeing you in September!

We would love to have you join us! Please let us know if you plan to attend so we can prepare accordingly.

Location:
Indian Oaks Christian Church
Anniston, Alabama

For more information or to RSVP:
Bryan Dewayne Dunaway
Phone: (256) 848-4217
Email: dewaynedunawayministries@gmail.com

PRAYING FOR THOSE IN AUTHORITY

“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.” ( 1 Timothy 2:1-2)

One of the greatest responsibilities of a believer is also one of the easiest to overlook: praying for those who lead us. On August 4, as we reflect on the life and presidency of Barack Obama on his birthday, we are reminded of a timeless biblical truth that applies to every leader, regardless of political party, personal opinions, or differences in perspective. God does not command Christians to pray only for leaders they admire or agree with. It commands us to pray for all who are in authority.

The early Christians understood this command in a world where many rulers did not honor God. When the Apostle Paul wrote these words to Timothy, the Roman Empire was not governed by leaders who shared Christian beliefs. Paul still instructed believers to pray for them. Prayer was not a statement of political approval; it was an act of spiritual obedience. Christians pray because God is sovereign over every nation and every authority.

It is easy to criticize those in leadership. Human beings naturally notice failures, mistakes, and weaknesses. But prayer changes the way we view people. When we pray for leaders, we remember that they are human beings who need wisdom, guidance, humility, and strength. Those who carry great responsibility also carry great burdens that many people never see.

The Bible says in Proverbs 21:1, “The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.” Earthly leaders may make decisions, but God remains the ultimate ruler over history. Nations rise and fall, administrations change, and political movements come and go, but the Lord’s purposes continue.

Jesus also taught His followers to have a different spirit from the world. Instead of responding to those with whom we disagree with hatred or contempt, we are called to pray. “Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). If we are called to pray for enemies, surely we can pray for those who hold different views than we do.

Prayer for leaders should not be limited to asking God to make them agree with us. We should pray that God grants them wisdom to make righteous decisions, courage to do what is right, compassion for those they serve, and humility to recognize their dependence upon Him. A nation is blessed when its leaders seek truth and justice, and a church is strengthened when its people faithfully intercede.

The Christian’s greatest citizenship is in heaven, but while we live on earth, we have a responsibility to be people of prayer. We may not sit in positions of power, but we can enter the throne room of God on behalf of those who do. A praying people can influence the world in ways that political power never can.

As followers of Christ, our response to every leader should begin with prayer. We can discuss policies, evaluate decisions, and hold convictions, but we must never forget the higher calling to love and intercede. The world often responds to leaders with anger or praise, but God’s people are called to respond with prayer.

BDD

LEAVING A LEGACY

“A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous.” — Proverbs 13:22

Every leader eventually becomes a chapter in the pages of history. Presidents, kings, and public figures all leave behind a record of decisions, words, and actions that future generations will examine. President Barack Obama’s time in office, like every presidency, reminds us of a greater truth: every life leaves a legacy. The question is not whether we will leave one, but what kind of legacy we will leave behind.

The world often measures legacy by accomplishments, achievements, buildings, wealth, or recognition. But Scripture teaches us that the greatest legacy is not what we accumulate but what we impart. A person may leave behind great possessions and still leave behind an empty influence. Another may leave little material wealth but leave behind a faith that continues through generations.

The Apostle Paul understood the importance of spiritual legacy. Near the end of his life, he wrote, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). Paul did not point to his popularity, his possessions, or his earthly success. His greatest treasure was that he had faithfully followed Christ and helped others find the same hope.

Every believer is writing a legacy story every day. The way we treat people, the words we speak, the example we set, and the faith we demonstrate are shaping how others will remember us. A parent leaves a legacy in the hearts of children. A grandparent leaves a legacy through prayers and wisdom passed down. A Christian leaves a legacy whenever someone is drawn closer to Jesus because of their life.

Many people spend their lives trying to make a name for themselves, but Scripture reminds us that true significance comes from having our names known by God. Psalm 112:6 says, “The righteous will be in everlasting remembrance.” The lasting impact of a faithful life is not found in human applause but in God’s approval.

Jesus taught that our lives should be invested in things that cannot be destroyed. “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:19–20). The things of this world are temporary, but acts of love, faithfulness, and obedience have eternal value.

One day, every earthly accomplishment will be surpassed by someone else. New leaders will rise, new achievements will be celebrated, and yesterday’s headlines will become forgotten history. But the influence of a person who loved God and loved others continues long after they are gone. A faithful life may not always be famous, but it will never be wasted.

The greatest legacy we can leave is not a monument with our name on it, but a testimony of God’s grace written on the hearts of those we have touched. May people remember not simply what we did, but that through our lives they saw something of Jesus.

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Prayer

Father, help me live today with eternity in mind. Teach me to invest in things that matter forever and to leave behind a legacy of faith, love, and obedience. May my life point others to Christ, and may my greatest desire be that my name is remembered because it was written in Your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

BDD

LEADERSHIP IS SERVICE, NOT STATUS

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45)

Every president occupies one of the most visible positions in the world. The office carries prestige, influence, and authority, yet it also carries immense responsibility. Whether one agrees or disagrees with President Barack Obama’s policies, his years in office demonstrate that leadership is never merely about holding a title. Every position of influence is an opportunity to serve those entrusted to our care. God measures leadership not by applause but by faithfulness.

Jesus completely transformed the world’s understanding of greatness. When His disciples argued over who would be the greatest, He did not encourage them to seek higher positions. Instead, He taught that “whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant” (Mark 10:43). In God’s kingdom, the greatest leader is the one who willingly stoops to lift others up. The crown of Christ was preceded by a towel and a basin.

This truth extends far beyond presidents and kings. Parents lead their children. Pastors shepherd congregations. Employers guide businesses. Teachers influence students. Even a quiet Christian who encourages a struggling neighbor exercises leadership in God’s eyes. Influence is not reserved for those with famous names. Every believer leaves footprints for someone else to follow.

The temptation in every generation is to seek recognition rather than responsibility. We enjoy being noticed, appreciated, and admired. Yet Jesus repeatedly directed His followers away from self-promotion and toward humble service. The greatest acts of faith are often unseen by the world—a prayer offered in secret, a meal prepared for someone in need, a word of encouragement given without expecting thanks. Heaven celebrates many deeds that earth never applauds.

The Apostle Paul described the heart of Christian leadership when he urged believers, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself” (Philippians 2:3). He then pointed to Christ, who willingly laid aside the privileges of heaven, took the form of a servant, and humbled Himself even to the death of the cross. If the King of kings chose the path of humility, His followers should never be ashamed to walk the same road.

One day, every earthly office will be vacant. Every title will fade, every trophy will gather dust, and every position of prominence will pass to another. What will remain is whether we loved people well and served God faithfully. The Lord will not ask how many people worked beneath us, but how many we lifted up. True success is measured not by the height of our position but by the depth of our humility.

Perhaps the greatest leaders are those whose names are never printed in history books but are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. They quietly loved their families, faithfully taught God’s Word, generously helped the needy, and consistently pointed others to Jesus. Such lives may seem ordinary to the world, but they are extraordinary in the kingdom of God. Their influence echoes into eternity because it was rooted in love rather than ambition.

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Prayer

Father, teach me to lead as Jesus led. Keep me from seeking recognition more than faithfulness, and help me to use every opportunity to serve others with humility and love. May my life reflect the servant heart of Christ, so that whether my influence is great or small, it will bring glory to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

BDD

THE POWER OF CALM WORDS

“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1)

One quality that many observers noted during President Barack Obama’s years in office was his calm and measured manner of speaking, especially in moments of public crisis. While opinions about his decisions differed, his demeanor serves as a reminder of a timeless biblical principle: composure is often more powerful than commotion.

The Bible teaches that a gentle answer can accomplish what loud arguments never will.

Our world rewards the sharp comeback, the cutting remark, and the raised voice. Social media has become a battlefield where people compete to win arguments rather than hearts. But Jesus never called His followers to mirror the spirit of the age. Instead, He calls us to be peacemakers, speaking truth with grace and responding to hostility with wisdom.

“Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God” (James 1:19-20). Calmness is not weakness. It is strength under the control of the Holy Spirit. Anyone can react in anger, but it takes spiritual maturity to pause, pray, and answer with kindness. A controlled tongue often prevents wounds that an apology can never fully heal.

The next time you find yourself in a heated conversation, remember that your words represent Christ. Before speaking, ask yourself whether your response will build a bridge or burn one. The Lord has given us the privilege of using our speech to encourage, comfort, correct, and point others toward Him. A gentle spirit can quiet a storm that force could never calm.

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Prayer

Father, guard my tongue and govern my heart. Help me to listen carefully, speak wisely, and answer gently, even when emotions run high. May my words reflect the grace of Christ and bring peace wherever You send me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

BDD

CHARACTER IS REVEALED UNDER PRESSURE

“The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, but the LORD tests the hearts.” (Proverbs 17:3)

There could not possibly be many places where a person’s character is tested more than the presidency. Every decision is examined, every word is recorded, and every crisis places enormous pressure upon the one leading the nation.

Regardless of whether people agreed or disagreed with President Barack Obama’s policies, his years in office remind us of an important biblical truth: pressure does not create character as much as it reveals it. The heat simply brings to the surface what has been forged in private.

The same principle applies to every Christian. We often imagine that difficult circumstances make us impatient, fearful, or angry. In reality, trials frequently uncover what was already hidden in our hearts. When our plans unravel, our true trust in God is exposed. When we are criticized, the depth of our humility is revealed. When we are treated unfairly, we discover whether we have truly learned forgiveness. God allows the furnace not to destroy us but to refine us.

Jesus said “he who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much” (Luke 16:10). Long before anyone stands on a platform, behind a pulpit, or in a position of influence, character is being formed in ordinary moments. The private choices we make today prepare us for the public responsibilities of tomorrow. Integrity is not built in front of a crowd; it is cultivated when no one is watching but God.

Rather than asking God to remove every trial, perhaps we should ask Him to use every trial to shape us into the likeness of Christ. The fire may be uncomfortable, but the Refiner never wastes the flames. Every test is another opportunity for Him to produce patience, wisdom, humility, and steadfast faith.

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Prayer

Father, when life places me under pressure, let Christ be seen in me. Refine my heart, strengthen my faith, and help me to develop the kind of character that honors You both in private and in public. May I remain faithful in the little things so that my life reflects Your grace in every circumstance. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

BDD

Livestream Preaching Times for Tuesday, August 4, 2026

5:30 AM

“Christ Crucified”
(1 Corinthians 2:1-5)

10:00 AM

“The Baptism of Jesus”
(Matthew 3:13-17)

2:00 PM

“The Purpose of the Law”
(Galatians 3:19-22)

6:00 pm

“The Light of the Gospel”
(2 Corinthians 4:1-6)

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All times CST