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A Heart for the House: Five Day Devotional

Here are a few additional resources to guide your quiet time this week:


Day 1: The Heart of Longing

Based on the Message: "A Heart for the Home" by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.


"I was glad when they said to me, 'Let us go to the house of the LORD.'" - Psalm 122:1

Devotional: Have you ever felt an unexplainable pull toward something? That deep, inner yearning that can't be ignored? For God's people throughout history, there has been a magnetic draw toward His presence and His house. This isn't about a building made of bricks and mortar - it's about the deep spiritual connection we feel when we gather with other believers. This longing transcends our natural inclinations and personality types. Whether you're outgoing or reserved, your soul was designed to connect with God and His people.


Quote: "A longing to be with the people of God should go beyond our personality. We need community, whether we are extroverted or introverted." - Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

Question: What holds you back from fully engaging with God's people, and how might God be inviting you to move past those barriers?


Prayer: Lord, help me recognize and respond to the holy longing You've placed within me to be in Your presence and among Your people. Give me courage to move past my comfort zone and into deeper connection with You and others. Amen.


Day 2: A Place of Power

Based on the Message: "A Heart for the Home" by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.


"One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple." - Psalm 27:4

Devotional: God's house isn't just another building - it's a place where His power manifests in unique ways. When we gather together, we experience different dimensions of God's presence through prayer, offering, worship, education, and relationships. Each of these elements serves a specific purpose in our spiritual growth and community life. Together, they create an environment where God's power can flow freely, transforming lives and building His kingdom.


Quote: "The house of the Lord is a place of power. Prayer, Offering, Worship, Education and Relationship." - Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

Question: Which of these five aspects of God's house (Prayer, Offering, Worship, Education, Relationship) do you need to engage with more deeply?


Prayer: Father, help me experience the fullness of Your power through every aspect of Your house. Show me where I need to grow and how I can contribute to the spiritual vitality of our community. Amen.


Day 3: True Worship

Based on the Message: "A Heart for the Home" by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

"O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together." - Psalm 34:3

Devotional: Worship isn't about our preferences or personal playlist. It's about magnifying God and declaring His greatness. When we gather to worship, we're not coming to be entertained or to hear our favorite songs - we're coming to lift up the name of Jesus. Where two are three are gathered in His name, there He is also (Matthew 18:20). God inhabits the praises of His people (Psalm 22:3). When we gather for corporate worship, He shows up and demonstrates His power.


Quote" Worship is not about what you like. It's not the request line. The purpose of worship is to magnify the Lord and tell God who He is." - Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

Question: How can you shift your focus from personal preferences to true worship that honors God?


Prayer: God, purify my heart in worship. Help me focus less on my preferences and more on Your presence. Let my worship be genuine and centered on You alone. Amen.


Day 4: Caring for God's House

Based on the Message: "A Heart for the Home" by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.


"Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?" - Haggai 1:4

Devotional: How we treat God's house reflects our reverence for Him. When we take ownership of our gathering place - both its physical maintenance and spiritual atmosphere - we demonstrate our love for God and His people. This isn't about creating a showcase; it's about stewarding what God has entrusted to us. When we honor His house, He promises to take care of ours.


Quote: "This is a principle, if you take care of God's house, he will take care of your house." - Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

Question: In what practical ways can you help care for God's house, both physically and spiritually?


Prayer: Lord, give me a heart that values Your house. Show me how I can contribute to maintaining both the physical space and spiritual health of our church community. Amen..


Day 5: Willing Hearts

Based on the Message: "A Heart for the Home" by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.


"The Israelites, all whose hearts were willing, men and women alike, brought to the LORD freewill offerings for all the work the LORD through Moses had commanded them to do." - Exodus 35:29

Devotional: God's work advances through willing hearts. When the Israelites built the tabernacle, they brought free-will offerings - not out of compulsion, but from hearts moved by God. Today, God still invites us to participate in His work through our resources, talents, and time. While the task might seem overwhelming, God always provides when His people respond with willing hearts.

Quote: "With every building project we've had, we've never had enough money, resources, or funding. What we did have was a word from the Lord and a willing heart to take what we've got and do the best we can. As a result, God has shown up time and time again!" - Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

Question: What has God placed in your hands that He might be asking you to offer back to Him?


Prayer: Father, give me a willing heart to respond to Your invitations. Help me trust that You will provide everything needed to accomplish Your purposes. Amen.

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