Here are a few additional resources to guide your quiet time this week:
Watch the replay of "Don't Worry About the Eggs" by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.
Use this small group discussion guide with family, friends and co-workers.
Join us for our a 6 AM Prayer Call, Monday through Friday (EST)
Day 1: Higher Than Any Challenge
Message: "Don't Worry About the Eggs" by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.
"The LORD is high above all nations, and His glory above the heavens.” - Psalm 113:4
Devotional: In times of economic uncertainty, it's easy to become overwhelmed by rising costs and financial pressures. Our natural response might be to fixate on our bank accounts or constantly check prices, but God calls us to a different perspective. Instead of being consumed by worldly concerns, we're invited to lift our eyes higher - to the One who holds all things in His hands. When we focus on God's sovereignty rather than our circumstances, we begin to see our financial challenges through the lens of faith rather than fear. This shift in perspective doesn't necessarily change our situation immediately, but it changes us and how we respond to our circumstances. Remember, no economic challenge is beyond God's ability to provide and guide.
Quote: "Inflation may be high, but God is higher." - Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.
Question: How might your approach to current financial challenges change if you truly believed that God is higher than any economic situation you face?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me lift my eyes above my circumstances to see You. When I'm tempted to worry about finances, remind me that You are higher than any challenge I face. Grant me the peace that comes from trusting in Your provision. Amen.
Day 2: The Power of Divine Wisdom
Message: "Don't Worry About the Eggs" by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.
"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." - James 1:5
Devotional: In a world that often promotes complex financial strategies and get-rich-quick schemes, God offers us something far more valuable: wisdom. This divine wisdom isn't just about making money; it's about managing resources in a way that honors God and serves others. When we seek God's wisdom, we receive practical guidance for our financial decisions, helping us distinguish between needs and wants, and teaching us when to save and when to spend. This wisdom acts as a protective guardrail, keeping us from financial mistakes and guiding us toward sound decisions.
Quote: "Wisdom will put a seatbelt on your credit card." -Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.
Question: In what specific areas of your financial life do you need to seek God's wisdom right now?
Prayer: Lord, thank you for offering Your wisdom freely. Help me to seek Your guidance in my financial decisions, both big and small. Grant me discernment to make choices that align with Your will. Amen.
Day 3: Stewardship Starts Now
Message: "Don't Worry About the Eggs" by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.
"From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more."- Luke 12:48b
Devotional: Good financial stewardship isn't about how much money you have - it's about how well you manage what you've been given. Whether you're dealing with a small salary or substantial wealth, the principles remain the same. God calls us to be faithful with whatever He's entrusted to us. This means creating practical systems like budgets, being intentional with our spending, and planning for the future. Remember, your ability to manage larger amounts tomorrow is directly related to how well you handle smaller amounts today.
Quote: "You want more, but the question is, what are you doing with what's already in your pocket?"-Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.
Question: What specific steps can you take today to better manage the resources God has already given you?
Prayer: Father, help me be a faithful steward of everything You've entrusted to me. Give me discipline in managing my resources and wisdom in making financial decisions. May I honor You in how I handle both little and much. Amen.
Day 4: Finding Contentment in All Circumstances
Message: "Don't Worry About the Eggs" by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.
"Not that I speak from want, I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."- Philippians 4:11-13
Devotional: True financial peace isn't found in the size of our bank account but in our relationship with God. When we understand that our worth isn't tied to our wealth, we can experience contentment regardless of our financial situation. This doesn't mean we shouldn't work hard or be ambitious, but rather that our joy and peace aren't dependent on material success. God wants us to trust Him completely, knowing that He is our ultimate provider and source of security.
Quote: "Your worship is not going to be dependent on how much money you have in your bank account." -Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.
Question: How can you cultivate contentment in your current financial situation while still working toward your financial goals?
Prayer: Lord, teach me to find my contentment in You alone. Help me trust in Your provision while being a good steward of what You've given me. Thank You for Your faithful care in every season. Amen.
Day 5: Led by the Spirit
Message: "Don't Worry About the Eggs" by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.
"What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us."-1 Corinthians 2:12
Devotional: In our journey toward financial wisdom, we have access to the greatest advisor of all - the Holy Spirit. While the world offers various financial tools and resources, none compare to the guidance of God's Spirit. The Holy Spirit provides not just information, but divine insight and wisdom that can guide our financial decisions. He helps us discern opportunities, warns us of potential pitfalls, and guides us toward choices that align with God's purposes for our lives. By staying attuned to His leading, we can navigate financial challenges with confidence and peace.
Quote: "God has given us the greatest asset of all, the Holy Spirit." -Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw
Question: How can you better incorporate the Holy Spirit's guidance in your financial decision-making process?
Prayer: Holy Spirit, thank You for Your presence and guidance in my life. Help me to hear Your voice clearly as I make financial decisions. Lead me in paths of wisdom and righteousness. Amen.
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