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Father, Forgive Them: 5 Day Devotional

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


Day 1: The Weight of Father Wounds

Based on the Message: "Father, Forgive Them" by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

"And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers..." - Malachi 4:6

Devotional: Father wounds are some of the deepest hurts we carry. Whether from physical absence or emotional distance, these wounds shape how we view ourselves, others, and even God. But recognizing these wounds is the first step toward healing. God understands our pain and wants to help us process it in a healthy way. He is the perfect Father who can fill the void left by earthly fathers. When we bring our hurts to Him, He begins a beautiful work of restoration in our hearts. We believe this is a season where God is healing the broken hearted, and turning the hearts of the fathers to back to their children, and the hearts of children back to their fathers.


Quote: "Father wounds run deep in our society, affecting many who experienced either physical absence or emotional unavailability from their fathers. These experiences shape our understanding of masculinity, fatherhood, and even our perception of God as Father." - Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

Question: How have your experiences with your earthly father affected your view of God as your heavenly Father?


Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for being the perfect Father. Help me recognize any father wounds I carry and bring them to You for healing. Show me Your true nature as a loving, present, and caring Father. In Jesus' name, Amen.


Day 2: Breaking Free from Word Curses

Based on the Message: "Father, Forgive Them" by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

"Death and life are in the power of the tongue" - Proverbs 18:21

Devotional: Words have incredible power to shape our lives and identities. Negative words spoken over us, especially by authority figures, can become deeply rooted beliefs that limit our potential. However, God's truth has the power to break these chains. His Word declares that we are loved, chosen, and capable through Christ. Today, choose to replace those negative words with God's promises over your life.

Quote: "Many individuals carry 'word curses' - negative statements from people that became self-fulfilling prophecies, embedding themselves in our identity and limiting our potential. Allow the Word of of God to redefine you as a son or daughter of the Most High."- Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

Question: What negative words or labels from your past do you need to replace with God's truth about who you are?


Prayer: Lord, help me identify and reject the negative words that have shaped my identity. Replace them with Your truth and promises. Let Your Word be louder than any other voice in my life. In Jesus' name, Amen.



Day 3: The Power of Forgiveness

Based on the Message: "Father, Forgive Them" by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.


"Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." - Luke 23:34

Devotional: Forgiveness isn't just a suggestion - it's a command from God that leads to freedom. When we hold onto unforgiveness, we actually imprison ourselves. Jesus demonstrated the ultimate example of forgiveness while suffering on the cross. If He could forgive those who crucified Him, we too can forgive those who have hurt us. Remember, forgiveness doesn't excuse the behavior; it prevents their behavior from destroying your heart.

Quote: "We have to forgive those who may not even realize the impact that they had on us. Forgiveness is not optional for the believer. It is absolutely vital and necessary to our spiritual health." - Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

Question: Who do you need to forgive, and what is holding you back from taking that step?


Prayer: Father, give me the strength to forgive as You have forgiven me. Help me release the hurt and bitterness I've been carrying. Fill me with Your supernatural peace and healing. In Jesus' name, Amen.



Day 4: Compassion for Our Parents' Journey

Based on the Message: "Father, Forgive Them" by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.


"Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them." - Genesis 50:19-21 

Devotional: True healing begins with compassion for those who harmed us. When wounded by a parent or another person, we must acknowledge that sometimes our people do the best they can with the limited knowledge and experiences they possess. Chances are, they have been carrying their own unhealed wounds, and "hurt people" hurt people. This doesn't excuse harmful behavior, but it can help us extend grace and begin the process of forgiveness. God can use even painful experiences for good, just as He did with Joseph's story.


Quote: "What if your parents did the best they could with what they had. Forgive them, for they know not what they did." - Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

Question: If someone has harmed you, how might understanding that person's own struggles and limitations help you in your journey of forgiveness? Who has God called you to be despite the adversity you have faced?


Prayer: Lord, help me see those who have hurt me through Your eyes of compassion. Give me understanding and the ability to extend grace, even as I process my own hurt. Thank You for Your healing work in my life. In Jesus' name, Amen.



Day 5: Breaking Generational Patterns

Based on the Message: "Father, Forgive Them" by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.


"Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." - Ephesians 4:31-32

Devotional: God's redemptive power can break generational cycles of hurt and dysfunction. You might be the one He's chosen to establish a new legacy of righteousness in your family line. Through Christ, you have the power to choose a different path - to heal, to forgive, and to create healthy patterns for future generations. Your story of redemption can become a testimony of God's transformative power.


Quote: You might represent a new branch on your family tree. Though you may have suffered through cultures of secrets, wickedness and things happening beneath the surface, perhaps God will raise you up within your family tree and establish a new branch of righteousness."- Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

Question: What specific steps can you take to ensure you don't pass down the hurts you've experienced to the next generation?


Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for choosing me to break generational patterns. Give me wisdom and strength to establish new, healthy ways of relating and loving others. Help me leave a legacy that honors You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

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