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It's Time to Unpack: 5 Day Devotional

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


Day 1: Unpacking the Old

Based on the Message: "It's Time to Unpack" by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

"That, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit" - Ephesians 4:22

Devotional: Just as we unpack our suitcases after a trip, God calls us to unpack our spiritual baggage. The old self, with its corrupted habits and deceitful desires, needs to be "laid aside." This isn't a one-time event, but a continual process of renewal. Today, take some time to reflect on areas of your life where you might still be carrying old patterns or thoughts that don't align with your new identity in Christ. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you identify these areas and give you the strength to let them go. Remember, God has already given you a new self "created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." Embrace this truth and allow it to transform your thoughts and actions today.


Quote: "You should not put fresh new clothes in a suitcase that still has old, dirty clothes in it. Spiritually speaking, we claim that we want to go to a new place in Christ, but we still got old, dirty clothes in the suitcase. It's time to unpack." - Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

Question: What old patterns, behaviors, or attitudes are you still carrying that might be preventing you from fully embracing your new life in Christ?


Prayer: Heavenly Father, give me the courage to examine what needs to be unpacked in my life. Help me identify the old habits and patterns that no longer serve my walk with You. Grant me the strength to begin letting go. In Jesus' name, Amen.


Day 2: The Power of Kind Words

Based on the Message: "It's Time to Unpack" by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.


"Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear." - Ephesians 4:29

Devotional: Our words have immense power - they can build up or tear down, encourage or discourage. Paul urges us to speak only what is "helpful for building others up according to their needs." Today, challenge yourself to be intentional with your words. Before speaking, ask yourself: Is this helpful? Does it build up? Does it meet a need? Remember, our speech should "give grace to those who hear." Additionally, Paul calls us to be kind, compassionate, and forgiving. These attributes reflect God's character and His treatment of us. As you interact with others today, consciously choose kindness over criticism, compassion over judgment, and forgiveness over resentment. Let your words and actions be a fragrant aroma to God and a blessing to others.

Quote: "If you are saved, you have the Holy Spirit dwelling inside of you. You may not have the gift of speaking in tongues, but everybody can walk in love. What good is it to speak in tongues if you can't speak kind words to others?"- Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

Question: In what ways can we be more intentional about speaking words that edify others 'according to the need of the moment'?


Prayer: Lord, thank you for being patient with me as I grow. Help me to embrace the process of transformation, knowing that You are faithful to complete the good work You've begun in me. In Jesus' name, Amen.



Day 3: Walking in Love

Based on the Message: "It's Time to Unpack" by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.


"Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma" - Ephesians 5:1-2

Devotional: As God's beloved children, we're called to imitate Him. The primary characteristic we're to emulate is love - not just any love, but the sacrificial love demonstrated by Christ. This love is described as a "fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." When we walk in love, our lives become a pleasing aroma to our Heavenly Father. Remember, we love because God first loved us. Let His great love for you overflow into every interaction, every decision and every moment of your day. As you do, you'll find yourself becoming more like Christ and bringing joy to the heart of God.

Quote: "You are not what you did. You are not the condition that you had. Your identity is that of a child of God." - Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

Question: Today, consider how you can walk in love more intentionally. How can you sacrifice your own interests for the good of others? How can you demonstrate Christ's love to those around you?


Prayer: Father, help me to fully embrace my identity in You. May your great love for me overflow into every interaction, decision, and moment of my day, In Jesus' name, Amen.



Day 4: From Bitterness to Forgiveness

Based on the Message: "It's Time to Unpack" by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.


"Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you" - Ephesians 4:32

Devotional: Bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, slander, and malice - these are the "dirty clothes" Paul urges us to remove. They pollute our souls and hinder our spiritual growth. In contrast, we're called to put on kindness, tender-heartedness, and forgiveness. This transformation isn't easy, but it's essential for our spiritual health. Today, examine your heart. Are you harboring any bitterness or unforgiveness? Remember, we forgive because we have been forgiven by God in Christ. His forgiveness towards us is the model and motivation for our forgiveness towards others. Take a moment to release any grudges you're holding, and ask God to fill you with His love and compassion instead. Let forgiveness become your new spiritual attire.


Quote: "Bitterness, rage and anger, all have a stench to them, that we carry around in our soul suitcase. The fragrance of forgiveness has a pleasant smell to it. " - Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

Question: Is there someone in your life whom you need to forgive? What's holding you back from extending that forgiveness?


Prayer: Lord, help me to forgive as You have forgiven me. Release me from the burden of bitterness and fill me with Your peace and grace. In Jesus' name, Amen.



Day 5: Grieving the Holy Spirit

Based on the Message: "It's Time to Unpack" by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.


"And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption" - Ephesians 4:30

Devotional: The concept of grieving the Holy Spirit is profound. It reminds us that our relationship with God is deeply personal - our actions can bring joy or sorrow to His heart. The Holy Spirit is not a distant force, but a close friend who lives within us. Today, meditate on the intimate nature of your relationship with the Holy Spirit. Remember, the Holy Spirit is your seal of redemption, a guarantee of your salvation. Let this assurance motivate you to live in a way that honors His presence in your life. Invite the Holy Spirit to guide your decisions and empower you to live a life that pleases God.


Quote: "If you want your soul to be healthy, you must desire not to grieve the Holy Spirit. If you want to walk in wholeness, you must listen to the Holy Spirit and respond quickly."- Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

Question: How might your thoughts, words, or actions be grieving the Holy Spirit? Conversely, how can you bring joy to His heart?


Prayer: Holy Spirit, thank You for Your presence in my life. Help me to walk in the freedom You provide, depending on Your power rather than my own strength. In Jesus' name, Amen.

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