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Let Me Remind You: Five Day Devotional

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


Day 1: Above Every Earthly Seat

Based on the Message: "Let Me Remind You" by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.


"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." - 2 Timothy 2:15

Devotional: In today's polarized world, it's easy to get caught up in the latest political controversy or social media debate. We're bombarded with opinions from every direction, each voice claiming to have the definitive perspective on complex issues. But as followers of Christ, we're called to a higher standard and a different allegiance. God doesn't fit neatly into our political categories. He isn't confined to our social constructs. His kingdom transcends all earthly divisions. When we allow ourselves to be primarily identified by our political affiliations rather than our identity in Christ, we diminish the power of the gospel in our lives. Paul reminds Timothy that we should be focused on presenting ourselves as approved workers, handling the word of truth correctly. This means viewing every issue through the lens of Scripture rather than partisan talking points. It means recognizing that our primary citizenship is in heaven, not in any earthly nation or political movement. Today, take a moment to examine where your strongest allegiances lie. Are you more passionate about political victories than spiritual growth? Do you spend more time consuming political content than Scripture? Remember that while we live as citizens of earth, our ultimate loyalty belongs to the King of kings.


Quote: "As I've always told you, the God we serve is neither Republican nor Democrat—He sits above every earthly seat. His Kingdom is greater than any nation; it's eternal." - Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

Question: In what ways might your political or social identities be competing with your identity in Christ, and how can you realign your priorities to reflect your primary citizenship in God's kingdom?


Prayer: Heavenly Father, forgive me for the times I've placed earthly allegiances above my commitment to You. Help me to see the world through Your eyes and to remember that You stand above every earthly seat. Guide me to be a faithful citizen of Your kingdom first and foremost. In Jesus' name, amen.



Day 2: Guarding Against Word Wranglers

Based on the Message: "Let Me Remind You" by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.


"Remind them of these things and charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers." - 2 Timothy 2:14

Devotional: We live in an age of endless debate. Social media platforms and 24-hour news cycles have created a culture where everyone has a platform and an opinion. "Influencers" and commentators compete for our attention and loyalty, often using inflammatory language to keep us engaged. Paul warned Timothy about this very danger—what he called "wrangling about words." This isn't productive debate or healthy discussion; it's argumentative rhetoric that produces nothing beneficial. Instead, it leads to the ruin of those who listen. As believers, we need discernment about which voices we allow to influence our thinking. Not every podcast, news outlet, or social media personality deserves our attention, regardless of whether they align with our existing views. We must evaluate whether these voices are drawing us closer to Christ or pulling us into fruitless arguments. God has established spiritual authority through pastors, teachers, and other ministry gifts to equip us for service. These voices, grounded in Scripture and accountable to the body of Christ, should have greater influence in our lives than secular commentators whose primary goal is to build an audience or advance an agenda. Today, consider doing an "influence audit." Who are the voices that shape your thinking? Are they leading you toward Christ-like character or toward division and anger?


Quote: "The wrong voices will drag you into things you have no business being in. The wrong voices will pull you into movements that God never called you to. And before you know it, you’re wasting time on what God never assigned to you" - Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

Question: What voices or information sources might you need to limit or eliminate from your life because they're leading you into fruitless arguments rather than godly living?


Prayer: Lord, give me wisdom to discern which voices deserve my attention. Help me recognize when I'm being drawn into useless debates that don't honor You. Fill my mind with Your truth and surround me with godly influences that will build me up rather than tear others down. In Jesus' name, amen.


Day 3: Spiritually Correct, Not Politically Correct

Based on the Message: "Let Me Remind You" by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

"Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth." - 2 Timothy 2:23-25

Devotional: In our culture's ongoing battles over what's "politically correct," Christians face a different calling altogether. Rather than aligning perfectly with any political movement or social trend, we're called to be "spiritually correct"—attuned to God's heart and responsive to His leading. Paul tells Timothy to avoid "godless chatter" because it leads people into more and more ungodliness. When we become consumed with political and social debates, we can easily lose sight of our primary mission as believers. We start measuring our righteousness by our political positions rather than by our obedience to Christ. Being spiritually correct means standing firmly on biblical principles even when they don't align neatly with any political party. It means speaking truth with love rather than with partisan anger. It means recognizing that our ultimate hope isn't in political victories but in the advancement of God's kingdom. This doesn't mean we disengage from important issues. Rather, we engage differently—with spiritual discernment, biblical wisdom, and Christ-like character. We recognize that our witness to the world depends not on winning arguments but on demonstrating the transformative power of the gospel in our lives. Today, ask yourself whether you're more concerned with being politically aligned or spiritually aligned. Are your strongest convictions shaped more by Scripture or by political talking points?


Quote: "This is not the season to be politically correct — this is the season to be spiritually correct. This is the season to be in tune with what the Lord is saying, allowing Him to use you as you walk through the valley of the shadow of death." - Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

Question: In what specific situation might God be calling you to prioritize spiritual correctness over political correctness, even if it means standing apart from groups you typically identify with?


Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to be more concerned with pleasing You than with fitting in with any political or social group. Give me courage to stand for biblical truth even when it's unpopular and help me to do so with humility and love. Attune my heart to Your Spirit so I can walk in spiritual correctness. In Jesus' name, amen.


Day 4: Vessels of Honor

Based on the Message: "Let Me Remind You" by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.


"Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work." - 2 Timothy 2:21

Devotional: In a large house, not all vessels serve the same purpose. Some are made of precious materials for special occasions, while others are ordinary and used for everyday tasks. Paul uses this metaphor to describe how believers should position themselves for God's use. To be a vessel of honor—useful to the Master and prepared for every good work—we must cleanse ourselves from what is dishonorable. In today's context, this includes purifying ourselves from the divisive rhetoric and partisan spirit that characterizes much of our public discourse. When we allow ourselves to be consumed by political and social debates, we can become vessels filled with anger, pride, and division rather than God's love, truth, and grace. We may win arguments but lose our effectiveness as witnesses for Christ. Cleansing ourselves doesn't mean ignoring important issues. Rather, it means approaching them with a spirit of humility and a commitment to biblical truth above partisan loyalty. It means recognizing when we're being pulled into useless conversations that disqualify us from the pure work God wants to do through us. God is looking for vessels He can use to bring healing to a divided world—people who stand firmly on truth while extending grace to those who disagree. Today, consider what might need to be cleansed from your heart and mind so you can be fully available for God's purposes.


Quote: "You can’t control what others say or do. However, you can control yourself — how you stand, how you respond, how you walk. Remember, you have been set apart as Holy by God." - Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

Question: What specific attitudes, habits, or influences might you need to cleanse from your life to become a more effective vessel for God's use in these divisive times?


Prayer: Lord, I want to be a vessel of honor in Your house. Cleanse me from anything that diminishes my usefulness for Your kingdom. Remove any divisive spirit, pride, or anger that prevents me from representing You well. Make me ready for every good work You've prepared for me. In Jesus' name, amen.


Day 5: The Bondservant's Response

Based on the Message: "Let Me Remind You" by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.


"And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth." - 2 Timothy 2:24-25

Devotional: In a world where heated arguments and sharp retorts are celebrated, God calls His servants to a radically different approach. Paul instructs that "the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone." This countercultural stance isn't weakness—it's spiritual strength. A bondservant is someone who, though free, voluntarily commits to serving their master. As bondservants of Christ, we've been liberated from sin and death, yet we choose to surrender our rights, including the right to win every argument or defend ourselves against every accusation. Instead of quarreling, we're called to kindness, patience in the face of wrong, and gentle correction. This doesn't mean we never speak truth or stand for justice. Rather, it means we do so with a spirit that reflects Christ rather than the divisive tone of our culture. When we engage with those who hold different views—whether on politics, social issues, or theology—our goal isn't to defeat them but to create space for God to work in their lives. We recognize that only God can change hearts and minds, and our argumentative tactics often create barriers rather than openings for His work. Today, consider how you might respond differently to those who oppose you. Instead of crafting the perfect rebuttal, what if you prayed for them? Instead of proving them wrong, what if you sought to understand their perspective?


Quote: "If you have a real disagreement with a person — even a group of people whose ideologies you’re completely opposed to — I challenge you to pray for them." - Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

Question: Think of someone whose views strongly oppose yours—how might your interactions with them change if your primary goal was to create space for God to work rather than to win the argument?


Prayer: Heavenly Father, transform my heart to reflect the servant spirit of Jesus. When I'm tempted to argue and prove my point, remind me that I'm Your bondservant, called to kindness and gentleness. Give me wisdom to know when to speak and when to listen and help me to trust You with the results. In Jesus' name, amen.

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