More Than a Building: Five Day Devotional

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

• Watch the replay of "More Than a Building" by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

• Use this small group discussion guide with family, friends and co-workers.

• Join us for our 6 AM Prayer Call, Monday through Friday (EST)

Day 1: Identity: Citizens of Heaven

Based on the Message: "More Than a Building" by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

"For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself." - Philippians 3:20-21

Devotional: Have you ever felt like you don't quite fit in? There's a profound reason for that feeling. As believers, our primary citizenship isn't of this world - we belong to a higher kingdom. This isn't just fancy religious talk; it's a transformative truth that should shape how we view ourselves and our purpose. When we truly grasp our heavenly citizenship, everything changes. Our decisions, priorities, and even our daily interactions take on new meaning because we're representing something far greater than ourselves.

Quote: "The church is not just about membership. It's about citizenship." - Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

Question: How would your daily decisions and interactions change if you consciously lived as a citizen of heaven rather than just a resident of earth?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me embrace my identity as Your citizen. Give me the courage to live differently, knowing that my true home is with You. Guide my actions to reflect Your kingdom's values. Amen.

Day 2: Beyond Buildings: The Living Church

Based on the Message: "More Than a Building" by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

"And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. - Matthew 16:18

Devotional: Many people think of church as a place they go on Sundays, but God's vision is far more dynamic. The church isn't confined to four walls - it's alive in you! Every believer carries the presence of God wherever they go. Whether you're in a boardroom, classroom, or grocery store, you bring the reality of God's kingdom with you. This understanding revolutionizes our purpose: we're not here to have church; we are here to be the church.

Quote: "The church is not a property, it's a people." - Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

Question: In what specific ways can you be 'the church' in your daily environments this week?

Prayer: Lord, help me remember that I carry Your presence everywhere I go. Use me to bring Your light into every situation I encounter today. Amen.

Day 3: Kingdom Culture Carriers

Based on the Message: "More Than a Building" by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." 1 Peter 2:9

Devotional: Culture shapes how we think, act, and live. As believers, we're called to carry a different culture - the culture of God's kingdom. This doesn't mean rejecting our earthly heritage, but rather allowing God's higher ways to transform every aspect of our lives. When we embrace kingdom culture, we bring heaven's perspective, values, and power into every situation we encounter.

Quote" Your citizenship is beyond Connecticut. It's beyond your country of origin. The culture of the Kingdom supersedes every earthly culture." - Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

Question: What aspects of kingdom culture could transform your workplace, family, or community if fully embraced?

Prayer: Father, help me embrace and demonstrate Your kingdom culture in every area of my life. Let Your ways become my ways. Amen.

Day 4: Ambassadors with Authority

Based on the Message: "More Than a Building" by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

"I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven.” Matthew 16:19

Devotional: As believers, we often underestimate our spiritual authority. We're not just casual Christians - we're appointed ambassadors of heaven's government! This role comes with both privilege and responsibility. When we understand our authority in Christ, we stop being victims of circumstances and start being agents of change. Our presence should shift atmospheres, not because of who we are, but because of Whose we are.

Quote: "When you understand identity and you understand spiritual authority. You stop talking about what the devil is doing, and give the enemy something to talk about." - Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

Question: How might your approach to challenges change if you fully embraced your role as heaven's ambassador?

Prayer: Lord, help me walk in the authority You've given me. Give me courage to represent Your kingdom boldly wherever I go. Amen.

Day 5: Bringing Heaven to Earth

Based on the Message: "More Than a Building" by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

"‘Your kingdom come. Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven." - Matthew 6:10

Devotional: God's plan for His church is far greater than creating comfortable religious gatherings. He's establishing outposts of heaven on earth through His people. When we gather, we experience a taste of heaven's reality. But the real impact happens when we scatter - carrying that heavenly reality into our everyday lives. Every believer has the privilege and responsibility of bringing God's presence, power, and purposes into their sphere of influence.

Quote: "An embassy is a government building that headquarters a country's representatives in foreign country. Our church campus serves as an embassy of heaven." - Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

Question: What specific area of your life needs heaven's reality to break in this week?

Prayer: Father, use me as Your vessel to bring heaven's reality to earth. Help me see opportunities to demonstrate Your kingdom in practical ways. Amen.