Here are a few additional resources to guide your quiet time this week:
Watch the replay of "Open Your Mouth & Say Yes Lord" 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: Knowing God, Knowing Self
Message: "Open Your Mouth and Say Yes Lord," 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: Have you ever looked in a mirror and wondered about your true identity? In our world of endless social media feeds and constant digital noise, it's easy to lose sight of who we really are. The amazing truth is that our identity isn't found in likes, shares, or followers - it's found in understanding who God is. When we begin to grasp His majesty, power, and love, we start to see ourselves through His eyes. Like a child who learns about themselves by watching their parents, we discover our true identity by knowing our Heavenly Father. This journey of discovery isn't always comfortable, but it's always worthwhile. Today, take a moment to pause and reflect on who God is - not just what He does, but His character, His nature, and His heart toward you.
"Understanding who God is helps you understand who you are; this is your season to get to know God like you've never known him before." Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.
Question: What aspects of God's character, when truly understood, might change how you view yourself?
Prayer: Father, help me to know You more deeply so I can understand who You've created me to be. Clear away the noise and distractions that keep me from seeing Your true nature. Thank You for making me Your special possession. Amen.
Day 2: Beyond Convenience to Covenant
Message: "Open Your Mouth and Say Yes Lord," by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.
Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine. - Exodus 19:5
Devotional: In our fast-paced world, we're used to quick fixes and easy exits. But God calls us to something deeper - covenant relationship. Unlike convenience, which bends to our comfort and ease, covenant requires us to keep our word, even when it hurts. Covenant is not about what feels good in the moment, but what honors God. Yahweh demonstrated this covenant commitment to us when He shed His Son's blood on the cross. Today, consider where you might be choosing convenience over covenant in your walk with God.
Do you serve God out of convenience or covenant? Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.
Question: In what areas of your spiritual life have you been settling for convenience instead of embracing covenant commitment?
Prayer: Lord, forgive me for times I've chosen convenience over covenant. Give me strength to remain faithful even when it's difficult. Help me to build deeper, lasting relationships with You and others. Amen.
Day 3: The Power of Decision
Message: "Open Your Mouth and Say Yes Lord," by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.
Then all the people answered together and said, “All that the Lord has spoken we will do.” So Moses brought back the words of the people to the Lord. Exodus 19:8
Devotional: Making decisions can be paralyzing in a world of endless options. We've become so accustomed to keeping our options open that we often fail to make firm commitments. But there's power in decisive action - especially in our spiritual lives. When we truly decide to follow God, we're not just making a casual choice; we're burning the boats that would take us back to our old life. This kind of decisive commitment opens the door to God's blessings and transformation in our lives. We must make a clear choice to move forward with God, regardless of the cost.
"Indecisiveness can block you from blessing. Choose ye this day whom you will serve, and embrace the blessing of obedience." Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.
Question: What spiritual decisions have you been postponing, and what might be holding you back from making a firm commitment?
Prayer: God, give me courage to make clear decisions in my walk with You. Help me to move beyond indecision and fully commit to Your path for my life. Strengthen my resolve to follow You wholeheartedly. Amen.
Day 4: Embracing Holy Reverence
Message: "Open Your Mouth and Say Yes Lord," by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.
Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine. - Exodus 19:5
Devotional: In our casual culture, it's easy to lose sight of God's holiness. We might treat church like a social club or approach worship with the same casualness we bring to entertainment. But God calls us to something more profound - a holy reverence that acknowledges His majesty and power. This isn't about rigid religiosity, but about understanding that we serve a God who is both loving and holy, personal and powerful. When we approach Him with appropriate reverence, we position ourselves to experience His presence and power in deeper ways.
We must understand that God is not playing with us. We need to have a holy reverence for a holy God! - Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.
Question: How might your relationship with God change if you approached Him with greater reverence while maintaining intimate fellowship?
Prayer: Holy God, restore to me a sense of awe and wonder at Your majesty. Help me to balance intimate relationship with proper reverence for Your holiness. May my worship reflect Your worth. Amen.
Day 5: Embrace Your Identity
Message: "Open Your Mouth and Say Yes Lord," by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.
"But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light"- 1 Peter 2:9
Devotional: Understanding our identity in Christ is transformative. Peter reminds us that we are "a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession." This isn't just flowery language; it's a profound truth about who we are in relationship to God. How does knowing you are chosen and precious to God impact your self-perception and daily life? This divine identity isn't based on our accomplishments but on God's love and grace. Today, meditate on these truths. Let them sink deep into your heart.
"The better you understand who GOD is, the better you understand who YOU are." Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.
Question: How might your interactions, decisions, and attitudes change if you fully embraced your identity as God's beloved child?
Prayer: Father, give me a renewed mind that consistently aligns with my true identity in Christ. Help me truly live as a royal priesthood and chosen generation. Make my life a clear testimony of Your grace and truth. Amen.
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