Out of This World: Wicked - Five Day Devotional

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

• Watch the replay of "Out of This World: Wicked" 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: From Death to Life

Based on the Message: "Out of This World: Wicked" by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

"And you were dead in your trespasses and sins" - Ephesians 2:1

Devotional: Have you ever reflected what your life was like before you knew Jesus? Before Christ, we weren't simply making poor choices or living carelessly; we were spiritually dead and hopelessly lost. This isn't a dramatic or overly harsh statement. It's the truth. This sobering reality should cause us to appreciate the incredible transformation of our salvation, all the more.

In an instant, we transitioned from spiritual death to spiritual life. We used to walk according to the ways of this world, influenced by forces that we couldn't even see. That old life is gone forever. The beautiful truth is that God didn't wait for us to clean up our act first. He loved us while we were still spiritually dead and breathed life into our spirit. This should fill us with humility and incredible gratitude. We didn't earn this life; it is a gift of pure grace.

Today, as you go about your daily routine, remember that you're not the same person you used to be. You have the Holy Spirit living inside of you. You can hear God's voice, sense His presence, and respond to His leading. You're not simply trying to be a better version of your old self; you're a completely new creation, alive in Christ and equipped for the journey ahead!

Quote: "The more mature you become in the faith, the more you realize how wicked you truly used to be." - Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

Question: How does understanding your new identity change the way you face today's challenges? Walk confidently as a child of God, not a slave to this world's system.

Prayer: Father, thank You for breathing spiritual life into me when I was dead in my sins. Help me never to forget the miracle of salvation and to live each day in the reality of the new life You've given me. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Day 2: But God

Based on the Message: "Out of This World: Wicked" by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

"But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ" - Ephesians 2:4-5

Devotional: Sometimes the most powerful words in Scripture are the simplest ones. 'But God.' These two words change everything. They represent the moment when God's love interrupts our story of death and rebellion with His mercy and grace. Think about your own story for a moment. There was a time when you were walking in spiritual darkness, influenced by forces that wanted to destroy you, living as an enemy of God whether you realized it or not. Your story could have ended there; in separation, emptiness, and eternal death. But God stepped in.

God didn't wait for you to figure things out on your own. He didn't wait for you to become good enough or religious enough. While you were still His enemy, He loved you. While you were still spiritually dead, He made you alive. This wasn't because you deserved it, it was because of who He is.

This truth should revolutionize how you see yourself and others. When you're struggling with guilt over past mistakes, remember: 'But God.' When you're feeling unworthy of His love, remember: 'But God.' When you look at someone who seems too far gone or too rebellious, remember: 'But God.'

The same God who interrupted your story with His grace is still in the business of transformation today. He's still making dead things alive, still turning enemies into children, still writing 'But God' moments into people's stories. Let this truth fill you with hope today. No situation is too hopeless, no person too far gone, no heart too hard for God to transform. The God of 'But God' moments is still working, still loving, still saving.

Quote: "We were naughty by nature, children of wrath. But God! Can you take just one minute to thank God for His mercy?!?" - Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

Question: Who in your life needs to experience a 'But God' moment, and how might God want to use you to demonstrate His love and mercy to them?

Prayer: God, thank You for the 'But God' moment in my life when You rescued me from spiritual death. Help me to be an instrument of Your grace in someone else's story today. Show me how to love others the way You loved me. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Day 3: Unseen Influences

Based on the Message: "Out of This World: Wicked" by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

"in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air"- Ephesians 2:2

Devotional: We live in a world that feels increasingly chaotic and confusing. People seem angrier, more divided, and more irrational than ever before. Social media amplifies conflict, news cycles create constant anxiety, and it feels like common sense has become uncommon. What if there's more happening than meets the eye? Scripture reveals that there are invisible forces at work in our world, spiritual influences that shape thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors.

Before we knew Christ, we were unknowingly walking according to these influences, following patterns that seemed normal but were actually contrary to God's design for our lives. We need to be aware that there's a battle happening in the unseen realm that affects the seen world. When you see someone acting in ways that seem destructive or irrational, remember that they might be under influences they don't even recognize.

 As believers, we have the incredible privilege of being set free from these controlling influences. We can now choose to walk according to God's Spirit rather than the patterns of this world. Understand that this freedom comes with responsibility, we need to stay connected to God through prayer, His Word, and fellowship with other believers.

The good news is that you're not fighting this battle alone. God has given the Holy Spirit to guide you, His Word to direct you, and His people to support you. You can live with confidence knowing that the One who lives in you is greater than any force in this world.

Quote: "There's something in the air that we cannot see that's exercising dominion and influence over people. Spiritual warfare is the battle between good and evil in the unseen realm." - Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

Question: In what ways do you see the 'world system' attempting to influence your daily decisions, and how can you actively resist conforming to values that oppose God's Kingdom?

Prayer: Lord, open my eyes to see beyond the surface, knowing that people are often influenced by forces they don't understand. Help me resist the influences of the enemy. Guide me by Your Spirit today. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Day 4: Know Your Enemy

Based on the Message: "Out of This World: Wicked" by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places"- Ephesians 6:12

Devotional: In any conflict, understanding your opponent is crucial for victory. As Christians, we face a real enemy with a real agenda, and ignorance about his tactics puts us at a serious disadvantage.

Satan isn't just a symbol of evil or a metaphor for bad choices - he's a created being with a personal vendetta against God and His people. The name Satan literally means 'adversary;' that tells us everything we need to know about his nature. He's not neutral, nor indifferent. He is fundamentally opposed to everything God loves, including you. His opposition isn't random or chaotic; it's strategic, organized, and persistent.

Knowing your enemy's tactics helps you recognize and resist them. Satan's primary weapon isn't possession or dramatic supernatural manifestations, it's deception. He lies about God's character, your identity, and your circumstances. He plants doubt, twists truth, and makes evil look appealing.

Recognizing his schemes informs how you overcome temptation and spiritual attacks. When you hear thoughts that contradict God's Word about who you are or what He's promised, you can identify the source: the enemy.

Although Satan is real and active, he's also defeated. Jesus has already won the ultimate victory through His death and resurrection. You're not fighting for victory; you're fighting from victory. This knowledge should give you confidence, knowing that greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.

Quote: "The first act of spiritual warfare was not possession, was not oppression. It was deception." - Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw

Question: Paul describes Satan as organized and systematic in his opposition to God. How does recognizing this strategic nature of spiritual warfare change your prayer life and spiritual vigilance?

Prayer: Father, give me wisdom to recognize the enemy's tactics and the strength to stand firm in Your truth. Help me to fight the real battle against spiritual forces while showing love and grace to the people around me. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Day 5: Suited Up for Battle

Based on the Message: "Out of This World: Wicked" by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

"Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil" - Ephesians 6:11

Devotional: Every morning, you make choices about what to wear based on your day's activities. You wouldn't wear pajamas to a job interview or a tuxedo to the gym. In the same way, as a believer, you need to intentionally prepare for the spiritual battles you'll face each day by putting on God's armor.

This isn't a one-time event that happened when you got saved. Just like you bundle up to face winter cold, you must put on spiritual armor every day. Yesterday's preparation won't help you with today's challenges. The enemy is strategic and organized, constantly looking for opportunities to discourage, deceive, or defeat you.

God doesn't send you into battle unprotected. The armor of God isn't defensive equipment alone—it's the very character and power of Christ covering you. Truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, God's Word, and prayer form your complete protection. Notice Paul says to "put on" the whole armor, implying intentionality. Victory requires daily preparation.

You wouldn't face physical danger without protection; why face spiritual warfare unprepared? Each morning, consciously put on each piece: speak truth, choose righteousness, share peace, exercise faith, remember your salvation, declare God's Word, and pray continually. The armor works, but only when worn.

Quote: "Yesterday's anointing is not going to help you for tomorrow's battles."- Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

Question: What does it look like practically for you to 'put on the armor of God' each morning, and which piece of armor do you most need to focus on strengthening in your current season?

Prayer: Lord, clothe me today with Your armor. Help me to stand firm in Your strength and to walk confidently in the victory You've already won. Protect my mind, heart, and steps as I serve You today. In Jesus' name, Amen.