Seated in Heavenly Places: Five Day Devotional

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

• Watch the replay of “Seated in Heavenly Places” 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: The Work Is Finished

Based on the Message: “Seated in Heavenly Places” by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

" but He, having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, sat down at the right hand of God" - Hebrews 10:12

Devotional: In the Old Testament tabernacle, there were no chairs. The priests stood daily, offering the same sacrifices over and over because their work was never finished. People kept sinning, and animal sacrifices could never permanently remove sin. It was an endless cycle of standing, serving, and sacrificing.

But Jesus changed everything. When He offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice, He accomplished what no earthly priest could ever do. His one sacrifice was sufficient for all time - past, present, and future. Unlike the priests who stood because their work was never complete, Jesus sat down because His work was finished. The phrase “it is finished” from the cross wasn’t just His final breath - it was His declaration of victory.

Today, you can rest in the finished work of Christ. Whatever guilt, shame, or condemnation you’re carrying, remember that Jesus already paid the price. You don’t have to keep offering sacrifices or trying to earn God’s favor. The work is done. Jesus is sitting on the job, interceding for you at the right hand of the Father.

When anxiety creeps in about your salvation or worthiness, remember that Jesus isn’t standing; He’s seated. His posture reflects the completeness of His work on your behalf.

Quote: "Jesus finished the job. Jesus did what earthly priests could never. He became the High Priest and the sacrificial Lamb. One final sacrifice for the sins of all time. " - Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

Question: What areas of your life are you still trying to “finish” on your own instead of resting in Christ’s completed work?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for finishing what I could never complete. Help me to rest in Your perfect sacrifice instead of striving to earn Your love. When I’m tempted to add to Your work or doubt my salvation, remind me that You’re seated in victory. Teach me to live from Your finished work, not for it. In Jesus’ powerful name, Amen.

Day 2: Seated With Him in Victory

Based on the Message: “Seated in Heavenly Places” by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

"and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus" - Ephesians 2:6

Devotional: Paul’s words in Ephesians reveal an astounding truth: we’re not just observers of Christ’s victory; we’re participants in it. When God raised Jesus from the dead and seated Him at His right hand, He also raised us and seated us with Him in heavenly places. This isn’t future hope; it’s present reality.

What does it mean to be seated with Christ? It means we share in His authority and victory. Just as Jesus sits in a position of rest and triumph, we too can live from a place of spiritual victory. We don’t fight for victory; we fight from victory. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in us, positioning us above the circumstances that once held us captive.

This truth transforms how we face life’s challenges. When anxiety attacks, remember you’re seated above it. When depression tries to pull you down, recall your elevated position in Christ. When the enemy whispers lies about your identity, remember where you are ultimately seated: with Jesus in heavenly places.

Your earthly circumstances may be difficult, but your spiritual position is secure. You’re not fighting for a spot in the throne room; the King of kings has already secured your seat.

Quote: "Jesus' enemies will be made his footstool. Death is defeated. Sin is defeated. Satan is defeated." - Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

Question: How would your daily struggles look different if you truly lived from your seated position with Christ in heavenly places?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for raising me and seating me with Christ in heavenly places. Help me to live from this position of victory, not as a defeated victim but as Your victorious child. When life’s storms rage, remind me that I’m seated above them with Jesus. Strengthen my faith to walk in this truth daily. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Day 3: The Right Hand of Power

Based on the Message: “Seated in Heavenly Places” by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

"Jesus said to him, 'You have said it yourself; nevertheless I tell you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven." - Matthew 26:64

Devotional: When Jesus declared He would be seated at the right hand of Power, He claimed the highest position of authority and honor. In ancient courts, the king’s right hand was reserved for the most trusted advisor, who acted on the king’s behalf, carried out his decisions, and served as chief representative.

Jesus didn’t just visit heaven; He took His rightful place at the right hand of the Father. This position represents His complete authority over all creation, His perfect trust relationship with the Father, and His role as our ultimate advocate.

What comfort this brings to believers! When you pray, your words reach the throne room where Jesus sits, making intercession for you. Not only does He sympathize with your struggles, but He also has the authority to act on your behalf. He speaks to the Father with complete knowledge of your needs and perfect understanding of God’s will.

This same Jesus, who conquered death and holds ultimate authority, is interceding for you now. Every cry and desperate moment reaches His ears. He responds from absolute power and love.

Quote: "To sit at a king's right hand is the highest honor. A 'right hand man' is trustworthy and speaks on behalf of the king and His court. Jesus is our Advocate and Intercessor, seated at the right hand of the Father." - Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

Question: How does knowing Jesus sits at the right hand of Power change the way you approach Him in prayer?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I’m amazed that You sit at the right hand of Power, yet You still care about my daily concerns. Thank You for using Your position of authority to intercede for me. Help me to pray with confidence, knowing that You have all power and authority to work in my situation. I trust in Your perfect timing and wisdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Day 4: Living as His Workmanship

Based on the Message: “Seated in Heavenly Places” by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them" - Ephesians 2:10

Devotional: The word “workmanship” in Ephesians 2:10 is the Greek word “poiema,” from which we get our word “poem.” In other words, we are God’s poem, His masterpiece, His work of art. This isn’t about what you do for God; it’s about what God has already done in you—embrace your identity as His unique creation.

God didn’t save you and then leave you to figure out your purpose. Even before you were born, He prepared good works just for you to walk in. Your life is more than a random sequence of events; it is a divinely orchestrated journey, filled with predetermined purposes and carefully prepared opportunities.

This truth liberates us from the pressure of creating our own significance. You don’t have to manufacture your purpose or force open doors. As God’s workmanship, you can trust that He’s already gone before you, preparing the path and the works He wants you to accomplish.

Your everyday interactions, your workplace conversations, your family relationships; all of these are potential platforms for the good works God prepared in advance. You don’t need a pulpit or a platform to fulfill God’s purposes. You just need to be available and obedient as opportunities unfold.

Quote: "Christ did not die so we could have church. Christ did not die so we could play religion. Christ did not suffer so we could just be selfish and pursue our own selfish pursuits. He did his work, and now we got to make sure we're doing our work."- Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

Question: What good works might God have prepared for you to walk in during this season of your life?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, You are the Creator of all living things. Thank You for making me Your workmanship, Your masterpiece. Help me to see myself through Your eyes, not as broken goods but as Your poem, Your work of art. Open my eyes to the good works You’ve prepared for me. Give me the courage to walk in them with confidence, knowing You’ve equipped me for everything You’ve called me to. In Jesus’ victorious name, Amen.

Day 5: Grace Beyond Our Deserving

Based on the Message: “Seated in Heavenly Places” by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

"so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus." Ephesians 2:7

Devotional: God’s grace isn’t just abundant; it surpasses all we can imagine. Paul tells us in Ephesians that, for all ages to come, God will demonstrate the incredible riches of His grace through His kindness to us in Christ Jesus. The story of this grace never ends.

Consider this: when we were spiritually dead in our sins and unable to help ourselves, God intervened. This intervention did not come because we deserved it, but because of His great love and mercy. As a result, He made us alive with Christ, raised us, and seated us in heavenly places.

This grace is not just for salvation; it’s for every day. Each morning is another chance to experience God’s rich grace. Each challenge is a chance for His grace to prove sufficient. His power is made perfect in our weakness.

God’s grace is so magnificent that He will spend eternity showcasing it. As a result, you are a living demonstration of His kindness, a testimony to His surpassing grace.

Quote: "By grace, we are saved. Not by works, because there is no way we could've done what Jesus did on the cross. "He saves us, redeems us, and then gives us a seat in heaven, not in the basement. God welcomes us into the house, not into the garage. We are adopted into the family of God, not as strangers, but as sons and daughters."- Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

Question: In what specific areas of your life do you need to receive and rest in God’s surpassing grace more fully?

Prayer: Gracious Father, I’m overwhelmed by the surpassing riches of Your grace toward me. Thank You for loving me when I was dead in sin and for making me alive in Christ. Help me to live in the fullness of Your grace, not trying to earn what You’ve freely given. May my life be a demonstration of Your incredible kindness for all eternity. In Jesus’ name, Amen.