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The Summer of Soul: 5 Day Devotional




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


Day 1: The Soul: More Than Meets the Eye

Based on the Message: "The Summer of Soul" by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

"Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being." - Genesis 2:7

Devotional: When we look in the mirror, we see our physical reflection - our hair, skin, and clothes. But there's something far more profound that makes us who we are. Our soul - our true essence - extends beyond what any mirror can reflect. It's not just a part of us; it is us. Understanding this truth changes how we view ourselves and our relationship with God. Just as we care for our physical bodies, we must intentionally nurture our souls, which will continue long after our earthly journey ends. This understanding should reshape our priorities and how we spend our time. Are we investing as much in our eternal soul as we are in our temporary body?


Quote: " Your soul is not something that you have. Your soul is who you are" - Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

Question: How would your daily choices change if you consistently remembered that your soul is eternal while your body is temporary?


Prayer: Lord, help me to see myself as You see me - not just as a physical being, but as an eternal soul created in Your image. Guide me in making choices that nurture my soul's growth. Amen.


Day 2: Finding True Rest

Based on the Message: "The Summer of Soul" by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.


"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." - Matthew 11:28-29

Devotional: In our busy world, we often confuse rest with escape. We might travel to exotic locations, indulge in luxurious experiences, or scroll endlessly through social media - yet still feel empty inside. True rest isn't found in changing our location but in connecting with our Creator. Jesus offers a different kind of rest - one that refreshes not just our bodies, but our souls. This rest comes from releasing our burdens to Him and finding peace in His presence. It's available whether we're on a tropical beach or in our own backyard.

Quote: "You can travel and still not get rest. You can vacation and still not get rest. You can eat at the finest restaurants, you can stunt on Instagram and show everybody how you're living... and still have a void that only God can address."- Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

Question: What activities do you typically turn to for rest, and how effective are they at providing true soul-level peace?


Prayer: Jesus, teach me to find true rest in You. Help me to stop searching for peace in temporary pleasures and instead find it in Your presence. Amen.



Day 3: Spiritual Fitness

Based on the Message: "The Summer of Soul" by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.


"For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come." - 1 Timothy 4:8

Devotional: Just as physical fitness requires consistent effort and proper form, spiritual growth demands regular exercise and correct practice. We can't expect to grow stronger in our faith through sporadic spiritual workouts or by carrying burdens we were never meant to bear. Jesus wants to be our spiritual trainer, guiding us in proper spiritual disciplines and helping us maintain good spiritual form. He knows exactly what weights we should carry and what exercises will best strengthen our faith.

Quote: "Jesus wants to be your workout partner this summer. He's your Creator and your Trainer." - Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

Question: What spiritual disciplines do you need to develop or maintain for healthy spiritual growth?


Prayer: Lord, be my spiritual trainer. Show me the areas where I need to grow and guide me in developing healthy spiritual habits. Amen.



Day 4: Beyond Behavior Modification

Based on the Message: "The Summer of Soul" by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.


"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship." - Romans 12:1

Devotional: Often, we approach our spiritual life like a self-improvement project, focusing solely on changing our external behaviors. While good behavior is important, true transformation goes deeper. God is interested in the root causes of our actions - our motivations, fears, and desires. When we allow Him to work at this deeper level, lasting change occurs naturally. This isn't about following a set of rules; it's about allowing God to transform us from the inside out.


Quote: "As you mature in the faith, you begin to realize that really walking with God is not simply about behavior modification. It's about getting to the root of why we do what we do" - Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

Question: What behaviors in your life need more than surface-level change, requiring God's deeper transformational work?


Prayer: Father, help me to surrender not just my actions but my heart to You. Transform me from the inside out. Amen.



Day 5: Resting in God's Presence

Based on the Message: "The Summer of Soul" by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.


"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." - Matthew 11:28-29

Devotional: Life often feels like a storm - circumstances swirl around us, challenges buffet us from every side, and chaos seems to reign. Yet even in these moments, we can learn to rest in God's presence. This isn't about escaping the storm; it's about finding peace within it. When we fully trust Jesus, we discover a calm that transcends our circumstances. This kind of rest isn't dependent on external conditions but on our relationship with Him. It's available to us at all times, in all situations.


Quote: "You can learn how to rest in the midst of the storm; you can learn how to rest in the midst of chaos; with Jesus, you can find true rest for your soul."- Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

Question: What is hindering you from surrendering to the rest that Jesus offers?


Prayer: Jesus, teach me to rest in Your presence regardless of my circumstances. Help me trust You more deeply each day. Amen.

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