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What Kind of Fish Are You Looking For? 5 Day Devotional



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


Day 1: Your Life Speaks Volumes

Based on the Message: "What Kind of Fish Are You Looking For?" by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.


"Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time." - Colossians 4:5

Devotional: Have you ever noticed how a lighthouse doesn't make any noise, yet its light guides countless ships to safety? Similarly, our daily lives as Christians can illuminate the path for others without saying a word. Living authentically for Christ isn't about perfection - it's about progression. When we realize that our lives aren't our own but belong to God, our everyday actions begin to reflect His character. Whether it's showing patience in traffic, extending grace to a difficult coworker, or choosing kindness when faced with rudeness, these moments matter. They're not just random acts; they're powerful testimonies of God's transforming work in our lives.

Quote: "Let your life be a hook that pulls someone closer to God" - Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

Question: What specific areas of your daily life could become more powerful testimonies of God's work in you?


Prayer: Lord, help me remember that my life is a living testimony. Guide me to live in a way that naturally draws others to You. Give me wisdom to make choices that reflect Your character in my everyday moments. Amen.



Day 2: Your Story Matters

Based on the Message: "What Kind of Fish Are You Looking For?" by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.


"Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you." - Luke 8:39

Devotional: Each of us has a unique story of how God has worked in our lives. Like fingerprints, no two testimonies are exactly alike, and that's exactly how God designed it. Your story - whether dramatic or quiet, sudden or gradual - has the power to connect with someone who needs to hear it. The key isn't in trying to make your testimony more exciting or impressive than it is. The power lies in its authenticity, in the genuine way God has moved in your life. When we share our stories with honesty and humility, we create bridges that allow others to see themselves in our journey.


Quote: "When you testify, you are describing the great things God has done for you.The main event is not who you were but who you've become as a result of having Jesus in your life." - Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

Question: How has God's work in your life created a story that might help someone else find hope?


Prayer: Father, thank You for my unique story. Give me courage to share it authentically and wisdom to know when and how to share it. Use my experiences to bring hope to others. Amen.


Day 3:Your Influence Matters

Based on the Message: "What Kind of Fish Are You Looking For?" by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.


"Day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts." - Acts 2:46

Devotional: God has strategically placed each of us in unique spheres of influence. Think about it - you have access to people and places that no one else does. Your workplace, your neighborhood, your gym, your coffee shop - these are all mission fields where God has positioned you. You don't need a pulpit or a platform to make an impact. Your consistent presence, authentic relationships, and Christ-like character in these everyday spaces create opportunities for God to work through you. You reach people that your pastor will never meet, and that's by design.


Quote: "This ain't about living your best life now. This is about living a surrendered life where you say, "God, however You want to use me, use me... Wherever You place my feet to walk, I'm an ambassador for You."" - Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

Question: What unique opportunities for influence has God given you in your daily routines and relationships?


Prayer: God, open my eyes to see the opportunities You've given me to influence others. Help me be intentional in building relationships and showing Your love in my sphere of influence. Amen.


Day 4: Growing in Spiritual Maturity

Based on the Message: "What Kind of Fish Are You Looking For?" by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.


"Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person." - Colossians 4:6

Devotional: Spiritual growth isn't just about knowing more - it's about becoming more like Christ. As we mature in our faith, our words, actions, and reactions should reflect this growth. The way we handled situations five years ago shouldn't be the same way we handle them today. Maturity in Christ shows itself in how we speak, how we treat others, and how we respond to challenges. It's about surrendering our old ways and embracing God's transforming work in our lives. This isn't about perfection, but about progression in our spiritual journey.


Quote: "You should taste your words before you say them."- Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

Question: What changes in your speech and behavior show evidence of your spiritual growth over the past few years?


Prayer: Lord, continue to mature me in my faith. Help me to speak and act in ways that reflect Your character. Thank You for Your patient work in transforming me. Amen.


Day 5: Called for a Purpose

Based on the Message: "What Kind of Fish Are You Looking For?" by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.


"And he said to them, 'Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.'" - Matthew 4:18

Devotional: God doesn't just save us - He calls us to a purpose. When Jesus called His disciples, He didn't just change their spiritual status; He transformed their passions and abilities for His kingdom purposes. The same is true for us today. God sees potential in us that we often can't see in ourselves. He takes our natural abilities, our experiences (both good and bad), and our passions, and He redirects them for His glory. This isn't about living our best life now - it's about living a surrendered life that fulfills God's purposes.


Quote: "Evangelism is inviting people to 'be all that they can be…' in Christ."- Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

Question: How has God been reshaping your abilities and passions to serve His purposes?


Prayer: Father, help me to surrender my gifts and passions to Your purposes. Show me how You want to use me in Your kingdom work. Thank You for calling me to be part of Your mission. Amen.


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