Watch the replay of the message "Beware of Contraband" by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.
Day 1: Time to Advance
Message: "Beware of Contraband," by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.
"After the death of Moses the Lord’s servant, the Lord spoke to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ assistant. He said, “Moses my servant is dead. Therefore, the time has come for you to lead these people, the Israelites, across the Jordan River into the land I am giving them." - Joshua 1:1-2
Devotional: After forty years of trials in the wilderness, God eventually allowed Joshua to guide the Israelites into the Promised Land. To claim the promised land, Israel had to conquer 31 cities over the course of 13 battles. There is a season for everything: a time to wander and a time to move forward. By aligning with God, even the wilderness period comes to an end. We should eagerly anticipate what lies ahead, while recognizing that obtaining the promise involves a process.
"You cannot POSSESS the PROMISE without PROCESS." - Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.
Reflection Question: Are you ready for the process that is connected to the promise God has given you?
Today's Prayer: Lord, prepare me for the process that is attached to the promise you have for my life. Help me to stay obedient to your Word. Thank you for promising never to fail or abandon me! In the name of Jesus, amen.
Day 2: The Power of Divine Instructions
Message: "Beware of Contraband," by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.
"After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses' aide: 'Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites.'" - Joshua 1:1
Devotional: Have you ever been given directions that seemed confusing? Maybe your GPS recommended a route that looked longer or more complex than needed. However, once you followed it, those directions turned out to be the best option. Similarly, God's guidance often operates in the same manner. It might challenge our comprehension or seem illogical, but it always leads to the best result. Just as a GPS is aware of traffic patterns and road conditions that we can't see, God has the complete view of our lives and knows the best way forward. Following His guidance isn't about blind obedience—it's about trusting His perfect wisdom and timing.
"In 2025, we are going to have to follow instructions. It is God who helps you navigate difficult enemies and obstacles and tumultuous times." - Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.
Reflection Question: What divine instructions has God been giving you that you've been hesitant to follow? What's holding you back from complete obedience?
Today's Prayer: Lord, give me the courage to follow Your instructions, even when they challenge my understanding. Help me trust Your wisdom above my own. In the name of Jesus, amen.
Day 3: Silencing Competing Voices
Message: "Beware of Contraband," by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.
"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." - 2 Timothy 1:7
Devotional: We are living in uncertain times, from raging fires in LA to a new presidential administration. Through social media, news, friends, family – we're constantly bombarded with opinions, advice, and commentary that breeds fear, division and panic. It's crucial to recognize when these voices start drowning out God's guidance in our lives. True spiritual clarity comes when we learn to quiet these competing voices and tune our hearts to God's frequency. Don't just watch the headlines; watch the heavens for a Word from the Lord!
"A sound mind is controlled by the Holy Spirit, not headlines." - Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.
Reflection Question: What voices or influences in your life might be competing with God's voice for your attention?
Today's Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me distinguish Your voice from all others. Grant me discernment to recognize Your guidance amidst the noise of daily life. In the name of Jesus, amen.
Day 4: Obedience and God's Power
Message: "Beware of Contraband," by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.
"But the Lord said to Joshua, “I have given you Jericho, its king, and all its strong warriors. You and your fighting men should march around the town once a day for six days.even priests will walk ahead of the Ark, each carrying a ram’s horn. On the seventh day you are to march around the town seven times, with the priests blowing the horns. When you hear the priests give one long blast on the rams’ horns, have all the people shout as loud as they can. Then the walls of the town will collapse, and the people can charge straight into the town.” - Joshua 6:2-5
Devotional: The fall of Jericho is a powerful reminder of God's might and the importance of obedience. Israel's victory didn't come through conventional military tactics, but through faithful obedience to God's unusual instructions. In our lives, God sometimes asks us to do things that may seem illogical or unconventional. Today, consider areas where God might be calling you to step out in faith. Are there "walls" in your life that seem insurmountable? Remember, our obedience, coupled with God's power, can overcome any obstacle. Pray for the faith to trust God's methods, even when they don't make sense to human logic.
"By all natural means, Jericho was impenetrable. With man it's impossible, but with God, all things are possible. Following instructions and do what you're told." - Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.
Reflection Question: What areas of your life are you still trying to control instead of surrendering to God's leadership?
Today's Prayer: Dear God, I surrender my plans and control to You today. Help me trust Your leadership in every area of my life. In the name of Jesus, amen.
Day 5: The Danger of Hidden Sin
Message: "Beware of Contraband," by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.
"But Israel violated the instructions about the things set apart for the Lord. A man named Achan had stolen some of these dedicated things, so the Lord was very angry with the Israelites." - Joshua 7:1
Devotional: The story of Achan serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of hidden sin. What seemed like a small, secret act of disobedience had far-reaching effects on the entire community. In our walk with God, we might be tempted to keep certain areas of our lives hidden, thinking they don't affect others. Today, ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart. Are there any "banned items" you're holding onto? Remember, confession and repentance open the door to God's forgiveness and restoration. Take time to bring any hidden areas before God, trusting in His mercy and grace.
"There are certain items that will get you in trouble, regardless of your intentions. Contraband has consequences." - Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.
Reflection Question: Are you holding on to something that God has prohibited? What do you need to come clean about?
Prayer: Forgive me if I have violated your instructions. I willing surrender any contraband in my life that will hinder me from entering the promised land. In the name of Jesus, amen.
Comments