Here are a few additional resources to guide your quiet time this week:
Watch the replay of Sunday's Message, "Fly Like an Eagle"
Use this small group discussion guide with family, friends and co-workers.
Join us for our a 6 AM Prayer Call, Monday through Friday (EST).
Watch the replay of "Fly Like an Eagle" by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.
Day 1: Soaring Through the Storm
Message: "Fly Like an Eagle" by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. - Ephesians 3:20-21
Life often presents us with storms we'd rather avoid. Our natural instinct is to seek shelter, to wait until the turbulence passes. Yet, God's way often differs from our natural inclinations. Just as the eagle uniquely uses stormy conditions to reach new heights, God invites us to view our challenges differently. Instead of seeing storms as obstacles, we can recognize them as opportunities for spiritual elevation. When we face difficulties with faith, what seems like adversity becomes a divine launching pad for growth. This perspective shift doesn't make the storms less intense, but it changes how we experience them. Each challenge becomes a chance to demonstrate trust in God's purposes and to witness His faithfulness in action.
"While other birds run from the weather, the eagle actively engages those stronger winds and instead of seeking shelter, uses the turbulence to push itself higher." - Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.
Question: What current challenge in your life could God be using to lift you to new spiritual heights?
Prayer: Lord, help me to see my struggles through Your eyes. Give me the courage to face my storms with faith, knowing that You can use them to lift me higher. Transform my perspective to recognize opportunities for growth in every challenge. Amen.
Day 2: Rooted in Love
Message: "Fly Like an Eagle" by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.
And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ. - Ephesians 3:17
Devotional: Just as a mighty eagle needs strong wings to soar, we need a strong foundation to rise above life's challenges. This foundation isn't built on our own strength or abilities, but on being rooted and grounded in God's love. When we truly grasp how deeply we are loved by God, it transforms how we serve, give, and live. His love becomes our motivation and our strength. It's not about striving or proving ourselves worthy; it's about responding to and operating from a place of complete acceptance and unconditional love. This love empowers us to take risks, face challenges, and step out in faith when God calls.
We will never understand our work until we understand His love. To try to work for God apart from His love is a recipe for burnout and confusion. - Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.
Question: How might your actions and decisions change if you were fully convinced of God's unconditional love for you?
Prayer: Father, help me grasp the depth of Your love for me. Let Your love be the foundation from which I live and serve. Transform my heart to reflect Your love to others. Amen.
Day 3: Rising Above
Message: "Fly Like an Eagle" by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.
For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man - Ephesians 4:14-16
Devotional: God calls us to rise above the ordinary, to live with a higher perspective. Like eagles, we're designed for more than just scratching around on the ground. We're created to soar in the spiritual realm, to see life from God's viewpoint, and to rise above earthly limitations. This elevated living isn't about superiority; it's about living in the fullness of what God has designed for us. When we embrace our identity as spiritual eagles rather than earthbound chickens, we begin to see possibilities where others see problems, opportunities where others see obstacles.
We are not chickens; we are eagles. It is our identity to soar above and through the storm! - Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.
Question: In what areas of your life are you settling for less than what God has designed for you?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me embrace the identity You've given me. Give me eyes to see from Your perspective and courage to rise above earthly limitations. Thank You for calling me higher. Amen.
Day 4: Faith in Action
Message: "Fly Like an Eagle" by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.
And I pray that you may know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. - Ephesians 3:19
Devotional: True faith isn't passive; it's active and dynamic. Like an eagle extending its wings to catch the wind, we must actively engage with God's promises and purposes. This means stepping out when God calls, even when we can't see the full picture. It means trusting His provision will be there when we need it, not necessarily before we take the first step. Faith combined with vision enables us to attempt what seems impossible, to walk on water when Jesus calls. It's not about reckless action, but about confident obedience based on God's character and promises.
Faith and vision will carry you beyond what you understand. As long as Jesus is with you, you will be alright. - Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.
Question: What step of faith is God asking you to take that requires trusting Him beyond your understanding?
Prayer: Lord, strengthen my faith to move beyond what I can see or understand. Help me trust Your character and promises more than my own abilities. Guide my steps as I follow You in obedience. Amen.
Day 5: Generous Living
Message: "Fly Like an Eagle" by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.
Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. - 2 Corinthians 9:6-7
Devotional: God's economy operates on principles of generosity. Just as He generously provides for us, He calls us to be channels of His provision to others. This isn't about giving until we're depleted, but about giving with joy, knowing that God's supply is endless. When we understand His generous nature and trust His provision, giving becomes a delight rather than a duty. We move from asking 'How much do I have to give?' to 'How much can I give?' This shift in perspective transforms our entire approach to resources, whether time, talents, or treasures.
We love God because He first love us. We give, because God has been generous to us. We can't beat God's love, or His giving. - Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.
Question: How can you shift from viewing giving as an obligation to seeing it as an opportunity to participate in God's generous nature?
Prayer: God, transform my heart to reflect Your generous nature. Help me to give joyfully, trusting in Your endless provision. Show me opportunities to be a channel of Your blessing to others. Amen.