This timely message will encourage you seek the face of God and not just His hand.

More Than a Sandwich – 9.12.10 from Dexter Upshaw on Vimeo.

13 “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14

Today’s 5 minute devotional is for anyone who finds themselves discouraged by the struggles of life. The secret to happiness is learning how to be content in good times and bad times…

Study the scripture for yourself: Philippians 4:12-13 — http://read.ly/Phil4.12.NIV

Why so much negativity? Remember that life and death is in the power of your tongue… Make an effort to be positive, rather than being negative.

For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. – Proverbs 23:7 (NKJV)

Death and life are in the power of the tongue. – Proverbs 18:21 (NKJV)

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. – Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)

When was the last time you asked God what His will was? Our scripture focus for today is Romans 12:1-2:

¹Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual^[a] act of worship. ²Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (NIV)

In order to know the will of God we must:

1. Surrender our all to Him
2. No longer conform to the pattern of this world
3. Be transformed by the renewing of our minds

This is Part 1 of a three part series. Please feel free to leave comments below! Click here to watch the entire series.

It’s amazing how smells can help us remember people, places and moments in our lives. Often when I smell buttered popcorn, I think about school carnivals that I attended when I was in grade school. The favorite people in my life also have a recognizable smell, whether its their signature cologne, cocoa butter or the faint scent of their shampoo.

Honestly, there are some smells I would rather blank out. I will never forget the time my mother prepared chitterlings (chitlins for my soul food connoisseurs) in our home kitchens. Those of you who have experienced this process know how strong and pungent the smell is. Needless to say that was my first (and last) time tasting or eating chitterlings… all because of the smell.

Spiritually we also have a scent.

“In the Messiah, in Christ, God leads us from place to place in one perpetual victory parade. Through us, he brings knowledge of Christ. Everywhere we go, people breathe in the exquisite fragrance. Because of Christ, we give off a sweet scent rising to God, which is recognized by those on the way of salvation—an aroma redolent with life.” 2 Corinthians 12:14-15 (The Message)

Ask yourself this question; is my aroma pleasant and engaging? Are people drawn to the perfume of my conversation and attitude? Or are people repelled when they get a whiff of my negativity or hypocrisy?

Those of us who are believers in Christ should carry a sweet smell. We should be compassionate, caring and real with all people… especially those who may not believe the same thing we believe. The greatest commandment is summed up in loving God will all your heart, soul and strength, and loving you neighbor as yourself. The grace of God in our life should be attractive to those who are seeking truth.

Take a moment and take a whiff of yourself (it’s ok, no one is looking ). Do you smell of life or death today?

“Does it sound like we’re patting ourselves on the back, insisting on our credentials, asserting our authority? Well, we’re not.You yourselves are all the endorsement we need. Your very lives are a letter that anyone can read by just looking at you.  Christ himself wrote it—not with ink, but with God’s living Spirit; not chiseled into stone, but carved into human lives—and we publish it.” – 2 Corinthians 3:1-3 (The Message)

There is a very familiar saying that goes like this: ” I would rather see a sermon than hear one any day!” This scripture is a reminder that actions speak louder than words. Genuine faith in Jesus Christ is more than going to church on Sunday. Authentic belief  in God is more than choosing not to cuss, staying away from clubs or abstaining from sex before marriage. A bona fide believer is a living letter, a constantly-updated blog dedicated to God’s narrative.

When people see us (believers in God through Jesus Christ), they must see living epistles. The moment we surrender our lives to God, He places His Holy Spirit within us. God literally chooses to dwell and take up residence inside of us. In other words, He moves in and becomes the landlord of our hearts.  He then begins the lifelong process of transforming us inside and out. Motivated by His love, we then begin to respond to the work that He started within us. We begin to bear fruit:

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” – Galatians 5:22-25 (NIV)

What does this mean for our interaction with those who have not yet committed their lives to God?

It means that we should spend more time and effort investing in our relationship with God than attempting to tell them how to live their lives.

As you are changed, it will show. When you walk in the fruit of the Spirit, it will positively affect those around you. Your light will shine so that others can see work that God has done on your heart.

Live your life as an open book. Don’t be afraid to admit that you are not perfect; embrace the fact that you are a work in progress. And when God does rewrite a chapter within your life or corrects your mistakes, don’t be afraid to share it with those people who are in your sphere of influence. Remember, you are a blog post that is constantly up for revision. Allow God to update you daily through the publishing power of His Holy Spirit.