The Bishop’s Mind: Christian Wisdom, Daily Devotionals & Empowering Messages for Kingdom Living

  Stop Trying to Do Everything by Yourself (Colossians 1:1)  "Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, with Timothy, our brother."   Colossians 1:1 KSB    Give honor where honor is due. When Paul wrote to the church at Colossae, he had never even been there. He didn’t physically start the church, one of his spiritual sons did. Like the woman at the well who went back to evangelize her city, Paul’s disciple went back and helped birth a church. And when Paul wrote to them, he didn’t take all the credit. He included Timothy’s name as co-author of the letter. In fact, Paul co-authored multiple letters, often naming Timothy, Silas, and others who labored with him. Paul understood the power of partnership and gave recognition to those who helped him.    That’s the invitation for us today: be a team player. Collaborate, partner, network. Work together, and when you do, acknowledge those who supported you. Don’t hog the limelight or p...

  What Is It? (Philippians 4:19) "But my God will supply all your needs according to God’s riches in glory through Christ Jesus."   Philippians 4:19 KSB    Philippians chapter 4 contains some of the most well-known promises in Scripture, and one of the most quoted is: “But my God shall supply all of your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” This powerful verse reminds us that God is faithful to meet our needs, but it also invites us to discern between wants, needs, and desires . 1. Wants    The lowest level of consciousness is want . Wants come from the ego, the flesh, the lesser version of ourselves. They are fueled by comparison, jealousy, envy, and strife. Wanting is always focused on pulling something external into our lives so we can feel complete, yet wants never satisfy. As soon as one want is met, another quickly takes its place. This is why Psalm 23 declares: “The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.”  Go...

  What Are You Willing to Lose to Gain Something Better? (Philippians 3:7) "But what were gains for me, are now considered losses for Christ."   Philippians 3:7 KSB    In business, people often speak of losses and gains. They prepare budgets, measure profits, and reconcile accounts to see where they stand. Paul, in Philippians chapter 3, uses this same language but applies it to his spiritual journey. He says, everything I once thought was a gain, I now count as loss for the sake of Christ.    Paul had knowledge, wealth, status, and influence, yet he called it all “dung” compared to knowing Christ. What he lost was nothing compared to what he gained in Jesus. His message is clear: sometimes the very things we cling to are what keep us from experiencing the fullness of God. Losses and Gains (Philippians 3:7) 1. Race – Paul was proud of being an Israelite, a Hebrew of Hebrews. Yet he realized that his race was not his ultimate identity. You...

  The Way to Exaltation (Philippians 2:8-9) "And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name."  Philippians 2:8-9 KSB    In Philippians chapter 2, Paul points us to Jesus as our ultimate example of exaltation. The lesson is simple yet profound: humble yourself, and God will exalt you. In God’s Kingdom, the way up is truly the way down.    Jesus, though found in human form, chose humility and obedience even unto death on the cross. If we desire true exaltation, we must recognize that this physical body is only a form, a vessel. The real power lies in who we are as spiritual beings. Our bodies are temporary houses, but our spirit is eternal and limitless, flowing with the life of God.    God formed humanity from the dust, but He breathed His own Spirit into us, making us living sou...

  I Know Why This Happened to Me (Philippians 1:12) "Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."   Philippians 1:6    In Philippians 1:12, Paul gives us insight into the purpose behind his experiences. He declares, "Brothers, let me tell you why everything that has happened to me has taken place, it is for the furtherance of the Gospel." This powerful statement speaks directly to the question we often ask ourselves: "Why is this happening to me?"  Paul teaches us that everything in his life, his trials, his struggles, his victories was ultimately for spreading the Good News. The Gospel means good news, glad tidings. The Gospel of Jesus Christ covers His pre-existence, birth, life, ministry, death, burial, resurrection, ascension, intercession, and second coming. Jesus Christ is our example, the pattern Son, showing us how to live as both fully human and fully divine.  ...

  Three Types of Prayers (Ephesians 6:18) "Praying always with all types of prayers, supplication in the Spirit, watching, perseverance, and intercession for all saints;" Ephesians 6:18 KSB    Paul closes out Ephesians chapter 6 by encouraging believers to pray. After describing spiritual warfare against principalities, powers, rulers of darkness, and spiritual wickedness in high places, he reminds us to put on the whole armor of God so we can stand strong in battle. He concludes this teaching with a powerful reminder,  prayer is essential.  Prayer is a two-way communication between you and God. It can happen anytime, anywhere, with anyone. Sometimes you speak, sometimes you listen. Prayer is not limited to words; it includes singing, thanksgiving, journaling, worship, fellowship, and anything that opens communication with God. There are also many postures of prayer-sitting, standing, kneeling, bowing, lying prostrate, or walking. Simply put, there is no ...