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

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What the Cross Means: Crucifying the World, Embracing God, and Crossing Out the Past

What the Cross Means: Crucifying the World, Embracing God, and Crossing Out the Past "May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world." Galatians 6:14 (KSB) The cross is the central image of the Christian faith. It crowns the rooftops of churches, adorns sanctuaries, and rests around the necks of believers worldwide. Whether it’s the empty cross or the crucifix, the symbol remains a powerful reminder of Jesus' sacrifice and the foundation of our faith. Songs like "At Calvary," "Near the Cross," and "The Old Rugged Cross" continue to declare its significance. Having stood at Calvary’s foot in Israel at the very place where Jesus was crucified. I can testify to the power of that sacred ground. But beyond the physical symbol, Jesus invites us to carry our own cross. He said, “If anyone would follow Me, let him take up his cross and follow Me.” Each ...

This Is an Opportunity: Unlocking God's Purpose Through Every Life Experience

This Is an Opportunity: Unlocking God's Purpose Through Every Life Experience "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." Galatians 6:10 (KSB) This is an opportunity. The event you're facing right now no matter how big or small is a divine opening. As Paul reminds us in Galatians 6:10, when we recognize opportunity, we must do good to all people , especially to our faith family. But seeing it as an opportunity begins with how we perceive it. The Kingdom of God isn't just a destination it's a way of seeing, thinking, speaking, and living with God at the center. The way we interpret life events shapes our experience. Two people can encounter the same circumstance and walk away with completely different outcomes one in despair, the other in praise simply based on how they choose to see it. Take, for instance, a job loss. One person may respo...

Sowing Into the Spirit: Why Shame Is Not the Solution

Sowing Into the Spirit: Why Shame Is Not the Solution "Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life." Galatians 6:8 (KSB) In the Kingdom of God, there's a foundational principle that governs how we live, thrive, and experience God's best. Sowing and reaping. This divine law isn't based on wrath, curses, or attacks from the enemy, it's based on the choices we make daily. Our lives reflect the harvest of our thoughts, words, and actions. The apostle Paul tells us plainly: we can either sow into the flesh our ego, our lower consciousness, our sinful nature or sow into the ...

Wisdom Is Knowing What to Do: Learning to Carry, Care, and Cast According to Galatians 6

Wisdom Is Knowing What to Do "Bear each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ... Each one should carry their own load." Galatians 6:2, 5 (KSB) God gives us wisdom. Wisdom is knowing what to do, and the truth is, sometimes we are not sure what that is especially when it comes to helping others or making major decisions. But the Bible gives us a promise: If anyone lacks wisdom, let them ask of God, who gives freely and without reproach. He will give you the clarity you need. Sometimes the answer comes when we stand still and listen for that still, small voice. Other times, we need to seek wise counsel from spiritual leaders, pray in the Spirit, or journal through our thoughts until direction becomes clear. God's wisdom shows us what is ours to do and what is not. There is a divine difference between carrying, caring, and casting. Jesus reminds us, “ Take My yoke upon you... for My yoke is easy an...

The Kingdom Mandate: What It Truly Means to Give God Your All

The Kingdom Mandate: What It Truly Means to Give God Your All In Matthew 13:44–46, Jesus gives us two powerful parables about the kingdom of heaven: "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field." - Matthew 13:44 "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it." - Matthew 13:45–46 Jesus didn’t merely preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. He was the gospel of Jesus Christ. His life, ministry, death, resurrection, ascension, and return are all part of that gospel. But what He actively taught and proclaimed was the gospel of the Kingdom, a divine government and realm that demanded total surrender and yielded miraculous transformation. He traveled from village to village, preaching and teaching abo...

Where Is the Love? Learning to Recognize God's Presence Through Galatians 5

Where Is the Love? One of my favorite duets is by Donny Hathaway and Roberta Flack: "Where Is the Love?" It asks, "Where is the love that you said you would give to me?" It's a timeless question and one that’s just as spiritually relevant today. In Galatians 5 , Paul writes to the churches in Galatia about the contrast between the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit. He helps believers understand how to discern what’s truly of God. And here's the spiritual compass: love is God's signature . "And envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God." Galatians 5:21 (KSB) Whatever you do whether it’s cooking a meal or making a major decision ask yourself: "Where is the love?" Is love your motive? Is love present in your tone, your actions, your intentions? Paul’s letter urges us to determine whether we are operati...