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

    Curious and Compassionate (Ezekiel 16:35) People do not simply wake up one day and engage in destructive or unhealthy behaviors. There is a process that leads individuals to act and think in certain ways. In Ezekiel 16:35, the prophet discusses Israel's descent into idolatry, highlighting that this was not an abrupt shift but a gradual progression. This erosion of values often begins with other issues such as promiscuity. When we encounter individuals engaging in harmful behaviors, instead of passing judgment, it is important to dig deeper into the root causes of their actions. For example, when considering why someone may turn to prostitution or sex work, it is essential to explore the circumstances that led them to this point. Were they facing trauma, abuse, or struggles that pushed them towards such choices? By approaching these situations with compassion and a genuine desire to understand, we can better support those in need and work towards addressing the underl...

  My Testimony of Divine Protection (Psalm 105:1) I have a powerful testimony to share with you today about God's peace, protection, and forgiveness. Two weeks ago, my granddaughter had been staying with me for 11 days. As I returned her to the airport in my BMW, I encountered a situation that tested my faith and ultimately showed me the extent of God's grace. Upon arriving at the car rental facility, I discovered that all the cars were gone. Thankfully, I found another rental facility nearby offering luxury cars at a discount in honor of my birthday. I was able to secure a fully loaded 23 BMW, allowing me to continue with my plans for the day. After a busy day of meetings and errands, I stopped to get gas. As I attempted to leave the gas station, a car blocked my path. A man approached me with a gun and a crowbar, demanding my keys. In that moment, a blanket of peace enveloped me, reminding me of the promise of perfect peace for those who keep their minds focused on God....

 I AM Victorious: Therefore, I Sing Consciously (Ephesians 5:18) Because I have the victory, when you have the victory, you sing consciously. This means I am aware of what I am singing, when I am singing, where I am singing, and how I am singing because I am conscious that I am victorious. Therefore, I sing consciously. Sometimes I sing to God directly, not just about God but to God, and that is worship. Sometimes I sing to myself, encouraging myself in the Lord, and that is a form of self-encouragement. Whether it's in the shower, while working, or singing around the house, it's important to sing to yourself and have a theme song to encourage yourself because you are victorious. I sing to God in worship because I am victorious, and I sing to myself to encourage myself because I am victorious. I have a contagious victory, and I share this victory with other people. Sometimes I sing to others to support them, build them up, and lift them up. And sometimes I sing cons...

  Every Experience Gives Me Life (John 10:10).  In life, you are going to have tests, trials, and tribulations. You are going to face temptation, headaches, and pain. You will encounter hurdles and obstacles; it’s all a part of life. However, you get to decide how you will respond to the experiences you face. John 10:10 says Jesus mentioned that the thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy, but He wants you to have a life that is more abundant. So when a difficult situation comes your way, you have the power to decide if it will harm you or if you will allow it to bring you life. Every experience that occurs in your life gives you a choice. Will you become bitter or better? Will you spiral into depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts, or will you learn and grow from the experience? Every experience presents a choice, and I choose life because both options are available. The thief will come, but Jesus also offers His presence. You have the choice of which door to open - th...

   I AM At PEACE with My Past (Psalm 32:1) Let's talk about our past. That's right, your past. We all have one, we all have a past, and the past is not just what happened decades ago, years ago, months ago, weeks ago, or days ago. Your past is anything that's not in your present, and we all have a past, so what do we do with our past since we all have them. Accept your past. You cannot change it. There's nothing you can do today to change your past, so be honest about it, be open about it, accept that you have a past, and everybody else has a past. Be at peace with your past, knowing that you can't change it, and therefore don't lie about it, don't hide it, it's your past. One thing I do is forgetting those things which are behind me, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. We all have a past, and when you have a challenge of being open and honest about your past because maybe it's not your past, maybe it...