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

Spiritual Awakening: Shifting Consciousness to Eternal Truths  (2 Corinthians 4:17) “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, works for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;” Awakening to Consciousness Your consciousness is your awareness. What are you aware of? What have you awakened to? What do you focus on? Whatever you focus on grows and multiplies. What do you give your energy and attention to? These things expand in your life. Some of life’s transitory aspects should become background noise—acknowledged but not the focus of our time, talent, or treasure. Many things we currently prioritize should be moved to the back burner. We must stop making them the focus of our lives. If we are giving too much energy to negativity, we need to shift our consciousness. When I am conscious, I am aware of God. I see God in me, through me, and as me. I recognize the good in every person, place, and thing. Because of this awareness, I understand that all things work ...

  The “But” Factor: Finding Victory in Life’s Dual Realities "We are pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." – 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (KSB) How many of you remember that old song “Doin’ Da Butt”? They were talking about one kind of "but"—but today, I want to talk about the spiritual "but" factor, a deeper biblical principle that gives hope and balance. In 2 Corinthians 4, the Apostle Paul teaches us how to live in dual realities. He shows the church in Corinth—and us—that multiple truths can coexist. Just like Baskin-Robbins and Dunkin’ Donuts can share one location, your life can contain joy and pain, struggle and peace, pressure and perseverance all at once. Open Your Spiritual Senses It’s time to awaken our spiritual senses: Open your eyes to see what else God is doing. Open your ears to hear the whisper behind the noise. Open your mouth to tas...

I AM Not an Instrument. I AM a Vessel “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.” – 2 Corinthians 4:7 (KSB) Hidden in Plain Sight The image that Paul presents in 2 Corinthians 4 is that of a treasure hidden within an earthen vessel. In the Old Testament, people didn’t have locks, alarm systems, or cameras to protect their valuables. Instead, their belongings were often left exposed, making them vulnerable to thieves and robbers. To safeguard their most valuable treasures, they would hide them in jars of clay—earthen vessels—placing them in plain sight. A thief or robber would never think to look there because it wasn’t an obvious hiding place. Likewise, God has placed something valuable inside of you—a treasure of great worth. Yet, people often fail to see it. You may be right in front of them, but they don’t recognize your gifts, skills, talents, anointing, abilities, or sensitivities. You are hidden in plain sight bec...

"But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects." – Acts 28:5 KSB      From the very beginning, in Genesis 1, God gave us dominion over the fish of the sea. We have authority over all sea creatures—sharks, whales, and everything that moves in the water. However, when we do not recognize our authority, we fear what we were meant to rule.      We also have dominion over the birds of the air. We do not need to be afraid of what flies around us because we have been given authority. Additionally, we have dominion over the animals and everything that creeps on the earth. When we understand our power and authority, we do not have to live in fear—we can shake it off.      Paul understood his power, not only through creation but also through Christ. Jesus said, “These signs shall follow them that believe: in My name… if they drink any deadly thing, it will not harm them. They will take up serpents, and they will recover.” ...

What are the Gifts of the Spirit? | Bible Study on Spiritual Gifts"   (Romans 11:29) "There are different kinds of gifts, but the same God distributes them."      In the New Testament, there are three distinct types of gifts, which are sometimes confused or not fully understood. However, the New Testament clearly distinguishes between them. The source of these gifts is God. He doesn't vote on who receives them; He gives gifts to everyone. God didn't ask for your opinion when He gave you your gift; He gave you exactly what you need to fulfill His purpose for your life. Every one of us has at least one gift, and that gift is meant to help us prosper and make an impact on the earth.      The writer who discusses these three types of gifts in detail is Paul. In Romans 12:3-9, he talks about grace gifts . These are the gifts you are born with; they are naturally part of who you are. You don't have to do anything to receive them; they are simply in you from...