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

  You Need a John the Baptist (Matthew 3:1–2) "In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!’" – Matthew 3:1–2    Jesus preached the gospel of the kingdom with a clear and consistent message: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” To repent means to change specifically, to change one’s thinking and consciousness. The kingdom of heaven offers unlimited possibilities available to every person as a child of God, created in the image and likeness of God.  Jesus did not originate this message independently. He continued the very message that John the Baptist had already preached. John served as predecessor, forerunner, and teacher . Even before Jesus was born, John was already in position. Elizabeth, John’s mother, was six months pregnant when Mary conceived Jesus. These cousins developed simultaneously, with John ahead in birth order even in the womb.  ...

  I Will Not Tolerate Disrespect: Wise Words for Leaders (Ephesians 6:9) "And, leaders, do the same things to them, without threatening knowing that God who is also your Master is in heaven and has no respect of persons."   Ephesians 6:9 (KSB)    Paul gives wise words for servants, leaders, parents, and children. As a wise master builder, he shows us how to live a better life, how to lead well, and how to treat others with dignity and kindness. In Ephesians 6, Paul reminds leaders that we were not always in positions of authority, we were once followers, servants, employees, or parishioners. To be effective leaders, we must remember what it was like to be in those positions and treat others with the same respect we once desired.    If you are an employer, remember when you were employed. If you are a spiritual leader, remember when you sat in the pew. If you are a parent, remember when you were a child. Every person longs to be respected. Now ...