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

  The Vocational Advantage: Living Worthy of Your Calling  "I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beg you to walk worthy of the vocation by which you are called."   Ephesians 4:1 (KSB)    The Apostle Paul reminds us in Ephesians 4:1 that our calling, our vocation  is something far greater than just a job or even a career. A job is something you do to earn a paycheck. A career may reflect your education, skills, and achievements, but it does not necessarily bring fulfillment. A vocation, however, is a divine calling your God-given purpose and living it out changes everything.  I know this firsthand. I once climbed the career ladder: volunteer, intern, part-time counselor, part-time teacher, full-time counselor, director of counseling, school psychologist, and eventually assistant principal of a high school. It was respectable work, but it didn’t fill my soul. At 44, I retired from my career and stepped fully into my vocation full-time ministry....

  Voluntary Imprisonment: Choosing to Be a Prisoner of the Lord (Ephesians 4:1)  "I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beg you to walk worthy of the vocation by which you are called."   Ephesians 4:1 (KSB)    In Ephesians 4:1, the Apostle Paul makes a striking statement: "I AM the prisoner of the Lord." It’s a bold way to describe oneself, especially when our usual conversations about God focus on liberty and freedom. We often celebrate verses like, "You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free" and "Whoever the Son sets free is free indeed." Yet here, Paul embraces the language of bondage not as something forced upon him, but as something he has chosen.    In biblical times, if someone could not pay a debt, they could voluntarily become an indentured servant. Some, once their debt was repaid, loved their master so much they chose to remain as “love slaves” willingly bound in service. Paul’s declaration reflects that sa...