C H O F Ministry

Tag: Bible

“Use Your Spiritual USB Connection”

Praise The Lord Everyone!!! Happy Monday to you!!! ✝️❤️😊
You know, in our society today, we live in a world that plugging in or connecting is very important. I was at the airport last week, and I saw people standing in line at the charging station to get their mobile devices charged or recharged. Everyone had a cord connected to their USB port, ready to plug into an electrical outlet.

Beloved, three essential passions are dominant that control my soul: evangelism, the exploration of the Bible, and the assessment of the Word of God. I’m convinced that God utilizes the Scripture to recharge lives.

This morning’s section from the apostle, Paul’s letter in Colossians chapter 3 to the believers in Colossae is one of my favorites. These verses follow Paul’s spiritual philosophies that we’ve been made alive in Christ. Here we find Paul explaining the impressive distinction. In verse 15, Paul uses essential “obligated” words when he says: “the peace.” What Paul is saying here is he wants Christians to have harmony (reconciliation, tranquility) with themselves and with each other. In verse 16, Paul utilizes essential “obligated” words again when he recommends the message of Christ, or the Word of Christ, when he says, “has its home within you.” Here Paul’s telling us the Word should be deeply rooted in us.

Beloved, the words, PEACE, and HAVE ITS HOME WITHIN YOU, implies vital actions on our part.

We must get spiritually plugged in!!!

Paul recommends Christian supporters to live a life saturated in Scripture. Colossians 3:16, in particular, encourages believers to allow God’s Word to live (make a home) in their hearts and lives in a deep-rooted (imperative) and profound way. Bible research, education, interpreting Scripture, and moral music are valuable to your spiritual wisdom and experiences. Too often, we read God’s Word or hear a sermon preached and quickly turn our mind to other things. Instead, we’re encouraged to let the message of Christ absorb us, to live and deeply populate in us until it saturates everything we do. Verse 17 (AMP) says: “Whatever you do [no matter what it is] in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus [and in dependence on Him], giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”

Beloved, there’s no long waiting line to get connected or reconnected to God. It’s vital to connect the cord coming from your spiritual USB port into a Bible-based outlet or Spiritual Charging Station until you’re Biblically charged or recharged.
If you don’t, your spiritual battery will die. Amen? Aaamen. ✝️❤️😊

Let Us Pray:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the port that allows us to be connected to You when our life’s battery is drained or weak. It’s a blessing to have a real source with unlimited power. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen, and Aaamen. ✝️❤️

Have a Happy Monday, Everyone. ✝️❤️😊

CHOF Ministry Bible References:

N/A

March 9, 2020
“Live Happy – Age Doesn’t Matter”

Praise The Lord Beloved!!! ✝️❤️😊

This Morning’s Question is:

Bishop Houston, I want to revive my life. I want to be happier. What do

you suggest?

Thank you for your question, it’s a great question. 😊

Answer:

Beloved if you’re bored or just plain old exhausted of living the same old way, Jesus has the answer. Jesus didn’t liberate you so that you could be miserable, unhappy, sick, and tired of being sick and tired. He came so you could have “life, and – have it more abundantly” (*1).

I’m a late bloomer when it comes to enjoying a qualified quality life. But it wasn’t until I entirely turn my focus toward God that my abundance of joy came into fruition. Then the 2nd love of my life was introduced to me my First Lady, my wife, Donece. I’ve been celebrating the joy and the blessings of God for many years now. It doesn’t matter if you’re 19 or 90 you can start experiencing an abundant happier life also.

Here’s several spiritual help tips for you:

1. Once you focus on God, stay focused so that you can continue to develop spiritually. You see, as a Christian, you shouldn’t just retain the faith you’ve established in the past. You must keep increasing in your relationship with God. It’s not spiritually healthy for you to get so engaged with the monotonous everyday activities of living that you get self-satisfied. Being complacent introduces boredom. You should instead, plunge deeper into your Bible. More profound biblical research grows the spirit. Join a Bible study group or start your own with people that view the same spiritual principles as you. I have a tremendous Spiritual Facebook Group “CHOF Ministry’s Spiritual Assembly Group; this is “Where Your Voice Counts.” We’re not a mega member group, but we do have over 4,000 members. You can share or listen. Mark 16:15 (AMP) says: And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” Romans 10:17 (AMP) says: So, faith comes from hearing [what is told], and what is heard comes by the [preaching of the] message concerning Christ. We’d love to have you join us!!! ✝️❤️😊

2. You must pay attention to the Holy Spirit. Beloved, the Lord will communicate with you through your biblical studies. He’ll also talk to your spirit directly as you pray and listen. You must devote time to pray every day—not just talking, but also pay attention to what God has to say to you too. Obey whatever the Lord leads you to do. Believe me, if you’ll listen, the Holy Spirit will oversee you all through your day (*2).

3. Something else that’s vital, you must extend yourself. As you discover and understand more about the Lord and His Word, you need to contribute to God’s goodness with others. As you grow you’ll find yourself looking for ways you can be a blessing to others. I do a lot of spiritual volunteer work, but you can delegate your time at a hospital, nursing home, food bank, animal shelter, or even children’s outreach. Most people who volunteer feel more attached and happier. If you pray every day, God will start to lead you to do things that will bless others.

4. It would help if you learned how to speak life. In other words, you must pay attention to what you’re saying and how you’re addressing a situation. You can start by expressing terms of faith about your life, body, family, marriage, job, and finances. Replace speaking pessimistic and destructive words that tear yourself and others down, talk about the Word over everybody, and everything.

When a complicated or challenging situation occurs, don’t go back and forth with the grim particulars. Pray about it, find scriptures to stand on for it and declare Philippians 4:19: “My God shall supply all my need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” ✝️❤️😊

5. It would help if you implemented forgiveness in your life. You see, as a believer, love is your grandest commandment. If you’re not walking in love, you’re in a dangerous place. If you’ve done anything unloving toward someone, do whatever the Lord shows you to do to make it right!!! Also forgive them for whatever they’ve done toward you or your situation!!! It doesn’t matter what they did!!! If you forgive them, you’ll be free of it. Beloved, let me tell you right here right now – “UNFORGIVENESS WILL KEEP YOU IN BONDAGE.”

Beloved, I know this was pretty lengthy, but God wants you to enjoy your life in Christ, and He’s allowed me to provide you with some helpful ways for you to begin doing just that—starting with the things I’ve outlined above. As soon as you put them into practice, your joy begins…no matter what your age. Amen? Aaamen. ✝️❤️😊

Probing For Spiritual Answers Cross-Reference Verses

*1. John 10:10

*2 Psalm 37:23

February 26, 2020
“Examined”

You know, Beloved, Jesus has an enormous influence in our life mainly because He experienced many things.

The Bible confirmed that He was “enticed.”

Beloved, Jesus was scrutinized, researched, dissected, and studied all day every day. He faced more than just average opposition. People checked everywhere of His life to see what He was about and if His messages were accurate (authentic).

His entire ministry was undergoing examinations daily. He faced circumstances and events, was analyzed, researched, and inspected all the time. He always needed to prove that what He taught would work. Hebrews 4:15 (AMP) says: “For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize and understand our weaknesses and temptations, but One who has been tempted [knowing exactly how it feels to be human] in every respect as we are, yet without [committing any] sin.”

His example gives us confidence that “He is able to help and provide immediate assistance to those who are being tempted” and help us be victorious. Now the Greek word for tempted here means test, entice, scrutinized, or examine (The New Strong’s Concordance 3985).

Beloved, Jesus had to endure exclusively extreme tests. And the grandest part about it, He was able to be victorious through each one in ways that were “without sin.”

The same principle pertains to each of us. Many of you have gone through these tests or, like myself, go through the process of analysis, enticement, scrutinization, or investigation daily. I used to think it was disgusting, intrusive, and disrespectful when people examined my life and my ministries. But NOT ANYMORE!!! Now I view it as a badge of honor, and so should you. You see, the people that are scrutinizing our decisions and actions are looking for proof that our beliefs (what we’re standing for) are valid if our lives have transformed and whether the Gospel we preach, teach, and illustrate is real.

Beloved, as we end this week, and head into the weekend, if you feel you’re being analyzed, enticed, scrutinized, or investigated, remember these are essential steps for your faith, opportunities for you to grow and to prove to yourself AND THE WORLD that Jesus is Lord and that the Bible is true. Amen? Aaamen. ✝️❤️😊

I LOVE YOU ALL!!! Have an entertaining Friday and a fantastic weekend, everyone. ✝️❤️😊

February 21, 2020
Praise the Lord Beloved.!!!

Since starting CHOF ministry 12 years ago I’ve been asked many questions on many topics by many levels of people who seriously desire to find God’s answers to their rational, real-life everyday encounters. There have been many people that have come to me with questions they were afraid or uncomfortable to ask and there have been many that have also come to me because they just don’t have the proper people in their life to ask. After praying and laboring over this new project a vision was delivered to me recently. Matthew 7:7 (KJV) says: “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” So, I must stay in obedient in 2020. It’ll be called “Probing For Spiritual Answers.”

Each week (Wednesday) I’ll post a question and answer segment on my social media sites. It’s my effort to reach out and help answer questions many of you may have wanted answers for or have been confused by certain traditional myths or have been provided answers by the “mean well” unknowledgeable. The answers I present to you will be Biblically principled.

Matthew 7: 8 (KJV) says: “For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth, and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

May the words that I present to you each week help you find tranquility, bring resolution, provide insight and embed wisdom.

God bless you.

February 5, 2020
“Probing For Spiritual Answers”

Praise The Lord Beloved!!! ✝️❤️😊

This Morning’s Question is:

Bishop Houston, has God predetermined who can and cannot be Christians?

Answer:

This is a great question!!! 😊

Beloved, there’s been a lot of debate and questions about salvation alternatives, salvation accessibility and who can and cannot receive redemption, and if it’s only preserved for a particular group of selected people whom God has already chosen to be born again. These dialogues are generally described as the “predestination.” conversations. But the answer is simple and can be found in Acts 2:21: “Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.”

It’s God’s will for everyone to be rescued and removed from the danger of sin and it’s His desire that everyone get the spiritual knowledge to comprehend the truth. God seriously desires to fellowship with every person, and He wants everyone to mirror the same serious love and desire to fellowship with Him. God gave us the freedom to make our own decision to fellowship with Him. He did that because He wanted us to choose a relationship with Him on our own free will not because we’re forced.

Now, the Bible does speak of the intelligent foresight of God in reference to salvation. 2 Corinthians 5:18-20, Romans 5:9-10, and Colossians 1:20 describes to us that He sees ahead of time the need of a Savior to liberate mankind from sin. Through His intelligent foresight, God made provision for us to be put back into the right relationship with Him through the blood of Jesus.

Beloved, God’s compassion, assurances, and requirements, as well as the admonitions of reprimand, are universal to all mankind. No single individual is preferred, nominated, no paranormal event, or ordination to be saved or lost without the responsibility of his or her personal choice being considered.

God isn’t a respecter of persons. Peter tells us this in Acts 10:34-35 (AMP): *34 Opening his mouth, Peter said: “Most certainly I understand now that God is not one to show partiality [to people as though Gentiles were excluded from God’s blessing], *35 but in every nation, the person who fears God and does what is right [by seeking Him] is acceptable and welcomed by Him.”

God left the choice of men and women’s fate up to them. Joshua 24:15 (AMP) says to us: *15 “If it is unacceptable in your sight to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you live; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Beloved, God coordinates each of our lives to help us make the right choices, but at the end of the day, the choice is ours. Amen? Aaamen. ✝️❤️😊

January 15, 2020
“The Name Above All Names”

Beloved, everyone wants to make a name for themselves.

Focal Verse:
Genesis 11:4 (NLT)
Then they said, “Come, let’s build a great city for ourselves with a tower that reaches into the sky. This will make us famous and keep us from being scattered all over the world.”

January 5, 2020
“Acquiring The Correct Insight”

Beloved, in this morning’s Bible Verse (Ps. 19:7) David’s description of God’s Word as “the Lord’s instruction” speaks of its role as God’s eyewitness to who He is and what He requires of us. In addition, it’s a “confident” witness. That means it’s rock-solid, obstinate, distinctive, consistent, and dependable.

In 2 Pet. 1:16-18, Peter made the same point when, after detailing his amazing experience with Christ on the Mount of Transfiguration, in Verse 19 he said, “we have a most reliable prophetic word.” Beloved, the testimony of God’s written Word is a truer and more persuasive affirmation of God’s truth than even apostolic encounters with Christ Himself!!!

Maybe Luke 24:27 provide us the reason why our Lord avoided the two disciples on the Emmaus Road from identifying Him as He gave them a biblical foundation for the things they had seen and heard. You see, their faith and preaching were to be based on “Scripture”, not just on their own personal experiences—regardless of how fantastic or touching those occurrences may have been.

Beloved, the value of God’s pure-sure Word is that it makes the simple “naïve” wise. It takes insensitive, ignorant, and gullible people and teaches them insightful “philosophical” truth from God that they can apply to their lives. As they do, they become proficient in the art of godly living. That was the psalmist’s joy when he wrote Psalm 119:98-100 (AMP): “Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, For Your words are always with me. I have a better understanding and deeper insight than all my teachers [because of Your word], For Your testimonies, are my meditation. I understand more than the aged [who have not observed Your precepts], Because I have observed and kept Your precepts.”

Applying that principle to New Testament believers, Paul prayed in Colossians 1:9 that we would be “filled with the knowledge of [God’s] will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding.” As that occurs, Colossians 1:10 (AMP) informs us that we’re qualified to “walk in a manner worthy of the Lord [displaying admirable character, moral courage, and personal integrity], to [fully] please Him in all things…”

Beloved, as you go through Friday and are chosen to encounter the weekend remember it’s the accomplished words of godly wisdom, that’s the key to holy living. God’s Word teaches insight and comprehension beyond the scope of ordinary human knowledge. Amen? Aaamen. ✝️❤️😊

Today’s Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, this morning we ask that Your wisdom escalates and flourish in our life not just today but every day. In Jesus’ Mighty Name, I pray, Amen and Amen.

I LOVE YOU ALL!!! Have a pleasant Friday and a fantastic weekend everyone.
✝️❤️😊

December 20, 2019
“Words”

Praise The Lord Beloved. Happy Monday to you. 😊

In this morning’s verse the word “they” is implying to the words of God, the Bible. The verses 20-21 says we should pay attention and respond to God’s words and that we should keep them in our hearts. In other words, the Word of God should be the core of who we are and what we desire to represent in life.

Beloved, do you remember the saying, sticks, and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me? 😊 Well, I don’t consider those words are correct; I know I’ve been hurt by other people’s words and I know I’ve hurt people with my words. I also know that the Gospel’s words hold the power to give life – eternal life. The words of the Gospel won’t hurt someone, but not saying them may. The words of the Gospel are undeniably life and healing. Verse 23 goes on to make it clear that life flows from our hearts.

Beloved, do you take care of your heart – How? Does this activate you to speak life into the world? We must protect our hearts because it houses the spiritual elements that facilitate and releases our characteristic desires. God has given you a great blessing through the power and use of your words, please use them wisely. Amen? Aaamen.
✝️❤️😊

Dear Heavenly Father, please protect our hearts so that we permit the Gospel to first give us life and healing so that we can then pass it on to others. This morning I pray that we take every thought captive and that we center them on You and the blessings You have given us. I pray that we’re able to discern quicker ways to share Your words that give life and healing. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen and Amen. ✝️

Beloved life is very short. It comes and goes like an unannounced gust of wind. None of us know the hour or day when that gust of wind may enter our earthly room and blow out our candle. So today, reach out and touch someone you love and tell them you love them, BECAUSE TELLING THEM LATER JUST MIGHT BE – TOO LATE. I LOVE YOU ALL!!!

Have a blessed Monday and a terrific week!!! 😊

CHOF Ministry Cross-Reference Verses:

N/A

December 9, 2019
“Stop Think and Reflect”

Praise the Lord happy mid-week to you.

In Romans 6 you’ll find Paul starts the chapter asking a few questions. This was not by coincidence. In fact, Paul’s entire letter to the Romans is filled with questions. (In the NKJV, I counted 75 questions in Romans!!!) Paul knew the impact questions could have. In many of my devotions and inspirational writings, I’ll ask questions as well. I’ve been asked many time why I ask questions in my sermons and in my writings. Well “for me” I insert a question or questions to shift the stream of my sermons, teachings, and writings to help make the words come alive for my readers and listeners. I believe whenever we read a question, we should feel challenged – tested. I’m trying to inspire my readers and listeners to stop, think, feel, imagine and consider the issues and how they might react or reply.

If you look closely at Paul’s writings, you’ll see the impact his questions have throughout his ministry. Questions were central to what he wrote about the Lord’s Supper, allow me to give you an example from 1 Corinthians 11:22: “Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and shame those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you in this?” Beloved, each question offers an opportunity for readers to answer Paul for themselves and think about the issues he discusses.

You’ll find Jesus frequently used questions. The Old Testament also is packed with questions, presenting opportunities for us to think about what has been said. Although not a question. The word “Selah” is used over 70 times in the book of Psalms, inspiring us to take a brief break and reflect.

Beloved, as you read your Bible or daily devotions, remember to think about the questions asked. How you would respond, and what is the deeper meaning for you? Amen? Aaamen. ✝️❤️😊

CHOF Ministry’s Mid-Week Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father help me to stay sensitive and responsive to the questions You ask me. I want to continue to be taught so I can remain mature as a believer. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen and Aaamen.

Beloved, life is very short. It comes and goes like an unannounced gust of wind. None of us know the hour or day when that gust of wind will be permitted to enter our room and blow out our earthly light. So today, reach out and touch someone and tell them you love them, BECAUSE TELLING THEM LATER JUST MIGHT BE TOO LATE. – I LOVE YOU ALL!!! Have a “Wonderful” Wednesday. 😀

November 13, 2019
“Being Spiritually Invasive”

Praise the Lord Believers!!! 😀

Beloved, the entire panoply Paul lists in Ephesians 6 is self-protective, except one: “The Sword of The Spirit.” That’s your invasive weapon for defeating Satan.

Now, if you’ve noticed the Roman soldiers always carries two swords: the large broadsword and the small dagger. In verse 17 the Greek word for “sword” refers to the dagger, which was anywhere from six to eighteen inches long and was carried in a sheath or scabbard at the soldier’s side. The dagger was a common weapon. When you have time go back to Matt. 26:47 and you’ll see that the Roman soldiers who arrested Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane were each armed with one. In Matt. 26:51 Peter used one to cut off the ear of the high priest’s servant. In Acts 12:2 it was a dagger that was used to kill James, the brother of John. In Hebrews 11:37 it tells us that this same type of weapon was used against the heroes of the faith.

Now, the Sword of the Spirit” doesn’t always penetrate in a straight position as we would think the Holy Spirit does. Remember this is spiritual warfare. The implications are that since our enemy is spiritual, our weapons also must be spiritual (*1). Our sword is spiritual because it’s the Word given by the Holy Spirit. He inspired its writing and through it convicts and redeems sinners (2).

Beloved, it’s the Word that abides in you and it reconditions and transforms you. It supplies everything you need for a godly, victorious life. It builds you up and produces holiness (*3). And it equips you for good works by teaching, reproving, correcting, and training you in righteousness (*4).

The Bible is an influential, dynamic and effective weapon. The question that stands at hand Beloved is: Do you know how to use it? Do you assiduously study it and apply its ethics to your life? Do you have a mental warehouse of biblical truth to draw from in the heat of battle?

Beloved, the Roman dagger was a precision weapon designed for a precise spot to produce a precise result. Similarly, the sword of the Spirit is most effective when you apply precise biblical ethics to precise situations in your life. Do you do that Beloved? Amen? Aaamen. 😀

CHOF Ministry’s Mid-Week Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, please continue to increase my desire to know Your Word. Help me to continue to apply the wisdom You’ve blessed me with to make precise decisions for the situations I’ll face today.

In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen and Aaamen.

Beloved, life is very short. It comes and goes like an unannounced gust of wind. None of us know the hour or day when that gust of wind will be permitted to enter our room and blow out our earthly light. So today, reach out and touch someone and tell them you love them, BECAUSE TELLING THEM LATER JUST MIGHT BE TOO LATE. – I LOVE YOU ALL!!! Have a “Happy” Wednesday. 😀

Please visit the Christian House of Faith, CHOF – CHOF Ministry on Facebook

http://www.facebook.com/christianhouseoffaithchof

and Bishop W. F. Houston Jr. Ministry

http://www.bishopdrwfhoustonjr.wordpress.com

CHOF Ministry Cross Reference Scriptures and Verses:

*1. 2 Cor. 10:4

*2. John 16:8 & Heb. 4:12-13

*3. Acts 20:32

*4. 2 Tim. 3:16

Christian House of Faith, CHOF/CHOF Ministry &

Bishop, W. F. Houston Jr. Ministry:

“An Online Ministry Teaching and Inspiring People All Over the World with Informative Biblical Principles.”

October 16, 2019