C H O F Ministry

Tag: Bible

  • “I Got This!!!”

    Bishop Houston's Monday Morning Blog New Poster

    Yesterday after service a brother stopped me as I was headed out the door to my car, he called out “Bishop Houston, can I talk to you before you leave?” I stopped and waited for him to catch up to me. He said, “Bishop, it happened to me!!! I didn’t think it could happen to me!!! But it did!!!” So, I told him to slow down, catch his breath and let’s take it from the top. He said, I don’t know how or when I lost focus, but I got involved with this ol’ girl and it’s about to destroy my marriage. I never thought anything like this would ever happen to me.

     
    Beloved, He’s not alone. You see, it’s very easy to think we’re immune to sin and temptation.
     
    That’s because we apprehend a disorder called, “I GOT THIS SYNDROME”.
     
    Many of us go to church and try to live right. Sometimes we even shake our heads when others fall into sin, and more than one Christian has said, “That will never happen to me – I GOT THIS.” But, that’s when we become tremendously susceptible. In Galatians 6:1, Paul warns us against the I GOT THIS SYNDROME, he says, “Watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted”.
     
    Beloved, I just love Psalm 51:10-13 especially verse 10: “create in me a pure heart and renew a right spirit within me”. We all would do well if we made David’s prayer in verses 10-11 our daily prayer. No matter how strong we might think we are or what our good intentions might be, we’re no match for Satan.
     
    Beloved, David was speaking from experience when he prayed, “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.”
     
    This week why don’t you take some time to memorize that prayer or do what I do when I want to remember something, write it out and put it on your refrigerator door or put it on your bathroom mirror. Pray it often.
     
    Beloved, it’s only with the assistance of the Holy Spirit do we have the power to resist temptation.
     
    Will you pray with me?
     
    Let’s pray:
    Dear Heavenly Father, “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a right (correct) spirit within me. Don’t remove me from Your presence or take Your Holy Spirit from me.”
     
    In Jesus’ Mighty Name I Pray,
    Amen and Amen.

  • “A New Beginning”

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    Our spiritual topic this morning is entitled:

    “A New Beginning”, and this morning’s verse is Lamentations 3:23.
    This morning’s verse reads this way:
    “They are new every morning; Great and beyond measure is Your faithfulness.”
    When I was growing up, one of my favorite T. V. shows to watch was “I Love Lucy”. Lucy (Lucille Ball) was one of the funniest women to grace this earth. She would always find herself is some type of hilarious situation that involved her landlord friends Fred and Ethel Mertzes (William Frawley and Vivian Vance) or her husband Ricky (Ricky Ricardo). But, by the end of each episode, her situation would get resolve and her landlord friends and husband would forgive her, and she would have a new beginning with no mistakes to be funny all over again during the next episode.
    I love that thought!!! You know, a new episode in life. Forgiven. A new beginning. With no mistakes charged to our life’s account.
    Beloved, today is a new day!!! A new day a when we can start our new beginning. We all make mistakes. Romans 3:23(NLT) tells us this. The Word says: “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.”
    But because you have sinned doesn’t disqualify you from life!!! When it comes to sin, God’s forgiveness is what enables us to start each morning with a clean slate. Jeremiah 31:34 and Hebrews 8:12 says: “And I will forgive their wickedness, and I will never again remember their sins.”
    Sure, some of us have made wrong choices in our lives, but our past difference of opinion, conducts or activities doesn’t have to define our future in God’s eyes.
    Beloved, when we repent, He chooses to remember our sins no more. Not like a lot of men, women, boys and girls. Many will try to keep you subjected and use what God has forgiven you for. Many will  insult you and ostracize you as if they have never committed a sin. John 8:7-11 (AMP) says: (7) However, when they persisted in questioning Him, He straightened up and said, “He who is without [any] sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” (8) Then He stooped down again and started writing on the ground. (9) They listened [to His reply], and they began to go out one by one, starting with the oldest ones, until He was left alone, with the woman [standing there before Him] in the center of the court. (10) Straightening up, Jesus said to her, “Woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you?” (11) She answered, “No one, Lord!” And Jesus said, “I do not condemn you either. Go. From now on sin no more.”]
    Beloved, there’s always a “new beginning.” When we ask for His forgiveness, we take a first step toward restoring our relationship with Him and with others. 1 John 1:9 says: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness”.
    Lamentations 3:23 tells us that God’s compassion and faithfulness allows us a new beginning each and every day.
    Prayer:
    Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you once again for allowing me to set one of Your Spiritual breakfast tables.
    In Jesus’ name I pray Amen and Amen
    * After each CHOF Bible Fellowship Sunday Morning teaching I present to you “CHOF Ministry’s Sunday Morning Reflection.” I will give you my brief observation of the CHOF Bible Fellowship Sunday Morning teaching. While you are there you can also read  prayers, Bible verses, and even devotions.
    CHOF Ministry is here to help you get feed your spiritual cravings.
    Just Click the link below.
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    Have a Blessed Sunday Everyone. 😀

  • “A Confident Message”

    Border Preaching and teaching
    Praise the Lord Beloved!!! Welcome to Wednesday’s CHOF Bible Fellowship Bible Study.
    Our focal CHOF Bible Fellowship verse this morning comes from 1 Kings 17:1 (NLT)
     
    Our focal verse reads this way:
    (17) Now Elijah, who was from Tishbe in Gilead, told King Ahab, “As surely as the Lord, the God of Israel, lives—the God I serve—there will be no dew or rain during the next few years until I give the word!”
     
    Beloved, we find King Ahab’s first thought after encountering the prophet Elijah may well have been: “WHAT!!! This dude got some kind of nerve!!! Just who does this dude think he is? Blasting onto the scene out of nowhere, Elijah challenged Israel’s evil king with a message that would soon disturb life throughout the whole region.
     
    To read the rest of today’s Morning Bible Study
    click the link below.
     

  • “God Changes Conditions

    Bishop Houston's Monday Morning Blog New Poster
    Praise the Lord Beloved!!! Happy Monday to you all. I hope you had a marvelous Sunday.

     
    You know Beloved, God takes His time developing us. You see, a small or slow beginning is just the introduction to a marvelous climax at the end!!! You’ll find that many of God’s work of genius were developed in small, slow incomprehensible conditions.Take for instance Moses. Moses was sent to the lost sheep of Israel. He was trained in leadership while shoveling sheep manure on the backside of the desert. Now granted his discipline was developed in the royal courts of Pharaoh’s house, but his disposition was shaped through failure and a desert kingdom with no one to lead but flies, gnats and sheep.
     
    Beloved, who would have thought, looking at Moses’ church of goat deacons and gnats for choir members, that later he would lead the greatest movement in the history of the Old Testament theology?
     
    So, Beloved, you or anyone else can’t tell what’s in you by looking at you. God is in the love, blessings and salvation business!!! God is establishing patience, character, and concentration in the school of “nothing seems to be happening.” Just because God promises to move in your life and anoints you to do a particular function doesn’t mean that your foundation will be immediately built, nor does it mean because you may have turned down ministry or slow to develop correct morals doesn’t mean God won’t create and develop a spiritual foundation that’s fit just for you. 😀
     
    Have a blessed Monday and an awesome rest of your week.

  • “Stay Focused On Your Calling”

    Bishop Houston's Monday Morning Blog New Poster

    Praise the Lord Beloved!!! Happy Monday to you all.
     
    I attended a church program on yesterday, and I left there shaking my head in dismay. I’m seeing more and more men and women in the pulpit with the “it’s all about me, look at me, how did I sound, empty vessel messages. Beloved, THE CHURCH BELONGS TO JESUS!!!
     
    It’s not owned by its denomination, its benefactors, its members nor its affiliates, its staff or its lead pastor. Jesus said He would build His church – and He’s not about to give up that ownership to us or our ideas.
     
    You know as a preacher, this is a lesson I need to repeat to myself of repeatedly. I didn’t won’t to touch this issue this morning. I wrestled with it and it was also like fire shut up in my bones. So, encouraged by the Spirit of the Lord and my lovely better half I’ve decided to share it with you through my blog.
     
    Beloved, many spiritual leaders have flat ignored why the church exists!!! OR – they have been misinformed.
     
    This morning, I have a news flash church/ministry leaders, pastors, preachers ect… The church doesn’t exist to give us an audience for our ideas, projects or egos. It exists to fulfill Christ’s purposes. Our role as church/ministry leaders, pastors, preachers ect.., is to equip the church/ministry members and its affiliates to ratify those purposes, both inside and outside the church/ministry walls.
     
    My Beloved cleric brothers and sisters (members of the clergy) our churches/ministries the church exists to make Jesus known, *NOT TO MAKE PASTORS FAMOUS!!!
     
    Yet, “WE” (I’m not above this approach either) keep making the same mistakes over and over again. “WE” (try to) take control because we feel without our strong hand on the wheel (we think) our church/ministry will fall to pieces. The budget won’t be met. The membership won’t grow. The five or ten-year vision won’t be realized. HELLO SOMEBODY!!!!! I know some of you out there know just what I’m talking about!!! 😀
     
    As church/ministry leaders, pastors, preachers ect.., we must know our roll. I’m speaking to churches and ministries of every size and type. From the captivating founding pastor of the high-energy, non-denominational megachurch, to the long-term, traditional male-controlled pastor to the centuries-old religious congregational pastor.
     
    Sure, many of us that are called according to God’s purpose are visionaries. We have big ideas. Impressive plans. Electrifying opportunities. And it’s tempting to use the resources at our disposal – namely the people, building and finances of the church/ministry we pastor to bring those endeavors to fruition. It’s not our job to get a group of people to agree with us and carry out our vision. No matter how good that vision might be.
     
    My Beloved cleric brothers and sisters (members of the clergy), it’s our calling to help the church/ministry body discover or re-discover God’s purposes together, then participate in them as the Holy Spirit leads us all. So, if we want to build a platform, a project or a ministry based on our ideas, we need to start a para-church ministry or a for-profit business. Not use a church/ministry body to carry them out for us.
     
    My Beloved cleric brothers and sisters (members of the clergy) we need to stay focus or for some, need to get refocused on the church Jesus brought into existence and called us to lead. The focus should never be on the cleric brothers and sisters (members of the clergy), but on Jesus.
     
    *Not on the preaching, but the equipping.
    *Not on the presentation, but the discipline.
    *Not on the music, but the worship.
    *Not on the building, but the gathering.
    *Not on the platform, but the people.
    *Not on the packed (or vacant) seats, but on the empty cross.
     
    Have a blessed Monday and an Awesome rest of your week.

  • “Creation Identifies”

    Bishop W. F. Houston, Jr. Ministry logo2 Transparient2 Nativity
    Our spiritual topic this morning is called, “Creation Identifies” and this morning’s CHOF Bible Fellowship verse is John 1:1, 3.
    John 1:1, 3 reads this way: (1) In the beginning was the Word . . . . (3) Through him all things were made.

    You know Beloved, Jesus could have come to Earth before the invention of photography and video. He could have reached more people if everyone could see Him. After all, the world’s ol’ cliché says a picture is worth a thousand words. But if you think about it, a word can be worth a thousand pictures.
    Jesus is the creator and all of creation identifies with Him. For example, Jesus first miracle at the wedding feast in John 2:1-11. Beloved, no ordinary carpenter could turn water to wine.

    Let’s look at one another identifier, Mark 4:39, 41. This is when Jesus calmed a storm with the words, “Quiet! Be still,” then His surprised disciples asked, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”  Let’s look at one more identifier. Luke 19:40. There you will see that Jesus told the Pharisees that if the crowd did not praise Him, “the stones will cry out.”

    Beloved, even the rocks know who He is!!! 😀
    In John 1:14, John tells us, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen His glory.”  And even out of that eyewitness experience in 1 John 1:1 (NLT), John also wrote, “We proclaim to you the one who existed from the beginning, whom we have heard and seen. . . . He is the Word of life.” Beloved, just like John, we can use our words to introduce others to Jesus whom wind, and water obey.

    Prayer:
    Jesus, we recognize and accept You as the Creator who knows and loves His creation. Yet, You wait for us to invite You into every aspect of our lives. Forgive us for those times we keep You at a safe distance. Today, we choose to risk knowing You more completely.

    In Jesus’ Name I Pray, Amen and Amen.

    * After each CHOF Bible Fellowship Sunday Morning teaching I present to you “CHOF Ministry’s Sunday Morning Reflection.” I will give you my observation of the CHOF Bible Fellowship Sunday Morning teaching. You can view it on the links below.
    Facebook
    www.facebook.com/christianhouseoffaithchof/

    CHOF Ministry Website blog page
    chofministry.org

    WordPress

    bishopdrwfhoustonjr.wordpress.com

     

    Have a blessed Sunday. 😀

  • “You’ll Overcome”

    Bishop Houston's Monday Morning Blog New Poster
    Praise The Lord Beloved!!! Happy Monday!!!

    Beloved, if you know you’re going into a thought-provoking season, you can get equipped for it. You can make sure you’re psychologically ready. Now you might ask yourself, what about the problems that you don’t see coming? Or the unforeseen crisis that catches you off-guard? Well, I’ll be the first to tell you that sometimes, it can seem very devastating that it almost knocks you to your knees.

    But we must remember that the scripture says that we shouldn’t be surprised by fiery trials. That’s because the forces of darkness wouldn’t be fighting against you if they didn’t know that God has something wonderful in your future!!! Sometimes, those unforeseen complications are just a sign that you’re on the right track. It’s always darkest just before the dawn appears. Remember, the enemy always fights the hardest when you’re closest to your breakthrough. The key is to stay the course and keep fighting the good fight of faith.

    So Beloved, in the tough times, keep your happiness and keep announcing God’s Word over your future. God has promised that you’ll overcome every complication. You’ll defeat every enemy, and you’ll hold on tightly to the blessing and victory He has in store for you!!!

    Have a Blessed Monday!!! 😀

  • “I’m Ready!!!”

    I'm Ready
    Our Walk With Me Focal Scripture for today is
    2 Timothy 3:16-17

    Beloved, God has equipped you with everything you need to fulfill your destiny through His Word!!! The scripture tells us that as believers in Jesus Christ, we’re anointed. The word “anointing” is the power of God which gives you courage, strength and ability. That means you’re well able to do what He has called you to do. You can achieve your goals. You have the concepts, the ingenuity, and the aptitude to be effective. You can overcome any obstacle!!! You’ve been armed with strength for every encounter!!! The forces that are with you are greater than the forces that are against you!

    Beloved, not only has God prepared you, but He ‘s also working on your behalf. He has already lined up the right people to come across your path. He’s already lined up the right breaks. You have everything you need to live a victorious life.

    Beloved, you were created to excel!!! You have seeds of greatness on the inside of you. Don’t settle where you are. Have the boldness, “I’m anointed. I can achieve my dreams. I can overcome any obstacle. I’m prepared and authorized by my Father in heaven, and I’m able to live the copious life He has for me!!!”

    To God Be the Glory

  • “Be Hesitant to Criticize Others”

    Bishop W. F. Houston, Jr. Ministry logo2 Transparient2 Nativity
    Our spiritual topic this morning is called, “Be Hesitant to Criticize Others” and this morning’s CHOF Bible Fellowship verse is Matthew 7:1.
    Matthew 7:1 reads this way: Do not judge, or you too will be judged.

    You know Beloved, at one time I was very quick to judge anyone I saw walking in the street while staring at a phone. I’ve said to myself on many occasions, “How could they be so unaware of the cars that are about to hit them?  Don’t they care about their own safety?

    But one day, my youngest sister sent me a text message as I was leaving a local Wal-Mart. As I was crossing the street to go to the parking lot – headed to my car, I was so engrossed in her text message, that I missed seeing a car at my right. Thankfully, the driver saw me and came to an abrupt stop. Beloved let me tell you, after I got in to my car, I felt ashamed. You see, all my self-righteous finger-pointing came back to haunt me. I had judged others, only to do the same thing myself.
    My hypocrisy is the kind of thinking that Jesus addressed in the Sermon on the Mount: Matthew 7:5 says: “First take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” Beloved, I had a huge “plank”, a huge blind spot through which I judged others with my own impaired judgment.
    Matthew 7: 2 Jesus also said: “For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged.” I recall the disgusted look on the driver’s face that day, after having to make an abrupt stop when I walked in front of his car, I’m reminded of the disgusted looks I gave others engrossed in their phones.
    Beloved, none of us is perfect. But sometimes I forget that in my rush to judge others. We’re all in need of God’s grace.

    Prayer:

    Dear Heavenly Father, please help me to be quicker to comfort or reassure, and slower to judge someone else.
    Amen!!! Amen!!!

    Have a blessed Sunday. 😀

    * After each CHOF Bible Fellowship Sunday Morning teaching I present to you “CHOF Ministry’s Sunday Morning Reflection.” I will give you my observation of the CHOF Bible Fellowship Sunday Morning teaching. You can view it on the links below.

    Facebook (www.facebook.com/christianhouseoffaithchof/

    CHOF Ministry Website blog page (chofministry.net)

    WordPress ( bishopdrwfhoustonjr.wordpress.com)

  • “God’s Plan Blesses You”

    Bishop W. F. Houston, Jr. Ministry logo2 Transparient2 Nativity

    Praise the Lord Beloved!!! Welcome to Wednesday’s CHOF Bible Fellowship.

    Our focal CHOF Bible Fellowship verse this morning comes from 2 Timothy 1:9 (NLT) and it reads:
    (9) For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time – to show us his grace through Christ Jesus.

    Beloved, if you’re talented, you may feel comfortable taking your talents into a nonspiritual or materialistic field. You see, talent, like justice, is visionless, it’ll seek all opportunities the same. But when you’re familiar with divine purpose, there are just some things that will not do because, they’ll defeat the purpose of God in your life!!! Being called according to purpose enables you to focus on the development of your talent as it relates to your purpose!!!

    You see, whenever we bring our efforts into alignment with His purpose, we automatically are blessed. Our efforts must be tailored after the purpose of divine purpose. Everyone is already blessed. We often spend hours in prayer trying to convince God that He should bless what we’re trying to accomplish. Beloved, what we need to do is spend hours in prayer for God to disclose His resolution. When we do what God has ordain to be done we’re blessed because God’s plan is already blessed.

    Beloved, God’s plan was designed with you in mind.

    Have a Blessed Wednesday Everyone. 😀