C H O F Ministry

Tag: Bishop Houston

“Loyal To Love”

Beloved, as a reconditioned man my moral dedication is to follow the Words of The Bible. Many of you that have followed me through the years know I’ve written a book, produced many Christian video slide presentations, I’ve posted thousands upon thousands of Christian devotions, inspirational readings, blogs, articles and I’ve even dropped a couple of albums and singles to help my followers and readers understand the people in our Spiritual Faith and how God desires the Believer to respond or react to daily living here on earth. I’ve tried to respectfully set a tone to always humbly display a heart (mind and emotions) of “Agape” love for the saved and unsaved people.

I dedicate my time and effort to reassure the people in the faith, help people who are struggling in (with) the faith or who has yet to transform their faith in Jesus. I hope that my brief daily dedication places a powerful desire for people to stay connected, reconnect or get connected to the Holy Spirit who directs to the pathway(s) God desires us to go.

I’m prayerfully asking God everyday for the day that we can worship Him together.

You know I’ve read so much of Paul’s work that (not realizing it) – I’ve pretty much adopted his kind of love. In Romans 9:2-3 (NLT) in Paul’s letter to the church in Rome says: “My heart is filled with bitter sorrow and unending grief,” he goes on to say, “for my people, my Jewish brothers and sisters. I would be willing to be forever cursed—cut off from Christ! —if that would save them.”

Beloved, Paul loved the Jewish people so much that he would have chosen separation from God if only they would accept Christ. He understood that by rejecting Jesus, his people were rejecting the one true God. This is what motivated him to appeal to his readers to share the good news of Jesus with everyone 10:14-15 (AMP) says: *14 But how will people call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how will they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher (messenger)? *15 And how will they preach unless they are commissioned and sent [for that purpose]? Just as it is written and forever remains written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things!”

Beloved today as you head to your local edifice, may we prayerfully dedicate ourselves to the love that aches for those close to us!!!

***Bishop Houston’s Perception About Today’s Scripture

You know, Paul’s concern that his Jewish brothers and sisters would come to Christ reverberates the mental, emotional and plan of the Father for both Jew and Gentile (saved and unsaved). Hebrews 2:9 tells us that Jesus “was made lower than the angels for a little while, [and is] now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.”

Beloved, God’s concern is for everyone to come to Him through the sacrifice of His Son. This idea resonates with Peter, who declared in 2 Peter 3:9, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” Look at God’s huge concern for this wrecked, unruly world. Not only has He provided in Jesus a sufficient sacrifice, He also extends patient love to people who don’t know Him. Actually, John 3:16 says it best, this is evidence of a God who so loved this world that He would pay the greatest possible price to satisfy His desire to reach to us. Beloved, this is the great good news of the gospel!!

Let us Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father, this morning we ask You to fill our hearts with Your love for others. We hold our family, friends and associates up to You and plead for them to see the truth about Your Son Jesus.

*Beloved, we must love those for whom Christ died as well as those in whom Christ lives.

March 10, 2019
“Bishop Houston’s 7 Types of Critics”

“Beloved, we’re all censored. You must recognize the apparatuses that’s attempting to cut your throat and stab you in the back.“- Bishop, W. F. Houston, Jr.

Beloved, from the time we were young children and we colored outside the line there has always been someone pointing out where they think we went wrong. But I’ve learned that if I can recognize what kind of critic(s) that’s trying to throw me under the bus, throw shade or dig a ditch for me to fall in to destroy my self-worth, then I can respond or counter the criticism in a positive manner. The juvenile response of, “Oh, yeah, well so are you!!!” just doesn’t work anymore.

My 7 Types of Critics

The Uninformed Critic – is like the friend of family member that comes to your backyard barbecue that’s on his/her 18th beer telling you how to barbecue on a pellet barbecue pit using a stick burner or propane technic. They don’t recognize what they’re saying but thinks that if they look focused enough and loud someone will think they’re skillful and knowledgeable.

The Negative Critic – will usually tell a bold face lie first by saying something like, “I want to give you some constructive criticism. The negative critic points out your faults without any recommendations or explanations for development.

The Encouraging Critic – rarely, “if ever” use the word encouraging criticism while their talking to you about becoming improved, healthier, or how to recover. They’ll use words like test, idea, or inspire. An encouraging critic will make you feel better when you leave their presence. An encouraging critic will walk you around yourself to see the invisible part(s) you’ve missed or haven’t identified in such a way that you make the choice to become improved without any sense of shame for being defective.

The Malicious Critic – is someone who wants to hurt you purposely with criticism. Usually, the malicious critic will know your weaknesses and expose them with the deliberate intent to wound you in other words “through you under the bus”. Yet they often say they’re being positive.

The Virtual Critic – likes to compare you in a negative way to someone else or to them. They let you know that they would do it better than you because they think they’re better than you. Or they compare you to some luminary or celebrity who you really don’t even want to be like.

The Envious Critic – is very hard to spot because they’re so devious, no one will ever admit they’re envious of you. But they point out your faults not so much because you’re wrong, but because they’re very envious and are looking for ways to feel superior “bigger” to you or more than you. Their criticism is more about their insufficiency than it’s about your faults.

The Hopeless Critic – is never joyful, or never content with anything – especially with themselves, so they’ll criticize anything “everything” their misery manages to run into that day. Beloved, evade the hopeless critic like an epidemic.

February 12, 2019
“God Knows What’s Best”

You know after being granted salvation, I wanted to preach and teach in my own church (the physical building). I started out paying for my clergy credentials. While many laughed at me and made fun of my initial clergy credentials, they qualified me to be a State approved minister. I wanted more!!! I wanted to be known as the “Great Bishop, Dr.” of my own Christian edifice. So the hostile sarcasm of family members and some so called friends about my ministry credentials became my strength and stepping stones to pursue my degrees.

So, I decided to take classes to get my B.A. in Christian Ministries which led me to gain my M.Div… So, as I was studying to get my Masters, I was also getting knowledge and experience in podcasting, and web design. One day while talking to a fellow clergy-man who’s also a family member set a vision in front of me about a social media ministry. Now, this wasn’t what I wanted to do. I had very little computer knowledge or online skills plus it was a few months before I was to go look at a building to establish a physical church.

But, little did I know God had other plans laid out for me. I ended up not going to look at the building but instead went into studying to gain more knowledge on public speaking, podcasting, producing, blogging, videography, and web design. Over 10 years later, I’m known humbly as Bishop, Houston to some and Unka Burnie to others. I now have an online ministry that delivers Christian – spiritual podcast, teachings, sermons, devotions, inspirations, video slideshow presentations, music and more.

Looking back, I could’ve stubbornly stuck with my original plans. Had I followed through, my life at this present time would be very different. I realized the one thing I really wanted to happen, was the best thing that never happened.

Beloved, God knows what’s best for us, but we need to have faith and the humility to follow His will as He steers and guides our paths.

Have a blessed week Everyone. 😀

February 4, 2019
“Mother Are Our Gift From God”

Praise the Lord Beloved!!!

We have reached another weekend.

As we all know this is a weekend that is dedicated to all Mothers.

I salute you “Mothers” all over the world for your dedicated painstaking labor. I also salute the Mothers that are eternally with us. Their physical footsteps no longer walk life’s journey, but the footprints to their pathway will never be removed.

Beloved, the Mother’s Day philosophies shouldn’t just be about being a mother and receiving honor, but thanking God for the mother He gave you, and honoring that principle. Now, let me make it clear right here, Moms should be honored. But their value goes far beyond vocal salute or featured physical elements. Thanking God for your Mother is essential!!! Mothers are a gift from God, and every one of us has one.

So, in actuality, Mother’s Day is really a holiday for everyone. It’s a day that offers us an opportunity to thank God for His goodness for giving us mothers, and an event that grants us the privilege and gratitude to express our tangible special honor all day.

Have a Blessed Mother’s Day Weekend Everyone.

May 11, 2018
“Turn Away From Discord”

Praise the Lord Beloved!!! I hope you had a blessed weekend.

This morning, my morning Bible reading was a great one. It was Proverbs 20:3 (AMP).
It says: “It is an honor for a man to keep away from strife [by handling situations with thoughtful foresight], But any fool will [start a] quarrel [without regard for the consequences]. (Proverbs 20:3 AMP)

Beloved as we start another week, let us start it by standing on the foundation of peace.
You know in life, many of the challenges we face are basically disturbances from the enemy to keep us from pursuing our calling. This week you may encounter someone on your job that isn’t as friendly to you as you’d like. You may encounter a neighbor who always parks in front of your house or blocks your mailbox. Those things may be frustrating, but they have little implication when you look at the big picture of eternity. Beloved, you can’t allow the little things to cause discord in your life.

The Bible tells us, just before David fought the giant Goliath, his brother Eliab tried to confront him. But David knew that arguing with Eliab wasn’t even worth his time and strength. He knew his real battle was with Goliath, and he didn’t want to be distracted. He simply “turned away” from Eliab and kept his focus on what he was called to do.

Beloved, as we start this week, let’s follow the example of David and keep our eyes on what’s most important in life. Instead of being led away by frustrations, let’s focus on the big picture. Know when to turn away from discord and receive the mark of honor the Lord has for you!!!

Have a blessed week Everyone!!!

February 12, 2018
“Executed Life”

“CHOF Bible Fellowship’s Sunday Morning Message”Praise the Lord Beloved

Beloved, if you believe in the death of the Lord Jesus and you believe in the death of the thieves with Him then you believe just as most Christians believe.

Now, allow me to ask you this question: What about your own death? Do you realize your executions is more intimate than theirs? If you didn’t realize it, I’m here to tell you it is. Sure, they were executed at the same time as the Lord but on different crosses, whereas you were executed on the very same cross as the Lord. You see, you were in Him when He died. How do you know this? You know this by one sufficient reason, and that reason is, God said so.

Beloved it’s not about what you feel or think. When God speaks He deliver’s divine facts. Beloved, Christ died is a fact, that the two thieves on the cross next to Him died is a fact, and you died on the cross with Him is a fact also.

Beloved, let me tell you, “YOU” HAVE DIED!!! “YOU” is done with!!! “YOU” is ruled out!!! The self you despised is on the Cross of Christ. Romans 6:7 (Amp) says: “For the person who has died [with Christ] has been freed from [the power of] sin”. This is the Gospel for all Christians.
Our execution can never be made effective by our will or our effort. It becomes effective only by accepting “believing” what the Lord Jesus did on the Cross.

Our eyes must be opened to see the finished work of Calvary.

Now, some of you, prior to your salvation, may have tried to save yourselves. Sure, you’ve read the Bible, you’ve prayed, gone to church, gave your tithes and even donated to a charity. You really thought your eyes were opened!!!

Then one day your eyes were really opened. The things you thought you knew and saw become even more clearer and out of nowhere new knowledge has become available for use immediately. That’s because you are now walking in full salvation!!! Beloved, your full salvation has always been there for you, God had provided it for you when you were executed on the cross with Him. But you could not receive the effects of your gift from God until you fully accepted -believed in your execution on the cross with Him.

Beloved, you been walking about in this life without the full effect of your full salvation. WOW!!!

All you had to do is accept and really believe, then thank God and began to enjoy the full range of peace and joy that is now flowing freely into your heart.

Now, I have some Good News for you!!! The Good News I have for you is, your blessings are now available to you based on exactly the same basis as your initial salvation. HALLELUJAH!!!!!!!!

You’re now offered deliverance from sin you’re no longer alienated from God’s grace. God’s Grace and Mercy will now fully forgive you of sins.

God’s way of deliverance is far different from man’s way. You see, man’s way tries to defeat sin by looking for ways to dazzle it with rituals and traditions. But, God’s way is to remove the sinner.

I have found that many Christians will inject themselves with the spirit of sorrow when it comes to their weakness. Their thought is not that they can “do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens them”. Their thought is if only they were stronger all would be well.

Beloved, if we’re preoccupied with the power of sin and with our inability to meet it, then we naturally conclude that to gain the victory over sin we must have MORE power.

Beloved, this a fallacy!!! THIS IS NOT CHRISTIANITY!!! God’s means of delivering us from sin isn’t by making us stronger and stronger, but by making us weaker and weaker. In order for us to receive from God we have to decrease.

I’m sure there are going to be many of you reading this that will say: “Bishop Houston this is certainly a strange way to get victory”. I would agree with you if I was looking at it from a carnal viewpoint. But, I’m not so, I must disagree with you because, I look at it from the divine way. You see, God sets us free from the dominion of sin, not by strengthening our old man but by crucifying him, not by helping him to do anything, but by removing him from the scene of action.

Beloved, maybe you have tried ineffectively to exercise control over yourself, and perhaps this is still your experience. But, once you see the truth, you’ll recognize that you’re indeed powerless to do anything.

Beloved, God has set you a part. Everything up to this point God has carried you through and I’m sure you’ll agree with me when I say, “He’s done well”.

Beloved, with your new discovery brings spiritual motivation and spiritual efforts to the end.

Have blessed Sunday Everyone!!! 😀

February 11, 2018
“Keeping Conflict Out – ANGER”

Praise the Lord Beloved!!!

In Galatians 5:14–15 it says, “The entire law is summed up in a single command: Love your neighbor as yourself. If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.”

You know Beloved, conflict can destroy relationships. It amazes me at how many Scriptures there are that address the subject of conflict. I found 43 scriptures, and that doesn’t even include other synonyms like discord and dissention. Beloved, conflict is a very serious issue that needs to be addressed.

The definition of conflict is — controversy, hatred, disagreement, competition, disapproval. These are things we all must deal with in our relationships, no matter who we are. And the good news is that we can learn to deal with them in a healthy godly way.

Beloved, if you’re struggling in a relationship, today is the day to change your outlook. It’s time to let God birth a vision in your heart. Ask God to help you and show you what you can do. Start believing God to come up higher in your relationships and become more aware of the causes of the conflict(s) that’s entertaining your life today.

Over the next several weeks I will blog on the elements that causes conflict and allow the Holy Spirit and the Bible to deliver to us the knowledge that will help us keep conflict out.

Now, the first major cause of conflict in relationships that I’ll address is “ANGER.”

Proverbs 29:22 says:
“An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered one commits many sins.”

Wow!!! Beloved, if we’re not alert, we can get into lots of trouble when we’re angry.
The fact is that we all get angry with people, but the Bible says that we can be angry and sin not. It’s what we do when we’re angry that makes all the difference. When you’re angry with a person, it’s better to keep your mouth closed, cool down and go to a neutral corner before you do or say something you’ll regret, or before you trigger a blown out of proportioned fight. How many times have we said something or done something in anger, and later, regretted it?

Proverbs 29:11 says, “A foolish person gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.” Beloved, a foolish person depletes all his/her anger. Let me tell you Beloved, you’re not going to have many friends or loving family members if you do that. But a wise person holds back and thinks about his/her response. A wise person thinks about the feelings of the other person before they start throwing verbal or physical blows.

Conflicts can be resolved without a fight and without yelling and screaming at each other. Proverbs 15:1 says: that a soft answer turns away wrath. Beloved, you can have a strong healthy debate about something without being angry. It may be a heated debate, but at least you’re talking it out!!! So, the next time you’re angry with your wife, husband, boyfriend, girlfriend, family member, co-worker or child, be intelligent and sensible, stay calm, and think before you speak.

Amen? Amen!!!

Please come back next week as I continue our quest to gain the knowledge to “Keep Conflict Out”.

“To God Be the Glory!!!”

February 5, 2018
“A Peace With Power”

January 30, 2018
“Don’t Let the Little Foxes Stop Your Progression”

Weekend Focal Scripture:

Song of Solomon 2:15 (NLT)

“Catch all the foxes, those little foxes, before they ruin the vineyard of love, for the grapevines are blossoming!”

Praise the Lord Beloved!!! 😀 Well this is the first weekend of 2018. The Holiday season is over, and many people will start to worry about their credit card bills and strained bank accounts. But you know, many times in our life, it’s not the big things that hold us back, it’s the small things. And most of the time it’s in your finances. A few dollars a day on coffee or soft drinks quickly turns into hundreds. Too many credit cards become overwhelming to keep up with. That person who hasn’t balanced their checkbook in two years probably hears a little voice every time they go to write a check, “Get your finances in order.” Beloved, we have to realize that if we’re not faithful with what we have, God won’t entrust us with more. One lady told me how she owed her bank and couldn’t pay back the money, so she just closed the account and opened a brand-new Bank account. At least she took action!!!

I have people tell me all the time, “Bishop Houston, I’m going to start donating. I’m going to start tithing my income to my church as soon as I make more money.” NO Beloved!!! Don’t wait until you have $1,500. Donate what you can. Tithe on the $5 you have right now. Don’t let the little foxes stop your financial progression. Don’t let another day go by without obeying God. When you set your finances in order, when you put God first in all you do, you’re opening the door for His blessing. He says when we are faithful with the little, God will make us ruler over much!!!

Bishop Houston’s Weekend Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, today I choose to be compliant. I don’t want to let the little foxes affect my finances. I donate my resources to You. Lord God, speak to my heart and show me where to give. I choose to be a faithful sower and expect to reap an abundant harvest by Your Word.

In Jesus’ Mighty Name I pray,

Amen and Amen

Have a Blessed Weekend Everyone!!! 😀

January 5, 2018
“The Issue Could Be Inside the Heart”

Breaking Bread with Bishop Houston

1 Samuel 16:7
For the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.

Praise the Lord Beloved.
You know, I have found too often that we ask God to repair the complications around us when what He really wants to do is solve the issues within us. A few years ago, I did this trying to lose weight. I prayed and prayed and prayed for God to help me lose weight. But all I experienced was constant disappointment. I would literally lose 20-25 pounds, but regain every pound right back again.

Then one day, I made a strong decision. I told God, “I’m not going another step toward losing weight until I find out how to properly handle this weight issue!!!” Then I went on a fast. I closed myself away from everyone, because I was determined to hear from God.

Beloved, during that fast the Lord revealed the real source of my problem. He showed me that I wanted to lose weight, but I didn’t want to permanently change my eating habits. I was like an alcoholic who wants to be able to drink constantly and not be affected by it. I wanted to eat full meals all day and get my weight down to 230!!!

Beloved, all of a sudden it hit!!! God wasn’t satisfied about me simply getting rid of those extra pounds on the outside of me. He wanted me to get rid of the sin of gluttony on the inside of me. So, I repented of that sin right then and there.

And, it wasn’t until then that I realized just how hard it is for a man/woman who drinks or have other addictions to face the fact that he/she are an alcoholic or addict. It hurts to admit something like that. So, instead of asking God to deliver me from my weight problem, I asked Him for deliverance from my food problem.

And sure enough, He did it.

Beloved, if your prayers don’t seem to be changing the problems around you, maybe it’s time to take a look inside. Maybe, your issue could be inside your heart

Beloved, it might be time to ask God to go to work on the issues inside your heart.

“To God Be the Glory”

December 20, 2017