Tag: CHOF Ministry
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“It’s OK to Be Different”
This mornings’ Scripture reading comes from
1 Peter 2:11 (NLT)Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls.
Praise the Lord Everyone and Happy Father’s Day to the Fathers all around the world.You know, when you become devoted to Christ, your life becomes different. Your mentality changes. Everything about you becomes different. When we follow God’s directions, it means we do things differently from others. It means, instead of being offended or upset, we choose love and tranquility. Instead of insisting on our way, we assist others. Beloved, it means, instead of trying to be right all the time, we build and lift others up.
Now, this isn’t the way most people in the world act, but that’s okay. As Christians (Believers) we’re called to be different. We’re called to rise higher. We’re called to be examples, an illustration of God’s grace, mercy and forgiveness. It may not make sense to others but that’s okay!!! 😀 God will promote you to a new level of blessing and victory when you obligate yourself fully to Him.
Beloved, you don’t have to live a life of mediocrity, you can live a life of excellence for God. Live a life pleasing to Him and don’t be afraid to be different!!!
Let Us Pray:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for transforming me into Your image. I know that I’m not like the world, I’m set apart for You. Help me to love like You and be a light everywhere I go. In Jesus’ Mighty Name I pray, Amen and Amen!!!May your Father’s Day Sunday be Blessed in the Lord. 😀
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“Social Consciousness”
Praise the Lord Beloved!!! Happy Monday to you.You know, the wonderful thing about social consciousness is that a few simple modifications to what you say can immensely improve your relationships.Expressively knowledgeable people know certain phrases are off limits in casual conversation because people can take them the wrong way. Today, I’m going to show you several phrases I feel should be avoided.We’ve all said things that people construed in a way other than we thought they would. These seemingly gentle comments lead to the awful feeling that only comes when you’ve planted your foot firmly in your mouth.
Verbal slip-ups often occur because we say things without knowledge of the indirect consequences they carry. Understanding these implications requires social consciousness, in other words, the ability to pick up on the emotions and experiences of other people.
You know Beloved, through the years I’ve discovered that social consciousness is a skill that many of us lack. We lack social consciousness because we’re so caught up on what we’re going to say next, and how what other people are saying affects us, that we completely lose sight of other people and their feelings. This is a problem because people are complicated. Beloved, you can’t hope to understand someone until you focus all your attention in his or her direction.But you know, the beauty of social consciousness is that a few simple modifications to what you say can immensely improve your relationships. To that end, there are some phrases that expressively knowledgeable people are careful to avoid during casual conversation. The phrases I’ve chosen are criminal!!!
Beloved, avoid them at all costs.
#1
“YOU LOOK TIRED”Beloved, tired people are extremely unattractive, they have fatigued eyes and out of place hair, they have trouble staying focused and they’re as grumpy as they come. Telling someone he or she looks tired infers all of the above and then some.Instead say, “Is everything OK?” You see, most people ask if someone is tired because they’re anticipating being helpful (they want to know if the other person is OK). So, instead of assuming someone’s disposition, just ask. This way, he or she can open up and share. More important, he or she will see you as concerned instead of impolite.#2
“WOW!!! YOU’VE LOST A LOT OF WEIGHT”Once again Beloved, a comment with good intentions, in this case a compliment – but for some, it creates the impression that you’re being critical. Telling someone that he or she has lost a lot of weight suggests that he or she used to look fat or unappealing.Instead say, “You look fantastic.” This one is easy to fix. Instead of comparing how he or she looks now to how he or she used to look, just compliment him or her for looking great. It takes their past right out of the picture.#3
“YOU’RE TOO GOOD FOR HIM OR HER ANYWAY”When someone severs a relationship of any type, personal or professional, this comment implies he or she has bad taste and made a poor choice in the first place.As an alternative Beloved say, “Her loss or his loss!!!” This provides the same excited support and confidence without any indirect disparagement.#4
“YOU ALWAYS” or “YOU NEVER”Beloved, let me tell you, no one always or never does anything. People don’t see themselves as one-dimensional or simple minded, so you shouldn’t attempt to define them that way. These phrases make people defensive and closed off to your message, which is a really bad thing because you likely use these phrases when you have something important to discuss.So, instead, simply point out what the other person did that’s a problem for you. Stick to the facts!!! If the incidence of the behavior is an issue, you can always say, “It seems like you do this often” or “You do this often enough for me to notice.”
#5
“YOU LOOK GOOD FOR YOUR AGE”Now, many of you like myself never looked at the two words “FOR YOUR” as patronizing. But, using “FOR YOUR” as a front-runner always comes across as condescending and rude. No one wants to be smart for an athlete or in good shape relative to other people who are also knocking on death’s door. People simply want to be smart and fit.
Beloved, as an alternative say, “You look great!!!” This is another easy fix. Sincere compliments don’t need qualifiers.
#6
“AS I SAID BEFORE”We all forget things from time to time. This phrase makes it sound as if you’re insulted at having to repeat yourself, which is hard on the recipient (someone who is sincerely interested in hearing your viewpoint). Beloved, getting upset over having to repeat yourself suggests that either you’re apprehensive or you think you’re better than everyone else (or both!!!). The people who use this phrase actually feel this way.As an alternative, when you say it again, see what you can do to make the message clearer and more thought-provoking. This way they’ll remember what you said.#7
“GOOD LUCK”Now, this is a delicate one. It certainly isn’t the end of the world if you wish someone good luck. “BUT, you can do better because this phrase infers that they need luck to do well.As an alternative say, “I can see you have what it takes.” This is better than wishing him or her luck because suggesting that he or she has the skills needed to flourish provides a huge boost of confidence. Beloved, you’ll stand out from everyone else who simply wishes him or her luck.#8
“IT’S UP TO YOU” or “WHAT EVER YOU WANT”You know, even though you might be apathetic to the question, your point of view is important to the person asking (or else they wouldn’t have asked you in the first place).
Another way to respond is, “I don’t have a strong point of view either way, but I do have a couple of things you can consider…” Beloved, when you offer an opinion (even without choosing a side), it shows that you care about the person asking.
#9
“WELL AT LEAST I NEVER”This phrase is an antagonistic way to change or remove the attention from your mistake by pointing out an old, likely irrelevant mistake the other person made (and one you should have forgiven him or her for by now).
As an alternative say, “I’m sorry or please forgive me.” You see, owning up to your mistake is the best way to bring the discussion to a more rational, tranquil place so that you can work things out. Confessing guilt (accepting responsibility) is an awesome way to avoid increased drama.
Beloved, during our everyday conversation, it’s the diminutive things that creates a massive difference.
If you’ll give these suggestions a tryout, you’ll be astonished at the optimistic response you’ll receive.
Have a blessed Monday Everyone. -
“Don’t You Let Nobody Turn You Around”
You know Beloved, there will be people that criticize your decisions or the way you live life. But these are also the same people that really don’t know you, the same people that listens to and believes rumors and gossip. Beloved, keep your head up, stay focused stay spiritually attached to what God says to your spirit and enjoy the blessed path He’s ordered just for you.
God gave His only begotten Son so that you may live life to the fullest according to His purpose for you.
Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)
(11) For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.Beloved, Don’t You Let Nobody Turn You Around – what God has blessed you with is for you and only you. No one knows the hardships or walked the many miles in your shoes to receive what God has blessed you with. Let no one’s ill-gotten gossip, or rumors put you asunder what God has delivered to you.
Have a blessed Thursday Everyone.
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“A Compliant Lifestyle”
Praise the Lord Beloved!!!
Happy Sunday to each of you.Focal Scripture: Genesis 6:9-22
Beloved, we all should live a compliant lifestyle. A compliant lifestyle involves responsibility and determination. Noah needed both as he obeyed the Lord’s instructions to build a large boat with a roof, doors, and three decks. Beloved, God spelled out the meticulous dimensions, the kind of wood to use, and the way to make the vessel waterproof. It was essential that Noah followed every detail if the ark was to house all the animals and not sink.
Now, the scripture doesn’t go into detail on the reactions to the project, but knowing human nature, we can imagine the disbelief and rejection Noah probably experienced. Yet he worked his butt off faithfully to the end and as it says in Genesis 6:22 “did everything just as God commanded him”.
Beloved, the Lord wants us to follow His directions precisely. Unfortunately, we like to add some of our desires to His plan. We’re like a child whose parent assigns three chores. The first child does it satisfactorily, the second child set it aside until another day, and the third child is skipped because the child thinks it’s unnecessary. Beloved, “THIS IS NOT OBEDIENCE!!!”
As believers, we recognize we’re called to show sympathy and compassion, forgiving others as the Lord forgave us.
Colossians 3:13 (NLT) says: “Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.”
Yet, our human nature wants to pick and choose which parts of Scripture we’ll obey.
But according to Proverbs 11:25 in our Bible the Word says: (25) The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.Beloved, there were many people in the Bible that allowed compliance to God be the cornerstone of their spiritual building. Abraham was determined to go wherever God led. Moses felt inadequate but still carried out the Lord’s plan. Paul did an about-face to become Christ’s disciple.
A lifestyle that’s lived in compliance with the instructions of God will deliver an effect life.
Beloved, so today, ask the Holy Spirit to permit you to follow the path of righteousness
so you too, can live a compliant lifestyle.Have a blessed Sunday Everyone. 😀
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“You Too Are Royal Heirs”
Praise the Lord, Beloved, and a Very happy Sunday to you all!!!Our morning passage comes from
Romans 8:12-18 (NLT)
and it reads this way:
(12) Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. (13) For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. (14) For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.(15) So, you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” (16) For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. (17) And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.
(18) Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later.
On Saturday, there was a beautiful royal wedding. A young beautiful black woman became heir to a great royal family. No one saw this coming but God and the two people He joined together in Holy Matrimony.
As a believer you too are an heir to royalty, and for many, they never saw it coming.
Beloved, do you think of yourself as an heir? If not, you’re not alone. Many don’t give it a second thought when it come to considering the blessings that are ours when we accept Jesus Christ as Savior.
And this may be because we don’t actually know what it means to be God’s heir. And it’s very difficult for us to begin to grasp the concept of what awaits us when we leave this earth or when that’ll be.
Beloved, being an heir is generally connected with family ties, and the same is true of our connection to God. When we were born again, by His Spirit, we were approved to be His children and so now, we’re as heirs along with Christ.
In Colossians 1:15, Jesus is called “the firstborn of all creation.” In the ancient world, the firstborn son had a place of importance in the family and was the primary heir of anything his father owned. In the same way, Jesus Christ holds the place of firstborn and is the heir of all creation.
Now, what’s truly amazing is that He has sworn to share His inheritance with us. According to Revelations 2:26-27 it tells us when He returns in glory to take up His rightful place as King of Kings on earth, we’ll rule with Him, under His authority. Beloved, the Christian is filled with unjustifiable kindness from God. What we’re experiencing now of God’s grace is only a mustard seed.
Comprehending all that Christ has done and will do for His followers should quickly encourage us to live for Him now. The Holy Spirit lives within us, permitting us to terminate our fleshly desires and become compliant with God even when it’s risky.
Beloved, anytime we suffer here on earth for Christ’s sake, is trivial when we equate it to the glory that’s waiting for us.
Have a blessed Sunday Everyone.
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“Pray for Santa Fe, Texas
Revelation 14:13
And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Blessed indeed,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!”Revelation 21:4
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” -
“THERE IS SO MUCH IMMORALITY IN THE WORLD – WHY?”
Here Is Today’s Question
Glogus Utilly asked:
Bishop Houston, our world is filled with so much violence and many crooked people. I want to believe God exist, but it is hard for me to be a believer when there is so much immoral behavior and twisted minds. Can you explain to me why is God letting this happen if He exist?
(Glogus Utilly)Thank you for your question Glogus Utilly.
Answer:
You know, this is a tough and awkward question that I’m sure many people are wanting an answer for. Well, the most unpretentious way to look at this question is to inspect God’s nature and His desire for the creative human.
So, let’s look at God’s reason.
God loves us and wants us to love Him back. So, how could we love Him back unless we have the liberty to not love?Sure, God could have created us to be like machines who don’t do anything but say, “I love you. I love you. I love you.” But that would be forceful and not real love or in other the words the love God has created.
Glogus love is an action word so that makes love a choice. So, if you have a choice you must be able to choose not to love and that in itself is the nature of immoral behavior and twisted minds. You see, a malicious mind chooses not to love. So, when God gave us the freedom to choose, He gave us not only our greatest blessing, but He also gave us our greatest curse because we can choose to do right or choose to do wrong.
So, the reason there’s so much unrest, immorality and many twisted minds in the world isn’t because of God, but because God gave us the freedom to choose.
Now the possibility for love outweighs the existence of depravity because unrest, immorality, and twisted minds will only exist for a short time, but love is going to go on forever. All of the misery, sadness, and death that we see in the world today are a result that man/women have selected by making wrong choices.
Glogus, God could have taken our freedom, but He didn’t. I hope you’ll use your freedom to become a believer and choose God.Thank you for your question Glogus Utilly.
