Tag: Chrisitan House of Faith CHOF
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“Living an Agape Life”
Bishop Houston’s “Word of the Month”Beloved,
The word Agape (agápē) is a Greek word translated to mean love.
It’s the highest form of love, especially brotherly love, charity. It is the kind of love God has for man and man has for God. It’s an “UNCONDITIONAL adoration.”
If we’re going to live in “Agape” love, we have to learn to forgive one another.
The Bible says, “Do not let the sun go down on your anger, but instead, forgive. And above all things, put on love.”
*That means: above having your own way, above your own agenda,
choose to put on love.The apostle Paul prayed in Ephesians 3:17 that we would be “rooted and established in love so that we would have power together with all the saints.”
Beloved,
when we choose to walk in love, we have the power of God in our lives,
as well as healthier relationships. We should always look for the best in each other. That’s one of the things I love about Lady Donece “Niecy” Houston. I used to think that she didn’t see the things that people did wrong or were doing to her. Then I realized: It’s not that she doesn’t see them;
she chooses not to focus on them.
That’s what Jesus taught. One day a group of Pharisees brought a woman to Him who had been caught in adultery. The Law said that she should be stoned, but Jesus didn’t condemn her. Instead, He said, “Those of you without sin, go ahead;
you throw the first stone.”
*The woman’s accusers began to look within themselves.
Then, they walked away.Friends,
we can all throw rocks and point out each other’s faults, but we need to make allowances for one another. We don’t know what some people have been through. We don’t know the pain and heartache they’ve experienced.
When the woman’s accusers had all slipped away, Jesus told her,
“Neither do I condemn you; go your way; from now on sin no more.”Beloved,
let’s learn to walk in “Agape” unconditional love and see the best in everyone.
A house divided will fall.
That’s why it’s so important to keep peace in your home and in your family.
Be the first to apologize. “Be quick to forgive.”Someone once asked me If Lady Donece “Niecy” and I argue. Yes, we disagree, but you can’t argue with someone who won’t argue with you, and Lady Donece won’t argue!!! She’s made up her mind that we’re going to walk in love, because that is where the power is. At times, Lady Donece “Niecy” and I have said, “All right, we can’t see eye to eye on this, so we’re just going to agree to disagree.”
I can’t help it if she’s wrong sometimes!!!
When Lady Donece “Niecy and I got married, I like my own way, and when I didn’t get it, I wasn’t happy. Then God spoke clearly to me: Bishop Houston, if you don’t change the way you’re acting, you’re going to change the woman you married.
Well, that got my attention, because I didn’t want to change Lady Donece “Niecy’s” personality.
I love Lady Donece “Niecy” (Unconditionally). That’s why I married her.
I knew that I had to be willing to make some changes.In many relationships, after time, people neglect to walk in Agape
(unconditional) love.
One day, they realize that their hearts have changed. You hear it all the time:
“We just grew apart.”Lady Donece “Niecy” and I remind ourselves often that God brought us together. He’s got a good plan for our marriage. You need to remind yourself that God has put that person in your life, and He’s got good things in store. If you will do your part by being kind, respecting one another, treating each other the way you want to be treated, God will do His part, and you can live in Agape love!!!
God Bless You All.
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“Envision It, Have Faith In It, Live It!!!”
Bishop Houston’s “Expression for Today”Beloved,
learning to walk in the destiny God has for you is a process. The first step is to get a vision,
a clear picture from God that you can see.
The next step is to have faith (trust, believe and have confidence) in Him.
You have to believe it will happen. And then finally, you must have confidence in your steps and live out what God has promised no matter what your circumstances or people around you have to say.First you envision it, than you have faith in it, and then you live it.
Every vision I’ve ever received from God has followed this same pattern.
We see in scripture that even the great men and women of the Bible walked through this process.
They had to overcome doubts, they struggled on their journey, but they held fast to what God said knowing that He’s faithful to complete what He started in us!!!So today Beloved,
if you’re having a hard time believing what God has promised will come to pass, understand that you’re in a process.
Don’t empower doubt with your words. Instead, keep declaring that He who promised is faithful!!!
Keep the vision in front of you knowing that it’s for an appointed time.
Envision it and have faith (belief, trust and confidence) in it because it won’t be long until you’re living the blessed life God has prepared for you!!!Be blessed in the Lord.
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“Is Jehovah On Your Schedule?”
Bishop & First Lady Houston’s: “Weekend Word”Beloved,
the Lord wants us to reach our full potential.
To become the people He’s designed us to be, achieve the tasks He’s planned for us to do and live according to His purposes we must set aside our pressurized social order, and balance our schedules with Jehovah being the core.
When any area of our life is out of balance, our relationship with the Lord and others will be affected, diminishing our effectiveness as servants of Christ.So as you head into this weekend make your top priority be spending some private time with the Lord.
This will help you to develop a relationship with Him and receive guidance.Beloved,
the Lord has specific plans for each person, and He’s the only one who can accurately direct your schedule.Have a Blessed Weekend. 😀
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Former Congressman Louis Stokes has passed
Former Congressman Louis Stokes
Aug. 19, 2015: CHOF Ministry confirms early this morning that former Congressman Louis Stokes died at the age of 90. He died with his wife of 55 years by his side.
CHOF Ministry’s Bishop, Dr. W. F. Houston, Jr. via WKYC’s Chris Tye takes a look back at Former Congressman’s Stoke’s legacy.
Former Congressman’s Stoke’s family released the following statement early Wednesday morning:
Our family is mourning the loss of our husband, father, grandfather and close confidant. He died peacefully with Jay, his wife of 55 years, at his side. During his illness, he confronted it as he did life — with bravery and strength. He was always guided by faith, while embracing the prayers and well wishes of family, friends and constituents. We are grateful for the cards, prayers and words of comfort during this difficult time. He loved Cleveland and was honored to have the opportunity to represent its citizens in the United States Congress. He was equally committed to our family, and his love knew no bounds. It is this enduring love that will sustain us in the days and years to come.
Plans for a funeral service and public tribute are expected to be announced soon.
It was only back on July 20 that his media representative released a statement that Stokes, who served the 21st and 11th Districts of Ohio for 30 years, had recently been diagnosed with lung and brain cancer.
Here’s the statement about his cancer diagnosis:
He is fortunate to have the availability and treatment of excellent health care from the world renowned staff and doctors of one of the top medical centers, the Cleveland Clinic.
The congressman recently said, “For years, I’ve made it my career in fighting for the people of Ohio, but now I must devote my time and energy to working with my doctors in this current health challenge which my family and I are totally immersed.” In February 2015, the Congressman turned 90 years of age and recently completed his autobiography documenting his illustrious legal and political career where he was often a champion in the civil rights movement.Congressman Stokes expresses his utmost appreciation to the public for the privacy they have extended to him and his family as they engage in this fight.On Nov. 6, 1968, Louis Stokes was elected to Congress on his first bid for public office. Stokes, who became the first African-American member of Congress from the state of Ohio, served 15 consecutive terms in the U.S. House of Representatives. In January, Ohio Gov. John Kasich appointed him as one of 18 members to the Community-Police Relations task force that will provide ideas to build relationships between police and their communities. In February, he celebrated his 90th birthday.
He was educated in the Cleveland Public Schools, graduating from Central High School. Following three years of service in the U.S. Army, Stokes returned to Cleveland and attended Western Reserve University. He earned his doctor of laws degree from Cleveland-Marshall law school in 1953. Stokes practiced law for 14 years before serving in Congress.
As a practicing lawyer, he participated in three cases in the U.S. Supreme Court, including arguing the landmark “stop and frisk” case of Terry v. Ohio. He played a pivotal role in the quest for social and economic justice, civil rights and equality throughout his career.
Stokes received several awards and honors, recognizing his national leadership and commitment to public service.A number of landmarks in the city of Cleveland and nationally have been named in his honor, including the Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans Administration Hospital, the Louis Stokes Annex of the Cleveland Public Library, the Louis Stokes Health Sciences Center at Case Western Reserve University and buildings at Wilberforce University and Central State University, both in Wilberforce, Ohio, Howard University in Washington, D.C., and the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Md.
Stokes was the recipient of 27 honorary doctorate degrees. He received the Congressional Distinguished Service Award in 2003, becoming the first African-American to earn this honor.
He was honored by the American Bar Association Commission on Racial and Ethnic Diversity in the Profession with a 2010 Spirit of Excellence Award for his dedication to expanding opportunity in the legal profession to all minorities.In 2011, he was inducted into the International Walk of Fame at the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change in Atlanta.
Stokes served on the advisory board to the International Spy Museum, the board of the Western Reserve Historical Society, the board of directors of Forest City Enterprises Inc. and the board of directors of the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland.
In 2006, he served on the National Science Board’s Commission on 21st Century Education in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
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“DECLARE IT and CLAIM IT!!!”
Bishop Houston’s “Expression for Today”Beloved,
are you living the lavish life Jesus came to give?
Now I’m not talking about living in the most elaborate house or driving the latest car.
No, His promise of profuse living goes way beyond material things that this world offers.
I’m, speaking of an “Abundant” life.
An abundant life means “life to the fullest.”
That means no matter what is going on around you, you can partake of the full blessings of God. You can have peace in the midst of a storm. You can have joy when things are uncertain. You can have hope when circumstances seem hopeless.Beloved,
as believers, a lot of times it’s easy to look at others living a life of good and plentiful and think, “God is going to give me abundant life someday.”
But the truth is that God wants you to have a profuse life TODAY!!! So don’t waste another second living in mediocrity or settling for less than God’s best.
Receive His blessings by faith today.
Receive His hope, joy, strength and favor.
So “RIGHT NOW,” I want you to declare that you are living a full life!!!
DECLARE IT AND CLAIM IT!!!Jesus came so that you may live life to the fullest. 😀
Have a blessed day everyone. 😀
