C H O F Ministry

Tag: Christ

“Connecting with Peace Be Unto You”

Peace to all of you who are in Christ.

Arriving behind sealed doors, Jesus shows the disciples His wounds. But before He does, He speaks to them to calm down their anxieties, and give them a holy directive. Jesus says “Peace be unto” you twice in John 20. Just think about that for a moment. It’s not until we’re calm down and at peace, we’re able to parallel ourselves with His purpose. When there’s anxiety and worry, we’re self-consumed and incapable of movement.

Beloved, where are you today? Are you behind any self-sealed doors?

We stay behind our sealed doors when we’re transfixed by trepidation, regardless of where that anxiety is entrenched. The comforting words of Christ are never more needed than now for us!!! Listen To His word for you today, “Peace be unto you!!!” Similar to the disciples, it may take hearing that more than once for it to sink in. So, listen to it again, “Peace be unto you!!!” Inhale it. Meditate on it right now. Stay here until you sense His peace surrounding your heart and calming your spirit. Because if moving forward without it will only create impatient activity and desperate confusion. When we’re experiencing the peace of Christ in our lives, we’re ready to associate ourselves with His purpose. Just think about this: the directive of Jesus for us is already affiliated with His. He’s given us permission to carry on His aim, according to His stipulations. The enthusiasm to be on His team will only find its way into your heart if you have His peace. Beloved, if it’s not with you, there’s no better time than now to ask Him for it!!!

Let Us Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your peaceful words and directions. Today I have a purpose and it’s a joy to be connected and aligned with You. 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 enter our earthly room and blow out our candle. So, reach out and touch the ones that need your agape, dissolve the divisions among you, continue to encourage one another, be united in the same mind, the same reasoning and continue to build one another up.

I LOVE YOU ALL!!! Have a blessed Sunday. ✝️❤️😊

December 15, 2019
“The Skills of a Real Sheperd”

Praise The Lord Beloved. Happy Monday to you. 😊

Several years ago, First Lady Donece and I had the special opportunity to meet real-life shepherds on one of our tours. One event special to me was the opportunity to watch an actual presentation of one of the shepherd’s incredible skills as he directed his herding collies. He made it clear to us how much he understands and loves each of his sheep–he had names for each one; he knew how old each one was and respected their ability to provide for his life.

Beloved, as we enter Advent, we look forward to paying tribute to the birth of our Good Shepherd, Jesus. By coming to earth Christ exhibited His enormous love for each of us as He knows each of us by name and desires us to return in Glory with Him and His Father in Heaven. His angels came to visit the shepherds in their fields and welcomed them to visit the Newborn Messiah (*1). The angels confirmed the shepherds’ value by their invitation, but it still took courage for them to travel and seek this huge gift in a small bundle that they had long expected. Their faith and humility were compensated when they met the Savior of the world in a simple cave. Just like those shepherds realized, we too are led by an amazing Shepherd. Amen? Aaamen. ✝️❤️😊

Dear Heavenly Father help me be like the shepherds who didn’t waver to pursue You, respectfully kneeled before You, and recognize that you’re Lord overall, and You love and care for us. Let this time of Advent fill us with peace, joy, love, and hope. 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 an “AWESOME Monday and a FANTASTIC week!!! 😊

CHOF Ministry Cross-Reference Verses:

1. *Luke 2:8-12

December 2, 2019
“Recognizing the Actual Adversary”

Occasionally in the heat of fight (disagreement, argument), we might lose the focus on who the real enemy is.

Beloved, it’s important that you don’t mistake the prisoners of war with the adversary.

Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that our struggle (fight) isn’t against sinful people, but against the evil system and the supernatural forces that influence their attitudes and actions.

In his attack on the kingdom of God, Satan has assembled a highly established army of fallen angels. In Ephesians 6:12 Paul categorized them as “rulers… powers… world forces of this darkness… spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” This isn’t a comprehensive explanation of Satan’s chain of command but a universal indicator of its world power and complexity.

It’s clear that “rulers” and “powers” are high – ranking demons. “World forces of this obscurity” are conceivably demons who penetrate a variety of diplomatic systems of the world, attempting to supervise human leaders to contradict God’s plans – this includes church leaders, family leaders, and employers. Daniel 10:13 gives us a great example with a demon called “the prince of the kingdom of Persia.” He resisted God’s angelic messenger to Daniel until Michael the archangel came to the rescue.

“Spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places” possibly refers to demons taking part in the most disgusting and twisted kinds of sins: blatant immorality, deliberate disobedience, occult practices, Satan worship.

Beloved, those who reject Christ and God are naïve prisoners of war–caught, imprisoned, organized, equipped and trained by the enemy to achieve his purposes. Sadly, when he’s done with them, he’ll leave them to an eternal hell.

You probably know a few nonbelievers and skeptics who enjoy laughing at you, making fun of your faith and making life difficult for you. Although that’s hard to take, be patient and don’t become embittered toward them. Ask God to make you an instrument of His love as you reach out to them. Also, pray that God will eliminate their spiritual impaired vision so they can see past Satan’s lies and acknowledge their need for a Savior.

Let Us Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for delivering us from the domain of darkness and transferring us into the kingdom of Your Beloved Son. Father God, we’re asking You to use us today to break through Satan’s deception in someone’s life.

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 may enter our room and blow out our earthly light. 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 Terrific Sunday Everyone!!! ✝️❤️😊

November 24, 2019
“A Tenacious Doer”

The phrase in James 1:25 that says: “and abides by it” stresses that we pay close attention to it. The Greek translation of the word “Abide” means “to stay beside,” “remain,” or “continue.” The idea is that a doer of the Word continually and habitually gazes into God’s perfect law. In other words, they’re persistent pupils. Beloved, doers of the Word are tenacious students.

When you have that level of commitment to the Word, you’ll be an effectual doer “student – pupil”—one who has merged with God’s will and pursues to conform regardless of anything else. As you do, God will bless you. Now, that doesn’t automatically mean you’ll be successful in the eyes of the world, but your priorities and perceptions will be right, and the Lord will honor what you do.

This morning’s verse is a call to prudently examine yourself in light of God’s morals. That’s not a popular thing in today’s society because many people have an aversion to serious spiritual thought and self-examination. I believe that’s why Christian television, music, and other forms of entertainment are so popular. Absconding realism through entertainment is far more interesting and pleasing to most people than looking into the mirror of God’s Word and having their spiritual defects and imperfections uncovered. But if you desire to be like Christ, you must see yourself for what you are and make any needed corrections. To do that, you must continually examine (study) your life in the light of Scripture.

Beloved, just imagine what the church would be like if every Christian did that. Can you imagine the changes in your own life if you did it more consistently? Only the Holy Spirit can empower you to be a doer “student – pupil” of the Word. So, slow down and be very attentive when God leads you through prayer and confession as you continue to study and apply God’s Word.

Let Us Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father, whenever I study Scripture, please allow the Spirit to light up my mind and heart so that I can see how to use Your Words to transform me more and more into the image of Christ. 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 an Astonishing Sunday. 😀

September 15, 2019
“Stay Humble – God Will Expose”

Praise the Lord Beloved!!! 😀 The soul of Friday is here. Let us all be attentive to our persona according to God’s purpose.

Beloved, God’s focus is in the heart of man and not on their external or superficial appearance and accomplishments in life. You’ll find in this morning’s parable; Jesus Christ equated the tax collector and the Pharisee. The tax collectors are publicly known as sinners for their dishonesty when they’re collecting taxes. They’re called thieves because they steal money from people. The Pharisees on the other hand, are publicly known as holy, righteous and law-abiding people. They openly display their religious acts such as prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. People looked up to them and were impressed by their deeds, but God wasn’t. When Christ came, He began to expose their private sins, their pride, and self-righteousness.

In this morning’s parable, we find the Pharisee began to brag about his righteous acts while the tax collector humbly admitted his wrongdoing and ask for God’s mercy. So we see, God, honored the prayer of the tax collector, but He hated the self-aggrandizements of the Pharisee. Beloved, God will eventually expose anyone that postures themselves arrogantly, snobbishly, self-righteously, and barbarous.

This weekend Beloved, let us all keep in mind that no matter who we are or what we do, God is willing to accept us if we humble ourselves and submit to His mercy.

Weekend Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for repeating to me about being proud and why it doesn’t give You pleasure or glory. Help us to stop looking at our divine accomplishments and start focusing on Your boundless love, mercy, and grace.

In Jesus’ Mighty name I pray, Amen and Aaamen.:-D

Have a wonderful Friday and a blessed weekend everyone.

September 13, 2019
Set Your Affections on Christ

In Colossians 1:9 Paul talks about being controlled by the knowledge of God’s will. In verse 10 he talks about walking in a manner worthy of the Lord. Beloved, there’s a direct cause-and-effect relationship between those verses. When you’re controlled by the knowledge of God’s will, you’ll walk in a manner worthy of the Lord. The Greek word translated “walk” means “to order one’s behavior”. It’s a common New Testament metaphor for a person’s lifestyle. Paul made a similar plea to the Thessalonians in 1 Thess. 2:12: “Walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.”

Now, the thought of being worthy of the Lord might raise some eyebrows because we usually relate worthiness to merit or something deserved. But that isn’t Paul’s point at all. The Greek word translated “worthy” in Colossians 1:10 speaks of something that weighs as much or carries the same value as something else. He isn’t saying we deserve Christ, but that our conduct should be consistent with His.

That’s also Peter’s point in 1 Peter 2:21: “You have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps.” John said in 1 John 2:6: “The one who says he abides in [Christ] ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked”. He also added in 2 John 6, “Walk according to His commandments.” That’s how you demonstrate your love for Christ and please Him in every respect. John 14:15 (AMP) says: “If you [really] love Me, you will keep and obey My commandments.”

Now I’ll give you this word of encouragement, a worthy walk isn’t a walk of sinless perfection or impeccability. That won’t happen until you’re fully glorified. But each day you’re growing in godliness as a result of the Spirit’s transforming work in you. 2 Cor. 3:18 (Amp) says: And we all, with unveiled face, continually seeing as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are progressively being transformed into His image from [one degree of] glory to [even more] glory, which comes from the Lord, [who is] the Spirit.

Beloved, be faithful to that process. Set your affections on Christ, look to His Word, and rejoice in the privilege of becoming more like Him today. Amen? Aaamen. 😀

Sunday’s Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the power and guidance of Your Spirit in my life. I’m going to continue to work hard each day to continue to confess my sin when I wander from my worthy walk with You. In Jesus’ Name I Pray – 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 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 Remarkable Sunday. 😀

September 1, 2019
“Stocking Up on the Correct Treasures”

Praise the Lord Believers in the Christian faith.
Happy Monday to each of you. 😀

Beloved, there are two kinds of treasures. The treasures that are of this earth and the treasures that are of heaven. The treasures that are of this earth are provisional while the treasures that are of heaven are perpetual. Stockpiling treasure is an effort at building up affluence or protection. You store treasures for impending essentials or consumption. But Jesus firmly recommends us not to stockpile earthly treasures. They don’t assure us of future security because they can be stolen and destroyed. So, Jesus urges the people to stockpile treasures in heaven because nothing can take or destroy them. The human eye can’t see these treasures, so they’re guaranteed to last for all eternity.

One of our treasures is our relationship with Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself promised that no one can take us out of his Father’s hand (*1). What we’ve learned from the Bible are also heavenly treasures that no one can take from us. Aside from being perpetual, these treasures are freely given to us. But, on the other hand, you do have to work hard and pay close attention to get these earthly treasures.

Beloved, now is the time to start paying close attention to choose the right treasures to stock up. Amen? 😀 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 Vibrant Monday.

August 19, 2019
“Paul Vs. Apollos?”

1 Corinthians 3:4-6 (AMP)

You know Beloved, division is a fleshly desire that reshapes us. It restructures us mentally, emotionally and in some cases financially. Many churches and ministries are very notorious when it comes to division. They’ll look at a church or ministry that may be less prosperous or smaller and look down on the edifice. For when one says, “I am of Paul,” and another, “I am of Apollos,” are you not characterizing yourself from a fleshly – carnal platform? 😀 Beloved, WHO THEN IS PAUL, and WHO IS APOLLOS? They were ministers that each follower chose to believe. Didn’t the Lord give to each one? 😀

One Planted, One Watered – but it was God who gave the increase. So, then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor.

So, it doesn’t matter who’s more affluent or who has more followers. We’re all Christians and serve one God who doesn’t divide the good from the good but blesses accordingly.

Beloved, as believers in Christ we’re God’s fellow workers – you’re God’s field, you’re God’s building.” Let us be mindful we walk “TOGETHER” with the spirit of God inside us and not the fleshly, carnality of men or women.

“To God Be the Glory.”

August 1, 2019
“Heckled Instead of Welcomed”

Praise the Lord Beloved!!! Happy Tuesday. 😀

Beloved, after God has helped you turn your life around, how many of you have been discredited (humiliated) or not welcomed (not received) especially by your family members or hometown – the place you grew up. “I HAVE” – and to this day it’s still occurring. Well if you have, you’re in great company because it was no different for Jesus either. Jesus returned to Nazareth after preaching and performing miracles in neighboring towns. Nazareth was His hometown and people in the synagogue were surprised and stunned at His teaching. But instead of extending a warm welcome or receiving His message, they started discrediting (doubting) Jesus (*1).

Beloved, of all places Nazareth should have been one of the closest and dearest places to Jesus’ human heart, because this is where he grew up, where his family’s home was. It’s not written how many people needed healing, but Jesus “intentionally” withheld and reduced the “deeds of power” during His stay there because of their unbelief. Today, it’s not unusual to encounter cynics (hecklers), pessimists, or critics who plant seeds of doubt everywhere they go. So, stay on guard because if you haven’t yet, someday you may meet people who are knowledgeable about the Word just like the people in the synagogue but will discredit you as they did Jesus, His power, His death, and resurrection. Pray for God to strengthen your faith and remember that it puts us at a great disadvantage not to believe and trust in the Lord. Amen? – Aaamen. 😀

CHOF and the Bishop, W. F. Houston, Jr. Ministry is here to help you develop and deepen your relationship with God and learn how to live a victorious Christian life. I hope my daily observances will bring reassurance, spiritual stimulation, harmony, and intestinal fortitude that will assist you as you grow in your walk with Christ.

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 MAY BE TOO LATE.

I LOVE YOU ALL!!! Have a blessed Tuesday. 😀

Bishop, W. F. Houston, Jr. Ministry’s Cross Reference Verse.

*1 – Matthew 13: 54-57

July 2, 2019
“Blessed and Loved”

Praise the Lord Beloved!!! 😀 Happy Tuesday.

You know Beloved, one of the most awesome things about following Christ is distinguishing and understanding that the Creator of the whole universe loves me and that His love is resilient. The proof of this is in Jesus, who gave up all the riches in Heaven and became poor, so through His deficiency, I might become rich. (*1)

But now the question is how far does that resilient love go? Well, the truth is God’s love for us isn’t provisional. God recognizes the condition of our heart. No matter how badly we don’t want to be evil, it’s in our very nature, and He still loves us. He gave His only Son so that you and I can obtain and live in relationship with Him. No matter how enormous the sins in our lives are, God’s love and grace exceeds them. Beloved this morning I want you to stay inspired and know you’re blessed and loved by Him. Amen? – Aaamen. 😀

It’s an honor to distribute Bishop Houston’s Spiritual Stimulation to you each morning. I truly appreciate all the inspiration I get from you – Thank you. 😀

Beloved, life’s very short. It comes and goes like an unannounced gust of wind. None of us know the hour nor 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!!! And have a blessed Tuesday Everyone.

😀

Bishop, W. F. Houston, Jr. Ministry’s Cross Reference Verse.

(*1) (2 Corinthians 8:9)

June 25, 2019