C H O F Ministry

Tag: Christ

“No Addition No Reduction”

Good Morning and Happy Sunday to you.

This morning I woke up asking the Lord, how can I become objectively satisfied with who I am without adding and reducing myself?

Unquestionably I’m susceptible to want to add, or reduce to who I am. To be keener, refined outer appearance, amusing, acceptable. Become more prolific, better-off and add higher dynamism. And then also to be low key, tranquil, level-headed and attentive.

I want to have improved self-awareness, and yet I want to reduce my concerns about what others think of me.

I want to be a better barbecue (pit) master, add more music abilities, and to keep my garage, man-cave/studio neat without exerting a bunch of energy. And I must add remove the balding and adding hair would be nice. 😀

I want to be a much better writer, one that’s both extremely creative and methodically organized. And I want reduced propensities that causes me to be late, compromise or postpone.

Yes, I want to add more of myself and reduce more of me.

Beloved, Jesus quiets my limitless listing of the things I want to transform or expand myself into. Things I’m confident would give me a better life. He asks me instead to humbly make peace with it all. To lay down my philosophies and concept in other words “my way of thinking” of a better man and life by letting Him be the judge of that. To just take what I’m given and offer it back to Him, in submission and service.

This morning’s Sunday Bible verse I posted Matthew 5:5 on several social media sites, it’s among many in the Bible that energies one of my principal opinions: When I stop the motives to produce a life for myself, I find the life God produces for me. This is a prevailing truth, with an irrefutable pleasing surreptitious mystery. 😀

His life for me begins exactly where mine ends. My life ends in my sin and self-motivation and begins again in God’s grace and power.

His empowering indwelling affords me everything I truly need and nothing I truly don’t.

Beloved, if you too desire to be satisfied with who you are in Christ – no addition no reduction, I want you to know that Jesus addresses us both in Matthew 23:11-12. I’m telling you Beloved, if you want to stand out, you must step down and become God’s assistant. If you exalt yourself, you’ll get cut down. But if you’re satisfied to simply be yourself, your life will add up to plenty”

Amazingly, God’s grace humbles a man without humiliating him, and His favor revitalizes (exalt) him without inflating him. The life he finds in Him makes him the proud owner of everything money can’t buy. As Jesus put it in Matthew 5:5, “the whole earth.” What he gets with humbleness is a life of contentment. No addition. No reduction. “

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 blessed Sunday Everyone. 😀

June 2, 2019
“Be Honest with Ourselves”

Praise the Lord Beloved. 😀 Happy Tuesday to Everyone. 😀

You know since connecting to Words of Jesus, nothing can separate me from the love of Christ!!! “NOTHING!!!!” He’s my life, contentment, and happiness!!! Yes, that would be my immediate answer to our morning’s Bible verse. From where I’ve been and what He’s brought me out of HOW COULD I LET ANYTHING OR ANYONE SEPARATE ME FROM HIM?

Sounds nice, doesn’t it? 😀

Well, let’s be honest with ourselves, sometimes we allow even less severe things than deprivation, harassment or risk separate us from His love and His Word. Even little troubles can at times stress us out and we shout to God, WHY OH WHY? We must admit we’re sometimes of little faith, and that’s part of being human. However, we must not allow hopelessness into the arena of our life. Just remember that the first Christians had to endure persecutions and were threatened by death and yet they wouldn’t let go of Christ. It’s understandable that at times we complain, feel sorry for ourselves and cry over our fate, but we must never separate (disconnect) from Him. Hold on to Him tightly and don’t let go. He’ll surely not let go of you. That’s because He loves you with an everlasting love. 😀

“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 past through our window and blow out our lights here on earth.

So today, reach out and let those you love know that you love them.

BECAUSE TELLING THEM LATER JUST MIGHT BE, TOO LATE.”

I LOVE YOU ALL!!!

Have a blessed Tuesday Everyone.

April 16, 2019
“Remembering The Weak”

You know every chance I get I witness in the malls, at Walmart, grocery stores Dollar stores you name it and have a little time “it’s all about the wonderful name of Jesus.” As a Believer in Christ it can be both physically and mentally taxing. Some say that working in a Christian ministry is hard because the constant mental spiritual routine is tedious. But it’s never too monotonous to a person who delights in teaching and inspiring others with informative biblical principles. Every day is a new day filled with challenges. Being a minister, mental durability and competence isn’t requested it’s required, it’s essential and crucial, that’s because being a minister I come into contact daily with unbelievers, doubters, and new comers to the faith. There’s never a time they don’t make requests or stubbornly raise questions. The thought that I’m a Christian never leaves my mind when I’m doing what God called me to do. Many say I look real stern, at times that may be my outer persona, but most of the time it’s because I’m moved by everyone’s situation(s) I come into contact, especially the people that has a lack of education and guidance. You see, some don’t know how to read or write, and because of their illiteracy they’re taken advantage of by others. Some grew up without a parent and seek out a need to belong, so they get involved in gangs.

In Matthew 5:7 it says: “Always try to remember to be merciful and you shall be blessed and also receive mercy.” Beloved, mercy isn’t only for the righteous it’s especially needed by us sinners.

Have a blessed Week Everyone.

March 18, 2019
“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
“Stop Freezing People In Time”

You know Beloved, I’ve been saved for many years now and many people still brutally attack me for past errors, immoral conduct, or wrong pathways I’ve taken. I’m sure there are many of you (like myself) that are being mistreated (abused, neglected, victimized) for what occurred years and or even DECADES ago.

You (like myself) have repented, received salvation, and are living a morally good life and doing well, but there’s still some people that won’t let go of your yester-year(s). Instead of reconciliation, all they tend to remember is mistakes people make, never trying to grant them the opportunity to change. And you know what’s more thought-provoking is many of the people that’s casting insults have been in some sort of immoral actions or still in dishonest trades and law-breaking activity. And it’s sad but true, many of the attackers go to church Every Sunday morning or at their spiritual edifice every time the doors are opened, and many are in our family!!! Beloved, I stopped by this morning to give you some REAL TALK!!!

WE NEED TO STOP FREEZING PEOPLE IN TIME.

You know, there are so many instances in Peter’s life when God could have “frozen” him in time. But He never did. Peter, the impulsive disciple never really thought things out. In Matthew 16:21-23 he “corrected” Jesus, earning him a sharp rebuke from the Lord. In John 18:15-27, He famously denied Christ but in John 21: 15-19 he was restored. And in Galatians 2:11-12 he once contributed to racial divisions within the church. The issue arose when Peter (known also as Cephas) had separated himself from the Gentiles. He had just started to freely associate with them. But some Jews arrived who insisted that circumcision was required for believers in Christ, so Peter began avoiding the uncircumcised Gentiles. This marked a dangerous return to the law of Moses. In verse 13 Paul called Peter’s behavior “hypocrisy”. But because of Paul’s bold confrontation, the issue was resolved, and Peter went on to serve God in the beautiful spirit of unity He intends for us.

Beloved, no one needs to remain frozen in their worst moments. In God’s grace we can embrace each other, learn from each other, confront each other when it’s necessary, and grow together in His love.

Let us Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father, at this time I come asking You to draw us close to You today, so that we may also be closer to each other. Protect Your church’s unity. Give us understanding where there’s distrust. Heal us where we’re divided.

In Jesus’ Mighty Name I Pray,

Amen and Amen.

March 3, 2019
“Solid As A Rock”

Praise the Lord Beloved – Happy Friday to Everyone!!!

What a joy and honor to start the day with you once again.

**I have changed the title of the “Weekend Word” to “Grow in Christ Jesus”

My focus is to present a more spiritual and comprehensive concept that will produce a vivid spiritual thought going into the weekend.

You know Beloved, sometimes, people get sidetracked by what they consider to be a difficulty or setback in their lives. It may be something about their personality or looks that they don’t like. Or, maybe they’ve been through an unfair situation such as a divorce, a bad business agreement or a bad discontinuity. We all have things that can feel like shortcomings; things that make it harder on us. It may even be a physical handicap, and you can’t get around like you used to. But just because you have a “shortcoming,” just because you’ve been through a tough time doesn’t mean you’re supposed to sit back and settle where you are. God still has something great for you to do!!! 😀 He wants to show Himself solid as a rock in and through you, and He’s given you His Holy Spirit to equip you in this life.

Beloved, this weekend, let the Holy Spirit help you when you feel fragile, undesired or useless. Let Him empower you with truth that will set you free. Stay in faith and don’t get negative toward yourself or your future. Release your grip and let God take what you think is a liability and turn it into an asset!!! Let Him take what you think is a shortcoming and turn it around to be a benefit!!! Remember, you’re more than a conqueror today and every day because He is solid as a rock in you!!!

Have a Blessed Weekend Everyone. 😀

July 27, 2018
“A Confident Message”

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.

http://www.facebook.com/chofministry/

July 25, 2018
“God Changes Conditions

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.

July 23, 2018
“You Are Significant In God’s Eyes”

Praise the Lord Beloved – Happy Friday to Everyone!!! 😀
What a joy and honor to start the day with you.

You know Beloved, people today rate a person’s importance by their, reputation, titles, position, possessions, where you go, what you drive, what kind of home you live in or the area you live. But God’s rate classification is very different from the world’s rate classification. If you’ve ever thought that God has too many other important things on His plate to be concerned with you and your life, I want you to know today that, “YOU’RE GOD’S NUMBER ONE PRIORITY!!!” And there’s nothing you can do to be more significant or less significant. God rates you simply because He made you, and your rate will never change. You are significant. Your life is significant. The things that concern you, concern God. He carefully watches over every aspect of your life. There’s nothing too big or too small for His attention.

Beloved, this weekend, take your apprehensions and cares to the Father. He loves to hear you call on Him, and He’s waiting to show Himself strong on your behalf. Because you’re important to Him, He’s ready to bless and authorize you to live successfully all the days of your life.

Have a Blessed Weekend Everyone. 😀

July 20, 2018
“Are You Really Connected?”

Praise the Lord Beloved – Happy Friday to Everyone!!! 😀
What a joy and honor to start the day with you.

**I have changed the title of the “Weekend Word” to “Grow in Christ Jesus” **
My focus is to present a more spiritual comprehensive concept that will produce a vivid spiritual thought going into the weekend.

You know Beloved, everyone has their way to serve God. *BUT ARE YOU REALLY CONNECTED – HOW’S YOUR TRUE RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD? * Is He just a temporary generator in your life or a place holder? Is He there until something else you feel requires more attention – you remove the connection with God and plug into what you sense is more valuable to focus on.

Beloved, nothing and no one cares more about you than God!!! Staying connected to Him should be as important to you as paying your utilities bills. Just as you need electric to energize your home you need God (The Word – Jesus Christ) to keep your life energized proficiently and properly. Now, I know there are many of you that have stored up lots of intellectual information about the Bible, and that’s important, but that’s not the main issue. And I’m sure there are many of you saying: “Bishop Houston, I serve the Lord”. That’s also necessary. There are many of you that give generously to the spiritual edifice of your choice, and that too is another significant of Christian life. But, what matters is the depth of your “PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP” with the Lord. Beloved, let me tell you, KNOWLEDGE, SERVICE, AND TITHING, can never replace the intimacy with God.

You know, the psalmist King understood this truth, and it strengthen him in times of trouble. You see when his son Absalom tried to take over the throne, David ran to the wilderness, where he wrote the words in Psalm 3, 6, – “(3) But You O Lord are a shield around me… (6) I am not afraid of ten thousand enemies (people) who surround (are against) me on every side”. Beloved, He knew that even during strong adversity he could count on God’s unfailing love and protection.

Beloved, you’ll see repeatedly throughout David’s psalm his unwavering dependence on the Lord. IT WAS HIS PASSION!!! – not his physical strength, charisma (magnetic personality or charm), or his ability to command an army (pastor a church/ministry large or small) that made him a great man. And let me add this also, even though he had MANY, MANY failures in life, but, we find in the Bible (1 Samuel 13:14, Acts 13:22) describe him as “a man after God’s own heart”. Beloved, don’t let the people of world convince you that you’re worthless an outcast, or you’ll never be a productive citizen because you’ve been to jail, prison, was on drugs, was involved in prostitution or have committed a crime of some kind that you’re a bad/corrupt person and you cannot connect to God or have a personal relationship with God. That’s a lie from the bottomless pits of hell!!!

Beloved, staying connect and having a real relationship with God requires more than being a goodie to shoe, volunteering your services, giving money to kingdom work. God wants to know you personally. Now, don’t get me wrong here, the tangible expressions of your devotions are important. BUT, they should be the result of a mature relationship secured by a proper connection with God.

Beloved, this weekend secure you connection with God. Seek Him first, and believe me, the rest will follow. 😀

Have a blessed Weekend Everyone. 😀

July 6, 2018