C H O F Ministry

Tag: Church

  • “God Knows What’s Best”

    Bishop Houston's Monday Morning Blog Picture Luke 22 42b
    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. 😀

  • “Stay Focused On Your Calling”

    Bishop Houston's Monday Morning Blog New Poster

    Praise the Lord Beloved!!! Happy Monday to you all.
     
    I attended a church program on yesterday, and I left there shaking my head in dismay. I’m seeing more and more men and women in the pulpit with the “it’s all about me, look at me, how did I sound, empty vessel messages. Beloved, THE CHURCH BELONGS TO JESUS!!!
     
    It’s not owned by its denomination, its benefactors, its members nor its affiliates, its staff or its lead pastor. Jesus said He would build His church – and He’s not about to give up that ownership to us or our ideas.
     
    You know as a preacher, this is a lesson I need to repeat to myself of repeatedly. I didn’t won’t to touch this issue this morning. I wrestled with it and it was also like fire shut up in my bones. So, encouraged by the Spirit of the Lord and my lovely better half I’ve decided to share it with you through my blog.
     
    Beloved, many spiritual leaders have flat ignored why the church exists!!! OR – they have been misinformed.
     
    This morning, I have a news flash church/ministry leaders, pastors, preachers ect… The church doesn’t exist to give us an audience for our ideas, projects or egos. It exists to fulfill Christ’s purposes. Our role as church/ministry leaders, pastors, preachers ect.., is to equip the church/ministry members and its affiliates to ratify those purposes, both inside and outside the church/ministry walls.
     
    My Beloved cleric brothers and sisters (members of the clergy) our churches/ministries the church exists to make Jesus known, *NOT TO MAKE PASTORS FAMOUS!!!
     
    Yet, “WE” (I’m not above this approach either) keep making the same mistakes over and over again. “WE” (try to) take control because we feel without our strong hand on the wheel (we think) our church/ministry will fall to pieces. The budget won’t be met. The membership won’t grow. The five or ten-year vision won’t be realized. HELLO SOMEBODY!!!!! I know some of you out there know just what I’m talking about!!! 😀
     
    As church/ministry leaders, pastors, preachers ect.., we must know our roll. I’m speaking to churches and ministries of every size and type. From the captivating founding pastor of the high-energy, non-denominational megachurch, to the long-term, traditional male-controlled pastor to the centuries-old religious congregational pastor.
     
    Sure, many of us that are called according to God’s purpose are visionaries. We have big ideas. Impressive plans. Electrifying opportunities. And it’s tempting to use the resources at our disposal – namely the people, building and finances of the church/ministry we pastor to bring those endeavors to fruition. It’s not our job to get a group of people to agree with us and carry out our vision. No matter how good that vision might be.
     
    My Beloved cleric brothers and sisters (members of the clergy), it’s our calling to help the church/ministry body discover or re-discover God’s purposes together, then participate in them as the Holy Spirit leads us all. So, if we want to build a platform, a project or a ministry based on our ideas, we need to start a para-church ministry or a for-profit business. Not use a church/ministry body to carry them out for us.
     
    My Beloved cleric brothers and sisters (members of the clergy) we need to stay focus or for some, need to get refocused on the church Jesus brought into existence and called us to lead. The focus should never be on the cleric brothers and sisters (members of the clergy), but on Jesus.
     
    *Not on the preaching, but the equipping.
    *Not on the presentation, but the discipline.
    *Not on the music, but the worship.
    *Not on the building, but the gathering.
    *Not on the platform, but the people.
    *Not on the packed (or vacant) seats, but on the empty cross.
     
    Have a blessed Monday and an Awesome rest of your week.

  • Beware of The Christian Arsonist!!!”

    Dont be an intential fire starter.png

  • “Selections That Will Help Spiritual Transformation Part 1”

    This is Part 1 of a 3 Part message that delivers 3 selections that can help transform a carnal life into a Spiritual life. Part 1 selection is “Our Thoughts”

     

  • First Lady Donece Houston’s “Christian Concept”

    13900323_1194535240604569_8963264047279004748_n“Is there a way to recognize another Christian?”

    The answer is YES!!!

    Two ways that you should be able to identify another Christian:

    1) Through their Love and Concern for others

    John 13:35 Amplified Bible (AMP)

    35 By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you have love and unselfish concern for one another.”

    2) Through their  Fruits [Acts/Actions]

    Matthew 7:15-17 Amplified Bible (AMP)

    15 “Beware of the false prophets, [teachers] who come to you dressed as sheep [appearing gentle and innocent], but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognize them [that is, by their contrived doctrine and self-focus]. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles? 17 Even so, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the unhealthy tree bears bad fruit.

    In essence you should be able to recognize another Christian through their Christian walk and the love that they have for one another.  

    God Bless you all.
    Have a great week!

  • “Like-Won’t Get You into Heaven”

    Like will not Get you into Heaven
    You know Beloved, in a grocery store there are many items. Some we look at, some we like, some we miss, some we don’t like. But the items are in the store whether we like them, miss them or don’t like them.

    Beloved, Jesus Christ walked this earth over 2,000 years ago. There are many who liked Him, many who didn’t like Him and many who didn’t know Him. But that didn’t and hasn’t stopped the message He represents from reaching the masses. Beloved, Christianity isn’t about popularity or how many “Likes” you get on your social media sites. But one thing it is about is who you have reached with your message.

    Nicodemus was a Pharisee and a member of the Sanhedrin who visited Jesus one night to discuss Jesus’ teachings. You see, He didn’t come to Him by day because of who and what he represented. There are many “Nick’s at night.” They read your post but because you don’t attain a certain look, a popular status, who you are, what family pedigree you come from, what they think of you, what they have said or others have said about you or you are not in their clique, they will not click the “Like” button.

    Beloved, if you’re one who do not get many “likes” don’t let it get you down!!!
    As long as your message is out there, it reaches more than you can imagine!!!

     Colossians 3:23-24 (AMP) says:
    23 Whatever you do [whatever your task may be], work from the soul [that is, put in your very best effort], as [something done] for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing [with all certainty] that it is from the Lord [not from men] that you will receive the inheritance which is your [greatest] reward. It is the Lord Christ whom you [actually] serve.

    Titus 2:7-8 (AMP)
    7 And in all things show yourself to be an example of good works, with purity in doctrine [having the strictest regard for integrity and truth], dignified, 8 sound and beyond reproach in instruction, so that the opponent [of the faith] will be shamed, having nothing bad to say about us.

    Beloved remember, it is God who forgives us and orders our steps.

    Popularity (Likes) want get us into Heaven.
    Let us all thank God for His Grace and Mercy!!!

    “To God Be The Glory!!!”

  • “A New Vision”

    Bishop' inspirational word week 1 A New Vision.png
    Praise The Lord Beloved!!!
    Happy Wednesday Everyone!!!

    Beloved allow me to ask you a few questions.
    Are you ready for new growth? Are you ready to go to the next level, spiritually, physically and emotionally? Well if you are I may be able to help you.

    As I was doing my morning Bible reading I came across Mark 2:22 which says:
     “And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. For the wine would burst the wineskins, and the wine and the skins would both be lost. New wine calls for new wineskins.”

    Beloved, in that verse Jesus is actually saying that you can’t go to a new level with an old mentality (out of date thinking).  You know, I’ve found that many people hear the truth that God has more in store for them, and something resonates on the inside. Their spirit comes into agreement with God. But many times, their natural minds will try to talk them out it. Thoughts come like, “It’s not going to happen for you. You’re not going to have a great year. You know what the economy is like.” Or, “You’re never going to get well. You saw what the medical report said.” “You’re never going to get married. You’ve been single so long. It happens for everyone but you.”

    Friends, those are the old wineskins that you have to get rid of. This is a new season. What’s happened in the past is over and done!!! You may have been through some disappointments, some frustrations, some scares, you may have tried and failed, or things didn’t work out. That’s okay. We serve a God of restoration. It’s time to get a new vision for your life.

    “To God Be the Glory”

  • “Unanswered Questions”

    Bishop' inspirational word week 4x Unswered Questions.png
     Praise the Lord Beloved!!!
    Happy Friday to you.

    Beloved, are you going through a situation in your life that you don’t quite understand? You know it’s during these uncertain seasons, it’s natural to question things that you’re thinking about. But in order to move forward, you have to look forward with your heart (mind and emotions). Beloved, you have to look beyond the questions and continue to trust in The Almighty God.

    You see as a Christian, serving God means you’re going to have some unanswered questions. You may never understand why a relationship ended sooner than you would have liked. You may never understand why you lost a loved one. You may never understand why you went through something difficult or why your prayers didn’t get answered. But at some point, you have to decide to put your questions aside and go on with God. You have to decide to “TRUST” His character even when your circumstances don’t make sense. The Bible tells us that adversity (hardships, difficulties, harsh conditions, misfortunes, hard times) will come, but God is the one who promises to lead us into victory.

    He has promised that He’s going to turn that difficulty around and use it for your advantage.
    Beloved, believe me when I say: “He’s Faithful to His Word”, and you can be sure that He will fulfill every promise He’s made to you.

    “To God Be the Glory!!!”

  • “Remain In Him”

    Bishop's Life's Quotes week 1 Remain In Him

  • Sermon: Deliberate Rejection of Dominant Christian Values “Homosexuality”

    Bishop houston Morning Promo Deliberate Rejections