C H O F Ministry

Tag: Coronavirus

“God Is In Control”

Praise The Lord Everybody!!! Happy Sunday to you!!!

Let us all remember to wash our hands and stay in compliance with social distancing.
✝️❤️😊

For most of the world, the recovery from the 2008 recession was looking great. All was well until the COVID-19 crisis. Now a society as a whole has been sent into pandemonium. Before the Coronavirus, it was easy to feel good about life.

You know Beloved when life is going well, it feels comfortable to live; it seems we have our experiences by the tail; we live with boldness because we think we’re in control of our life. But let a bad situation or a position we can’t manipulate occur, we feel defenseless – exposed. Now, life seems to happen to us, and regardless of our smartest or safest efforts, we think everything is a struggle. That’s because we’re unable “powerless” to modify our situation or position.

Right now, for times like we’re in, we must remember the central (KEY) figure who’s in power.

“GOD IS STILL IN CONTROL”

When King Xerxes ordered all of the young women to come to the citadel for his pleasure, in verse 8 of our morning focal scripture, “Esther also was taken to the king’s palace.” This uncomplicated statement is illustrating a significant life event in this woman’s life. What Esther thought or felt about this command is never mentioned. There have been questions, such as: Did she go voluntarily? Was she under pressure? There is a possibility Esther could have experienced both results. Appreciably, the author writes about the event using the passive voice, which seems to suggest that Esther had no control over what happened. Regardless of the inquisitiveness, – the facts that face us or the point that’s laid on the table – she was at the mercy of the king. Esther was compliant and moved as she was told.

In addition to that, in verse 10, we see she also followed Mordecai’s advice. Esther kept her nationality a secret. We can appreciate the desire to conceal this information and the apprehension of what might happen if their real identity were to be uncovered. I have read countless commentator’s views about Mordecai’s actions. His actions have been in debate for many years. I found that some have applauded him for being wise. Others have criticized him for his apprehension.

Again, the biblical author is mute on both of these points—Esther’s responses and Mordecai’s reasons—because neither one is the focal point of the passage. Remember, neither Esther nor Mordecai was in absolute control of their story. And that’s the point!!! Beloved, regardless of people’s inclinations, opinions, or objectives, GOD IS STILL In Control and at work to keep the covenant that He made with His people long ago. His preference will always be the central motivating factor.

✝️❤️

To God Be The Glory. Have a Safe Sunday Everyone.

✝️❤️😊

Bishop Houston’s Sunday Morning Word Bible References:

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April 5, 2020
“Probing For Spiritual Answers – Does God Permit Disasters?”

Praise The Lord Beloved!!! ✝️❤️😊

This morning’s question was: Bishop Houston, the Coronavirus, has disturbed many lives and has delivered many tragedies. Does God permit disasters and pandemics to educate us?

Thank you for your outstanding question. 😊

Answer:

Beloved, the coronavirus season not only installed panic, but it has also created many questions that have been asked many times with many different methods with a diverse outlook.

First, let’s get a clear understanding right now. Disaster, conflict, and panic are direct assaults of Satan, whose total focus is to steal, kill, and destroy any way he can (*1). Persuading us to examine these things and investigate the love of God is just part of Satan’s scheme to suppress, beat down, and torture. When conflicts and catastrophes occur, it’s not a permitted verdict by God that demands reformation, appropriate, or educates the Believer on something.

Isaiah 54:14-15 says, “In righteousness, you shall be established; You shall be far from oppression, for you shall not fear; And from terror, for it shall not come near you. Indeed they [oppression, fear, and terror] shall surely assemble, but not because of Me. Whoever assembles against you shall fall for your sake.” I have a clergy associate that has a video clip that displays him in his garage working on a home project without medical gloves or a mask while being quarantine. He demonstrates unprecedented faith. His view of tragedy, pandemic, and other things that try to oppress us, grants us an awesome example of how we, as Christians, should act when true faith in our daily life is applied.

There’s no doubt, oppression, concern, and panic will attempt to invade our mental consciousness. The Word of God is very transparent about that. But it’s just as open that these issues “ARE NOT” from God; they’re not a component of His blueprint or His will. Beloved, God’s not an extremist nor a persecutor.

And realistically, the awful thought that God permits danger to rectify or reprimand us is contradictory to the essential principle of salvation. God placed our immorality, illness, virus, unhappiness, pain, and deprivation on Jesus to redeem us. Jesus was presented to us to carry our unhappiness and anxiety—not to give it to us. The issues the devil created were put on Jesus so we wouldn’t have to endure them.

Beloved, God doesn’t require or acquire the devil to rectify His children!!!

God educates and rectifies us with His Word and the Holy Spirit. That’s the way He deals with us. When you have a chance, read John 16:13, 2 Timothy 3:16, and 1 Corinthians 2:9-10 to see what I’m saying to you up close and personal. God has assigned the Holy Spirit to be the instructor that tutors His children (*2).

In Acts 10:38, we can see God’s mindset described: Jesus “went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.” And He made clear it was the Father in Him who did those good works (*3). It’s preposterous for anyone to envision Jesus harming people!!! So, it makes it even more ridiculous even to propose a thought of our Heavenly Father who (by the way) sent Jesus to represent Him to us?

Now I want you to understand that I understand there are Biblical references to the rage of God. But you must read those references in their framework. God’s not using His anger to educate His people. He’s directing it against those who’ve allowed themselves to become His enemies. (*4). But toward His children, Jesus compared Him to a human father who only gives wonderful presents—not horrible ones—to those who request them (*5).

I pray this answer has helped you. I promote the scriptures I’ve provided. I pray that you’ll meditate on them and allow them to bless you with tranquility and prove the Holy Spirit is in you. Amen? Aaamen. ✝️❤️😊

Probing For Spiritual Answers Cross-Reference Verses

*1. John 10:10

*2. John 14:26

*3. John 14:9-10

*4. Nahum 1:2 and Romans 1:18

*5. Matthew 7:9-11

March 25, 2020
“God Got This”

Praise The Lord Everyone!!! Happy Monday to you!!! ✝️❤️😊

Beloved, we’re facing a huge giant called the Coronavirus or COVID-19. First Lady Donece and I hadn’t needed to grocery shop in several weeks. So, we decided up in the week we would go early Sunday morning. We were in Walmart yesterday morning and was shocked when we saw all the empty shelves (BARE!!!). We were gloved up and masked up, but I was astonished when I saw 85% of the people with masks and gloves on also. I’ve watched the pandemic news on T.V seen information and advice all over the internet, including how vulnerable the elderly population is. Being up close and personal to the activity and action was very surreal. I could see the urgency and panic in just about everyone’s face.

This morning I want you to be encouraged. We serve a mighty God, and we serve a God that cannot lie. He said, “I will never leave you or forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6 (MSG) says: “Be strong. Take courage. Don’t be intimidated. Don’t give them a second thought because God, your God, is striding ahead of you. He’s right there with you. He won’t let you down; he won’t leave you.” Beloved, If you have faith, then you know, “God Got This!!!” Hebrews 13:5-6 (MSG) says: “Don’t be obsessed with getting more material things. Be relaxed with what you have. Since God assured us, “I’ll never let you down, never walk off and leave you,” we can boldly quote, God is there, ready to help; I’m fearless no matter what. Who or what can get to me?”

You know, after the inheritance was split up among different tribes and families, Caleb came to Joshua and reminded him of God’s promise He had made 40 years ago. Remember, Caleb and Joshua were two of the ten spies sent by God to Kadesh-Barnea, who gave encouraging reports. In comparison, the remaining eight spies discouraged the people from going to the promised land because they had seen the sons of Anak (giants) living there. God promised to Caleb the hill country that he asked for. Caleb was confident in fighting and driving the giants away because of his faith in God. Beloved, He was eighty-five years old!!! His strength, and above all, “HIS FAITH,” remained the same as the day God had commissioned him to spy. Caleb had an unwavering faith, which is very inspiring and encouraging. God gave him the victory to drive the giants away and possess the land.

Beloved, the faith of Caleb reminds us that we can overcome anything as long as we seek, depend upon God, and claim His promises. Amen and Aaamen!!! ✝️❤️😊

Let Us Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father, forgive me for those that are panicking, have doubts, unbelief, during the attack by this pandemic. Let my voice and writing along with other Christian believers, influence resolve and bring peace to those that are worried and in fear. Allow the words that Your Spirit speaks through us, protect them from their anxieties, and refocus their confidence that “You Got This.” Help all of us to be like Caleb, whose faith was unwavering through the years. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen and Aaamen. ✝️❤️

I Love you all!!! Have a Happy Monday and safe and sound week Everyone. ✝️❤️😊

CHOF Ministry Bible References: N/A

March 23, 2020
Ephesians 6:10-18

Beloved, we’re facing a thief we can’t see. We know this thief’s name is Coronavirus or COVID-19, and the thief’s tactics are the same as other thieves: to “STEAL, KILL, AND DESTROY” (John 10:10).

As Christians, we know the realism of spiritual battles. It’s time for us to enforce protection for our weaker brothers and sisters and describe the armor we wear and let them know it’s available to them through Christ Jesus. Explain the Full Armor of God that Christians put on contains the Belt of Truth, the Breastplate of Righteousness, the Gospel of Peace, the Shield of Faith, the Helmet of Salvation, and the Sword of the Spirit. And let them know once the Full Armor of God is appropriately put on have faith that “No Weapons Formed Against Them, Will Prosper” (Isaiah 54).

March 21, 2020
“You Must Change Your Psychological Consciousness”

Praise The Lord Everyone!!! Happy Sunday to you!!! ✝️❤️😊

Several years ago, I installed a deadbolt lock on the entry coming from the garage of a home we purchased. At that time, it was the securest lock we knew; we felt well-safeguarded!!! But since then times have changed, today many proprietors set up high-tech protection systems, complete with video cameras and motion sensors with night vision.

In biblical times, the city gate played a significant role in safeguarding and protecting the citizens against enemies. To keep an intimidating military out of a walled city, they merely shut and barred the entrance gate.

Beloved, God applies powerful actions. He intensifies His affections. When it comes to His people, God will affectionately refer to His “amazing actions” of love to bring us security. His loving interest for His people is pictured using this same image of a city gate in Psalm 107:15–16 (NLT): “For he broke down their prison gates of bronze; he cut apart their bars of iron.”

That’s what makes Samson’s achievement in our Sunday morning reading so amazing. In Verse 3 of our morning study, we see Samson unaided smashed the gates and pillars of the city of Gaza and walked away with them. The Pillars and beams weighed a total of 400–500 pounds, they were also firmly affixed and fortified. While the Philistines had planned to ambush and capture Samson in Gaza, they never stood a chance. All by himself, he destroyed the city’s primary security.

The Lord had blessed Samson with unbelievable physical strength, but he damaged himself by playing with sin and temptation. That’s maybe why he thought he could get away with sinful mischief. Samson teased Delilah and neglected to pay attention to her betrayals. We see this in verse 16. And in verse 20, we see his moral strength disappears. He disregarded God by telling his secret, disrespecting his Nazirite vow and God’s unique gift of power. Samson’s physical strength completely conflicted tragically with his moral and spiritual weakness.

Beloved, be very conscious of the enemy when it comes to securing the security for your spiritual property. ✝️❤️

Let Us Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father, this morning, I come to You humbly to once again rely on Your strength. The Coronavirus Pandemic has us all on heightened alert. We need Your protection. Help us to be conscious to and stay alert as we encounter each day and lean on Your strength and not our understanding. COVID-19 is a severe virus. We praise You for being our mighty influential God who has the power to overcome all impediments and, as today’s key verse says, “cuts through bars of iron.”

In Jesus’ Name, I Pray, Amen and Aaamen. ✝️❤️

To God Be The Glory. Have a Happy Sunday Everyone. ✝️❤️😊

Bishop Houston’s Sunday Morning Word Bible References:

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March 15, 2020