C H O F Ministry

Tag: Grace

Navigating Growth and Grace

Good morning, Beloved, let’s nourish our spirits on this wonderful Sunday. 🌞

Scriptural Insight – 1 John 2:12 CSB 📖
“I am writing to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name.“

C H O F Ministry’s Synopsis:
John emphasizes the foundational truth of our faith: our sins are forgiven through Christ. This forgiveness marks our acceptance into God’s family, irrespective of our spiritual maturity. 🌟

🗣️Bishop Houston’s Contemplation:
In the journey of faith, distinguishing between our ‘stage’ of spiritual growth and our ‘standing’ before God is crucial. When the Apostle John refers to us as “dear children,” he reminds us of our nascent stage in spiritual life—akin to toddlers learning to walk. This imagery speaks volumes about our vulnerability to falls and failures. Yet, these stumbles do not reflect our belonging or value in God’s eyes. Our standing, secured by Christ’s redemptive work, remains unshaken, affirming our identity as God’s redeemed, regardless of our growth stage. 🚶‍♂️💫

The devil, however, schemes to blur this distinction, casting doubt upon our salvation with every fall. It’s imperative to remember that sin impacts our growth, not our godly standing. Like using a calculator’s “clear entry” button, repentance and Christ’s blood enable us to correct mistakes and continue in grace. This divine grace is not just a one-time judicial act of forgiveness at new birth but a continual relational cleansing that fosters growth. Let’s embrace this grace anew, allowing it to propel us from spiritual infancy towards maturity without losing sight of our secure position in God’s family. 🌺📈

“Let Us Go into The Throne Room of Grace and Mercy” 🙏🏾 ✨

Father, we are profoundly grateful for the gift of forgiveness and the eternal standing it secures us in Your family. As we navigate our spiritual growth, help us to discern between our developmental stages and our unchangeable standing in You. May the awareness of Your unending grace guide us through our missteps, encouraging us to rise each time we fall, and grow closer to You. In every step of our journey, let Your grace be our strength, and may our lives reflect the depth of Your forgiveness. To God Be the Glory. 🙌💖

CH O F Ministry:
“Igniting Faith, Elevating Wisdom, Transforming Lives” 🔥📚💫

March 17, 2024
Mercy and Grace

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

The Bible says in Exodus 34:6 (AMP) that the Lord God is *“compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth (faithfulness).”

Not long ago, I was asked, what’s the difference between God’s mercy and His grace? Beloved, mercy is God not disciplining or imprisoning us as our sins deserve, and grace is God blessing us although we don’t deserve it. In other words, MERCY is being released, freed, or liberated from a verdict, opinion, conviction, or decision, and GRACE is increasing, providing, or expanding compassion, sympathy, or helpfulness to the shameful, dishonorable or undeserving.

God incessantly gives us these collaborative blessings even though we may not be justified to receive them. Ephesians 2:8-9 (NLT) says, *8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. *9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.” God’s mercy directs us toward clemency, in other words, compassion or leniency, while His grace directs us toward understanding, compromising, or a resolution.

Beloved, it doesn’t matter what we’ve done in our past; God is prepared and eager to award us mercy and grace. Now two stipulations are required to receive these gifts of mercy and grace, 1. we must humble ourselves and acknowledge to God that we’ve lived incorrectly and 2. We need Him. When we admit that we’re sinners, we’ll comprehend and accept God’s love for us as exhibited through His ultimate gift— Jesus Christ’s death on the Cross. Amen? Aaamen. ✝️❤️😊

Let Us Pray:

*Dear Heavenly Father, once again, I thank You for Your grace and mercy. Many people gave up on me, many have turned their backs on me, and some have even said my credibility wasn’t any good. Thank You, God, for being kind and compassionate. Thank You for liberating me from the wrong path I chose, all people places, and influences that played god in my past experiences in life. Thank You, God, for the people that prayed for me and those that never gave up on me. Our ways and thoughts are far different from Yours, and our godless vision is temporal. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen, and Aaamen. ✝️❤️😊

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

I LOVE YOU ALL!!! Have a Splendid Monday and an Efficient Week, Everyone. ✝️❤️😊

CHOF Ministry Bible References: N/A

Citing:

*https://www.bible.com/bible/1588/EXO.34.6.AMP

*https://anchor.fm/spiritlifechurch/episodes/Waiting-on-the-Lord-e8uu37

*”loading Our Best Resources In Heaven”

Bishop- Bishop- Christian House of Faith/ Bishop – https://togod-betheglory.org/2019/07/07/loading-our-best-resources-in-heaven/

April 27, 2020
“Jesus Is The Master Teacher”

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

Beloved, I give thanks to God for blessing me with spiritual insight and the platforms to speak, teach, and pray for people all over the world. As a spiritual clergyman, I focus on presenting the divine instruction of God that morally guides, encourages, and inspires. I love talking with those of you that I’m able to talk with. There are so many of you that it’s very hard to speak with everyone. I love talking to you about what’s going on in your life, your encounters, and the way Jesus meets you. God is “SO” awesome. His grace is profound, and every one of you that I’ve talked with has made serving God from my platform a marvelous experience. I’m an enthusiastic admirer of Jesus Christ, that’s why I do all I can as a follower of the Master Teacher from then platforms I’ve been blessed with. ✝️❤️😊

Our Sunday morning reading shows us the mind of Christ who regularly taught with parables, using pictures and stories from everyday life. Jesus wanted the significance of the subject to be clear to those listening in faith. (*1). He was impeccably in tune with the minds and emotions of His audience, and He constantly lectured following the larger “lesson plan” of His Father.

Now, the second story, that was revealed later was an allegory. It was created about a problem (*2): A decent man planted wheat, then his enemy came and planted weeds in the same field. They were not aware of the weeds until the undesirable plants and good plants began to grow together. The decision was made to separate them at the harvest (*3). Now, there may be some of you out there that are asking: Bishop Houston WHY DID THEY HAVE TO WAIT? Well, I’m glad you asked!!! 😊 It was to make sure the wheat wouldn’t be affected or destroyed.

Then we see the disciples’ come to Jesus and ask Him to explain the meaning of the story about the weeds (*4). The good man is the Son of Man (Himself), while the enemy is the devil. The field is the world. The wheat represents people of the kingdom of God, the true loyal believers in the Son. The weeds represent everyone else. The harvesters are the angels and the harvest is the final judgment.

Beloved, our core lesson for this Sunday morning focuses on two different destinies: Sinners will be punished-thrown away -burned, while at the same time, strong, holy lives will grow up – mature and beautify the kingdom of their Father.” (*5).

Let Us Pray:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for being the miracle we need here on earth. Thank You for sending Your Son Jesus to educate us and thank You for allowing us the opportunity to have an insight into Your word. 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 fantastic Sunday. ✝️❤️😊

CHOF Ministry Bible Reference:
*1. Matt. 13:10–17
*2. Matt. 13:24–28
*3. Matt. 13:29–30
*4. Matt. 13:36–41
*5. Matt.13:42–43

January 19, 2020
“God Already Has It Figured Out”

Beloved, it isn’t important where you’ve been; it isn’t important what you’ve done, this morning I want you to understand today, that your destiny transcends your missteps. When God created the plan for your life, it wasn’t contingent on you being picture-perfect, never making an error, or never going down the wrong path. No, God knew we would “ALL” misstep somewhere in life. But the great news is He knows how to get you back on track regardless of where you’re at in life. Our life is just like a map it has many routes. God has the greatest GPS ever invented. God’s GPS will help you reach your destination regardless of where you are. His GPS has detours, shortcuts, and by-passes that’s not known by carnal men and women. He has already established the complete route for your life.

So, if you’re feeling depressed because of a choice you’ve made, you feel you’ve destroyed your opportunity, if you feel like life has passed you by, been on the wrong track too long, I want you to know that nothing you’ve done, no mistake that you’ve made or ever will make come as a surprise to God. He’s already got it figured out. He’s planned a comeback for every setback!!! He has grace for every weakness. He has mercy for every malfunction. Beloved, as you head into this weekend, receive His plan today and move ahead with confidence into the destiny He has for you!!! Amen? Aaamen.

Weekend Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the resources and abilities You’ve given me. Thank You for keeping me on track and directing my steps. I repent today for any disobedience that has caused me to get off course. Keep me close to You always as I set my love for You. In Jesus’ Mighty Name, I pray, Amen and Amen.

I LOVE YOU ALL!!! Have a blessed Friday and a tremendous weekend Everyone. ✝️❤️😊

December 6, 2019
“Unconditional Love, Compassion and Redirection”

Praise the Lord!!! Happy Tuesday Everyone. 😀

Beloved, some Christians feel vindicated when they condemn others for their behavior based on how long they’ve been saved or how “good” they’ve been. If Jesus, who’s our example, and the “ONLY” perfect person “NEVER” condemn others, what makes some of us think we can condemn others?

You see, condemnation is an act that leaves a person sensitive, perplexed, embarrassed, feeling guilty or humiliated. Jesus had a justifiable reason to condemn this woman caught in adultery. Instead of condemning her, He demonstrated grace (unconditional love) and mercy (compassion – kindness) towards her. At the same time, He didn’t excuse her sin, but what He did do was redirected her by saying “sin no more.”

Mixing grace (unconditional love), mercy (compassion – kindness), and redirection lovingly adjust unrighteous behavior. These are the essential tools a person needs when they know they’ve done wrong.

Beloved, the next time someone has missed the mark, don’t condemn them. Show grace (unconditional love), mercy (compassion – kindness), and redirection towards them. Amen? Aaamen. 😀

Let Us Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Unconditional Love, Compassion and Redirection. 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 an enjoyable Tuesday. 😀

Let Us Pray:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Unconditional Love, Compassion and Redirection. 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 an enjoyable Tuesday. 😀

September 24, 2019
“The Most Incredible Gift”

“Amazing grace, how sweet the sound -That saved a wretch like me. – I once was lost, but now am found – Was blind, but now I see.”

For over 200 years “Amazing Grace” is perhaps the greatest adored spiritual hymn ever written and sung. It unfolds deep religious-philosophical jubilation. It’s estimated to be performed over 10 million times every year and has been on over 11,000 albums. The words of this celebrated song were created by John Newton. In the mid-1700s, Newton worked on a slave vessel and was labeled as the most disrespectful man the captain had ever met. During a storm, Newton directed his sailors to tie themselves to the ship to evade being washed overboard. He then pleaded to God for mercy. It’s written that God found him in his despicable mentality and redeemed him and it was that experience Newton recognized the gift of God’s grace.

Beloved, grace is the unmerited favor of God. Romans 3:24 reminds us that we were once condemned because of our sin, but we’re now saved by God’s grace. We haven’t done anything special to merit this act of mercy from God. We can’t do enough in our power, in any way to prove ourselves good. There’s no way we can lift one finger to save ourselves. It’s God’s grace that provides a path. In our text this morning, Paul thanks God for the grace that saved the church in Corinth and brought them together as the body of Christ.

We’re multiparty recipients of this grace, united by this act of divine mercy, it’s a gift we all share. And this grace produces results. In Verse 5 Paul says by grace, we’re improved in every way, including our speech and the way we think. Grace produces many changes in our lives that are visible to others. It’s grace that’ll see us home!!! Verse 8 says, “He will also keep you firm to the end so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ”.

Beloved, not one of us could appear faultless before God without this amazing gift of grace!!!

Let Us Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father, this morning we thank You for Your Amazing Gift of Grace. If it was not for Your Amazing unconditional love this unmerited undeserved favor could not be applied to our life. “Amazing grace, how sweet the sound -That saved a wretch like me. – I once was lost, but now am found – Was blind, but now I see.” 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 “AMAZING” Sunday.

September 22, 2019
“Not Too Extreme – Not Too Moderate”

Several weeks ago, I posted, blogged and spoke on radio programs the topic I’m delivering this morning. Many people have approached me about being more than who they are but stay humble at the same time. Lord knows I can relate to what their encountering. If you’re on this same path maybe this post will assist you also.

Beloved, at one time in my life I use to ask the Lord, how can I become happy and satisfied with just who I am, no one special and no one to look down on?

I was certainly motivated to want more and be more. To be smarter, handsomer, amusing, and acceptable. To be more productive, creative, happier and energetically developed along with flying below the radar, low maintenance, being a peacemaker, more level-headed, and focused.

I wanted to have improved self- consciousness, and yet I wanted to be less disturbed about what others think of me.

I wanted to be a better barbecue pit master, to sing in tune, and to have a nice home with a great yard.

I wanted to be a better creative writer – one that’s both extremely innovative and methodically prepared. And I wanted less carnal appetites.

Beloved, I wanted to be both extreme and moderate.

Our mornings verse in the book of Matthew is among several in the Bible that energies one of my principal convictions: When I stop motivating or pushing myself to create a life for myself, I find the life God creates for me. This is a predominant truth, undeniably a celestial secret. You see, His life for me begins exactly where mine ends. My life ends in my debauchery and pushy motivations and begins again in God’s LOVE and AUTHORIZATION. In other words – Him refining me and Him approving what He has just decontaminated.

His authorized, inside permanent presence affords me everything I actually need and nothing I actually don’t. So, if you desire to be pleased with just who you are in Christ – no one special and no one to look down on, Jesus addresses us in Matthew 23:11-12 (MSG) – “Do you want to stand out? Then step down. Be a servant. If you puff yourself up, you’ll get the wind knocked out of you. But if you’re content to simply be yourself, your life will count for plenty.”

Beloved, it’s amazing how God’s grace humbles us without humiliating us, and His favor lifts us up without swelling our heads. The life we find in Him makes us the proud owner of everything money can’t buy. As Jesus put it, “the whole earth.”
Beloved, what we get with humility is a life of contentment. Not too extreme and not too moderate. 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.
Beloved, I thank God for you. You all are my inspiration. 😀

I LOVE YOU ALL!!! Have an “Awesome” Wednesday.

June 26, 2019
“Retaliation Isn’t Worth It”

Praise the Lord Everyone. Happy Monday to you all. 😀

I’ve painstakingly read the Bible from the Old Testament to the New Testament. I’m very mindful that when Jesus came into the history of the Bible, He started His historical period focusing on grace and taught abundantly about love. There are many Christians I know only read the “New Testament.” They aren’t familiar with the Old Testament because (it’s sad but true), they find it uninteresting, dull and are indifferent and unconcerned about it. So, when they encounter a passage like this morning’s Bible verse, they’d get perplexed. This is only a nugget of the law and according to Romans 6:14 we’re not under it anymore but under grace. Jesus instructs us not to retaliate when someone strikes us on the right cheek, Matthew 5:39 He tells us to turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:39). This is very passive, because doing nothing to someone we don’t get along with isn’t easy. Jesus takes it up a little further and on another level. In Luke 6:31 He commands us: “do to others as you would have them do to you.” And according to John 13:34: “love one another as He has loved us.” It would be awesome if we all followed these principles.

“Beloved, life is very short. It comes and goes like an unannounced gust of wind. No one knows the hour or day when that gust of wind will past through and blow out their earth lights. 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 Monday Everyone.

April 8, 2019
“His Amazing Grace”

May 9, 2018
Bishop Houston’s Weekend Word

Let’s praise the Lord Everyone!!! His grace and mercy has anointed our path to see another weekend.

This morning my Bible reading took me to Psalm 40:5. After reading that verse I shouted and praised God. You see, I know what He has done for me in my life. I know the modifications He has reconstructed in my life and there has been numerous spiritual surgeries also. There has been so many I cannot count or remember them all. And I can’t wait to see what else He will provide next.

Beloved, God has wonderful things prepared for you also. Not just for today or this weekend but for your future!!! Even though this weekend you might be facing some circumstances that seem discriminating, or things aren’t going the way you planned, God’s good plan remains.

Even when life isn’t fair, God is always impartial. He’s always working behind the scenes on your behalf to move you forward into the destiny that He has prepared for you.

So, this weekend remember, to keep your life moving in the right direction, you need to keep your views, heart and words moving in the right direction. The best way to do this is by confirming His brilliant movement in your life!!! When you start recounting all the ways God has blessed your life, just like the psalmist, you’ll find that His goodness goes way beyond what you could ever imagine.

So, this weekend, take a moment and think about all the goodness in your life. Confirm His Movements and focus your views on Him. Keep your words and opinions going in the right direction so you can keep moving forward into the abundant life He has promised you!!!

Have a Blessed Weekend Everyone!!! 😀

February 23, 2018