*For we are the sweet fragrance of Christ [which ascends] to God, [discernible both] among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing;
Tag: Houston
-
“Become Sensational”
2 Corinthians 2:15 (AMP)
*For we are the sweet fragrance of Christ [which ascends] to God, [discernible both] among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; -
“Trouble and Challenges Are Skills”
“Walking the Spiritual Path” with: Bishop, W. F. Houston, Jr., and First Lady Donece Houston Focal Verse for this morning: Psalms 27:1 CHOF and BWFHJr. Ministries are: “Online Ministries that’s Teaching and Inspiring People Worldwide with Informative Biblical Principles.”
-
“The Grandest Directive”
“Walking the Spiritual Path” with:
Bishop Houston and First Lady Donece Houston -
“The 2 Rs”
You know Beloved, there are portions of the old Wilburn I don’t miss and don’t have intentions of reliving. I’ve had my share of struggles, like anyone in life, and I still have struggles.Beloved, there are parts of all our lives we want to be lifeless and remain lifeless. Sure, we could sidestep certain circles, so the past doesn’t reappear.Maybe you’ve dodged a family reunion or high school reunion because of this. Maybe you dodge certain towns or shopping centers because of whom you might bump into. Maybe one of these situation has recently happened to you. Maybe you found yourself in a circumstance that causes you to shield the new you because of the old you. Beloved, this is terrible and not the way God wants us to live!!!.As I was reading Luke chapter 8, verses 1-3, caught my attention.It said: Soon afterward he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with him, (2) and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, (3) and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s household manager, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their means. Those 3 verses hopped right into my spirit.Beloved, Mary Magdalene was once demon possessed!!!. Sure, we’ve all read it, its been taught to us, and I’ve taught about her being demon possessed. But, as I looked closer at this verse, I feel that one of the reasons her demonic characteristic really doesn’t stand out with us is because she was never treated as one who had been demon controlled.For many of us when it comes to our old life, it wasn’t just one demon, but several!!! None of us want to be the poster child of one being demon controlled. But if there was ever one back in Jesus’ day, it was Mary Magdalene!!!Demon possession is something we don’t see much of in America, well, we don’t pay it much attention many don’t recognize it. But it’s real!! There maybe someone you know that you’ve stopped hanging with that are fighting real demons. Beloved, I’m very serious here about peopled being controlled by real demons. And It’s something you shouldn’t take too lightly either.Now, allow me to ask you a couple of questions right here: *Are you praying for people in the battles they are fighting? **Are you willing to extend to people the gift of the 2 Rs repair or reconstruct to bring them into your circle with full trust?”Many don’t focus on how severely demon-controlled Mary Magdalene was because she was never again treated as one who was demon controlled.You see, if that’s how people REALLY saw her, why would God make her one of the first (THE FIRST) eyewitness of the empty tomb? In the Bible we see her running saying, “the tomb is empty!!!” That would be crazy!!! LOL!!! To treat her as old demon-controlled Mary would have led to saying, there goes crazy Mary again.” To run and say to people, “Hey you guys, I talked to an angel, a real angel, JESUS IS ALIVE!!!!” People would have easily said “Yeah, right Mary!!! An angel or is it one of your demons again? Come on Mary come back to reality.”But instead, she was treated as someone that was made new by Jesus. Beloved, no human can be alive and dead at the same time. NO ONE!!! You’re one or the other.I read Romans 6:4-11 when people ask me to baptize them:We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. (5) For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. (6) We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.(7) For one who has died has been set free from sin. (8) Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. (9) We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. (10) For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. (11) So, you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.Beloved, if you said yes to a relationship with Jesus, then let the past be dead. Live the new (different) life that Christ offers. The past life only brought death, so why go back? You’ve been made new, you’re now living, so LIVE Your Life!!!Beloved, do you know someone with a past? Remember, you have a past also? Do you treat them as you hope others would treat you? Or, are you someone that certain people want to avoid because you might bring up the past? Or because you might treat them as if the past is still the present? Can you see, how Christ is treating them regardless of their past?Beloved, complete forgiveness, full fellowship and relationship with God will help repair or rebuild a demon-controlled brother or sister who wants to get rid of their old sin nature. We should act like Jesus.Mary didn’t have to live spooked by her past. God put her in leadership positions. She was a vital part of what God was doing. She was the first woman to the tomb, she was at the cross, she was with Jesus as He was proclaiming the gospel. Jesus didn’t see her as a black sheep or hindrance to His message. In fact, she was made for the message because we serve a God of life change.Have a blessed week Everyone. 😀 -
“Don’t Stop Listening to God”
Focal Scripture: Genesis 3:1-6Good morning Everyone!!!
I hope your Monday has started off blessed in the Lord.
Beloved, listening to God isn’t a onetime event. We must continue to keep His Word before us, or we’ll begin to listen to the wrong voices. You’ll find in Genesis 2:16-17, the Lord gave a command not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. But Eve began to listen to another voice and didn’t hold firmly to her Creator’s words. You see, all Satan had to do was plant one single doubt about God’s integrity and offer Eve one interesting benefit of doing things her own way, “AND SHE FELL FOR IT. She stopped listening to God. He mentioned wisdom, but using “HER OWN” reasoning, Eve added two more benefits to the temptation: the fruit is good for food and a delight to the eyes.
Beloved, the systems of the Enemy have not changed. He still whispers lies and twist the truth to convince us that (1.) God cannot be trusted and (2.) His ways are not the best. In every temptation, there’s a deception about the character and motive of God, plus an attractive promise of a better way.
The world is filled with voices that compete for our attention and influence our thoughts and actions. Beloved, as you go through the day, think about the messages that were sent your way at church, through social media and while talking with other people. Consciously compare what’s being said to you and what Scripture says about God and His ways.
Beloved, remembering what God says in the Bible is our safeguard against deception and temptation. Daily devotions won’t protect us if they’re quickly forgotten during the day. Follow Christ’s example in Matthew 4:1-11 and be ready with truth in your mind and on your tongue whenever temptation strikes.
Have a blessed Monday Everyone.
Let us Pray:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for allowing me to among the land of the living on another Sunday. Lord, I know that there are many people and some things, that will try to take my eyes off You. But, today I’m going to stay focused and test every word and thought by Your Words.Thank You Heavenly Father for your inspiring words.
In Jesus’ mighty name I pray,
Amen and Amen.
-
“Respected Courtesy”
Good Morning Every!!! 😀I hope everyone had a blessed weekend and a joyous Sunday.Over the weekend I read the writings in Esther and in chapter 2 verse 15 caught my eye. It says: Esther was the daughter of Abihail, who was Mordecai’s uncle. (Mordecai had adopted his younger cousin Esther.) When it was Esther’s turn to go to the king, she accepted the advice of Hegai, the eunuch in charge of the harem. She asked for nothing except what he suggested, and she was admired by everyone who saw her.Beloved, the words “respected courtesy” came to my mind.Respected Courtesy is when anyone that’s in your presence revere you.Beloved, in Christianity we become revered when our change from immoral characteristic to moral characteristics are completed. Once this change occurs then God grants us His respected courtesy which permits us to step into His realm of favor. When God displays His respected courtesy toward us everyone that sees us can’t help but notice.Have a Blessed Monday and an Awesome Week Everyone!!! 😀 -
Ministry Name Change
Praise the Lord Beloved!!!!
Over the next several months Christian House of Faith, CHOF will be phasing out our CHOF Ministry name and changing it to “Bishop, W. F. Houston Jr Ministries”. Everything will be basically the same, with a few minor changes to better assist the ministry. -
Breaking Bread with Bishop Houston
“Get in Position to Hear”
CHOF Ministry’s Scripture for Today:
John 10:27, (AMP)
The sheep that are My own hear and are listening to My voice; and I know them, and they follow Me.Praise the Lord Beloved!!! 😀
You know Beloved, there are so many believers that are unsure, insecure and even shy about their ability to hear God or know His voice. They’re always afraid that they won’t be able to tell when the Spirit of God is talking to them.
But, what they don’t realize is this: Hearing the voice of the Spirit is a privilege that the Bible says belongs to every believer. Romans 8:14 says:
“For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.”All we have to do to exercise that privilege is to receive it by faith and put ourselves in a position to hear. So, the next time the devil tries to tell you that you can’t hear God’s voice, remember that.
John 16:13 says: Jesus said His sheep will know His voice and a stranger’s voice they will not follow.Beloved, that’s a promise of God to you today. You see, the Spirit of God will never guide you in opposition to the written Word of God. So, if you’re not familiar with what the Word says, you’ll find it more difficult to discern His leading.
Get familiar with God’s voice by meditating and studying the Word of God. Follow God’s instruction to Joshua and meditate on it day and night. Act on what you find in the Word, not just when it’s easy and everything is going right, but every time. Be obedient even in the slightest things.Beloved, that constant obedience to the written Word will bring you into maturity and tune your inward ear to the voice of the Spirit. You’ll soon be able to recognize it as easily as you recognize the voice of your Best friend.
So, instead of wondering about it, start expecting to hear from Him. Start sharpening your spiritual ears by spending time in the Word.
To God Be the Glory!!!
-
Sunday Morning With Bishop Houston
“Follow His Lead”
Galatians 5:16
This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.Praise the Lord Beloved!!!
HAPPY SUNDAY TO EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU.Beloved, have you ever just sat and thought about what it means to walk in the spirit? Well, if you haven’t, let me tell you, walking in the spirit is the key to overcoming the flesh. If you follow the motivation of the Spirit of God within you, you won’t be dominated by the pressure your flesh tries to put on you.
Beloved, as you listen to the written Word and the Holy Spirit telling you what to do, you’ll constantly be making little adjustments in your life according to what He says. And those little adjustments will keep darkness from overtaking you.
You see, God knows just what you need. He can look ahead in your life and see the deceptions, cons, set-ups, ploys, and pressures the devil is laying for you.So follow the Holy Spirit’s leading and He’ll maneuver you safely around them to victory.
Have a blessed Sunday!!! 😀
-
“Chosen to Be Unusual”
John 17:15-16
I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.Beloved as I read this morning’s scriptures, the word “peculiar” jumped out at me. Being peculiar. Beloved the word peculiar is an animated word, and it means (odd, strange, weird, unusual, irregular). This isn’t something most of us work to achieve.
But, you know, as Christians we should.Now, I know there are some of you asking:
WHAT ARE TALKING ABOUT Bishop HOUSTON???
Well, I’m Glad You Asked!!!Beloved, as a Christian we don’t do or think as the world do or think, that’s because God has chosen us to be peculiar in other words, He’s chosen us to stand out from the rest of the world as living proof of His power and His love. I love the way The Message Bible articulates 1 Peter 2:9-10, it says:
9-10 But you are the ones chosen by God, chosen for the high calling of priestly work, chosen to be a holy people, God’s instruments to do his work and speak out for Him, to tell others of the night-and-day difference he made for you—from nothing to something, from rejected to accepted.
Beloved, He doesn’t, for example, want us to share the disorders of the world. He doesn’t want us to share their conditions and deficiencies and disappointments. He’s never wanted that for His people.Beloved, He gave us a physical illustration of that during the time the nation of Israel was held incarcerated in Egypt. Pharaoh had rejected to set the Israelites free, so God had allowed a thick darkness to cover the whole land. Beloved, the darkness was so terrible throughout Egypt that no one moved for three whole days.
“BUT,” Exodus 10:23 says: “all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings.”
HALLELUJAH!!!!!!!!!What an exciting inspirational example of how God wants us to live. We should be glorifying God by the astonishingly victorious lives we lead. We should constantly have people telling us, “I’ve heard how God healed you, delivered you out of prison, from that abusive relationship, from that addiction” or “I’ve heard how God prospered you and saved your children!!!” So, don’t hold back. Put the Word of God to work in your life and challenge to receive the rich blessings that belong to those who believe. Start using the Word to draw boundaries around your life, to paint spiritual warning signs for the devil. Signs that say:
“Off Limits!!! According to God’s Word, I don’t belong to you anymore. My family doesn’t belong to you. My health doesn’t belong to you. My money doesn’t belong to you. My ministry doesn’t belong to you. I belong to a different kingdom. Now, back off in Jesus’ Name!!!Now, does that sound a little unusual “peculiar”? GOOD!!!. That’s exactly what God has chosen you to be!!!
Have a Blessed Day Everyone!!! 😀
