C H O F Ministry

Tag: Jesus

  • “Resurrection Sunday!!!”

  • “Having Confidence Through Anxiety”

    4 1 2020 Luke 10
    Praise The Lord Everyone!!! ✝️❤️😊

    We all have our fears. And during this pandemic crisis for many, their anxiety level is the highest it’s ever been. Now sit back and think about Peter’s situation. I believe Peter had some anxieties of his own. He had just observed nothing short of a phenomenon and now being asked to follow the person accountable for doing it. I know if I’d been in a parallel position, I almost certainly would have frozen up right there. The shock of experiencing something like that would’ve left me flabbergasted for a few hours, at least. Peter and the others didn’t do that when Jesus called them. Instead, they stopped everything and followed Him.
     
    Beloved, there are going to be times when we need to step back and think about things all the way through, but there are also going to be times when we need to have confidence in that God has something big around the corner for us and welcome it. The choice is yours. The ball’s in your court, so which one are you going to pick today? Amen? Aaamen.
    ✝️❤️😊
     
    Let Us Pray:
    Heavenly Father, I know You have fantastic and amazing things prepared for me and those around me. Today I pray that when You call, I’ll answer without hesitancy and always have confidence in You fully. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen and Aaamen. ✝️❤️
     
    I LOVE YOU ALL!!! Have a Wonderful Monday and Safe and Wise Week, Everyone. ✝️❤️😊
     
    CHOF Ministry Bible References: N/A

  • “Probing For Spiritual Answers – Laying On Of Hands”

    Probing For Spiritual Answers - Laying On Of Hands
    Praise The Lord Beloved!!! ✝️❤️😊

    This morning’s question is a great one. Bishop Houston, I have been noticing during many of these church streaming preachers putting their hands on people when they are praying with them as if they have some special superpower. Can you explain this to me?
     
    Sure!!! 😊
     
    Answer:
    Beloved, laying on of hands, anointing with oil, and fasting are very old customary (traditional) events that transpired many times during ceremonial prayer. God has equipped our minds and emotions to reach or feel a particular way on certain specific circumstances. Have you ever noticed when something extraordinary occurs we shout out, make an expression, reach for something tangible to demonstrate what or how we’re feeling? Our physical and visible manifestations harmonize our mood and serve as a sign for what’s happening invisibly or spiritually when we’re capturing the invisible words.
     
    When praying for the sick or during a ceremonial event, the Clergy (preachers or ministers) “ARE NOT” the healer or the Spiritual Connector. We’re only using our hands as a point of contact to release our faith. The person receiving is doing the same. It’s the Word of God that creates the connection to recovery and victory. Many people have a theory that Jesus went around laying hands on everyone He met, but He didn’t. 😀 He would preach and teach God’s Word, and when someone would believe what He said, he or she would be healed. In Mark 6:1-6, Mark tells us that when Jesus went to His hometown, He couldn’t do anything powerful or special because His people didn’t believe in Him. All Jesus could do was lay His hands on a few sickly people with minimal illnesses that cured them.
     
    Throughout the Bible, You’ll find both optimistic and pessimistic ways of “the laying on of hands,” as well as “general” (every day) or “special” (ceremonial). Beloved, it is God and ONLY God that gives us grace. Laying on of hands is an external ritual for the church and ministry. It’s not magic, nor is it a superpower and doesn’t, as some declare automatically present grace. Instead, it’s a “means of grace,” that complements words of commendation and community prayer, for those who believe. Amen? Aaamen. ✝️❤️😊
     
    Probing For Spiritual Answers Cross-Reference Verses
    N/A

  • “Following Brilliance”

    3 27 2020 Bishop Houston's Weekend Words Phil 1 10
    You know, to me, the precise picture of how many people live today is they have no control don’t want guidance in their life, but they want to get there and get there fast!!!

    Beloved, in a world of triviality, inconsistency, and anarchy, God calls you to brilliance and wisdom.
     
    We as Christians are to be dissimilar “unique” because we have divine leadership and perpetual aspirations. Our lives are to be observed as positive confidence in God and pursuit of spiritual brilliance.
     
    Now allow me to turn down the word “brilliance and inject the word excellence to correlate with this morning’s focal Bible verse. The term “Excellent” in Philippians 1:10 articulates questions, issues, and concepts that are sensible, consequential, and essential. Endorsing what’s excellent (brilliant) implies to examining things as one would test drive a beautiful automobile to determine its performance and significance. It extends beyond understanding good quality from evil intent. It differentiates superior quality and sound quality; it requires biblical philosophy, synergy, and centralizing your timetable and vitality on what matters. It requires developing spiritual self-control and not being manipulated by your emotions, impulses, attitudes, or positions.
     
    You know many companies and enterprises have embraced the slogan, “Commitment to Excellence” to express their need to support their most exceptional product or service possible. If secular-minded people strive for a degree of accomplishment – how much more should Christians pursue brilliance “excellence” for the glory of God!!!
     
    Beloved as we continue to practice social distancing and have this downtime now is a great time to explore where you’re at in your life. Is your life loaded with godly love, wisdom, and the quest for brilliance “excellence”— or has carnal frivolities crowded out those virtues? Amen? Aaamen. ✝️❤️😊
     
    Let Us Pray:
    Dear Heavenly Father today, I come thanking You for removing the inconsistencies in me and restoring me with brilliance. I praise You Jehovah for being my Brilliant leader. Thank You for blessing me with active spiritual wisdom. I’ll continue to pursue the excellence for Your glory daily. In Jesus’s name, I pray, Amen and Aaamen. ✝️❤️
     
    Have a Pleasant Friday and a Safe and Sound Weekend, Everyone. ✝️❤️😊

  • “Probing For Spiritual Answers – Does God Permit Disasters?”

    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

  • “God Got This”

    3 23 2020 Joshua 14 12
    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

  • “Jehovah Jireh”

    March 22 2020 week 3 and 4 Bishop Houston's Sunday Morning Church Proverbs 6 6 through11
    Praise The Lord Everyone!!! Happy Sunday to you!!! ✝️❤️😊

    In March, we use to have an ant problem in our kitchen. They are very persistent and challenging to eradicate. And the coronavirus reminds me of those ants “hard to get rid of” once it’s engaged. But you know Beloved, to a person trying to remain on the right path, these tiny creatures and this pandemic seem determined or even motivating. If you examine the traits of ants, you’ll find they have numerous attributes people respect, including planning, teamwork, determination, attentiveness, and synchronization.

    Ants are just one illustration of how much the world can teach us about God’s creations; it encompasses abundant proof of His character and principles. Knowing this, Jesus directed His followers’ attention to the birds so that they might think about the foolishness of apprehension (*1). Birds don’t collect or harvest crumb but, instead, believe their food will be provided as it always has been. This manifestation of nature validates that the Lord, who provides for birds, can be reliable to meet His people’s requirements as well even during and after this pandemic.

    Jehovah Jireh – God Will Provide. ✝️❤️

    Let Us Pray:
    Dear Heavenly Father, help us to stay focused on You so that we may see Your principles in the natural world and as we go through this pandemic. Help us to continue to grow and understand what’s going on not just inside our homes but outside them as well. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen and Aaamen.
    ✝️❤️

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

    Bishop Houston’s Sunday Morning Word Bible References:
    *1. Matt. 6:25-26

  • Ephesians 6:10-18

    It's Time to Battle
    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).

  • “Uniting During a Disaster”

    3 20 2020 Bishop Houston's Weekend Words John 15 5
    The Coronavirus (Corvid – 19) has place panic and shock all over the world today. This type of disaster has sounded a countrywide alarm that people in the modern era are not familiar. Disasters can be daunting. In the fog of an emergency, it can be difficult to see anything, no matter the good things that God might be doing. During a disaster, job lay-offs may occur, money, investments, and other resources may start to dissolve, and relationships may dangerously threaten to collapse, or you may experience some other destructive event. It’s devastating to see your world transformed from being beneficial to pandemic status. Sooner Or Later, you start to question if God might be rebuking for something.

     
    But in reality, we need disasters to balance our spiritual ecosystem. Often many people won’t try to connect with God until there’s a crisis in their life. When an emergency occurs in their life, many people try to find all kinds of ways to connect with Him in ways that they wouldn’t ordinarily think. Let some fake news get started; During this pandemic, the rumor mill on social media has been non-stop!!! For many people, fake news has been their god. Rumors such as how to know if you’ve contracted the virus. From holding your breath to drinking water. Or the origin of the virus and how about the confounding effect of a medical test for a cure. These are just a few in many that I received, heard on T.V. and read on different social media sites. Beloved, be careful of fake news; it will alter how you few yourself and re-route your spiritual values.
     
    Beloved, life isn’t about you; it’s about God. A significant disaster induces our spiritual mentality. A crisis encourages us to go and discuss it with God. Matthew 11:28 (AMP) says: “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavily burdened [by religious rituals that provide no peace], and I will give you rest [refreshing your souls with salvation].” Beloved, we can go to God with anything that burdens us. Is that so bad?
     
    Understandably, suffering is painful. But Jesus’ point in John 15 is that the only way we can thrive in life is by being instinctively attached to Him, like branches to a vine. That means our lives will be far more affluent connected to Him in a disaster than if we’re wandering off on our own.
     
    The pandemic is massive, but we serve a Mighty God that has the answer and the remedy to every crisis.
     
    Beloved as we enter this Friday and step into the weekend, I want you to understand, the point isn’t that disasters aren’t unfortunate; it’s that staying connected to Jesus Christ is good. Sometimes God uses the blinding fog of a disaster to help us find Him. Amen? Aaamen. ✝️❤️😊
     
    Let Us Pray:
    Dear Heavenly Father, we need You. You’re our source that has the resources to recover and move beyond this pandemic. Please connect us deeply to You. In Jesus’s name, I pray, Amen and Aaamen. ✝️❤️
     
    Have a Blessed Friday and a safe weekend, Everyone.
    ✝️❤️😊

  • “You Must Change Your Psychological Consciousness”

    March 15 2020 week 3 and 4 Bishop Houston's Sunday Morning Church Judges 16 1 through 21
    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:
    N/A