C H O F Ministry

Tag: Kingdom

CHOF Ministry’s “Probing For Spiritual Answers – Faith and Hope “

Q: Bishop Houston, all over the internet, I read and watch videos that talk about hope and faith as if they are the same. Are they the same, or is there a distinction between them?

Another great question. Thank you for asking. ✝️❤️😊

Answer:
Beloved, there’s a difference between them. The disparity is that faith is Now. Hope is continually looking toward the future. And I have an explanation for saying that.

Romans 8:24-25 (AMP) says: (24) For in this hope we were saved [by faith]. But hope [the object of] which is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he already sees? (25) But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait eagerly for it with patience and composure.

Hope is desire. It’s the expectation (anticipation) that sustains our faith. Hope breathes life into our faith while we’re waiting for what we believe is on the way. Faith is continuously now. Hebrews 11:1 tells us this: “Now faith is the “Substance” (the material, the tangible) of things HOPED for….” Faith provides our hope substance. Mark 11:24 tells us faith says you receive when you pray.

Beloved, faith provides hope with a visual structure we can comprehend. Faith is in the soul (mind and emotions). Hope nourishes your faith until those things you believe are coming are pulled from the spiritual kingdom into the natural. Amen? Aaamen. ✝️❤️😊

Probing For Spiritual Answers Cross-Reference Verses
N/A

April 22, 2020
“Hold Onto Your Position”

Beloved, God has ordained certain points and sequences that will rotate in our lives. Sometimes, when our aspirations aren’t coming to fruition on our schedule, we’ll be enticed to get exasperated. Let me tell you right here, We have to be very cautious not to permit our stubborn mentality to keep us from going forward.

In God’s kingdom, every season isn’t harvesting time. There are cultivating seasons, seeding seasons and irrigating seasons. Of course, we would love for every point of our life to be a time of growth, but without the other seasons, we wouldn’t be ready to receive the new position. It’s during the cultivating seasons that God brings issues to light that we need to do business with. He’s getting us ready for marketing (promotion). If you’re not developing as quickly as you would like, the key is “DON’T LOSE ANY GROUND!!! In other words, don’t go backward. Keep your position by maintaining a mindset that demonstrates your faith and expectancy, even when things get tough. Keep investing by speaking the Word daily. Keep pressing through because soon you’ll come into your due season!!! Amen? Aaamen. ✝️❤️😊

Let’s Pray Out:

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your constancy in all seasons of my life. I trust that my time is coming, and I choose to continue to be faithful. I present my methods to You today and have faith that You have the greatest plan for my life. In Jesus’ Mighty Name, I pray, Amen and Amen. ✝️❤️

I LOVE YOU ALL!!! Have a pleasant Friday and a great weekend everyone. ✝️❤️😊

January 17, 2020
Set Your Affections on Christ

In Colossians 1:9 Paul talks about being controlled by the knowledge of God’s will. In verse 10 he talks about walking in a manner worthy of the Lord. Beloved, there’s a direct cause-and-effect relationship between those verses. When you’re controlled by the knowledge of God’s will, you’ll walk in a manner worthy of the Lord. The Greek word translated “walk” means “to order one’s behavior”. It’s a common New Testament metaphor for a person’s lifestyle. Paul made a similar plea to the Thessalonians in 1 Thess. 2:12: “Walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.”

Now, the thought of being worthy of the Lord might raise some eyebrows because we usually relate worthiness to merit or something deserved. But that isn’t Paul’s point at all. The Greek word translated “worthy” in Colossians 1:10 speaks of something that weighs as much or carries the same value as something else. He isn’t saying we deserve Christ, but that our conduct should be consistent with His.

That’s also Peter’s point in 1 Peter 2:21: “You have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps.” John said in 1 John 2:6: “The one who says he abides in [Christ] ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked”. He also added in 2 John 6, “Walk according to His commandments.” That’s how you demonstrate your love for Christ and please Him in every respect. John 14:15 (AMP) says: “If you [really] love Me, you will keep and obey My commandments.”

Now I’ll give you this word of encouragement, a worthy walk isn’t a walk of sinless perfection or impeccability. That won’t happen until you’re fully glorified. But each day you’re growing in godliness as a result of the Spirit’s transforming work in you. 2 Cor. 3:18 (Amp) says: And we all, with unveiled face, continually seeing as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are progressively being transformed into His image from [one degree of] glory to [even more] glory, which comes from the Lord, [who is] the Spirit.

Beloved, be faithful to that process. Set your affections on Christ, look to His Word, and rejoice in the privilege of becoming more like Him today. Amen? Aaamen. 😀

Sunday’s Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the power and guidance of Your Spirit in my life. I’m going to continue to work hard each day to continue to confess my sin when I wander from my worthy walk with You. 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 a Remarkable Sunday. 😀

September 1, 2019
“Paul Vs. Apollos?”

1 Corinthians 3:4-6 (AMP)

You know Beloved, division is a fleshly desire that reshapes us. It restructures us mentally, emotionally and in some cases financially. Many churches and ministries are very notorious when it comes to division. They’ll look at a church or ministry that may be less prosperous or smaller and look down on the edifice. For when one says, “I am of Paul,” and another, “I am of Apollos,” are you not characterizing yourself from a fleshly – carnal platform? 😀 Beloved, WHO THEN IS PAUL, and WHO IS APOLLOS? They were ministers that each follower chose to believe. Didn’t the Lord give to each one? 😀

One Planted, One Watered – but it was God who gave the increase. So, then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor.

So, it doesn’t matter who’s more affluent or who has more followers. We’re all Christians and serve one God who doesn’t divide the good from the good but blesses accordingly.

Beloved, as believers in Christ we’re God’s fellow workers – you’re God’s field, you’re God’s building.” Let us be mindful we walk “TOGETHER” with the spirit of God inside us and not the fleshly, carnality of men or women.

“To God Be the Glory.”

August 1, 2019
“Trouble Doesn’t Last Always”

Praise the Lord Beloved – Happy Monday!!! 😀

Beloved, isn’t it incredible how often God’s Word seems to dismissive conformist, and turn earthly perceptions upside down? The world says the people that are strong – powerful are to be revered, privileged and to be treated with more dignity while the weak – feeble are to be pretty much ignored or disregarded. But God says the strong – powerful will become weak – feeble and the weak – feeble will become strong – powerful. The world says the first are primary because they are the finest and don’t worry or consider those that are pulling up the rear. But God says, in His kingdom, the first will not be primary but least and those that are considered pulling up the rear will be considered primary. The world says the self-effacing should be overlooked while the established – dignified, high maintenance should be glorified and highly honored. But God sees it the reverse way. He says the shamed-humiliated won’t be overlooked and they will be established and highly honored while the established – dignified, high maintenance will be shamed-humiliated.

Beloved, God tells us that worrying, and stressing isn’t actually a bad thing at all, but a beautiful thing. Bad things are beautiful because bad things present an opportunity for joy. God instructs us not to look at complications as the world does, but as a chance to grow in our faith. Let us increase our trust in Him, be a Godly example to others, change a life, or better yet, help save a life. God says trouble equals joy. Beloved, trouble doesn’t last always!!! 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.

I LOVE YOU ALL!!! Have a Magnificent Monday and a God Revering Week. 😀

July 29, 2019
“The Horizon Will Appear”

*Unka Burnie Speaks*

It was bitter sweet when our nest was finally empty. A new horizon was appearing. One my wife and I knew would come. But you know, when many children enter the State of maturity and stand on its ground, they don’t focus on the playing field they’re about to embark. Many rebel against spiritual and moral parental leadership, many reside with factious mutiny groups that stand on unbalanced ground, and many leave homes truly believing the words “I Got This!!!” Their eyes are focused on the carnal delicacies and the release form of parental infractions. Overlooking or refusing to think “Oh, I’ve never lived on my own before.”

Beloved, leaving or departing is never the actual headliner. The behind the scene topic that often get the lights dimmed is what effected the departure and how the departure was actually received. The same is true of our relationship with the Heavenly Father. Your relationship with Him will be the ticket punched to the next State grounds you stand on eternally. What our relationship with Him will predicate the horizon that will appear in all our lives. What ground of maturity are you standing on right now? What ground – spiritual or carnal? Are you saying: “I Got This?” Beloved before the lights are darkened and you enter the horizon to stand on the ground of your next State, don’t overlook or repudiate the ground you’re standing on currently. Maturity is a life long process. The heavenly Father will continue to grow His Children until He brings them home. Seek the Lord’s wisdom and truth and ask that He reveal “ANYTHING” holding you back from a beautiful relationship with Him. He wants to walk closely with you all of your days.

So, in 2019, if the horizon does appear, the Father wants to gladly say, “Welcome my good and faithful friend!!! The State and ground you now stand on is spiritually balanced.”

December 27, 2018
The Spiritual Technique For Going Up Is Down”

Our Walk With Me Focal Scripture for today is Matthew 20:21-28

Beloved, travel back with me for a moment to one of the many scenes that demonstrated just how ordinary Jesus’s disciples were. Now, what makes this account interesting is the presence of a mother of two of the disciples. She’s Mrs. Zebedee, wife of a Galilean fisherman and mother of James and John. Let’s reflect on her request to Jesus:

Matthew 20:21 She said to Him, “Command that in Your kingdom these two sons of mine may sit one on Your right and one on Your left.”

Now, I don’t want you all to be too tough on this dear Jewish mother. She’s proud of her sons!!! Her motive was probably pure, and her idea was in proper perspective. She didn’t ask that her sons occupy the center throne, of course not, because that belongs to Jesus. But she pushed for James and John as candidates for thrones number two and number three. She wanted people to think highly of her boys who had left their nets and entered this up-and-coming ministry. Let’s remember, they were among “the Twelve.”

And that needed recognition!!!

Now, just in case you’re wondering how the other ten felt about this, check out verse 24. It says, “The ten became indignant.” Guess why. Hey, no way were they going to give up those top spots without a fight!!! They got downright ticked off that maybe James and John might get the glory they wanted. Doesn’t that Sound familiar?

Beloved, Jesus pulled His disciples aside and spelled out the sharp contrast between His philosophy and the world system in which they lived. I want you all to read His words slowly and carefully.

Matthew 20:26–28 says: “It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

In the nonspiritual (worldly) system there are distinct levels of authority. In the military there are officers and enlisted men and ranks within each. In sports there are coaches and players. In the business world there are corporation heads and lines of authority between managers, personnel, foremen, and laborers. The person in the labor force is expected to punch a clock, show up on time, work hard, and not take advantage of his or her employer. There’s a name for those who choose not to follow those directions. Unemployed!!! Why? Because the boss is in charge.

Beloved, that’s the way the system works. As Jesus put it in Matthew 20:25–26, “Their great men exercise authority over them.” But then He added, “It is not this way among you”. What isn’t this way? Simply this, in God’s family there’s to be one great body of people: servants.

Beloved, humility is the best away to advance in the King of God.
In fact Beloved, that’s the only way to the top in His kingdom.

To God Be the Glory

June 24, 2018
“Continue Your Assignment

Beloved, this week my weekend word is simple. Continue to be assiduous during your Kingdom assignment. Continue to follow His direction, and hang on to who He say you are. No matter what identity the world wants to label you.

Have a blessed weekend Everyone. 😀

May 4, 2018
“A Message to The Transformed

Exodus 19:4-6 (NLT)
4 ‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians. You know how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. 5 Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure from among all the peoples on earth; for all the earth belongs to me.
6 And you will be my kingdom of priests, my holy nation.’ This is the message you must give to the people of Israel.”

Beloved, now that you’re no longer subjugated by immoral desires that’s in this world and you’ve been Transformed by the renewing powers of The Holy Spirit, the next phase is to start obeying the words of Jesus and it will assist you by directing you away from the people, places and things that captured you and held you as a slave.

Beloved, many don’t understand or have been hoodwinked that just because they have walked the path of immorality they can’t preach, teach or give moral advice or instruction.
“WRONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!” You are the one God desires to use to spread His message(s). As a people free from the things that dominated us in the world, we “YOU” can be priests to the world. That was God’s intention. He wasn’t just building a little social club. Instead of becoming inwardly focused on themselves, they were placed on the trade routes of the world to be an example of what a nation led by God looked like.

Beloved, God was about to give them (the Israelites) The Ten Commandments. But first, He asked if they wanted to accept the call. Then He instructed them, through the Law, how to be that example the world needed to see. If they could live that way, they would be priests to the world. Now look at who I said asked- “G-O-D!!! NOT A MAN OR A WOMAN!!! In the days of Joshua and some of the reign of David, that was how they were instructed. It was David’s conquest of Israel’s neighbors that brought the influence of the Law to the surrounding nations.

Beloved, if you have been transformed by the renewing powers of the Holy Spirit then you’re no longer under the direction or supervision of the people, places or things that were keeping you as it’s slave. Now, that you’re free doesn’t mean that you can just hang out in your church’s or ministry’s social group. You were freed to go out and affect the world around you. 😀 It is true we’re not under the Law as our guide anymore. But, today we have a more intimate Instructor, The Holy Spirit. 😀

Beloved, if you have dedicated yourself to become the LORD’s vessel in every area of life, “you will” need His constant instruction to be the example the world needs. You become a priest to those your life encounters, directing them to the Word of God and showing them an eternal perspective. 1 Peter 2:5 (NLT) says: “And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God.”

Beloved, you’re an heir of this promise through the indwelling Holy Spirit. So, obey Him (not man or woman) fully. The world around you needs the loving influence of the priests of God.

“To God Be the Glory!!!”

February 27, 2018
Bishop Houston’s “Real Talk”

September 30, 2016