C H O F Ministry

Tag: Paul

  • “Re-imaging Your Mind”

    12 11 2019 Col. 1 9 10 Godly Imaging
     Praise the Lord!!! Happy Wednesday. 😀

    Beloved, are you familiar with the term “what you put in is what you get out or input and output?” Our mind is similar to a computer what you feed into a computer is what you’ll get out. What you program into your mind will be the image of your conduct. That’s why you must expose your mind to things that are correct, admirable, decent, genuine, wonderful, of good reputation, exceptional, and praiseworthy (*1). In other words, you must spiritually re-image your mind to get Godly performance. I heard a preacher say: “You should be so drenched with God’s Word that your blood is ‘bibline.’ If you cut yourself, you should bleed Bible verses!!!” His overemphasis shows his zeal for God’s truth. This is the passion every believer should disclose.

    Paul prayed that we would “walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; [and be] strengthened with all power . . . for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father” (*2).

    Those are fantastic Christian attributes, but you must know how they’re achieved in order to receive them to be used. Verse 9 gives us the solution: “…ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding.” Now, the Greek word translated “filled” speaks of influence or control. It’s the same word Paul uses in Ephesians 5:18: “Be filled [controlled by] the Holy Spirit.” Once you’re filled with the Spirit, He regulates your decisions. Similarly, when you’re filled with the knowledge of God’s will, your preferences mirror godly wisdom and understanding. The phrase “spiritual wisdom and understanding” implies more than simply knowing God’s Word. It speaks of utilizing it to your life under the Spirit’s power and direction.
    Beloved, as you prayerfully saturate your mind with God’s Word, it begins more and more to control your thinking and behavior. This engages the Spirit to apply the Word, rejuvenate your mind, and safeguard you from worldly compliance, thoughts and behaviors (*3). Amen? Aaamen. ✝️❤️😊

    CHOF Ministry’s Mid-Week Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, please allow the Holy Spirit to regulate every aspect of our life today as we carefully utilize the proper biblical principles to every situation we face. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen and 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 you love and tell them you love them, BECAUSE TELLING THEM LATER JUST MIGHT BE TOO LATE.
    I LOVE YOU ALL!!! Have a “Remarkable” Wednesday. 😀

    CHOF Ministry Cross-Reference Verses: *1. Phil. 4:8 *2. Col. 1:10-12 *3. Rom. 12:2

  • “Stop Think and Reflect”

    11 13 2019 Romans 6 1 3
    Praise the Lord happy mid-week to you.

     
    In Romans 6 you’ll find Paul starts the chapter asking a few questions. This was not by coincidence. In fact, Paul’s entire letter to the Romans is filled with questions. (In the NKJV, I counted 75 questions in Romans!!!) Paul knew the impact questions could have. In many of my devotions and inspirational writings, I’ll ask questions as well. I’ve been asked many time why I ask questions in my sermons and in my writings. Well “for me” I insert a question or questions to shift the stream of my sermons, teachings, and writings to help make the words come alive for my readers and listeners. I believe whenever we read a question, we should feel challenged – tested. I’m trying to inspire my readers and listeners to stop, think, feel, imagine and consider the issues and how they might react or reply.
     
    If you look closely at Paul’s writings, you’ll see the impact his questions have throughout his ministry. Questions were central to what he wrote about the Lord’s Supper, allow me to give you an example from 1 Corinthians 11:22: “Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and shame those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you in this?” Beloved, each question offers an opportunity for readers to answer Paul for themselves and think about the issues he discusses.
     
    You’ll find Jesus frequently used questions. The Old Testament also is packed with questions, presenting opportunities for us to think about what has been said. Although not a question. The word “Selah” is used over 70 times in the book of Psalms, inspiring us to take a brief break and reflect.
     
    Beloved, as you read your Bible or daily devotions, remember to think about the questions asked. How you would respond, and what is the deeper meaning for you? Amen? Aaamen. ✝️❤️😊
     
    CHOF Ministry’s Mid-Week Prayer:
     
    Dear Heavenly Father help me to stay sensitive and responsive to the questions You ask me. I want to continue to be taught so I can remain mature as a believer. 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 a “Wonderful” Wednesday. 😀
     

  • “Connecting Hope to God”

    11 10 2019 week 1 Bishop Houston's Sunday Morning Church Connecting Hope to God
    Beloved, proper love will reject human malfunction as being definitive.

     
    I’ve found that even when faith weakens, hope comes to liberate. It’s that long cord that keeps us connected to the sovereignty and power of God. In 1 Peter 1:3 the apostle Peter wrote to believers who were experiencing severe trials. To encourage them, he began, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”
     
    Beloved, our hope is a living hope because our God is a living God. NO MATTER how depressing your situation might seem, God is at work to complete His purposes. As Christ hung on that old rough cross, it seemed as if sin had finally prevailed over righteousness. But sin’s best hour became its death ring when Christ arose from the grave as Lord of life and Redeemer of His people. Romans 8:11 says: Now “He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal [body] through His Spirit who indwells you.” Trials and death have no power over you Beloved. They bring you closer to Christ.
     
    When you’re ministering to others, hope gives you confidence that as long as there’s life, human failure is never final. God refused to accept Israel’s failures, Jesus refused to accept Peter’s, and Paul refused to accept that of the Corinthians. When your attempts to cover the sins of others have failed, or it has destroyed your righteous expectations, hope says, “DON’T GIVE UP!!! God can still work this out for good.”
     
    Hope is demonstrated in the true story of a dog thrown out at the airport of a large city. He stayed there for over five years, waiting for his master to return. People at the airport fed and cared for him, but he refused to leave the spot where he last saw his master. Beloved, if a dog’s love for his master can produce that kind of hope, how much more should your love for God produce enduring hope?
     
    Let Us Pray:
    Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your sovereignty and power, and for the hope that’s Yours in Christ. 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 may 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 wonderful Sunday. 😀

  • Set Your Affections on Christ

    Bishop Houston's Full Purple Shirt 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. 😀

  • “Passing Judgement”

    8 30 2019 Bishop Houston's Weekend Words Romans 14 13
    Happy Friday Beloved!!!

    Beloved have you ever been so upset “mad” that your blood pressure goes through the roof, so mad your hands literally starts shaking? Well, that was my situation yesterday. I was verbally attacked about something that was out of my control even though I made every attempt to temporarily resolve the issue until it could be properly repaired. Many times, people will not accept that they dropped the ball and accuse others for their lack of being responsible “dereliction of duty.” In my heart I’ve forgiven the person. That’s because I understand there are always going to be those moments in which we make some type of mistake and stumble as we live our lives. In many ways, this is the right assumption, but an important part of living is recognizing our mistakes. One of the biggest mistakes we can make is passing judgement on those around us without first getting the complete picture. We need to consider the other side of the story in order to make sound judgement. In the book of Romans, Paul challenges us to do just that. We all have those moments of weakness in our lives, but when we make the extra effort to embrace forgiveness over judgement, we overcome those faults and become better because of it.
    Beloved, this weekend try to not pass judgement on anyone until you get the complete view from both sides.
    Dear Heavenly Father, today I pray that you’ll help me to continue to embrace forgiveness over judgement. Help me to continue to be loving, understanding, and forgiving. In Jesus Name we pray. Amen and Aaamen.
    Have a blessed Labor Day Weekend Everyone. 😀

  • “It’s All Bout God’s Timing”

    Bishop Houston's Full Purple Shirt It’s All About God’s Timing

    Paul placed our lives in context by describing three different dimensions of time. First, he reminded us that we face boundaries. But you now, God is different. He’s infinite and beyond time, dwelling in eternity. And He made promises “before time even existed.”
    Paul also assured us that all who are born again have “the hope of eternal life.” Right now, we may face the boundaries of time, but we can also hope to enter that timeless dimension.

    Now, what’s particularly unique about this promise is that it was made by God “before time existed,” but it was also revealed “in His own time” at the exact moment of His choosing. From His viewpoint in eternity, God chose the very moment when He wanted to release His message, completely separate from our concept of time, our desires, or perspectives.

    We can see this pattern in our relationship with God. We think chronologically, based on where we are in our journey through life. We can become impatient with God, frustrated when He doesn’t act according to our timetable. We also can become arrogant or try to force events. But God looks at everything from an eternal perspective.

    Beloved, the key to our relationship with God is being able to trust Him and being confident that He’ll act at just the right time. As the Bible promises, “He has made everything beautiful in its time” (*1.).

    Beloved, you can trust in Him for your life.

    Sunday’s Prayer:
    Dear Heavenly Father, help us to hold on to Your viewpoint about our life. We trust in You.
    In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen and 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 Amazing Sunday. 😀

    CHOF Ministry’s Cross Reference Scriptures
    *1. Ecclesiastes 3:11

  • “Paul Vs. Apollos?”

    Bishop Houston Thursday Morning Post 8 1 2019 Prosperity
    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.”

  • “Complete Your Job!!!”

    Bishop Houston's Weekend Words Titus 1 5
    Praise the Lord Beloved!!! Happy Friday to you.
    Paul gave Titus a strong transparent swift summary of his job. He had been left in Crete to “complete the work” that wasn’t finished and “appoint elders in each town.” This was not a new project. In fact, Paul already had “instructed” him to do these things.

    Now, we can guess why Paul thought this notice was needed. Maybe Titus had overlooked it or got preoccupied with something else, or maybe he didn’t want to deal with these issues. It’s even possible that Titus didn’t want to confront prominent people in those churches, or maybe he was feeling he wasn’t receiving the essential respect. But Paul gave him some encouragement, “Let no one disregard you” (*1)

    Beloved, regardless of the cause, it was essential that Titus stayed on point – attentive and determined in order to complete his job. Throughout his letters, Paul made it clear that it was important for believers to understand their God-given calling and then pay close attention and concentrate on completing their responsibilities. Paul himself was confident that he had been faithful. He wrote, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith”
    (*2).

    This weekend each of us will face many possible disruptions and justifiable or unjustifiable excuses – personal interests and desires, things we like to do, or avoid. Many roadblocks might appear along the way.

    Beloved, it’s crucial (SERIOUS) that we follow Paul’s advice to remember our job and seek to complete whatever we’re assigned, not giving in to excuses or disruptions.

    I have a motto that “I” stand on: “NEVER LEAVE AN UNTURNED STONE AND NEVER LEAVE ANYTHING UNDONE.”:-D

    Let Us Pray:
    Dear Heavenly Father, please keep me reminded about the jobs You’ve given me. Help me stay loyally devoted “persistent” and attentive to the projects you’ve given me so that I may complete Your tasks.
    In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen and Amen.

    Have a Fantastic Friday Everyone!!! 😀
    www.chofministry.net

    CHOF Ministry’s Cross Reference Scriptures
    *1. Titus 2:15
    *2. 2 Timothy 4:7

  • “Don’t Be Hurried into Anger”

    Listen To God's Word
    James 1:19-20 “Let everyone be . . . slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God”. These are awesome Bible verses that help me stay saved. 😀

    Beloved, have you ever began reading your Bible, perceiving all is well between you and the Lord, only to have the Word unexpectedly cut deep into your soul to expose, describe, characterize and categorized a sin you’ve ignored or tried to hide? That usually happens because God wants to eliminate immorality in His children. The Holy Spirit uses the Word to infiltrate the concealed pauses “interruptions” in our heart (mind and emotions) to do His convicting and cleansing work. Now, it’s how you respond to that procedure that will be the indicator of the authenticity of your faith.
     
    The “anger” referred to in our morning scripture refers to an adverse response to that procedure. It’s a deep inside “down to the core” antipathy escorted by an intrepid refusal. Sometimes that antipathy can be indirect. Paul described those who “will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires” – (*1).
     
    These are the people who tensely go from church to church, ministry to ministry in search of someone who’ll tell them what they want to hear—or a congregation that wants a pastor who’ll make them feel good about themselves (an altered message) instead of preaching the Word (an unaltered – immature word) and setting a high standard of holiness.
     
    You know, every now and then antipathy toward the Word stops being indirect and turns to downright up in your face hostility. That’s what happened to Stephen when the crowd he confronted covered their ears, drove him out of the city, and stoned him to death. – (*2). Throughout history there have been many others that have felt the lethal misfortunes of those whose antipathy of God’s truth turned to detestation for His people.
     
    You see, to be a recipient of the Word consist of being swift to perceive what it says and unhurried to anger when it disagrees with your personal opinions or confronts your immorality. Beloved, today is your boldness covering an immoral principle? Are you defiant to what God is saying to you through the Word? Do you welcome its criticism and aware of its warnings, or do you secretly feel hostile about it? When a Christian brother or sister challenges an immoral principle in your life, do you accept or reject their advice? 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 for your unconditional love. 😀
    I LOVE YOU ALL!!! Have a “Tremendous” Wednesday.
     
    CHOF Ministry’s Cross Reference Scriptures
    *1. 2 Timothy 4:3
    *2. Acts 7:57

  • “LOADING OUR BEST RESOURCES IN HEAVEN”

    Bishop Houston's Full Purple Shirt “LOADING OUR BEST RESOURCES IN HEAVEN”
    Focal Scripture: Matthew 6:19-24

     
    Praise the Lord Beloved. Happy Sunday. Let us all be thankful for this day.
     
    This Morning’s Focal Bible Scripture is Matthew 6:19-24
     
    Beloved, we should all be carefully loading our best resources in heaven. We shouldn’t be apprehensive about our physical needs, because they’re only temporal. Instead, we should pursue eternal things. Temporal things don’t last and can decay or pilfered here on earth. On the other hand, eternal things endure and will never be at risk from thieves or deterioration (*1).
     
    While the “heart” characterizes the whole person, the “eyes” signify our ability to distinguish truth (*2). So, if our spiritual eyes are healthy, we’ll be able to see reality and follow the correct path. If not, we’ll be morally and spiritually blind, incapable to see which resources are worth valuing and following.
     
    Beloved, what we value exposes who we are and leads to what we do (*3). And since we can only serve one master, it’s prudent to select God over monetary things. (*4). You see, the idea of “loading our best” resources in heaven shows that following God and valuing His kingdom is a series of choices that build conduct and charisma. Paul compared it to a construction project (*5). Some people use wood, hay, and straw as their building materials, others use gold, silver, and jewels.
     
    Beloved, when the fire of judgment strikes, it will be very clear which one will endure. Amen? – Aaamen. 😀
     
    Let Us Pray:
    Dear Heavenly Father, once again I thank You for Your valuable Word. Help us to carefully load our best resources in heaven and take our eyes off of the things that are temporal.
     
    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 awesome Sunday Everyone.
    😀
     
    CHOF Ministry’s Cross Reference Scriptures
    *1. Matthew 6:19–20
    *2. Matthew 6: 22–23
    *3. Matthew 6: 21
    *4. Matthew 6:24 and Col. 3:5
    *5. 1 Cor. 3:10–15