C H O F Ministry

Tag: Prayer

“God Has a Better Way”

Have you ever felt like David when he prayed this Psalm? I have and it’s not an easy position to be in? Sometimes it just appeared no one cared about what was going on in my life and that God was silent. If you’re in this position now, then allow me to bless you with a reality check. The reality is God isn’t being silent. He’s crying with you in moments of hardship.

He’s carrying you through them and has all the power essential to do so. You may not see it now, but when you do, you’ll be astonished at how God was working in your life. 1 Corinthians 10:13 (AMP) says: No temptation [regardless of its source] has overtaken or enticed you that is not common to human experience [nor is any temptation unusual or beyond human resistance]; but God is faithful [to His word—He is compassionate and trustworthy], and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability [to resist], but along with the temptation He [has in the past and is now and] will [always] provide the way out as well, so that you will be able to endure it [without yielding, and will overcome temptation with joy].

(Bible Gateway)

Beloved, as we end this week and head into the weekend if you’re in a crisis or you’re at your weakest moment about an issue and you want God to rise and work something spectacular right then and there remember God has a better way, trust that He knows what He’s doing. Amen? Aaamen.

Weekend Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, we understand that sometimes there’s going to be challenging moments, so please provide us the grace to accept that. We pray that You’ll speak to our hearts, help us, and show us Your way. In Jesus’ Mighty Name, I pray, Amen and Amen.

I LOVE YOU ALL!!!

Have a blessed Friday and a tremendous weekend Everyone. 😀

November 22, 2019
“Confrontation”

Praise the Lord Beloved Happy Monday to you all.

Beloved, how many of you hate confrontation? To keep it real, I’m not one – I’m a very candid upfront person!!! But I know a lot of associates who don’t like confrontation. When we confront others, we need to understand it doesn’t have to be mean spirited “feisty or forceful” in other words getting all up in a person’s face. On the contrary, it can be a loving act. Matthew 18 is a great chapter to read but it’s verses 15-20 entitled “Reproving Another Who Sins” (Bible Gateway), is what I would like for you to read.

Beloved, we serve a confrontational God, but He does give us steps on how to handle confrontation, He requires us to repent of our sins to Him, and He tells us to seek wise counsel and accountability (*1). Now, for those of us who don’t have a problem being confrontational, I urge you to make sure you’re staying in the parameters God has spelled out in scripture. Your heart is deceitful (*2), you must make sure your confrontation is respectful and God-honoring. For those of you who dislike confrontation, I suggest you read and reflect on God’s truth. Reflect on how you’ve seen His confrontation in your life. I say that to you because most things done God’s way challenges our human nature, and I would say confrontation is one of those things. Amen? Aaamen. 😀

Let Us Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father, I realize many of us have been hurt by confrontations. Whether it be fighting with parents, siblings, friends, a broken home, violence, manipulation, or fear. I come this morning asking You to show us the way You’ve created us to have confrontations with one another. Help us to tap into Your love and see how we can serve You in our confrontations.

In Jesus’ precious 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 wonderful Monday and a great week.

CHOF Ministry’s Cross Reference Scriptures

*1. Romans 14:12, Galatians 6:1-5, James 5:16

*2. Jeremiah 17:9

September 16, 2019
“Stay Humble – God Will Expose”

Praise the Lord Beloved!!! 😀 The soul of Friday is here. Let us all be attentive to our persona according to God’s purpose.

Beloved, God’s focus is in the heart of man and not on their external or superficial appearance and accomplishments in life. You’ll find in this morning’s parable; Jesus Christ equated the tax collector and the Pharisee. The tax collectors are publicly known as sinners for their dishonesty when they’re collecting taxes. They’re called thieves because they steal money from people. The Pharisees on the other hand, are publicly known as holy, righteous and law-abiding people. They openly display their religious acts such as prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. People looked up to them and were impressed by their deeds, but God wasn’t. When Christ came, He began to expose their private sins, their pride, and self-righteousness.

In this morning’s parable, we find the Pharisee began to brag about his righteous acts while the tax collector humbly admitted his wrongdoing and ask for God’s mercy. So we see, God, honored the prayer of the tax collector, but He hated the self-aggrandizements of the Pharisee. Beloved, God will eventually expose anyone that postures themselves arrogantly, snobbishly, self-righteously, and barbarous.

This weekend Beloved, let us all keep in mind that no matter who we are or what we do, God is willing to accept us if we humble ourselves and submit to His mercy.

Weekend Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for repeating to me about being proud and why it doesn’t give You pleasure or glory. Help us to stop looking at our divine accomplishments and start focusing on Your boundless love, mercy, and grace.

In Jesus’ Mighty name I pray, Amen and Aaamen.:-D

Have a wonderful Friday and a blessed weekend everyone.

September 13, 2019
“To Know Him Is to Love Him”

Beloved, do you think God loves you? You know as a Christian, you can mentally understand God’s love for you without actually sensing it. In fact, the opposite can be true as well – you may say you love God, but in actuality in the back of your mind your feelings for Him are partial.

There are an assortment of motives or explanations that a Christian might not feel love from God or affection for Him, some of which stem from an experience during childhood. Maybe love was missing in the home, or maybe it just wasn’t articulated verbally or established in practical ways. A person’s disposition could also be part of the equation – some people are naturally easier to talk to while others are more reserved in their reactions or interactions.

Even though the inconsistency between knowledge and experience can be difficult, there’s hope. Sitting back and thinking on all the ways God has established His love for you, and asking Him to help you see it, will give you the opportunity to start the movement of truth from your head to your heart. You must remember that love is God’s very nature (*1), it’s not something you train or condition yourself to perform. If you’ve been adopted into His family through faith in His Son, God has chosen to profligate kindness on you in Christ. Trusting and accepting that you’re loved by God will in turn affect your emotional state for Him.

Beloved, obligate yourself to knowing Him more intimately and truthfully through His Word, and your love for Him will begin to grow. As you spend time with Him in Scripture and prayer, you’ll discover that the saying “to know Him is to love Him” is unquestionably true of God.

Sunday’s Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, we truly want to apply all of our desire and love for You. Help us to see and understand the thing that are missing so that we may correct them. We want to know You and love You without any doubt – regardless of the storms we may encounter.

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 Astounding Sunday Everyone.

CHOF Ministry’s Cross Reference Scriptures:

*1. 1 John 4:8

August 11, 2019
“Look Carefully”

Praise the Lord Beloved!!! 😀

Let us all smile and say: THANK YOU GOD for the opportunity to be a part of another Friday. 😀

You know James 1:21-24 shows us the differences between the hearers “listeners” of the Word and doers “achievers” of the Word. Those that only listen don’t respond to Scripture or gain any advantage from its realities – even after they have studied it in depth. But the achievers receive it in humbleness and “CONFORM” to its commands. James 1:25 goes on to add by saying: they’re blessed in what they do. In other words, there’s blessings in the very act when we comply “obey”.

James calls Scripture “the perfect law, the law of liberty” (*1). It’s “law” because it’s God’s mandatory behavioral code.

Beloved, grace doesn’t eradicate God’s moral law, but it gives us the mental “spiritual” resources to conform, and forgiveness when we fail. That’s how Jesus fulfills the law in us (*2). The scripture is “the perfect law” because it’s extensive, necessary, all-inclusive, and without error. Through it God meets every need and fulfills every desire of the human heart. In addition to that, it’s “the law of liberty – freedom.” Now that may sound contradictory because we tend to think of law and freedom as opposites. But if you look carefully into the Word, the Holy Spirit enables you to apply its principles to your life, which means freeing you from the guilt and oppression of sin and empowering you to live to God’s glory. NOW THAT’S TRUE FREEDOM!!! 😀

Now when I say “look carefully” I’m speaking of deeply studying something with eagle eyes – paying close attention to something with precision. You see, to really get an understanding about anything indicates self-effacement and a desire to see clearly what Scripture reveals about your own spiritual condition. It’s an attitude as well as an action. 😀

Beloved, as you go into this weekend don’t just read scripture “STUDY” Scripture carefully and LET IT become your primary attitude in life.

Let Us Pray:
Dear Heavenly Father, as I look carefully into your Word, expose the things in my life that need to be changed. Then allow me the grace to make those changes so I can live more fully to your glory. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen and Aaamen.

CHOF Ministry’s Cross Reference Scriptures:
*1. James 1:25
*2. Matt. 5:17

August 9, 2019
“You’re Never Alone”

Praise the Lord Beloved. Happy Tuesday!!! 😀

Beloved, grief, heartache, sadness, unhappiness, and misery are all rolled up into one word – “Suffering”

You know, suffering can be a very deserted and segregated experience. At times we don’t get answers or responses to why we’re heartbroken in this lifetime. Sometimes things don’t change. You don’t get your family member back. You don’t get remission. But that doesn’t mean that the Lord doesn’t see that, understand it, and want to help you through it. Beloved, the next time you’re going through a period of suffering, stop and ask the Lord to show you the message He wants you to absorb. The Bible tells us God is sovereign and always in control (*1). God can use whatever or whoever in your life for good, including suffering and adversity (*2). God promises that He’ll never leave you alone in your time of suffering (*3). And when you don’t get the answer you’re looking for, or an answer at all, God’s still on His throne and has a perfect plan for you (*4).

Beloved, periods of grief, heartache, sadness, unhappiness, and misery can be fertile ground for planting new seeds of faith that’ll grow into deep-rooted trees of faith that’ll stand strong and secure in the next storm of life that comes your way. 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 Lovely Tuesday. 😀

CHOF Ministry’s Cross Reference Scriptures

*1. Psalm 11:4

*2. Romans 8:28

*3. Psalm 118:6

*4. Isaiah 55:8

July 30, 2019
“He’s Always Up to Date”

Praise the Lord Beloved. Happy Tuesday!!! 😀

Beloved, are you acquainted with these words? Jesus rightfully proclaimed He’s the bread of life and living water that those who come to Him will never go hungry and thirsty again (*1). 😀 Since “WAY” back in the day to today, people keep on repeating the same old mistake of spending and struggling for things that realistically won’t really bring contentment. Many of you that know me know I love video games.

One time, I worked long hours and saved my money to buy the latest video gaming system. A system that I could effortlessly play any video game I wanted. Little did I know that the feeling of gratification would be brief. Soon after, a better and more powerful gaming system was going to be released making mine seem like a bad purchase. Now, new video games and systems have come out with UHD 4k technology. So, now a UHD 4k television is required to receive the intensive and full design of the video games and their systems – 8k television is soon coming. By God’s grace, I’ve stopped in my tracks and I’ve come to realized that chasing technology will always leave me dissatisfied and deficient. But OOH how thankful we are for God and what He gives, He doesn’t charge, nor does He change (*2). 😀

Beloved, salvation “rescuing, removing, recovering” – redemption in Jesus is a gift to us (*3). Now there’s nothing wrong with updating to replace the outdated but if you don’t want to labor in vain, don’t get all caught up with fashion, and trends. Go to God, and learn to be content and truly happy, He’s always up to date.

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 blessed Tuesday. 😀

CHOF Ministry’s Cross Reference Scriptures

*1. John 6:35 & 7:37

*2. Isaiah 55:1

*3. Romans 3:24

July 23, 2019
“A Genuine Supporter and Friend”

Shalom Aleichem Believers in the Christian faith.

You know Beloved, I can’t count the many times in my life I’ve been in the same situation the man in this morning’s Bible verse was in and at times those conditions still occur. There are times in my life when I can’t complete projects no matter how hard I try. Many times, all I need is a little bit of support, some information or assistance, a friendly word or a smile that inspires.

Beloved, people need supporters – friends. Like that man from the Bible. He needed someone to help him get into the pool, he couldn’t do it alone, and he didn’t have anyone. There are many of you who have family and friends that support you. I’m speaking of the family and friends who are always there to help or support. You know I’m asked to help or support all kinds of things from family issues or plans to other friends and ministry issues and plans, but most of the time I’m on my own. The good thing is that there’s one special supporter – friend that will never fail me or you – our Lord Jesus Christ. He’s always there to give me a helping hand, an encouraging, inspiring supportive word for needed directions and information.

Beloved, He’s the one that put me into my pool and if you need someone that’s closer than a brother or sister, He’s a genuine supporter and friend that will stick by you through thick and thin. He’ll never turn His back on you, and He doesn’t have any hidden agendas. Sometimes He does it through others, sometimes through little phenomena that’ll come out of nowhere, but you can always be assured He’ll be there and be there right on time too.

Shalom

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 Terrific Tuesday. 😀

July 16, 2019
“God Is in Unexpected Places”

Praise the Lord Beloved!!!

What an awesome day to serve the Lord!!! 😀

A few days ago I was in a department store and a lady, I hadn’t seen in years walked up to me spoke and started talking to me – I could not remember her name for nothing!!! After our conversation I guiltily asked First Lady, Donece what her name was. Beloved, have you ever seen somebody you knew but couldn’t recall who they were, what was their name, or how you knew them? I have met many people in my 60 plus years and there have been occurrences when I have recognized someone visually but not internally. Well, I believe in a sense this feeling is similar to that of the disciples when they saw Jesus on the beach the morning this story in history took place. (*1.)

Just as the disciples found difficulty in identifying God, we sometimes do too. I saw a commercial on social media about a little boy who left home one morning to search for God. On his search, he finds himself sharing a Twinkie snack cake with an elderly woman. When the commercial ends, both the boy and the elderly woman tell their friends they unexpectedly saw God today. (*2)

Beloved, it’s an awesome thing, seeing God in unexpected places, isn’t it? 😀

Amen? – Aaamen. 😀

Let us Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father, from time to time we get so wrapped up in the world around us that we miss those special moments when You reveal Yourself to us while sharing a moment with someone we just met or on a shoreline like the disciples. As we live our lives help us recognize You better.

In Jesus’ Name I Pray, Amen and Aaamen.

Have a great Friday and blessed Weekend.

http://www.chofministry.net

CHOF Ministry’s Cross Reference Scriptures

*1. John 21:4

*2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9N8OXkN0Rk

July 12, 2019
“Personally, Adjudicating Your Neighbor”

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

You know Beloved, it’s very, very – VERY, easy to discover and intensify the errors of others, especially when it overshadows our own weaknesses and inadequacies. Actually, it’s easy to insult or criticize someone at the expense of their misfortune(s) “especially if we dislike them”, while we ignore our own failures. Beloved, if you claim the Christian faith these kinds of acts can’t and shouldn’t be taken lightly!!! It’s wrong and a very serious misguided step on your spiritual journey. You see, trying to make yourselves look better or standout, by employing dishonorable means is just outright wrong and only smears “YOUR” character and reputation. This is “hypocrisy” at its best, which our Savior avoided and ignored and repetitively warned His disciples about!!!

Now, don’t get me wrong here, I’m not saying stop applying godly discernment, and good old common sense, to discern right from wrong, to differentiate between ethical ideologies and unscrupulous corruption. But what “I am saying” is you should NEVER judge your neighbor from a predetermined, impartial, or instigated platform. Fact is many of you insult or criticize a person or people you’ve never personally met or spoken to, so you don’t know their life’s story- THIS IS WRONG ON SO MANY LEVELS. Your information is from gossip-hearsay “he said – she said” mess!!! (*1)

Beloved, there’s only one magistrate and that is the Lord. (*2)

Someone out there may be asking: So, Bishop Houston, who is my neighbor? – “Well I’m Glad You asked. 😀 It’s everyone!!! Whether a friend or rival, a Believer or not, rich or poor. We as Christians should treat everyone alike with unconditional loving kindness.

To put it simply, just don’t speak evil against one another. Remember, with each judgment we make of our neighbor, the exact same measure will be handed to us. (*3)

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 wonderful Monday and a great week. 😀

CHOF Ministry’s Cross Reference Scriptures

*1. Leviticus 19:16, James 1:26, Proverbs 10:18, Romans 1:29-32

*2. James 4:11-12

*3. Matthew 7: 2

July 8, 2019