C H O F Ministry

Tag: Prayer

“Loyal To Love”

Beloved, as a reconditioned man my moral dedication is to follow the Words of The Bible. Many of you that have followed me through the years know I’ve written a book, produced many Christian video slide presentations, I’ve posted thousands upon thousands of Christian devotions, inspirational readings, blogs, articles and I’ve even dropped a couple of albums and singles to help my followers and readers understand the people in our Spiritual Faith and how God desires the Believer to respond or react to daily living here on earth. I’ve tried to respectfully set a tone to always humbly display a heart (mind and emotions) of “Agape” love for the saved and unsaved people.

I dedicate my time and effort to reassure the people in the faith, help people who are struggling in (with) the faith or who has yet to transform their faith in Jesus. I hope that my brief daily dedication places a powerful desire for people to stay connected, reconnect or get connected to the Holy Spirit who directs to the pathway(s) God desires us to go.

I’m prayerfully asking God everyday for the day that we can worship Him together.

You know I’ve read so much of Paul’s work that (not realizing it) – I’ve pretty much adopted his kind of love. In Romans 9:2-3 (NLT) in Paul’s letter to the church in Rome says: “My heart is filled with bitter sorrow and unending grief,” he goes on to say, “for my people, my Jewish brothers and sisters. I would be willing to be forever cursed—cut off from Christ! —if that would save them.”

Beloved, Paul loved the Jewish people so much that he would have chosen separation from God if only they would accept Christ. He understood that by rejecting Jesus, his people were rejecting the one true God. This is what motivated him to appeal to his readers to share the good news of Jesus with everyone 10:14-15 (AMP) says: *14 But how will people call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how will they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher (messenger)? *15 And how will they preach unless they are commissioned and sent [for that purpose]? Just as it is written and forever remains written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things!”

Beloved today as you head to your local edifice, may we prayerfully dedicate ourselves to the love that aches for those close to us!!!

***Bishop Houston’s Perception About Today’s Scripture

You know, Paul’s concern that his Jewish brothers and sisters would come to Christ reverberates the mental, emotional and plan of the Father for both Jew and Gentile (saved and unsaved). Hebrews 2:9 tells us that Jesus “was made lower than the angels for a little while, [and is] now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.”

Beloved, God’s concern is for everyone to come to Him through the sacrifice of His Son. This idea resonates with Peter, who declared in 2 Peter 3:9, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” Look at God’s huge concern for this wrecked, unruly world. Not only has He provided in Jesus a sufficient sacrifice, He also extends patient love to people who don’t know Him. Actually, John 3:16 says it best, this is evidence of a God who so loved this world that He would pay the greatest possible price to satisfy His desire to reach to us. Beloved, this is the great good news of the gospel!!

Let us Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father, this morning we ask You to fill our hearts with Your love for others. We hold our family, friends and associates up to You and plead for them to see the truth about Your Son Jesus.

*Beloved, we must love those for whom Christ died as well as those in whom Christ lives.

March 10, 2019
“You Can Stand on God’s Firm Foundation”

Praise the Lord and HAPPY FRIDAY Everyone!!! What a great day to bring joy to the Lord.

You know Beloved, faith, repentance, prayer, and righteous living are the building blocks that grant us the privilege to stand firmly on the foundation of God’s joy. When we establish these essential elements God is happy, and when God is happy, we have the privilege to stand firmly on the foundation of His joy. These are the vital building blocks that bring God joy.

So this weekend, stay motivated by trying to find ways that will bring God joy. And remember the God of this universe enjoys watching you stand on His firm foundation of joy.

Have blessed weekend Everyone.

December 21, 2018
“I’m God All By Myself”

Genesis 18:14 – Is anything too hard for the LORD? . . .

One day, I was in my backyard on a beautiful, sunny day, preparing to do one of my favorite pastimes – ‘barbecue’. I was just adoring the blue sky when all of the sudden, out of nowhere, it began to rain even though there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. Beloved, it was as blue as can be. The sun was out and very bright. But for about three minutes, there was this serious downpour. I said, “WOW, where in the world is this rain coming from?”

It was like God was saying, “I can make it rain whenever I want to. I can use a little cloud, a big cloud or no cloud. I’m God. I’m the most powerful Creator of the world. When I say rain, I don’t need a cloud. When I say you’re cured, I don’t have to have medicine. When I say pay raise or promotion, I don’t need your boss’s approval. When I say abundance, I don’t need a bank. I’m not limited by the natural. I’m a supernatural God and I’m God all by myself.”

Beloved, whatever you’re facing today, I want you to know that God has the answer no matter what things look like in the natural. Trust Him because He can make a way where there seems to be no way. He can make something out of nothing, and He doesn’t need a cloud to make it rain!!!

CHOF Ministry Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, I honor You today because You’re worthy. I trust that You’re working behind the scenes on my behalf. I believe that You can make a way out of no way, and I look for You to rain down blessings in every area of my life.
In Jesus’ mighty name I pray, Amen and Amen.

December 18, 2018
“You Can Change the Score Card of Life”

Philippians 3:13-14 (NLT) – (13) No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, (14) I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

Many people aren’t living a championship life, not because there’s something wrong with them, but because they’ve been hooked on the wrong thoughts, opinions or ideas. They start believing the lies, “I’m not talented. I don’t look good enough. I’m not smart enough. I don’t have a good personality. I’ve made too many mistakes.” Our wrong thinking can keep us from our destiny.

Beloved, if you’re going to live a championship life, you’ve got to know how to change the game of life around to remove the deficit that’s on your life’s score card.

When that thought comes that says, “You’re just normal, you’re just an everyday person.” Change the game of life around, put your winning game face on – get into a winner’s mentality and say, “I’m a winner, I’m the MVP on my playing field of life.” When you hear, “You’re old and washed up. Time has passed you by. Change the game of life around to remove the deficit that’s on your life’s score card and say, “My impending days will be perkier and happier than my past.” Beloved, if you’ll remove your defeated attitude and remove those that are not trying to help you win, your life will go to a championship level, and you’ll experience the blessings God has stored up for champions.

CHOF Ministry Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me and making me in Your image. Today, I choose to change my life’s score card. I choose to remove any undesirable thoughts about myself, I choose to remove the people, places, and things that are disruptive to my championship mentality. I choose to declare what You say about me, so I can walk and live the championship life that You have prepared for me.

In Jesus’ mighty name I pray, Amen and Amen.

December 4, 2018
“The Truth”

CHOF Ministry’s Verse for Today
1 John 1:8-9 (NLT)
(8) If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. (9) But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.

Praise the Lord Beloved. Happy Monday to Everyone. I do hope you had a blessed weekend and I hope this week will grant each of you your desires according to the will of God.

There was a sitcom back in the 70s that is still in syndication today called Sanford and Son and one of the characters on the show was Aunt Esther and one of her favorite lines was “Tell the Truth and The Truth Will Set You Free!” I’m sure many of you like myself have heard this saying or may have said it yourself.

It’s true the truth shall set you free. But allowing the wrongs of yesteryears to make its home in our life, even though true, is like imprisoning ourselves. Beloved, this is detrimental. You know, back in the day when my wife and I were still newlyweds, we were both strong willed and opinionated. Our arguments would would leave the platform we started at and become irrational “down right unreasonable” that’s because instead of focusing on the root of it – or the platform it started, we would bring up ancient history. Attached with anger, faults of the past were dug up and old-healed-wounds are re- scratched and the pain of old returns. To prevent escalation, we separated ourselves she would remain quiet in her area and I’d act like I was immune to hurtful the words. We would weather the storm and hope for a rainbow in the end. After the situation subsided, the realization of the truth often sets in. We confess and forgiven one another’s shortcomings before the Lord.

Beloved, bringing back pieces of baggage from the past is just pointless!!! It took awhile for us to overcome this unhealthy cycle. The first step was both of us admitting neither of us was without sin or flaws. Let us not deceive ourselves with self-righteousness and putting the blame on others. Humbly confess your sins to the Lord, repent, and welcome Jesus, and let the Holy Spirit – the words of God “The Truth” reside in you.

Here’s my prayer for today:

Dear Heavenly Father, please eliminate all dishonesty and self-righteousness in me. I confess all of my sins to You and promise to repent. Thank You Lord, for Your faithfulness and forgiveness.

In Jesus’ powerful Name we pray. Amen and Amen.

Have a blessed Monday Everyone.

October 1, 2018
“Gently Spoken Words”

Our spiritual topic this morning is entitled: “Gently Spoken Words.”
This morning’s verse is Ephesians 4:29 (AMP) and it reads this way:
“building up others, according to the need and the occasion…”

I was on a flight coming from Texas back to Cleveland, Ohio and as I took my seat I noticed a young man who was very nervous and trembling as he sat down in his seat. His eyes were moving back and forth from the airplane windows back to the back of the airplane. After several minutes passed he closed his eyes and took a deep breath, trying to calm himself—but it didn’t work. As our plane took off, he slowly rocked back and forth. An older woman across the aisle from him put her hand on his arm and gently engaged him in conversation to divert his attention from his stress. “What’s your name?” “Where are you from?” “We’re going to be okay,” and “You’re doing well” were a few things she gently spoke. She could have been irritated with him or ignored him. But she chose a touch and a few words. Little things. When we landed 4 hours later, he told the lady thank you so much for helping him.

You know Beloved, beautiful pictures of tenderheartedness can be very hard to find. Kindness doesn’t come naturally to many us. Our primary concern is often ourselves. Ephesians 4:32 the apostle Paul urged, “Be kind and compassionate to one another.” Now, he wasn’t saying it all depends on us. No!!!

It’s not until after we’ve been given a new life by our faith in Jesus, is when the Spirit begins a transformation. Kindness is the ongoing work of the Spirit renewing our thoughts and attitudes. Ephesians 4:23 (AMP) says: and be continually renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh, untarnished mental and spiritual attitude].

Beloved, the God of empathy is at work in our hearts (mind and emotions), allowing us in turn to touch others’ lives by reaching out and gently speak words of encouragement

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, use me today to bring someone hope, a lighter burden, encouragement.

Standing on the foundation of Your Mighty Words, I pray
Amen and Amen.

* After each CHOF Bible Fellowship Sunday Morning word, I present to you “CHOF Ministry’s Sunday Morning Reflection.” I will give you my brief observation/reflection of the CHOF Bible Fellowship Sunday Morning word. While you’re there you can also read prayers, Bible verses, and even devotions.

CHOF Ministry is here to help you feed your spiritual cravings.

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Have a Blessed Sunday Everyone. 😀

August 19, 2018
Monday Morning Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, You’re our God. You instruct and guide us, and our trust remains in you even when many needs pull at our hearts and try to draw us into their vortex. Pas I pray please protect us. May Your divine hand oversee us so that we remain aware of the calling we receive from You and always have a light shining into our lives to show us how to serve You.

Father God let your power work wherever hearts respond to You on this earth, wherever the strength of Jesus Christ is revealed, so that people acknowledge His deeds to Your honor. Be with the lowliest and least noticed of Your children. Keep them in Your hands and enable them to be fellow workers who persevere courageously and confidently until the time when You reveal Yourself to all peoples on earth.

In Jesus’ Mighty Name I Pray- Amen and Amen.

Have a blessed Monday Everyone. 😀

August 13, 2018
“I Got This!!!”

Yesterday after service a brother stopped me as I was headed out the door to my car, he called out “Bishop Houston, can I talk to you before you leave?” I stopped and waited for him to catch up to me. He said, “Bishop, it happened to me!!! I didn’t think it could happen to me!!! But it did!!!” So, I told him to slow down, catch his breath and let’s take it from the top. He said, I don’t know how or when I lost focus, but I got involved with this ol’ girl and it’s about to destroy my marriage. I never thought anything like this would ever happen to me.

Beloved, He’s not alone. You see, it’s very easy to think we’re immune to sin and temptation.

That’s because we apprehend a disorder called, “I GOT THIS SYNDROME”.

Many of us go to church and try to live right. Sometimes we even shake our heads when others fall into sin, and more than one Christian has said, “That will never happen to me – I GOT THIS.” But, that’s when we become tremendously susceptible. In Galatians 6:1, Paul warns us against the I GOT THIS SYNDROME, he says, “Watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted”.

Beloved, I just love Psalm 51:10-13 especially verse 10: “create in me a pure heart and renew a right spirit within me”. We all would do well if we made David’s prayer in verses 10-11 our daily prayer. No matter how strong we might think we are or what our good intentions might be, we’re no match for Satan.

Beloved, David was speaking from experience when he prayed, “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.”

This week why don’t you take some time to memorize that prayer or do what I do when I want to remember something, write it out and put it on your refrigerator door or put it on your bathroom mirror. Pray it often.

Beloved, it’s only with the assistance of the Holy Spirit do we have the power to resist temptation.

Will you pray with me?

Let’s pray:

Dear Heavenly Father, “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a right (correct) spirit within me. Don’t remove me from Your presence or take Your Holy Spirit from me.”

In Jesus’ Mighty Name I Pray,

Amen and Amen.

July 30, 2018
Morning Prayer

July 8, 2018
“Be Hesitant to Criticize Others”

Our spiritual topic this morning is called, “Be Hesitant to Criticize Others” and this morning’s CHOF Bible Fellowship verse is Matthew 7:1.
Matthew 7:1 reads this way: Do not judge, or you too will be judged.

You know Beloved, at one time I was very quick to judge anyone I saw walking in the street while staring at a phone. I’ve said to myself on many occasions, “How could they be so unaware of the cars that are about to hit them? Don’t they care about their own safety?

But one day, my youngest sister sent me a text message as I was leaving a local Wal-Mart. As I was crossing the street to go to the parking lot – headed to my car, I was so engrossed in her text message, that I missed seeing a car at my right. Thankfully, the driver saw me and came to an abrupt stop. Beloved let me tell you, after I got in to my car, I felt ashamed. You see, all my self-righteous finger-pointing came back to haunt me. I had judged others, only to do the same thing myself.
My hypocrisy is the kind of thinking that Jesus addressed in the Sermon on the Mount: Matthew 7:5 says: “First take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” Beloved, I had a huge “plank”, a huge blind spot through which I judged others with my own impaired judgment.
Matthew 7: 2 Jesus also said: “For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged.” I recall the disgusted look on the driver’s face that day, after having to make an abrupt stop when I walked in front of his car, I’m reminded of the disgusted looks I gave others engrossed in their phones.
Beloved, none of us is perfect. But sometimes I forget that in my rush to judge others. We’re all in need of God’s grace.

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, please help me to be quicker to comfort or reassure, and slower to judge someone else.
Amen!!! Amen!!!

Have a blessed Sunday. 😀

* After each CHOF Bible Fellowship Sunday Morning teaching I present to you “CHOF Ministry’s Sunday Morning Reflection.” I will give you my observation of the CHOF Bible Fellowship Sunday Morning teaching. You can view it on the links below.

Facebook (www.facebook.com/christianhouseoffaithchof/

CHOF Ministry Website blog page (chofministry.net)

WordPress ( bishopdrwfhoustonjr.wordpress.com)

June 30, 2018