C H O F Ministry

Tag: Psalm

  • “Camouflaged Message”

    Question: Bishop Houston, I have been told that the Bible is filled with mysterious codes. Are there any camouflaged codes or messages in the Bible?

    Answer: Great Question!!!

    Beloved, one of the foundational qualities of the Bible, is its clarity (sometimes called lucidity). That means Scripture’s central teachings are straightforward enough to be understood without the need for specialized expertise or church-sanctioned explanations.

    The Bible frequently speaks about its clarity. Psalm 119:130 (AMP) says, “The unfolding of Your [glorious] words give light; Their unfolding gives understanding to the simple (childlike).” I have better understanding and deeper insight than all my teachers [because of Your word], For Your testimonies, are my meditation. – *Psalm 119:99 (AMP).

    Psalm 19:7 (NCV) teaches, “The teachings of the Lord are perfect; they give new strength. The rules of the Lord can be trusted; they make plain people wise.”

    The concept of camouflaged codes or messages in the Bible refutes everything. Some men and women try to control the openness to the real message of the Bible to elevate so-called specialists. They’re supposed to decipher the cryptic messages God “hid” in the Scriptures. But such “specialists” aren’t needed because the Bible contains no camouflaged words or codes.

    A camouflaged code theory works like a typical hidden word game – obscure words are supposedly embedded diagonally within the Hebrew text. But that’s as foolish as turning your daily newspaper into a word-search puzzle and anticipating finding meaningful stories mysteriously hidden in it. Newspapers aren’t written to deliver camouflaged messages, and neither was the Bible. Both should be read using ordinary rules of language.

    Now there are concepts in the Bible that are hard to understand – even the Apostle Peter admitted that in 2 Peter 3:15. But the way to discover the meaning of those hard passages isn’t by seeking out camouflaged messages, but by engaging in a conscientious study that correctly handles the word of truth – *2 Timothy 2:15.

    So Beloved, “Believe!!!” The Bible is clear, and even the most naive reader can understand it. God wants you to understand the Bible, and He has provided the Holy Spirit as a guide. After all, “Man doesn’t live by bread alone, but…by everything that proceeds out of the mouth of the LORD” – *Deuteronomy 8:3.

    Beloved, I hope my answer has helped you.
    Thank you for your question.
    Bishop, W. F. Houston, Jr.

  • “Inhabiting an Exuberant Life”

    12 8 2019 week 1 Bishop Houston's Sunday Morning Church Psalm 19 8.png
    Beloved, to realize and recognize your life is on the correct path is a cause for immeasurable jubilation.

    Now, allow me to ask you a question: What creates your jubilation? Believe it or not, your answer uncovers much about your responsibilities, focus, and path your life is moving toward spiritually. In Psalm. 1:1-3 the psalmist wrote, “How blessed [happy] is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law, he meditates day and night. And he will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers.” That psalmist also knew that genuine jubilation and contentment come from recognizing, and understanding God, and standing on His Word. That was David’s confidence when he wrote Psalm 19:8): “The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart.” Now the “precepts” in that verse speaks of divine values and procedures for integrity and behavior.

    Beloved, God created you and knows how you must live to give glory to Him. And He revealed in His Word every precept you must know to do so. Every divine precept is “RIGHT.” It shows you the path that is right and true. What amazing confidence that is!!! There may be many around you that’s depressed, disappointed, or unhappy and hopeless because of the absence of direction and purpose in their life. Psalm 119:105 delivers hope and direction, it says: “God’s Word is a lamp to your feet and a light to your path.” The Word of God directs you through and beyond the complicated and challenging puzzles of life and gives your life eternal significance.

    Beloved, don’t live merely for your own pleasures. Your life has a high and holy purpose, and it can fill each day with joy as you see that purpose develop.

    Let Us Pray:
    Dear Heavenly Father, help us know of Your eternal aim today and every day. Direct us to the person or people who need Christ and are feeling a lack of purpose in his or her life. 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 you love and tell them you love them, BECAUSE TELLING THEM LATER JUST MIGHT BE – TOO LATE. I LOVE YOU ALL!!!

    Have a Fantastic Sunday Everyone!!! ✝️❤️😊

  • “Are You Angry At God?”

    10 14 2019 Psalm 10 1 Are You Angry At God
    Praise The Lord Beloved. Happy Monday.

    I attended a vigil a couple of weeks ago for a 6-year-old child killed in a drive-by as she slept. There were many angry, hurt, and demoralized people in the wake. People that are tired of the gun violence that has destroyed the lives of many especially innocent children in our inner city. A young man and his wife approached me and told me they too lost their son and a nephew to gun violence and their faith in God was very limited. They told me they were upset with God for continuing to allow little innocent children to be murdered. I could sense their rage and I allowed them to voice their frustration. I asked them if I could pray with them and they refused and walked away.

    Beloved, there are times in many of our lives when tragedy, hardship, or seeing the evil in the world make us angry. For many people, sometimes that anger gets turned towards God. How could He allow this? If He’s so good, why do these things happen? Honestly, I don’t think that voicing anger is a bad thing. God is the truth and I don’t think He faults us when we’re honest about our feelings. In the Bible King David often brought his grievances to God. In fact, many of them became scripture – just look at Psalms.

    So, the next time you feel angry about something that has happened, take it to God. He can handle your questions, but keep in mind that He’s your Father and we must always be respectful. It’s better when we give it to God because He listens, and He cares. He can replace your anger with peace. Amen? Aaamen. ✝️❤️😊

    Let Us Pray:

    Dear Heavenly Father, thank You, for hearing our pleas even when we don’t understand and bring our anger to You. Help us to let You exchange our anger with Your peace and to trust in You. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen and Aaamen.

    I really appreciate your agape love, moral support, encouragement, and prayers. I humbly say “THANK YOU.”

    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 Monday and an “AWESOME” week everyone.

  • “Stay Focused on What’s Perpetual”

    Tuesday 7 9 2019 Let Us Pray Psalm 73 3.pngPraise the Lord Beloved. Happy Tuesday:-D

    You know I can really, really relate to this verse and actually all of Psalm 73.
     
    Sometimes, when I’m having solemn moments or I’m concerned, disappointed or worried, envy finds a way to weave itself into my heart and tries to rewrite my spiritual notes. This happens especially when I see selfish – egotistical and conceited people living at ease and thriving. They speak with malice, they have no compassion, they despise God, they won’t go to any Christian edifice, and they dislike spiritual virtue. Yet they’re successful and enjoy life fully. It seems like nothing harms them. It’s like being evil shelters them from evil. How many of you out there know what I’m talking about? 😀
    As a Christian, I can’t stand feeling envious, so I find great comfort in this Psalm because I realize that even the great King David struggled with it. So, what did he do? He complained to God. 😀 And God showed him that the riches and all success of the selfish – egotistical and conceited people are brittle and could be wiped out in a moment. “They’re like a dream when one awakes”. On the other hand, despite all of our troubles, we can rest assured that God is holding our hand and that He’s our fortifier, establisher, and provisioner. What more could we want? 😀
     
    Beloved, keep your eyes on what’s perpetual, don’t miss the mark looking at spiritually dead trees. 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 blessed Tuesday. 😀

  • “Are You Really Connected?”

    Bishop Houston Grow in Christ weekd logo picture 2222.pngPraise the Lord Beloved – Happy Friday to Everyone!!! 😀
    What a joy and honor to start the day with you.

    **I have changed the title of the “Weekend Word” to “Grow in Christ Jesus” **
    My focus is to present a more spiritual comprehensive concept that will produce a vivid spiritual thought going into the weekend.

    You know Beloved, everyone has their way to serve God. *BUT ARE YOU REALLY CONNECTED – HOW’S YOUR TRUE RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD? * Is He just a temporary generator in your life or a place holder? Is He there until something else you feel requires more attention – you remove the connection with God and plug into what you sense is more valuable to focus on.

    Beloved, nothing and no one cares more about you than God!!! Staying connected to Him should be as important to you as paying your utilities bills. Just as you need electric to energize your home you need God (The Word – Jesus Christ) to keep your life energized proficiently and properly. Now, I know there are many of you that have stored up lots of intellectual information about the Bible, and that’s important, but that’s not the main issue. And I’m sure there are many of you saying: “Bishop Houston, I serve the Lord”. That’s also necessary. There are many of you that give generously to the spiritual edifice of your choice, and that too is another significant of Christian life. But, what matters is the depth of your “PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP” with the Lord. Beloved, let me tell you, KNOWLEDGE, SERVICE, AND TITHING, can never replace the intimacy with God.

    You know, the psalmist King understood this truth, and it strengthen him in times of trouble. You see when his son Absalom tried to take over the throne, David ran to the wilderness, where he wrote the words in Psalm 3, 6, – “(3) But You O Lord are a shield around me… (6) I am not afraid of ten thousand enemies (people) who surround (are against) me on every side”. Beloved, He knew that even during strong adversity he could count on God’s unfailing love and protection.

    Beloved, you’ll see repeatedly throughout David’s psalm his unwavering dependence on the Lord. IT WAS HIS PASSION!!! –  not his physical strength, charisma (magnetic personality or charm), or his ability to command an army (pastor a church/ministry large or small) that made him a great man. And let me add this also, even though he had MANY, MANY failures in life, but, we find in the Bible (1 Samuel 13:14, Acts 13:22) describe him as “a man after God’s own heart”. Beloved, don’t let the people of world convince you that you’re worthless an outcast, or you’ll never be a productive citizen because you’ve been to jail, prison, was on drugs, was involved in prostitution or have committed a crime of some kind that you’re a bad/corrupt person and you cannot connect to God or have a personal relationship with God. That’s a lie from the bottomless pits of hell!!!

    Beloved, staying connect and having a real relationship with God requires more than being a goodie to shoe, volunteering your services, giving money to kingdom work. God wants to know you personally. Now, don’t get me wrong here, the tangible expressions of your devotions are important. BUT, they should be the result of a mature relationship secured by a proper connection with God.

    Beloved, this weekend secure you connection with God. Seek Him first, and believe me, the rest will follow. 😀

    Have a blessed Weekend Everyone. 😀

  • CHOF Ministry’s Morning Bible Verse

    Bible verse.png

  • “The Greatest Attorney”

    Beloved, God is your Heavenly Lawyer. He’ll protect and secure you against the opponent’s contention. Accept and hold on to His help, support, and eternal fortified strength today.

    Beloved, it’s an awesome feeling when we have a great attorney that has never lost a case representing us.

    god-is-my-lawyer