C H O F Ministry

Tag: Romans

  • “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. 😀
     

  • “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. 😀

  • “Our God Is Unbiased”

    7 31 2019 Our God is Unbiased
    Praise the Lord Believers in the Christian faith.

    You know Beloved, people are predisposed to treat others in a different way created by external criteria such as looks, assets, or social status, but God is utterly unbiased. He never shows nepotism and always judges righteously.

    Nepotism can be defined as a favored or privileged attitude and treatment of a person or group over another having equal claims and rights. It’s plain and simple, unpardonable discrimination – prejudice. In James Chapter 2, James confronts it as sin and admonishes us to avoid it at all costs (*1).

    God’s detachment from nepotism is seen throughout Scripture. Let me give you a few examples: Moses said to the people of Israel, “The Lord your God is the God of gods and the Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God who does not show partiality, nor take a bribe. He executes justice for the orphan and the widow and shows His love for the alien by giving him food and clothing. So, show your love for the alien, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt” (*2). Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, warned his judges to rule with an unbiased attitude because God Himself has “no part in unrighteousness, or partiality” (*3).

    Beloved, God’s unbiased characteristic is also seen in His generous unconditional offer of salvation to people of “every” race. In Acts chapter 10 Peter says, “I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality, but in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right, is welcome to Him” (*4).

    God is also impartial in judgment. In Romans 2 it says that God will bring “tribulation and distress for every soul of man who does evil – but glory and honor and peace to every man who does good. For there is no partiality with God” (*5).

    Beloved, our text this morning is a judicious admonition because prejudice, discrimination, and bigotry are pervasive evils in our society – both inside and outside the church. I pray that God will use what I’ve spoken to you to help you, protect you, and bring light to nepotism and understand influences and strengthen your commitment to godly living. May God Add Blessings to the readers and doers of His Holy Word.

    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.

    CHOF Ministry’s Cross Reference Scriptures
    *1. James 2:1-13
    *2. Deut. 10:17-19
    *3. 2 Chron. 19:7
    *4. Acts 10:34-35
    *5. Romans 2:9-11

  • “Called According”

    Called according to His Purpose Romans