C H O F Ministry

Tag: Sunday

  • “Jehovah Jireh”

    March 22 2020 week 3 and 4 Bishop Houston's Sunday Morning Church Proverbs 6 6 through11
    Praise The Lord Everyone!!! Happy Sunday to you!!! ✝️❤️😊

    In March, we use to have an ant problem in our kitchen. They are very persistent and challenging to eradicate. And the coronavirus reminds me of those ants “hard to get rid of” once it’s engaged. But you know Beloved, to a person trying to remain on the right path, these tiny creatures and this pandemic seem determined or even motivating. If you examine the traits of ants, you’ll find they have numerous attributes people respect, including planning, teamwork, determination, attentiveness, and synchronization.

    Ants are just one illustration of how much the world can teach us about God’s creations; it encompasses abundant proof of His character and principles. Knowing this, Jesus directed His followers’ attention to the birds so that they might think about the foolishness of apprehension (*1). Birds don’t collect or harvest crumb but, instead, believe their food will be provided as it always has been. This manifestation of nature validates that the Lord, who provides for birds, can be reliable to meet His people’s requirements as well even during and after this pandemic.

    Jehovah Jireh – God Will Provide. ✝️❤️

    Let Us Pray:
    Dear Heavenly Father, help us to stay focused on You so that we may see Your principles in the natural world and as we go through this pandemic. Help us to continue to grow and understand what’s going on not just inside our homes but outside them as well. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen and Aaamen.
    ✝️❤️

    To God Be The Glory. Have a Blessed Sunday Everyone.
    ✝️❤️😊

    Bishop Houston’s Sunday Morning Word Bible References:
    *1. Matt. 6:25-26

  • “You Must Change Your Psychological Consciousness”

    March 15 2020 week 3 and 4 Bishop Houston's Sunday Morning Church Judges 16 1 through 21
    Praise The Lord Everyone!!! Happy Sunday to you!!! ✝️❤️😊

     
    Several years ago, I installed a deadbolt lock on the entry coming from the garage of a home we purchased. At that time, it was the securest lock we knew; we felt well-safeguarded!!! But since then times have changed, today many proprietors set up high-tech protection systems, complete with video cameras and motion sensors with night vision.
     
    In biblical times, the city gate played a significant role in safeguarding and protecting the citizens against enemies. To keep an intimidating military out of a walled city, they merely shut and barred the entrance gate.
     
    Beloved, God applies powerful actions. He intensifies His affections. When it comes to His people, God will affectionately refer to His “amazing actions” of love to bring us security. His loving interest for His people is pictured using this same image of a city gate in Psalm 107:15–16 (NLT): “For he broke down their prison gates of bronze; he cut apart their bars of iron.”
     
    That’s what makes Samson’s achievement in our Sunday morning reading so amazing. In Verse 3 of our morning study, we see Samson unaided smashed the gates and pillars of the city of Gaza and walked away with them. The Pillars and beams weighed a total of 400–500 pounds, they were also firmly affixed and fortified. While the Philistines had planned to ambush and capture Samson in Gaza, they never stood a chance. All by himself, he destroyed the city’s primary security.
     
    The Lord had blessed Samson with unbelievable physical strength, but he damaged himself by playing with sin and temptation. That’s maybe why he thought he could get away with sinful mischief. Samson teased Delilah and neglected to pay attention to her betrayals. We see this in verse 16. And in verse 20, we see his moral strength disappears. He disregarded God by telling his secret, disrespecting his Nazirite vow and God’s unique gift of power. Samson’s physical strength completely conflicted tragically with his moral and spiritual weakness.
     
    Beloved, be very conscious of the enemy when it comes to securing the security for your spiritual property. ✝️❤️
     
    Let Us Pray:
    Dear Heavenly Father, this morning, I come to You humbly to once again rely on Your strength. The Coronavirus Pandemic has us all on heightened alert. We need Your protection. Help us to be conscious to and stay alert as we encounter each day and lean on Your strength and not our understanding. COVID-19 is a severe virus. We praise You for being our mighty influential God who has the power to overcome all impediments and, as today’s key verse says, “cuts through bars of iron.”
    In Jesus’ Name, I Pray, Amen and Aaamen. ✝️❤️
     
    To God Be The Glory. Have a Happy Sunday Everyone. ✝️❤️😊
     
    Bishop Houston’s Sunday Morning Word Bible References:
    N/A

  • “Your Mindset Must Change”

    March 1 2020 week 1 and 2 Bishop Houston's Sunday Morning Church Jeremiah 1 6 through 7
    Praise The Lord Everyone!!! Happy Sunday to you!!! ✝️❤️😊

    There were many times people organizations, and cliques confronted Jeremiah with circumstances that placed him in positions he didn’t want to be a part of or pursue. He provided messages God called him to speak, and he understood he would be hated, ignored, or even shunned, and some speeches that didn’t necessarily reflect his views. Even before speaking, he knew some people would blast him for some of the things he would say. We can feel his hesitancy and lack of enthusiasm for many assignments.

    But God had provided him the mindset he was to incorporate. He might have felt unskilled for some assignments, and he might have thought he was an inappropriate person, and others could do the job better. God told Jeremiah that he had an incorrect focus he needed to change his mindset.

    Instead of looking at his personal experiences, aspirations, and capabilities, he was to focus on God. Everywhere he went, Jeremiah was God’s ambassador. His only test was to hear God plainly and do the things He called him to do. His only job was to provide the messages God asked him to deliver and to remain faithful to his assignments.

    Beloved, in many ways, we might feel the same way, perhaps apprehensive, unenthusiastic, incompetent, and exhausted by our challenges and the magnitude of our hostile environment. We may not know what to do or say. We’re aware of our vulnerabilities, sometimes too cognizant. Beloved, we need to stay susceptible to God and in tune with His Spirit so that we can be audacious to accomplish every assignment He gives and always trust entirely in Him. ✝️❤️😊

    Let Us Pray:
    Dear Heavenly Father, please assist me to be a loyal helper. Thank You for providing all that I need. I trust in You. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

    To God Be The Glory. Have a Happy Sunday Everyone. ✝️❤️😊

    Bishop Houston’s Sunday Morning Word Bible References:
    N/A

  • “Reinforcing Your Spiritual Intensity”

    2 16 2020 week 3 and 4 Bishop Houston's Sunday Morning Church 2 Tim 316 AMP

    Praise The Lord Everyone!!! Happy Sunday to you!!! ✝️❤️😊

    Beloved, if you’re one that loves gardening, you know that judicious pruning (clipping and cutting back) stimulates the general development and production of flowers and garden vegetables. In John 15:1-3, Jesus believed His audience knew as much when He said, *”I am the true Vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. *2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that continues to bear fruit, He [repeatedly] prunes, so that it will bear more fruit [even more productive and more exceptional fruit]. *3 You are already clean because of the word which I have given you [the teachings which I have discussed with you]. “(AMP)

    So, what we see here is Jesus comparing believers to branches, which the Father prunes (clipping and cutting back to promote stimulation) for maximum productivity. Beloved, the Word is His pruning shear, which He utilizes with skill and accuracy to eradicate our imperfections and encourage godliness. He wants to eliminate everything from our lives that may impede our spiritual expansion.

    Now in this morning’s focal Bible verse (2 Timothy 3:16), the word translation for “correction” is addressing the reinforcing work of God’s Word. Scripture not only uncovers your sin, but it also reinforces you and reestablishes you to an appropriate spiritual posture. It convicts you and then gives you instructions to build you up again.

    Job 17:9 says, ” “Nevertheless, the righteous will hold to his ways, and he who has clean hands will grow stronger and stronger.” In Acts 20:32, Paul adds, ” … [I commend you] to the word of His grace [the counsel and promises of His unmerited favor]. His grace can build you up and give you the [rightful] inheritance among all those who are sanctified [that is, among those who are set apart for God’s purpose—all believers].”

    Beloved, as the Spirit uses Scripture to uncover transgression in your life, abandon that iniquity and follow what Scripture says to do instead. Your spiritual walk will be reinforced as a result. To aid in that process, 1 Timothy 4:6 (AMP) tells you to be: “constantly nourished [through study] on the words of the faith and of the good [Christian] doctrine…”

    Beloved, I firmly believe that any flaws you have can become areas of immense depth and spiritual intensity as you allow God’s Word to do its sanctifying work within you. ✝️❤️😊

    Let Us Pray:
    Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the rebuilding, reinforcing, restoring power of Your Word. If there’s any area of my life that’s anemic and defenseless to impulsive behavior, I’m acknowledging it now in Your presence, and today I’m asking You to reinforce where I’m weak according to Your Word.
    To God Be The Glory. ✝️❤️😊

    Have a Blessed Sunday Everyone. ✝️❤️😊

    Bishop Houston’s Sunday Morning Word Bible References:
    N/A

  • “Ensued Faithfulness by Extended Family”

    2 9 2020 week 1 Bishop Houston's Sunday Morning Church 2 Timothy 3 10 thru17Praise The Lord Everyone!!! I pray that your Sunday has started blessed in the Lord!!! ✝️❤️😊

    You know, I started the CHOF Ministry over 12 years ago. “I DON’T AND WILL NOT” claim to be the best cleric in the world. What I bring to the spiritual banquet hall is what God has prepared me to provide. I’m thankful for the special opportunity to lead, share, teach, and deliver, Christian spiritual influence to thousands for Christ, I’m also even more thankful for the opportunity to be taught, to humbly sit back and listen to the more spiritually established men and women of God. I thank God for faith believing parents and grandparents. My faith in God was shaped by my parents and grandparents when I was young. They taught me about Jesus. As a young adult, I claimed Christianity but spiritually I’d left the spiritual foundation. I thank God for praying parents, it was the internal flame of my grandparents Rev. C. J. Houston (Granddaddy) and, Mrs. Nancy J. Mills (Momma Nancy) my praying mother Elnoria M. Butler that has kept me coming back each time I would veer off my spiritual path. And I also thank God for great friends and who have never turned their backs on me when I felt friendless, disliked and hopeless. My wife, First Lady, Donece Houston, Arnold Smith Jr. (A.J.), Coach, David Norris Sr. Coach, Clifton Fifer Jr., Elder, Aaron K. Henson, The Late Rev. Troy McKee, and The late Marty (Eli) Benson. And there were others that assisted me indirectly, Dr. Donnie and Jackie Banks, Delana R. Sharron and few family members.

    It’s through their faith and prayers that have helped shape me, taught me, directed me back to the path I abandoned. “I WAS LOST!!! BUT NOW I’M FOUND!!! Hallelujah!!! You never know who, how, where or when God will allow the proper influences onto the course of your life nor when one of them will help you remove the blinders or rose-colored glasses from your eyes to accept Him. The key is to accept Him when you recognize and then confess.

    Today there are many that are thankful for my life’s transformation. But as we all know Satan lives here, evil is the foundation his power is established, and he recruits friends and family 24/7, 365 days and night a year – So there are those that despise me and will despise you because you are no longer hopeless or disliked. Today my life rests on the Word of God. The earnest prayers and Agape love, of God’s sincere people, has been answered as I boldly confess Christ as my Savior. I LOVE the way the Message Bible defines Matthew 10:22-23 (MSG): 21-23 “When people realize it is the living God you are presenting and not some idol that makes them feel good, they are going to turn on you, even people in your own family. There is a great irony here: proclaiming so much love, experiencing so much hate! But don’t quit. Don’t cave in. It is all well worth it in the end. It is not success you are after in such times but survival. Be survivors! Before you’ve run out of options, the Son of Man will have arrived.

    This morning our text encompasses Paul’s charge to young Timothy. The apostle inspired Timothy to maintain his belief in salvation through faith in Jesus. Timothy was also raised up in a Christian family and discovered his faith by being taught by his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice (*1). In 2 Timothy 3:15 Paul says to young Tim: “You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood…”

    Paul also cautioned Timothy. He told him that following Christ loyally would not be easy. Timothy understood and he also knows about the difficulties and sufferings Paul had faced. (*2), and he let him know that he too would face persecution for being a Christian (*3.) Paul realized that any follower and supporter of Jesus would need motivation-encouragement to face the tyrannical world. He encouraged Timothy to persist in what he was taught, studied and understood as a child because of the people he was taught by. (*4).

    Beloved, Paul motivated young Timothy by encouraging him to rely on God’s Word, which was influential in building his faith (*5). Timothy’s family also played a vital role in his life by sharing God’s Word with him and praying for him.

    Beloved, the Scriptures have permanent energy to structure and restructure our lives, provide, prepare, and repair us so that we will be spiritually effective, dynamic, beneficial, and valuable servants of God. As Paul says in 2 Timothy 3:16, they are inspired, God-breathed, so worthy of our time and attention. ✝️❤️😊

    Let Us Pray:
    Dear Heavenly Father, this morning I thank You for allowing us the opportunity to share Your wonderful Words of Wisdom. Thank You for the opportunity to restructure, rebuild and return spiritually. If it wasn’t for the earnest prayers of family and friends that You have allowed to bless our path the opportunity to be spiritually reestablished would not exist. Thank You, God. To You Be The Glory. ✝️❤️😊

    Have a Blessed Sunday Everyone. ✝️❤️😊

    Bishop Houston’s Sunday Morning Word Bible References:
    *1. 2 Tim. 1:5
    *2. 2 Timothy 3:10-11
    *3. 2 Timothy 3:12-13
    *4. 2 Timothy 3:14
    *5. 2 Timothy 3:15

  • “Expressing Thanks and Proclaiming Victory”

    2 2 2020 week 1 through 2 Bishop Houston's Sunday Morning Church 1 Peter 1 3 7
    Bishop, Houston’s Sunday Morning Word

    Praise The Lord Everyone!!! Happy Sunday!!! ✝️❤️😊

    I don’t watch many game shows on T. V. But there’s one that I like to watch from time to time. It’s called Let’s Make a Deal. I’m always interested to see the different costumes the contestants are wearing. The participants compete for the chance to choose a door that conceals a prize. Whoever wins, get a chance to decide to open door 1, 2, or 3. If they chose well, they could receive a dream vacation or a shiny new car. But if they make a bad choice, they could end up with a year’s supply of dog food or a broken-down boat. Most of the times the valuable prize they hoped for isn’t behind the door they’ve chosen.

    During the early Christian days, Christians survived on specific hope in Christ Jesus. This really touched base with Peter, who was an admirer, supporter and close friend of Jesus. Beloved have you ever been dissociated by a family member(s) or someone that you felt was a close friend when certain situations occur or when they’re around pious – uppity people. Well, I have, and I’m still being ostracized by many especially by those that claim to be in the Christian faith – and to the bewilderment of many I’m not dead and I’m still pressing forward in the name of Jesus. ✝️❤️😊

    In Mark 14:66–72 we find after realizing his fiasco by not sanding with Jesus, Peter shifted from the inner circle to the environs. That’s why three days later, the angel told the women at the empty tomb to go “tell his disciples AND Peter” that Jesus was alive (*1). I’m sure Peter was shocked when he heard that not only was Jesus alive, but He too was invited.

    Now we can understand why Peter started his letter in 1 Peter 1:3 talking about his living hope in the living Jesus. For Peter, his life transformed that Sunday morning, and it has transformed for you and me, too. Peter desired the Christians in those days and us too, to understand we should praise the Lord because of Jesus’ authority over sin and death.

    Beloved, 1 Peter 1:4 tells us that our inheritance in Christ Jesus is “kept in heaven,” and it’s so much more than a game show prize. You can now announce the confirmation that the only thing in the grave that was prepared for you is the neatly folded burial clothing that the despised, placed on you. Declare these words if you have victory this morning “The solemn that was planned for me has no entry point anymore!!! Jesus is my victory!!!”

    Beloved, many of us have a reason to give God clear adoration for specific opportunities that have entered into our life. ✝️❤️😊

    Let Us Pray:
    Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for raising Jesus from among the dead. It’s through the death burial and resurrection that I live today. This morning I proclaim boldly and loudly JESUS IS MY VICTORY!!!

    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 enter our earthly room and blow out our candle. So, reach out and touch the ones that need your agape, dissolve the divisions among you, continue to encourage one another, be
    united in the same mind, the same reasoning and continue to build one another up.

    I LOVE YOU ALL!!! Have a fantastic Sunday. ✝️❤️😊

    CHOF Ministry Bible Reference:
    *1. Mark 16:7

  • “The Wisdom of Your Calling”

    1 26 2020 week 3 and 4 Bishop Houston's Sunday Morning Church Eph 1 18
    Praise The Lord Everyone!!! Happy Sunday!!! ✝️❤️😊

    In Ephesians 1:3-14 we find Paul announces the dedication of our salvation. In verse 18 he prays that we’ll understand those great truths, which he encapsulates in the phrase ” the confident hope he has given to those he called.”
    The word “Calling” here describes God’s efficacious calling—the calling that liberates the soul. The scripture speaks of two types of calling: the gospel or universal call and the efficacious or precise call. The gospel call is given by men and is a common call to repent and trust Christ for salvation (*1). It goes out to every sinner but everyone that hears it doesn’t react in faith.
    The efficacious call is given by God only to the elect. Those that are chosen God speaks to their soul, permits protective faith and leads select sinners into salvation (*2). Beloved, all who receive it react in faith.
    The optimism in your powerful calling that inspires is built and justified on the foundation of God’s promises and Christ’s accomplishments (*3) and is exemplified by boldly anticipating yet unwearyingly expecting those promises to be implemented. It’s your hope of decisive veneration and of revealing God’s glory when Christ returns. (*4). It’s a resource of intensity and constancy during the trials of life (*5). And as a result, it should provide you with joy (*6) and motivate you to godly living (*7).
    Have a Blessed Sunday Everyone. ✝️❤️😊
    Let Us Pray
    Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your redemption. This morning I ask that You continue to emphasize in my mind the blessings and assignments You have presented to me as I continue to live in expectation of Christ’s impending return. 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 enter our earthly room and blow out our candle. So, reach out and touch the ones that need your agape, dissolve the divisions among you, continue to encourage one another, be united in the same mind, the same reasoning and continue to build one another up.
    I LOVE YOU ALL!!! Have a fantastic Sunday. ✝️❤️😊
    CHOF Ministry Bible Reference:
    *1. Matt. 28:19, Acts 17:30-31
    *2. John 6:37- 44, 65, Acts 2:39
    *3. 1 Pet. 1:3
    *4. Col. 3:4
    *5. 1 Pet. 3:14-15
    *6. Rom. 5:2
    *7. 1 John 3:3

  • “The Name Above All Names”

    Beloved, everyone wants to make a name for themselves.

    Focal Verse:
    Genesis 11:4 (NLT)
    Then they said, “Come, let’s build a great city for ourselves with a tower that reaches into the sky. This will make us famous and keep us from being scattered all over the world.”

  • “Connecting with Peace Be Unto You”

    12 15 2019 week 1 Bishop Houston's Sunday Morning ChurchJohn 20 21
    Peace to all of you who are in Christ.

    Arriving behind sealed doors, Jesus shows the disciples His wounds. But before He does, He speaks to them to calm down their anxieties, and give them a holy directive. Jesus says “Peace be unto” you twice in John 20. Just think about that for a moment. It’s not until we’re calm down and at peace, we’re able to parallel ourselves with His purpose. When there’s anxiety and worry, we’re self-consumed and incapable of movement.
     
    Beloved, where are you today? Are you behind any self-sealed doors?
     
    We stay behind our sealed doors when we’re transfixed by trepidation, regardless of where that anxiety is entrenched. The comforting words of Christ are never more needed than now for us!!! Listen To His word for you today, “Peace be unto you!!!” Similar to the disciples, it may take hearing that more than once for it to sink in. So, listen to it again, “Peace be unto you!!!” Inhale it. Meditate on it right now. Stay here until you sense His peace surrounding your heart and calming your spirit. Because if moving forward without it will only create impatient activity and desperate confusion. When we’re experiencing the peace of Christ in our lives, we’re ready to associate ourselves with His purpose. Just think about this: the directive of Jesus for us is already affiliated with His. He’s given us permission to carry on His aim, according to His stipulations. The enthusiasm to be on His team will only find its way into your heart if you have His peace. Beloved, if it’s not with you, there’s no better time than now to ask Him for it!!!
     
    Let Us Pray:
    Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your peaceful words and directions. Today I have a purpose and it’s a joy to be connected and aligned with You. 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 enter our earthly room and blow out our candle. So, reach out and touch the ones that need your agape, dissolve the divisions among you, continue to encourage one another, be united in the same mind, the same reasoning and continue to build one another up.
     
    I LOVE YOU ALL!!! Have a blessed Sunday. ✝️❤️😊

  • “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!!! ✝️❤️😊