C H O F Ministry

Tag: Sunday

  • “Recognizing the Actual Adversary”

    11 24 2019 week 1 Bishop Houston's Sunday Morning Church Ephesains 6 12

    Occasionally in the heat of fight (disagreement, argument), we might lose the focus on who the real enemy is.

    Beloved, it’s important that you don’t mistake the prisoners of war with the adversary.
     
    Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that our struggle (fight) isn’t against sinful people, but against the evil system and the supernatural forces that influence their attitudes and actions.
     
    In his attack on the kingdom of God, Satan has assembled a highly established army of fallen angels. In Ephesians 6:12 Paul categorized them as “rulers… powers… world forces of this darkness… spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” This isn’t a comprehensive explanation of Satan’s chain of command but a universal indicator of its world power and complexity.
     
    It’s clear that “rulers” and “powers” are high – ranking demons. “World forces of this obscurity” are conceivably demons who penetrate a variety of diplomatic systems of the world, attempting to supervise human leaders to contradict God’s plans – this includes church leaders, family leaders, and employers. Daniel 10:13 gives us a great example with a demon called “the prince of the kingdom of Persia.” He resisted God’s angelic messenger to Daniel until Michael the archangel came to the rescue.
     
    “Spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places” possibly refers to demons taking part in the most disgusting and twisted kinds of sins: blatant immorality, deliberate disobedience, occult practices, Satan worship.
     
    Beloved, those who reject Christ and God are naïve prisoners of war–caught, imprisoned, organized, equipped and trained by the enemy to achieve his purposes. Sadly, when he’s done with them, he’ll leave them to an eternal hell.
     
    You probably know a few nonbelievers and skeptics who enjoy laughing at you, making fun of your faith and making life difficult for you. Although that’s hard to take, be patient and don’t become embittered toward them. Ask God to make you an instrument of His love as you reach out to them. Also, pray that God will eliminate their spiritual impaired vision so they can see past Satan’s lies and acknowledge their need for a Savior.
     
    Let Us Pray:
    Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for delivering us from the domain of darkness and transferring us into the kingdom of Your Beloved Son. Father God, we’re asking You to use us today to break through Satan’s deception in someone’s 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 Terrific Sunday Everyone!!! ✝️❤️😊

  • “Connecting Hope to God”

    11 10 2019 week 1 Bishop Houston's Sunday Morning Church Connecting Hope to God
    Beloved, proper love will reject human malfunction as being definitive.

     
    I’ve found that even when faith weakens, hope comes to liberate. It’s that long cord that keeps us connected to the sovereignty and power of God. In 1 Peter 1:3 the apostle Peter wrote to believers who were experiencing severe trials. To encourage them, he began, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”
     
    Beloved, our hope is a living hope because our God is a living God. NO MATTER how depressing your situation might seem, God is at work to complete His purposes. As Christ hung on that old rough cross, it seemed as if sin had finally prevailed over righteousness. But sin’s best hour became its death ring when Christ arose from the grave as Lord of life and Redeemer of His people. Romans 8:11 says: Now “He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal [body] through His Spirit who indwells you.” Trials and death have no power over you Beloved. They bring you closer to Christ.
     
    When you’re ministering to others, hope gives you confidence that as long as there’s life, human failure is never final. God refused to accept Israel’s failures, Jesus refused to accept Peter’s, and Paul refused to accept that of the Corinthians. When your attempts to cover the sins of others have failed, or it has destroyed your righteous expectations, hope says, “DON’T GIVE UP!!! God can still work this out for good.”
     
    Hope is demonstrated in the true story of a dog thrown out at the airport of a large city. He stayed there for over five years, waiting for his master to return. People at the airport fed and cared for him, but he refused to leave the spot where he last saw his master. Beloved, if a dog’s love for his master can produce that kind of hope, how much more should your love for God produce enduring hope?
     
    Let Us Pray:
    Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your sovereignty and power, and for the hope that’s Yours in Christ. 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 and tell them you love them, BECAUSE TELLING THEM LATER JUST MIGHT BE – TOO LATE. I LOVE YOU ALL!!!
     
    Have a wonderful Sunday. 😀

  • “Exhibiting Selfless Faith”

    10 13 2019 week 2 Bishop Houston's Sunday Morning Church Exibiting Selfless Faith

    Beloved, both Abraham and Rahab cherished their faith in God above anything. Both were willing to disadvantage themselves on behalf of what mattered most to them: for Abraham, it was Isaac, for Rahab it was her own life. Their compliance in the face of such an excessive disadvantage proved the validity of their faith.

    James calls each of us to examine ourselves to be sure we have a living faith. The acid test is whether your faith produces compliance. No matter what you claim, if righteousness doesn’t characterize your life, your faith is dead, not living. James compared that kind of faith to hypocrites who offer pious words to the needy but refuse to meet their needs. To demons, who believe the truth about God but are eternally lost, and to a lifeless, useless cadaver. Those are strong analogies, but God doesn’t want you to be deceived about the quality of your own faith.

    Beloved, this morning as you prepare for your Sunday ceremonial procedures, I pray that you’re elated and confident that your faith is genuine. God bless you as you live today and each day in His wonderful grace.

    Let Us Pray:
    Dear Heavenly Father this morning I say thank You for granting me the grace and courage to face any sacrifice necessary as I live out my faith.
    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 “Blessed” Sunday.

    CHOF Ministry Cross-Reference Verses:
    *1. Josh. 2:9-10

  • “It’s Only Transitory”

    9 29 2019 week 2 Bishop Houston's Sunday Morning Church Post It's Only Transitory

    In this world, every one of us has difficulties and troubling situations, but aren’t you happy that scripture promises that they’re only transitory? Our Sunday morning verse tells us they’re momentary – this too shall pass. Compared with eternity, our difficulties won’t last always!!! The second part of this verse tells us that when we stand strong in faith during times of hardship, we’re building that faith and attaining eternal glory. When you acknowledge your trust and reliance on God, you’re passing the exam!!!

    Beloved, if you’re in the central part of tough times in your life, look to God. The Bible says that Jesus is the author and finisher of your faith. He’s the one who writes faith on the tablet of your mind and seal’s it on the walls of your emotions then matures it until it’s completed on the inside of you as you submit yourself to Him. The only requirements for you are to: SEEK HIM DAILY, FOLLOW HIS COMMANDS, OPEN YOUR HEART AND CHOOSE TO SPEAK HIS WORD which is alive, and dynamic. Remember, your troubling situations are only transitory, but His eternal glory dwarfs them all!!!

    Let Us Pray:
    Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for working Your eternal glory in me. I cast every one of my cares on You, knowing that my difficulties and troubling situations are only transitory. Thank You for Your eternal blessing on my life today and always. 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 “Blessed” Sunday, Everyone. 😀

  • “A Tenacious Doer”

    9 15 2019 week 2 Bishop Houston's Sunday Morning Church Post James 1 25

    The phrase in James 1:25 that says: “and abides by it” stresses that we pay close attention to it. The Greek translation of the word “Abide” means “to stay beside,” “remain,” or “continue.” The idea is that a doer of the Word continually and habitually gazes into God’s perfect law. In other words, they’re persistent pupils. Beloved, doers of the Word are tenacious students.
     
    When you have that level of commitment to the Word, you’ll be an effectual doer “student – pupil”—one who has merged with God’s will and pursues to conform regardless of anything else. As you do, God will bless you. Now, that doesn’t automatically mean you’ll be successful in the eyes of the world, but your priorities and perceptions will be right, and the Lord will honor what you do.
     
    This morning’s verse is a call to prudently examine yourself in light of God’s morals. That’s not a popular thing in today’s society because many people have an aversion to serious spiritual thought and self-examination. I believe that’s why Christian television, music, and other forms of entertainment are so popular. Absconding realism through entertainment is far more interesting and pleasing to most people than looking into the mirror of God’s Word and having their spiritual defects and imperfections uncovered. But if you desire to be like Christ, you must see yourself for what you are and make any needed corrections. To do that, you must continually examine (study) your life in the light of Scripture.
     
    Beloved, just imagine what the church would be like if every Christian did that. Can you imagine the changes in your own life if you did it more consistently? Only the Holy Spirit can empower you to be a doer “student – pupil” of the Word. So, slow down and be very attentive when God leads you through prayer and confession as you continue to study and apply God’s Word.
     
    Let Us Pray:
    Dear Heavenly Father, whenever I study Scripture, please allow the Spirit to light up my mind and heart so that I can see how to use Your Words to transform me more and more into the image of Christ. 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 Astonishing Sunday. 😀

  • “Step into the Fullness of Your Purpose – Your Calling”

    Bishop Houston's Full Purple Shirt Step into The Fullness of Your Purpose – Your Calling.png
    Beloved, God didn’t put you on this earth to be an ordinary person. He formed you to leave your mark on this generation. God desires you to do something large. He wants you to extend yourself further than anyone in your family, He wants you to do things your family hasn’t done. You have the roots of immensity on the inside. The shackles of oppression that has been holding you down, are coming off!!! The people that’s been all up in your ear constantly telling you you’re nothing, or you’re just a normal – the average person will be removed from your foundation and your perimeter!!!

     
    Beloved, God’s about to shove you into a brand-new level of purpose!!! It’s going to be extraordinary, copiously above and beyond what you could ever envision!!! Beloved, today is a new day, and you’re going to see the bondage-terminating, burden-eliminating power of our God like never before!!!
     
    If you’ll accept this into your spirit and not allow yourself to talk you out of it, it’ll explode into your faith and become a reality. Let it go past being an inspiration and grab hold of it and embed it into your spirit. You must believe, “This is for me. This is my purpose – my calling. Something new is being birthed. Oppressive people, issues, and situations are being removed from me. The handcuffs are being smashed. I’m stepping into the fullness of my purpose – my calling NOW!!!”
     
    Sunday’s Prayer:
    Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for doing extraordinary, copiously above and beyond all I could ever ask, think or envision. Break the oppression of not worthy, average, and normal off of my life and show me the awesome plan You have for my future. 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.

  • “To Know Him Is to Love Him”

    Bishop Houston's Full Purple Shirt 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

  • “It’s All Bout God’s Timing”

    Bishop Houston's Full Purple Shirt It’s All About God’s Timing

    Paul placed our lives in context by describing three different dimensions of time. First, he reminded us that we face boundaries. But you now, God is different. He’s infinite and beyond time, dwelling in eternity. And He made promises “before time even existed.”
    Paul also assured us that all who are born again have “the hope of eternal life.” Right now, we may face the boundaries of time, but we can also hope to enter that timeless dimension.

    Now, what’s particularly unique about this promise is that it was made by God “before time existed,” but it was also revealed “in His own time” at the exact moment of His choosing. From His viewpoint in eternity, God chose the very moment when He wanted to release His message, completely separate from our concept of time, our desires, or perspectives.

    We can see this pattern in our relationship with God. We think chronologically, based on where we are in our journey through life. We can become impatient with God, frustrated when He doesn’t act according to our timetable. We also can become arrogant or try to force events. But God looks at everything from an eternal perspective.

    Beloved, the key to our relationship with God is being able to trust Him and being confident that He’ll act at just the right time. As the Bible promises, “He has made everything beautiful in its time” (*1.).

    Beloved, you can trust in Him for your life.

    Sunday’s Prayer:
    Dear Heavenly Father, help us to hold on to Your viewpoint about our life. We trust in You.
    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 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 Amazing Sunday. 😀

    CHOF Ministry’s Cross Reference Scriptures
    *1. Ecclesiastes 3:11

  • “LOADING OUR BEST RESOURCES IN HEAVEN”

    Bishop Houston's Full Purple Shirt “LOADING OUR BEST RESOURCES IN HEAVEN”
    Focal Scripture: Matthew 6:19-24

     
    Praise the Lord Beloved. Happy Sunday. Let us all be thankful for this day.
     
    This Morning’s Focal Bible Scripture is Matthew 6:19-24
     
    Beloved, we should all be carefully loading our best resources in heaven. We shouldn’t be apprehensive about our physical needs, because they’re only temporal. Instead, we should pursue eternal things. Temporal things don’t last and can decay or pilfered here on earth. On the other hand, eternal things endure and will never be at risk from thieves or deterioration (*1).
     
    While the “heart” characterizes the whole person, the “eyes” signify our ability to distinguish truth (*2). So, if our spiritual eyes are healthy, we’ll be able to see reality and follow the correct path. If not, we’ll be morally and spiritually blind, incapable to see which resources are worth valuing and following.
     
    Beloved, what we value exposes who we are and leads to what we do (*3). And since we can only serve one master, it’s prudent to select God over monetary things. (*4). You see, the idea of “loading our best” resources in heaven shows that following God and valuing His kingdom is a series of choices that build conduct and charisma. Paul compared it to a construction project (*5). Some people use wood, hay, and straw as their building materials, others use gold, silver, and jewels.
     
    Beloved, when the fire of judgment strikes, it will be very clear which one will endure. Amen? – Aaamen. 😀
     
    Let Us Pray:
    Dear Heavenly Father, once again I thank You for Your valuable Word. Help us to carefully load our best resources in heaven and take our eyes off of the things that are temporal.
     
    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 awesome Sunday Everyone.
    😀
     
    CHOF Ministry’s Cross Reference Scriptures
    *1. Matthew 6:19–20
    *2. Matthew 6: 22–23
    *3. Matthew 6: 21
    *4. Matthew 6:24 and Col. 3:5
    *5. 1 Cor. 3:10–15

  • “No Addition No Reduction”

    Bishop W Houston's Full Purple Picture Sunday Morning No Addition No Reduction
    Good Morning and Happy Sunday to you.

     
    This morning I woke up asking the Lord, how can I become objectively satisfied with who I am without adding and reducing myself?
     
    Unquestionably I’m susceptible to want to add, or reduce to who I am. To be keener, refined outer appearance, amusing, acceptable. Become more prolific, better-off and add higher dynamism. And then also to be low key, tranquil, level-headed and attentive.
     
    I want to have improved self-awareness, and yet I want to reduce my concerns about what others think of me.
     
    I want to be a better barbecue (pit) master, add more music abilities, and to keep my garage, man-cave/studio neat without exerting a bunch of energy. And I must add remove the balding and adding hair would be nice. 😀
     
    I want to be a much better writer, one that’s both extremely creative and methodically organized. And I want reduced propensities that causes me to be late, compromise or postpone.
     
    Yes, I want to add more of myself and reduce more of me.
     
    Beloved, Jesus quiets my limitless listing of the things I want to transform or expand myself into. Things I’m confident would give me a better life. He asks me instead to humbly make peace with it all. To lay down my philosophies and concept in other words “my way of thinking” of a better man and life by letting Him be the judge of that. To just take what I’m given and offer it back to Him, in submission and service.
     
    This morning’s Sunday Bible verse I posted Matthew 5:5 on several social media sites, it’s among many in the Bible that energies one of my principal opinions: When I stop the motives to produce a life for myself, I find the life God produces for me. This is a prevailing truth, with an irrefutable pleasing surreptitious mystery. 😀
     
    His life for me begins exactly where mine ends. My life ends in my sin and self-motivation and begins again in God’s grace and power.
     
    His empowering indwelling affords me everything I truly need and nothing I truly don’t.
     
    Beloved, if you too desire to be satisfied with who you are in Christ – no addition no reduction, I want you to know that Jesus addresses us both in Matthew 23:11-12. I’m telling you Beloved, if you want to stand out, you must step down and become God’s assistant. If you exalt yourself, you’ll get cut down. But if you’re satisfied to simply be yourself, your life will add up to plenty”
     
    Amazingly, God’s grace humbles a man without humiliating him, and His favor revitalizes (exalt) him without inflating him. The life he finds in Him makes him the proud owner of everything money can’t buy. As Jesus put it in Matthew 5:5, “the whole earth.” What he gets with humbleness is a life of contentment. No addition. No reduction. “
    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 Sunday Everyone. 😀