C H O F Ministry

Tag: Wisdom and Theology with Bishop Houston

“Probing For Spiritual Answers”

Praise The Lord Beloved!!! ✝️❤️😊

This Morning’s Question is:

Bishop Houston, I attend a church that teaches drinking alcohol of any kind at any time is sinful. I’m Christian, but I also drink a couple of beers on my off days and a rum and coke on select days. Can you tell me if it’s Ok for me to drink?

Thank you for this excellent question. 😊

Answer:

I’ll start by saying the Bible is a bit indecisive and really unclear when it comes to drinking alcohol, it see-saws with a blessing from God that brings happiness on one end and a possible hazard that can result in irresponsible decision making and immoral behavior when misused on the other end of the see-saw. At the age of 30, Jesus’ first attributed miracle was at a wedding feast in Cana where He turned 6 full containers of “twenty to thirty gallons of water each into wine” (*1.). Proverbs 23 says, don’t drink much and get drunk (*2).

Beloved, it’s the misuse of alcohol that’s bad. The Bible illustrates to us often about the hazards of alcohol and the complications that lie ahead for the ones who develop an obsession for it. Some people can’t handle drinking (I’m one of those people – I no longer drink any kind of alcohol).

The misuse of alcohol creates frustration, illness, fatalities, and annihilates marriages and other relationships. Ephesians 5 says don’t drink too much, in other words, get drunk because it will ruin your life (*3.). Now, if you’re one that can drink alcohol without abusing it, I applaud you!!! But ask yourself, how does it impact others that may look up to you? What powerful or important message are you illustrating? You see, even though a person might not ever misuse alcohol, his or her use of it could cause a brother or sister in Christ to get involved in drinking and because their tolerance is weaker than yours they become a victim to addiction – this is now a Christian tragedy that could possibly become a fatality. In 1 Corinthians 10:31, the Apostle Paul told the Church: “So it doesn’t matter what you eat or drink, or anything you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

Beloved, we have an obligation, as supporters in the Christian faith, to be examples of godly conduct and moral living. This is a personal decision. It’s your decision whether or not to refrain from drinking alcohol. That’s a personal decision that you must allow the Lord to lead you. But here at CHOF Ministry, we believe it’s wise and safer for a Christian to refrain or withdraw from alcohol entirely. Amen? Aaamen. ✝️❤️😊

Probing For Spiritual Answers Cross-Reference Verses

*1. John 2:6

*2. Proverbs 23:2

*3. Ephesians 5:18

March 4, 2020
“Godly Hospitable Assistance”

Last Friday, I called my V.A. pharmacy to renew a prescription. I usually order it through the V. A. website portal, but a note was left for me to contact the pharmacy. So, when called, the Pharmacist answered the phone in an angry voice, “WHAT DO YOU NEED?” Her condescending aggressive attitude placed me in an irritated mode quickly, and I almost said something to her. Still, I swallowed my dissatisfaction and told her in a pleasant voice what I needed. Had this been the first time this specific person had acted like this with me, I might have passed it off that she was not having a good day. But sadly, this wasn’t the case. Had I reported her to her supervisor or been angry in return, I would have been just as guilty as she, and as a Christian, I know better because God wants us to show love and kindness to each other. I’ve come to realize that getting excellent customer service today is more of an exception than it is the rule. The days of “the customers are always right even when they’re wrong,” is no longer practiced in many places. It’s easy to be infuriated and to shout at others, but God expects us as Christians to be an example in our behavior and our conversation with others. Proverbs 15:1 (AMP) says: “A soft and gentle and thoughtful answer turns away wrath, but harsh and painful and careless words stir up anger.”

Beloved, whether we’re providing hospitable assistance or getting cordial help, our behavior must be consistent with what God expects of us. Amen? Aaamen. ✝️❤️😊

Let Us Pray:
Dear Heavenly Father, help us to remember what being a Christian means when the activities and words of others are insensitive. Remind us to show love and compassion in all circumstances. 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 splendid Monday and a terrific week. ✝️❤️😊

February 17, 2020
“Where Would I Go?”

You know Beloved, I’ll be the first to tell you managing a Christian life isn’t always easy. Maintaining God’s directives, learning His Will, and loving your adversaries can be very complicated. Even some of Jesus’ supporters found His teaching to be too challenging and decided to abandon Him. That’s because His words were difficult to accept.

I too feel that occasionally it’s very difficult to obey God’s commandments and stay faithful to Him. It’s especially depressing when you face the reality of His warning that the world will despise you for no reason and that Christians will unavoidably have troubles in this world. It’s in those moments, I’ve felt like wanting to give up and step away. But then I remember what Peter realized a long time ago, that there’s no better place to be than beside Jesus. I have to keep it 100 with myself – where could I go when only He has the words of eternal life. We all realistically know the realm of humanity will end, but His Word is perpetual with an eternally foundation that will lead us to His Heavenly Kingdom. Amen? Aaamen. ✝️❤️😊

Let Us Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father, You’re the breath I breathe and my passion to live. I want to stand with You forever regardless of how others feel about me. Please give us all the intensity and wisdom to comply with Your precious Word. 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 magnificent Monday and a great week. ✝️❤️😊

February 3, 2020
“I Can Do All Things”

Praise the Lord Everyone!!! 😀

In our verse this morning it tells us about Apostle Paul’s testimony to the Philippian believers. The phrase “all things” is a very bold two words. What Apostle Paul means is He can do everything that God wants him to do because Christ will reinforce him. He used the word strengthen because according to the context of this verse, Paul was talking about his day to day needs. So even if his food supply diminished or he’s having a hardship, he’s confident that Christ will reinforce him to do the assignment God commissioned him to do. This is a reminder to us that we shouldn’t let fatigue and pessimism impede our service to God.

Beloved, Jesus Christ will be there to strengthen us not only in times of deprivation but also in times of apathy and disappointment. Amen? Aaamen. ✝️❤️😊

Let Us Pray:
Dear Lord, thank You for constantly being there to reinforce me. During challenging and excruciating positions in my life, You’re always there to pull me up and keep me going. 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 wonderful Monday and a wonderful week. ✝️❤️😊

January 6, 2020
“Re-imaging Your Mind”

Praise the Lord!!! Happy Wednesday. 😀

Beloved, are you familiar with the term “what you put in is what you get out or input and output?” Our mind is similar to a computer what you feed into a computer is what you’ll get out. What you program into your mind will be the image of your conduct. That’s why you must expose your mind to things that are correct, admirable, decent, genuine, wonderful, of good reputation, exceptional, and praiseworthy (*1). In other words, you must spiritually re-image your mind to get Godly performance. I heard a preacher say: “You should be so drenched with God’s Word that your blood is ‘bibline.’ If you cut yourself, you should bleed Bible verses!!!” His overemphasis shows his zeal for God’s truth. This is the passion every believer should disclose.

Paul prayed that we would “walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; [and be] strengthened with all power . . . for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father” (*2).

Those are fantastic Christian attributes, but you must know how they’re achieved in order to receive them to be used. Verse 9 gives us the solution: “…ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding.” Now, the Greek word translated “filled” speaks of influence or control. It’s the same word Paul uses in Ephesians 5:18: “Be filled [controlled by] the Holy Spirit.” Once you’re filled with the Spirit, He regulates your decisions. Similarly, when you’re filled with the knowledge of God’s will, your preferences mirror godly wisdom and understanding. The phrase “spiritual wisdom and understanding” implies more than simply knowing God’s Word. It speaks of utilizing it to your life under the Spirit’s power and direction.

Beloved, as you prayerfully saturate your mind with God’s Word, it begins more and more to control your thinking and behavior. This engages the Spirit to apply the Word, rejuvenate your mind, and safeguard you from worldly compliance, thoughts and behaviors (*3). Amen? Aaamen. ✝️❤️😊

CHOF Ministry’s Mid-Week Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, please allow the Holy Spirit to regulate every aspect of our life today as we carefully utilize the proper biblical principles to every situation we face. 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 you love and tell them you love them, BECAUSE TELLING THEM LATER JUST MIGHT BE TOO LATE.

I LOVE YOU ALL!!! Have a “Remarkable” Wednesday. 😀

CHOF Ministry Cross-Reference Verses: *1. Phil. 4:8 *2. Col. 1:10-12 *3. Rom. 12:2

December 11, 2019
“The Obligation of a Cleric”

Praise the Lord Everyone!!! 😀

You know, Christians are assigned similar spiritual attributes as the Old Testament priests. Peter considers believers as holy priests (pastors, minister, elders), but actually there are many Christians who don’t know what that means because priests aren’t as active in our common daily activity in our society today.

The main purpose of an Old Testament priest was to submit appropriate sacrifices to God on behalf of the people. Priests were selected by God Himself, specially cleansed through approved rituals, clothed in a specified fashion, and anointed with oil as symbolic of God’s Spirit upon them. They were expected to obey God, love His Word, and walk with Him.

Beloved, faithful priests had an encouraging influence on believers and unbelievers. Malachi 2:6 (NCV) says: “and they kept many people from sinning.” Verse 7 adds that “A priest should teach what he knows, and people should learn the teachings from him, because he is the messenger of the Lord All-Powerful.”

Those credentials are similar in Christians, whom God considers as the only true priests (pastors, minister, elders). You were chosen by Him from before the foundation of the world – refined, restored, rejuvenated and restarted by the Holy Spirit. Beloved, You’re clothed with the righteousness of Christ and anointed by the Holy Spirit. 1 Pet. 2:5 says: Your purpose is “to offer spiritual sacrifices [that are] acceptable and pleasing to God through Jesus Christ.” Rom. 12:1 informs you to present your body a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. In other words, obedience, love for the Word, and a close relationship with God should characterize your life. Saints and sinners should see Christ in you and be inspired by what they see.

Beloved, the priesthood of believers is a high and holy calling to which no one is suited apart from God’s grace and power, and I assure you that He who called you will accomplish His good pleasure in you. So, I encourage you to stay committed to the goal God has placed before you each day as you lean on His resources and trust in His sufficiency. Amen? Aaamen. ✝️❤️😊

CHOF Ministry’s Mid-Week Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the ministry you have assigned to me. Father God, please continue to use me and CHOF/BWFHJr ministry, along with my fellow clergy brothers and sisters and their ministries today as we provide and influence others selflessly according to Your directives. 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 you love and tell them you love them, BECAUSE TELLING THEM LATER JUST MIGHT BE TOO LATE.

I LOVE YOU ALL!!! Have an “Amazing” Wednesday. 😀

Please visit the Christian House of Faith, CHOF:
CHOF Ministry on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/christianhouseoffaithchof
and
Bishop W. F. Houston Jr. Ministry on WordPress
http://www.bishopdrwfhoustonjr.wordpress.com

December 4, 2019
“The Blood”

Praise the Lord Everyone!!! 😀

You know Beloved, in this age our Christian society has lost teaching about the blood of Jesus. We’ve learned about the spirit of God, but teaching about the blood has declined. As a result, we’ve engendered a generation of Christian followers who are inspired by the spirit but don’t feel exonerated!!! They’re operating in the rewards but living in the conscious state of shame!!!

The blood must be taught and preached. Without it, we have no life. We shouldn’t be wasting the influential energy of God on the crises and challenges of our past. The blood has previously obliterated prior pandemics and repressions that held us down!!! It was through the eternal Spirit of God that Jesus was able to offer His blood.

Beloved, there can’t be any Christian celebration where there’s no Passover!!!
Amen? Aaamen. ✝️❤️😊

CHOF Ministry’s Mid-Week Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for allowing Jesus to come and shed His blood for our sins. All of our passion and power and every word and vision must flow to us through the blood. It gives us life from day today. 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 you love and tell them you love them, BECAUSE TELLING THEM LATER JUST MIGHT BE TOO LATE.

I LOVE YOU ALL!!! Have a “Wonderful” Wednesday. 😀

Please visit the Christian House of Faith, CHOF:
CHOF Ministry on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/christianhouseoffaithchof
and
Bishop W. F. Houston Jr. Ministry on WordPress
http://www.bishopdrwfhoustonjr.wordpress.com

November 20, 2019
“Properly Prioritize God”

I’m sure we all agree that there are a lot of things that requisition our attention. Requisitions such as work, our families, household responsibilities, and more. At the core of all of that, there’s God. Now, if we say or have a mentality to put God first, our priorities should replicate that.

Now, perhaps there’s someone out there asking: “What does that mean Bishop Houston?” if you’re out there asking that question – Well, I’m glad you ask!!! 😀 It means if we’re not able to wash a load of clothes so we can spend time with God, so be it. It means if we won’t be able to hang out with our friends to go to a spiritual Christian event we want to attend, oh well. It means, if we’ll miss out on watching our favorite TV show or sporting event on TV that will be the top subject the next day, we’ll just have to miss it. God understands all the things we have to do daily, “BUT” that doesn’t mean He should get pushed to the side or put on the back burner.

Beloved, as we head into this weekend if your house is out of order it’s time to think about getting your situation prioritized properly. If you want God to prioritize you in your time of need, properly prioritize Him first.

Weekend Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father today help us recognize the improper position of our requisition. Help us to re-prioritize by embedding You as the core of our mentality first. In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen and Aaamen.

Have a great Friday and a “Lovely” Weekend Everyone!!! 😀

October 25, 2019
“Prejudice – Whose Side Are You Really On”

Beloved, Are You Prejudice?

Many of you will answer “NO” to this question. But if you play that nepotism card, then you’re prejudice. You see nepotism is another name for favoritism which is discrimination or bias and being bias is prejudice.

Beloved, nepotism has a way of stultifying or discoloring the vision of its victims to reality. In James 2:2-3, James wrote about Christians who were trying to make an impact on an affluent man so they could profit from his wealth and social status. The affluent man represents the enemies of Christ, yet they gave him preferential treatment anyway. The poor man represents those whom God chose to be rich in faith and heirs of His kingdom, In verse 6 it says they treated him badly and dishonored him. Beloved, that’s the characteristic of an unpredictable person!!! An unpredictable person is inconsistent, erratic, and they’re very foolish!!!

Let me tell you right here and right now, you can’t achieve God’s purposes by siding with or becoming friends with God’s enemies. In James 5:4-6, some ungodly rich people were intimidating Christians by withholding their wages and even putting some to death. They forcibly forced Christians to go to court to exploit them by some type of prejudice or discrimination. They blasphemed (cussed) the impartial name of Christ. The phrase in verse 7: “by which you have been called” speaks of a personal relationship. Normally, new converts made a public proclamation of their faith in Christ at their baptism. From then on, they were called “Christians,” meaning, “Christ’s own,” “Christ’s ones,” – “belonging to Christ.” So when people slandered-insulted Christians, they were slandering – insulting Christ Himself!!!

Beloved, anyone that can overlook a person’s evils and illustrate nepotism toward the enemies of Christ displays their sophisticated elusive trickery and mind-blowing influence of partiality “PREJUDICE.” Today the circumstances may be different, but the principles are still the same. So, as you prepare for this Sunday, for the sake of Christ and His people, I want you to remember the three reasons James gave for not showing nepotism: *(verse 1) – You and your brothers and sisters in Christ are one with the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the glory of God revealed. **(verse 5) – God has chosen the poor to eternal riches, and *** (Verse 7) – God has called you by His name.

If you desire to be like Christ, you cannot exemplify or indicate partiality “Prejudice.” You must be reasonable open-minded and unbiased in all your interactions with others.

Let Us Pray:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for being impartial and delivering Your Words through me this morning. Thank You for showing us a keener more profound vision of the platform that prejudice boldly stands on. Help us all to form a different relationship than nepotism. Help us to be strong and bold not just with others but with ourselves first when we see or sense nepotism stepping up to the podium or platform to gain an advantage. Father God, as we confess to You our prejudice, we ask that You correct us and direct us right away. 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. 😀

October 6, 2019
“Patiently Wait”

Praise the Lord Believers in the Christian faith.

Jesus promised the disciples that they would be given the gift of being “baptized with the Holy Spirit.” But He didn’t clarify what that meant, what the influence would be, or how they should understand this gift. He merely told them to wait. I’m sure they had questions, but they were left to think about it and wait.

When the Day of Pentecost came, “And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability” (Acts 2:4 NLT). As they waited, they received the gift Jesus promised them. Now, as you look at the verse closely, you’ll see that the Holy Spirit was given in God’s way and in His time.

Beloved, it’s essential for us to wait for God’s promises that will fulfill us with the help we need, or for answers. Now, I’ll be the first to tell you, at times waiting is difficult. 😀 Even being faithful Believers, we easily can become discouraged and feel impatient. In spite of our prayers and the promises in the Bible, the answers at times don’t seem to come soon enough.

We need to remember that waiting doesn’t mean that God is unhappy with us or that His promises aren’t true. It simply means that the time isn’t right, and we must wait for God’s time.

Beloved don’t be impatient or lose your trust in God when you’re patiently waiting on His promised delivery. Keep praying and believing that He’ll answer your prayers. As you wait, prepare your heart and mind and be faithful to His Word and His direction for your life. Amen? Aaamen. 😀

CHOF Ministry’s Mid-Week Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, I commit all of CHOF Ministry followers and readers to You. I know that You’ve answered my prayers and I have faith that You’ll answer theirs also. 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” Wednesday. 😀

Please visit Christian House of Faith, CHOF – CHOF Ministry on Facebook
www.facebook.com/christianhouseoffaithchof/
and
Bishop W. F. Houston Jr. Ministry
bishopdrwfhoustonjr.wordpress.com

Christian House of Faith, CHOF/CHOF Ministry: “An Online Ministry Teaching and Inspiring People All Over the World with Informative Biblical Principles.”

October 2, 2019