C H O F Ministry

Tag: Wisdom and Theology with Bishop Houston

  • “You’re Closer Than You Think”

    9 25 2019 Galatians 6 9 Closer Than You Think
    Praise the Lord Believers in the Christian faith.

    Beloved, everyone has God-given visions and wishes. We all have goals we want to meet and certain conditions we believe will turn around. Sometimes, the time seems to take longer than we initially thought. Sometimes, things don’t work out the way we prearranged, and it’s easy to lose passion. If we’re not careful, we’ll get dispirited and end up just settling or compromise where we are. But God doesn’t want us to settle or compromise, He wants to increase us He wants to elevate us. Many times, people miss out on God’s best basically because they give up too soon. They don’t comprehend how close they are to their victory.
     
    Don’t let that be you today. Don’t give up just because things appear too hard. You’ve invested so much, and you never know, just a couple more days of believing, another couple of weeks of doing the right thing, another couple of months of staying in faith, and you could see that state of affairs turn around. Remember, God’s on your side!!! Keep standing and keep believing because you’re closer than you think about fulfilling and enjoying every wish, He’s placed inside of you!!! Amen? Aaamen. 😀
     
    CHOF Ministry’s Mid-Week Prayer:
    Dear Heavenly Father, today I come to You believing that You’re working behind the scenes on my behalf. Give me Your intestinal fortitude to keep moving forward into the place of victory You have for me. In Jesus’ name, I pray, 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 a “Great” Wednesday.
    Please visit Christian House of Faith, CHOF – CHOF Ministry on Facebook
    and
    Bishop W. F. Houston Jr. Ministry
    bishopdrwfhoustonjr.wordpress.com
     
    “An Online Ministry Teaching and Inspiring People All Over the World with Informative Biblical Principles.”

  • “Unconditional Love, Compassion and Redirection”

    9 24 2019 John 8 10 11.png
    Praise the Lord!!! Happy Tuesday Everyone. 😀

    Beloved, some Christians feel vindicated when they condemn others for their behavior based on how long they’ve been saved or how “good” they’ve been. If Jesus, who’s our example, and the “ONLY” perfect person “NEVER” condemn others, what makes some of us think we can condemn others?
     
    You see, condemnation is an act that leaves a person sensitive, perplexed, embarrassed, feeling guilty or humiliated. Jesus had a justifiable reason to condemn this woman caught in adultery. Instead of condemning her, He demonstrated grace (unconditional love) and mercy (compassion – kindness) towards her. At the same time, He didn’t excuse her sin, but what He did do was redirected her by saying “sin no more.”
     
    Mixing grace (unconditional love), mercy (compassion – kindness), and redirection lovingly adjust unrighteous behavior. These are the essential tools a person needs when they know they’ve done wrong.
     
    Beloved, the next time someone has missed the mark, don’t condemn them. Show grace (unconditional love), mercy (compassion – kindness), and redirection towards them. Amen? Aaamen. 😀
     
    Let Us Pray:
    Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Unconditional Love, Compassion and Redirection. In Jesus’ name, I pray, 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 enjoyable Tuesday. 😀

    Let Us Pray:
    Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Unconditional Love, Compassion and Redirection. In Jesus’ name, I pray, 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 enjoyable Tuesday. 😀

  • “It’s OK to Be Different”

    9 17 2019 1 Peter 2 11 Its OK to Be Different
    Praise the Lord!!! 😀 Happy Tuesday.

    Beloved, when you fully develop into a devoted believer in the Christian faith, your life, and lifestyle changes. Everything about you unchecked the boxes you’ve checked while living by the standards of your previous regime. You see, when we follow God’s guidelines, it means we do things differently from others. It means, instead of being offended, and insulted, (disrespected) we indicate love. Instead of insisting on our way, we help others. It means, instead of trying to be right all the time, we build, elevate and rejuvenate others. This isn’t the way most people in the world act but that’s OK because we’re called to be different. We’re called to increase, advance, elevate and develop differently than the values of the world. We’re called to be the illustrations of God’s grace, mercy, and forgiveness. It may not make sense, it may seem unfair and it may perplex some, but that’s OK too. 😀 God will endorse and sponsor your new level of blessing and victory when you “commit yourself fully” to Him. Amen? Aaamen. 😀
     
    Let Us Pray:
    Dear Heavenly Father,
    thank You for reconditioning my mind and changing me into Your image. I recognize that I’m not like the world, I’m set apart for You. Help me to love like You and be a light everywhere I go. In Jesus’ name, I pray, 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 a very blessed Tuesday. 😀

  • “A Very Special Privilege”

    9 11 2019 1 John 1 3
    Praise the Lord Believers in the Christian faith.

     
    Beloved, being human is very special. We’re created in the image of God. We’re designed to be a companion to Him.
     
    Some people have the impression that God made man, so He’d have someone to control or rule over. But God isn’t a dominator nor is He a dictator. God is love and love wants to give to someone. That’s why God made the man. He made him, so He could give him His love.
     
    Beloved, God could have given His love to just the angels. But giving to angels didn’t provide total fulfillment and angels aren’t made in His image. But we are.
     
    Let me give you an example: you have a puppy, a kitten, a bird, etc.… as a pet. You can fellowship with that little pet just for so long, but then there comes a time when you need someone to talk to. There comes a time when you need to have communication on your own level.
     
    The reason you’re like that is that you’ve been created in the image of God. 😀 That’s how He is. He has a yearning to fellowship with someone like Himself.
     
    Beloved, you’re the ultimate in God’s eyes. You’re really special to Him. You’re a one-of-a-kind creation made by God in His very own image. This morning I’m encouraging every one of you to receive His love and love Him back!!! 😀
     
    CHOF Ministry’s Mid-Week Prayer:
    Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for creating us in Your image. Thank You for granting us the privilege to fellowship with You. In Jesus’ Name, I Pray 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 a “Wonderful” Wednesday.
     
    Please visit Christian House of Faith, CHOF – CHOF Ministry on Facebook
    and Bishop W. F. Houston Jr. Ministry
    bishopdrwfhoustonjr.wordpress.com
     
    “An Online Ministry Teaching and Inspiring People All Over the World with Informative Biblical Principles.”

  • “We Are Responsible”

    8 27 2019 Ezra 10 10 12
    Praise the Lord Believers in the Christian faith.

    When the priest Ezra heard how the rest of God’s people had broken God’s law by marrying the women of the land, he tore his robes and cried like a newborn baby and fasted. The people followed his lead and felt guilty about their sin. It was the people who encouraged him to tell them what to do to set things right with God. Ezra replied with the verses on this morning’s picture marquee – “…make confession to the Lord God of your fathers and do His will. Separate yourselves from the peoples of the land and from [your] foreign wives.”

    Beloved, there are many of us who don’t live in Israel and never prohibited to marry a certain group of people, but the principle remains the same. That’s why the Apostle Paul told us not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers. That could apply to marriage or business. You see, when we recognize we’re with people of evil practices, we shouldn’t commit ourselves to any type of cohesive endeavor with them. How Can Two Walk Together Except They Be Agreed?

     
    Now there’s also a deeper principle. WHAT FELLOWSHIP DOES LIGHT HAVE WITH DARKNESS? If we’re walking in the light, we’ll be disgusted (nauseated) by the sin and have a desire to show them the way to be freed from its bondage. There are some Christians that will play on the edge of the cliff of sin because the allurement is attractive to them. In other words, THEY THINK IT’S A GAME!!! They’ll create a line where there’s a danger of being caught by sin then try to stay far enough behind the line without being caught.” Beloved, let me ask you this question: Would you walk along the very edge of a cliff? It’s that simple.
     
    In this final chapter of Ezra, the men sent their foreign wives and children away. Now, that seems very harsh of God, but the situation existed because of disobedience to God. It was the only thing to do. Not dealing with the issue had caused the downfall of Israel in the past. Beloved, it’s imperative that we cut off from our lives the thing that’s enticing us to sin and send it away from our lives if we’re going to go on with God.
     
    CHOF Ministry’s Mid-Week Prayer:
    Dear Heavenly Father, this morning I confess my sins to You, the ones I am aware of, the ones that I’ve not asked you for forgiveness, and the ones of my past. As I continue to do what you ask and instruct me to do, I will continue to strive all day every day to separate myself from the sins that attempt to separate me from Your blessings. In Jesus’ Name, I Pray 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 Pleasant Wednesday.
     
    Please visit Christian House of Faith, CHOF – CHOF Ministry on Facebook
     
    and Bishop W. F. Houston Jr. Ministry
    bishopdrwfhoustonjr.wordpress.com
     
    “An Online Ministry Teaching and Inspiring People All Over the World with Informative Biblical Principles.”

  • “Examine Your Spiritual Teachers”

    8 22 2019 Bishop Houston's Weekend Words 1 john 4 1

    Happy Friday!!! 😀
    There are many that come into the Christian faith that wants to be recognized as a new person doing new things, you know: “OUT WITH THE OLD AND IN WITH THE NEW” and as the euphoria continues they now want to preach or teach the Word of God not realizing that many are watching and critically critiquing them. :-D.
    Beloved, have you ever read or heard something from a preacher, or Bible teacher and wonder what they’re saying is correct? If you haven’t, you should!!! You know, since I’ve become an advocate for the Kingdom of God I’ve been challenged on just about every front or put through a barrage of test constantly especially from those that knew me from my “past”. First, when I received salvation, then when I went into the ministry, and then when I started my ministry. I’m critically critiqued daily.
    As spiritual leaders/teachers, we all want to be received, but part of being received is being able to receive the barrage of questions and doubts about our spiritual rehabilitation and critically critiqued when we deliver a spiritual word. As a minister of God’s Word, I’ll be the first to tell you I’m not perfect and I’m sure even the most appreciated and respected preachers and teachers will tell you they’re still learning and aren’t going to get everything 100% right all the time. Beloved, there’s nothing wrong with questioning any man or woman that announces a spiritual word. There’re many false teachers out there. So, if you’re ever in doubt or have a question about something a preacher/pastor, Sunday school teacher, or Christian spiritual leader is sharing, one of the best ways to know whether something is truly from God, read your Bible!!! 😀 The more familiar you are with scripture, the more you’ll be able to identify the men and women clergy of God and false teachers. They’ll stand out like pepper on white rice. Now, I want you to keep in mind that even if someone gets something wrong now and then, that doesn’t automatically make them a false teacher. 😀 Discernment is key to determining whether someone just slipped up, is ill-informed, or they’re intentionally leading others astray.
    Beloved, as you go into this weekend, ask God for discernment about those that lead Christian flocks, Christian ministries, and those that share spiritual words.
    Dear Heavenly Father, please give us discernment as we hear teachings or read devotional content, so we can know what’s from You and what’s not. Thank You that we have Your word as a guide.
    In Jesus Name we pray. Amen and Aaamen.
    Beloved, it’s been another great week for CHOF Ministry and Bishop, W. F. Houston, Jr. Ministry. Thank you so much for allowing us to stimulate your week. First Lady Donece and I appreciate those of you that continue to inbox, email and call us with your praise reports and encouraging words. It really warms our heart each day to hear how God is moving in your life.
    Have a blessed Weekend Everyone. 😀

  • “Advancing Toward a Larger Expanse”

    8 21 2019 Philippians 4 13.png
    Praise the Lord Believers in the Christian faith. This morning, I want to run by you again what God says about you.

    Beloved, no matter what’s trending in your life today, remember: you’re not restricted by your resources, your family or your background. Almighty God has equipped and authorized you. He’s given you creativity, inspiration, ideas, philosophies, inventions, discoveries, skills and aptitude. Beloved, DON’T YOU DARE SETTLE FOR a MEDIOCRE “AVERAGE” life!!! Today, I call out the seeds of enormity, vastness, and limitlessness that’s inside of you.

    Today, I declare that your greatest days are ahead. That you’re going to go further than anyone in your family ever did, that your vision will be enlarged, and awareness become keener. I declare that you’re a groundbreaker, an inspiration, a minister of understanding, and a resource for resolution. You’re the perfume and cologne of God to the people.

    Beloved, before anyone put a curse on you, God Almighty put a blessing on you. Walk and live in that blessing by following His instructions and staying fully loyal to Him in everything you do!!!

    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 Delightful Wednesday. 😀

  • Even the Demons Tremble”

    8 14 2019 James 2 18 20.png
    Praise the Lord Believers in the Christian faith.

    You know recently I’ve seen an alarming rise in the number of confessing Christians who believe that there’s no required relationship between what they believe and what they do. They say you can’t judge a person’s spiritual condition by what he or she does because salvation is a matter of faith alone, you know, as if requiring works violates the principle of faith.
     
    But you know Beloved, it was that kind of perception that provoked James to issue this challenge “How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds (works)? I will show you my faith by my good deeds (works).” (*1). The word “show” translated in the Greek means “to exhibit,” “verify,” or “put on display.” Beloved, his point is simple: it’s impossible to verify true faith apart from holy living because doctrine and deed (work) are attached – they’re inseparable.
     
    Now, allow me to ask you a question – Can you know if someone is a Christian by watching his or her behavior? According to James, that’s the only way to know!!! In verse 19 he says, ” for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror.” In other words, confirming orthodox doctrine isn’t necessarily proof of saving faith. Demons believe in the oneness of God, and its implications fill them with fear terror, but they aren’t saved. 😀 The phrase “Good for you” is intentionally sarcastic. The implication is that demonic faith is better than non-responsive faith because at least the demons trembling, is better than no response at all.
     
    Beloved, you can’t be a Christian in creed only!!! You must be one in conduct as well!!! James makes that very clear. Don’t be confused or deceived by those who teach something different. Repeatedly aim your life at bringing glory to God through obedient application of biblical truth.
     
    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 Delightful Wednesday.
     
    CHOF Ministry’s Cross Reference Scriptures
    *1. James 2:18

  • “There’s a Reason for Seasons”

    Monday 8 12 29 2019 There are seasons
    Praise the Lord Believers in the Christian faith.

    Happy Monday. 😀
     
    You know this morning’s scripture is generally credited to King Solomon, who was famous for his wisdom. King Solomon had everything his heart desired including an empire, knowledge, resources and physical assets. This scripture and an earlier passage of scripture (*1) define for us life on this earth. There are seasons in all our lives, times of joy and mourning, times to reminisce and move on, times to be desired and desire others.
     
    Beloved, the purpose for God giving us seasons is so that in the good times we can praise Him and give thanks for the things He has given us, in the good times and in the bad times, we can turn to God in faith and realize that living in this world is very brief. There’ll be times when we’ll seem to have it all together. We’ll also have times when things won’t seem to go right. So, in this life, receive the seasons as they come. Never give in to desolation, and remember this life is but a moment compared to eternity. One day, the things of this world will pass away, and we’ll live in a splendid perpetuity with the Lord who made us and loves us so very much. 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 Brilliant Monday.
     
    CHOF Ministry’s Cross Reference Scriptures
    *1. Ecclesiastes 1:4-7

  • “Love Your Neighbor”

    Prayer and Bible verse Wednesday 7 17 2019 Phil 1 3
    Shalom Aleichem Believers in the Christian faith.

    You know life can be very harsh and biased. To be a blessing to someone can be problematic or involve us going out of our way to help. When I was working for a shipyard, a senior welder advised me that “life’s more laid-back when we just say no.” This is true. Saying no to others saves a lot of time and energy because every analysis just comes to a rapid end. In my life, I’ve never seen someone so quick to make excuses instead of finding ways to be helping others as he did. This reminded me of the expression about, “getting a dose of your own medicine.”
     
    One time I witnessed the same coworker being denied a favor by everyone. His request was simple: change days because of an imperative appointment. I couldn’t help him either because we worked in two different fields. It was tough to watch and a harsh lesson for him to learn.
     
    Beloved, Jesus commanded us to love our neighbor as we love ourselves and the parable of the Good Samaritan is the perfect example. (*1.)
     
    Beloved, EVERYONE IS A NEIGHBOR. 😀
    Are you willing and ready to love everyone?
    Shalom
     
    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. Mark 12:31 & Luke 10:25-37