GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …

“I’m Struggling Because …” 

Have you from time to time wondered why you are still struggling? You’ve made all the right moves – done what you thought was right in the eyes of the Lord. Yet, you are still struggling and can’t see your way out. You feel all alone in your struggles. Time to go directly to God in prayer. Time to ask Him to show you what He wants you to do – show you what you need to do.

“Many are the afflictions of the righteous; but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.”          – Psalm 34:19 (KJV).

 “No matter what you have done, you don’t have to be afraid to go to God.”                                                             –  Pastor Victor S. Brice

You are not alone. In the song lyrics by Michael Jackson: “You are not alone, I am here with you – though we’re far apart, you’re always in my heart. You are not alone; I can hear your prayers – your burdens I will bear – first I need your hand, then forever can begin. You are not alone.”  Though this was pinned as worldly lyrics, this applies to our Lord and Savior in action.  You are not alone, our Mighty God, our Protector, is always with you. Call on Him!

“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them.”                                                       – Psalm 145:18-19 (NIV).

The Lord will fulfill the desires of those who believe in Him – of those who love Him. He will hear their cry – He will save them. Let Him guide your actions – guide your thoughts, your mind. When you find yourself struggling, go to Him in prayer, let His Peace block your anxiety – let His Peace block your struggles.

In the words of our pastor, Rev. Victor S. Brice: “Prayer produces an affection – an awareness – an appearance by God and produces advantages for the prayers. When you are not praying, you’re at a disadvantage.”

The more you talk to God, the closer you will be drawn to Him. The closer you are drawn to Him, the more affection you will have for Him. There is no need to struggle – no need to worry. Give it to Him. He is waiting on your call.

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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …

“Are You a Breakaway Saint?” 

To break away from something can be either good or bad. For instance: To break away from a smoking habit; good, because smoking is bad for your health. To break away from a cussing habit; good because unkind words can hurt. To break away from God. Yes, you already know!

A break-away saint is one who knows the Word of God, practices the Word of God, but from time to time will knowingly let the sin in them prevail and break away from God. i.e., Going to the 49’er vs Cowboys football game instead of going to church. Knowing that you are doing wrong but making excuses for it. “I’ll pray and ask for forgiveness later.” Or, going on a shopping spree at the mall, instead of going to church, because you want something cute to wear to your work luncheon the next day.  

I said that to say this: We get down on our knees and pray, believing, that God will answer our prayers. Why? Because His Word tells us:

“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”  – Jeremiah 33:3 (NIV).

So, we pray to God, believing that He will answer. However, we’re forgetting one important fact. We forget about our break-away. Ooops! Yes, that part! We all know that God is Truth – God’s Word is Truth. So, we pray believing that God will answer because His Word says so. Stop! There is more to this story. God’s Word also says:

“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” – John 15:7 (NIV). 

Is being a break-away saint remaining in Him? I don’t think so! Being a breakaway saint will cause you to lose your prayer benefits. Wow! Yes, reflect on this for a few minutes. You can’t have your cake and eat it too. Stop being a break-away saint! 

“We must take ownership of what we do because what we do matters.” and “Abide in the Master – let His Word abide in you.” – Pastor Victor S. Brice (note: These are 2 separate quotes.)

Our pastor has been teaching a series on prayer and the way we move matters. Both are critical in our walk with Christ. I wish I had the space and time to re-write notes taken during this series. It behooves you to be in the House on Sunday mornings – be on the prayer line, everyday 6am to 6:15am – be on the Tuesday night, Word Life, teachings on Face Book and teleconference line (7pm) – be on the Life Transformation zoom conference on Wednesday nights (7pm) – be on the noon prayer call, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday. These are the many opportunities for you to stay connected to God. You can connect to one or all of them. But ….      Stay Connected!

Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …

“Watch Your Moves!”

During Pastor Brice’s Sunday Sermon on “How I Move Matters” (part – 4), he stressed the fact that:

“There are consequences that come with our every move. Some moves will bring delight – some moves will bring destruction.” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

His statement made me stop and think about my actions, as a believer, a friend, a relative, a parent. Take a moment. Look back over your life at some of the moves you’ve made. (Yes, you! Not your spouse – not your parents – you!) Not all your moves were that great – right! We are human – we make mistakes. When we view it from a Biblical level:

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” – Romans 3:23 (NIV). 

Quoting this Scripture is not to say that your, not-so-great, moves were sinful, but to say that perhaps they were not the best moves for that situation – not the best moves in the eyes of the Lord. What happens when we fall short? We get right back up and try again. Yes! We take our hits, move-on, and try to do better.

How do I do better? What moves should I make? I’m glad you asked.

God is waiting on you! Yes! Time to include God in your moves! We get so wrapped up in our own individuality that we forget to include God in our moves. “The only way to win it is to keep God in it.” When things are going great, we rely on our own strength and forget about where our strength comes from. We forget about the One Who is Stronger and Wiser. However, when things start to go “south” – after we make the wrong moves – we turn to Him. Why?

Going through hard times – difficult times – will bring you to your knees. Will make you realize that it is by His Goodness and Mercy that we are here. That His Goodness and Mercy has kept us – has led us to make the right moves. Time to ask for forgiveness.

“I beg you, take away the guilt of your servant. I have done a very foolish thing.”     –   1 Chronicles 21:8 (NIV).

Watch your moves! Make the right moves! Seek Him first! Include God in your moves. Follow His instructions. Your moves will bring delight instead of destruction.

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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

“Are You Hooked?”

To be hooked is to be addicted to – fascinated by – or devoted to something. This statement: “Are you hooked?”  can cover a lot of things; relationships – foods – drinks – substances – prayer. Prayer? Yes, prayer, and I’m “fitnah boutah” go there. I can go there because I was guilty of going to church, but I was not in church. I was guilty of listening to the pastor, but I was not hearing the pastor. I was guilty of reading the Word, but not doing the Word. I was guilty of praying to God, but not waiting on His answer. (I took matters into my own hands.)

“They that wait upon the Lord…” – Isaiah 40:31 (KJV).

“Call to me and I will answer…” – Jeremiah 33:3 (NIV).

As I reflect on my life, I realize that God really does love me. God loves me like a mother loves her child. He loves me despite my sinful self. And His Word is Truth. I called on Him and He answered. He could have ignored me, but He didn’t. He showed me what real love is. He showed me Who, He really Is. I called; God answered. I’m now hooked. I’m devoted to prayer – devoted to God!

During our Word Life Bible Class, “Why Do We Pray?”, Pastor Brice taught that prayer produces an awareness about God and an affection for God. This is indicative of my testimony. I was going through the motions of being a Believer, but I wasn’t being true to myself nor God. God showed His Love for me, and I now reciprocate. Falling in love with Jesus, was the best thing I ever done. (Song lyrics: “Falling in Love With Jesus” by: Jonathan Butler.)

“No matter what you have done, you don’t have to be afraid to go to God.”                                      – Pastor V.S. Brice

Do not get discouraged when God doesn’t answer right away. Keep on praying, no matter what! Praying is showing your faith in God. He will answer. As a matter of fact, He may have already answered you, but you weren’t listening because it wasn’t the answer you were expecting. God won’t always say yes to your prayers. Perhaps a yes answer to your request would not be the best thing for you. You will thank Him when He reveals why He said, “No!”

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

    – Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV). 

Pray, wait on the Lord to reveal what He wants for you. Get hooked on prayer – be devoted to prayer. Let God’s Peace block all your anxieties while guarding your hearts and minds in Jesus.

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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …

“A New Day Is Dawning!”

A new day dawns. What are you going to do with this new day? What are your plans? Before you answer, make a list. Name your list: “Things Pleasing to God”. Then pray over your list. Did you include God in your plans? This will always be a “yes” answer because you put Him first and prayed over your list. (See how easy it is to include God in your plans.)

At the end of the day, pray again. Give God praise, thank Him for allowing you to accomplish the things (hopefully all) on your list. Wow! (You just became a prayer warrior?) You prayed at the beginning of the day, and you prayed at the end of the day.

Keep going, do this daily, make this a habit. Watch your list grow from being less about you to being more about God and others. As you grow your list, so will your relationship with God grow. This is progress, even if the growth is slow, it will still be pleasing to God. As you progress, your perception will change.

“What have you done lately that is pleasing to God?” – Pastor Victor S. Brice                                                (This quote from our pastor’s Sunday Sermon is the reason for this Blog.)

People – Prayer – Principles – Progress – Preachers – Perception.  Pastor Brice gave us these six considerations that matter in our lives, that we must take ownership of. Not a long list, but an essential one. Gear up – take a close, positive, look at this list – take ownership – grow!

Become a privileged member of STMI. Sit under the leadership and teachings of our pastor, Rev. Victor S. Brice. Be in the House when he delivers the Message. Yes, it is that simple. Your privileged membership is a no fee membership. Just be there! Hear the Word – get the Word in your heart – walk in the Word – pray – spread the Word (make disciples).

“That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God.” – Colossians 1:10 (KJV).

Your worship experience will be elevated to a new level – a higher level. A new day is dawning and it’s a win – win!

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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

Othella Hill-Jordan                                                                   August 30, 2021

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE ….

“Are You Going Against the Norm?”

We all have that friendly neighbor that greets us each morning with; “Good morning! How are you?”, although it may be a routine salutation from our culture, it does make you feel good knowing that someone is acknowledging your presence and cares. During our Sunday Sermon, “The Way I Move Matters!”, Pastor Brice brought out the fact that our western culture promotes an “anything goes” attitude. Think about that for a moment. Look around you, is he right, or is he right? He went on to say:

“Watch how you move!” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

Believers, it is easy to get caught up in what our culture promotes. However, we must remember that being saved puts us in an entirely different culture, Christian culture. We, as our pastor stresses time after time, are set apart once we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. So, I ask this question: “Are you going against the norm?” Note: This question is pertaining to the western culture. To go against the character of the western culture is a good thing because, again, we are set apart to follow Jesus’ Footsteps, not anyone else’s.

“We are saved as sponsors!” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

Do not be afraid to go against what everyone else is doing, especially when you know in your heart that they are wrong. It doesn’t matter how many thousands of people are doing it. Wrong, is wrong. “Don’t get caught up!” I’m not even going to break it down, name the different sins of our western culture because you and I know what they are. Just turn on your daily news – social media – television shows – entertainers in music, theater – sports. They display and advertise their actions for the world to see. But this does not make it right. Believers, stick with your culture! Represent your culture! Make the right moves! We are sponsors of the Truth (Word).

“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16 (NIV).

Believers, you have a responsibility to make the right moves. Move in the Word! Your character is not of that of the world. Your character is that of God. Don’t be afraid to go against the norm of our western culture. Stick with the norm of Christian culture.

“Let the voice of God move you!” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE ….

“Does It Really Matter?”

Pastor Brice has started teaching on, “The Way I Move Matters!”, from Colossians 1:9-10. This is a reminder to all believers that our Christian walk – our walk with Christ – matters. It matters to us, as well as, to the watchers of our walk. It, therefore, behooves us to stop being lackadaisical, sloppy, about our Christian walk. We must stand firm, be steadfast in the Word, in prayer, in our actions, and in our faith because we have a responsibility.

Responsibility? Yes! I remember a while back; Pastor Brice made the statement: “We are responsible for the Word we receive. What are you going to do with the Word you receive?” Yes, I heard him, but I must confess that I did not move into action after hearing him make this statement. (Now, after last night’s teachings, I’m saying: “My bad – sorry!”) I’m ready to move into action now.

“Our responsibility comes with accountability – our actions are tied to an assignment.”                              –  Pastor Victor S. Brice

I must admit that as the Word is going forth, I’m listening, paying close attention to Pastor Brice’s teaching. I’m getting the Word in my heart, remembering, sharing. Sharing? Let’s stop here! Who am I sharing the Word with? Exactly! I’m sharing the Word with other believers. Who needs it most? Where will the Word of God do the most good? Non-believers! Wow! I’ve been making disciples of disciples. Time to re-direct! Time to turn! Time to go forth and make disciples of non-believers.

“So that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way; bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.” – Colossians 1:10 (NIV).

 We must all account for our actions – do some soul searching – take responsibility. Remember, God has already saved the saved. It is our responsibility to reach out to the unsaved and be an advertisement to them.

“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16 (NIV).

Yes, it really matters how you move! The Right actions speak the Word and are tied to an assignment. So, let’s get moving!

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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …

“You’d Better Recognize!”

This past year (after months of dealing with the corona virus pandemic) has left us questioning: “What’s going to happen next?” or “When will this end?” Yes, the pandemic is still on-going. Vaccinations are in place for those who choose to get them (this does limit the numbers catching the virus) but not everyone chooses to get vaccinated. People are still dying from the old strain of the virus and now, from a new strain. We are still dealing with sadness from the loss of our loved ones. There have been many disruptions, or fall-out, from the pandemic due to the guidelines set by the CDC, Center for Disease Control.

I think the most disruptive of all the CDC guidelines during this pandemic was the fact that our in-person worship services were limited. The CDC guidelines did not sanction large gatherings. Solomon Temple did the next best thing: Face Book, Live Streaming, and Teleconference calls. Although we were connecting through social media, I found myself wishing for a return to in-person worship service.

The pandemic is not over but, we’re baaa-ack! The CDC guidelines have been relaxed. In-House worship is back! We can now worship together in the House of the Lord. Where are you? Did your Face Book, Live Streaming, or Teleconference calling develop into a social media habit?

“Recognize the power of in-person worship!” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

Time to break your social media habit. Time to get back to your House of Worship and connect with God in person. God will meet you at your house, but there is Power in His House. He really wants to connect with you in His House where your focus is on Him and only Him. There are no outside distractions in His House.

While sitting in the church pews listening to God’s Truth, you will have a feeling of euphoria that can’t be explained. You will feel His Presence! Feel His Power! You will experience real worship. What is real worship? A spiritual act where your spirit connects with God’s Spirit. There is Power in this connection!  Recognize this Power. Worship Him in spirit and in truth!

“God is a Spirit; and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”        – John 4:24 (KJV).

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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE  ….

“No Doubt!”

 Recently, Pastor Brice started teaching from Exodus Chapter 14 (The account of Moses leading the Israelites to the Promise Land. However, before they reached their destination, God told Moses to have the Israelites turn.) “Turn!” God sent them in a new direction where they encountered the “Red Sea Experience”. We are going through our “Red Sea Experience” right now, it’s called, COVID.

By the Grace of God, Pastor Brice has been doing what God put him in position to do, keep watch over (guard) our salvation. Our “turn” was to stay connected to God via the internet: Face Book – Live Streaming – Zoom – and via telephone (Tele-Conference).  We may have had to use different methods, but we have stayed connected to God during this pandemic. Once the numbers (sicknesses and death) from this pandemic lowered, we returned to our regular praise and worship in-church meetings. However, rumors, which may turn to fact, has us returning to our “pandemic mode” of worshiping. God may have us “turn” again.

 “God develops us through stress and trouble. Your stress and trouble will keep you in tune with God.” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

Now is not the time to start doubting that God has you. Struggles – trouble – stress – anxiety are a part of life. Everyone has them. You can’t navigate through life without them. Remember, God is developing you. Just like our parents, God will chastise you because He loves you. Therefore, praise Him through it all! Give Him the glory! Shout! There should never be any doubt that He still loves you. You will come through everything that is thrown at you. You will come out on the other side a winner.

“The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease.”    – Lamentations 3:22 (NLT).

Let there be no doubt – shout! God loves you! His goodness and mercy will never cease!

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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …

“Watch and Pray!” 

In Matthew Chapter 26, Jesus went with his disciples to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. He was sorrowful and troubled. (Read: Matthew 26:36-46) He told his disciples to sit while he walked along a bit further to pray. He took with Him, Peter and the two sons of Zebedee. When he started to feel more overwhelmed, he told them to sit and watch while he prayed.

“My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as your will.”   –  Matthew 26:39 (NIV).

When Jesus returned to where His disciples were, He found them sleeping and He scolded them.

“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.” – Matthew 26:41 (NIV).

We have a duty to pray as well as a duty to watch. I never fully understood this until this past Tuesday night during our Word Life (Bible Teaching). I was always taught to be quiet and still while someone was praying, but I never associated being quiet and still as being on watch – as being on guard – or being in agreement with the prayer.

“Prayer should be watched and guarded.” –  Pastor Victor S. Brice

It is our duty, as believers, to pay close attention to the prayer as it is going forth. We have a duty to be on watch and be on guard. “Touch and agree!” We must, along with the person doing the actual prayer, believe that the prayer request is already done. Believe that God will answer your prayer. Believe that your prayer will manifest, in God’s own timing. Last, but not least, we must make prayer a habit.

“Prayer ought to be our strongest – greatest habit of our life.” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

Pastor Brice also pointed out the elements of a prayer habit: safe (guarded) – satisfying – and supportive.  Being on our (STMI) prayer line (888) 633-1082 at 6:00am to 6:15am every morning is showing our support – is touching and agreeing – is watching and guarding – is making prayer a habit. Watch and pray!

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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan