“The Real Elephant in The Room!”

 

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …

“The Real Elephant in The Room!”

Pastor Brice gave us a resounding sermon on Father’s Day, “Who Is the Real Elephant in The Room?”.  Yes, thought provoking! However, let me clarify the meaning of “elephant in the room” prior to answering.

Elephant in the room: a major problem or controversial issue that is obviously present but avoided as a subject for discussion because it is more comfortable to do so.

“Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” – Ephesians 6:4 (NIV). 

“Who is the real elephant in the room?”  The answer is two-fold: the absentee father and the mistake of neglecting God.

It is imperative that we not neglect training our children in the ways of the Lord. Your child’s first prayer; “Now I lay me down to sleep….” can be the start of their relationship with God. Yes, your child’s relationship with God can start before they can read (I speak from experience.) and it is up to you to make sure their relationship with God is nurtured and grows. Train and instruct your child in the ways of the Lord. While you are at it, do not forget to nurture your own relationship with God. Parents, we are the example! Stop neglecting – start showing and growing!

“A child’s inappropriate behavior correlates to the absence of the father from the home.”                                     –    Pastor Victor S. Brice

A father’s absence from the home may have a devastating affect on a child’s life. You may see bad grades – acting out in school – arguments – fights – poor eating habits – poor sleeping habits, or, depending on the child’s age – he or she may even join a gang. A cry for help! Your child is experiencing a loss – an absentee father is a loss they cannot fix. They will start seeking anything that will give them a sense of belonging or get your attention.

Yes, a mother is needed in a child’s life, but a mother can only drive so far. At some point in a child’s life, he or she will need their father to take the wheel. The word “no” coming from your mother is totally different from “no” coming from your father.  Again, speaking from experience (with no disrespect intended) it just is!

Pastor Brice and the brothers of STMI will be reaching out to our children of absentee fathers to      provide them with mentorship.

 

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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

 

“Red Sea Experience!”

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …

“Red Sea Experience!”

Have you had a “Red Sea Experience”? Okay, so: What is a Red Sea Experience? During our Tuesday night Word Life Bible study:

“God will always take us through a ‘Red Sea Experience’”. – Pastor Victor S. Brice

Your “Red Sea Experience” is one where God has led you or put you. You feel that there is no way out. You’ve reached a dead end – you feel stuck – helpless. Read: Exodus Chapter 14.

“Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea to divide the water so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground.” – Exodus 14:16 (NIV).

Where God leads you – puts you – He will see you through. The saying that: “He will make a way out of no way!” is correct. You may seem stuck – abandoned – in a dead-end situation – but He is with you all the way. God will never leave you alone in a situation He has placed you in.

Your Red Sea Experience will be different from mine because we are all individuals and God will take you through what He feels you need at any particular time. Pastor Brice shared with us some strategies to use while going through our Red Sea Experience.

• Trust what God says and not what you see. Matthew 14:22-33
• What God says is always safe – successful – strengthening.
• Start saying what God says. (Know His Word – be attentive to the Holy Spirit.)
• God will always support what He says. God is with you. Deuteronomy 31:6
• What He says is not always sweet/succulent. Hebrews 12:5-6
• Seek the shepherd (your pastor) to hear what God has said to him. Jeremiah 3:15

“The only question a congregation should be asking their pastor is: ‘What has God said?’”
– Pastor Victor S. Brice

Trusting the Lord is trusting his shepherd – your pastor. Your pastor will always give you what ‘thus saith the Lord’. However, there is no greater experience than being/sitting in the congregation while your pastor is relaying to you what God has given him. Yes, you can view on Facebook live, or live streaming, but it is not the same. The spiritual experience is different.

“Come!” “Join us – sit with us!” “Rejoice in the Lord!” Be a part of a spiritual experience that touches your mind – body – and soul. Refer: Philippians 4:6-7.

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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

“Don’t Get Caught Up in Mess!”

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …

“Don’t Get Caught Up in Mess!”

We tend to do the same old stuff over and over which gets us caught up in mess, all the while telling ourselves… “I am not taking no mess!” or “I am not getting involved in no mess!” Wrong! We do take mess, and we get involved in mess, especially the “he said” – “she said” kind of mess. We listen – we observe – we are caught up in mess. God will use your circumstances.

During Pastor Brice’s sermon: “I’m A Hot Mess – But God!” He used the following phrase:

“God knows how to take my mess and turn it into a Message!”  – Pastor Victor S. Brice

Just as you can learn from your mistakes, you can learn from your mess. Treat your learning experience like a Message from God. Be on the look-out for mess. Good intentions are great; however, mess will find you.  i.e., You’re minding your own business, then along comes someone with a “did you hear” story. Of course, your natural instinct is to want to hear what they have to say, but a “did you hear” story does nothing but get you involved in whatever “mess” is going on. Once involved you may find yourself crying out to God for help.

“What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?”                                 – Romans 7:24 (NIV).

We are all vulnerable to sin, but we must recognize sin as the lifestyle we had prior to accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior and put it behind us. (Easier said than done.) As believers, we are in alignment with God’s Commands, but they are not always easy for us to follow due to our sin nature. Plausible Solution: We can follow the apostle Paul’s method and cry out to the Lord. Pray! Do not be afraid to ask God for help – do not be afraid to ask Him for deliverance. Call on Him, He will answer you – He will deliver you! He will bless you!

“God will alleviate my mess and turn it into a blessing.”  – Pastor Victor S. Brice

Yes, we need God to navigate through life. We are here now due to God’s grace and mercy. Stop trying to do things on your own. God is waiting – let Him do His Work in you. Serve Him by serving others. Pray. Tap into the Power of the Holy Spirit. “Don’t get caught up!”

 

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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

 

“Who Are You Inviting to The Party?”

Othella Hill-Jordan                                                                                        May 24, 2021

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …

“Who Are You Inviting to The Party?”

When planning a party, the most important part of the planning is the guest list. Depending on your circle of family and friends, a particular guest can either make or break a party. Your goal is to create a list of people who are amicable with each other or at least share common interest. i.e., When giving a Super Bowl party you will invite football fans – when giving a Warrior’s play-off party, you will invite basketball fans, preferably Warrior’s fans.

“When you put on a luncheon or a banquet,” he said, “don’t invite your friends, brothers, relatives, and rich neighbors. For they will invite you back, and that will be your only reward.” –  Luke 14:12 (NLT).

God will reward you when you invite those who cannot repay you.

This past Sunday, Pastor Brice’s sermon, “I Can’t Miss the Party – God’s Party!”, was about love for the Lord. He wanted us to look at our level of love for the Lord.

“Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” – I John 4:8 (NIV).

“The Lord has never let me down. My love for Him overrule all other levels of love.”                                             Pastor Victor S. Brice

Do you love the Lord? At what level? (In my mind I can see three levels of love, with Level-One being the greatest love, Level-Two being a greater love than Level-Three which is great love.) Remember, when you know God, you know Love. As you increase in Word – worship – prayer – in your relationship with the Lord, your love level will increase. When you love the Lord, you will, without hesitation, come when He says: “Come!”

“Blessed is the man who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God.” – Luke 14:15 (NIV).

God’s Party is held every Sunday, 10:00am, morning worship service at STMI, and Facebook screening. God’s Party is held every morning at 6:00am (888) 633-1082, during morning prayer. God’s Party is held every Tuesday, 7:00pm, Facebook screening and call (888) 633-1082. God’s party is held every Wednesday, 7:00pm via Zoom screening and call (888) 633-1082.

You are invited to God’s Party!  Come!

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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

 

 

“Have You Received Any Gifts Lately?”

Othella Hill-Jordan                                                                               May 21, 2021

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …

“Have You Received Any Gifts Lately?”

Think for a moment about the gifts you’ve received recently. Were they something you really wanted? Were they useful? Practical? Lasting? What did you do with them? Even the gifts that we want for ourselves are not always useful – practical – or lasting.  Why? Because we usually ask for things that are worldly. Worldly things, compared to things of God, are not meant to last.

“What Jesus leaves us is lasting, grab on to it!” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

“The best things in life are free!” has always been a debatable statement. The pros and cons of this statement are all valid. Free vs not free. Think about it. Our salvation: was paid for by the Blood of Jesus. Jesus died on the cross and was resurrected so that we may have forgiveness of our sins and salvation – life after death – life with God in eternity. Although, Jesus paid the price for our salvation, there is still work to be done on our part. “Faith without works…or…you must work for everything you want in life, etc.”

“And the peace I give you is a gift the world cannot give.” – John 14:27 (NLT).

God gives us His Peace which is totally different from world peace. This is not debatable.

“World peace is meant to eliminate trouble – Jesus’ Peace will invigorate you while you’re in trouble.” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

What will you do with the gifts God gives?

God’s Gifts are not meant to be put on a shelf and forgotten. Each gift we receive from God comes with instructions that must be followed. Read – study your Bible – act on God’s Word. Be diligent in the Word – be diligent in your prayers. His Word will show you the Way – His Word will show you what to do with your gifts. When going through trials – trouble – stress – His Word will sustain you – invigorate you – lift you.

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:7 (NIV).

“To have real peace you must be in fellowship with the Holy Spirit.” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

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“What Are You Going To Do?”

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …

“What Are You Going to Do?”

 

“What are you going to do with the Word you received today? – Pastor Victor S. Brice

This question is specific and requires a specific answer. Pastor Brice went on to say that every Word God gives us requires action on our part. Think on this a moment. God’s Word is meant for us to perform – to act on. Reading His Word is not enough. Get the Word in your heart – mind – soul. Walk by faith – in Word – in prayer. Be steadfast and consistent. Your relationship with God will grow. This is pleasing to God.

“Pleasing God, is critical.” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

“Thus, saith the Lord, ‘The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool.’”                        – Isaiah 66:1 (KJV). 

God has placed our pastor in a position to lead – guard – watch over our Salvation. Remember, he has been given the Living Word, inspired by the Holy Spirit. We must receive the Word in the Spirit it was given. Listen to the Word as he delivers it – listen to his prayers, as he prays for us. Our pastor is a selfless man of God who cares for us. Follow his lead and put the Word to work in your daily lives. Do something with the Word you receive. Share what he gives you. Key words: work and share.

We praise His Holy Name and beseech His Goodness and His Mercy! We lift our eyes, our hands, our voices, upward to where our help comes from. Our help comes from the Lord.

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you.” – John 14:27 (KJV). 

“Whatever Jesus leaves for us is lasting – durable – sustainable.” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

The peace that God gives us is sustainable and unmeasurable. During your pain – trouble – turmoil, pray for Jesus to give you His Peace which will lift you above what you are going through. His Peace will lift you – invigorate you through your pain – trouble – turmoil.

Every Word we receive is meant to inspire, motivate, us to move on It – to act on It. Let the Word permeate your heart – mind – soul. We have been given the Living Word – keep Word alive by walking in It – living It – sharing It – by making disciples. Receive His Peace!

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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

“Coming and Going”

Othella Hill-Jordan                                                                                May 7, 2021

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …

Coming and Going – Honoring and Remembering!

 

John 16:21 (NIV) “A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born, she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world.”

This is our Scripture for our coming into the world and for honoring our mothers while they are still living. Give your mother her flowers now. Watch her smile as she enjoys the sweet fragrance. Although, her smile is not because she is enjoying the flowers, her smile is because she feels your love for her.

Proverbs 31:31 (NIV) “Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.”

 This is our Scripture for remembering our mothers that are now resting in Heaven. Note: You never miss your water until the well runs dry.

This is where we are (those of us who have lost their mothers). Actually, we have not lost them and our well has not run dry. Our mothers have had a change of address. They can be found in Heaven – resting with our Lord and Savior. We can rejoice because of this.

There have been many poems – works of art – movies – books – stories – about ways to celebrate our mothers on Mother’s Day. I’m not going to give you any suggestions or a “how-to” on ways to honor or remember your mother because the above two Scriptures says it all. Read them again! Reflect on them! Then, tell your mother that you love her! If she is still on this side of Heaven, give her a hug! This is all she wants and all she expects from you. (How do I know this?) Because I am speaking from experience.

To all the mothers – biological – adopted – spiritual – and fathers (taking on both roles of mother and father) – enjoy this special day set aside in recognition of mothers everywhere. Much love and many blessings!

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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

How Would Your Story Read?

Othella Hill-Jordan                                                                                             May 6, 2021

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …

“How Would Your Story Read?”

 If you were a woman in the Bible, how would your story read? Some of the women in the Bible are not known by name but by reputation or circumstance. Also, not every woman in the Bible was considered godly or was a follower of Christ. Yet, there are lessons to be learned from them.

i.e., The woman with the issue of blood. (Luke 8:43-48) Her blood condition rendered her unclean, but she was desperate to be healed. Her faith that Jesus would heal her was realized when she simply touched his garment. Lesson: This is an example of faith that resulted in healing through Jesus. 

“Then he said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.’” – Luke 8:48 (NIV).

i.e., The widow with two mites. (Mark 12:41-44) As Jesus watched, a poor widow placed all she had in the offering plate (two coins). Lesson: An example of stewardship. God desires that not only our needs be met but that we in turn bless someone.

“Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, ‘I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.’” – Mark 12:43 (NIV).

i.e., Esther, (Esther chapter 1 -10) a Jewess, was used by God to save His people.  Lesson: An example of fasting and praying. Though there were feasting celebrations all around Esther, she chose to fast and pray for the deliverance of her people.

“…I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.”         – Esther 4:16 (NIV).

i.e., Dorcas (Tabitha) a disciple and seamstress who lived in Joppa (Acts 9:36-43). She was always doing good and helping the poor. She died one day, and the mourning women sent for Peter, who prayed over her and asked her to wake up. Tabitha opened her eyes and sat up. Lesson: By serving and loving others, we are conforming to Jesus’ nature – we benefit as well.

“He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called the believers and the widows and presented her to them alive.” – Acts 9:41 (NIV).

i.e., Miriam, sister of both Aaron and Moses, was a prophetess. (Exodus 2:7-10; 15:20-21) She was witness to the parting of the Red Sea and encouraged God’s people to respond to the Lord, not only for His mercy and blessings, but to acknowledge Him as God. Worshiping Him in song and praise. Lesson: We enter into true worship by first, thanking God for what He has done. Then we are able to praise Him for who He is.

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” – Psalm 100:4 (NIV).

Five women in the Bible. Think about these five women for a moment. Now think about how your story will read.  Your story does not have to be a complete novel (as you can see, in the Bible, a story can be told in just a few paragraphs or a few sentences). Only Ruth (whom I didn’t mention) and Esther have their own book in the Bible.

You are who you are. Think, reflect, write your story. No one is perfect; therefore, we must turn to God for His help – encouragement – power – provision. Write your story, then critique it. The best critic is one who can criticize themselves. An even better critic is one who is willing to make changes to their bad habits – to change their ways that fall short of the glory of God.

Note: Your story is for your eyes only. Write it – put it away. Then, take it out from time to time to add to it. Or, as you grow in your faith, you will be deleting some things.

Faith – Stewardship – Fasting – Praying – Serving – Praise (worship) 

How would you rate yourself in the above categories? Will your story include all or some of the above?

We are honoring (or, remembering) our mothers on Sunday, Mother’s Day. Praise God for the woman who carried you for nine months and thank Him for giving you life.

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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blog – Othella Hill-Jordan

 

 

 

 

 

 

Your Space

April 29, 2021

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …

“Your Space”

When you are tired – troubled – stressed – do you have a place where you go to be alone, unwind, relax? A place where it is just you and God? Some people have a prayer closet, an actual room set aside for their alone time with God. Your prayer closet does not have to be a room, per say, it may be a special space that you’ve allocated for your alone time with God to sit, relax, and talk.

“Get in a quiet place – shut stuff down – get with God!” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

“Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” – Psalm 46:10 (NIV).

 We are commanded to be still – stop stressing – get to know God. God is with his people, us. He is our stronghold – our fortress – our strength – our refuge. Whatever you are experiencing, give it over to God. For any relationship to work you must get to know each other. Grow your relationship with God – get to know Him like He knows you. Often, we take the easy road – the easy route to reach our destination. However, no road is easy all the time. You will eventually run into bumps, twists, turns, and sometimes must take a detour.

i.e., We accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. We have been saved and know that we are destined to live in eternity with God. We attend church on Sunday – not regularly. We participate in praise and worship – only in church. We pray – not consistently. Complacency is not good.

How is your relationship with God?

 It is not hard to get to know God. Spend more time with Him – spend more time in His Word – spend more time in being obedient to His Word – spend more time in sharing His Word – spend more time in prayer. Grow your faith – grow your relationship with God.

Once this happens, you will routinely go into your designated quiet space and shut down everything outside of God. Your space will become God’s Space. Remember, God’s Space is consecrated, therefore, handle yourselves accordingly.

“There is no one like you, O Lord, and there is no God but you.” – 1 Chronicles 17:20 (NIV).

This is reality. It behooves us to give Him all the praise and honor. Make your space His Space. Get in His Space and get in His Peace.  He wants us there and we need to be there.

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:7 (NIV).

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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

You Are Appreciated!

April 27, 2021

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …

“You Are Appreciated!”

You are appreciated! I appreciate you! How many times have you said these very words or variations of these words to someone? These very words should flow consistently from your mouth. If you can count them, then you haven’t said them enough. To appreciate someone is to recognize their worth or value – be grateful for – be thankful for – be beholden to – treasure – admire. Where am I going with this? I’ve said all this to say: There is a man, a godly man, who exhibit all these traits and more.

“Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work.” – 1 Thess. 5:13 (NIV).

Rev. Victor S. Brice – Pastor – Shepherd – Teacher – Leader – Mentor – Anointed Man of God. He also holds the title of son – brother – husband – father – friend.

“Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding.” – Jeremiah 3:15 (NIV).

I feel that this Scripture was written about our Pastor, Rev. Victor S. Brice, because this is who he is. He mirrors this Passage. His love for God – his love for the Word – his love for us – his knowledge of the Word. He cares about our spiritual well-being (our worldly well-being as well). He encourages us to stay in the Word – stay in prayer – live the Word – share the Word. He shares with us what God has given him. He is truly a shepherd after God’s own heart.

Faith – obedience – serving. This is how our shepherd, Pastor Victor S. Brice, operates. He is faithful to God and the Word of God. He is obedient to God and to His Word. He follows God’s instructions and shares what God has given him with us.

I would be remiss if I didn’t give all the praise and honor to God. Thank You, Lord, for sending us your angel in the guise of our shepherd, Pastor Victor S. Brice. Thank You, Merciful Father!

“We must be about pleasing God!” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

These are your very words – this is what you do. We must follow your lead in pleasing Him. God sent you to us. He is well pleased; “…I will give you shepherds after my own heart……”

I really appreciate you, Pastor Brice!

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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan