“Don’t Quit!”

 

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …

“Don’t Quit!” 

“Don’t quit!” These very words were spoken by our Pastor during his series of teachings on: “How I Move Matters!” Part 13. We will all, and we have all, encountered situations in our lives that have moved us to want to quit – to want to just give up. Especially when you keep getting knocked down time and time again. You will come to a point where you just want to give up – to quit – to not take part in whatever it is that keeps knocking you down. This is not the time to quit. It is time to call on the Lord for His Strength.

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” – Philippians 4:13 (KJV).

Let God take control of whatever keeps knocking you down. We tend to get so involved in our situations that we forget where our help comes from. We forget to let Him take control. We will inadvertently push God aside, while thinking: “I got this!” No, you don’t! Our Patient God will wait on us to acknowledge Him. He will wait on you to seek His Counsel.

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” – Matthew 6:33 (NIV).

I grew up hearing my parents say: “Always include God in your plans!” Well, I did when I was planning something big. But if it was a routine, daily, plan I didn’t include Him. Well, we all know how those plans didn’t work out. Always, means just that, always! It took me a long time to realize the always-ness of including God. I’ve said all of this to make a point.

When God is included in your plans, you will not quit – you will not give up – because you’ve given Him control and will wait on Him to handle your situation. This is what it means to: “Let go and let God!”  This is what it means to not quit!

Not quitting is a move that matters. Letting God take control is not quitting. Waiting on the Lord is not quitting. Waiting on the Lord is Legit! Waiting on the Lord is too legit to quit! (Ooooh… M.C. Hammer said something!)   Ok, Deacon Davis, you’ve said something too! My point…

Don’t Quit!

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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

“Tell God How You Feel!”

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …

“Tell God How You Feel!”

Hello Solomon Temple Family! We have all been blessed to see this year come to a  close and are now getting ready to welcome a new year. Take a moment!

Be Grateful and Glorify!  Be Thankful and Testify!  Tell God how you feel!

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.” – Psalm 136:1 (NIV).

Grateful lyrics: Hezekiah Walker

I am grateful for the things that You have done

Yes, I’m grateful for the victories we’ve won

I could go on and on and on about Your works

Because I’m grateful, grateful, so grateful – Just to praise you Lord

Flowing from my heart – Are the issues of my heart

It’s Gratefulness                                                                                                                                                                   ~~~~~~~

I’ve taken the liberty of asking a few members of our STMI family to share their feelings of Gratefulness – Thankfulness.

“I’m thankful and grateful for my family and my church family.” – First Lady Tara Brice

“I’m thankful for my wife. I’m thankful  for my mom, who is still here. I’m so thankful to still have her in my life. I’m thankful for my family – I’m thankful for  my church. I’m just thankful!”                                      –     Rev. Seymore Brice

“I’m thankful that God brought me through the pandemic. I have so many underlying (health) conditions, but He brought me through. I have a part-time job at Walmart (lots of people around me all the time) but He spared my life – nothing happened to me.”  – Dorothy East

“I’m thankful for my health and strength. I’m thankful that I’m able to work after having eight knee surgeries on the same knee. I am really thankful and grateful.” – Nicola East

“I’m thankful for my family and for my salvation.” – Gaynelle Randolph

“I’m thankful for my family, my church, and for God’s Grace.” – Deonna Randolph

“I’m most grateful for life – breath. Jesus breathed in me. I’m thankful for being clothed in my right mind. I’m grateful for the ability – the opportunity and grace that’s been given to me.”                                       –    Sharon Jones

“I’m thankful for being in the land of the living.” – Mother Martha Green

“I’m thankful for my mom – grandma – step-dad, and for Pastor’s daughter, Victoria.”                                    –    Makayla Serrao

“I’m grateful for God giving us His only begotten Son so that we can have everlasting life. But it is up to us to make the right choices because how we move matters. I’m thankful for my family, my Pastor, and my (STMI) church family.” – Catherine Joiner

“I’m thankful to God for waking me up to praise Him every morning.” – Sarah Davis

“I’m grateful for the gift of life. I’m thankful that God saved me. He loved me enough to save me. I’m thankful for the food on my table – clothes on my back – my health and strength.”                                             –     Ursala Wooley

“I’m thankful for my family and their support. They are loving and take care of my needs.”                              –    Deondra Wallace

 “I’m thankful for my stable job and for my family!”  – Taylor Tucker

“I’m thankful for God giving me a new dawning. I’m thankful for my new Pastor and His Vision. I’m thankful for my STMI family. I’m also thankful for my old pastor who poured into me so that I’m able to follow His Word.”  – Tammie Harris

“I’m thankful for life. I’m thankful that I know the Lord Jesus Christ as my personal Savior. I’m thankful for my husband – my family and my health and strength. I thank God for His Son, Jesus dying on the cross.” – Wanda Parks

“I’m thankful for my husband, Deacon Spencer and my daughter, Olivia. I’m thankful for my family and my STMI family. I’m also thankful that after retiring, I am now teaching grades K thru 8th in the Oakley School District, which is only 5 minutes away from my home. I would also like to include one of my favorite Scriptures…Proverbs 3:5-6 ….

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV).

 

We are all a living testimony of what God has done for us and for what He continues to do for us. Praise Him! Our Blessed Savior is worthy to be praised.

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever.”                                                      –  Psalm 100:4-5 (NIV).

 

Stay Connected!

 

Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

“Hold On!”

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …

“Hold On!”

We have all been going through something since the start of this (seems like never ending) pandemic and have been affected in different ways. I thank God for our pastor, Rev. Victor S. Brice, for giving us Word of encouragement through it all. He has delivered the Word received from our Supreme Father consistently throughout our losses – sicknesses – trials – troubles. Pastor Brice has remained steadfast in the Word and steadfast in encouragement. Praise God!

“When going through something, hold on tighter, never let go, don’t loosen your grip.”     –   Pastor Victor S. Brice

These words were spoken by Pastor Brice during his teaching on, “The Dangers of Spiritual Regression”. No matter what we are going through; bereavement – sickness – losses of jobs, homes, etc., our pastor remains steadfast in his teachings. Why? Because he is God driven! He is driven by the Word of God!

Drifting is one of the dangers of Spiritual regression. I can clearly see this because our House, STMI, is not full on Sunday mornings. Where are you? I know the majority reading this blog are the ones who come to the House on Sunday morning, and visit Facebook or Teleconference calls on Tuesday nights. Also, you tune in to our morning prayer calls. No, this message is for those reading this blog who have drifted. Yes, drifted! We miss you!

“We must pay the most careful attention therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.” – Hebrews 2:1 (NIV).

(Note: It is possible to drift and still be in the House. Therefore, pay attention, focus, on the Word being given and obey the Word of God.)

God speaks to us through our Pastor. So, hold on! Focus! Again, be committed to the Word and obey God’s Word. While listening to Pastor Brice preach – teach – deliver the Word, you can feel the Spirit in the room. (And this is while he is on Facebook.) I encourage you, come to the House, STMI, feel the Spirit as He pours into our pastor, who in turn pours into us. There is nothing like it. I can’t even begin to explain the feeling. Just come! Be in the House while the Word is being delivered.

“Whatever you do, don’t get disconnected from the Word!”                                            – Pastor Victor S. Brice

Stay Connected!

Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

“Something About You”

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …

“Something About You”

 We all know that as Christians we will always be watched with a critical eye. Why is that? As soon as you profess to be a Believer you will sense a change in the demeanor of the person you are speaking with. Sometimes, you will get an: “Oh!” Now what is that supposed to mean? “Oh!”  I’m glad you asked. “Oh!” means you don’t act like a Christian. Ok, getting ready to step on some toes. I know this to be true because I was once a recipient of this; “Oh!”

Yes, I was taken aback at first, but then I did some introspection of my actions as a Christian. I thought about my mother always telling me that: “People should see God in you.” Wow! For me to receive that “Oh!” meant I wasn’t walking in my belief. People were not seeing God in me. I had work to do.

“Something about you should attract people. You should be appealing to people.”                      –   Pastor Victor S. Brice

Pastor Brice was teaching his ninth segment on: “How I Move Matters” with the focus on – “Christian Style. Others should be able to tell by your walk that you are a Believer. There must be no question about your faith. There must be no question about your love for Jesus.

“If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”    –  John 8:34 (NIV).

This Scripture means for us to deny our natural sin habits and follow Jesus. Jesus is the way to the Father – Jesus will break the stronghold that is keeping you enslaved to sin. This is a Spiritual move – a move Christian style – a move of faith – a move of love.

For others to see God in you is a testament to your faith – your love for Jesus. Falling in love with Jesus was the best thing I’ve ever done. (Yes, Jonathon Butler wrote a song about this.) Your love for Jesus will show in how you treat others – how you interact with others – how you love others. It will be the something about you that will attract others.

So, lets all eliminate that “Oh!”. Walk in the Word – walk in faith – walk in the love of Jesus. Let the Light that lives in you shine so there will be no question that you are a child of God. Let the Light shine so others will know there is… “Something about you!”

 

Stay Connected!

Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

“Where Are You?”

 

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …

“Where Are You?”

Where are you?  At the start of this pandemic, we had to rearrange our schedules so that we could attend church services and Bible teachings via Facebook live or via our church’s website live streaming. We were able to do this from the comfort of our homes. We have been back to in-person church worship service on Sunday mornings for quite a while now. Have you been M-I-A (missing in action)? If a yes answer, it is time to come back to the House (STMI).

“Re-arrange your schedule so that you will be able to show up.” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

This statement was made by our pastor during his teachings on “How I Move Matters – What Does Making Myself Available Mean?”  We must make God our priority and make ourselves available to Him.

“Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness.” –  Matthew 6:33 (NIV).

When we put God first, we show up for Sunday morning worship service. Yes, getting the Message via the website is ok, but it does not compare to sitting in His House and feeling the Holy Spirit while the Message is being delivered. To show up is to get fed. God knows we need “matter” (food) for our souls. He will provide that and much more. 

“If you show up, you’ll get filled up!”  – Pastor Victor S. Brice

“Jesus answered, ‘It is written; Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” – Matthew 4:4 (NIV). 

Satan is always lurking and will try to sway you – try to get you off track. God will block Satan – obstacles – and oppositions that get in your way. He will keep you on track and give you victory!

Be adamant and consistent in reading and heeding the Word of God. Clear your schedules – make the right adjustments – make the right moves! Also, while walking in obedience to God, be of service to Him by being of service to others. Ask God how He wants you to serve then serve (move) in a manner that is good, considerate, and pleasing to God and to others.

God will show up every Sunday morning (10:00am) at STMI. Don’t make Him ask:

       “Where are you?”

Stay Connected!

Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

“The Season Approaches!”

 

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …

 

“The Season Approaches!”

The Season is fast approaching. What is the Season? The Season starts with the Thanksgiving holiday – moves on to the celebration of Jesus’ birth, on Christmas Day – ends with the celebration of completing the present year and welcomes the New Year. Thanksgiving – Christmas – New Year! Of the three days set aside for celebrations I’ve always enjoyed Thanksgiving the most. Even as a child, while most kids were all excited about the pending Christmas celebration, I was more excited about the pending Thanksgiving celebration.

Why is that? Is it because of the coming together of family and friends? The breaking of bread together? (Well, I love my family and I do love to eat!) In retrospect, as a Christian, shouldn’t I be more excited – more in anticipation of the celebration of Jesus’ birth? Perhaps, if I was a “Sunday Christian”? Now, you’re asking what is a “Sunday Christian”?

Sunday Christian: One who goes to church on Sunday for praise and worship – leaves church – goes right back to their everyday, self-involved worldly routines.

Look around you! They sit amongst us! Ok, lets get back to why Thanksgiving is my most enjoyable holiday. During my daily prayers, I praise and thank God for His Son. I thank Him for letting His Son come to earth in human form – to walk as we walk – talk as we talk – to show us how to live the Word – walk in the Word of righteousness – live in righteousness. I praise and thank God everyday for His Son’s Precious Blood. Jesus died and rose again so that we may live in eternity with God – have forgiveness of our sins. Salvation!

I celebrate and acknowledge Him for this daily. I also pray for His help in what He has called us to do; “Love thy neighbor as thyself.” – Mark 12:31. Yes, I need His help because loving your neighbor is not always an easy thing to do. What I’m trying to say is that since I celebrate and acknowledge Jesus’ birth throughout the year, December 25th is a celebration, but in my opinion, it comes in second to the  Thanksgiving celebration.

As the season approaches, let us come together and do what God has called us to do; give freely of our time – talents – treasures. Let God use you!

Celebrate Thanksgiving Day by your actions. Give – give – give! Share – share – share! Love – love – love! Three words: Give – Share – Love! This is Thanksgiving! What a great way to show praise and honor to God!

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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

“Not Enough Hours in A Day?”

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …

 

“Not Enough Hours in A day?”

 

We sometimes find ourselves wishing there were more hours in a day to complete whatever tasks we’ve committed ourselves to. “Not me!”  If you can say, “Not me!” and this holds true for all your commitments, then you’re a well-organized person.

Organized person: A person with a system of doing things in a particular way that allows for completion of daily assignments or tasks.

How does God fit into your daily plans or assignments?  Are you diligently seeking God? 

“The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.”                                     – Proverbs 21:5 (NIV)

“Chase after God – put Him first! He’ll take care of everything else!” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

In the words of our Pastor, Rev. Victor S. Brice, “The vision for this House, STMI, is Prayer Ministry and Word Ministry.”  Our plans must align with our pastor’s vision. We must take advantage of the opportunities that have been carefully laid out for us.

Start your day in prayer, which is available to us daily: 6:00am – 6:15am. There is noon day prayer, available Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. You will also receive a Word of prayer during Sunday morning worship, during Tuesday night Word Life teleconference/Facebook call and on our zoom Life Transformation conference on Wednesday nights.

You can also create your own opportunities to participate in prayer and Word. Start on a small scale and gradually increase in prayer, worship, Word. Watch your relationship with God grow.

The doors of STMI are open every Sunday at 10:00am. Show up early for your temperature check – hand sanitizer – and walk right on in.  Receive an invigorating Word that will bring comfort to your weary souls. STMI is a Place of solace – of worship – of fellowship. We need God, and we need each other. Organize your schedules to include God, first and foremost. Watch!  Reap!   Rejoice!    When you think of His Goodness!

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son …” – John 3:16 (NIV). 

Still not enough hours in a day? Then you are not putting God first. Try putting Him first, take advantage of the opportunities laid out for you. Everything else will fall into place.

Stay Connected! 

Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

“Are You Ready?”

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …

 

“Are You Ready?”

Are you ready? This question is usually asked by someone who is waiting on you and can pertain to many different situations. For this writing, I’ll be referring to your spiritual – mental – preparedness. Also, keep in mind that good things do come to those who wait. (A true cliché.) So, a better question would be: “Are you ready for the Lord?” Keeping in step with Pastor Brice’s teaching on; “How I Move Matters!”, “Are you ready for the Lord to move you?”

“He makes it possible for us to be available for His Work.” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

God will open the door for you. When he does, walk right on in. A good mindset: “Here I am Lord, I’m available, use me!” He made you and molded you – now, it is time to be available for Him to move you. (Make me – mold me – move me!) He will equip you with whatever you need to make your move. Let Him!  Faith (Believe) – Flattery (Praise) – Follow (Obey)! You are guaranteed to win with this combination.

“For in him we live and move and have our being.” – Acts 17:28 (NIV).

God, our Creator, created us to live in Him and move in Him. What does this mean? This means that He is in control of His creation (us) and we are nothing without Him. We must stop trying to control what God has created. We must let go and let God! We all know this, but when things are going great for us (when in a successful and happy place, so to speak) we get off track and make the mistake of thinking that we orchestrated our own successful moves. We must stop trying to take credit for how God is moving in our lives. Yes, our moves matter, but we sometimes make the wrong moves. God’s Moves are always the right moves at the right time.

“And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”            – Philippians 4:19 (NIV).

People get ready, there’s a movement coming. You don’t need a ticket; you just get on board. All you need is Faith – Flattery – Follow. (Ok, so I stole part of the song: “People Get Ready”.) Just trying to make a point. Your moves matter and they won’t cost you anything, but you will reap mercy, goodness, and peace of God when you let Him take control of your moves – when you let God guide your moves.

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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

 

“Pastor’s Words of Encouragement”

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …

“Pastor’s Words of Encouragement”

 We’ve all suffered through trials, troubles, and losses this year. Some of our own, and witness to even more. As we move toward the end of this year, 2021, which started with hopes for a new beginning but has developed into the same old groups spewing their ingrain prejudices, hate, and injustices towards select groups of people, we thank God for seeing us through.

This morning, our pastor, Rev. Victor S. Brice, spoke to us prior to our Wednesday, 06:00 am, prayer. He spoke words of encouragement for our souls and gave us three things to keep our minds on.

  1. Complacency: Guard against complacency. Do not become lackadaisical about your prayer life or Word life. Don’t let your guard down. Stay on your post: Worship – Walk – Pray.
  1. Comparison: Don’t compare yourself to others. Make sure you stay focused and don’t get tripped up in your assignment.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”- Hebrews 12:1-2 (NIV).  

            Stay focused on your assignment – finish the course.

“Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 2 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”- 1 Timothy 4:7-8 (NIV). 

  1. Communing: Spend time communing with God. Stay committed. Stay in prayer – Word – worship. Go into your own secret closet. Have a one-on-one with God away from the church – the prayer call – Bible study. Commune with God – spend quality time with Him. Just you and God hanging out. 

“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.”    – Psalm 42:1 (NIV).

Thank you, Pastor, for your loving, caring, and sharing heart! Your enthusiasm for the Word, prayer, and worship is much needed and is what has carried us throughout this year. God has kept us, but you have carried us. Yes, your moves matter. You have let His Light shine through you and have in turn, carried His light so that we could benefit by being connected.

Stay Connected!

Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

“I’m Struggling Because …”

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.

Stay Connected!

Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan