Archives

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).

 Stay Connected!

Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

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!

Stay Connected!

Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …

“Take A Good Look!”

This past Sunday, Pastor Brice spoke on: “What’s Really Up with Me?” During this Scripture based sermon, Haggai 1:5-7, he asked the question: When is the last time you’ve really assessed your life? 

“Give careful thought to your ways.” – Haggai 1:5 (NIV).

“Give careful thought to your ways.” – Haggai 1:7 (NIV).   (Pay attention!)

You cannot make a correct evaluation of your life without taking a good look at your relationship with God. When I think of my relationship with God, I think happiness. I have a happy relationship with God. I can shout about His goodness – His mercy – His love that sinful me does not deserve.

I smile when I think of going to Him in prayer and asking for only part of what I really wanted. He gave me exactly what I prayed for. (Then, I’m feeling like… “But…I really wanted…” And He says: “But, that’s not what you asked for!”) Yes, He has a sense of humor. I’ve learned to be exact in my prayers.

“But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful.”            –  Psalm 68:3 (NIV).

This Scripture describes my relationship with God. This is what I pray for: “Strengthen me in righteousness, Lord, that I may experience your joy – your peace – and happiness.” Loving and praising God brings me joy – peace – and happiness. The evaluation of your relationship with God will be different from mine, as it should be. i.e., I love to laugh, smile, and be made to laugh. You may be a serious, professional, at all times, type of person. Therefore, your relationship with God may be described as such.

“Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship their Father in spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.” – John 4:23 (NIV)

Once you have evaluated your relationship with God, assess your life. Take a good look. We all have room for improvement. We have room for growth in our relationship with Him. Pray to be strengthened – pray for growth. Pray to the Holy Spirit for help in worshiping our Father in spirit and in truth. He is seeking you!

Stay Connected!

Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …

“Significance!”

“Death …where is your sting – Sting …where is your grave – Grave … where is your Victory?  He got Up! – God raised Him Up! – He got Up! – All Power in His Hands!” 

These words that were written in song by, Edwin Hawkins, and sung by people all over the world, has great significance – great meaning – great connotation –great momentousness. He got Up! This exclamation is significant, in itself. This significance started with the discovery by the women, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary (mother of the disciple James).

It is significant that due to the diligence of the women – they got up early on the First Day of the week (on Sunday morning) and brought with them fragrant spices to prepare their Master for a proper burial. It is also significant that unbeknown to the women, their Savior had gotten up even earlier.    Significant Note: With all Power in His Hands!

It is significant that the women found the empty tomb, it is significant that an angel of the Lord came down from Heaven – calmly asked the women to not be afraid – told the women that Jesus had risen – told the women to run and tell Jesus’ disciples that they would soon see Him.

“Go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee.’”  – Matthew 28:7 (NIV).

Diligent women (and men) on a mission cannot be stopped. Their diligence will not waver – they will not quit until their mission is complete.

“I can keep going because of the strength of my hope. My hope keeps me going. There is an empty grave – He has Risen!” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

Be the diligent woman on a mission – or be the diligent man on a mission. Never let your diligence waver. There will be moments that make you feel like quitting. Don’t quit! Don’t give up! Remain steadfast! Press on towards your goal!  Let the strength of your hope sustain you. Your hope, like your salvation, is a free gift from God. Let your hope be the magnet that draws others to Christ. Be a disciple of hope. Pass it on. Be the significance! He has His Hands on you!

Stay Connected!

Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

HELLO FROM THE TEMPLE ….

“Stand!”

This one word has multiple meanings. Stand: take a position – opinion – attitude – belief. Or  place – abide – lean – act. Moving forward, stand, got my attention during Pastor Brice’s teaching on: “How to Process Through the Pain?”

“In order to succeed, stand on God’s Word.” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

When going through struggles we tend to focus on what we are going through instead of turning to the One Who can see us through. I’m guilty of this, and I’m sure I’m not the only one. We try to fix our situations ourselves because we are “fix-it” people. When unable to fix our situations we then turn to God.

Why not eliminate the middleman? Why not take yourself out of the equation? Why not go straight to God? We do things the hard way. Ooops! Me again! 

“Take a good look at my trouble, and help me.” – Psalm 119:153 (MSG).

This should be your go-to Scripture when going through something. Our pastor has told us time and time again to seek God first. Put Word on your situation. God has promised to “Never leave you, never forsake you.” – Hebrews 13:5 (NIV). Praying Scripture gets God involved. Research Scripture, there is Word for every situation you may find yourself in.

“Stop letting folks co-sign your struggles.” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

Talking to your friends about your situation is just talk. They cannot fix your situation. However, it is nice to have friends who will listen and sympathize with you. But, as for me, when I’m going through struggles – situations – I would prefer to have them fixed. Time for intervention. Seek Him!

“Defend my cause and redeem me; preserve my life according to your promise.”                           – Psalm 119:154 (NIV). 

Stand!  Pray for God to intervene in your situation. Give your situation over to God and patiently watch Him work. Stand firm on His Promises. You will always win with God.

Stay Connected!

Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPE …

“Why Am I Here?”

As disciples of Christ, we are here to bring the non-believer to Him. Aside from remaining steadfast in the Word and steadfast in prayer, our main duty as Believers is to bring others into the fold. Make disciples. When we are making disciples, we are serving God. Serving God is pleasing God.

“Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.” – Mark 16:15 (NIV).

Some of us (the us includes me) have taken this Scripture literally and backed away because of the mindset of: “Preaching is not my job – I’m not a preacher – my Pastor does the preaching – not me. It is his job to lead others to Christ.” Well, this is a yes and no statement. Yes, it is your Pastor’s job to lead others to Christ. No, to the “not me” part. As a Believer, it is your job as well to lead others to Christ. Let that sink in – marinate!

We must stop taking Mark 16:15 literally. Remember, to preach is to teach – to teach is to tell – to tell is to share. We just had an “awe” moment. Yes, we are here to share the gospel – it is our responsibility to bring others to Christ. Yes, our Pastors have a major part in bringing others to Christ, but we have a duty as well.

“I didn’t come to be served – but to serve.” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

This should be the mind-set of all Believers. We must get this in our spirits as well. The gospel should never be a well-kept secret among Believers. The gospel is meant to be shared and it is our duty as Believers to do just that.

“You must have faith in God. You must know Him for yourself.” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

You can’t share what you don’t know. Get the Word in your heart – mind – soul. Know in your heart – mind – soul – that the Word is Truth. Then, you will easily by able to spread this Truth to others. Your praise report is their opening. Sharing what the Lord has done for you will open their hearts and minds to the goodness and mercy of Jesus Christ. They will then be acceptable to claiming what is theirs – Salvation – through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Now, did you have to preach? No. But you taught and brought someone to Christ by sharing your testimony. Why am I here? “I am here to serve – to share the Word!”

Stay Connected!

Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE ….

“What Will You Do with Your Gift?”

Pastor Brice is teaching a series on “I’m Available to Serve”.  During his teachings he gave us an impartation on how he reads the Bible. He will read a Bible passage over and over. Over and over – over and over. Then, he will wait on God to provide revelation.

“I pray – I look – I observe. I wait on God to provide revelation.” – “God provides gifts – guidelines – grace – glory.” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

“If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.”    – 1 Peter 4:11 (NIV).

We have all been given gifts, however, our gifts are not spiritual gifts until we use them in ways that praise and honor God. i.e., Singing explicit (vulgar) words in rap songs vs singing gospel songs of praise and worship. You may have the gift of singing a number one hit rap song, but it does not honor or glorify God. Whereas the gospel song you are singing is not a number one worldly hit, but it does give honor and glory to God. Singing is now your Spiritual gift.

Pray – ask God for His leading and guidance. Ask God to show you the way. He did it for me. He will do it for you. Follow God’s instructions. Remember….

“The glory is for His pleasure – to please God – not yourself.” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

Stop looking to please man – yourself – family – friends. Make pleasing God your goal because God will –Provide for your every need – Protect and shield you from all hurt, harm or danger – Heal your sick body, heart, mind, and soul – Comfort you when comforting is needed. 

“God provides guidelines and grace with your gift.” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

Guidelines? Where do I find these guidelines? (I’m glad you asked.) Go to your Manual. Go to God’s Word. Our Bible is our Manual for living. Stay in the Word and live the Word so that you can bring honor and glory to God.

Yes, it is that simple but it requires you to put the time in. It requires a daily walk and daily work on your part to stay true to the teachings of the Word. Remember, Jesus took the stripes for us, now it is up to us to continue what He started. Turn your gift into a Spiritual gift.

“Respect – Recognize – Revere the Wonders of God.” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

Stay Connected!

Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

HELLO FROM THE TEMPLE ….

“What happened?”

“What happened?” or “What just happened?” These two or three words are usually applied to a situation that was a result of something out of the ordinary – something that does not occur daily. i.e. You drive by an accident and see smashed cars, ambulances, fire trucks, and the police. Or you get a phone call in the middle of the night from a relative calling from the police department. You may even be the victim of an injury accident. After the initial impact of whatever situation, you find yourself in, when all things have settled, you may find yourself asking God: “Why?”

“God allowed it to happen!” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

“…that the works of God should be made manifest in him.” – John 9:3b (KJV). 

During our Sunday sermon, Pastor Brice taught from John 9:1-4. He highlighted the above passage to encourage us to get it in our spirit that God will deliberately allow things to happen to us so that He can work it out for us.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him.”                         – Roman 8:28 (NIV).

“God works for our good and for His Glory.” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

Pastor Brice gave us a prophetic Word on Sunday and reminded us that Sunday is the first day of the week and that The Word he gives us on Sunday is meant to carry us through the week, no matter what situation we find ourselves in.

In other words, pay attention to what your pastor tells you on Sunday because it is meant for your good. Get the Word in your heart so that you can pull from the Word to stand against whatever situation you find yourself in. God will allow things to happen and He will also work things out for you.

Prayer and Word. Pray that the Work of God manifest in your situation. Pray that God has His Hands on your situation – pray that He has His Hands on you.  Prayer and Word will combat any situation you find yourself in.

Stay Connected!

Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE ….

“Check Your Connection!”

 We connect with God through prayer, the study of His Word, the activation (living) of His Word, and by obedience to His Word. At times though, especially when things are going well in our lives, we become complacent. We do not do what we know we should be doing as believers.

When things are going well in our lives, we tend to not praise God as much as when things are not going well. Is this You?

You are not alone! We sometimes forget to praise Him when things are going well because we assume that since God is blessing us our connection to Him is intact. Let us stop for a moment, keyword: assume. Exactly! Everything you’ve heard about the word, assume, is correct.  Time to evaluate your relationship with God. Time to check your connection!

When we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior we are entering into a partnership with God. In a partnership, as in a conversation, there must be a coming together. The word, together, is the common denominator.

“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”    –  Matthew 18:20 (KJV).

 Working in partnership with God, as He blesses you, you in turn, should be blessing someone. You in conversation with God: pray, He will answer you. God in conversation with you: He talks to you through His Word (read and study) the Bible. Answer Him by being obedient to His Word – follow His Instructions. This is how we dialog with God.

“It is important to dialog with God. Connect your prayer life to your Word life.”                                                    – Pastor Victor S. Brice

You should be able to talk to God about anything and expect Him to answer you in everything. However, since complacency will creep into your life, stay alert. Stop complacency before it starts. Praise Him, through the good and the bad. Stay in the Word – be obedient to His Word – dialog with Him – connect your prayer life to Word life – and, from time to time check your Connection.

“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” – John 14:6 (NIV).

Stay Connected!

Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

HELLO FROM THE TEMPLE ….

“Apply the Right Word!”

The Word of God is the Right Word. Align yourself with God and His Word. While going through: trouble – trauma – pain – loss – sorrow, seek Him for comfort – healing – provision.   “Put Word on your pain!”   Our Pastor has been known to say: “Pray the Scriptures!”

“You can put Scripture on every situation in your life.” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

How do I know which Scripture to use?

Diligently study the Word of God. Get His Precepts – Statutes – Ways – Commandments – imbedded in your heart. With Word in your heart, you will automatically know when to apply It – you will know when to pray It.

Pastor Brice has been diligently taking us on a spiritual teaching journey through Psalm 119 since early May of 2020 – starting with: “Diligence in Things of God”.

“Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently.” – Psalm 119:4 (KJV). 

“Allow the Word of God to dictate your life. Your duties – desires – decisions will be different.”                          – Pastor Victor S. Brice

When you apply the Word of God to your everyday living, you, as well as others, will notice a change in your conduct – a change in how you communicate with others – a change in your commitment – a change in how you live. The Word of God will change you. Strive for this change. Allow the Word of God to win over your sin. When He takes you across the finish line, thank Him for His Goodness and Mercy.

We were taught early in life that there is a right way and a wrong way to do something. i.e. I was taught the correct way to make my bed. Well, being a child with the spirit of: “I can do it by myself!” A child of not listening to instructions. I made my bed my way. Well ..… let’s just say, the bed was made – but it was a mess! Your life will also be a mess when you don’t listen to God and follow His Instructions. 

You may accomplish a task by doing it your way. You may even receive accolades for your accomplishment. However, to do something the Right Way – to apply the Right Word – will bring God the glory. Remember to praise Him for your accomplishments.

Whenever you are given a Word, rather it is through teachings or preaching, take it upon yourself to share that Word with your family and friends. Be a disciple for the Word of God. This advice is straight from our Pastor, Rev. Victor S. Brice.

Stay Connected!

Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan