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GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …

“How Are You Navigating?”

A baby, while in the mother’s womb, feels the rhythmic beat of her heart and can hear her soothing voice. When the baby is born, the doctor will immediately place the baby on the mother’s chest. Familiarity. A new-born will start life with the familiarity of hearing his mother’s heartbeat which he later will associate with love.

I said that, to say this: A born-again or new Christian is already familiar with God’s Word. The Word of God is the Heartbeat of God. The Heartbeat of God is Love. His Goodness and Mercy is Life. As you grow in your relationship with God let His Word navigate your life.

“Because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.”      – Lamentations 3:22 (NIV)

“Let God be your Shepherd and focus on being His sheep.” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

Just as your parents will give you what you need to navigate through life, so will your pastor, while being led by the Holy Spirit, give you what you need to navigate through your spiritual life. To follow the lead of your pastor is to follow the lead of the Holy Spirit.

“O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth forever.”                        – Psalm 136:1 (KJV)

It is by the mercy of God that we are here – that we have and do not want – that we are healed and do not perish. We must give thanks to the Lord for His Goodness and Mercy towards us. Remember, God is the Good in your life, He made mercy possible. How?

“God manifested His Mercy through His Son, the Messiah.” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

Yet, another reason why we must praise Him. As the song goes: “Jesus, Blessed Savior, is worthy to be praised. In all things give Him glory!”  Jesus came to earth – for us! Jesus died – for our sins! Jesus was resurrected – for our salvation!   Jesus is worthy to be praised.   Praise Him!

How am I navigating?   I’m navigating through life by the Word of God – by the Goodness and Mercy of God. I’m standing on the Promises of God!

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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …

“Are You Prepared?”

During our Sunday Sermon, Pastor Brice made the statement:

“We must understand that we don’t deserve God’s Mercy!” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

Pastor Brice is doing a series of teachings on: “Making It by God’s Mercy”.  Yesterday he taught from 2 Chronicles Chapter 5. I challenge you to read this chapter at your leisure. It will confirm to you that God will show up, He will be in the midst, when we all come together as one in our praise and worship of Him.

“And the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the temple of God.” – 2 Chronicles 5:14 (NIV).

“The people came with the purpose to praise and thank the Lord, and the Lord showed up.”                      – Pastor Victor S. Brice

Pastor Brice is now on Part 13 of his teachings on: “Making It by God’s Mercy”.  Yes, Part 13. Why? Why is our pastor diligently teaching on God’s Mercy? I, for one, do not know the answer to this question. I can tell you though, that as a child, growing up in a household that worshiped the Lord, my parents would keep repeating certain attributes of how I should act as a child of God. My parents cared for my wellbeing and wanted the best for me.

Does our shepherd, Pastor Victor S. Brice, care for our wellbeing? Absolutely! He is the guardian, shepherd, that watches over our souls – our salvation. He wants us to truly understand the message: Making it by God’s Mercy. Understand that we don’t deserve His Mercy.

It is by the mercy of God that we are still here – that we have survived the coronavirus and every other crisis that have come our way. God’s Mercy is real! As individuals we have all gone through something and come out on the other side of it due to God’s Mercy. Think about it! It may have been something small (which may have led you to think that you did that) or it may have been something big or unusual (and you know for certain that it was God). Praise Him! Shout! Thank Him for His Goodness and Mercy that you do not deserve.

“Never come to church without a praise in your heart. God will show up!” – Pastor V.S. Brice

Are you prepared to come to church with a praise in your heart? Are you ready for God to show up? A yes answer to both questions is required because it is by His Grace and Mercy that we are here today. Shout in Praise of Him! “His Love endures forever!”

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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …

“Following”

Are you the one being followed – or – the one doing the following? If, it is the latter, you must be careful who you follow. Why? Because you can be led down the wrong pathway. Remember, God’s Word is Truth and God’s Word is Written. If you cannot find Scripture that confirms the doctrine being preached/taught, it is not God’s Word. It is not Truth. Reading, researching, and understanding Scripture is critical.

“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”               – John 14:6 (KJV)

It begins with acknowledging in your heart that Jesus is Lord – Believing that Jesus died for your sins and was raised on the third day – Confessing with your mouth that Jesus is Lord – Repenting of your sins – all sets you on the righteous pathway to salvation. However, your salvation is not automatic. There is still work you must do. The absolute first, is to be aware of false prophets. How will you know when the doctrine is false? By, reading, and studying the Word of God.

Why do you think our pastor keeps reiterating, repeating, this? Why does he want us to grow in our Biblical knowledge?  Because he wants us to be the best that we can be: to read His Word – to heed His instructions and to live the Word of God. He wants us to be in the group of:

“Those who believe and are saved.” – Hebrews 10:39b (NIV) (Suggestion: read the entire chapter 10 of Hebrews.)

“The Word will heal you – deliver you – and keep you from self-destruction.”                                                  – Pastor Victor S. Brice

“He spoke the word that healed you, that pulled you back from the brink of death.”              – Psalm 107:20 (MSG).

Our pastor, Rev. Victor S. Brice, being led by the Holy Spirit, gives us what we need, however, it is critical that we understand what he is giving us. Read – meditate – on Scripture. It is up to you to grow stronger in the Word. Our pastor is leading us. We must follow his lead and we must grow in our knowledge of the Word of God.

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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …

“New Grace”

Our God has unlimited grace – unlimited mercy. Each morning we awake with another chance to seek Him first – thank Him first – for His grace and mercy that has kept us. Now, you are probably thinking: “Yesterday, was all good. Nothing out of the ordinary happened. I didn’t get sick – no mishaps – no set-backs.”  Stop!  But for the grace of God!

God doesn’t always show you what He has done for you – what He has saved you from. You might go a whole week before you realize that He saved you from that big rig accident that occurred on the freeway you travel to and from work, school, church on. Or it may never be revealed to you. But we know, God’s grace and mercy is on-going – is unlimited.

Praise, and thank Him for what He has already done, what He is doing, and what He will do in the future. Wake up each morning with the mindset of: “Thank You, Lord!” And start praising Him for His new grace – His new mercy! The enemy is always at work – planning – scheming. The moment you think that you have everything under control: “I got this!” The enemy is right there to prove you wrong. But God! Do you realize that a believer, a follower of Christ, has an advantage over their enemy? Well, you do.

“The Word of God will give you an edge over your enemy and everything that moves.”                                  – Pastor Victor S. Brice

“Your commands give me an edge on my enemies.”   – Psalm 119:98 (MSG)

Take advantage of this privilege. The readers, hearers, and doers of God’s Word are winners. We all like to win and everybody likes a sure winner. Stay strong in the Word! Believe – study the Word – grow your faith. Read It – speak It (loud so everyone can hear) – work It! You must do all these things because:

“Faith without works is dead!” – James 2:26 (KJV)

Surrender to God’s Will and God’s Way! Fall in love with the Word – fall in love with God! Reap the benefits of your love for God and His Word. Yes, this may be something you are already doing, but you must realize that it is because of your love for His Word that you are becoming wiser – that you are letting Him navigate your life – that you are becoming whole (His Word completes you). Praise Him everyday for His new Grace!

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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE ….

“How Do You Know When…..?” 

During our Tuesday Night Bible Class, Pastor Brice asked: “Do I really love the Lord?” This question was meant for each of us to put before ourselves.  My first response: “Yes! I really love the Lord!”   Then, I thought about my answer, and asked myself: “How do I know this to be true?”

I started thinking about all the good things God has done for me, my family, friends, and people I associate with. Then I started thinking about my community, local and federal government, the world. We are in the middle of a pandemic that has spread worldwide, although thousands have gotten sick and died, there are still thousands who have recovered, and even more that have never gotten sick.  “But, God!”  “But for the mercy, of God!”

It is hard to put a measure on how much you love God. Why? Because, God has done some immeasurable things for each, and everyone, of us. You simply cannot put a measure on what God has done for you, me, us, the world.

“What I love sets the pace for my life. It captures my attention, time, energy, and I will attach myself to it.” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

So, lets think on these terms set by our Pastor. Attention – time – energy – attachment. Also…

“There is a correlation between love of the Word and how you live your life.”   – Pastor Victor S. Brice

Now, I’m ready to answer the question:  Does the Word of God have my attention? “Yes!” Do I spend time in the Word of God?  “Absolutely!”  Do I expend energy doing the work of the Lord?  “Yes!”  Am I attached to the Word of God?  “Absolutely!” Do I live my life according to His Word? “I try to, this is an on-going process.”

Now it is your turn! Put the above questions to your life. How did you fare? Do you really love the Lord? Can you relate to the psalmist in Psalm 119:97 (NIV) when he says: “Oh, how I love your law (Word)!”?

So, in order to know, that you know, that you know, you must confirm that the Word of God has your attention – your time – your energy – and your attachment. Then, and only then, will you be able to truthfully say: “I love the Word, I love the Lord!”

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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blog – Othella Hill-Jordan

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE ….

“Have You Heard?”

 Have you heard that the best investment you can make is in the Word of God?  You can Bank on it!  How?  Faith!  Yes, your faith is money in the Bank!  Last week, Pastor Brice gave a mini-series on: “Investing in The Bank That Never Fails.” He was referring to the Word of God. Faith is your investment in the Word of God. Your investment starts with a mustard seed of faith and it behooves you to keep making deposits.

How faithful are you? Are you applying the Word of God to your life? What is faith? 

“Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” – Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)

 When you bank in the Bank that Never Fails, loans are approved based on your faith. Whereas, in the worldly bank, loans are approved based on your credit score. During this pandemic, your money investments have fluctuated with the highs and lows of an unstable stock market resulting in unemployment, bank foreclosures, repossessions, and homelessness.

The Word of God is Truth, Durable, and it is Forever. No COVID-19, pandemic, or stock market will affect the never changing Forever Word of God. The Powerful, Stabilizing, Securing, Strengthening, Superior Word of God. Any deposit you make in the Bank That Never Fails will be protected and powerful.

“The Word of God originated in Glory.” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

“Let there be …” in the book of Genesis, God spoke and the world as we know it was formed, in Heaven and on earth.

“Invest in the Word of God Bank where it all started.” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

Your investment in the Word of God is free and will save your life.  The Word of God will never fail you. Make the investment! You will receive a guaranteed pay-off exceeding all expectations – meeting all your needs – and this is priceless!

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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE ….

“Pay Attention!”

When I awoke at 09:00 am this morning – dark – no sun shining – I immediately thought my clock was wrong – must have had a power outage during the night – but: “Wait a minute! I don’t have an electric clock!”  I then looked closely towards the windows and notice: red glow shining through the closed blinds.  “What’s that??”  I open the blinds to see (or not see) the distant trees and buildings that are normally in view when I look out my bedroom window.

Instead: I see a dark sky illuminated by a red haze, combined with smoke – smog – fog and ashes. The ashes were literally covering the streets, lawns, parked cars, and driveways (our gated community does not have sidewalks). To make matters worse, everything was quiet, no birds singing, no cars moving. Everything seemed surreal.

Apocalypse! Is it happening now? Is this it? Is God ready to destroy us? Sodom and Gomorrah came to mind (Genesis Chapter 19). God destroyed these cities because of their sin. The sins happening around us today are just as bad, if not worse, than the sins of the people of Sodom.

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” – 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV)

Yes, this is the first Scripture that came to mind. This is what we must be doing during these days of pandemic, civil unrest, riots in the streets (throughout the USA) trying to stop the peaceful marches of the Black Lives Matter Movement – out of control fires raging through several of our western states, including, California (this is me – living close to several out of control fires).

Are you paying attention? God is telling us something. Time to redirect your focus. Yes, redirect! Admit that though you are in Bible Study, are a part of the Facebook live church, you are still focused on your surroundings. Your focus is on social distancing, wearing masks (for the prevention of COVID-19 and relief from the smoke caused by the fires), and focused on the civil unrest occurring throughout these states of America.

Seek God! Focus on God! Pray! My prayers started at 6:00am along with STMI’s intercessory prayer team. Then, I went back to sleep, and awoke to this seemingly apocalyptic situation.

“Focus on God’s Word – you will get 20-20 vision.” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

Read: Psalm 119:81-88. This was the focus of our Bible Study during last night’s class. “Holding on While Hurting.”  We saw how though, the psalmist was in dark despair, dealing with a lot of issues, he was determined to hold on to God and His Word.

“They almost finished me off, but I refused to abandon your commandments.”                              – Psalm 119:87 (NLT)

“I refused to abandon your commandments!”  This is us. This is how we get through whatever situations – circumstances – life throws at us. Stand firm! Hold on to God – hold on to His Word. His Word will see you through!  Focus!  Pay attention!

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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

GREETING FROM THE TEMPLE ….

“A Cry for Help!” 

As you go through your life’s daily routine, you are content when everything falls into place. In fact, most of the time you are on automatic because you are doing the things you’ve done a thousand times before. You are doing things out of habit.

“Lord, have Mercy!”   

What happened?

You already know that this is a ‘right now’ call for help from the Lord. There is something going on that only He can fix. You are seeking help that only He can provide. You will utter these three words, ‘Lord, have mercy!’, even when it was because of your actions or inactions that you are in a certain predicament – trouble – or situation.

“For the Lord, your God is a merciful God.” – Deuteronomy 4:31 (NLT)

“God sees everything, and He is still merciful.” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

God has shown us time after time that there is Power in His Name. If, for some minutiae reason, you have never had to call on Him, then just wait, keep on living, the time will come. We call our All Mighty God by many names:  Abba – Father. Jehovah Jireh – the Lord our Provider. Jehovah Rapha – the Lord our Healer. Jehovah Nissi – the Lord our Banner. Jehovah Shalom – the Lord our Peace. Jehovah Raah – the Lord our Shepherd. Jehovah Tsidkenu – the Lord our Righteousness.

We all sin, whether to a small degree or large degree, but we have the promise of Salvation through the Blood of His only Son, Jesus Christ and we have His Mercy. We all make mistakes but when we call, He will answer. “Call to me and I will answer.” – Jeremiah 33:3 (NIV).

“God’s Mercy is bigger than any mistake you’ve made.” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

Our Patient God waits on us to seek Him. Get His Word in your heart.  Be obedient – pray – humble yourself – turn from sin – acknowledge Him for who He is: our Wonderful – Powerful Merciful God.  Praise Him – give Him all the glory! Experience His Peace – Love – Joy!

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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE ….

“Are You Stuck in Neutral?

Does this coronavirus, pandemic, have you feeling like you are stuck in neutral?  Can’t move forward, can’t move back? Conversations and thoughts focused on life as you once knew it vs life due to COVID-19? My testimony: “I used to go to church, worship and fellowship with the whole church body – handshakes – hugs – smiles – expressions in full view. Now, I leave my house carrying hand sanitizer wipes – sprays – gloves – wearing masks and planning on keeping a safe distance, staying at least 6 feet away, from everyone.”    Feeling stuck yet?

“The Word will release you from being stuck.” – Rev. Samuel S. Brice

We are called to be readers – hearers – doers of His Word. Readers – hearers – doers are action words. We are called to action – no standing – no sitting still. However, do not make the mistake of moving without Him. We are followers of God. Put God first and follow His Lead.

“During this coronavirus isolation God wants us to focus on Him.” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

The anxiety and depression you’re feeling during this pandemic may cause you to lose focus on God – may cause you to focus on your “woe is me” attitude. Wake up – sit up – stand up! This pandemic is not about you. God has not forgotten you.

“For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” – Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)

He is waiting on you to get back in action – to redirect your focus. Focus on God – focus on His Word. Pray! Ask God what He wants you to do during this pandemic. He will tell you. Then you must follow His instructions. Now is the time to lean on Him – lean on His Word. Call on Jesus, the name above all names – the wonderful powerful name – Jesus! Reap the benefits.

“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged.” – Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV)

Submit to the Word of God and you will never get stuck in neutral. You win with God. His Word will move you to peace – purpose – productivity – proficiency – prosperity.

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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

Brandi Coleman                                                         August 27, 2020

HELLO FROM THE TEMPLE ….

RACE  ~     R… restore  A… answer  C… clarify  E… expand  ~     RACE

R-restore:

You need to race to Jesus. Restore your relationship with God first before you restore any other relationship! Doing this will allow Gods understanding to help with other relationships that need restoring. Then move on to restoring those relationships.

A-answer:

God is calling!!! Are you going to answer the call or just keep sending Him to voicemail? I think your voice mail is full by now!

C-clarify:

Get some clarity from God in what your purpose in life is. But the only way you can do that is if you ANSWER God’s call!!! So pick up the phone, God is on your hotline!!!

E-expand:

Open up your way of thinking to allow God to take control. Expand your way of thinking!!!

Make your brain a territory large enough for God to restore, answer, clarify, and expand your spirit and destroy your flesh! Don’t walk to Jesus! Move with sense of purpose and RACE to God’s finish line!!!

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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Brandi Coleman