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GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE ….

“Stop It!”

Stop it! Do I have your attention? Stop what? We must stop letting non-believers, whether family or friends, cause us to commit sin. Remember, sin is sin, it doesn’t matter how large or small – atrocious or non-atrocious. We all have committed sin, past – present – future. The Word of God acknowledges sin – prepares us for sin – and shows us, how to move forward – how we must repent and move past our sins.

“Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.”                                  – Hebrews 12:1b (NIV).

God doesn’t want us to be hindered by the cares of the world – He does not want us to be hindered by sin.

“Stop listening to the world!” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

Pastor Brice is continuing his series on: “I Ain’t Ready to Make That Kind of Commitment!” In Part – 3, of the series he sub-titled: “Non-Committed People Seem To Be Doing Just Fine”, he brought out the fact that the non-committed (to God) people seem to be doing better than the committed believer. We have all been a witness to this. As a matter of fact, we see this and start to wonder why the successful non-believer gets to enjoy the benefits of success. Why? Because it is only temporary. It will not last.

Wouldn’t you rather have everlasting blessings from God than have temporary success and riches?

“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”                                         – Psalm 37:4 (NIV).

Pastor Brice has reminded us to trust in the Lord – dwell in Him – delight in Him – because you will enjoy whatever you delight in. You will experience a joy that only Christ can bring – a joy that only Christ can give you.

“The joy of the Lord is your strength.” – Nehemiah 8:10 (NIV).

Remain steadfast – focus on the Lord – on His Word – on worship – on witnessing – on winning souls to Christ. This is what we are called to do as believers. Stop looking at the seemingly success – riches – of the non-believer. Everything that looks good is not always good and will not necessarily last. i.e., A beautiful house built on shaky ground will sooner or later come tumbling down.  Stop coveting the temporary and focus on the eternal.

Like the song says: “Build your hopes on things eternal! Hold to God’s unchanging hands!”

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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …

“Are You Committed?”

Pastor Brice is teaching a series on commitment. His Sunday sermon was based on: Luke 5:3-11. To be committed is to be dedicated (devoted) to a cause – an activity – a responsibility – or an allegiance. To be committed is to be faithful. We all have some type of commitment, whether it’s to marriage – a relationship – friendship – employment – or a craft (ability).

“I suggest that we strongly commit ourselves to the Lord.” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

Being committed to the Lord will take you further than your commitment to worldly things because worldly things will not last. Submit – commit – to God and let His Will be done in your life. God’s Will is ever lasting.

“The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.”                     – 1 John 2:17 (NIV).

What motivates you? What do you want out of life? What are you seeking?

Fame – notoriety – money – accolades – awards – trophies – best in your field. This is where your commitment begins.

We saw Michael Jordan – Kobe Bryant – Steph Curry of basketball. We saw Denzel Washington – Chadwick Boseman – Angela Bassett in the movie industry. We saw Whitney Houston – Jay-Z – Beyonce in the music industry. We also saw Maya Angelou and Amanda Gorman as poet laureates. (Just naming a few of the best in their field.) They have each set the bar for future striving generations. However, we get caught up in seeking fame and notoriety and forget where our gifts come from.

Remember, everything starts and ends with God! Get serious about the Word of God! Change your weekly routine of attending church to a commitment. A routine will just get you by, whereas a commitment will get you involved – a commitment will put you to work – a commitment will make you a disciple.

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”                            – Janes 1:22 (NIV).

As we learned from our series on: “Moving from Membership to Discipleship”, taught by Pastor James E, Brice, we are followers of Christ and must trust in Him for our salvation – we must worship Him – love Him with our whole heart – imitate His life – and obey His teachings. We must commit ourselves to the Lord!

“Don’t get mad when your name isn’t called, you’re connected to the Lord, not to them.”               – Pastor Victor S. Brice

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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

“Taste Like More” 

A couple of weeks ago I had an encounter with an acquaintance that I hadn’t seen in a few years. We started talking about our perspective churches. She admitted that she had not attended her church in quite some time because she felt that she wasn’t being fed by the preached sermons. I’ve heard more than one person give “not being fed” as a reason to stop attending church. Have you ever been M.I.A. (missing in action) from church because you felt like the pastor wasn’t giving you what you needed? Let’s think on this a moment.

Sitting under the teachings of a man of God waiting to get fed is not what attending church is about.

Worship service is all about preaching and partaking. To be fed you must partake – to partake is to eat – drink – or join in. Can you honestly say that you partake – join in – the worship service? If you don’t join in, you won’t get fed. So, stop blaming the pastor for not getting fed when you don’t do your part – it’s all on you!

“I will pour out my Spirit on all people.” – Joel 2:28 (NIV).

Your pastor will give you a Word that will evoke the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will have you hungry, thirsting, for more of the Word. It falls on you to take the Word that the pastor gives you during worship service and continue with that Word throughout the week. We are servants of God – we’ve been saved to serve – we must be steadfast in our service – we must do our part.

As a child, I was taught how to cook by both my parents. As I grew more accomplished in my cooking skills, I would try out different recipes. I would ask my mom to taste test my new recipe. Whenever she would say: “Taste like more!” I knew it was good – I was on the right track.

This is how we should feel when we leave our worship service; “Taste like more!” Leave with a feeling of wanting to taste more of what was given. You won’t be full (but you will have been fed) you can never be full of the Word, but you can want more. This should lead you to seek Him – serve Him – spread the gospel – make disciples.

Pay attention to your pastor when he is delivering The Message. Let the Word seep into your heart – your mind. Let the word marinate your taste buds so that when you leave the Building you’ll leave feeling; “Taste like more!”

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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …

“Acknowledge Him!”

Do you sometimes feel that you’re not praising God enough? This could easily be an affirmative answer.  Do a quick inventory of your life, past, and present. Include your younger years; aka (also known as) when you did stupid stuff. There was a period where I had stopped going to church – I wasn’t praising – worshiping – praying – and I was not a disciple of His Word. Yes, I must admit that this was me during a short period of my life. I’m so glad God kept me during this time in my life.

God kept me despite me. I didn’t deserve His Goodness and Mercy then, and I still don’t, but I’m working on becoming a better person than my younger self. My younger self was taking credit for all the good things in my life. I thought I was all that! Good health – education – job – house – car. I was taking credit for all my successes. Not once did I acknowledge God or tell Him, “Thank You!”

“Our Incredible God deserves our incredible praise!” – Pastor Victor S.  Brice

This is a quote from our Sunday sermon on: “Look at God!”  During his sermon, Pastor Brice made the point that we’ve lost our focus on God and fail to recognize His Greatness. Yes, this statement was true for me during my younger years. I had lost my focus – I took my eyes off God. Reflecting on my past, I thought I was happy. But what is happiness? (happiness: the state of being happy – contentment –a pleasurable or satisfying experience.) Yes, this could describe me during my younger years. But was I really content while focusing on everything but God?

“My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you.” – Psalm 71:23 (NIV).

Joy! (joy: a limitless reservoir waiting to be tapped into – requires utmost surrender).

It wasn’t until I re-dedicated myself to God that I found real joy that only He can give. I praise Him every chance I get because everything that I am – all that I have – belongs to Him, and I thank (praise) Him for it. God is good!

What assurance do we have that God is good? God saves – God sanctifies – God secures.(This is also from Pastor Brice’s Sunday sermon.) 

“But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sons. And in him is no sin.”   – 1 John 3:5 (NIV).

 “I’m saved because God saved me! God made me and God saved me!” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

Yes, this is reason to shout for joy – reason to sing praises to His Name – reason to thank Him for all He has done – reason to acknowledge Him for being the One – our Almighty God!

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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …

“I Am a Disciple”

I am a disciple. This is in response to my last Blog question: “Are you a member?” At that time I considered myself a member. Now, I’m working on changing my membership to discipleship.

“Being a disciple requires sacrifice.” – Pastor James E. Brice

We may have become quite comfortable in our membership, but to make the change to discipleship requires sacrifice. My personal sacrifice is to change my mindset. I feel that by keeping my mind (focus) on Jesus (on what would Jesus do) staying true to His Word (obeying Him) I’ll grow my relationship with Him and grow into my discipleship.

Read: Matthew 4:18-19. Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee. He saw two fishermen, Peter and Andrew, casting a net into the lake. Jesus told them to follow Him and He would send them out to fish for people.

“Jesus’ first directive and his last directive to Peter was, ‘Follow Me!’” – Pastor James E. Brice

“At once they left their nets and followed him.” – Matthew 4:20 (NIV).

Pastor James E, Brice gave Scriptures (Tools) in which to move from membership to discipleship. He gave several, however, I’ve just listed a few of them.

Scripture References: Ephesians 2:8-10 & Romans 3:21-27 (Trust) –  Philippians 1:20-21 & Romans 14:7-9 (Worship) –  Matthew 6:24 & Galatians 1:10 (Love) –   1 Corinthians 11:1 & John 15:10 (Imitate) – 1 Peter 1:2 & Matthew 18:20 (Obey).

Trust in Jesus for salvation – Worship Him – Love Him with your whole heart – Imitate His Life – Obey His Teaching.  Trust – Worship – Love – Imitate – Obey… words from Pastor James E. Brice on discipleship. He also spoke on how a disciple should act while in church.

“Come to worship – leave to serve!” – Pastor James E. Brice

If you were not in the zoom-room while Pastor James E. Brice was teaching, then you missed his enthusiasm – his spiritually charged energy in conveying the Word of God. He will close us out on Wednesday night of next week – don’t miss it!  Wednesday Feb. 15^th 7:00pm to 7:40pm via Zoom – Facebook – Tele-Conference (888) 633-1082.

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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …

“Are You a Member?” 

I often start my Blog with a question. The question for today is: Are you a member? Of course this requires you to answer this question with a question of your own: “A member of what?” As we all know, you can be a member of a several different entities because to be a member is to belong to a particular group. For this writing, I’ll be referring to church membership.

To become a member (follower) of church (Christ) is not hard to do. Acknowledge – Believe – Confess – Repent. Acknowledge in your heart that Jesus is Lord – Believe that Jesus died for your sins and was raised on the third day – Confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord – Repent of your sins. Refer: Romans 10:9-13 for confirmation. Salvation is for everyone.

“Be more than a member of a church, you must become a disciple.” – Pastor James E. Brice

This is a quote from the brother of our very own, Pastor Victor S. Brice. How many of us are guilty of just being a member of church? I can attest to this because I thought by being obedient to God’s Word – putting Him first by starting the week with attending church every Sunday, I was being a good church member. Wow! The key word here is member.

“Move from church members to disciples.” – Pastor James E. Brice

I never realized until I was sitting under the teachings of Pastor James E. Brice that I needed to be more – needed to do more – than be a member of church. I need to become a disciple.  Pastor James E. Brice is teaching an awesome two-part series on “Moving from Membership to Discipleship”. His. first class was held, February 1, 2023, via zoom and Facebook, 7:00pm to 7:40pm. His second class will be held tomorrow, Wednesday, February 8, 2023, also via zoom and Facebook, from 7:00pm to 7:40pm. I encourage you to attend.

Pastor James E. Brice gave us four things we must do as disciples. Care – Dare – Share – Prayer. We must care, show concern for each other. We must dare to spread the gospel – it takes courage to share Christ, let others know what He has done for you – what He can do. Prayer. Pray for them and for each other. Prayer can accomplish much!

I, for one, love a challenge. I challenge each of you to work on moving from church membership to discipleship. So, when asked: What church do you attend? Your response will be:

“I’m a disciple of Solomon Temple Ministries International.”

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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE ….

“What’s Going On?” 

Yes, this is the title of a song from the early 1970’s that was sung by Marvin Gaye during the U.S.A. participation in the Vietnam War (1965 to 1973). War brings unrest (physically and mentally) to all involved, rather directly or indirectly. This song spoke to everyone then and is still speaking to us now. “War is not the answer!”

We are at war (experiencing unrest) – our mental health (stability) is being threatened. How? Why? (How come?) We are fighting amongst ourselves – rudeness – hate – jealousy – pride – prejudice – Karenism – beating and/or killing each other – the rich trying to become richer while keeping the poor in a poor state.

Every one of the aforementioned is a contributor to the stability of our mental health. Our unstable economy, country, nation, is affecting our mental health – is putting our mental health at risk. Every time we turn on the news, hear reports of crime – unrest, it affects us mentally. Yes, you, too! No one is exempt!

How can we fix this?   Actually “we” can’t!   But I know someone who can!  God.

We are not alone. Jesus came to earth to show us the Way – to show us how to live in the righteousness of the Word of God – to save us. Jesus took care of His mental health. He would seek solitude – withdraw from his disciples –withdraw from the crowds – pray and seek God, His Father. This is how we can fix it. Turn to our Almighty God – call on Him – pray – seek!

Put all your pain (physical and emotional) and sorrow in God’s Hands. Let God control what only He can fix. Yes, we try to fix our own problems, but where has that gotten us so far? God is the answer to; “What’s going on?”

The Peace of God alleviates stress, depression, anxiety, all the common traits of mental illness. Seeking the Peace of God will give you peace of mind – will keep you mentally healthy. Yes, just like that! Let go – let God! Cry out to the Lord – you will be healed – you will be saved!

“Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.” – Jeremiah 17:14 (NIV).

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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …

“Operating At Maximum Capacity”

During our Sunday sermon, “Holding On While Hurting”, Pastor Brice made the statement: “God wants us to operate at maximum capacity.” Let’s think on this a moment. Ask yourself: “How do I operate at maximum capacity?”  This means that you must be all in: Word – worship – witnessing – winning (souls to Christ). To be all in is to increase – maximize – grow your relationship and fellowship with God. We all have room to grow – it doesn’t matter how long you’ve been a Believer – we must operate at maximum capacity.

“You can’t operate at maximum capacity while you’re hurting.” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

As we live, there will always be some type of hurt, either emotional or physical. Our emotional hurt can be due to our own volition or caused by others. Hurt is a part of life – hurt happens and must be dealt with. We have the tendency to hide our emotional hurt. We push it aside and not talk about it or deal with it. But did you know that your hidden (deep seated) hurt can cause you to act out in ways that are uncharacteristic? You may start doing things that even has you asking yourself: “Why did I do that?”  Time to seek the Lord.

“Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.” – 1 Chronicles 16:11 (NIV).

 This is our remedy – this is our weapon to be used against hidden hurts. Look to the Lord for His Strength – seek Him always. He is waiting on you to ask for His Help – He is waiting on you to seek Him. He will provide for your every need.

Pray – Stay (maximize) – Believe.

Pray, ask God for His Help – Stay (maximize in Word – worship – witness – winning souls) – Believe you will receive.

Operate at maximum capacity with the help of the Lord!

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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …

“When Life Hurts”

During our Word Connection class last night, Pastor Brice asked: “What do you do when life hurts?” Good question let’s all think on that a moment. Depression and anxiety are prevalent in our society. Pastor Brice also quoted these statistics: 264 million people struggle with depression, while 40 million people struggle with anxiety.

In recent months there has been an increase in suicides. Why? We have the best doctors – for both physical and mental health – the best equipment to handle whatever diagnosis we encounter. So, why the increase in suicides? Why are people not seeking the help they need?

We are living with the “stigma” that it is a sign of weakness to admit to mental instability. For centuries we have associated a break – a crack – a fissure – in our mental health as a sign of weakness. It was considered taboo to even talk about your mental health, let alone, seek help.

We’ve been taught to be strong and live long – to be the best that you can be in whatever you endeavor. To not do so is a show of weakness – of failure. Time to revamp your opinion on strong vs weakness. Have a mindset of it takes a strong person to recognize when their emotional – mental – health is in jeopardy.

Our lives are filled with trials and tribulations causing our mental, emotional, health to be at risk. “What do you do when life hurts?” It seems that the majority will do nothing because they fear that by reaching out, they will appear weak – they will be talked about – whispered about.

“Seek God first!” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

Our Pastor has always stood on the premise that we must seek God first in all that we do – we must get God involved.

“Hear, Lord, and be merciful to me, Lord, be my help.” – Psalm 30:10 (NIV).

 We start our mental health healing by going to the Lord in prayer. God understands – call on Him! God will calm your anxiety – lesson your depression – mend cracks or fissures in your emotional, mental health – give you the strength to seek help from professionals as well.

Our Lord and Savior gave us the command to love one another. This is who we are – this is what we do. We love – we care – we share. When life hurts, pray, call on God. You can also call our national mental health hotline: 9-8-8 is open 24-7 (24 hours – 7 days a week).

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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

“Tis The Season!”

“During these last 20 days of 2022, we must focus on pleasing God.” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

These words were spoken by our pastor during our Sunday morning worship service. Focus. We must concentrate – remain steadfast – keep God in the center of our lives – keep God in everything we do. Yes, “Tis’ the Season to Focus on God.” Why? Because Jesus is the reason for the season. Our society has commercialized Christmas to the point where we’re out buying gifts, decorating, partying, and having fun, while forgetting about the real reason to celebrate Christmas. Jesus Christ was born. (We may not know the exact date of His birth, but this is the day we choose to celebrate His birth.)

“We often attempt to mix the spiritual with the secular – the carnal.” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

Let’s think on this for a moment. I feel that it is during our religious holidays that we are guilty of this. We, believers, can get caught up in the moment of celebrating that we forget the real reason for the celebration. The secular commercialization of the holiday will get us caught up. We then will try to mix the spiritual with the secular. Guilty! Yes, I am guilty of this. So, how do I (we who are guilty) fix this? Re-focus! Focus on God – focus on His Goodness and Mercy! Focus on the fact that God has kept you – you are still here. Many of your loved ones – friends – acquaintances – have gone to glory. But God! Time to read Psalm 150 in its entirety.

“Praise the Lord!”

Pastor Brice also told us to read: Psalm 34:4-6, to find solace and solution when you’re stuck between a rock and a hard place. You will be calmed – cheered – cured (God will bring you out of your situation).

Tis the season to focus – rejoice – praise.

Focus on the Word – focus on Who God Is. Rejoice that Jesus Christ was born. Praise God for delivering you – keeping you – loving you.

Tis the season to…

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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan