“Finish”
GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …
“Finish!”
Finish! Yes, finish! Always finish what you start! We heard this statement quite often from our mom and dad while we were growing up. It still resonates with me. During our Sunday sermon, Pastor Brice made the statement: “It’s not how you start the race, it’s how you finish. Finishing is your goal, not starting.”
Pastor Brice was delivering a sermon from Hebrews 12:1-3. His sermon was titled, “I Have a Reason to Run”. His Message stressed the fact that Moses, Abraham, and Jesus had a race to run but they did not quit when they encountered problems – obstacles. We all know that Jesus encountered the biggest obstacle, but He did not quit.
“While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8 (NIV).
“What if Jesus had stopped running?” – Pastor Victor S. Brice. “I’m glad Jesus kept running!”
I’m writing this Blog assuming that my readers know all about the lives of Moses, Abraham, and Jesus. You know the race they each ran. Have you encountered anything that matches or exceeds what they endured and conquered? All yes answers will be immediately verified and upon confirmation your parade will include palm tree leaves.
Seriously though. As you encounter trials – trouble – stress along your race route, think about the ones who persevered – the ones who won their race. You can win your race as well, just don’t give up – don’t throw in the towel – don’t quit! You will win! How? Hebrews 12:2 (NLT)
“We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.”
Yes, keep your eyes on Jesus as you run your race. This means having a positive mind-set while running. Remember the childhood story about; The Little Engine That Could? The Little Engine had the mindset of; I think I can…I think I can…I think I can… The result: the Little Engine won his race. This should be you as you run your race, except, include Jesus.
“With God we will gain the victory; and he will trample down our enemies.” – Psalm 108:13.
Do you know the lyrics to the song; “God Is”? If you know the song, sing it as you run your race. If you don’t know the song, here are a few words to get you moving…. God Is, lyrics:
God is – my Protection – God is, my All and all. God is – my Light in darkness – oh God is my All and all. God is – my Joy in the time of sorrow – God is, my All and all. God is my Today and my Tomorrow – God is my All and all. (verse) God is the joy and the strength of my life – He removes all pain, misery and strife – He promised to keep me – never to leave me – He’ll never ever come short of His Word….(There is much more to this song, look it up…sing it and…)
Stay Connected!
Solomon Temple Ministries International ~ Blogger ~ Othella Hill-Jordan
“We Have An Assignment”
GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …
“We Have an Assignment”
A task or piece of work assigned to someone, as part of a job or course of study, is the meaning of assignment.
“Stay the course – we all have an assignment – know your assignment!” – Pastor Victor S. Brice
These words were spoken by our pastor during our Word Tuesday class, “Stay in the Race”.
“…throw off everything that hinders … And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” – Hebrews 12:1 (NIV).
Now, you’re thinking, What race? Life. Yes, life is a race – life is our assignment. Our race begins, anew, each morning we wake and get out of bed. Each day we have an opportunity to run our race again. Why? Because God waits on us to get it right. He waits for us to win. We serve an Awesome God!
There may be times that you’re hindered while running your race (while living your life). Don’t let trouble – pain – heartache cause you to drop out of the race. Use the tools that God has given you. Prayer is one of them. Pray your way through. Trouble don’t last always!
Stick to your assignment. Follow the blueprint (path or plan) that Jesus laid out for you. Jesus has showed us the way. Jesus is the Way – the Joy – the Source – the Strength in your life. Stick with the Plan.
Prayer keeps you connected to the Source. You cannot win – persevere – succeed without the Source.
Stay Connected!
Solomon Temple Ministries International ~ Blogger ~ Othella Hill-Jordan
“Living On the Edge”
GREETNGS FROM THE TEMPLE …
“Living On the Edge?
What does it mean to live on the edge? You may have heard a friend or relative excitedly talk about a thrill ride on a rollercoaster, or ziplining over a canyon, or maybe even bungy jumping from a bridge. There are also those who go water rafting – parachuting – hang gliding. They all fall under the category of thrill seekers. Thrill seekers live on the edge.
Living on the edge is taking risks and seeking excitement (rush – fun – thrill) through dangerous situations that most people would not consider. Living on the edge pushes your limits physically, mentally, and spiritually.
“Stop living on the edge, you’ll fall away from Christ.” – Pastor Victor S. Brice.
All right, my thrill-seeking friends, my living on the edge friends, do you remember to include God in your plans?
Always include God in your plans! Never leave home without Him. Always keep God in it!
This is one concept that my parents instilled in me as a young child, growing up here in California. We always need God’s Protection, especially my living on the edge, thrill-seeking friends. Without God, you’re vulnerable – you leave yourself open for a takeover.
Satan will disguise himself as a fun loving – thrill seeking – rush of pleasure having friend. Living on the edge without God, is an invitation for Satan to take charge. (Yes, just like that!)
Satan will lead you to feel the excitement – to feel the thrill rush while he is slowly devouring your soul. You’ll be like the grape that fell off the vine and slowly rotted away because it was no longer connected to the vine.
Once disconnected from the Vine, your soul will be sin-ripe for take-over by Satan. Your Joy – your Peace – your Way out of no way – your Provider –your Protector will wait on you to come to your senses. Meanwhile, Satan will sink his teeth into you, and you will slowly start to die.
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me, you can do nothing.” – John 15:5 (NIV).
Do I need to say more?
Stay Connected!
Solomon Temple Ministries International ~ Blogger ~ Othella Hill-Jordan
“The Tempter vs The Tempted”
GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …
“The Tempter vs The Tempted”
For this writing, the Tempter is the Devil, and we are the Tempted. In Pastor Brice’s teachings on, Triumphing over Temptation, he made the point that we are all tempted on a daily basis. Yes, all! Temptation is a natural human instinct, and no one is exempt.
How do we overcome this instinct? We follow Jesus’ command to…
“Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” – Luke 22:40 (NIV).
We consistently do things that we know are not of God. We relegate them to a category of little sin in hopes that our good works will make up for them. Wrong! Wipe that thought process from your mind. There is no such thing as little sin and big sin. No matter the size, shape, or circumstances, sin is sin.
“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.” – Matthew 26:41 (NIV).
When you are being tempted put the Word of God on your circumstances. Watch, be vigilant, know when you are being tempted. Pray – read Scripture – follow Jesus’ command and example.
Read: Matthew 4:1-11 (Jesus was tempted by the Devil in the wilderness. After Jesus had fasted and prayed for forty days and forty nights the Devil tried to tempt Jesus. Every circumstance that the Devil tried to tempt Jesus with, resulted in Jesus answering him with Scripture… “It is written…”)
We can all do this. However, the key is to know the Word of God – know your Bible. Our Pastor has always been adamant about us staying in the Word – staying in prayer – staying in worship and witnessing. When you know the Word, you’ll be ready when the Tempter comes calling.
You’ve heard the saying… Those are fighting Words. Humm…mm…. Did you ever think of your Bible as a Weapon? The Word is a weapon. See how God quietly works! Every time you pick up your Bible, you’re holding a Weapon. A Weapon that when used properly can be a Weapon of mass destruction. Use what God has given you. Fight your Tempter – win against your Tempter. The Temper vs the Tempted equals a win for you and I.
Stay Connected!
Solomon Temple Ministries International ~ Blogger ~ Othella Hill-Jordan
“Do You Know Your Assignment?”
GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …
“Do You Know Your Assignment?”
The word, labor, is tied to both working and serving. To work for the Lord is to serve the Lord. To serve the Lord is to work for the Lord. We must get to a point in our serving that is so natural that it doesn’t feel like work at all. We must get to a point where what we do for the Lord is as natural to us as the breaths we take.
“As long as it is day, we must do the work of Him who sent me.” – John 9:4 (NIV).
God has given each of us an assignment. – Rev. Samuel S. Brice
Rev. Samuel S. Brice made this statement during our Sunday morning worship service. Do you know your assignment? Do you know what God wants you to do?
Let’s look at the assignment Jesus gave His disciples.
“Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” – Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV).
As followers of Christ – we are disciples of Christ. Therefore, we must do what Jesus instructed His original twelve disciples to do; go out – spread the Word of God – make disciples of others – baptize them – teach them to obey His commands. This is what God wants us to do as well. This is our assignment.
Our pastor, Rev. Victor S. Brice, has been preparing us for our assignment. His recent sermons and teachings on salvation have taught us that everyone needs to be saved because of the sin in their lives. However, once we’re saved our assignment begins. We must share the Good News with others. Salvation is for everyone.
“Never be selfish when it comes to sharing the Good News!” – Pastor Victor S. Brice
Make the commitment; bring at least one person to Christ. Start with your family – close friends. Invite them to Sunday Worship Service – daily morning prayer – Tuesday Word Connection – Wednesday Transformation Class. Invite – invite – invite. Pastor Brice will do the rest.
Make the commitment – the gospel will make the difference.
Stay Connected!
Solomon Temple Ministries International ~ Blogger ~ Othella Hill-Jordan
“Are You Prepared?”
GREETNGS FROM THE TEMPLE …
“Are You Prepared?”
Are you prepared? A simple question that can relate to just about anything and everything daily. However, for this writing, I’m referring to the teachings of our pastor, Rev. Victor S. Brice. He is preparing us to go out and witness – to go out and evangelize. He is preparing us to spread the gospel – to spread the Word.
“To be effective, you must know who you are.” – Pastor Victor S. Brice.
Time for some soul searching. Who am I? I am a child of God! Okay, so, what does it mean, to be a child of God?
“We are heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” – Romans 8:17 (NIV).
Yes, being a child of God will bring suffering into our lives as well as glory. This is so that we may represent our Lord and Savior. Jesus suffered, died, and was raised so that we may live. So that we may share – testify – tell others about His Goodness.
To care is to share – to share is to save! Know – Live – Share!
Yes, God gave us all the power to save lives. No, you don’t have to perform a rescue from a burning building, nor pull someone from treacherous waters. You simply must know the Word – live the Word – share the Word. This is our responsibility as believers.
Are you prepared? The Word is waiting on you!
Pray, ask God to guide you – ask God to give you what you need. No, you won’t need cash, nor will you need a credit card. All you need is faith – prayer – God and His Word. Stay in the Word! Don’t forget about your actions. Your actions are a tool for evangelizing as well – your actions can speak volumes.
Stay Connected!
Solomon Temple Ministries International ~ Blogger ~ Othella Hill-Jordan
“Calming Psalms”
Solomon Temple Ministries International ~ BLOG
Othella Hill-Jordan July 1, 2024
GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …
“Calming Psalms”
During our Sunday sermon, Pastor Brice gave us a reading assignment for the next seven days. We’re entering the seventh month of the year, July. Our Bibles place significance on the number seven. The number seven correlates to fulfillment, completion, deliverance, victory.
Scriptures: Exodus 22:30; 2 Kings 5:10; Joshua 6:3-4; Matthew 18:21-22. All reference the number seven. Once you read them you will see their significance.
Pastor Brice also gave us Scripture to read and meditate on each day for the next seven days, this starts today. The reading and meditating on the below listed Scripture will help to rid yourselves of any anxiety or depressing issues in your lives.
7 Days of Calming Psalm
Rid Yourself of Anxiety & Depression
(Read and meditate on an associated Scripture each day.)
Day 1: God helps you and keeps you ~ Psalm 121:1-2 & 7-8.
Day 2: God listens and gives rest. ~ Psalm 116:1-2.
Day 3: God loves and forgives you. ~ Psalm 103:11-12.
Day 4: God protects you at the right time. ~ Psalm 27:1.
Day 5: God receives the broken. ~ Psalm 34:4-5 & 8-9.
Day 6: God brings joy. ~ Psalm 40:1-3.
Day 7: God holds you fast. ~ Psalm 62:5-7.
~~~~~
This assignment concludes with you sowing a seed, tithes, on Sunday (July 7th) in an amount above what you normally tithe.
This number should correlate to the number seven. i.e., $7 – $77 – $777.
Do this in praise of His Holy Name. For His Goodness and Mercy. For being our Joy in time of sorrow. For making a Way out of no way. For being our All in all.
Stay Connected,
Solomon Temple Ministries International ~ Blogger ~ Othella Hill-Jordan
“Are You Under the Right Influence?”
GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …
“Are You Under the Right Influence?”
Pastor Brice preached from Romans chapter 8 on Sunday. Romans chapter 8 is all about life through the Holy Spirit. His teaching centered around allowing the Holy Spirit to take control of your life.
“… there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” – Romans 8:1 (NIV).
We must get in agreement with God. The term, let go and let God, applies here. Most of us were raised by parents who taught us to be self-sufficient – to take charge and be in control of our own lives. Yes, we were taught to be leaders and winners, not followers. This is not a bad thing, this is good. But we also must be careful who we model ourselves after.
A disciple of Christ is a follower of Christ. What just happened?
Your role as a leader was just reversed. You went from a leader to a follower. As disciples of Christ, we must allow the Holy Spirit control of our lives. This means we must allow Him to take total control of our mindset, our emotions, and our actions.
“Be careful whose influence you’re under.” – Pastor Victor S. Brice.
As with everything, there are bad influencers waiting to pounce on those who look at the glitter and not the substance. Everything that glitters is not gold, nor is it good.
Our goal as a disciple is to please God. We cannot please God when we ae not under His control. We must seek God and allow Him to do His Will in us. We must get under God’s Control.
“Abide in me, and I in you.” – John 15:4 (KJV).
Let the Holy Spirit do His work in you. Remain in Him and He will remain in you. Rely on Him and not on self. This is a relationship. In Him you are under the right influence. This is you! This is me! This is winning!
Stay Connected!
Solomon Temple Ministries International ~ Blogger ~ Othella Hill-Jordan
“Are You With Me?”
GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …
“Are You with Me?”
To be able to sit under the teachings of our pastor, Rev. Victor S. Brice, is an indescribable experience. This past year he has taken us on a journey of winning. He has taught us that we don’t just win by our own volition (efforts) we win because God is our Source.
“God is within her; she will not fail.” – Psalm 46:5 (NIV).
We must, however, stay in the Word of God. We must search Scripture – read Scripture – to help us clearly understand how God works in our lives. He is always at work in us. Let Him do His work in you. (You will find that understanding generates dedication.)
“I want God to be in the midst of all our (church) services – marriages – homes – jobs – schools – parentings.” – Pastor Victor S. Brice.
Read: Psalm chapter 46 and 2 Kings chapters 18 and 19. (King Hezekiah devised a plan to stop an attack on Jerusalem by diverting their much-needed water supply away from their enemy, the Assyrian army. This plan worked and Jerusalem was saved.)
“Get in the Flow of God. He is our Fountain of Living Water – Jesus is our Well of Living Water – the Holy Spirit is our River of Living Water.” – Pastor Victor S. Brice.
The Holy Trinity is our Source, our Living Water, our Water of life, our Flow.
Can we agree on this? Are you with me? Where would you be without the Flow?
“There is Peace – Provision – Power – Protection in the Flow.” – Pastor Victor S. Brice.
There’s a gospel song; “Nothing Without You” by Jason Nelson. The song starts with: In Him do I live, move, and have my being. Cause I’m nothing without You. Lord I’m nothing without You. The song goes on to say: breathe through me and live in me. Let your glory reign in me. Cause I’m nothing without You. Don’t leave me without your love – I can’t even breathe without You – I can’t exist without You – I’m nothing without You.
Get this in your spirit; God is our Fountain – our Well – our River of Living Water. We cannot exist without Living Water. Stay with the Flow!
Stay Connected!
Solomon Temple Ministries International ~ Blogger ~ Othella Hill-Jordan
“A Word for Mothers”
GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …
“A Word for Mothers”
Mother’s Day is approaching. Time to honor all our mothers, those living and those with our Father, in Heaven. To honor our mothers and praise Him, I’ve included a Word from Psalm:
“You made all the delicate inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb.” – Psalm 139:13 (NLT).
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” – Psalm 139:14 (NIV).
Yes, let’s start with a praise. We are all here because of our mothers being an instrument of God. Praise God! We are all here because of Love. God is Love and a mother’s love is your heartbeat.
Your Heartbeat
A Mother’s love is your heartbeat – A Mother’s love never dies.
With every heartbeat – You will thrive. With every heartbeat – You will survive.
Her love reaches from beyond the skies – A Mother’s love keeps you alive.
A Mother’s love can be seen – In all of her off-spring. Sons – daughters – grans – great-grans.
Grans of the future.
All protected by her love. – Protected by God’s Holy Scripture.
Everyone with mothers in Heaven: Memories lodged in the chambers of your heart.
Keep her close – Keep her near.
Memories so dear – Keep her here. Bless the Lord for His Mercy and Grace!
Everyone with mother’s living this side of Heaven: Don’t wait – Don’t procrastinate.
Show your love – Speak your love.
Relate – Appreciate. Before it’s too late.
God is Love! Praise His Holy Name!
Solomon Temple Ministries International ~ Blogger ~ Othella Hill-Jordan