GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …

“I Have the Energy!” 

A couple of weeks ago my blog asked the question: Do you have the energy? A yes answer will follow for all the things that you are passionate about – all the things that peak and hold your attention – all the things that you love.

i.e., A parent, tired after working a 10-hour shift, will come home to a child that needs help with his/her homework. Mom or dad will find the extra energy it takes to make it happen. Or a tired older brother or sister comes home from basketball practice to find his/her sibling shooting hoops in the backyard. While watching the younger sibling, the older sibling can see what needs correcting. The older brother or sister will immediately step in to show how it should be done.

Where did that burst of energy come from?

“Your energy comes from above.” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

God knows our strengths and weaknesses and will give us energy to perform. Feeling tired on Sunday morning? Get up, get dressed, attend church. Tuesday evenings, log on to Facebook for our STMI Word Connection class. Wednesday evenings, log on to zoom for our STMI Life Transformation class. Wake up every morning and listen, touch, and agree to the prayer that goes forth at 0600 a.m.

Church Attendance – Word Connection – Life Transformation – Prayer. This is just the start of our STMI ministry. There is so much more that needs to be done. Remember, the more energy needed, the more energy the Lord will give you. Try it! God has given you a gift to be used in service to Him and to others. Ask Him what can you do to be of service to Him and our STMI Ministry, then do it. Using a quote from my sister,

“Step out boldly!” – Devon “NeeCee” Williams

He will lead you to tap into your gifts to share with others. He will lead you to success. What does success look like? Those who are willing to put in the work will win – they will succeed. Success is winning – success is energy – put in the energy – you will win. Is your name written in the book of success? Do you have an energy hashtag (#) by your name? i.e., #Othella Hill-Jordan. I have the energy!  I will win!  I will have success!  All glory to God!

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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE ….

“Do You Have the Energy?”

Do you have the energy? Your answer will depend on the reason behind this question. We will always have energy for the things that gives us pleasure – money – success – happiness. Pastor Brice will lead us through a teaching series on: “Energy for The Ministry.” Isaiah 6:8 is the leading Scripture:

“Then I heard the Lord asking, ‘Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?’   “Here I am. Send me.” – Isaiah 6:8 (NLT). 

Do you have the energy for the ministry?

The key word here is energy or work. Yes, energy is work – work is energy – there is no way around it. So, does hearing the word work make you pause for a second and reconsider putting in energy for the ministry? It shouldn’t because everything we do involves work. i.e., We want a happy family and home – we must put in the work (energy) to make it happen. We want success in our job – we must put in the work (energy) to make it happen.

“I’ll give you energy to do ministry. – It comes from above – Every good and perfect gift comes from above.”  – Pastor Victor S. Brice

Willing – Working – Winning

Success starts with a willing spirit – continues with putting in the work – resulting in winning. Everyone willing to put in the work will win – will succeed – because God will give you the energy to perform. STMI is winning through prayer ministry. Step up boldly. God will give you the energy to perform all tasks associated with STMI ministry.

Who shall I send? Who is willing? Who is winning?

“Sign up – enlist – get on the team!” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

I’m excited – I’m willing – I’m ready to work – I’m ready to win – I will tune in…

Pastor Brice’s teaching series: “Energy for The Ministry.”

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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE ….

“I’m Waiting!” 

I’m waiting, is not a question but it does require an answer – a response – an action on your part. It may require you to stop (pause) – look (observe) – listen (comprehend). Most importantly, your reaction will depend on who is making the statement and on what preceded the statement. This statement from a parent to a child – a teacher to a student – a supervisor to a staff member   – could be pertaining to a plethora of things. For this writing, the Lord is speaking to you.

“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” – Psalm 27:14 (NIV).

Yes, we’ve learned to wait on the Lord. But you must remember that He waits on you also. This Scripture may have been at the forefront of your mind while you’ve been diligently praying for a particular something to happen (materialize) in your life and patiently waiting for an answer from Him. However, when you don’t get an answer right away (in your timing) you get impatient – you start to question yourself. (Yes, you question yourself, not the Lord.)  What am I doing wrong?   “I’m waiting!”   What was that?   Did the Lord just speak to you?

“The Lord waits for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion.”                        – Isaiah 30:18a (NIV).

During our storms – times of trouble – anxiety – depression, we will often take refuge in earthly pleasures and turn to what we feel is a quick fix: drugs (prescription or not) – alcohol – sex – illicit thoughts. We will turn to anything that will distract us from the trouble in our life. What we fail to realize is that God waits on us to get things right in our lives. Taking refuge in earthly pleasures is a temporary fix and is not the answer. The Lord will not answer your prayers while you are deep in sin.  He will wait on you to confess and repent so that He can help you.

“He is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed but wants everyone to repent.” –  2 Peter 3:9 (NLT).

When you find yourself praying, and praying, without a response – that is your response. Time for introspection – time to figure out what you are doing wrong. Time to confess and repent!   

“Be still and know that I am God.” – Psalm 46:10 (NIV).

His Word is Truth.   He will answer when you call. (Jeremiah 33:3)  He is waiting!

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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …

“God Made It Fail!”

Rev. Larry W. Brice, pastor of Trinity Love Church, of Seagoville, Texas, was our guest speaker for our Sunday Sermon yesterday. His topic: “God Made It Fail!”

Acts 28:3 & 5 (NIV) “Paul gathered a pile of brushwood and, as he put it on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself on his hand. 5 But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects.”

Commentary: God will often require you to go through painful experiences – He will allow you to be attacked so that He can bless you.

Key: While under attack, hold on to your faith that God will make it fail – hold on to your faith that God will provide.

Remember: “…weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” – Psalm 30:5 (KJV).

The blessing – the joy – that you receive from God will far outlast any attack you may have to go through.

Hold to God’s Unchanging Hand lyrics:

Hold to His Hand – God’s unchanging Hand

Hold to His Hand – God’s unchanging Hand

Build your hope on things eternal – Hold to God’s unchanging Hand.

~~~

Don’t miss your blessing!

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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …

“Lift!”

During our Easter Sunday Sermon, “Which Hill Are You Looking At?”, Rev. Samuel S. Brice stressed the fact that whenever you see the word “I” in Scripture, you must make it personal and insert your name.

“I will lift mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. 2 My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth,” – Psalm 121:1-2 (KJV).

I will lift my eyes to the hills. I will look to our Father, in Heaven, our Creator of the hills and mountains – rivers and fountains – Heaven and earth – you and me. I will lift my eyes to our All-Powerful God – to our Protector – to our Way out of no way. I will lift and pray.

“Thank God, our help comes from the Lord, and not from you or me!” – Rev. Samuel S. Brice

Troubles are a part of life; we all have them. At times we can go to our family members or friends for help. However, they have their own schedules and troubles, therefore they have limitations. i.e., You may need help at 3 o’clock in the morning – mama and daddy are asleep. You may need help at 12 noon – your family member or friend is at work. You may need help at 6 p.m. – your husband or wife is too tired after a 12-hour work shift.

What do you do now? Lift!  Lift your eyes towards the hills and pray … “Our Father, who art in heaven…”  Our Father is available twenty-four seven – He never slumbers nor sleeps – His Line is always open – you will never get a busy signal.

Calling on His Name takes you beyond the hills or mountains in your town or city – calling on His Name takes you to a higher level – calling on His Name puts you on a different Hill.  Calling on His Name puts you on the Hill you should be looking at.  “When prayers go up – help comes down!”  

Pray believing that He will provide!     Lift – Pray!

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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …

“He Rode!” 

He rode! No, this is not a misprint/misspelled word. He rode into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey. This occurred on the Sunday prior to His crucifixion and resurrection. Jesus made a glorious entry into Jerusalem while the people were praising Him and spreading tree leaves along His pathway.

“Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!” – Matthew 21:9 (NIV). 

Jesus knew that the completion of His (current) Assignment – His journey towards the cross – crucifixion and resurrection – His Destiny – was nearing an end. His New Assignment would soon begin. This day, which we have given the name – Palm Sunday – marks the beginning of Holy Week.

How can we acknowledge Holy Week? By making this week all about Him – by making this week all about our Lord and Savior.

“Draw nigh to God and he will draw nigh to you.” – James 4:8 (KJV).   

Draw close to God.   Pray – fast – stay in His Word!  Read – heed – and proceed to emulate Jesus.  Prior to making any decisions, ask yourself; “What would Jesus do?” Go the extra step to becoming more like Jesus. Praise and celebrate His Holy Name! Show reverence and respect to our Lord and Savior! Did I mention: fast and pray? This is key…make this week all about Jesus as you fast and pray – as you stay in the Word – as you live the Word. Why? Because …

“He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” – Isaiah 53:5 (NIV).

Yes, the above Scripture is from the Old Testament. God showed His prophet, Isaiah, our future. Believers, it is important that you read both the Old Testament as well as the New Testament of your Bible. Why? Because…  You will see how God showed His prophets, judges, kings, and a chosen few a look into our future. The news of our Lord and Savior was foretold in the Old Testament and was brought to fruition in the New Testament.

He Rode into Jerusalem knowing He would be crucified.   He Rose – with all Power!

He sits at the right Hand of God!  He Rode – He Rose – He Sits!  Praise Him!

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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

“Commit Everything!”

“Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust Him and He will help you.” – Psalm 37:5 (NLT). 

This was Pastor Brice’s opening Scripture during our Sunday sermon. He followed that up with a question: “What did you do last night?”

Yes, this is something to think on – meditate on this Scripture. Where would you be – where would we all be – in our walk with Jesus if we committed all we do to Him? I truly believe that we’d all have a closer relationship with Him. We’d be doing as Scripture decrees:

“Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.” – James 4:8 (KJV).

As I sit here meditating on the above two Scriptures, I’m challenging you, as am I, to make this commitment. Commit everything to the Lord! I know it won’t be easy, everything that is good, and godly will not come easy. Why? Because the evil one will try to block you. Do not let this happen. Stay in prayer. Pray! Ask God to help you commit everything to Him. He will provide everything you need – He will make it happen.

“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” – Ephesians 6:11 (NIV).

We can get caught up when comparing our lives to the lives of the non-believers because they seem to be doing better than us. They key-word here is “seem”. They seem to be doing better than us because we see their big houses, nice cars, good jobs, vacations in exclusive resorts. We forget that these things are temporal. Don’t get caught up!

“Don’t compare yourselves to evil doers – commit yourself to the Lord!” – Pastor Victor S Brice

We must maintain our focus – focus on the Lord! Seek Him – commit to Him – trust in Him -dwell in Him and receive peace, blessings, and understanding that exceeds all expectations. Commit – submit – and receive!

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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

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