GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …

“Need Any Help?”

“Do you need any help?” How often do you hear these words? If, and when you do hear them; “How does it make you feel?” What impression does these five words give you of the person asking? Personally, I see the person as one who is willing to share the load. I see a person who is thoughtful, kind, and considerate – a person, who in that moment, is living in the Spirit. The apostle Paul wrote to the Galatians about living in the Spirit.

“If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” – Galatians 5:25 (KJV).

Characteristics of the fruit of the Spirit?   “…love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” – Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV).

“God helps us through life.” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

God has given us everything we need to navigate through life. We must use what God has given us in our everyday lives. I think it is very significant that the first attribute of the fruit of the Spirit is love because; “God is Love!”

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son.” – John 3:16 (KJV). 

Faith, hope, and love are attributes of the Believer. 1 Corinthians 13:13 tells us that love is the greatest of these attributes. 

Remain in Him – remain in His Word. Love – joy – peace will lead you to the other attributes: forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

When you hear the words; “Need any help?” respond with a “Yes!” We all need some type of help as we navigate through life because adversity (difficulties – misfortunes  – trouble) know how to find you. It is a way of life. Stand on the promises of God during your troubles.

“Always know that life’s adversity will always come before life’s advancement.”                                               – Pastor Victor S. Brice

I know you’ve heard this before; “Pray your way through.” Pray your way through all your adversities, trouble, misfortunes. God is working on your behalf. God is getting ready to advance you. Pray. Wait on the Lord. Help is on the way! His Goodness and Mercy will sustain you.

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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …

“Yes!” 

This morning, during our regular 6:00 a.m. prayer call, Pastor Brice came on with words of encouragement to say; “Yes!” to his vision – the STMI church vision – that was given to him by God during our Sunday morning Worship Service. STMI Vision: A mentorship program. When we think of mentorship we usually think of mentoring to our children, our youth. However, mentorship is for everyone – for all ages. i.e., A 35-year-old mother with two children join STMI. She is new to the church system and not sure how to proceed with her newfound acceptance of Jesus as her Lord and Savior. Mentorship is needed. STMI family, we all have work to do. We must start by saying, “Yes!” to our pastor’s vision.

“Provision comes with the vision.” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

Yes, God will provide what we need to comply with the vision. A while back I wrote about having a “yes spirit”. When you say “yes” to Pastor’s vision, you are saying “yes” to the Lord. We must not forget where the vision came from. Don’t take the vision lightly. As a matter of fact, when God speaks, we must listen and comply.  God is speaking through our pastor – God is leading our pastor. Therefore, it behooves us to let our pastor lead us and comply with the vision.

“Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.”  – Psalm 46:10 (KJV).

God is telling us to take a moment – listen to His Word – heed His Word – know that He is God. By knowing that He is God you will know that He is your strength and your security. He is your purpose. He is your provider. He will be with you as you comply with our STMI vision.

All of us will not be able to take a large part in the vision but it will take all of us to move the vision. i.e., It takes many parts, large and small, to make a car run. When the little parts work together with the large parts, we have a car that moves. A car engine cannot run without a battery.

The key to moving the vision: Working together. We must work together! STMI needs you! Pastor Brice has said that he wants 100% compliance with his vison. This means you! If you can’t be the engine, be the battery that moves the engine. Tap into the “yes” spirit that the Lord has given you. Comply with the vision: Say, “Yes!”

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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan  

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …

“God Is Love!”

“God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them.”                                        – 1 John 4:16b (NIV). 

“Yes, Lord!” This is the highest praise we can give our Father in Heaven. Yes, to His Will – Yes, to His Way – Yes, to His Love!

“Women, don’t fall for a man telling you he loves you but doesn’t love God.”  – Pastor Victor S. Brice

Think on this statement a moment. This works both ways, for men and women. Men, you must also beware of a woman who tells you she loves you but doesn’t love God. Love starts and ends with God. We all fit in the middle and are made whole being surrounded by God’s Love. This is how our love matters. Let God’s Love surround you. Patient – kind – never gives up – endures.

Have you ever wondered why the one person that you’ve been mean to or have wronged keeps coming back? That’s not being a punk (yes, I used this word) it’s because of love.

Love knows no boundaries. Love can look beyond your faults and see your heart – love can see the real you.

Doesn’t God look beyond our faults and weaknesses and love us anyway? Isn’t this how mothers and fathers love their children? 

This is also how we must love each other. i.e., Look for the good in that nosey neighbor that’s always meddling in your business and love them anyway. Look beyond the rudeness of that store clerk that was impatient with you and love them anyway. 

This is the kind of love that matters. This is the kind of love we must practice.

“A new command I give you. Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”  – John 13:34 (NIV).

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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …

“Fast – Pray – Focus!” 

Our Pastor, Rev. Victor S. Brice, following the lead of the Holy Spirit, has called on us to fast and pray for the next three days. Wednesday, January 5^th , through Friday, January 7^th, during the hours of 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Anyone with health requirements for food intake while on medications will be exempt from a total fast and should do a modified or partial fast only. For today and the next two days, we should not have any food intake during the specified hours, except when doing a modified fast, and we should drink lots of water and non-mind-altering liquids.

What is fasting? Fasting is a willful refrainment from eating and from drinking certain liquids.

When fasting don’t think of it as limiting your food intake, think of fasting as focusing. As a matter of fact, lets change the word fast to focus. For the next three days we will focus. We will put our focus on God.  What is the one thing we do when we focus on God? We pray! Therefore, for the next three days we will pray and focus on God. Let’s not forget about His Word. Turn to your Bible and start reading. It doesn’t matter what Scripture you turn to. God’s Word is Truth and God’s Word is always right on time.

Start your day in prayer. Yes, prayer! Morning prayer should already be a part of your daily routine. If not, now is a good time to start. Seek Him! Ask God for His help and guidance as you go through your fast. Rely on His Strength – rely on His Power – rely on His Word. 

“Fasting is not a means of seeking God’s blessing – it’s a means of seeking God.”                                                 – Pastor Victor S. Brice

“But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father… ” – Matthew 6:17-18 (NIV)

I’ve had friends and associates do a fast without including God. Especially at the beginning of a new year. The first mistake they make is announcing to everyone that they are fasting. Then, I’ve watched them struggle while fasting in order to jump start their weight loss program. I’m sure things would work out better for them if they did a spiritual fast.

Quietly go about your fast (focus) throughout the day. No need to make an announcement, just include God in your fast. Everything is easier when you include God in your plans. Stay focused – stay in Word – stay in prayer!  Fast – Pray – Focus – Win!

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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …

“Who Are You Pleasing?”

During last Sunday’s morning worship service, “How I Love Matters” (part -3) Pastor Brice gave us two questions:

God, am I pleasing You?

God, what do You expect of me?

Time to go into your private prayer closet. Pray – Expect – Follow! Since we were born into worldly sin, we will never be able to please God 100% of the time. Therefore, we should make it our daily mission to serve God to the best of our ability. We can and will fall short, but we must get back up and try again. Stay in Word – prayer – worship. Keep striving!

“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence.” – Hebrews 4:16 (NIV). 

Pastor Brice also gave us the benefits of God being Our Father. God is patient – God is approachable – God has our best interest in mind – God has perfect timing.

“Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do because you are his dear children.”                         – Ephesians 5:1 (NLT). 

“If we love Him – we will be like Him.” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

This is the key to how our love matters. We must make loving God our foundation. Put Him first! Imitate Him – be like Him! Then watch how everything else falls into place. When you love God and participate in the practice of Godly love (Agape love) you will have a winning combination. Take note of the words: participate & practice. These two words are here to remind you that the road to Agape love will not be easy. It is not easy to love someone while you are being belittled – slandered – racially profiled – persecuted, etc. It will take a lot of patience (like God) and practice.

So, when you ask God the above two questions be ready for His answer. To please Him you may have to make  some changes in your life. (This is good.) Also, get ready to be of service to Him because He will let you know what He expects of you. Some police departments have adopted the motto: “To protect and to serve.”  Well, believers since we love God and love each other, our motto should be: “To Love and to Serve.”

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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …

“Recognize!”

Throughout the years, each generation, Black Americans, have had their common talk amongst themselves which is known only to them and a few others who venture to find out what is meant by certain terms used. Some may call it slang, hip-talk, jive-talk, or even Ebonics. Yes, Ebonics.  We will always come up with speech that puts emphasis on certain things or actions. We don’t give it a name; we just use it.

Recognize: acknowledge the existence, validity of – accept – admit – concede

Regarding the reason for the holiday season: “Girl (man), you betta recognize!”  

Pastor Brice’s sermon this past Sunday was on; “How God’s Love Matters”. He stressed the fact that the birth of Jesus was a gift for everyone and that His birth must be celebrated and appreciated.

“Christmas is all about (God) and shows how God’s Love matters.” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

I must admit that I, too, have at times forgotten the real reason for celebrating Christmas. I’ve gotten caught up in the excitement of decorating, gift buying, baking, cooking specialty goods, and dishes in preparation for… Christmas (a day of celebrating Jesus’ birth). Christmas! His  name Christ is all over the place, yet we still forget. Why is that?

We have commercialized Christmas to the extent that we fail to recognize Christ – we fail to recognize that Jesus is the reason for the season. Don’t let the excitement of the season get you caught up. Breathe! Reflect! God didn’t bring us this far for us to forget about Him – for us to forget that He is the reason that we are here today. It was His Mercy and Goodness that has kept us and brought us through our trials – troubles – tribulations –sicknesses – COVID. We are here today because of Him.

Bottom line, when I say: “You better recognize!” I’m saying that the birth of Jesus is why we celebrate Christmas. Give Him all the praise – honor – and glory! Recognize!

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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …

“Love One Another!” 

“Love one another!” This commandment from God is one that is known by many but seldom practiced. Why? Let’s take a close look!

Love: an intense feeling of deep affection (your babies – children – spouses, etc.)  – a great interest or pleasure in something (basketball – music – theater, etc.)

“God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.” – 1 John 4:16b (NIV). 

“God’s love is about ‘whosoever’ – everyone who loves.” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

There are four unique forms of love found in Scripture. The Bible uses the Greek words: Eros (which translates to sensual or romantic love) – Philia (which translate to brotherly love that unites believers) – Storge (which translates to familial – family love) – Agape (which translates to God’s Love for mankind).

“It is important for us to spread love, but we must be born again.” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

Pastor Brice spoke about agape love in his “How I Love Matters” teachings on Sunday morning. He stressed the fact that agape love is unconditional love. To love like Our Father, we must love unconditionally. I’m going to let this marinate for a while and talk about eros (romantic love) – philia (brotherly love) –and storge (family love).

Eros love (romantic) is easy to do up to a point. The point being romance has its conditions and limitations. i.e., Couples will divorce (break-up) because the romance has run its course. They forget that romance is temporary, and love is forever. They start looking for love (romance) elsewhere, mostly in all the wrong places. They quit on each other instead of taking the next step: storge love (familial love).

Storge love (family love) is close to unconditional love because love is there with understanding that we all make mistakes. Your love for them will continue despite what they do or don’t do. i.e., Mothers and  fathers will love their children and forgive them without exception.

Philia love (brotherly love) can be easy to do because you know that your fellow believer possesses the same moral standards as you. However, you must also be a witness to their actions. When their actions don’t line-up with their talk, your love for them will subside.

Agape love: Stay tuned! Pastor Brice has already given us key attributes: sacrificial – seek to serve – show ( love can be seen above what is being said). More to come. Love one another!

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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …

“Don’t Quit!” 

“Don’t quit!” These very words were spoken by our Pastor during his series of teachings on: “How I Move Matters!” Part 13. We will all, and we have all, encountered situations in our lives that have moved us to want to quit – to want to just give up. Especially when you keep getting knocked down time and time again. You will come to a point where you just want to give up – to quit – to not take part in whatever it is that keeps knocking you down. This is not the time to quit. It is time to call on the Lord for His Strength.

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” – Philippians 4:13 (KJV).

Let God take control of whatever keeps knocking you down. We tend to get so involved in our situations that we forget where our help comes from. We forget to let Him take control. We will inadvertently push God aside, while thinking: “I got this!” No, you don’t! Our Patient God will wait on us to acknowledge Him. He will wait on you to seek His Counsel.

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” – Matthew 6:33 (NIV).

I grew up hearing my parents say: “Always include God in your plans!” Well, I did when I was planning something big. But if it was a routine, daily, plan I didn’t include Him. Well, we all know how those plans didn’t work out. Always, means just that, always! It took me a long time to realize the always-ness of including God. I’ve said all of this to make a point.

When God is included in your plans, you will not quit – you will not give up – because you’ve given Him control and will wait on Him to handle your situation. This is what it means to: “Let go and let God!”  This is what it means to not quit!

Not quitting is a move that matters. Letting God take control is not quitting. Waiting on the Lord is not quitting. Waiting on the Lord is Legit! Waiting on the Lord is too legit to quit! (Ooooh… M.C. Hammer said something!)   Ok, Deacon Davis, you’ve said something too! My point…

Don’t Quit!

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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …

“Tell God How You Feel!”

Hello Solomon Temple Family! We have all been blessed to see this year come to a  close and are now getting ready to welcome a new year. Take a moment!

Be Grateful and Glorify!  Be Thankful and Testify!  Tell God how you feel!

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.” – Psalm 136:1 (NIV).

Grateful lyrics: Hezekiah Walker

I am grateful for the things that You have done

Yes, I’m grateful for the victories we’ve won

I could go on and on and on about Your works

Because I’m grateful, grateful, so grateful – Just to praise you Lord

Flowing from my heart – Are the issues of my heart

It’s Gratefulness                                                                                                                                                                   ~~~~~~~

I’ve taken the liberty of asking a few members of our STMI family to share their feelings of Gratefulness – Thankfulness.

“I’m thankful and grateful for my family and my church family.” – First Lady Tara Brice

“I’m thankful for my wife. I’m thankful  for my mom, who is still here. I’m so thankful to still have her in my life. I’m thankful for my family – I’m thankful for  my church. I’m just thankful!”                                      –     Rev. Seymore Brice

“I’m thankful that God brought me through the pandemic. I have so many underlying (health) conditions, but He brought me through. I have a part-time job at Walmart (lots of people around me all the time) but He spared my life – nothing happened to me.”  – Dorothy East

“I’m thankful for my health and strength. I’m thankful that I’m able to work after having eight knee surgeries on the same knee. I am really thankful and grateful.” – Nicola East

“I’m thankful for my family and for my salvation.” – Gaynelle Randolph

“I’m thankful for my family, my church, and for God’s Grace.” – Deonna Randolph

“I’m most grateful for life – breath. Jesus breathed in me. I’m thankful for being clothed in my right mind. I’m grateful for the ability – the opportunity and grace that’s been given to me.”                                       –    Sharon Jones

“I’m thankful for being in the land of the living.” – Mother Martha Green

“I’m thankful for my mom – grandma – step-dad, and for Pastor’s daughter, Victoria.”                                    –    Makayla Serrao

“I’m grateful for God giving us His only begotten Son so that we can have everlasting life. But it is up to us to make the right choices because how we move matters. I’m thankful for my family, my Pastor, and my (STMI) church family.” – Catherine Joiner

“I’m thankful to God for waking me up to praise Him every morning.” – Sarah Davis

“I’m grateful for the gift of life. I’m thankful that God saved me. He loved me enough to save me. I’m thankful for the food on my table – clothes on my back – my health and strength.”                                             –     Ursala Wooley

“I’m thankful for my family and their support. They are loving and take care of my needs.”                              –    Deondra Wallace

 “I’m thankful for my stable job and for my family!”  – Taylor Tucker

“I’m thankful for God giving me a new dawning. I’m thankful for my new Pastor and His Vision. I’m thankful for my STMI family. I’m also thankful for my old pastor who poured into me so that I’m able to follow His Word.”  – Tammie Harris

“I’m thankful for life. I’m thankful that I know the Lord Jesus Christ as my personal Savior. I’m thankful for my husband – my family and my health and strength. I thank God for His Son, Jesus dying on the cross.” – Wanda Parks

“I’m thankful for my husband, Deacon Spencer and my daughter, Olivia. I’m thankful for my family and my STMI family. I’m also thankful that after retiring, I am now teaching grades K thru 8^th in the Oakley School District, which is only 5 minutes away from my home. I would also like to include one of my favorite Scriptures…Proverbs 3:5-6 ….

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV).

We are all a living testimony of what God has done for us and for what He continues to do for us. Praise Him! Our Blessed Savior is worthy to be praised.

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever.”                                                      –  Psalm 100:4-5 (NIV).

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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …

“Hold On!”

We have all been going through something since the start of this (seems like never ending) pandemic and have been affected in different ways. I thank God for our pastor, Rev. Victor S. Brice, for giving us Word of encouragement through it all. He has delivered the Word received from our Supreme Father consistently throughout our losses – sicknesses – trials – troubles. Pastor Brice has remained steadfast in the Word and steadfast in encouragement. Praise God!

“When going through something, hold on tighter, never let go, don’t loosen your grip.”     –   Pastor Victor S. Brice

These words were spoken by Pastor Brice during his teaching on, “The Dangers of Spiritual Regression”. No matter what we are going through; bereavement – sickness – losses of jobs, homes, etc., our pastor remains steadfast in his teachings. Why? Because he is God driven! He is driven by the Word of God!

Drifting is one of the dangers of Spiritual regression. I can clearly see this because our House, STMI, is not full on Sunday mornings. Where are you? I know the majority reading this blog are the ones who come to the House on Sunday morning, and visit Facebook or Teleconference calls on Tuesday nights. Also, you tune in to our morning prayer calls. No, this message is for those reading this blog who have drifted. Yes, drifted! We miss you!

“We must pay the most careful attention therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.” – Hebrews 2:1 (NIV).

(Note: It is possible to drift and still be in the House. Therefore, pay attention, focus, on the Word being given and obey the Word of God.)

God speaks to us through our Pastor. So, hold on! Focus! Again, be committed to the Word and obey God’s Word. While listening to Pastor Brice preach – teach – deliver the Word, you can feel the Spirit in the room. (And this is while he is on Facebook.) I encourage you, come to the House, STMI, feel the Spirit as He pours into our pastor, who in turn pours into us. There is nothing like it. I can’t even begin to explain the feeling. Just come! Be in the House while the Word is being delivered.

“Whatever you do, don’t get disconnected from the Word!”                                            – Pastor Victor S. Brice

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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan