GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …

“Something About You”

 We all know that as Christians we will always be watched with a critical eye. Why is that? As soon as you profess to be a Believer you will sense a change in the demeanor of the person you are speaking with. Sometimes, you will get an: “Oh!” Now what is that supposed to mean? “Oh!”  I’m glad you asked. “Oh!” means you don’t act like a Christian. Ok, getting ready to step on some toes. I know this to be true because I was once a recipient of this; “Oh!”

Yes, I was taken aback at first, but then I did some introspection of my actions as a Christian. I thought about my mother always telling me that: “People should see God in you.” Wow! For me to receive that “Oh!” meant I wasn’t walking in my belief. People were not seeing God in me. I had work to do.

“Something about you should attract people. You should be appealing to people.”                      –   Pastor Victor S. Brice

Pastor Brice was teaching his ninth segment on: “How I Move Matters” with the focus on – “Christian Style”. Others should be able to tell by your walk that you are a Believer. There must be no question about your faith. There must be no question about your love for Jesus.

“If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”    –  John 8:34 (NIV).

This Scripture means for us to deny our natural sin habits and follow Jesus. Jesus is the way to the Father – Jesus will break the stronghold that is keeping you enslaved to sin. This is a Spiritual move – a move Christian style – a move of faith – a move of love.

For others to see God in you is a testament to your faith – your love for Jesus. Falling in love with Jesus was the best thing I’ve ever done. (Yes, Jonathon Butler wrote a song about this.) Your love for Jesus will show in how you treat others – how you interact with others – how you love others. It will be the something about you that will attract others.

So, lets all eliminate that “Oh!”. Walk in the Word – walk in faith – walk in the love of Jesus. Let the Light that lives in you shine so there will be no question that you are a child of God. Let the Light shine so others will know there is… “Something about you!”

Stay Connected!

Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …

“Where Are You?”

Where are you?  At the start of this pandemic, we had to rearrange our schedules so that we could attend church services and Bible teachings via Facebook live or via our church’s website live streaming. We were able to do this from the comfort of our homes. We have been back to in-person church worship service on Sunday mornings for quite a while now. Have you been M-I-A (missing in action)? If a yes answer, it is time to come back to the House (STMI).

“Re-arrange your schedule so that you will be able to show up.” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

This statement was made by our pastor during his teachings on “How I Move Matters – What Does Making Myself Available Mean?”  We must make God our priority and make ourselves available to Him.

“Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness.” –  Matthew 6:33 (NIV).

When we put God first, we show up for Sunday morning worship service. Yes, getting the Message via the website is ok, but it does not compare to sitting in His House and feeling the Holy Spirit while the Message is being delivered. To show up is to get fed. God knows we need “matter” (food) for our souls. He will provide that and much more. 

“If you show up, you’ll get filled up!”  – Pastor Victor S. Brice

“Jesus answered, ‘It is written; Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” – Matthew 4:4 (NIV). 

Satan is always lurking and will try to sway you – try to get you off track. God will block Satan – obstacles – and oppositions that get in your way. He will keep you on track and give you victory!

Be adamant and consistent in reading and heeding the Word of God. Clear your schedules – make the right adjustments – make the right moves! Also, while walking in obedience to God, be of service to Him by being of service to others. Ask God how He wants you to serve then serve (move) in a manner that is good, considerate, and pleasing to God and to others.

God will show up every Sunday morning (10:00am) at STMI. Don’t make Him ask:

       “Where are you?”

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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …

“The Season Approaches!”

The Season is fast approaching. What is the Season? The Season starts with the Thanksgiving holiday – moves on to the celebration of Jesus’ birth, on Christmas Day – ends with the celebration of completing the present year and welcomes the New Year. Thanksgiving – Christmas – New Year! Of the three days set aside for celebrations I’ve always enjoyed Thanksgiving the most. Even as a child, while most kids were all excited about the pending Christmas celebration, I was more excited about the pending Thanksgiving celebration.

Why is that? Is it because of the coming together of family and friends? The breaking of bread together? (Well, I love my family and I do love to eat!) In retrospect, as a Christian, shouldn’t I be more excited – more in anticipation of the celebration of Jesus’ birth? Perhaps, if I was a “Sunday Christian”? Now, you’re asking what is a “Sunday Christian”?

Sunday Christian: One who goes to church on Sunday for praise and worship – leaves church – goes right back to their everyday, self-involved worldly routines.

Look around you! They sit amongst us! Ok, lets get back to why Thanksgiving is my most enjoyable holiday. During my daily prayers, I praise and thank God for His Son. I thank Him for letting His Son come to earth in human form – to walk as we walk – talk as we talk – to show us how to live the Word – walk in the Word of righteousness – live in righteousness. I praise and thank God everyday for His Son’s Precious Blood. Jesus died and rose again so that we may live in eternity with God – have forgiveness of our sins. Salvation!

I celebrate and acknowledge Him for this daily. I also pray for His help in what He has called us to do; “Love thy neighbor as thyself.” – Mark 12:31. Yes, I need His help because loving your neighbor is not always an easy thing to do. What I’m trying to say is that since I celebrate and acknowledge Jesus’ birth throughout the year, December 25^th is a celebration, but in my opinion, it comes in second to the  Thanksgiving celebration.

As the season approaches, let us come together and do what God has called us to do; give freely of our time – talents – treasures. Let God use you!

Celebrate Thanksgiving Day by your actions. Give – give – give! Share – share – share! Love – love – love! Three words: Give – Share – Love! This is Thanksgiving! What a great way to show praise and honor to God!

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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …

“Not Enough Hours in A day?”

We sometimes find ourselves wishing there were more hours in a day to complete whatever tasks we’ve committed ourselves to. “Not me!”  If you can say, “Not me!” and this holds true for all your commitments, then you’re a well-organized person.

Organized person: A person with a system of doing things in a particular way that allows for completion of daily assignments or tasks.

How does God fit into your daily plans or assignments?  Are you diligently seeking God? 

“The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.”                                     – Proverbs 21:5 (NIV)

“Chase after God – put Him first! He’ll take care of everything else!” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

In the words of our Pastor, Rev. Victor S. Brice, “The vision for this House, STMI, is Prayer Ministry and Word Ministry.”  Our plans must align with our pastor’s vision. We must take advantage of the opportunities that have been carefully laid out for us.

Start your day in prayer, which is available to us daily: 6:00am – 6:15am. There is noon day prayer, available Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. You will also receive a Word of prayer during Sunday morning worship, during Tuesday night Word Life teleconference/Facebook call and on our zoom Life Transformation conference on Wednesday nights.

You can also create your own opportunities to participate in prayer and Word. Start on a small scale and gradually increase in prayer, worship, Word. Watch your relationship with God grow.

The doors of STMI are open every Sunday at 10:00am. Show up early for your temperature check – hand sanitizer – and walk right on in.  Receive an invigorating Word that will bring comfort to your weary souls. STMI is a Place of solace – of worship – of fellowship. We need God, and we need each other. Organize your schedules to include God, first and foremost. Watch!  Reap!   Rejoice!    When you think of His Goodness!

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son …” – John 3:16 (NIV). 

Still not enough hours in a day? Then you are not putting God first. Try putting Him first, take advantage of the opportunities laid out for you. Everything else will fall into place.

Stay Connected! 

Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …

“Are You Ready?”

Are you ready? This question is usually asked by someone who is waiting on you and can pertain to many different situations. For this writing, I’ll be referring to your spiritual – mental – preparedness. Also, keep in mind that good things do come to those who wait. (A true cliché.) So, a better question would be: “Are you ready for the Lord?” Keeping in step with Pastor Brice’s teaching on; “How I Move Matters!”, “Are you ready for the Lord to move you?”

“He makes it possible for us to be available for His Work.” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

God will open the door for you. When he does, walk right on in. A good mindset: “Here I am Lord, I’m available, use me!” He made you and molded you – now, it is time to be available for Him to move you. (Make me – mold me – move me!) He will equip you with whatever you need to make your move. Let Him!  Faith (Believe) – Flattery (Praise) – Follow (Obey)! You are guaranteed to win with this combination.

“For in him we live and move and have our being.” – Acts 17:28 (NIV).

God, our Creator, created us to live in Him and move in Him. What does this mean? This means that He is in control of His creation (us) and we are nothing without Him. We must stop trying to control what God has created. We must let go and let God! We all know this, but when things are going great for us (when in a successful and happy place, so to speak) we get off track and make the mistake of thinking that we orchestrated our own successful moves. We must stop trying to take credit for how God is moving in our lives. Yes, our moves matter, but we sometimes make the wrong moves. God’s Moves are always the right moves at the right time.

“And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”            – Philippians 4:19 (NIV).

People get ready, there’s a movement coming. You don’t need a ticket; you just get on board. All you need is Faith – Flattery – Follow. (Ok, so I stole part of the song: “People Get Ready”.) Just trying to make a point. Your moves matter and they won’t cost you anything, but you will reap mercy, goodness, and peace of God when you let Him take control of your moves – when you let God guide your moves.

Stay Connected!

Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …

“Pastor’s Words of Encouragement”

 We’ve all suffered through trials, troubles, and losses this year. Some of our own, and witness to even more. As we move toward the end of this year, 2021, which started with hopes for a new beginning but has developed into the same old groups spewing their ingrain prejudices, hate, and injustices towards select groups of people, we thank God for seeing us through.

This morning, our pastor, Rev. Victor S. Brice, spoke to us prior to our Wednesday, 06:00 am, prayer. He spoke words of encouragement for our souls and gave us three things to keep our minds on.

1. Complacency: Guard against complacency. Do not become lackadaisical about your prayer life or Word life. Don’t let your guard down. Stay on your post: Worship – Walk – Pray.

2. Comparison: Don’t compare yourself to others. Make sure you stay focused and don’t get tripped up in your assignment.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”- Hebrews 12:1-2 (NIV).  

            Stay focused on your assignment – finish the course.

“Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 2 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”- 1 Timothy 4:7-8 (NIV). 

3. Communing: Spend time communing with God. Stay committed. Stay in prayer – Word – worship. Go into your own secret closet. Have a one-on-one with God away from the church – the prayer call – Bible study. Commune with God – spend quality time with Him. Just you and God hanging out. 

“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.”    – Psalm 42:1 (NIV).

Thank you, Pastor, for your loving, caring, and sharing heart! Your enthusiasm for the Word, prayer, and worship is much needed and is what has carried us throughout this year. God has kept us, but you have carried us. Yes, your moves matter. You have let His Light shine through you and have in turn, carried His light so that we could benefit by being connected.

Stay Connected!

Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …

“I’m Struggling Because …” 

Have you from time to time wondered why you are still struggling? You’ve made all the right moves – done what you thought was right in the eyes of the Lord. Yet, you are still struggling and can’t see your way out. You feel all alone in your struggles. Time to go directly to God in prayer. Time to ask Him to show you what He wants you to do – show you what you need to do.

“Many are the afflictions of the righteous; but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.”          – Psalm 34:19 (KJV).

 “No matter what you have done, you don’t have to be afraid to go to God.”                                                             –  Pastor Victor S. Brice

You are not alone. In the song lyrics by Michael Jackson: “You are not alone, I am here with you – though we’re far apart, you’re always in my heart. You are not alone; I can hear your prayers – your burdens I will bear – first I need your hand, then forever can begin. You are not alone.”  Though this was pinned as worldly lyrics, this applies to our Lord and Savior in action.  You are not alone, our Mighty God, our Protector, is always with you. Call on Him!

“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them.”                                                       – Psalm 145:18-19 (NIV).

The Lord will fulfill the desires of those who believe in Him – of those who love Him. He will hear their cry – He will save them. Let Him guide your actions – guide your thoughts, your mind. When you find yourself struggling, go to Him in prayer, let His Peace block your anxiety – let His Peace block your struggles.

In the words of our pastor, Rev. Victor S. Brice: “Prayer produces an affection – an awareness – an appearance by God and produces advantages for the prayers. When you are not praying, you’re at a disadvantage.”

The more you talk to God, the closer you will be drawn to Him. The closer you are drawn to Him, the more affection you will have for Him. There is no need to struggle – no need to worry. Give it to Him. He is waiting on your call.

Stay Connected!

Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …

“Are You a Breakaway Saint?” 

To break away from something can be either good or bad. For instance: To break away from a smoking habit; good, because smoking is bad for your health. To break away from a cussing habit; good because unkind words can hurt. To break away from God. Yes, you already know!

A break-away saint is one who knows the Word of God, practices the Word of God, but from time to time will knowingly let the sin in them prevail and break away from God. i.e., Going to the 49’er vs Cowboys football game instead of going to church. Knowing that you are doing wrong but making excuses for it. “I’ll pray and ask for forgiveness later.” Or, going on a shopping spree at the mall, instead of going to church, because you want something cute to wear to your work luncheon the next day.  

I said that to say this: We get down on our knees and pray, believing, that God will answer our prayers. Why? Because His Word tells us:

“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”  – Jeremiah 33:3 (NIV).

So, we pray to God, believing that He will answer. However, we’re forgetting one important fact. We forget about our break-away. Ooops! Yes, that part! We all know that God is Truth – God’s Word is Truth. So, we pray believing that God will answer because His Word says so. Stop! There is more to this story. God’s Word also says:

“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” – John 15:7 (NIV). 

Is being a break-away saint remaining in Him? I don’t think so! Being a breakaway saint will cause you to lose your prayer benefits. Wow! Yes, reflect on this for a few minutes. You can’t have your cake and eat it too. Stop being a break-away saint! 

“We must take ownership of what we do because what we do matters.” and “Abide in the Master – let His Word abide in you.” – Pastor Victor S. Brice (note: These are 2 separate quotes.)

Our pastor has been teaching a series on prayer and the way we move matters. Both are critical in our walk with Christ. I wish I had the space and time to re-write notes taken during this series. It behooves you to be in the House on Sunday mornings – be on the prayer line, everyday 6am to 6:15am – be on the Tuesday night, Word Life, teachings on Face Book and teleconference line (7pm) – be on the Life Transformation zoom conference on Wednesday nights (7pm) – be on the noon prayer call, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday. These are the many opportunities for you to stay connected to God. You can connect to one or all of them. But ….      Stay Connected!

Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …

“Watch Your Moves!”

During Pastor Brice’s Sunday Sermon on “How I Move Matters” (part – 4), he stressed the fact that:

“There are consequences that come with our every move. Some moves will bring delight – some moves will bring destruction.” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

His statement made me stop and think about my actions, as a believer, a friend, a relative, a parent. Take a moment. Look back over your life at some of the moves you’ve made. (Yes, you! Not your spouse – not your parents – you!) Not all your moves were that great – right! We are human – we make mistakes. When we view it from a Biblical level:

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” – Romans 3:23 (NIV). 

Quoting this Scripture is not to say that your, not-so-great, moves were sinful, but to say that perhaps they were not the best moves for that situation – not the best moves in the eyes of the Lord. What happens when we fall short? We get right back up and try again. Yes! We take our hits, move-on, and try to do better.

How do I do better? What moves should I make? I’m glad you asked.

God is waiting on you! Yes! Time to include God in your moves! We get so wrapped up in our own individuality that we forget to include God in our moves. “The only way to win it is to keep God in it.” When things are going great, we rely on our own strength and forget about where our strength comes from. We forget about the One Who is Stronger and Wiser. However, when things start to go “south” – after we make the wrong moves – we turn to Him. Why?

Going through hard times – difficult times – will bring you to your knees. Will make you realize that it is by His Goodness and Mercy that we are here. That His Goodness and Mercy has kept us – has led us to make the right moves. Time to ask for forgiveness.

“I beg you, take away the guilt of your servant. I have done a very foolish thing.”     –   1 Chronicles 21:8 (NIV).

Watch your moves! Make the right moves! Seek Him first! Include God in your moves. Follow His instructions. Your moves will bring delight instead of destruction.

Stay Connected!

Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

“Are You Hooked?”

To be hooked is to be addicted to – fascinated by – or devoted to something. This statement: “Are you hooked?”  can cover a lot of things; relationships – foods – drinks – substances – prayer. Prayer? Yes, prayer, and I’m “fitnah boutah” go there. I can go there because I was guilty of going to church, but I was not in church. I was guilty of listening to the pastor, but I was not hearing the pastor. I was guilty of reading the Word, but not doing the Word. I was guilty of praying to God, but not waiting on His answer. (I took matters into my own hands.)

“They that wait upon the Lord…” – Isaiah 40:31 (KJV).

“Call to me and I will answer…” – Jeremiah 33:3 (NIV).

As I reflect on my life, I realize that God really does love me. God loves me like a mother loves her child. He loves me despite my sinful self. And His Word is Truth. I called on Him and He answered. He could have ignored me, but He didn’t. He showed me what real love is. He showed me Who, He really Is. I called; God answered. I’m now hooked. I’m devoted to prayer – devoted to God!

During our Word Life Bible Class, “Why Do We Pray?”, Pastor Brice taught that prayer produces an awareness about God and an affection for God. This is indicative of my testimony. I was going through the motions of being a Believer, but I wasn’t being true to myself nor God. God showed His Love for me, and I now reciprocate. Falling in love with Jesus, was the best thing I ever done. (Song lyrics: “Falling in Love With Jesus” by: Jonathan Butler.)

“No matter what you have done, you don’t have to be afraid to go to God.”                                      – Pastor V.S. Brice

Do not get discouraged when God doesn’t answer right away. Keep on praying, no matter what! Praying is showing your faith in God. He will answer. As a matter of fact, He may have already answered you, but you weren’t listening because it wasn’t the answer you were expecting. God won’t always say yes to your prayers. Perhaps a yes answer to your request would not be the best thing for you. You will thank Him when He reveals why He said, “No!”

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

    – Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV). 

Pray, wait on the Lord to reveal what He wants for you. Get hooked on prayer – be devoted to prayer. Let God’s Peace block all your anxieties while guarding your hearts and minds in Jesus.

Stay Connected!

Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan