GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE ….

“Pay Attention!”

When I awoke at 09:00 am this morning – dark – no sun shining – I immediately thought my clock was wrong – must have had a power outage during the night – but: “Wait a minute! I don’t have an electric clock!”  I then looked closely towards the windows and notice: red glow shining through the closed blinds.  “What’s that??”  I open the blinds to see (or not see) the distant trees and buildings that are normally in view when I look out my bedroom window.

Instead: I see a dark sky illuminated by a red haze, combined with smoke – smog – fog and ashes. The ashes were literally covering the streets, lawns, parked cars, and driveways (our gated community does not have sidewalks). To make matters worse, everything was quiet, no birds singing, no cars moving. Everything seemed surreal.

Apocalypse! Is it happening now? Is this it? Is God ready to destroy us? Sodom and Gomorrah came to mind (Genesis Chapter 19). God destroyed these cities because of their sin. The sins happening around us today are just as bad, if not worse, than the sins of the people of Sodom.

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” – 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV)

Yes, this is the first Scripture that came to mind. This is what we must be doing during these days of pandemic, civil unrest, riots in the streets (throughout the USA) trying to stop the peaceful marches of the Black Lives Matter Movement – out of control fires raging through several of our western states, including, California (this is me – living close to several out of control fires).

Are you paying attention? God is telling us something. Time to redirect your focus. Yes, redirect! Admit that though you are in Bible Study, are a part of the Facebook live church, you are still focused on your surroundings. Your focus is on social distancing, wearing masks (for the prevention of COVID-19 and relief from the smoke caused by the fires), and focused on the civil unrest occurring throughout these states of America.

Seek God! Focus on God! Pray! My prayers started at 6:00am along with STMI’s intercessory prayer team. Then, I went back to sleep, and awoke to this seemingly apocalyptic situation.

“Focus on God’s Word – you will get 20-20 vision.” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

Read: Psalm 119:81-88. This was the focus of our Bible Study during last night’s class. “Holding on While Hurting.”  We saw how though, the psalmist was in dark despair, dealing with a lot of issues, he was determined to hold on to God and His Word.

“They almost finished me off, but I refused to abandon your commandments.”                              – Psalm 119:87 (NLT)

“I refused to abandon your commandments!”  This is us. This is how we get through whatever situations – circumstances – life throws at us. Stand firm! Hold on to God – hold on to His Word. His Word will see you through!  Focus!  Pay attention!

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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

GREETING FROM THE TEMPLE ….

“A Cry for Help!” 

As you go through your life’s daily routine, you are content when everything falls into place. In fact, most of the time you are on automatic because you are doing the things you’ve done a thousand times before. You are doing things out of habit.

“Lord, have Mercy!”   

What happened?

You already know that this is a ‘right now’ call for help from the Lord. There is something going on that only He can fix. You are seeking help that only He can provide. You will utter these three words, ‘Lord, have mercy!’, even when it was because of your actions or inactions that you are in a certain predicament – trouble – or situation.

“For the Lord, your God is a merciful God.” – Deuteronomy 4:31 (NLT)

“God sees everything, and He is still merciful.” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

God has shown us time after time that there is Power in His Name. If, for some minutiae reason, you have never had to call on Him, then just wait, keep on living, the time will come. We call our All Mighty God by many names:  Abba – Father. Jehovah Jireh – the Lord our Provider. Jehovah Rapha – the Lord our Healer. Jehovah Nissi – the Lord our Banner. Jehovah Shalom – the Lord our Peace. Jehovah Raah – the Lord our Shepherd. Jehovah Tsidkenu – the Lord our Righteousness.

We all sin, whether to a small degree or large degree, but we have the promise of Salvation through the Blood of His only Son, Jesus Christ and we have His Mercy. We all make mistakes but when we call, He will answer. “Call to me and I will answer.” – Jeremiah 33:3 (NIV).

“God’s Mercy is bigger than any mistake you’ve made.” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

Our Patient God waits on us to seek Him. Get His Word in your heart.  Be obedient – pray – humble yourself – turn from sin – acknowledge Him for who He is: our Wonderful – Powerful Merciful God.  Praise Him – give Him all the glory! Experience His Peace – Love – Joy!

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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE ….

“Are You Stuck in Neutral?

Does this coronavirus, pandemic, have you feeling like you are stuck in neutral?  Can’t move forward, can’t move back? Conversations and thoughts focused on life as you once knew it vs life due to COVID-19? My testimony: “I used to go to church, worship and fellowship with the whole church body – handshakes – hugs – smiles – expressions in full view. Now, I leave my house carrying hand sanitizer wipes – sprays – gloves – wearing masks and planning on keeping a safe distance, staying at least 6 feet away, from everyone.”    Feeling stuck yet?

“The Word will release you from being stuck.” – Rev. Samuel S. Brice

We are called to be readers – hearers – doers of His Word. Readers – hearers – doers are action words. We are called to action – no standing – no sitting still. However, do not make the mistake of moving without Him. We are followers of God. Put God first and follow His Lead.

“During this coronavirus isolation God wants us to focus on Him.” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

The anxiety and depression you’re feeling during this pandemic may cause you to lose focus on God – may cause you to focus on your “woe is me” attitude. Wake up – sit up – stand up! This pandemic is not about you. God has not forgotten you.

“For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” – Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)

He is waiting on you to get back in action – to redirect your focus. Focus on God – focus on His Word. Pray! Ask God what He wants you to do during this pandemic. He will tell you. Then you must follow His instructions. Now is the time to lean on Him – lean on His Word. Call on Jesus, the name above all names – the wonderful powerful name – Jesus! Reap the benefits.

“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged.” – Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV)

Submit to the Word of God and you will never get stuck in neutral. You win with God. His Word will move you to peace – purpose – productivity – proficiency – prosperity.

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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

Brandi Coleman                                                         August 27, 2020

HELLO FROM THE TEMPLE ….

RACE  ~     R… restore  A… answer  C… clarify  E… expand  ~     RACE

R-restore:

You need to race to Jesus. Restore your relationship with God first before you restore any other relationship! Doing this will allow Gods understanding to help with other relationships that need restoring. Then move on to restoring those relationships.

A-answer:

God is calling!!! Are you going to answer the call or just keep sending Him to voicemail? I think your voice mail is full by now!

C-clarify:

Get some clarity from God in what your purpose in life is. But the only way you can do that is if you ANSWER God’s call!!! So pick up the phone, God is on your hotline!!!

E-expand:

Open up your way of thinking to allow God to take control. Expand your way of thinking!!!

Make your brain a territory large enough for God to restore, answer, clarify, and expand your spirit and destroy your flesh! Don’t walk to Jesus! Move with sense of purpose and RACE to God’s finish line!!!

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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Brandi Coleman

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE ….

“Are You Making It?”

How are you making it during this pandemic? Our lives – daily routines – work habits – personal habits – leisure habits – have been disrupted. Some people have gotten sick but, survived, while others have gotten sick and not survived. In the matter of employment and finances: some people are being paid to work from home, unless considered essential workers and must work outside the home.  Some people are depending on unemployment benefits, others are working odd jobs to make ends meet, while others are out of a job. Depression – anxiety – worry – civil unrest –drug use – alcohol use – crimes against persons and property are all on the rise. We are in battle with more than just a virus.

“We need consolation. We find consolation in God.”  – Pastor Victor S. Brice

Pastor Brice has given us a series of teachings on, “Making It by The Grace of God”.  Some of the highlights: God’s mercies never change – will always cover you – are always current (we get new mercies every day) – and His mercies are always constant. His Mercy will follow you all the days of your life.  So: Are you making it?   “Yes, by the grace of God.”  You are still here, and you are making it by the grace of God. God’s Mercy has kept you. Never lose sight of this.

“The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease.”                                                  – Lamentations 3:22 (NLT)

This Scripture brings to mind the gospel lyrics: “Way Maker, Miracle Worker, Promise Keeper, Light in the darkness, my God – That is who You are – I worship You – I worship You.”

I always listen for the Message in gospel music. Why? Because the writer is either going through something or has gone through something that was made right by the grace of God. “When I think of His Goodness!” Yes, this is me. Most mornings I wake up either praying or praising. I love to praise Him in song. “I love to praise His Holy Name.”

Start your morning in prayer and praise. If you are not already doing this, give it a try! Also, end your day the same way: in prayer and praise. Wow! See how your days and nights play out. You will feel like you’re living in a different world. Why? Because you just gave God priority over your day and your night. Not just on Sunday or during Bible Study. Your whole day and night.

“His mercies complete me. Ask God for His Mercy over your children and family. Thank God for His Mercy.”     – Pastor Victor S. Brice

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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE ….

“Is It Well with Your Soul?”

Is it well with your soul? This is a question Pastor Brice asked our Bible Study class a couple weeks ago. He was teaching on: “How to Safeguard Your Soul.” Psalm 119:65-72

Summary: We can safeguard our soul by praising God and testifying to His goodness (this combats anxiety and depression). By letting God teach us His Way (He leads and guides – we must follow and participate). By not resisting the testing that God will put us through (expect trials and lean on His Word). By experiencing the rewards (pass the tests – reap the rewards).

When you hear: “Is it well with your soul?”  Pause a moment. Your spiritual health is based on how you read the Word – heed the Word – and lead using the Word of God.

“May the Lord bless the readers – hearers – and doers of His Word.”

How many times have you heard this blessing? Have you ever given this blessing a second thought? I realize that we are all individuals and are all on different levels of our Godly Walk. Though, we have been brought out of the world, our spiritual health, like our physical health, will fluctuate throughout our lives and will sometimes take a hit, so to speak. However, ….

“Every believer is equipped.” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

“Your instructions are more valuable to me than millions in gold and silver.”                             – Psalm 119:72 (NLT)

Be committed to following God’s instructions. There will always be choices to make – two roads to travel. The Wrong Rd. and the High Wy. During our life’s journey we sometimes will make turns leading onto the Wrong Rd. Life happens. Persevere! God has you! Work your way back to the High Wy. Work your way back to God’s Way. Be God centered – keep God involved.

“No matter what you do, make sure you get the Hand of God involved.” – “To get the Hand of God involved is to get the Word of God involved.” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

“Thy hands have made me and fashioned me.” – Psalm 119:73 (KJV)

“That all the people of the earth might know the hand of the Lord, that it is mighty; that ye might fear the Lord your God forever” – Joshua 4:24 (KJV)

God’s Hand is waiting on you. Reach up – grab – hold on to God’s unchanging Hands. Singing: “Build your hopes on things eternal – Hold to God’s unchanging Hands.” Sing, shout, praise!

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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE ….

“Good Trouble”

 While watching the “Home-Going Services” for Congressman John Robert Lewis, some of the speakers kept referring to him getting into ‘good trouble’.  I’m sitting here thinking: How do you get into ‘good trouble’?  Of course, my Christian background led me to our Pastor Victor S. Brice’s teachings on: “Stability”.  Now you’re thinking: “How does stability correlate to ‘good trouble’?”   I’m glad you asked.  Whether good or bad trouble, you will encounter pressures – demands – tensions – stress. You will need perseverance and stability to get you through them.

Stability: free from change or variation – endurance – steadfastness. Good trouble: ‘good trouble’ was the necessary trouble or actions used by Rep. John R. Lewis to accomplish his agenda. Though his actions may have been troubling for some, as well as for him, they were for the good of everyone. Rep. John R. Lewis taught about, and demonstrated against, civil disobedience and injustice using old and new tactics which sometimes resulted in ‘good trouble’.

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” – Romans 8:28 (NLT)

Our Righteous Able God will turn everything around, in order, to fulfill His purpose. He will turn your dark days into light – your wrong into right – your heartaches into joy – your bad trouble into ‘good trouble’.

“God is shaking us out of our complacency.” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

“All of creation will be shaken and removed, so that only unshakable things will remain.”    –  Hebrews 12:27 (NLT)

There are four unshakable things that will remain: God’s Throne – God’s Word – God’s Church – God’s Child. Stay firmly anchored in God and in His Word. When trouble finds you – and it will – you will be unshakable and experience the ‘good trouble’ that He will provide.

“Get in a hurry about God and the things of God.”  “Pattern your life based on the Word of God. To not do so will create a deficit in your life.”  – Pastor Victor S. Brice

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they will follow me.” – John 10:27 (NLT)

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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE ….

“Have You Forgotten?”

Have you forgotten? This is definitely a question that needs to be clarified. Have I forgotten what?  I’m glad you asked.   “Have you forgotten Who I Am?” Sounds like God talking!

“Have you forgotten where your help comes from? Have you forgotten what I have done for you?”

“Yet, how quickly they forgot what he had done!” – Psalm 106:13 (NLT)

“Forgetting God leads to rebellion – makes us do foolish things.” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

Just one more question: Why is it when we are healthy, happy, and successful: good job, nice home, money flowing in, etc., that we forget where it all came from? Because we get the “bighead” and start thinking we did that! We forget Who has blessed us with everything we have.

The thought process of a person who has forgotten: “Look at me! I’m moving in a circle of friends that include the mayor, judges, and celebrities.” Or, it could go something like this: “I just bought a new home, I’m driving a new car, I have a good job. Look at me, I’m successful and intelligent. I’ve got this!”

Whoa! Stop! Hold up! Stop walking around popping your collar! Now ask yourself: “Where did it all start? Where did it all come from? Who brought you up when you were at your lowest? Who healed you when you were sick? Who made it possible for you to get that job – put food on your table – a roof over your head – a car to drive?”

Do you need a minute? “God!” What? I can’t hear you! “God!”  Exactly! Give Him all the glory – praise – and honor! Everything you have started with and belongs to Him! Praise Him!

“So, he declared he would destroy them.” – Psalm 106:23 (NLT)

“Forgetting God ignites God’s anger.” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

Read: Exodus Chapter 32 (The Golden Calf Incident.) The people had forgotten God and turned to worshipping a golden calf (an idol). God was angered and ready to destroy them. However, Moses interceded on behalf of the people. He begged God to turn from His anger and not destroy them.

How can you get someone to intercede on your behalf?

I encourage you to get under the leadership and guidance of our shepherd, Pastor Victor S. Brice – Solomon Temple Ministries International. He is being led by God. Teaching us to obey the Word and to walk (live) according to His Word. He is also showing us how to reach out to others by sharing the Word, thus drawing them to Christ.

We welcome you to connect with us, STMI, and connect with God. Put God first and foremost in your life.  Don’t forget!  God’s got you!

Stay Connected!

Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE ….

“Adding and Subtracting”

Our recent teachings, from our pastor, Rev. Victor S. Brice, has been on hope. Last Wednesday he took us through a related topic: “Distractions”. We have learned that to have hope is to wait on the Lord, to trust in Him, to hold on to His Promises. However, there are distractions that will cause you to lose your trust – that will cause you to lose your hope in the Lord.

“Keep holding on to God’s Promises – there are benefits in God’s Promises.”                                                            – Pastor Victor S. Brice

Benefits of God’s Promises:

Peace: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.” – John 16:33 (NIV)

Protection: “I will never leave, nor forsake you!” – Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV)

Power: “But with God, all things are possible.” – Matthew 19:26b (NIV)

Perseverance: “We rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance.” – Romans 5:3 (NIV)

Poise/Self-Composure: “When the earth quakes, and its people live in turmoil, I am the one who keeps its foundations firm.” – Psalm 75:3 (NLT)

What is distracting you from the benefits of God’s Promises?

God graces us with His Promises, and it behooves us to take advantage of every good promise that God graces us with. Beware of distractions! Distractions are subtractions and will cause you to lose your benefits – will cause you to lose out on God’s Promises. Identify your distractions and work toward not letting them get in the way of His Promises.

“Be committed to getting rid of distractions – acknowledge them – ask God to remove them.”                              – Pastor Victor S. Brice

The Devil’s joy is in blocking the Word of God by distracting you. Stop allowing the Devil his joy. Get rid of all distractions and block the Devil! Let your praise song be: “God has smiled on me – He has set me free”.  Praise His Holy Name!

Adding and subtracting. Add to your knowledge of knowing what is distracting you – what is hindering you from receiving the Word of God – then subtract those things. To God be the glory!

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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blog – Othella Hill-Jordan

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE ….

“Nothing Can Stop Me!”

Lately, we have been witnessing and participating in protests, against the injustices directed at Black Americans by the police – citizens – laws – and the actions of local and state government officials that are contrary to the rights of Black Americans. It is a fact that the laws that are in place are not being utilized appropriately or proportionally when it comes to Black Americans. The police, for example, knowingly go beyond their scope of authority because, though they may have killed someone, they have been deemed innocent in a court of law.

Oh, let me be perfectly clear on this, the someone I am referring to, in this writing, is a Black American.  Black Americans are being killed – ambushed – beaten – systemically harassed because of their ethnicity – the color of their skin. The common phrase made by the suspect in each case:  “I feared for my life!”   (Not acceptable!)

Murders – Hate Crimes – Aggravated Assaults – Morality Crimes: are all barriers – instant roadblocks – to the Word of God.  However, God has said: “Nothing can stop Me!”

“The word of God stands forever.” – 1 Peter 1:25 (NIV)

“So do not fear, for I am with you.” – Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)

“When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you.” – Psalm 43:1 (MSG)

There is nothing that can stop the Word of God from going forth. No pandemic (COVID-19) – no shelter-in-place – no social distancing – no hand sanitizing – no wearing of face masks – nor social injustices.

“Whatever God starts, He will finish.”  “The God I serve has got me!” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

Are we being punished during our trials – troubles? I don’t have an answer to this question, but let’s look at Biblical history.

We know that God punished His people in the Bible. Mostly in the Old Testament. Adam and Eve (disobedience) – Sodom and Gomorrah (unrighteous living) – Lot’s wife (disobedience) – Moses (didn’t make it to the Promise Land) – Egyptian army (swallowed up by the Red Sea). That was then. What about now? Are we still being disobedient? Living unrighteous? Not following God’s commandments -instructions? Not loving one another? A yes answer to any one of these questions puts us in line for punishment from the Lord.

“We are a holy nation of peculiar people who have been sent, started, secured, and selected by God.”    –  Pastor Victor S. Brice

“So, in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.”                                      – Matthew 7:12 (NIV)

Whenever we stray from righteous living is a good time for us to repent – call on God to forgive our sins – live righteously – love one another. I may be preaching to the choir, but not everyone reading this is in the choir stand. Therefore, lets all try to be imitators of Christ. Walk in love, as Christ loved us. Remember, Christ sacrificed Himself for us. We can never make that big of a sacrifice, but we can try harder to love one another – be kind to one another – and treat each other as we would want to be treated.

“Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”   – Ephesians 5:1-2 (NIV)

We must stop listening to man and keep standing on the true and infallible promises of God.

“I will never leave nor forsake you.”  “You can do all things through Christ, who gives you strength.”  “No weapon formed against you shall prosper.”  His Word is Truth!  Believe!

We must value each other, just as Christ valued us. We must hold each other up and hold each other accountable. Stay in the Word. Absorb the Word in your heart. Live the Word by putting the Word into action. Finally, share the Word. Nothing can stop the Word of God.

“Nothing can stop Me!”

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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan