“Black Lives Matter!”

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE ….

“Black Lives Matter!”

“Black lives matter!” How many of you know the true meaning of this statement? No, we are not saying that Black lives mean more than lives of others. We are saying that Black lives are just as important as the lives of all ethnicities.  This, “Black lives matter!” statement, came about because Black Americans are being targeted and killed by police officers at an alarming rate.

Now, we have police officers and their families saying: “Blue lives matter!” What??  A police officer is a man/woman holding down a job. It’s a career choice, not a life. Now, why do you suppose they feel the need to say: “Blue lives matter!”? Not all police officers wear the color blue, yet they want to create a movement using the color blue. Their career choice is not a life. So, why make this “blue lives matter” statement? Envy – jealousy –wanting to be noticed!

“For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and evil of every kind.” – James 3:16 (NLT)

I think that with the last few incidents of violence, murder, by police officers against Black Americans, the message we are trying to convey is finally sinking in. After witnessing, on TV and Facebook, a police officer slowly suffocating George Floyd, people are starting to realize what we have been saying for years. Police are killing Black Americans at an alarming rate and are simply given a slap on the wrist, a suspension from their jobs with pay. What’s going on?

“Mother, mother, there’s too many of you crying. Brother, brother, brother, there’s far too many of you dying.” – Marvin Gaye

Pastor Brice’s Sunday sermon was on: “No Justice – No Peace!” He stressed the fact that justice is a part of who God is – that God wants us to treat people right – and that God wants more justice in the world. He also posed the question: How are we going to fix this?

“With the Word of God. Exercise the righteousness of God and emulate the mercies of God.”                            – Pastor Victor S. Brice

God has been patiently waiting on us to get in a right relationship with Him. He has gotten our attention with this pandemic and now this killing of an innocent Black man by a policeman who was sworn to protect and to serve. How do we heal our land – country – society – people?

Seek Him first – Seek His Word – Exercise His Righteousness – Emulate His Mercies!

and …  Stay Connected!

Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

“Black Lives Matter!”

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE ….

“Black Lives Matter!”

“Black lives matter!” How many of you know the true meaning of this statement? No, we are not saying that Black lives mean more than lives of others. We are saying that Black lives are just as important as the lives of all ethnicities.  This, “Black lives matter!” statement, came about because Black Americans are being targeted and killed by police officers at an alarming rate.

Now, we have police officers and their families saying: “Blue lives matter!” What??  A police officer is a man/woman holding down a job. It’s a career choice, not a life. Now, why do you suppose they feel the need to say: “Blue lives matter!”? Not all police officers wear the color blue, yet they want to create a movement using the color blue. Their career choice is not a life. So, why make this “blue lives matter” statement? Envy – jealousy –wanting to be noticed!

“For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and evil of every kind.” – James 3:16 (NLT)

I think that with the last few incidents of violence, murder, by police officers against Black Americans, the message we are trying to convey is finally sinking in. After witnessing, on TV and Facebook, a police officer slowly suffocating George Floyd, people are starting to realize what we have been saying for years. Police are killing Black Americans at an alarming rate and are simply given a slap on the wrist, a suspension from their jobs with pay. What’s going on?

“Mother, mother, there’s too many of you crying. Brother, brother, brother, there’s far too many of you dying.” – Marvin Gaye

Pastor Brice’s Sunday sermon was on: “No Justice – No Peace!” He stressed the fact that justice is a part of who God is – that God wants us to treat people right – and that God wants more justice in the world. He also posed the question: How are we going to fix this?

“With the Word of God. Exercise the righteousness of God and emulate the mercies of God.”                            – Pastor Victor S. Brice

God has been patiently waiting on us to get in a right relationship with Him. He has gotten our attention with this pandemic and now this killing of an innocent Black man by a policeman who was sworn to protect and to serve. How do we heal our land – country – society – people?

Seek Him first – Seek His Word – Exercise His Righteousness – Emulate His Mercies!

and …  Stay Connected!

Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

“Should’ve – Would’ve – Could’ve”

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE ….

“Should’ve – Would’ve – Could’ve”

How often have you started a phrase with the following words or heard someone start a phrase with these words: “I should’ve… I would’ve… I could’ve…”? These words come to mind after the fact. Should’ve – would’ve – could’ve is hindsight (an understanding of something only after it has happened).

Pastor Brice recently gave a two-part sermon on: “Under the Influence”. From this sermon we learned that we are all under some type of influence. An influence can be a person, a place, a thing, or substance. Most common of the worldly influences is to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Other influences can be geographical – environmental – or genetic.

“There is one influence that is greater than them all, the Holy Spirit.” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

There are also spiritual influences, The Holy Spirit, and the evil spirit. (The Good and the bad.) Before we accepted Christ as our Lord and Savior, we were, most likely, on a path of letting the evil spirit influence us.

“Live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.”                           – Galatians 5:16 (NIV)

Due to the actions of Adam and Eve in The Garden, we were born into sin and have a sinful nature. However, we must stop using Adam and Eve as an excuse to be under the influence of the evil spirit. You can choose which influence to be under.

“Let us get under the influence of the Lord – the Holy Ghost. – the Holy Spirit.” – Pastor Brice

“Those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit.”        – Romans 8:5b (NLT)

When we allow the Holy Spirit to live in our heart – guide our actions – our thoughts – our minds – we have already won – we have the victory! Success in our relationships – marriage – children. Success in our endeavors: intellectual pursuits – career (job) choice – civic duties. Being led by the Holy Spirit will make you want to please Him in all that you do because there is nothing greater – no better feeling – than the joy, peace, comfort, and love that He provides.

Get under the influence of the Holy Spirt! Make right decisions. Get the right answers from the start.  Follow His guidance. No more, “should’ve” – “would’ve” – “could’ve” in your life.

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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

“If My People….”

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE ….

“If My People…..”

“If my people …” Just these few Words should make you stop whatever you are doing and repeat the whole Scripture because God is speaking directly to you.

“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)

This Scripture is a call for action on our part. We must humble ourselves – seek Him – turn away from sin – share His Word – make disciples. We must get in alignment with God. We have become complacent and strayed from including God in everything we do. What happened to loving one another – being kind to one another – looking out for the welfare of others? Time to pray individually and collectively. Seek Him first – align yourself with God’s righteousness.

Pastor Brice has been diligently taking us through a course of study, Psalm 119, and adamantly trying to get us to hide the Word in our hearts. To delve deeper into the Word – to let the Word of God be ingrained in our mind – spirit – heart.  Psalm 119:25-32 was our learning Scripture for our Wednesday Night W.O.W. (Word on the Web) class. The anonymous writer of Psalm 119 expresses a heavy heart. He is depressed – crying out.

Our world is in trials right now; this COVID-19 pandemic, the senseless shooting deaths of African Americans and the recent senseless murder of George Floyd – by an officer of the law who was sworn to protect and to serve. These experiences have left us with sorrowful hearts – left us in depression – left us crying.

“My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.”                                  – Psalm 119:28 (NIV)

“We all will experience a heavy heart – become depressed – tears flowing.”   – Pastor Victor S. Brice

What do you do when you become depressed?   “Resort to prayer – call on God!” – Pastor Brice

There are three accounts in the Bible, where Jesus wept!  He wept at Bethany before raising Lazarus; John 11:35. He wept in sympathy with the people for peace in Jerusalem; Luke 19:41-44.  He wept over sin during his fervent prayer to His Father; Hebrews 5:7.

Are we causing Jesus to weep? Have our sinful actions been so disrespectful to Him that He is actually weeping over our souls?

“Sin in your life breaks God’s heart.”  – Pastor Victor S. Brice

Did you realize that our sins are hurtful to God? We are not just hurting ourselves and others when we sin, we are also hurting God.

Do you want to be the cause for Jesus to weep? Are you ready to start acting right, yet?

Hide the Word in your heart – mind – soul. Let the Word take control – let the Word rule your life – overcome the sin in your life. Put on the full Armor of God. No one can literally see this Weapon of God, but they will feel It – be a witness to It. Be the reason for God to smile.

Stay Connected!

Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

“Is The Word in Your Heart?”

 

HELLO FROM THE TEMPLE ….

“Is the Word in Your Heart?”

Pastor Victor S. Brice, our shepherd, has been taking us through a series of teachings on being diligent in the Word of God. One of his emphasis: “Hide It in your heart, put premium on It.”

“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”                                          – Psalm 119:11 (NIV) 

“We must be diligent, daring, and bold about It.” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

If we are to be diligent, daring, and bold about the Word, why hide It?   The Word is our treasure – our lifeline – our valuable weapon.  What do you do with your valuables?  Secure them in a safe place inaccessible to thieves. With the Word hidden in your heart (psyche – mind) you have the benefit of God’s Armor available at all times: Love – Joy – Peace – Forgiveness – Protection – Provision – Strength.

“The Word should come out when you are dealing with something.” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

Read: The account of Jesus being tempted by Satan in the desert. Matthew 4:1-11. This is an example for us to follow. Jesus thwarted all of Satan’s questions with Scripture. Jesus used His Word against Satan. We must do the same with our family, friends, constituents, and enemies. We must freely, without hesitation, declare His Word over all that we do or come up against.

Next question: What evidence will show when I have the Word in my heart? Glad you asked!

“What comes out of your mouth is evidence of what is in your heart. When the Word of God is really in my heart – I’m going to experience happiness.” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

Pastor’s Teachings: We must proclaim the Word – value (prize) the Word – believe (prove) the Word. God’s Word is priceless and has more value than all the riches of the world. Value the Word of God. Most importantly, put His Word into action. Live according to His Word. Ask the Lord to help you.

“Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”                          – Isaiah 41:10 (NLT)

With the Word in your heart there is no need to argue, fuss, or fight. The Word in your heart will flow from your mouth. You will be happy, holy, and humble. You will be an example for others to follow. With the Word in your heart – after all is said and all is done – you have already won!

Stay Connected!

Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

“Guard Your Heart” (Continued)

 

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE ….

“Guard Your Heart” (Continued)

Hello to all my Blog followers! Yes, I’m right back at you with the ending to my Blog which posted yesterday. Ending? Yes, after I posted my Blog yesterday, I kept having the feeling that it was not quite finished. I felt that something was missing.

I awoke this morning, had my talk with God. This is what God gave me:

“Guard your heart because that is where God resides!”

Of course, after He gave me this, I immediately went to His Word. (Yes, I love searching Scripture. I love to see confirmation in His Word.) I went to one of Paul’s epistles, Ephesians.   Paul was praying for spiritual growth for the Ephesians. 

“Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.” – Ephesians 3:17 (NLT)

So, this is more to the account of guarding our hearts. I am sure, the more I search Scripture, the more validation I will find. However, I will stop here. Now it is your turn to search Scripture for additional validation as to why we should guard our hearts.

“Guard your heart above all else.” – Proverbs 4:23 (NLT)

When you take care of God, He will take care of you.

Provisions – Peace – Love – Joy – Comfort – Strength – and so much more!

Stay Connected!

Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

 

 

“Guard Your Heart”

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE ….

“Guard Your Heart”

Heart. This five-letter word has several representations. Your soul, mind, thoughts, emotions, love, and your life all flow from your heart. Literally, your heartbeat is your life-beat. It is your source of life. Your heart is a muscular organ that constantly pumps blood around your body. Surely, your heart can be surgically replaced with an artificial heart or a donor heart, however, no heart, whether natural, borrowed, or artificial – no life.

“Guard you heart above all else,  for it determines the course of your life.”                             – Proverbs 4:23 (NLT)

Your heart is not only critical to your life-being, it is also critical to your spiritual being. God is your Source of life. Wow! Didn’t I just talk about the heart as being our source of life? Oh, I failed to mention that the five-letter word, h-e-a-r-t, also represents God. Therefore, your heart- beat is your God-Beat. Your heartbeat is God sustaining you.

“I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.”                                  – Psalm 119:11 (NLT)

“When God is in your heart you will think right, live right, and do right.”                                                         – Pastor Victor S. Brice

Our shepherd, Pastor Brice, is constantly telling us to get the Word in our heart. Go deeper into the Word. Read – study – meditate – pray! Ask God to protect your heart from the wiles of the Devil. Why? Because the wiles of the Devil will have you harboring evil thoughts about something or someone, which will lead to evil speech and actions. Good thoughts will produce the right speech and the right actions.

“To control your thought-life is to control your actions.” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

Get under God’s protection and guardianship. Stop blocking God! Let God in! Allow your heart, soul, mind, and thought life, to be under God’s control. Recognize that God is your Heartbeat (God-Beat) – Life Beat – Life Source. Guard your Life Source – guard your Heart!

“For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.” – Luke 6:45b (NIV)

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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

“Encourage Yourself”

 

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE ….

“Encourage Yourself”

We all have people in our lives that we can rely on to give us words of encouragement: spouses, pastors, ministers, close friends, relatives – just to name a few. This is fine, we should encourage each other. However, there will be times when your network is down, no response, unavailable.  It is 03:00 a.m. – you can’t get to the church. What do you do?

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

Yes, time to turn to the Lord, The Source, who is always available. The Network that never shuts down, never sleeps. Prayer will take you directly to The Source. He will answer you. Did you even realize that when you talk to the Lord and stay in His Word, you are drawing closer to Him? Building a better relationship with Him? Encouraging yourself?

“My heart heard you say, ‘Come and talk with me.’” – Psalm 27:8 (NLT)

“When you have a talk with Jesus, He’ll make everything all right.” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

Our church choir used to sing a song called: “Encourage Yourself”

“Sometimes you have to encourage yourself – Sometimes you have to speak victory during the test. And no matter how you feel – Speak the Word and you will be healed – Speak over yourself – Encourage yourself in the Lord.

Yes, this is a good song to sing or listen to while going through this pandemic, this test. When singing praise and worship, He hears you. We touch His ears – He will touch our heart – results – encouragement.

“Sometimes you have to speak the Word over yourself – The pressure is all around – But God is present help – The enemy created walls, but remember giants, they do fall. – Speak over yourself – encourage yourself in the Lord.”

So, as we continue to shelter-in-place, keep encouraging yourselves in the Lord. Smile – trouble only last a little while. Know He is there – know He is your care. He waits on us day and night – to get our postures right. Praise Him! Fervently pray your heartaches away. Cry, if you must – adamantly call the Name you can trust. When this pandemic is over – you will have been changed. Just keep calling on His Name. Encourage yourself!

Stay Connected!

Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

“Spiritual Umbilical Cord”

Othella Hill-Jordan                                                                                         April 23, 2020

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE ….

“Spiritual Umbilical Cord”

umbilical cord defined: a flexible cordlike structure, birth cord, containing blood vessels and attaching a human fetus to the placenta of the mother.

Spiritual Umbilical Cord defined: Jesus.

Unlike the umbilical cord that is severed from the mother after giving birth, your Spiritual Umbilical Cord is a Living Cord that can never be severed. He is always there, however, you must acknowledge, confess, believe, and repent. This is salvation – this is being born again:

  • Acknowledge in your heart that Jesus is Lord.
  • Confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord.
  • Believe that Jesus died for your sins and was raised three days later.
  • Repent of your sins.

“For, everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” – Romans 10:13 (NIV)

The Blood of Jesus is your Spiritual Umbilical Cord connection to God and brings spiritual nourishment to your mind, body, and soul. You will feel His love, peace, and joy. You will benefit from His Power, His Protection, and His Provisions. You can then, nurture and grow in your relationship with God in His Omnipresence – Omnipotence – Omniscience.

“Jesus wants His followers to have the same kind of relationship with His Father as He does. He wants us to be with the Father, like He was with the Father, so that the world may know us. It is time for us to let our light shine. Be a reflection of God! It is time for us to glorify God and let the world know who God is.” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”   – John 14:6 (NIV)

Your Spiritual Umbilical Cord is your Way to God – He is your Connection to God.

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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

“Now Faith”

Othella Hill-Jordan                                                                                             April 16, 2020

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE ….

“Now Faith”

 

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”   – Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)

I’ve read this Scripture throughout my Christian life, I’ve even memorized It. However, I must share with you that I have never, I mean never, gotten the real meaning of this Scripture until last night during our, Word on the Web, Bible class. You’re probably saying to yourself, “What? Even I know that!” Ok, let me explain where my thinking was before last night.

i.e. I’ve been reading the Scripture like this: “Then (Now) faith is being sure…” I had been reading the Scripture with the first word of the Scripture “Now” as in (then) and not as an adverb that modifies the word and puts The Word in action. “Now” is an adverb that modifies – puts action – into a noun, which in this case is the word (faith). Ok, English lesson over.

When in all actuality, I should’ve been reading the Scripture as: “Now Faith” – which describes the type of faith and at the same time, puts action in The Word. “Now Faith”.

“Faith is taking God at His Word and acting on it right now.” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

This confirms my epiphany that the writer is talking about “now faith.” Therefore, we must act on faith right away. If for some reason you fail to act on faith or fail to step-out on faith right away, then you must question yourself: “Do I really have “now faith?”

“Faith is an action – not talk, but a walk. Faith must be demonstrated.” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

“Without faith it is impossible to please God.” – Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)

So, there you have it. Please God by showing Him you trust and believe in Him. Let your faith dictate your actions. Let your faith speak for you. Let your faith guide you in your walk. Others should also be able to see by your walk that you are a believer in Christ Jesus.

God’s Word is Truth and His Word comes with responsibility. It is our responsibility to read –heed – then proceed. We must read the Word – obey God’s Commands – then proceed to share His Word with others – make disciples – bring new members to Christ. To diligently seek Him and remain steadfast in His Word is to grow our relationship with Him.

Stay Connected!

Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blog – Othella Hill-Jordan