GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …

“When Life Hurts”

During our Word Connection class last night, Pastor Brice asked: “What do you do when life hurts?” Good question let’s all think on that a moment. Depression and anxiety are prevalent in our society. Pastor Brice also quoted these statistics: 264 million people struggle with depression, while 40 million people struggle with anxiety.

In recent months there has been an increase in suicides. Why? We have the best doctors – for both physical and mental health – the best equipment to handle whatever diagnosis we encounter. So, why the increase in suicides? Why are people not seeking the help they need?

We are living with the “stigma” that it is a sign of weakness to admit to mental instability. For centuries we have associated a break – a crack – a fissure – in our mental health as a sign of weakness. It was considered taboo to even talk about your mental health, let alone, seek help.

We’ve been taught to be strong and live long – to be the best that you can be in whatever you endeavor. To not do so is a show of weakness – of failure. Time to revamp your opinion on strong vs weakness. Have a mindset of it takes a strong person to recognize when their emotional – mental – health is in jeopardy.

Our lives are filled with trials and tribulations causing our mental, emotional, health to be at risk. “What do you do when life hurts?” It seems that the majority will do nothing because they fear that by reaching out, they will appear weak – they will be talked about – whispered about.

“Seek God first!” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

Our Pastor has always stood on the premise that we must seek God first in all that we do – we must get God involved.

“Hear, Lord, and be merciful to me, Lord, be my help.” – Psalm 30:10 (NIV).

 We start our mental health healing by going to the Lord in prayer. God understands – call on Him! God will calm your anxiety – lesson your depression – mend cracks or fissures in your emotional, mental health – give you the strength to seek help from professionals as well.

Our Lord and Savior gave us the command to love one another. This is who we are – this is what we do. We love – we care – we share. When life hurts, pray, call on God. You can also call our national mental health hotline: 9-8-8 is open 24-7 (24 hours – 7 days a week).

Stay Connected!

Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

“Tis The Season!”

“During these last 20 days of 2022, we must focus on pleasing God.” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

These words were spoken by our pastor during our Sunday morning worship service. Focus. We must concentrate – remain steadfast – keep God in the center of our lives – keep God in everything we do. Yes, “Tis’ the Season to Focus on God.” Why? Because Jesus is the reason for the season. Our society has commercialized Christmas to the point where we’re out buying gifts, decorating, partying, and having fun, while forgetting about the real reason to celebrate Christmas. Jesus Christ was born. (We may not know the exact date of His birth, but this is the day we choose to celebrate His birth.)

“We often attempt to mix the spiritual with the secular – the carnal.” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

Let’s think on this for a moment. I feel that it is during our religious holidays that we are guilty of this. We, believers, can get caught up in the moment of celebrating that we forget the real reason for the celebration. The secular commercialization of the holiday will get us caught up. We then will try to mix the spiritual with the secular. Guilty! Yes, I am guilty of this. So, how do I (we who are guilty) fix this? Re-focus! Focus on God – focus on His Goodness and Mercy! Focus on the fact that God has kept you – you are still here. Many of your loved ones – friends – acquaintances – have gone to glory. But God! Time to read Psalm 150 in its entirety.

“Praise the Lord!”

Pastor Brice also told us to read: Psalm 34:4-6, to find solace and solution when you’re stuck between a rock and a hard place. You will be calmed – cheered – cured (God will bring you out of your situation).

Tis the season to focus – rejoice – praise.

Focus on the Word – focus on Who God Is. Rejoice that Jesus Christ was born. Praise God for delivering you – keeping you – loving you.

Tis the season to…

Stay Connected!

Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …

“Prayer Life ~ Praise Life”

Our pastor, Rev. Victor S. Brice, is continuing his series on “When I’m Stuck Between a Rock and A Hard Place”.  God is speaking to him. Listen – take heed – get the Word in your minds and hearts – obey (walk) in the Word.

“Your prayer life and your praise life both involve God.” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

We will always need God. We tend to get ourselves in situations where we can’t see our way out.  Can’t move forward – can’t move back – can’t go to the left – can’t go to the right. But God! Reach out to Him when it appears there is no way to turn. Remember, God parted the Red Sea for the Israelites, He can certainly handle your dilemma. The moment you pray, God starts to work. Call on Him when you are stuck between a rock and a hard place. Then immediately start to praise Him because it is already done.

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

“When in trouble, call Him. When out of trouble, praise Him!” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

During our Sunday sermon, Pastor Brice stressed three ways to strengthen your prayer life and praise life. Through excitement – enhancement – expansion. We must get excited when praying and praising God. Be His personal cheering squad. Magnify His Holy Name – enhance. He is bigger than our sorrows, burdens, problems. Expand – increase your praise and worship of Him – be persistent. Praise Him anywhere, everywhere, at all times!

“Let us exalt his name together.” – Psalm 34:3b (KJV).

Let Him hear your voice often, regularly, with vigor, excitement, and joy. We reach out our hands when we’re in need (this is good, this is what God wants us to do). However, we must also reach up our hands and praise Him. Praise Him for all He has done and will continue to do in your life.

Again, your prayer life and your praise life both involve God. Prayer and praise work together. Encourage yourself. You may have heard the saying; “My word is bond.” Well, God’s Word is Life! God’s Word is your heartbeat.  Always pray – always praise!

“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.” – Psalm 150:6 (NIV).

Stay Connected!

Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …

“Thank You, Lord!” 

Thank You, Lord for all you’ve done for me! Not only are these words sung by gospel choirs throughout our nation but, these words are spoken by believers during prayer. In a perfect world, these words will be spoken daily and without hesitation. Praise Him! Thank, Him! Sunday, Pastor Brice preached another segment on: “When I’m Stuck Between a Rock and A Hard Place.” We all get stuck from time to time, and the only way out is to let God lead you out. Yes! Go to God in prayer – trust and believe – He will get you out of your stuck situation. Stop trying to do it on your own. (I’m speaking to myself because I’ve been there, done that.)

“I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.”                            –Psalm 34:1 (KJV).

 God is the answer. Have you noticed that God is the answer to all your problems? Ok, I’ll say that again. “Have you noticed that God is the answer to all your problems?” Since we agree on this, why is it that when we are in our stuck situations – have problems – have sorrows – we tend to wallow in our stuck situations? “Oh, woe is me!” Stop! This is the wrong attitude to have. Let go, and let God do His work in you. Let Him take charge – let Him control your life.

“Greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” – 1 John 4:4 (KJV).

 The Holy Spirit lives in us and is greater than the one that lives in the world. Remember, God has overcome the world. Your success depends on the choices you make. You can choose to win or you can choose to lose. It’s that simple. We all want to be winners, but when we inadvertently leave God out of our lives – when we, in all our arrogance, try to take charge of our own destiny, we are choosing to lose. Again, I say: “Let go and let God!”

Stop running your race on the wrong track. Stay in your lane. Stay on the right track with God. Let Him release you from your stuck position. Then you can say: “Thank You, Lord!”

Stay Connected!

Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …

“A Rock and A Hard Place”

Our Sunday sermon was about how to get released/relief when we’re “Stuck Between A Rock And A Hard Place”. When we find ourselves in a situation where we must choose between the lessor of two penalties, we sometimes make the wrong choice. Why? Because we lean towards the choice that would be less painful or less detrimental. However, this is not always the best choice, or the right choice.

“Don’t worry, God’s got you!” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

“Do not fear… I will be with you…” Isaiah 43:1-2 (NIV).

Our Sunday Message was centered around God’s Command: “Do not fear…” and God’s Promise: “I will be with you…”

When we step out boldly and give our situations over to God, His Command and His Promise will always cover us. No matter the situation, we will always win. It’s just that simple. Yet do we do this? No. We, always in control people – always take charge people, try to fix things on our own. Now, how does that work out for you? Exactly! We lose! We suffer the consequences. There is no need for us to suffer consequences when all we need to do is call on God.

We may hear these words often: “God will make a way out of no way!’ “He may not be there when you call, but He is always right on time!” “He is my Bridge over troubled waters!” “Can’t no body do me like Jesus!” True, true Truth! God is Love. God is Truth! God is The Source! God is His Word!

During our troubled times, let go and let God be your Source. Stop trying to block God. Yes, we block God when we don’t call on Him – when we don’t lean on Him – when we try to fix things on our own. Leave it alone – let God fix it! Let God bring you out of your “rock and a hard place”.

Rely on God’s Command to “fear not” and rely on His Promise: “I will be with you” (He will see us through). This is the only way to get unstuck – to be released from your rock and hard place. Remember, Jesus took the stripes for us – He died and rose again for us. Therefore, call on Him, and “fear not” – call on Him, and “He will be there with you”. Call on Him, and…

Stay Connected!

Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

Greetings From The Temple …

“Sunday Morning”

It’s Sunday morning, what does your day look like? What will you be doing today? Remember, Sunday starts your week, and it is also the Sabbath (the Lord’s Day). Sabbath comes from the Hebrew word, shabbath, which means to rest, and the 10^th commandment prohibits doing any work on the Sabbath and to instead dedicate this day to worship.

Now, did I have to remind you that today is the Lord’s Day, or were you already planning your day accordingly? Believers do not get caught up in the worldly planning of the Lord’s Day. Yes, Sunday tends to be a day where all the sports or sporting events take place. It’s a day, according to your local media, to go fishing, camping, bike riding, attend planned events and festivals etc. Basically, they are saying, it’s a day to have fun and enjoy the special events happening in your town or city.

Do not let the world plan your Sunday morning! Yes, they will do it – but don’t buy into it!

“Follow my decrees, pay attention to my regulations, and keep my Sabbath days holy, for they are a sign to remind you that I am the Lord your God.” – Ezekiel 20:19-20 (NLT).

If you haven’t done so, develop the habit of waking up every morning praising God. Go into prayer, tell Him, thank You for all He has done – tell Him, thank You for keeping you during the week – tell Him, thank You for waking you up to another beautiful day that He has made. When this is your habit, your Sunday morning will only differ with you getting ready to attend worship service.

Did I say seek Him first? No, but this is what you just did.

“I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me.” – Proverbs 8:17 (NIV).

I know it is so easy for us to get off track. There are several things that will derail your Sunday morning routine of seeking God first. The worldly activities will have you getting up on Sunday morning preparing to either watch or go to a football game, basketball game, or even your child’s soccer game, etc. Again, don’t buy into this.

Remain steadfast in putting God first. Sunday morning: Wake up – get up – pray – get ready for worship service. Preferably, in-house worship service. However, if you can’t make it to the House, social media is an alternative. However, leave social media to the sick, the disabled, the no way to get to the House. If you are able, come to the House of the Lord.  We are waiting on you!

Stay Connected!

Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …

“Pray for Me!”

Pray for me. We have heard these words quite often this past year. There is so much going on in our personal lives, as well as the world, that makes prayer a necessity. Why? Because we need our Lord and Savior to bring us through whatever we are going through; our sicknesses, losses, hurts, (trials and troubles).  No matter how hard we try to handle our situations on our own, the outcome is never the same. We need God in our lives!! We need prayer! We need love! Yes, God is Love, and we need Him!

Solomon Temple Ministries International (STMI) is a praying church. I say that because it is true, both individually and collectively. We have prayer warriors who pray seven days a week, 6:00am to 6:15 am (888) 633-1082. Just call prior to 6:00am to make your request. We also have a line dedicated for prayer request, (925)255-5771, text your request twenty-four seven and someone will pray for you. We also have prayer warriors who will pray throughout the day (around the clock) for our church and our community.

This brings me to why I am writing this Blog. We have children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends with young children and young adults who will be able to reap the benefits of praying for themselves. Especially when they are away from home. Yes, we teach our children the Lord’s Prayer, but I feel there is a next step. They must learn to pray over the issues in their life. i.e., If they’re being harassed by someone, they must pray over that issue and pray for the person who is causing the hurt or pain.

Sis. Kitty submitted a prayer to be shared with our families and friends.

“Dear Lord,

Prepare me for the coming week.

Take away my worries and my regrets

Recharge my soul and renew my hope.

Please go before me, clear the way, and protect me.

Bring the right people into my life,

Move the wrong people out the way.

Guide me with your love and give me joy.

In Jesus’ Mighty Name, I Pray

Amen.”

Open your heart to God and pray this prayer, share this prayer. The words are few, but the meaning is prolific. God will hear you – God will answer you – God will bless you.

Stay Connected!

Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …

“Love Is …”

Eros – Storge – Philia – Agape. Sound familiar? These words describe a particular type of love. Pastor Brice has been taking us through a teaching series on love.  Love can take on many different meanings according to how the word is used, when its used, and according to who uses the word. Eros is sensual or romantic love. Storge is familial love. Philia is brotherly love. Agape is God’s love for humankind. Love is a universal word and is found in every language.

Today our concentration will be on agape love. However, before we do this, lets look at how many times the word love is mentioned in the Bible. The King James Bible mentions love 310 times. The New King James Bible mentions love 361 times. The English Standard Bible mentions love 551 times. The New Living Translation Bible mentions love 645 times. As you can see, the numbers will fluctuate depending on the Bible and statistical method used.

I encourage you to go to your Bibles and search the love, Scriptures. Not for the number of times love is mentioned but for a deeper meaning of Scripture. This is key to your spiritual growth. Love is repeated throughout Scripture for a reason. Why? Because we have an assignment.

“Our assignment is to love like Jesus loves.” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

Love started with God. God is Love. God sent His Son, Jesus, to walk among His people on earth as an example of love for us to follow. Love was with Jesus as He hung on the cross. Love was with Jesus as they placed Him in the tomb. Love was with Jesus when Jesus rose with all Power in His Hands!

“While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8 (NIV).

Let’s all love one another as God so commands us to do. Stop all the criticizing, back-stabbing, fighting, prejudices, hatred (yes, hatred) towards one another. We must answer yes to the question that one man, who was severely beaten by the police, once said: “Can’t we all just get along?”  Yes, we can! Pastor Brice, being led by the Holy Spirit, has given us our assignment. As with any assignment of the heart, it won’t be completed overnight. But you’ll be able to see gradual results as you work on this assignment.  Soon we’ll all be singing the Barney song: “I love you…you love me…” Well, maybe not quite, but you get my drift.

“Do everything in love.” – 1 Corinthians 16:14 (NIV).

By doing everything in love, you will find that love binds, and you’ll be on the right track to following God’s command to: “Love one another!”

Stay Connected!

Solomon Temple Ministries International ~ Blogger ~ Othella Hill-Jordan

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …

“Meet Me at The House!”

I’m calling all my STMI family and friends to meet me at the House, Solomon Temple Ministries International. I’m even giving the address: 655 California Av – Pittsburg, CA 94565, because it looks like some of you have forgotten where the House is. Ok, so maybe giving the address is a bit over the top but, I’m sure you get my intent. I’m just saying, because we’re in the House and we’re waiting on you. We miss you!

Question: Do you know Who you belong to? “I am a son / daughter of God.”   Yes!

“He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” – Psalm 91:2 (NIV).

Being a son/daughter of God comes with responsibilities. Being in the House when the doors of the church are open is one of them. No excuses – no exceptions! We have social media. Praise God for social media. However, social media is for those who absolutely cannot worship in person. Sick – disabled (no caretaker to assist them) – housed in a nursing home or care facility – a video tool used when unable to meet in person. Social media got us through the worst of the pandemic. Though it is not completely over, it is time. Return to the House.

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV).

 Let go of your doubts – your anxiety. Pray on them and follow God’s instructions. Let go and let God lead you back to the House. God has kept you through the hand sanitizing – face mask wearing – social distancing. Let God put a hedge of protection around you while in His House.

Return to the House. Feel the ushering in of the Holy Spirit. Experience a feeling that words cannot describe. Experience a feeling that only God can provide. It is by His Grace and Mercy that you are here today. God our Provider – Comforter – Healer – Deliverer – our All-In-All.

Meet me at the House!  God wants to see you in His House on Sunday.

Stay Connected!

Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE ….

“Tell Somebody – Part Two”

Yes, I’m writing a part two. Why? When my Pastor is enthusiastic about a subject it moves me to action – it motivates me. Prayer – Pray – Praise has been his teaching subject for the past few weeks. He has stressed the fact that prayer is critical to our lives as believers.

“The secret to failure is the failure to pray.” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

Why are you not praying more? Why are you not connecting to STMI’s prayer line? (These questions are not meant to be accusations and are not relevant for everyone. These questions, if they apply to you, are meant to be thought provoking.)

 If you are not a regular prayer warrior, you will get so caught up in living that you will get the attitude and mistaken perception that you are handling all your needs on your own. When things go wrong in your life you try to fix them (sometimes you even succeed). This creates a false sense of accomplishment. You start to think you can do all things on your own.

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

 Yes, time to reroute your thinking because it is Christ that gives you the strength and the know-how to handle your situations. What you thought was you, was not you. It was God. God is always at work in our lives, even when we don’t acknowledge Him. Because of His love for us, He diligently works on our behalf. Now shouldn’t this make you want to take the time to thank Him for His Goodness – His Favor – His Mercy? Talk to Him – pray – praise Him!

“Praise makes prayer go further.” – Pastor Victor S. Brice

Just in case you haven’t figured it out yet, God will send trials and trouble your way so that your only option is to pray. Although our All-Mighty God will block your path with trials and trouble, He will not leave you there. He will keep His promise to never leave nor forsake you. God will bring you through every trial and trouble you encounter. The only thing He wants you to do is give Him all the praise and tell somebody. Well, there is something else. God wants you to conform to the likeness of His Son. (To be like His Son is something to pray about.)

Remember, it does not cost anything to pray, but it may cost you everything not to pray. Take time out of your busy day to pray. Time is money! No, time is prayer and prayers are valuable. You cannot put a price tag on prayer. Prayer is one of the most valuable assets you own. Don’t let your prayers become idle. God wants you to use them. Pray – tell God – then tell somebody!

Stay Connected!

Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan