GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …

“Do You Need Any Help?”

How often do you hear this question: “Do you need any help?” What were your immediate thoughts prior to answering the question? I can do this – I know what I’m doing – I got this!   Your actual response: “No thank you, I’m good!”

It’s human nature for us to take on a task and complete that task without any help from anyone. Our perception is that to ask for help or to acknowledge that we need help may make us appear weak, needy, or inept.

Pastor Brice is taking us through a series of teachings on repentance. Repentance is turning away from your old life of sin and turning to a new life of righteousness.

“Repent for the Kingdom of God is near.” – Matthew 4:17b (NIV)

Repentance is an action that is easier said than done. It’s easy to say you’re going to repent and not so easy to repent. Rev. Seymore Brice, during our Noon-Day Bible Study: “We do a 180-degree turn when we repent but sometimes it turns into a 360-degree turn and we end up right back where we started.” Why?  Because we need help.

“He will help us in every area to do what He wants us to do.” – Pastor V.S. Brice

Asking God for help is not a show of weakness – it’s a show of strength – an acknowledgement –   a realization of where your help comes from.

“I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10b (NIV)

“Lord, help me to do everything you want me to do.” – Pastor V.S. Brice

Pastor Brice gave us this prayer. Pray before you start to work on your repentance. Always include God in your plans. God will quietly help you with all your endeavors. Be humble – confess – repent – acknowledge! Convicted: Righteousness – peace – joy! Ask for help!

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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …

“What Side of The Field Are You On?”

As in most sports you have a winning side and a losing side. Just as in life: You have winners and losers. Taking it a step further. In life we have the Godly and the worldly or ungodly.

When you accept Christ as your Lord and Savior you join the winning team. You begin a new relationship with God – you move to the right side of the field and your jersey changes from the worldly to the Godly.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)

Pastor Brice has been teaching on repentance. Sin is a part of your daily life and will place you on the wrong team – the wrong side of the field – wearing the wrong jersey. You will be on the losing team.

“Therefore, come out from them and be separate.” – 2 Corinthians 6:17 (NIV)

What side of the field are you on?

“Repentance begins when we have a heartfelt conviction of sin – an eye-opening awareness of sin.” – Pastor V.S. Brice

“Are you looking at God from the wrong side of the field?” – Pastor Ryan Moore, Christian Worship Center, San Diego, California

When we are looking at God from the wrong side (sin side) of the field we are losers! Ok, so you don’t want to be called a loser – how about a non-winner? A little less harsh? Ok, but sin is nothing nice – sin is ugly – sin can be harsh!

“To enjoy the benefits of God’s Kingdom we must follow His Rules.” – Pastor V.S. Brice

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” – James 1:22 (NIV)

It’s up to you to decide: winner or loser? Get on the right side of the field – the winning side. Be doers of His Word. Hear His Word – do what His Word says. Godly or worldly? Recognize and admit to your sins – be convicted of your sins. Ture repentance will follow.

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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …

“Thy Will be Done!”

As a child I never quite understood what my mother meant by saying: “Where there’s a will there’s a way.” I took it to mean that if I’m willing to do something, then it can be done. Pastor Brice has been teaching on: “The Will of God!” Now, “where there’s a Will there’s a Way” has a whole new meaning.

“Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” – Matthew 6:10 (KJV)

“His Will is for us to stop conforming to the world.” – Pastor V.S. Brice

God’s Kingdom is comprised of: His Will – His Purpose – His Intentions – His Territory. God’s Kingdom exists wherever His Will is done. God’s Will is the Way!

“You dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” – 1 John 4:4 (NIV)

“You hold the key. Stop running from situations designed to take you out of the Will of God.” –    Pastor V.S. Brice

What is the key?

The power of the Holy Spirit, which is in you, is the key. Are you using this power? What good is power if you don’t use it? Are you a part of His Kingdom?

“You cannot be a part of His Kingdom without repentance.” – Pastor V.S. Brice

Ezekiel 18:30 (NIV) “Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge you, each one according to his ways, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall.”

Do not conform to the ways of this world. Repent – turn away from sin. He Who is in you has authority over the enemy. Stand firm in the Word – make the Devil flee. Let His Will be done!

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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

HELLO FROM THE TEMPLE …

“Allergies and Stuff”

It wasn’t until Pastor Brice took us through this series on prayer that I finally realized the true power of prayer. I’ve heard testimonies of how God works – I’ve even been a witness as to how God works. Yet, it never dawned on me until now that I, me, when I prayed, was activating God’s Power.

“Prayer creates movement of the Holy Spirit!”

“God’s Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don’t know how or what to pray, it doesn’t matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans.” – Romans 8:26 (MSG)

You’ve probably heard these comments at one time or another: “Prayer works!” “He is Able!” “Won’t He do it?” “By the grace of God!” “With God, all things are possible, if you only believe!” “There is Power in the name of Jesus!” “He’ll make a way out of no way!”  

Believe – Pray – Activate!

Knowing this: Why doesn’t everyone adamantly pray – without ceasing? Why are we not activating the power of the Holy Spirit on a regular basis? This is spiritual power that we can use to help make our lives better and this world a better place to live.

“We’re allergic to prayer.” – Pastor V.S. Brice

Wow! You have an allergy – God has a remedy: Medication (the Word of God) – Expectation (faith-believe) – Dedication (pray constantly) – Determination (resolve to do His Will). Let’s create an acronym for this: MEDD. Have you taken your MEDDs today?

You cannot overdose on these MEDDs. In fact, the more you take, the stronger, wiser, healthier you’ll become. No more feeling down, depressed, anxious. Get high on your MEDDs – be the one walking around smiling through your trials – trouble – pain.

Radiate – let your light shine! Be the one that people look at and say: “She’s on that stuff!” She’s Saved – Transformed – Undeterred – Faithful – Fruitful.  STUFF.  She’s on her MEDDs.

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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

HELLO FROM THE TEMPLE …

“Are You Incognito?”

Pastor Brice is taking us through a series of teachings on prayer and witnessing – bringing others to Christ. He recently preached: “Christian Camaraderie – How We Interact With Each Other.” He stressed the point that we have social deeds as well as spiritual deeds or responsibilities that we need to practice. Our social deeds are: 1) Honesty 2) Love 3) Being Humble 4) Diligent 5) Helpful 6) Kind   and 7) Compassionate.   Refer: Romans 12:9-15 for confirmation.

Pastor Brice also gave us a list of spiritual deeds that we should put into practice. We’ll talk about those another time. Right now, with social deeds in mind, we’re going to talk about being incognito. To be incognito is to conceal your identity. Who does that? People with fame (a word I use loosely) athletes – entertainers: music – movies – comedy, etc.

We routinely practice the majority of the 7 social deeds at some point in our daily lives. But, did you know that when you do not speak up – speak out – or share who God Is, you’re being incognito – you’re concealing your identity? Sharing the Good News should be your mantra.

“He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.’” Mark 16:15 (NIV)

Picture this: You and your daughter are standing in line at the airport and the woman in front of you strikes up a conversation and tells you all about her daughter who is out of control. She’s at her wits end not knowing how to handle the situation. As she is talking you sympathize with her, and maybe even blame the daughter’s actions on her generational mindset. After the woman walks away, your daughter: “Mom who was that? Where do you know her from?” You: “I’ve never met her before today.”

“God don’t need any incognito saints – undercover agents!” – Pastor V.S. Brice

Missed opportunity? Did you just miss the opportunity to share the gospel – to share the Good News? Yes! This was the perfect time to inquire if she knew about the power of prayer – or if she knew the Lord? Most important: “Can I pray for you and your daughter?” and “I know a place where you can go to get healed –a place where you can get the right mindset – a place where you can get in alignment with God!”

Declare It – from the roof-tops, if you must! Shout! The Good News is to be shared boldly! Share – what He has done for you – what He will do for you – and what He is doing for you! Speak up – speak out! Let His Light reveal your true, identity! Don’t be incognito! Witness!

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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

HELLO FROM THE TEMPLE …

“How Is Your Lifestyle?”

If you’re asked the question: How is your lifestyle? Would your answer be worth repeating? Can it be written in a book worth reading? Will it reflect the lifestyle of a follower of Christ? During our Tuesday night Bible Study, Pastor Brice made the statement:

“The only Bible some people will read is your lifestyle.” – Pastor V.S. Brice

Think about your lifestyle. Is it one where others can see God in you? Is it representative of His Son, Jesus Christ? We must be careful how we carry ourselves. Sometimes the only way to witness to others is by the way we carry ourselves.

“For the word of God is living and active.” Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)

Since God’s Word is living and active, we should live and act according to His Word. We’re being watched. We must remember that the way we carry ourselves as Christians, is the way others may perceive God.

Don’t let your guard down during times of trouble. God uses your trouble. He will: direct – inspect – correct – protect – and perfect you. – Pastor V.S. Brice

“My troubles turned out all for the best – they forced me to learn from your textbook. Truth from your mouth means more to me than striking it rich in a gold mine.” – Psalm 119:71-72 (MSG)

“Teach through your lifestyle. Make your lifestyle line-up with your verbal teaching.” – Pastor Brice

When your lifestyle line-up with God’s Word you’ll be successful in winning souls to Christ. You’ll be successful in witnessing to others through His Word and through your actions.

“Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations; baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of age.” – Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV)

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Blessings!

Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

HELLO FROM THE TEMPLE …

“Now Is the Time” 

Pastor Brice has shared his vision of getting 1,000 people saved. He has given us (STMI) the mission of bringing 1,000 people to Christ. Pray and then contact! Pray before you start your mission of expanding the Kingdom of God.

As we’re embarking on our prayer journey of witnessing and bringing others to Christ. Pray for 7 minutes each day during a 7-Day week, asking God to connect you with 7 people so you can share the Good News.

Be consistent in doing this. Once the 7-Day week is up, then pray some more. Start over, keep doing this. After you do this for 3 times (21 days) this will develop into a habit. Once your habit is formed it will lead you to keep on praying.    1 Thessalonians 5:17 (pray without ceasing) –  Luke 18:1 (pray and not give up) – Colossians 4:2 (devote yourselves to prayer)

Pray what’s on your heart. However, I’m posting two examples of witnessing prayers that’ll give you a head start. Both prayers are from our pastor’s shepherd. Pastor Larry S. Brice, Sr.

“Lord, discipline me to shine my light and help lead a lost soul out from the night.” –  Pastor Larry S. Brice, Sr.     Matthew 5:16 & 1 Peter 2:9

“Lord my sincere plea is to win souls for Thee!” – Pastor Larry S. Brice, Sr. Proverbs 11:30

Leading souls to Christ will honor Him. You can do this while shopping: groceries – clothes –furniture. Getting your car washed – waiting at the BART station – walking your dog. Every time there is contact with another person is the perfect time to share your testimony. Share how God is working in your life. Then invite them to visit Solomon Temple.

Don’t forget that the way you carry yourself will also attract others to seek you out wondering why you’re so happy – cool – and calm during world turbulence and stressful situations.

“Actions don’t always speak louder than words – sometimes they speak instead of words.” – Rev. Seymore Brice.

Now is the time to reach out to others and bring them to Christ. Don’t miss your opportunity!

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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …

“Reach Out!”

During our Sunday morning Worship Service, Pastor Brice issued a challenge to everyone:

Pray for 7 days. Pray for 7 minutes each morning. Pray to be a witness to 7 people. Pray for boldness to connect with 7 people so you can share the Good News. Also: Pray for the power of the Holy Spirit to come upon you.

“… you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8 (NIV)

God has called us to witness to one another, but we must do it by the power of the Holy Spirit. Pray! Ask the Lord to guide you – ask the Lord to help you with your witness to others.

“We are all an intricate part of the body of Christ – the church.” – Pastor V.S. Brice

Pastor Brice preached from: Romans Chapter 12 – A guideline from the apostle Paul on how to please God. 3 ways to please God. 1) As a believer. 2) As the body of Christ. 3) In your relationship with others. Make sure you have a good relationship with your fellow Christians.

“We all have responsibilities – deeds (social and spiritual) – and actions that need to be practiced.” – Pastor V.S. Brice

Our social deeds should include but should not be limited to the following: honesty – love – humbleness – helpfulness – kindness – compassion – and being diligent. Romans 12:9-15

Can your social deeds match your Christian walk?

Search your heart for the answer to this question. You may have work to do in these areas. If so, include them in your prayers. Ask God to grow you in these areas. Pray!

Don’t feel like you must be perfect before reaching out to others. Reach out as you are and let them know that they can: “Come as they are!” No pretense – no dress uniform – no perfect speech – no perfect citizen. Be ready to share God’s Word, your testimony, or a testimony of someone you know that shows how God is working. Your testimony may be the line they need to get connected to God. Start with prayer. Then, reach out and share!

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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

HELLO FROM THE TEMPLE …

“Access Denied!”

Being denied access to something can be awkward – humiliating – embarrassing. However, you can correct it or put it to rights. But, what if you’re in line at the gates of Heaven and you hear:  “I don’t know you or where you come from. Away from me, all you evil-doers!” (Luke 13:27)

“You’ll have a rude awakening too late!” – Pastor V.S. Brice

Now you are frantically trying to remember His Word. Didn’t He say: “Whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.” – John 11:26 (KJV)

Yes, this is true, but He also said: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” – Matthew 7:21 (NIV)

This is key: “but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” Have you prayed recently to let His Will be done in your life? Did you know that by His Will you’ll have access to Heaven?

“I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.” – 1 John 5:13 (NIV)

In reality- access into God’s Kingdom will be denied to many because we don’t know how to handle our gift of salvation. We tend to treat our salvation just like any other gift we receive. We’ll say thank you but may or may not use the gift – we may even put it on a shelf and forget about it. Do – not – treat – your – salvation – this – way!

“Jesus come into my heart – I’m a sinner – save me! Salvation is not about a feeling – it’s about a knowing.” – Pastor V.S. Brice

Our salvation is a gift from God. Sincerely ask the Lord to come into your hearts – believe with your whole hearts and minds – believe intensely – totally – know Who Jesus is – then act like it!

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

Our relationship with God matters and what we do must match what we believe in our hearts. Acknowledge Jesus as Lord and Savior – confess – repent – believe!    Access granted!

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Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

HELLO FROM THE TEMPLE …

“Get Your Priorities Straight!

“Put the things needed for your growth first.” – Pastor V.S. Brice

Commonly the ones close to you have top priority in your life. Family and friends. Employment: you must provide for your family – house: you’ll need a roof over your head –transportation: you’ll need a car to get to work – food: you must have food to sustain you in order to get that job – buy that house – buy that car – entertainment: you can’t have all work and no play.

What place does God have in your priorities?

“But, seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” – Matthew 6:33 (KJV)

God should be first and foremost in everything. Everything started with God. All that you are and ever will be comes from God. Also, all that you have and all that you ever will have comes from God. Pastor Brice has been teaching on how to prioritize. Are you ready to prioritize?

“You’ll become a product of what you prioritize. What you put in front of you, you’ll become.”                           – Pastor V.S. Brice

What should I prioritize?

• Prioritize the Bible, the Word of God. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” – 2 Timothy 3:16 
• Prioritize prayer. Prayer is a discipline that needs to be learned, practiced and developed. “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” – Luke 11:1 (NIV)
• Prioritize your community – church of Bible believers. Growth into maturity is through a Jesus centered community. “God ministers to us through us.” – Pastor V.S. Brice
• Prioritize your mission – your purpose in life. Walk in purpose – peace – and tranquility. “Your mission is to share the goodness of God in your life.” – Pastor V.S. Brice

Why should I prioritize? “Prioritization will get you to the right destination.” – Pastor V.S. Brice

Pastor Brice is giving us the message he has received from God. It’s up to us to pay attention to the message and act on it. Don’t risk being denied by God.

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Blessings!

Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan