GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …

“Access Granted!”

Pastor Brice gave a spiritual analogy during Sunday’s sermon for accessing our private worldly data vs accessing our spiritual data. In this 21^st Century we store our private information on computers: bank accounts – creditors – charge accounts – bill paying activity – programs – correspondence, etc. However, we must select a username and a password to access it.

The key: you must remember your username and password in order to retrieve your information.

God treats everyone the same way. Your access to Him is granted by acknowledging that you’re a sinner saved by the Blood of Jesus. Username: Sinner – Password: The Blood of Jesus

“You’ll have access to an awesome experience. Access: the bread of life – living water – hope – life and life more abundantly.” – Pastor V.S. Brice

“But whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” – John 4:14 (NIV)

Our very approachable God wants us to have a relationship with Him. Therefore, He has provided easy access to Him. You can approach Him at any time and from anywhere. You don’t have to worry about a computer crashing – no cellphone service – or someone trying to steal your identity. He knows who you are.

“Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” – Hebrews 4:16 (NIV)

“God is faithful, loving, merciful. We have a forgiving God – a God of another chance. We’re sitting here because He is a God of another chance.” – Pastor V.S. Brice

Access! He is waiting on you to open that closed door of self. Let Him in! Stop fighting! Let the Blood of Jesus wash you clean – give you hope – life, and life abundantly – drink the living water! Secure eternal life! Connect with Jesus!

Stay connected!

Blessings!

Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

HELLO FROM THE TEMPLE …

“Make It Personal”

“Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” James 5:16 (NIV)

Pray for each other, commit to intercessory prayer. This is one of God’s commands. When you look back over your life, you’ll realize that you are where you are today because somebody somewhere prayed for you. Praise God! Thank Him for His grace and mercy! Thank God, that somebody prayed for you!

“But your iniquities have separated you from God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.” – Isaiah 59:2 (NIV)

When is the last time you prayed for yourself?

Time to pay it forward and “make it personal!” Your relationship with God is personal. We have all sinned however, only you and God know exactly what sin you’re guilty of. Go directly to God in prayer. Ask Him to remove that specific sin from your life. It may not happen over-night, but it is something you can pray for consistently, adamantly and fervently.

“To advance to the next level we must get rid of some stuff. Remove the barriers that hamper or hinder your relationship with God.” – Pastor V.S. Brice

What’s hindering your relationship with God?   What has separated you from Him?

“Come clean with your confessions. Check-in with God on a regular basis.” – Pastor V.S. Brice

You will get to know God through His Word. He reveals Himself through His Scriptures. God wants to hear from you. He wants you to grow in your relationship with Him.

Make a serious effort to grow in the Word and you will grow your prayer life. Also make a serious effort to get rid of sin stuff in your life. Grow in Word – grow in prayer – remove sin. Move to the next level. Make it personal!

Stay Connected!

Blessings!

Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

HELLO FROM THE TEMPLE …

“Turn to Your Neighbor”

“Turn to your neighbor!” How often do you hear this statement, yet, when you turn to your neighbor you don’t even know their name? Guilty? Yes, I am guilty! I’m open and friendly towards everyone. I see everyone week after week – speak to everyone week after week – yet, I don’t know everyone by name. Shame on me!

“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.”  – Romans 12:10 (ESV)

One of God’s greatest commandments is that we love one another. However, you can’t really love someone until you get to know them.

This past week I attended a retreat that a team, under the direction of Pastor Brice, organized for our membership. This retreat was so that we could fellowship and get to know each other. Our retreat, in Occidental at the Alliance Redwoods Conference Grounds, accomplished its purpose. I can honestly say that I’ve gotten to know more about my neighbors – their names included.

There were a lot of planned activities: Team building – Archery Tag – Redwood Express Zipline – Sky Swing – Kayaking – Naturalist Hike, just to name a few. You could also gather your own team for basketball – volleyball – swimming or go on your own nature hike.

“Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.” – 1 Corinthians 10:24 (ESV)

At this retreat we were challenged, and we prevailed as we connected with each other while enjoying a fun-filled weekend. Our mission: A time to come together to rest, relax and play together in nature and God’s great creation – was accomplished!

Stay Connected!

Blessings!

Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …

“Communication – Communication – Communication!”

When looking to buy a house a realtor will tell you that the most important feature to look for is: “Location – location – location!”

In our relationship with God it is of utmost importance to acknowledge Him – acknowledge His presence through prayer. What is prayer? Communicating with God. Communication – Communication – Communication!

“Am I only a God nearby, and not a God far away?” – Jeremiah 23:23 (NIV)

Reality, we are always in His presence. He is a God that is always near – always close by. Acknowledge Him – talk to Him – pray – overcome your stumbling blocks while building your relationship with Him. Your relationship with God should be built on the solid foundation of prayer. Prayer is vital. Before making your next decision communicate with God.

“Every decision without God you’ll end up on a dead-end street.” – Pastor V.S. Brice

His Word is also vital to your relationship with Him. Get anchored in His Word – grow in His Word. Your relationship with Him will become more intimate and personal. Getting to know Him – believing – confessing – repenting – acknowledging His presence is our salvation. As you grow in His Word – your prayer life will follow.

“I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.” – John 17:26 (NIV)

“Decisions determine your destiny. Don’t delay your destiny.” – Pastor V.S. Brice

Make the decision to communicate with God – trust – obey – talk to God at every opportunity. Talking to God is life-changing – it will change your perspective – it will change your life. It will change your destiny. Take your relationship with God to the next level through communication!

Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …

“Under Attack!”

“The more you focus on the Word – reading, hearing, serving – the more attacks you’ll receive from the Devil.” – Pastor V.S. Brice

We are all subject to daily attacks from the Devil. It is critical that we arm ourselves with the full armor of God. We need His help to fight what is not seen.

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7 (NIV)

“Prayer energizes your armor.” – Pastor V.S. Brice

Armor: Belt of Truth –Breastplate of Righteousness – Shoes of Peace – Shield of Faith – Helmet of Salvation – Sword of The Spirit?

Pray consistently, adamantly and openly. Make prayer contagious. Let others see and hear you praying, they will follow your lead. Acknowledge His Preeminence – His Power – He will provide peace – joy and protection. Pray His Word back to Him.

“ …… God’s Word is an indispensable weapon.” – Ephesians 6:17 (MSG)

Arm yourself with His Truth – guard your heart with His Righteousness – stand on His Peace – shield yourself in Faith – let the salvation that He freely gives protect you – remain in Him, His Spirit will remain in you. You’re now locked and loaded for battle!

Commitment – persistency – intensity – unity – steadfast in the Word of God. Stand your ground! Pray! Energize your armor! Victory will follow.

Stay Connected!

Blessings!

Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

GREETINGS FROM THE TEMPLE …

“Action!”

Being fed requires action on your part. You can’t just sit and wait on your pastor – teacher – or preacher to feed you the Word and not act on It! He’s leading you to the Water – it is up to you to drink It! Action!

“But whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:14 (NIV)

Why are we not feeding on the Word being generously given to us by our pastors – teachers – preachers?

“We join church expecting others to feed us. The church is not a country club with perks and privileges.” – Pastor V.S. Brice

Let go of the mind-set of waiting to be fed. Waiting to be fed is stalling your Spiritual growth. It will cause complacency.

To be fed is to hear the Word – read the Word – act on the Word or apply the Word to your life situations. No one can do these things for you. However, in order to hear – read – act on or apply the Word, you must first understand the Word.

How often do you attend church and come away not understanding exactly what was being taught?

Ok, if this has happened to you then it’s up to you to find clarity in the subject. How do you do this? Attend Bible Study. Ask the person delivering the Word for clarity. Simple! Yet, many of us will hear the Word – not completely understand the Word – but fail to ask for clarity. You will never grow in the Word if you do this.

The pastor is doing his part – delivering the Word. It’s time for you to do your part. It’s feeding time! Act on the Word – make the Word an intricate part of your everyday life. Serve Him! Get up out of that pew and get to work! Pray for your pastor – leader! God is leading him to shepherd you. Let go and let God lead you to serve Him! Action!

Stay Connected!

Blessings!

Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

Sing: “Praise Him – Praise Him – Praise Him – Praise Him

            Jesus – Blessed Savior – Is worthy to be Praised!”

“Let the name of the Lord be praised, both now and forever.” – Psalm 113:2 (NIV)   

You cannot have a successful prayer life without praising Him. Praise Him through Word and song.

“Praise correlates with Word.” – Pastor V.S. Brice

The more you focus on the Word – hearing – reading – serving – the more attacks you’ll receive from the devil. Why is that? Because the devil wants you on his team.

“Develop your prayer life – the devil will flee.” – Pastor V.S. Brice

Pastor Brice has started a series of teachings on how to develop your prayer life. “How to Make Prayer Work”      1) Be Sensitive  2) Be Submissive  3) Be Steadfast 4) Be Separate  5) Be Sincere.

Read: James 4:5-10 for the Scriptures that correlate with statements #1 to #5.

No matter where or how the devil makes his attack, we must counter his attacks by being more fervent in prayer. We must quit making the devil laugh with our lackadaisical prayers – our “ho-hum” type prayers. Quit giving him a foot hold in your prayer life.

When the devil attacks – pray harder! Be sensitive – be submissive – be steadfast – be separate – be sincere in your prayers. Make the devil flee!

Give God the glory and the honor. Listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit. He’ll teach us to pray for things that honor God.

“Prayer is about aligning your will with the Will of God.” – Pastor V.S. Brice

God put Himself in us. He put His Holy Spirit in us so that we could connect with Him.

“Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts.” – Galatians 4:6 (NIV)

Don’t make the mistake of overlooking what God has put in you. Align your spirit with that of the Holy Spirit. This is a sure way of making the devil flee. Praise Him!

Stay Connected!

Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

A partaker is a person who consumes, indulges, joins or takes part in an activity or action. Ok, so a better question would be: Are you a partaker of God’s Power – Peace – Glory? Do you pray?

“When we call on His Name, we become partakers of His Power – Peace – Glory.”    – Pastor V.S. Brice

Call on Him! Just calling His Name is powerful. Even the song says: “There’s power in the Name of Jesus.” His Powerful – Glorious Name! Pray! Intercede on the behalf of others – communities – governments – world situations.

“Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” – James 5:16 (NIV)

“Prayer should be something you can’t stop doing – you can’t control.” – Pastor V.S. Brice

Prayer is simple talk with powerful results. When praying you’re connecting to The Source, God. Praying ignites God’s Power and gives Him control over any and every situation. Realize that you need Him, you can’t do it alone. You must partake!

“Get in the car and ride – He doesn’t need any back-seat drivers.”   – Pastor V.S. Brice

“Jesus take the wheel!” I’m sure you’ve heard this statement before, but what does it mean? It means, “Jesus take control!” Connect with God through prayer! Give Him control over your life. Trust Him! Be like Jesus! Jesus always took time to pray to His Father. He would often go to a quiet place to pray.

“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” – Luke 5:16 (also) “After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray.” – Matthew 14:23 

Remember to partake and make prayer a priority in your life. Be consistent – be committed – and you’ll be comforted in prayer. May, The Source be with you!

Stay Connected!

Blessings!

Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

How do you get to know someone? Talk (communication) – devote time listening and observing (concentration and observation) – work or volunteer with them (obligation) – discover who they are and share (revelation). Engage in a Relationship. This is how you get to know someone.

Communication (pray – talk) – concentration (listen) – observation (contemplation) – obligation (serving – working) – revelation (discovery – sharing) = relationship.

Can we do this with God? Yes, we can! Start with talking with Him. Pray! Then, get in His Word and stay in His Word. Make the commitment to participate in Bible study. You can’t get to know Him if you don’t know His Word. Expand your search of Him. Talk – listen – and abide. 

“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” – Romans 15:4

“Prayer is reciprocal, put it out there and it’ll come back. Keep engaging in prayer, you’ll see a return. When you know His Word, you can pray His Word back to Him.” – Pastor V.S. Brice

Don’t worry about using formal (Biblical) words, nor be anxious about what to say. Speak to God the same way you speak to your closest friend or relative. You can do this while sitting – standing – kneeling – or prone. However, I suggest you get into a quiet place (no interruptions) so that you can concentrate on Him and Him alone.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” – Philippians 4:6 (NIV)

“Prayer helps us see the great expectations God has for our lives. Develop these expectations through prayer.”   – Pastor V.S. Brice

“Pray without ceasing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (KJV)

A good servant is an obedient servant. Therefore, stop worrying about it – consistently pray about it! He is waiting on you!

Stay Connected!

Blessings!

Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan

Three simple words, however, answering these three simple words can range from smiling happily with a positive report or not smiling at all but still positive with: “I’m fine, thanks for asking. How are you?” Only the person close to one who is positive but not smiling will know that something is wrong. Time to intercede on their behalf and ask God to cover them during their troubling time or bless them with their needs.

Trouble don’t last always! We hear this often yet fail to look to the One who can help us during our trials. We must make it a habit to pray more, pray often, and pray for self as well as others. I must admit that I’ve been guilty of leaving myself out of my prayers. Intercessory prayer is great, but don’t forget that you need prayer just as much as anyone.

“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their trouble.”

Psalm 34:17 (NIV)

Other than God, you are the first to know when you’re in need of prayer. Praying for yourself is the one selfish act that is not defined by selfishness. God wants us to care for the well-being of others and He wants us to care for ourselves as well.

“Depression will make you disappear.” – Rev. Seymore Brice

Yes, when we’re worrying – stressing – depressing about our problems we’re out of circulation, so-to-speak. We withdraw from family – friends – acquaintances – the public. We disappear into a world of our own making. Pray! Communicate with God! Then, wait! While waiting, praise! Praise Him during your wait!

“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” 1 Peter 5:10

Take care of yourself – bring back those smiles that really mean something. Lift Him up – praise Him – then lift your hands to Him and pray for yourself – God will do the rest.

Stay Connected!

Blessings!

Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan