Rom 13:1  Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. (NIV)

February is a month full of wonderful events.  Black History Month, President’s Day, Valentine’s Day and the well awaited—Superbowl.  Superbowl LII, that’s 52, was won by the Philadelphia Eagles for the first time in NFL franchise history on February 4^th, 2018!  As customary, the sitting President congratulates the team and invites them to the White House.  Before the big game, several players like Malcolm Jenkins reported to CNN during an interview that he would not be attending the presidential celebration in boycott to the current administration.  During the national anthem he and other players raised their fist aka “the black fist” in passive protest to the discrimination shown against African Americans.  According to an interview with Torrey Smith, it is not in protest to the anthem -it is a protest during the anthem.  Jenkins, like many others in support of these NFL players, want to see additional changes in the criminal justice system as well as” educational and economical advancement” of minorities.  The U.S. has had a history of athletes that have protested in similar ways for similar reasons.  Muhammad Ali refused to go to Vietnam War in 1967 for religious reasons and for freedom and equality at home, Tommie Smith and John Carlos protested the Olympic Games in Mexico City in 1968 because of discrimination against African Americans and Colin Kaepernick took a knee during the national anthem in protest to police brutality against African Americans and other minorities in 2016.  Overall, they all have in common, spoken in respect.

Yet the response from President Trump has been no less than incendiary, referring to these athletes with expletives and calling them “disrespectful” to the flag, the anthem and the country.”  How do you feel about it?  Are you like other people across this country saying, “He’s not my President” or are you in radical or reasonable agreement to his statements. As the 45th P.O.T.U.S. (President of the United States), some refer to him as simply “#45” due to his stance on immigration laws, Russian collusion, lack of aid to Puerto Rico, not showing tax returns, misconceptions & lies, hate/bullying speech against- minorities, women and the physically challenged, etc. It can be a real challenge to be and especially remain virtuous in these times.  As a Christian, you may feel “right” to become repugnant towards the newest Commander in Chief-being a subject or spectator of his vocalizations, I relate.

But wait a political minute sis, whether you agree with him or not…

Concern (C):  Have you considered what God thinks/says about your (un)righteous response towards authority and leadership? (I Pet 2:17) Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.  Christ always showed proper respect towards Caesar and Pilate for He always first respected God.  And if you do agree with the President have you shown love for your fellowman that do not.

Encouragement (E):  You are an ambassador of Christ (2 Cor 5:20).  You are are a leader! We are not to be so concerned with civilian affairs that we idolize politics over our position!  (2 Tim 2:4) Do not trade the temporal for the eternal, sister-please God.  On Facebook, Instagram whatever social media outlet you use, we need to remember and remind/rebuke our fellowship of believers not to stoop down to any worldly level for the sake of the lofty price we were bought for.  People are reading but God is watching.  “Add to our faith virtue” (2 Pet 1:1-8).  Virtue means goodness, kindness, high-mindedness and incorruptibility.  You are not politically passive when spiritually active in submission-to the Lord!  Trust God with all authority because (Prov 21:1)” In the LORD’s hand the king’s heart is a stream of water that he channels toward all who please him.”  Jesus has all authority. Our focus should be on him and to go, make, teach disciples to obey all he commands. (Matt 28:18-20) That’s our Highest Commander in Chief!

Act (A):  So You want to truly ACT.  Then the Bible says to pray for our leaders.(1 Tim 2:1-2) so that we may lead “tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity.”  Desire most to be at that heavenly party where donkeys and elephants don’t matter.  The last commission on authority in Matt 28:18-20  came from Jesus who bestowed on us his authority to go and make disciples.  That is our focus, our voice, our stance.  Pray for Trump, yes President Trump and all leaders around the world to be saved.  Also pray for peace, pray for love and pray for unity.  Still hard?  Then sister, pray for your heart.

Thank you for following us monthly as we continue our study of Godly Qualities
2 Peter 1:1-8 !  Please give us your feedback to the message.  Visit again soon & Check out previous blogs- sure to keep you inspired!  With love, ACE

2 Pet 1:5-9 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; ⁷ and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. ⁸ For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁹ But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind,forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.

On Jan 1st 2018 the first day of the new year, I celebrated the last principle of Kwanzaa -Imani meaning Faith with my family.  What an added enjoyment to the Christmas holiday to reconnect to my heritage and culture in this expression.  Since recently discovering my DNA results were predominantly from the Ivory Coast I have been searching for ways to stay identified to my roots.  Thanks to Dr. Maulenga Ndabezitha Karenga chair of California State University Black Studies Department for instituting this modern celebration based in Zulu and Ashanti traditions.  Renowned by over 25 million persons in the United States, Canada and across the African diaspora, Kwanzaa is ritualized from the day after Christmas (Dec 26) and ends New Year’s Day.

Originating out of despair, Dr. Karenga felt the need to empower and unite Blacks following the Watts riots aftermath in Los Angeles.  Sparking from police brutality, looting and rioting in Watts left over 30 persons killed, a thousand injured and over 40 million in property damages.  Kwanzaa derived from  phrase “matunda ya kwanzaa” (meaning “first fruits” in Swahili) was to celebrate history.  It consists of seven days  of lighting the kinara (candleholder) and celebrating the Nguzo Saba (7 values) in order- Umoja(unity), Kujichagulia (self-Determination) Ujima(Collective Work and Responsibility,  Ujamaa(Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity) and Imani (Faith),

For us Christians, Faith should be first.  Peter stated in his second book that we are to make every effort to add to our faith.  It is going to take effort sister.  With faith as the foundation for all the other additions to come, it must be built solid on Christ.  So what is it?  Heb 11:1 says “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen”.  Faith is believing God, in His words and His Son.  Faith is trusting and having confidence that God is, was and will, always do and be, just what He says he could and would.  In short grasp that we have a God that Loves us so much to send his Son.

Concern (C):  Sister where is your faith today?  You are starting off a whole new year.  Do you believe in what God can do for you? I know you have been hurt, disappointed, shut out and shut down.  But in Matt 9:28 it says, “When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he (Jesus) asked them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” Don’t be spiritually blind to what the Lord can do for you, respond like the men Yes Lord!  Even after years of being in a certain place God can change your life still.

Encouragement (E):  Move Mountain Move!  With just a mustard seed of faith Jesus says we can move a mountain. Matt 17:20. He (Jesus) replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” Impossible yes of course for us but nothing is impossible for God.  You Know that Jesus ain’t never lied! If your desires fit into His desires for your life consider it Done.

Action (A):  Show your faith by taking a step out on it.  James 2:14-20  ^“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food.  If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? ¹ But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.”Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.  You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. ”  Sister, it is time for you to Move …and that means out of your own way!  Jesus time and time again asks us where our faith is.  It is that important!  He can do no miracle in your life without it. Don’t let him pass you by like he did faithless towns.  Don’t let him wipe the dust off his feet from your dreams!  Turn your faith dial to Miraculous  Level and set your hope course to More than You can Ask or Imagine speed.  Show it by what you do today and the days to come.  Ask him for a great 2018 full of your intents. Here’s to a great start.

Thanks for visiting our blog!  The Daughter Line is preparing for a great year & will continue blogs on a monthly basis. Check out links below for more great info.

https://www.wikihow.com/Celebrate-Kwanzaa

https://www.ancestry.com/

https://odb.org/

Rev 21:5  He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

There is no place quite like 42nd St Times Square New York City to celebrate the New Year!  My spouse and I had the wonderful opportunity to experience the grand celebration of the kaleidoscopic crystallized ball dropping down One Times Square for the ushering in of the New Year.  For the onset of 2018 the ball will be dropping for its 108th time since its inception in 1907 (it didn’t drop in 1942 or 1943 due to World War II lighting restrictions).  Nonetheless this event has not failed to bring in people from all around the globe with numbers averaging in the millions.

We started extra early at 6 a.m. not only so we would not be cut off by the police barriers due to overcrowding; but to be one of the very firsts for the best view.  Since 9/11 you have to be early just to get through all of the security issues which led our group to an area where those coming in later (like after 8 a.m.) actually received a better spot. Waiting for over 18 hours can really wear the body down. However, it is amazing just how the spirit is ready with renewed energy once that final hour comes.  Countdown 10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2..

Once that clock struck midnight, every heart of man, woman and child were united in the victory of perseverance and the triumph of faith –over frost.  We reveled in the music and performances, the hugging, the singing and the time-honored kissing of the one you loved.  All of the bright, joyous, excitement we felt was only heightened by the rain of colorfully lit, stringy confetti that seemed to pour down like rainbow raindrops to glorious patriotic music like Frank Sinatra’s New York, New York.  (See my actual picture at the top)  The moment filled my heart so much, even reminiscing about it can bring about the brink of bursting feelings all over again!  It is truly an at least once in your lifetime must-do for the determined at heart.  Or you can mireconveniently watch it on television like 1 billion other people do.

In that moment, a bucket list check off, we prayed.  Prayed for a great year, prayed for a healthy year, prayed for all whom we loved, prayed for our neighbors, prayed for the governing authorities, prayed for our enemies and for world peace among other things. Mostly we praised our Everlasting Father Yahweh and Worthy Lord the Lamb of God through our united Spirit.  Thankful to have been chosen to be a part of God’s grand plans for another year ..whatever it may bring.  For He cares for us Ps 139. Believing In His will; knowing all will be well.

Concern (C):  Sister, do you have anything holding you back from fully being resolved with 2017.  Fall in God’s loving arms in total abandonment of all concerns, worries from the past year.  Throw it Off for 2018 Sister!  Heb 12:1-4 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Before Taylor Swift sang it, the Bible said it Shake it Off (Mark 10:14) now let us add a new line to her lyrics- Throw it Off (sin) and Fix them On (Eyes on Jesus).  Oh Oh

Encouragement (E):   If you have many cares and dreams, make a plan God can bless.  This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 1 John 5:14.  And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him.

Action (A):  Do a Vision Board.  Write your dreams down in faith.  There is much talk about the success of people who have vision boards Beyonce, Lindsay Vonn and Oprah Winfrey.  But even God with The commandments, the ark,  the temple and even His very Word had these written down!  How much more should we write things down that we expect to have built into our lives?!  Dream and have courage lady lion.  Gen 15:1 “After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, saying, ‘Do not fear, Abram, I am a shield to you; Your reward shall be very great.” Num 12: 6 “He said, ‘Hear now My words: If there is a prophet among you, I, the LORD, shall make Myself known to him in a vision I shall speak with him in a dream’.”  Keep calm troubled soul…God is talking.  Oh its going to be a Happy Day, Year and Eternity! For all things will be made New.

For Vision Board Help and other Encouraging Blogs

Are you ready to sparkle?

https://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/6392274

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*The Daughter Line wishes to thank Pixabay for use of their free photos*

Acts 13:38-39  “Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses”.  <And> Col 2:16  “Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day.”

Did you know???  Kris Kringle came about as a mispronunciation of the German word Christkindl meaning “Christ Child”.  

Recently, a group of people asked if I celebrated Christmas?  I pondered their question carefully.  Then I beamed ready to explode with an answer so loudly, clearly and confidently with the reason for the season. Jesus Christ is the heart of Christmas.  The world brightly blessed in joy and song for the long awaited gift of the Messiah has finally come. Immanuel, our King of Kings, was packaged from heaven to live among us. Through Him we have hope of reconciliation that redeems, forgives and gives us the tree of eternal life   For all my life I have celebrated the Christmas tradition with family, friends and others God calls our neighbors.  Regarded dearly and eagerly that this was a part of what Christians did in their faith.  Worldwide Christmas was truly the most wonderful and thoroughly enjoyable time of the year.  It is the celebration of Christ birth for all…Yes! Of course, I celebrated Christmas!

Seems like a mega of buzzers went off from their mouths sounding Wrong Answer!  They scrutinized my thinking and contested every ingrained belief.  Barraging me with so many arguments (even with scriptures) to support their irrefutable viewpoints–seemd they had to be right.  To claim that Christmas is a pagan holiday, Christian celebrators are quite heretical and should not observe this festivity in any fashion was how one could prove to be righteous and implicitly saved.  Sounded legit.  Oh my! No more Christmas?

Are not other religious groups  allowed to hold to their religious observances with utmost sanctification and respect.  What was so wrong about good ole Christmas.  My lack of full understanding led me to deep studies about this holiday (totally Berean mode) as well as Easter and other traditions I held.  Was I right or wrong?  Tree or no tree?  Presents or charity only?  Acknowledge Santa, St. Nick, Kris Kringle or God?  Agghhh.  Ultimately wondering, if I could or should celebrate on Dec 25th or when?  I was unsettled my heart and mind full of self-condemning thoughts.  There was no peace on my earth.  Jesus save me! Ding! Ding! Ding! Wait that’s it exactly!  Where was Jesus?

Sister, Jesus our Lord and Savior saved us to free us that believe in Him. For us who are saved our faith is all that matters.  In examining Romans 14 the conclusion to the passage is this (vs 22) “So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves. ²³ But whoever has doubts is condemned if they eat, because their eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin*. We are no longer under the law.  We are covered under the blood of Jesus.  John 8:36 “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

Concern (C):  Sister, do you KNOW why you do what you do?  Be convinced exactly of why you celebrate Christmas or any other tradition. In asking for wisdom in matters James 1:6 states, “But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. ⁷ That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. ⁸ Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.”

Encouragement (E):  Know your Bible make it your standard above all opinions, arguments. traditions, doctrine and even logic. Simce God’s thoughts are higher than ours.  Our best human reasoning can’t match God’s understanding  Further in Mark 7 states in support “Nothing outside a person can defile them by going into them. Rather, it is what comes out of a person that defiles them.” Is your heart inclined and reclined to Jesus during this holiday time. Are you giving to others in need, showing charitable hospitality, and being joyful and sacrificial demonstrating your love?

Actions (A):  Find out, Hold on and Tell about the Truth.  In John 14:6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”  We need to observe Jesus at Christmas time and all times.  Being spiritually honest helps you be conscientiously clear.   Since the Bible warns us about adding anything to the words of the Bible, in Romans 22:18 perhaps reevaluate your traditions.  For example its True that Santa is not in the Bible, so why not tell about  God’s love instead to your children.  He does know when we are good or bad, he does give us good gifts from above.  Jesus does not need any fictional character to sell and spread the message of His love–He is the real deal.    And Merry CHRISTmas to You, Sister!

For further info check out these following links:
https://bible.org/article/should-christians-celebrate-christmas

German Christmas Traditions

http://www.sharefaith.com/guide/Christian-Holidays/christmas-traditions-of-santa-claus-and-trees.html

A Conversation with Codependent Ministry Leader of Purity Group

1 Cor 6:13  The body, however, is not meant for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. Matt 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

One day a married woman was found engaging in self pleasuring acts with porn by her husband.  When they were able to discuss this with one another, the husband shared his feelings of anger and inadequacy among a host of emotions.  The wife/woman felt bad and apologized for the effect of her behavior on him.  This led to an increase in her feelings of extreme shame and guilt.  She stated that it was a longstanding habit.  Although she admits that it was somewhat a pleasurable act, it was not what she really wanted to do.  She could not feel good about herself knowing that she was being deceptive to so many, including herself but mostly to God.  She felt that God could never forgive her and therefore she must be destined for hell.  She stated she tried to stop before but felt hopeless because she did not know any other way to deal with such urges.  This led her into deep rooted sadness, self-imprisonment and loneliness that made her feel even more terrible. In committed love, together they agreed to get help…(1 Cor 7)

To live a Pure Christian life in today’s times seems like an impossible task.  Temptations to go astray seem to be everywhere.  On the outside they appear in -television, movies, music and other forms; on the inside they appear in- lust, evil desires, idolatry and the like.  God should understand our weakness right?  Wrong.  Heb 13:4 says that,”God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral”.  He demonstrated his seriousness even with David a man after His own heart committed adultery with Bathsheba and it cost him the life of his newborn.  Therefore, how important is it that we life in purity!

Sexual sin is one of the hardest sins to confess too because of the connotations of being dirty and private.  However, God exclaims we must be pure.  Noticeably, one of the first sins to be listed in the sins of commission in the Bible.  Gal 5:19, 1 Cor 6:9 (references homosexuality); Matt 5:28 (looking at someone lustfully).  Some sexual sins include pornography, adultery and masturbation.  Please don’t think marriage is the cure all and end up with someone you can’t stand because you are acting improper (aka hot and bothered) for each other!  Many married couples are addicted to online porn and struggle with adultery/sexual sin.   Being addicted to these things cannot make a Christian feel free or have a normal life.  Since it impedes on the quality of your life You Must Take Serious Action against this Sin.  You don’t have to cut things off for healing, perhaps therapy may help more psychological cases.  Fixing your relationship with God is the best way out!  Committing sexual sins against your own body hurts you, the people living with you but moreover grieves the Holy Spirit of God who lives in you.

I have spoken with the codependent leader who due to the sensitivity of the topic chose to remain anonymous.  She states a Codependent person is someone who lives with or is around a person who struggles with sexual sin (usually a spouse, roommate, etc).  Just like other groups, this group cannot help you unless the person who is struggling admits to needing help.  But what is different is that this group is Bible Based.  So if you or your partner is not a Christian and/or not committed to following God this is not the group for you.   You must understand God’s purpose for your life and your body otherwise you cannot find a solution and the risk is your salvation.

Concern (C):  What steps do you take when facing a sexual temptation that is not of God?  Do you talk confess it or keep it to yourself?  Do you justify it or do you seek to irrationalize it with the Word of God.  Satan is a liar might not be It for you Sis.  And neither is it just raging hormones.   Jesus was hungry  and weak (physical temptation), lonely and a spiritual “newbie” (emotional temptation)  Matt 4: 1-11 Jesus resisted Satan himself with specific scriptures  and the Devil had to leave.  Sister, do you have your armor ready?  One of my immediate weapons is Joseph in Gen 39:9, “How could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?”  Say No!  Then Go. Get busy with God’s business.  Satan finds it easy to tempt those who are idle.  Jesus was always on the go with his goals.  Lk 13:32. Our goal is heaven period.  2 Cor 4:17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs then all.

Encourage (E): Paul has a problem in we can relate to in Romans 7:1-25. Highlight vs 25. Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in my sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.  This Purity Group is where you will find support in holding yourself accountable for your own sin!  No one is going to chase you for your blessing or healing.  But you will be checked in on weekly. Marrieds and Singles are very supported and come from various areas just to for the opportunity to grow in God.  When the struggling individual has consistent victories they do graduate from the group.  Yet will always be welcomed back for continued support in the recovery process. Married couples can discuss issues with other like individuals, men with men, women with women and of course together.  What is sad states the Codependent Leader is that women do not want to come out and support their husbands.  The perspective is it’s a “his” problem not an “our” problem.  This type of reasoning is marital suicide.  Being prideful with a negative attitude is not conducive to a victorious marriage and it is simply loving one another. Humble yourself to God through respecting your husband. Or were those vows for?

Act (A):  Sister, act immediately when facing temptation.   Memorize Scripture and have the Bible ready to read.  It will convict you and convince you to follow God’s thinking.  Offer up your situation to God in prayer.  He loves you and is waiting to hear and help you.  Variate your activities.  Don’t just watch that tv show that always goes there, turn it off. Or why not fast/eliminate cable altogether? Matt 5:30.  Don’t listen to slow music late at night how about some gospel or classical upliftment.  Get reviews about that movie that is so popular.  “If its not PG-13 then it isn’t for me”.  Get radical about your change.  Heaven’s done signed your name. Oh yes You’ve changed.  Everytime you want to give up, just before, make Every Effort to Call someone.  You need a partner in this who you trust can be reliable, understanding and helpful with your issue.  Make sure that person can burn the midnight oil with you if needed.  In an acronym sister  M.O.V.E!  God is always with you and you are His temple.  In closing, Remember you are not your own.  1 Cor 6:20 You were brought at a price.  Therefore honor God with your bodies.”

Let’s get our House clean for 2018!

Do you know the psychological effects on the brain? Check out http://www.fighthenewdrug.org
For more info on where to find help, check out  PureandSimpleMinistry.org.