Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer and Reflection for 6.29.12

The law of the Lord is perfect,
refreshing the soul.

The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.

The precepts of the Lord are right,
giving joy to the heart.

The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever.

The decrees of the Lord are firm,
and all of them are righteous.

Psalm 19:7-9 NIV

Pray
Let me always see Father, even in darkness let the way be clear and the message discernible. Let me always hear You through all of the voices and noise. I love You Father. I need You Father. Forever I am Yours. Amen.

Reflection
There is nothing and no one like God and His son Jesus. There is no other message, path, direction, presence, or voice that we should follow other than our Heavenly Father’s.

When life stresses us out we are inclined to give into fear. I say in the roughest of times we need to lean more on God and let Him strengthen us. Lean not into your interpretation but rely upon His, and the example set by His son.

I love you all. God bless each of you. Have a safe weekend.

Love,

Natasha

Copyright 2012. Natasha L. Foreman. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha L. Foreman. breakingbreadwithnatasha.blogspot.com
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Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer and Reflection for 6.27.12

Why, my soul, are you downcast?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

Psalm 42:11 NIV

Pray
Father give me the strength to endure and persevere the worst of times. Give me the patience to wait, listen, and gain the guidance I need from You and Jesus.

Fill me with the grace to handle all situations without showing and expressing anything but Your light. Pour Your loving light into me so that I can only reflect Your love in my fullness. Equip me with the tools to work through any circumstance. Turn me from all negativity.

Help me to stop being a leaning post for others, but rather let me serve as an ambassador that guides them to You through Jesus.

Help me Father. Touch me to my core so that my foundation is unshakeable. Thanking You now Father. Amen.

Reflection
We are all tested. Scenarios will always be presented where our judgment will come to question.

Are we spiritually mature and tough enough?

Sometimes we will be tested through our loved ones—friends and yes, family—for many of us this test comes mostly from family. How do we respond? Do we release it all to God or do we struggle to try and fix things on our own, and then wonder why matters only get worse?

If things are not right in your life pray to God to reveal all—then look in the mirror and look within yourself—and you will see the culprit, and the answer to why things aren’t going the way they should.

God doesn’t do chaos and disorder, only order, structure, and peace. We must fall in line to receive the life we’re supposed to have, and we must do it with hope, humility, passion and appreciation.

When we continue to follow Jesus to serve God there is constant peace even in turmoil, because we know from Whom we belong.

Pray for the way and the right turns each step on your path. Pray that God touches those around you so that they lean on Him and not on you.

Love,

Natasha

Copyright 2012. Natasha L. Foreman. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha L. Foreman. breakingbreadwithnatasha.blogspot.com
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Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer and Reflection for 6.26.12

So watch yourselves.
“If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.”

Luke 17:3, 4 NIV

Pray
Father I am learning to forgive those who sin against me even when they do not voice repentance. Touch my heart to always see them as Your child, even when they have aligned themselves as my enemy.

Touch my heart to be graceful and dignified even when I have urges to get loud, ignorant and disruptive, or just spiteful. I know that the act of forgiveness is about me and not them, and for that reason I choose to follow Jesus’s direction and commandment. In Your name and his I humbly pray. Amen.

Reflection
Forgiveness is not about or for the other person, it is about and for us. We must release ourselves from the negativity, poison, darkness, and suffocating environment that will slowly but surely kill us. Instead we must forgive each and every time. We must forgive, let go, and not harbor or dwell on what was done to us.

Jesus did not say we had to resume some type of close knit relationship with those who sin against us; he simply said to forgive them when they repent. Forgive to release yourself so you can walk in peace. Forgive so that even when you see the one who sinned against you, your heart is not cold and hardened.

Even when we rebuke a person, let love guide you to walk away without stooping to the other person’s level.

Jesus didn’t rebuke people and then act a fool like them. His wisdom and light propelled him above them so that when he refused to deal with them, he remained empowered and it drained the other person of their essence and being. It left the other person empty, and oftentimes desiring a fullness that could only come from the Son and our Father.

Free yourself!

Love,

Natasha

Copyright 2012. Natasha L. Foreman. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha L. Foreman. breakingbreadwithnatasha.blogspot.com
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Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer and Reflection for 6.25.12

Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor.

Proverbs 21:21 NIV

Pray
Father my blessings from You come like the flow of water and I am grateful. Even when I’m asleep You are blessing me with priceless gifts. Thank You Father.

I seek to know, understand, and live Your Truth. I desire a life as You see fit, and love that is reflected in Your Love. Your Truth and Love will make and keep me wealthy always, and mold me into an honorable person that is respected by all people of all walks of life. That is the life I desire, that is the life I will work each day to claim as mine. I’m here Father and I’m not going anywhere without Your guidance. Amen.

Reflection
Righteousness and love leads to prosperity and honor. How straightforward is that? Yet we try to take hundreds of other routes and wonder why we don’t get where we want to go in life.

How many of you are frustrated with going everywhere but ending up no where? Why don’t we return to route A that God has provided, and where Jesus keeps pointing us—and walk that path? Sounds like a good and fruitful path. I’ve got my walking shoes. Do you?

Lovingly your sister in Christ,

Natasha

Copyright 2012. Natasha L. Foreman. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha L. Foreman. breakingbreadwithnatasha.blogspot.com
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Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer and Reflection for 6.22.12

Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.

Ephesians 4:25 KJV

Pray
Father I never want to compromise our relationship. You are not expendable. You are not replaceable. In my life there are no other options, it is only You. If it is not clear that I am Your servant, then mold me to show it.

Please forgive me when I don’t put You first. Please forgive me when I don’t tell the truth, tell only part of the truth, or manipulate the truth even when it’s to avoid hurting someone’s feelings. Father touch my heart and mind so that I can see the graceful way to speak the whole truth without irreparable harm to myself and others. I trust You Father. In Your name I pray. Amen.

Reflection
There are no reasons, only excuses to why we break God’s commandment to tell no lies. If we pray for the wisdom to be graceful and dignified, our honesty will not cut but rather comfort, mend, and heal.

Love always,

Natasha

Copyright 2012. Natasha L. Foreman. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha L. Foreman. breakingbreadwithnatasha.blogspot.com
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Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer and Reflection for 6.21.12

A miserable heart means a miserable life; a cheerful heart fills the day with song.

Proverbs 15:15 MSG

Pray
Father I pray that I always find a way to smile through each day regardless of what comes my way. In heartaches and failures, let me still find a way to smile and be appreciative for the blessings You have given me.

Let me always find time to spend alone time with You. Let me always have a spirit of appreciation, not expectation, not fear or doubt, not cynicism or bitterness, not boredom or laziness, or pessimism.

Let me see each day as a new gift that will never be the same thereafter, as it wasn’t the day before. Let my energy reflect our relationship. Let that energy fill others and bless them. I pray to You humbly and graciously, and say right now—thank You Father!

Reflection

“Optimism is that faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.”
— Helen Keller

I read that each day is a “non-renewable resource” that once gone can never be reclaimed or relived–no matter how hard we try. So knowing this, each day we should live to its fullest. We should celebrate all victories no matter how small. We should laugh and smile, and rejoice in the life we have. Even in sorrow and the gloomiest of days, you should be able to see a rainbow and SMILE!

Today I wish a happy birthday to two of my girls that I’ve known for almost 20 years. My girl Karen, who I’ve known since 1994 and who is the mother of my eldest Godson, Isaiah. Happy 21st birthday AGAIN, Karen!

My other birthday wish goes to my dear Marta who passed away abruptly last year after being diagnosed with cancer. I didn’t get the chance to say, “see you later” but it’s all good with us because I know she knows my heart and how I felt about her and our friendship—even when separated by distance and time. Happy 57th birthday Marta!

I’m wishing all of you an awesome and blessed day, treat yourself and others like today is YOUR birthday!

Love always,

Natasha

Copyright 2012. Natasha L. Foreman. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha L. Foreman. breakingbreadwithnatasha.blogspot.com
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Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer and Reflection for 6.20.12

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said.

But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Luke 10:38-42 NIV

Pray
Father Your Truth is the ultimate truth and the only truth. Let me not be concerned with my priorities and perspective alone, but rather see and put first Your priorities–and attempt to see things Your way—and to see myself as You see me.

Jesus showed through example how to serve You, and each day I strive to be more like Jesus and less like the flawed human that is moved by emotions.

Let me worry less and serve You more. Let me not be concerned with what I don’t have and overjoyed by what I do have. Even when someone I love passes away I can smile knowing that I am a better person because of my time with them, and I know that they will always be with me—more so now than they were in human form.

Thank You for the abundance of love, gifts, and blessings. My cup runneth over! I love You Father.

Reflection
Jesus’s lesson to Martha was to be concerned with her task at hand and not concerned with what someone else, Mary, was doing. They were both doing their job and would both be blessed.

Even today we are more concerned with what we perceive others to have or not have, or with what they are doing or not doing. We are concerned with getting our “props”, “kudos”, and accolades, instead of just doing the job. We rush to get noticed, instead of staying focused on our path. We want credit for doing well but avoid the blame when it is due. We gossip and plot to destroy other people’s reputations, and discredit them.

Yet we say we want to be like Jesus.

Jesus never walked around seeking out credit or praise. He was sent here to do a job. He wasn’t going around saying, “hey check me out I just healed someone” or ” hey did you see the guy I raised from the dead?” He wasn’t walking around with a t-shirt that read, “son of God”. He didn’t promote himself. He was focused on promoting God’s Word and teaching others how to heal the sick, raise the dead, cast out demons, and cleanse the lepers.

Jesus knew who he was as God’s son, as the wayshower for man, and as the paradigm of Christ. Do we know who we are? Are we seeing ourselves as God and Jesus see us, or are we still blinded by our human glasses? When you live right, do right, and reflect God’s loving light all of the time—you don’t worry or concern yourself with getting accolades. You also don’t waste time wondering about what others are doing or not doing, or the amount of blessings they have received.

God’s blessings to and for us are enough and they always come right on time.

Have an amazing Wednesday. Now go out and bless the world!

Love,

Natasha

Copyright 2012. Natasha L. Foreman. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha L. Foreman. breakingbreadwithnatasha.blogspot.com
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Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer and Reflection for 6.19.12

If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.

1 John 1:8-10 NIV

Pray
Father I’m not perfect, but You are. I make mistakes, but You do not. I have sinned more times than I can count, and although You know of each moment You don’t hold them against me. You do have a desire for me to repent and wrong no more, and through the lessons You set before me I must go through life’s obstacle courses making decisions that will either lead to righteousness or more sin.

Father show me the correct way, stop me before I turn the wrong direction, touch my heart that I never forget our connection. Free my mind so that I am blessed with clarity and vision. Cleanse me so that I am purged and no longer have residue from what I did in my past. I ask these things with repentance in my heart. Amen.

Reflection
We acknowledge that we have sinned but are have we truly repented? Here is an amazing quote that I just had to share that truly addresses this, and helps us see the process to atonement:

“Four marks of true repentance are: acknowledgement of wrong, willingness to confess it, willingness to abandon it, and willingness to make restitution.”
-Corrie ten Boom

We must acknowledge when we are wrong and when we have done wrong, we have to willingly confess it to God (and a step farther is to confess it to another human!), we must stop doing what we were/are doing, and then right the wrong we have caused—we must pay back in some form or fashion the person(s) we have harmed.

Most of us do the first two steps but struggle or refuse to do the last two. That’s our problem. That’s our world’s problem. Let’s do something about it. Starting today….

Love,

Natasha

Copyright 2012. Natasha L. Foreman. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha L. Foreman. breakingbreadwithnatasha.blogspot.com
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Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer and Reflection for 6.18.12

Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Colossians 4:5, 6 NIV

Pray
Father touch my heart and mind so that each person I encounter I see and treat them as family. Let me see Your children as my brothers and sisters, and despite our differences and varying opinions, let me love them no less than I would a relative. Let me treat everyone with respect and dignity, and always leave people feeling full of Your light.

Let me be cautious but not critical, let me protect myself but not be disconnected to the point where no one can reach me. Let me see You in Your children. Those who would rather embrace the darkness instead of Your light, let me put them aside but never stop praying for them. Amen.

Reflection
Today I want to start off by saying a prayer for my middle Godson Kegdrick, who has outpatient surgery today. He’s a strong and brave 6-year-old and I know that God will see him through to being healthier, happier, and even braver. I pray that his parents and other family members remove their fear and replace it with faith, so only that positive energy flows to and through my Godson and the doctors that will be working with him. I love him and I love all of you!

Now let me share some quick nuggets that all of us should strive to live by each day. Treat even the most ignorant fool with dignity and respect. Carry yourself with grace, and be merciful even to the merciless. There’s a huge difference between being vigilant and being a vigilante. Just as there is a huge difference between being cautious and being critical and cynical of others. We are not to judge unless willing to be judged.

Seize every moment to reflect God’s light. Each person you encounter–smile–even if they don’t smile back, you never know the positive chain reaction that you might later cause.

Let me end with some great news—yesterday at 4:08pm I received news that I passed my doctoral comprehensive exams, and can now begin my dissertation process. I am now Natasha L. Foreman, PhD (Abd), MBA which means I’m almost done with my PhD (I have completed “All but Dissertation”)– and of course my MBA slides over one spot to make room for the big mama of degrees. I’m excited, I’m blessed, and I’m grateful. It has required me to get out of my comfort zone, face my fears, and accept challenges. Thank you to everyone who has supported me thus far–I know you will be with me through the finish line!

Have an amazing day and step out of your comfort zone…touch another heart and mind today!

Love,

Natasha

Copyright 2012. Natasha L. Foreman. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha L. Foreman. breakingbreadwithnatasha.blogspot.com
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Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer and Reflection for 6.15.12

One thing God has spoken, two things I have heard: “Power belongs to you, God, and with you, Lord, is unfailing love”; and, “You reward everyone according to what they have done.”

Psalm 62:11, 12 NIV

Pray
Father I never want more than what I’ve earned. I never want what doesn’t belong to me. I know that You have the power to give and to take away. I appreciate what I have and am grateful for my life, family, and friends. Thank You for each opportunity—even if I don’t seize the moments as they come. I love You Father.

Reflection
We need to appreciate more and get over this sense of entitlement. We need to be hopeful but not desperate— confident not arrogant. We should look at God and His power, and just smile. Think of how blessed you are. Now SMILE and shine! Have an amazing weekend!

Happy 79th birthday to my beloved maternal grandmother!

Love,

Natasha

Copyright 2012. Natasha L. Foreman. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha L. Foreman. breakingbreadwithnatasha.blogspot.com
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Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer and Reflection for 6.13.12

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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 the age.”

Matthew 28:16-20 NIV

Pray
Father You sent Your son Jesus to lead us to You, to show us the way, to be the example of what to do and how to live, and to prove to us that there is no such thing as death, sickness, and disease—as he proved time and time again through healings, and his resurrection. Father Your son commissioned his disciples to spread Your Word and build Your Kingdom.

I want to do my part Lord. I want to humbly serve You by sharing Your Word with Your children both near and far. Give me the strength and courage to share Your love even when I’m facing hate; to be a beacon of light even in the most darkest of places and times; and to be obedient every moment even when tempted to do otherwise. This I humbly pray. Amen.

Reflection
To share God’s Word does not require you to be a minister, pastor, elder, bishop, priest, nun, or anything else–you must however be a believer, follower, student, and practitioner of Christ. You must also “practice what you preach” so basically if you aren’t doing something, don’t tell others to do it.

You must know His Word to speak and disseminate it, and you must be committed. Why speak what you yourself don’t know or understand? Why share messages that are foreign to you? You don’t get brownie points for doing one-eighth of something.

The only other requirement is what you possess on the inside, and this requirement is most important—light and love. You cannot spread God’s Word and be filled with hate and indifference—He will shut you down one way or another. You must be His reflection of light and love. You must leave each person who comes in contact with you feeling warm and at peace.

But guess what? Even if you don’t know God’s Word fully enough to share with others, do you know another way to touch His children? I just mentioned it—being light and love. Possessing His positive energy and freely sharing His love through you immediately connects you and those you touch to Him. Here is a beautiful quote from Rebecca Manley Pippert that I would like to share and close today’s message out with. Enjoy!

“Being an extrovert isn’t essential to evangelism— obedience and love are.”
–Rebecca Manley Pippert

I love you and hopefully you know how much God and Jesus love you. Now share that love with others!

Natasha

Copyright 2012. Natasha L. Foreman. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha L. Foreman. breakingbreadwithnatasha.blogspot.com
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Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer and Reflection for 6.13.12

Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.

Galatians 1:10 NIV

Pray
Father I have spent so many years trying to live by man’s standards and rules, attempting to gain human approval and please others—but I have not put in that same amount of time and energy in winning Your approval and in seeking to please You. I cannot serve two masters; and if I’m more focused on making humans satisfied, then I can’t be giving my all to You. If I’m more concerned with being accepted by human standards, and not Yours—then I have failed.

Only You truly know me. Only You know what’s best for me. What You may not want someone else to do, You may have planned for me instead–or vice versa.
But how will I ever know if I don’t surrender all to You and pray to You to show me? You know I’m not perfect, even as a perfect reflection of You–I have human flaws that are disrupting the chemistry of the clay You have created in and through me. My human imperfections make it more difficult at times, but only You can mold and change me. I commit my life to serving Christ, building Your Kingdom, and seeking Your acceptance. Human laws and norms will never outweigh or out-rule Yours Father. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.

Reflection
Society says this and that, but what does Jesus and God say?

Paul spoke the words in Galatians that I share today. He wasn’t concerned with what humans had to say about what his savior Jesus Christ taught, and what his Father commanded. He wasn’t concerned with being popular or liked. Paul was only focused on obeying God and seeking His favor. He only wanted to do right by God.

He told the people that they better get their lives together, and stop being concerned with what the Joneses were doing and saying, or not. Paul told the people that the first and most important law is God’s. If you follow God’s laws then it’s impossible to break man’s laws.

We have laws in our courts in the U.S. that are based on the ten commandments.

Think about it: don’t kill, lie, steal, commit adultery, or commit elder abuse (dishonor parents). Now let’s go a step farther–most federal, state, and local offices are closed on Sunday (Sabbath). Even putting no other gods before God is subtly answered in the court system—when you are being sworn in you are sworn on your oath to God (not gods), and in some courts and government ceremonies they still make you place your hand on the Bible when being sworn in. Our pledge of allegiance is an oath of a nation serving and honoring God, while protecting this country–His children.

Now the law on coveting may not be as visible or recognized in man’s laws, but the definition of “covet” is to yearn for something desperately–well maybe we can say that harassment and stalking laws are beginning to address this. The only two laws not covered by human law are making graven images, or using God’s name in vain. It’s considered a social taboo to use His name as a curse word–but there aren’t any punishable laws executed by humans.

So these are God’s ten laws which are also covered in human laws (except two). If we follow them then we have no concern about adhering to or seeking approval from man. Our mission is to please, serve and obey God. Can I get an Amen? Have an amazing Wednesday!

Natasha

Copyright 2012. Natasha L. Foreman. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha L. Foreman. breakingbreadwithnatasha.blogspot.com
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Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer and Reflection for 6.12.12

I will praise You, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing to You among the nations. For Your mercy reaches unto the heavens, And Your truth unto the clouds. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; Let Your glory be above all the earth.

Psalm 57:9-11 NKJV

Pray
Father I praise You. I am humbly grateful. Today I am satisfied enough to simply say, “thank you!”

Reflection
Are you grateful for your blessings? If you’re grateful are you praising God and sharing your testimony with others? How can we build God’s Kingdom if we don’t share with nonbelievers and conditional believers what He has done for us? Remember for some people we are the only Bible that they know. Praise and share.

Love you all!

Natasha

Copyright 2012. Natasha L. Foreman. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha L. Foreman. breakingbreadwithnatasha.blogspot.com
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Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer and Reflection for 6.11.12

Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues.

Matthew 10:16, 17 NKJV

Pray
Father I am so grateful for today, for my life, for my experiences, and the countless blessings that You have given me. I am also grateful for the knowledge and wisdom that comes from You. You are molding more grace and love into me, and squeezing out the fear and doubt. Thank You Father.

I know that You always protect me even in the most dangerous of times. I know that You protect me from humans who are intoxicated by darkness, and You protect me from the animals and creatures that roam around me some scared, and others hungry. You even protect me from the trappings of the enemy. All that You have created has a purpose and a place in this world, and I will never take their existence or Your gift for granted. Thank You Father.

Reflection
Jesus told his disciples that he was sending them out to deal with the most ignorant, ruthless, violent of people and circumstances. He made it clear that they had no clue what they were up against, but to survive and thrive they would have to think and respond much like animals do–be wise like snakes but harmless as doves.

I can truly appreciate this statement because snakes are extremely wise, resourceful, and talented creatures. They know how to survive, hunt, and deal with just about any situation cleverly and swiftly. Most snakes only attack when they feel they are being threatened—other than that they are busy trying to move on about their day.

Today a friend tried to trap a copperhead snake (venomous) in the backyard and in the process of grabbing it, the snake became fearful and jerked around to bite my friend’s hand. The snake barely missed him. Immediately the snake was thrown to the ground, and although it could have taken an aggressive stance (once it was free) and lunged at my friend, it instead was more concerned about saving its own life and getting to safety.

Now let’s take a moment to speak on the dove–a symbol of peace, joy, love, tranquility, gentleness, meekness, and freedom.

Jesus said be smart and do no harm to others. Combining the best characteristics of both.

But then he warned the disciples to be careful of men, because they were the ones who would do them the greatest of harm. Think about that. He compared men to wolves. Not all men, just the ones who were out to get them and Jesus–the ones who are filled with hate and radical indifference.

Wolves hunt day and night and could care less that you are minding your own business–if they are hungry and can track you down–they will do everything to get you. Think about the movie “The Grey” (2011) starring Liam Neeson. Those wolves hunted them for miles and would not stop until they killed each and every one of them. I hope I didn’t ruin the ending for any of you.

In life, as Jesus’s sheep, we will face wolves (in human form) that will invest a lot of time trying to tear you down and destroy what you have become (and what God has blessed you with). These people may lose focus of their purpose in life because they have made it their life’s mission to attack you and others. We must be clever like the snake and find ways to avoid or silence these wolves–don’t give them the leverage to attack you and succeed–stand in your strength and maintain the grace of a dove.

Just like the dove, I definitely have a level of respect for snakes– their strength and perseverance. I never dismiss them or underestimate them.

So for those of you who dislike and/or fear snakes, maybe now you can reconsider your viewpoint, or maybe not. But hopefully you will give them the respect that even our shepherd Jesus gave them. Be sure to keep your eyes and ears tuned in for the “wolves”, and stay prepared and armed in the Word. Be clever and loving. Have an amazing morning/evening wherever you are in the world!

Love you all!

Natasha

Copyright 2012. Natasha L. Foreman. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha L. Foreman. breakingbreadwithnatasha.blogspot.com
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Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer and Reflection for 6.9.12 **Special Weekend Edition**

But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.

1 Peter 5:10 NKJV

Pray
Father there are days that I’m flying high and carefree, and then I have moments when life burdens my back and shoulders with a weight that seems unbearable. There are days I am courageous and can stare any obstacle down to its nothingness. But I also have days where my fear builds up and manifests physically.

Father I know that I am in control of all of this. I make the decision to either soar with You and let You take care of every issue and circumstance, or I make the decision to worry and contemplate how I can achieve something regardless of Your perceived or actual role in the process. When I waste my time wondering and worrying I don’t see the opportunities You have placed before me–so I suffer.

Each day let me see and embrace the possibilities and opportunities. Let me not worry about today or tomorrow. Let me not contemplate if I made the right decision. Let me not question. Let me simply trust that You will take care of the details and provide all of the answers. In Your name I give all glory and praise. Amen.

Reflection
Sometimes life’s lessons require us to endure some pain and suffering. Because we are hard-headed we don’t learn the lessons and quickly move on to a new lesson. No, for some odd reason we think that we know it all, and in our feeble attempt to prove this we fail miserably.

We also have a bad reputation for worrying about things. What we forget is that our perception of a big problem, issue, or situation, is minuscule to our Father-Mother God. I truly believe that He has to have a sense of humor when dealing with us, because we can do and say some of the most idiotic and childish things, yet He continues to love us fully and with a patience and grace that none of us can measure (or find elsewhere).

When we don’t obey, when we choose to do things our way, when we take short cuts, when we procrastinate, and when we don’t believe and put our full trust in Him–we end up suffering. We end up having to take the longest route, re-do work, and face scenarios where we are forced to either have faith in Him or be drained by the darkness.

I didn’t want to make this message long, but let me share one story with you that may be helpful and then I will wrap it up:

Around 5:30am today I resubmitted a portion of my doctoral comprehensive exam. I hadn’t passed this portion, and the only way for me to proceed to the next step (my dissertation) is to pass this exam. I procrastinated early last week and did not immediately begin rewriting what needed to be edited. So this week I felt the mounting pressures of worry, doubt, fear, and the acknowledgement that had I started sooner I would have more time to double-check my work. I went to bed this morning wondering if I covered everything, if I had cited my sources correctly, and if I had done a good enough job to pass my exam so that I could proceed with my dissertation research.

I ran downstairs around 11:45am sifting through my papers and notes, questioning myself, and wondering if I should have waited until later today to submit my paper. I then got an email from my school that it could take up to 10 days for me to get my results (which would be the last day of the semester). I started to wonder and worry, “If I don’t pass it this time I will have to pay for another semester, just to complete my exam, and then I still won’t be able to proceed with my dissertation immediately after.” All of the “what ifs” started running through my mind and the guilt from procrastinating–and not investing more hours (the past few days) to work on this exam started to get to me. I began to feel anxious, and my chest started feeling tight, so I forced myself to sit down.

I sat down and prayed. I cleared my mind of all those thoughts that were running around and draining me. I reminded myself that I have busted my tail for over two years in my doctoral program and God has blessed me with the knowledge and wisdom to surpass my goals. God has made a way out of no way, cleared paths that were blocked, carried me over mountains, and lifted me out of valleys. I reminded myself that I am God’s child and that I will leave all of this to Him–and so I will.

I hope and pray that you also leave all of your cares, worries, and frustrations to Him. God bless you and have an awesome weekend!

Natasha

Copyright 2012. Natasha L. Foreman. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha L. Foreman. breakingbreadwithnatasha.blogspot.com
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Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer and Reflection for 6.8.12

Your beliefs about these things should be kept secret between you and God. People are happy if they can do what they think is right without feeling guilty.

Romans 14:22

Pray
God thank You for Your forgiveness. Thank You for molding me to not only feel guilty when I do wrong, but that guilt motivates me to right that wrong. Father I pray for the clarity to always see right from wrong, and the strength to overcome the temptation to do wrong.

I pray for my fellow brothers and sisters who struggle with the choice of doing and living right, or indulging in the pleasure of doing whatever they want. While we stray we may not feel the sharp sting of our wrongdoing, but it is guaranteed that one day we will feel it. Father continue to protect us, and continue to lovingly remind us of how great our lives can be and should be when freed from temptation of all kinds. Help us to steer ourselves back on course and to be free from guilt because we will make better choices.

Help those of Your children who are riddled with guilt for the pain they have caused others and inflicted upon themselves, yet they don’t embrace their internal strength to stop what they are doing—to stop the pain and hurting, and to stop the guilt that is eating them alive. Father, help those who are in pain because they have been harmed by the selfish who choose to make decisions that harm others. Help these men, women, and children who did no wrong, but are caught in the cross-hairs of sin.
Protect us, heal us, strengthen us all Father. Amen.

Reflection
When I saw this passage I laughed. How many people have their little secrets about what they believe, and what they do? How many people live one life that the world sees, and another behind closed doors? How many people are hypocrites and won’t even admit it? How many people walk around hurting others, especially their loved ones, and they seem to not care one way or the other? How many of you have been (and/or are being) mistreated or harmed in some way by these individuals?

These people refuse to admit they are doing wrong, because in their admission comes an overwhelming pain that tells them they must change their ways.

So the reason I laughed when I saw this passage is because it is absolutely true that a person lives freely when they are doing no wrong. However, when you are doing wrong you are never free. Even when you say you have a clear conscience, the guilt and shame inside begins to eat away at the person you are and you turn into someone and something else. You become unrecognizable to everyone, including one day, yourself.

Pray for yourself and pray for others.

Pray that if you are being hurt by someone else that you don’t lower yourself to hurting that person, yourself, or others. Instead show love, reflect love, be love. You can only release yourself from that situation emotionally, spiritually, mentally, and/or physically—once you make yourself whole with God and forgive the person who is harming you.

For those causing harm, and those who are being harmed by a selfish individual let me say this—pray and God will take care of the rest, but you must take the step to say, “I will not feed into this darkness” and then put your trust in God.

Natasha

Copyright 2012. Natasha L. Foreman. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha L. Foreman. breakingbreadwithnatasha.blogspot.com
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Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer and Reflection for 6.7.12

With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.

James 3:9,10

Pray
Father there are days when nothing but good comes from my mouth, and then there are days when I sound like two people in one body—praising one moment and cursing another—positive then negative. Father this is not a reflection of You and Your goodness. You made me in Your spiritual image and likeness, yet I sometimes don’t behave as I should. Help me Father. Help me to grow, help me to catch myself before I give in to negativity of any kind. Help me to refrain from gossip, cursing, bad-mouthing myself and others, and other forms of negativity. Out of my mouth should only come light. I pray for this Lord. Amen.

Reflection
Most if not all of us are guilty of this. How many times have you said you don’t do drama and negativity, yet you found yourself repeating a rumor or a negative story released by the media that was based on speculation and not facts? How many times out of anger, frustration, fear, or excitement you cursed aloud? How many times have you questioned or blamed God for something not going right in your life? How many times have you cursed or been negative in some other way and God or Jesus’s name was part of the word or sentence used?

Be honest and admit that you have no clue how many times you have done these things, but you know you have done them. It has become what we refer to as, “human nature”, yet we forget that we aren’t human beings having a spiritual experience, but rather spiritual beings having a human experience. It doesn’t matter what we refer to something, what matters is what God and Jesus say.

Each day let’s work to refrain from cursing, and thinking and acting out negatively. Each day let’s commit to stopping ourselves when a negative thought pops in our head, and right before profanity or something else negative slips out of our mouths. In those moments when we do slip up, stop what you are doing and immediately apologize, repent, and ask God for forgiveness–because you know better—and you know who you are—you are God’s child.

Refraining from negativity of all kind won’t be easy, but the more we try the better we will get, and the better we get the more like Jesus we will become; and the more like Jesus we become, the closer we get to God. Now that’s an awesome thought and definitely something to work for each day. Don’t you think? So let’s do this!

Love your fellow sister in Christ,

Natasha

Copyright 2012. Natasha L. Foreman. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha L. Foreman. breakingbreadwithnatasha.blogspot.com
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Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer and Reflection for 6.6.12

But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.

Luke 5:16

Pray
Father thank You for molding me to feel comfortable in times of solitude, alone with my thoughts, and alone with You. I understand that there are times when I need to pull back and pull away from the world and those I know, so that I can be alone to pray, reflect, and be totally open to You without distractions.

The only way I will grow in my ability to both serve You and lead others is to find comfort in my aloneness so that I might hear Your words and directions clearly. I know that I am never alone or lonely because You are always with me, speaking to me, guiding me, and protecting me. I can always find comfort in Your spiritual arms Father. Thank You.

Reflection
If you truly believe that you can become a better Christian, person, spouse, parent, child, leader, and servant of God, being totally consumed by and of the world–then you are sadly mistaken. You cannot fully give yourself to God if your mind is multitasking your daily human responsibilities, your need to socialize with others face-to-face or through the use of technology, and a laundry list of other things each and every day.

How can you fully tune in to His voice and what He’s saying when you have a cell phone headset in one ear, a telephone handset to the other, you are typing on your computer or tablet, and watching TV—all at the same time most likely? So just as Jesus had to disconnect countless times to be absolutely alone with God, we must do the same.

So you have a household of children and/or pets, you have a demanding job or career, you are part of several organizations or projects—guess what? You can make the time to disconnect, even if for only 30 minutes. I don’t care if it means going into your restroom and locking the door. I don’t care if it’s pulling into a parking lot and just sitting there (just don’t go to a shopping center or location with food because you may become distracted). I don’t care if it’s driving 15 minutes past your home with the radio off (and ignoring your electronic devices) and then turning around to make the drive back home. As long as you are alone, in total silence without distractions, then you have found the time and space to disconnect and pray. Yes, if you can go away for one or more days, then by all means do it!

We all must make the time to tune into God and tune out the world. Commit yourself to doing this one or more times per week or month. Notice the difference! Embrace the freedom and clarity!

Love always,

Natasha

Copyright 2012. Natasha L. Foreman. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha L. Foreman. breakingbreadwithnatasha.blogspot.com
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Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer and Reflection for 6.5.12

Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain?

The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart; whose tongue utters no slander, who does no wrong to a neighbor, and casts no slur on others; who despises a vile person but honors those who fear the Lord; who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and does not change their mind; who lends money to the poor without interest; who does not accept a bribe against the innocent. Whoever does these things will never be shaken.

Psalm 15:1-5

Pray
Father I have a long way to go before I’m blameless and can stand upright in righteousness. I have a long way to go before I can say that I never do wrong and that I can keep an oath even when it hurts–and never to change my mind. But You know my heart and You know that each day I’m trying to do my best and be my best. Each day I try to purge out those impurities within me so that I can be open and filled with only Your goodness. I don’t want to be shaken Father. I don’t want to be rocked and thrown off course. Let Your light continue to guide me where I need to be always. In Your name I pray. Amen.

Reflection
Although I have done and continue to do good in my life, lend money without interest or demand of repayment, never accepted a bribe, have kept most of my oaths, and try to always speak the truth from my heart–I have done my share of sinning, gossiping, and I’m sure in some of that gossip was slander since not all of the times have I taken the time and confirmed a story to be 100% factual before I repeated it. And yes, over the years I have also taken part in slurring against another more times than I would care to admit.

So yes, I’m definitely a work in progress. I definitely have a long way to go before I can say I’m guiltless of wrongdoing of any kind. But here’s the thing, each day I work on improving myself and ridding my life of the negativity that had grown comfortable in my space. Each day I pray for strength, courage, grace, and guidance through all things and circumstances, and with all people.

Throughout our days we should be praying to and praising God. We should not limit our praise and worship to Sunday and mid-week services, at meals, at bed time, and when we wake up each day.

Some of you may forget to say thank you when your eyes open each day, and only pray at night that you might wake the next day; and for some, mid-week services may be a nonexistent occurrence in your life, and Sunday service is reserved for holidays, special occasions, and those moments of overwhelming guilt. Some of you may be praying over your meals with a one-sided hope that the food will cause you no harm, rather than giving thanks for having the opportunity to partake in that meal.

So I call on all of you to pray and praise throughout your day.

Be grateful for all blessings small and large. Ask God for guidance through all tasks no matter how great or insignificant. Thank Him for helping you get through a tough time, or a moment when you were about to curse and instead chose a more intelligent word to express your feelings. Thank Him for helping you to get to work, an appointment, your home, or a gathering on time and safely. Thank Him for each person you meet each day, and each person who smiled at you. Thank Him for the grace that keeps you from reacting negatively when someone is rude or mean to you. Thank Him for the courage not to give up when life beats down on you.

It doesn’t have to be a long, drawn out prayer or praise session. It can be as simple as saying the words, “Thank You Father!” because He knows what you are thinking about and referring to in that instance. Just smile and give thanks. Can you do that? Try it starting today and let me know how it feels, felt, and how your day turns out. Remember that our days should begin, end, and be filled with thoughts and practices reflecting God.

Love always,

Natasha

Copyright 2012. Natasha L. Foreman. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha L. Foreman. breakingbreadwithnatasha.blogspot.com
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Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer and Reflection for 6.4.12

“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts.Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”

Deuteronomy 6:6-7

Pray
Father thank You for Your constant molding through love. Thank You for waking me today. Father as I learn Your Word and share it with other adults, let me always remember to share and teach it to Your youngest of children, the generations that follow me.

Let me not keep this wisdom to myself, but rather open my heart, mind, and mouth and share with the masses. I promise to serve You and do my part to grow Your Kingdom. I love You Father. Amen.

Reflection
Sunday school numbers are shrinking rapidly in many churches. More kids know less about the Lord, His servants, and His expectations for all of us, and it is our fault.

We are ashamed when they don’t know their state, country, world, and cultural history—but how many of you are appalled and frightened to know that many of these children know little to nothing about the Bible, God, Jesus, the Old Testament, the New Testament, and their role as servant ambassadors for Christ?

If you aren’t reading, studying, and discussing the Word with them, they will not be encouraged or inclined to do the same at church, with their peers, and independently. It is our responsibility to expose children to the Bible.

It is also our responsibility to teach them about other religions and social norms (such as sexual orientation and preferences) so that they can honorably and with dignity, respect other beliefs that differ their own.

They are not to fear, hate, discriminate, or pass judgment on others who have different religious or social beliefs. They are to embrace them as God’s children and know that just as God loves us He loves them, and it is no humans place or right to judge another, for there is only one judge and that is our Heavenly Father-Mother God.

You are not to teach to children through word or action indifference, intolerance, superiority, hate, fear, loathing, or any other negative trait. Children are born angelic and pure, and only through exposure to adults do they transform into our smaller replicas that eventually embrace sin.

Do your part to teach love, peace, tolerance, acceptance, humility, dignity, respect, integrity, strength and courage.

We were all born with the right to live a dignified life. Do your part to instill this in your children, so that they never have to question if they are doing right in God’s eyes.

Lovingly,

Natasha

Copyright 2012. Natasha L. Foreman. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha L. Foreman. breakingbreadwithnatasha.blogspot.com
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