Saturday Recap: Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 11/25/13 to 11/29/13

Happy Saturday family! I hope that you had an awesome week and Thanksgiving. I find it amazing to know that Thanksgiving and Chanukah were celebrated on the same day this year. The last time this occurred was in 1888, and will occur again in 2070 (as long as our country doesn’t change the enacted federal law for celebrating Thanksgiving). Well I know you aren’t reading this recap to receive a history lesson on Thanksgiving and Chanukah, so here’s what you have been waiting for…
 
 
 Monday- 11/25/13
 
 Read the daily message here:
 https://breakingbreadwithnatasha.wordpress.com/2013/11/25/natashas-daily-scripture-prayer-and-reflection-for-11-25-13/
 
 
 Tuesday- 11/26/13
 
 Read the daily message here:
 https://breakingbreadwithnatasha.wordpress.com/2013/11/26/natashas-daily-scripture-prayer-and-reflection-for-11-26-13/
 
 
 Wednesday- 11/27/13
 
 Read the daily message here:
 https://breakingbreadwithnatasha.wordpress.com/2013/11/27/natashas-daily-scripture-prayer-and-reflection-for-11-27-13/
 
 
 Thursday- 11/28/13 Happy Thanksgiving!
 
 Read the daily message here:
 https://breakingbreadwithnatasha.wordpress.com/2013/11/28/natashas-daily-scripture-prayer-and-reflection-for-11-28-13/
 
 
 Friday- 11/29/13
 
 Read the daily message here:
 https://breakingbreadwithnatasha.wordpress.com/2013/11/29/natashas-daily-scripture-prayer-and-reflection-for-11-29-13/
 
 
 Don’t forget that tomorrow is Sunday Sermon Share Day. If you hear or take part in an awesome sermon, please share your notes, highlights, scripture, or reflections with the rest of us. I don’t care if it’s a sermon from an online or televised broadcast, please share with us.
 
 God bless you all!
 
 Natasha
 
 Copyright 2013. Natasha Foreman Bryant. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha Foreman Bryant, unless otherwise noted. breakingbreadwithnatasha.com
 
 Scripture quotations marked HCSB are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Holman CSB®, and HCSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.
 
 
 
 

Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 11.29.13

But the leader of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, responded by telling the crowd, “There are six days when work should be done; therefore come on those days and be healed and not on the Sabbath day.”
 
 Luke 13:14 HCSB
 
 Pray
 Father may I never miss the opportunity to do good, to help others, to heal or be healed because of my limited thinking, or because of the influence of those with limited thinking. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
 
 Reflection
 Jesus taught and demonstrated that God’s love and healing power is not limited, restricted, or confined to specific days of the week, or seasons of the year. Jesus healed seven days a week and dared anyone to stop him. Jesus challenged people to think rationally and logically about healing and working on the sabbath—asking if they would allow prized livestock to drown or be lost simply because an incident took place on the sabbath.
 
 Never pass on the opportunity to share God’s light. Happy Friday family. Enjoy your weekend!
 
 Love always,
 
 Natasha
 
 Copyright 2013. Natasha Foreman Bryant. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha Foreman Bryant, unless otherwise noted.
 breakingbreadwithnatasha.com
 
 
 Scripture quotations marked HCSB are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Holman CSB®, and HCSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.
 
 
 

Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 11.28.13

In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
 
 Matthew 5:16 HCSB
 
 Pray
 Father I give thanks to You, Your son and my savior, Jesus Christ, and to those servants who do Your good works. May I give as fully and as freely. Giving You all the glory. Amen.
 
 Reflection
 Give thanks today not for the commercialized holiday, but for the spiritual relevance and application in your life. Be the giver that you want to see in others.
 
 Love always,
 
 Natasha
 
 Copyright 2013. Natasha Foreman Bryant. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha Foreman Bryant, unless otherwise noted.
 breakingbreadwithnatasha.com
 
 
 Scripture quotations marked HCSB are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Holman CSB®, and HCSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.
 
 

Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 11.27.13

There he found a man named Aeneas, who was paralyzed and had been bedridden for eight years. Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and make your bed,” and immediately he got up.
 
 Acts 9:33, 34 HCSB
 
 Pray
 Father heal me of all inflictions, fears, doubts, and pain. I believe that there are no limits to You and Your healing power. I believe that You sent Your son to give hope, to show us the way to You, and to show us how to live our lives and love others, as You intend. I want to serve Your Kingdom fully. Help me Lord. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
 
 Reflection
 With the same conviction Peter commanded Aeneas to get up, without doubt or hesitation Aeneas stood up. Aeneas believed without question. He believed in God’s healing and in God’s servants ability to heal through His power. How awesome would life be to have that faith and belief. Think about it.
 
 Love always,
 
 Natasha
 
 Copyright 2013. Natasha Foreman Bryant. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha Foreman Bryant, unless otherwise noted.
 breakingbreadwithnatasha.com
 
 
 Scripture quotations marked HCSB are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Holman CSB®, and HCSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.
 
 
 

Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 11.26.13

I said to Yahweh, “You are my Lord; I have nothing good besides You.”
 
 Psalms 16:2 HCSB
 
 Pray
 Father there is nothing and no one better, greater, stronger, wiser, more loving, more powerful, more capable, or more forgiving than You. Thank You for loving me fully. Amen.
 
 Reflection
 Consider if you loved as deeply, fully, and unconditionally as God does. Can you even fathom it?
 
 Lovingly your sister in Christ,
 
 Natasha
 
 Copyright 2013. Natasha Foreman Bryant. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha Foreman Bryant, unless otherwise noted.
 breakingbreadwithnatasha.com
 
 
 Scripture quotations marked HCSB are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Holman CSB®, and HCSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.
 
 
 

Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 11.25.13

“I tell you the truth,” He said. “This poor widow has put in more than all of them. For all these people have put in gifts out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on.”
 
 Luke 21:3, 4 HCSB
 
 Pray
 Father may I give of myself and my belongings as the widow. May I give even when I don’t think that I have anything left to give. May I have the patience and compassion to see in others Your love and Light, and may I do so with the humbleness of the widow. May I always see my cup as overflowed, and be willing to share my blessings with those who need it most.
 
 May I be quick to forgive even the most disgraceful. May I leave judgment even of the treacherous only to You. Even when it is time for me to end a relationship because it has reached its season, or fulfilled its reason, may I do so quickly and with love.
 
 Keep my head and heart on the right path, never lowering myself to the depths of others who are in pain, but rather may I share Your Truth and pray for them that they might find and embrace Your peace. Each day may I empty myself and still feel full. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
 
 Reflection
 Reject and rebuke the sense of entitlement that plagues many of our nations, communities, and families. The humble are not predators. God’s servants are not to be bullies and antagonists. God’s servants don’t succumb to the darkness of revenge. God’s servants don’t try to humiliate, embarrass, or de-dignify others.
 
 Look through the Bible and find the stories of various widows who humbly served and gave of themselves—their gifts and service far-exceeded the elitists and wealthy. Even in loss they were wealthier and more blessed than their so-called counterparts. Even when others mistreated them, ridiculed them, called them names, and tried to embarrass them, these women kept their heads up and walked with grace. We all have a lot to learn from them.
 
 Love always,
 
 Natasha
 
 Copyright 2013. Natasha Foreman Bryant. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha Foreman Bryant, unless otherwise noted.
 breakingbreadwithnatasha.com
 
 
 Scripture quotations marked HCSB are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Holman CSB®, and HCSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.
 
 

Saturday Recap: Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 11/18/13 to 11/22/13

Happy Saturday family! I’ve been posting all week from mostly-sunny Southern California, my birthplace and first home. I say mostly-sunny, because we’ve had a few rainy days (crazy to imagine right?) Other than that, it has been an awesome trip.
 
 I hope that you have had an amazing week. I hope that if you didn’t see it as amazing, that you saw it as productive, or as a blessing (because you’re here today). Maybe you feel and acknowledge all three. If so, that’s triply awesome! Now here’s a question for all of you, are you ready for this week’s recap? Well here you go..
 
 
 Monday- 11/18/13
 
 Read the daily message here:
 https://breakingbreadwithnatasha.wordpress.com/2013/11/18/natashas-daily-scripture-prayer-and-reflection-for-11-18-13/
 
 
 Tuesday- 11/19/13
 
 Read the daily message here:
 https://breakingbreadwithnatasha.wordpress.com/2013/11/19/natashas-daily-scripture-prayer-and-reflection-for-11-19-13/
 
 
 Wednesday- 11/20/13
 
 Read the daily message here:
 https://breakingbreadwithnatasha.wordpress.com/2013/11/20/natashas-daily-scripture-prayer-and-reflection-for-11-20-13/
 
 
 Thursday- 11/21/13
 
 Read the daily message here:
 https://breakingbreadwithnatasha.wordpress.com/2013/11/21/natashas-daily-scripture-prayer-and-reflection-for-11-21-13/
 
 
 Friday- 11/22/13
 
 Read the daily message here:
 https://breakingbreadwithnatasha.wordpress.com/2013/11/22/natashas-daily-scripture-prayer-and-reflection-for-11-22-13/
 
 
 Don’t forget that tomorrow is Sunday Sermon Share Day. If you hear or take part in an awesome sermon, please share your notes, highlights, scripture, or reflections with the rest of us. I don’t care if it’s a sermon from an online or televised broadcast, please share with us. I intend to attend church here in California, and if I do, I will post my notes from the service.
 
 God bless you all!
 
 Natasha
 
 Copyright 2013. Natasha Foreman Bryant. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha Foreman Bryant, unless otherwise noted. breakingbreadwithnatasha.com
 
 Scripture quotations marked HCSB are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Holman CSB®, and HCSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.
 
 
 
 

Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 11.22.13

But an hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth. Yes, the Father wants such people to worship Him. God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”
 
 John 4:23, 24 HCSB
 
 Pray
 Touch my heart so that I am filled with kindness, forgiveness, understanding, grace, and dignity—even when it isn’t being extended to me. Touch my heart to welcome, include, and embrace others—even when it isn’t being extended to me, and especially when others around me fear this inclusion, and would sway me to do otherwise.
 
 Thank You Father for helping me to walk away from those who were only to be in my life for a season or a reason. May You continue to bless them, heal them, and help them through their journey. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
 
 Reflection
 The Samaritan woman by the well was shocked at Jesus’ inclusive nature and willingness to speak with her, associate with her, and ask her for favor. He was a Jew, and in her understanding of the pecking order, Jews did not associate with, embrace, or ask for anything from Samaritans.
 
 Jesus’ openness allowed her to open up and be receptive to the gift and favor that he offered. He helped her to see past the finite and material senses that consumed her, and made her fixate on the obvious fact that Jesus requested water but had no bucket. Jesus helped her to see the spiritual bucket and the spiritual water, and his ability through God to quench her spiritual thirst. In their conversation barriers were removed, doubt was seized and tossed to the side, and belief was proclaimed. She believed and had faith without any visual proof of what Jesus was telling her.
 
 Although she had spent the better part of her life believing things to be one way, she did not belittle, ignore, or dismiss Jesus’ conflicting statements. She listened. She asked questions. She asked for clarification. Once satisfied, she embraced the new thinking.
 
 We need to work at being more open, receptive, and inclusive of others and their beliefs. You don’t have to convince someone to believe what you believe. If what you believe is pure and God’s Truth, then the seed that you have planted will take root, be nurtured, and grow. There’s no need to harass, bully, or manipulate people into doing, saying, or thinking a certain way. Jesus didn’t. Nor did Moses, Abraham, Jacob, Joshua, Mohammad, Buddha, or other great religious leaders and prophets. They shared and you made your own decision whether to believe and follow, or not.
 
 Let’s keep working on being better ambassadors of love.
 
 Love always,
 
 Natasha
 
 Copyright 2013. Natasha Foreman Bryant. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha Foreman Bryant, unless otherwise noted.
 breakingbreadwithnatasha.com
 
 
 Scripture quotations marked HCSB are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Holman CSB®, and HCSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.
 
 
 

Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 11.21.13

While He was still speaking, people came from the synagogue leader’s house and said, “Your daughter is dead. Why bother the Teacher anymore? ” But when Jesus overheard what was said, He told the synagogue leader, “Don’t be afraid. Only believe.” He did not let anyone accompany Him except Peter, James, and John, James’s brother.
 
 Mark 5:35-37 HCSB
 
 Pray
 Father may I always hear Your voice over others. May I believe as Your son taught and practiced. May I see past the physical and temporal, and see through the lens You have given me. You are greater than the diagnoses and prognoses. You are greater than the finite human capability. Father You see, feel, hear, sense, comprehend, and know what we cannot. Let me push past what I initially see or hear, to get to the core of what You want me to experience and realize. I pray for these things in Jesus’ name. Amen.
 
 Reflection
 Had the synagogue leader not ran to Jesus for help, his child may have never been healed, because he most likely would have allowed the crowd of so-called believers swayed his viewpoint, and forced him to believe that his daughter could not be healed—and then forced him to believe that she had passed away.
 
 The healing process requires faith and belief by someone involved, and when faced with the human “reality” of injury, sickness, or disease, any doubters will cloud the vision and quite possibly block the blessing of recovery. That is why Jesus only took inside with him those he knew truly believed that the child was not only still alive (asleep) but believed that Jesus would wake her. He only brought in believers of total healing and recovery. The doubters could stay outside and doubt. They served no purpose inside of the home because their energy and weakness is also contagious.
 
 Consider those around you. Those worry warts, doubters, sapsuckers, and energy drainers.
 
 Let me share some examples with you. You sneeze or cough one time and they have diagnosed you with the flu. You fall behind on your bills and they tell you to rush to a bankruptcy firm to file. You have an argument with your spouse, and they suggest you consider separation or divorce.
 
 Your child begins testing you and gets flippant, and the worry warts tell you that your child must be on drugs or in a gang (or both). You lose your job and they dump the world on your shoulders and convince you that if you get another job, it won’t be for 12-18 months minimum, and you will most likely take a huge cut in pay. You have been trying a few months to get pregnant, you make the mistake of mentioning this to a worry wart. This person then blows things out of proportion and now is fixated on the probability of you and/or your spouse being infertile, and your inability to conceive.
 
 Your loved one is in the military and you haven’t heard from them in months, the worry warts have told you of a possible MIA, POW situation. Your business isn’t where you had hoped it would be, they tell you to stop while you’re ahead and go get a job. A doctor tells you that he/she has found a lump in your breast, growth in your cervix, an abnormality in your lungs, or growth in your prostrate. The worry warts have diagnosed you with full-blown cancer with zero chances of recovery, and a life expectancy of less than one year. They cry on your shoulder and start going down memory lane with you, already “digging” your grave.
 
 Stay away from these people. If they are family, then limit what you share with them, and how much time you spend with them. Surround yourself with “Peter, James, and John, James’s brother” type of people. Surround yourself with true believers, faith walkers, and the Lydia’s who jump right in without question. Even in your fear and lack of faith, those who believe will help push you through. Those who believe will bring in the energy and light needed for you to fixate only on God and not on the problem.
 
 Is it dead or is it asleep, and just needs to be awakened? It is what you believe.
 
 Love always,
 
 Natasha
 
 Copyright 2013. Natasha Foreman Bryant. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha Foreman Bryant, unless otherwise noted.
 breakingbreadwithnatasha.com
 
 
 Scripture quotations marked HCSB are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Holman CSB®, and HCSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.
 
 
 

Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 11.20.13

Let us walk honestly, as in the day…
 
 Romans 13:13 KJV
 
 Pray
 Let me walk in Your Truth, honest, decent, humble, and with grace. Let me never be overly concerned with others assessment, but passionately focused on gaining Your approval. Let me move by Your Spirit and not by man’s fear or manipulation. Let me serve to lead, and lead to serve. Amen.
 
 Reflection
 Honesty, decency, and humility are three heavy-hitters that knock down lies, mistreatment of others and self, and ego (and self-absorption). I want to leave a legacy as a servant leader, yet I’m not concerned with the accolades from man—the results speak loudly, and God’s love and forgiveness overshadows everything and everyone else.
 
 As an adult I have tried to leave even my worst adversary with their dignity, agreeing to disagree, and agreeing that the best solution at times is to walk away and let God deal with it without our interference. I refuse to “kick” someone while they are down, and I refuse to “strip” someone of their perceived worth for my gain. Although I always want the truth revealed, I will not fight with the purpose and goal of tearing someone else down. God’s Truth is always revealed, right on time. My efforts won’t necessarily speed up the process, and especially if my motives are not pure. In that case, the process will always be slowed to a crawl, because it is then no longer about God, and mostly about me.
 
 Have you noticed this process in your life? Have you noticed that even when trying to do good, if a large part of your motivation is for self, the process is delayed and oftentimes bumpy? All things good must be done with God as the foundation, source, motivation, and reason. The feeling of achieving that should outweigh any awards and accolades that man could ever bestow upon you.
 
 I serve for Him not for me. I give for Him not for me. I live for Him not for me. Each day I say and give thanks for the breath that I take, because it is God’s will and grace that blesses me with another day to serve as He sees fit. I can’t take the awards and human recognition with me to the next level of existence, but I can take the feelings and warmth received from each person who I touched directly and indirectly. I can embrace God’s love and forgiveness. That my friends is priceless.
 
 Love always,
 
 Natasha
 
 Copyright 2013. Natasha Foreman Bryant. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha Foreman Bryant, unless otherwise noted.
 breakingbreadwithnatasha.com
 
 
 
 
 

Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 11.19.13

A woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God, was listening. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was spoken by Paul. After she and her household were baptized, she urged us, “If you consider me a believer in the Lord, come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us.
 
 Acts 16:14, 15 HCSB
 
 Pray
 Father I pray for a recommitment with the passion, zeal, and all-in mindset of Lydia. Remove from me the hesitation, and the fear of what my service means and where it will lead. If I am to venture farther and deeper than a level of comfort, then push me Father.
 
 May I remain opened, but expanded further to embrace even more of Your children–especially the least of these who go unnoticed, overlooked, and dismissed. Mold my receptors to seek out and to accept those who come by way for guidance, dignity, and empowerment. I pray in Jesus’ name that You grant me these abilities. Amen.
 
 Reflection
 Lydia didn’t enter into the Christian “pool” like I tip toe into an actual pool. No, Lydia dove right in and didn’t hesitate to immediately reach out to others. She didn’t hesitate to over her home to the disciples. She knew her purpose was to serve and she immediately became of service. We waste too many precious moments and days tiptoeing through life and through our obligations to God, His Kingdom, and His children. Let’s jump in. Choose your method, belly flop, cannonball, back flip, front flip, cartwheel, or run down the steps and lunge in—whatever method you choose don’t waste any time committing and acting.
 
 Don’t worry or be fearful of what your commitment may mean in the long-term. Don’t be fearful of those words that ring from others mouths when they speak of and see in you a greatness beyond your vision for yourself. Don’t be fearful of the leadership role others see you filling. Just commit. God will work out the details of any and all transitions that you will make. Just commit.
 
 Love always,
 
 Natasha
 
 Copyright 2013. Natasha Foreman Bryant. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha Foreman Bryant, unless otherwise noted.
 breakingbreadwithnatasha.com
 
 
 Scripture quotations marked HCSB are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Holman CSB®, and HCSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.
 
 
 

Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 11.18.13

When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
 
 John 8:10, 11 KJV
 
 Pray
 Mold out of me the sense of entitlement to judge others. I have sinned and would not want man holding me accountable to their interpretation of Your Law, and my punishment or forgiveness under that Law. Mold into me a heart of acceptance, regardless of what others say, or how they feel. My only concern and focus is You. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
 
 Reflection
 Who are we to judge others? Who are we to dictate how others should live, love, and worship? We are the debtors, cheaters, liars, abusers, manipulators, hypocrites, fakers, and schemers—yet we feel entitled to judge others. We are the deadbeat moms and dads, tax evaders, porn collectors, fornicators, adulterers, drug and alcohol addicts, sex addicts, serial monogamists, chauvinists, thieving religious leaders, rapists, murderers, bigots, racists, and elitists—yet we feel entitled to judge others. Where in our twisted minds did we get a memo that said we have the right to do God and Jesus’ job?
 
 Jesus said that those who have never sinned were the ones who could cast the first stone, and all of those so-called religious leaders had to walk off fast, and in a hurry. Who amongst us is without sin? How can we then tell people who they can love, where they can live, how they are to worship, and how much their life is worth?
 
 We have used the Bible to condone slavery, abuse of women and children, rape, murder, the start of wars, racism, sexism, classism, pedophilia, robbing church members of their hard-earned money so that we can build bigger and flashier churches, and place our so-called religious leaders in fancier homes and cars—while paying them millions to do what Jesus and his disciples did for free.
 
 We are fortunate to have God’s grace upon us this day, because He could easily wipe us out like Sodom and Gomorrah, or worse, like the great flood (where he only spared Noah, his immediate family, and two of each animal and creature) and start over from scratch.
 
 We should stand up and speak out against those who victimize, take advantage of, and snatch the purity away from others. We should embrace those who mutually love, uplift, restore, and empower others. The adult couple who love each other and cause no harm to others, should not be judged by us. If God does not approve of their relationship, that is His situation to deal with. Do we think that He can’t handle it? Do we think that we can resolve things better and faster than He? We have our own problems and our own sins we must deal with and atone for, get out of other people’s business, especially if their issues aren’t negatively impacting others.
 
 Love always,
 
 Natasha
 
 Copyright 2013. Natasha Foreman Bryant. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha Foreman Bryant, unless otherwise noted.
 breakingbreadwithnatasha.com
 
 
 
 
 

Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 11.14.13

Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him and praise His name. For Yahweh is good, and His love is eternal; His faithfulness endures through all generations.
 
 Psalms 100:4, 5 HCSB
 
 Pray
 Father please continue to protect and strengthen me. Protect my family. Give me the strength to deal with the uncomfortable and intolerable. Heal me of inflictions and rid me of those qualities that You don’t like. Cloak me with love so that I reflect You at all times. I’m so grateful for Your love, presence, power, and mercy. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
 
 Reflection
 Are you truly thankful for your life and all that God has provided for you? Or would you admit that there are times when you complain, have pity parties, or think that you are missing out?
 
 Do you say, “I’m blessed and highly favored” but walk around stressed out, freaked out, and high strung?
 
 Even if you are battling illness, disease, or physical ailments, do you thank God for life or do you instead focus on the negative issues plaguing you?
 
 Where are you spiritually?
 
 We must check ourselves and be honest about the type of person and Christian we claim to be. We can’t be more like Jesus lying to ourselves and thinking that God can’t see past our masks.
 
 Love always,
 
 Natasha
 
 Copyright 2013. Natasha Foreman Bryant. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha Foreman Bryant, unless otherwise noted.
 breakingbreadwithnatasha.com
 
 
 Scripture quotations marked HCSB are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Holman CSB®, and HCSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.
 
 
 
 

Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 11.13.13

Now in this hope we were saved, yet hope that is seen is not hope, because who hopes for what he sees?
 
 Romans 8:24 HCSB
 
 Pray
 Father I pray that I may always be content and grateful with whatever blessing You see fit for me to receive. Thank You for protecting me even in my carelessness. Humbly I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
 
 Reflection
 
 This passage is what I would call, “deep”. Who hopes for what they see? Think about that for a moment. We desire what we see. We even envy what we see. But do we hope for what we see? Can we hope for what we spiritually see?
 
 Is hoping for an end to poverty, racism, sexism, religious persecution possible because it hasn’t taken place, because we can’t “see” it? Hope is very deep. Hope changes people and communities. It can shift paradigms.
 
 Of all the blessings received do you find yourself still yearning for more? Do you see yourself deserving of these gifts or do you at times feel guilty? Are you content where you are and with what you have?
 
 Share your thoughts.
 
 Natasha
 
 
 Copyright 2013. Natasha Foreman Bryant. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha Foreman Bryant, unless otherwise noted.
 breakingbreadwithnatasha.com
 
 
 Scripture quotations marked HCSB are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Holman CSB®, and HCSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.
 
 
 

Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 11.12.13

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.
 
 2 Peter 3:18 HCSB
 
 Pray
 Father protect my mind, body, heart, soul and spirit. Help me to be more graceful, loving, kind, and considerate. I pray to be humble. I pray to be more like Jesus. In His name I pray. Amen.
 
 Reflection
 You should pray for continued growth and pray that in that growth you become more like Jesus, our way shower.
 
 Love,
 
 Natasha
 
 
 
 Copyright 2013. Natasha Foreman Bryant. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha Foreman Bryant, unless otherwise noted.
 breakingbreadwithnatasha.com
 
 
 Scripture quotations marked HCSB are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Holman CSB®, and HCSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.
 
 

Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 11.11.13

Today’s message from Joel and Victoria Osteen came right on time. Enjoy and don’t forget to honor those veterans past and present who bravely sacrificed so that we can have the freedoms many of us take for granted.
 
 Love,
 
 Natasha
 
 ————————————
 
 Don’t Let the Storm In
 
 TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
 “Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘Peace, be still!’ And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.”
 Mark 4:39, NKJV
 
 TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria
 Have you ever thought about the fact that a boat can be surrounded by water, sailing through a vast ocean with water for miles in every direction, but it’s not any problem unless the boat starts taking on the water? If the boat starts allowing the ocean to come inside, before long, it will sink.
 
 The same principle is true in life. You can have trouble all around you — stress, frustration and worry. But the good news is, just like that boat, you don’t have to allow what’s on the outside get on the inside. When difficult times come, you don’t have to be overwhelmed by the waves of worry or fear. What should you do? Follow the example of Jesus. When He was in the midst of the storm, He stood up and spoke to the storm.
 
 Always remember, no matter what storms may come against you, the Greater One lives on the inside of you. Turn to Him and walk in His power. Don’t let the storm in, and speak peace to every area of your life!
 
 
 A PRAYER FOR TODAY
 Father, thank You for filling me with Your Holy Spirit and empowering me to stand against the storms of life. Today I declare peace over every area of my life and thank You for working things out for my good in Jesus’ name. Amen.
 — Joel & Victoria Osteen
 
 
 Copyright 2013. Natasha Foreman Bryant. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha Foreman Bryant, unless otherwise noted.
 breakingbreadwithnatasha.com
 
 
 

Saturday Recap: Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 11/4/13 to 11/8/13

Happy Saturday family! Are you ready for the recap? Here you go..
 
 
 Monday- 11/4/13
 
 Read the daily message here:
 https://breakingbreadwithnatasha.wordpress.com/2013/11/04/natashas-daily-scripture-prayer-and-reflection-for-11-4-13/
 
 
 Tuesday- 11/5/13
 
 Read the daily message here:
 https://breakingbreadwithnatasha.wordpress.com/2013/11/05/natashas-daily-scripture-prayer-and-reflection-for-11-5-13/
 
 
 Wednesday- 11/6/13
 
 Read the daily message here:
 https://breakingbreadwithnatasha.wordpress.com/2013/11/06/natashas-daily-scripture-prayer-and-reflection-for-11-6-13/
 
 
 Thursday- 11/7/13
 
 Read the daily message here:
 https://breakingbreadwithnatasha.wordpress.com/2013/11/07/natashas-daily-scripture-prayer-and-reflection-for-11-7-13/
 
 
 Friday- 11/8/13
 
 Read the daily message here:
 https://breakingbreadwithnatasha.wordpress.com/2013/11/08/natashas-daily-scripture-prayer-and-reflection-for-11-8-13/
 
 
 Don’t forget that tomorrow is Sunday Sermon Share Day. If you hear or take part in an awesome sermon, please share your notes, highlights, scripture, or reflections with the rest of us. I don’t care if it’s a sermon from an online or televised broadcast, please share with us. I intend to do the same.
 
 I missed church last week which was an absolute bummer, but that doesn’t mean you can’t share your notes or highlights with me and I then repost for others to read, study, enjoy, and share. Make sense?
 
 God bless you all!
 
 Natasha
 
 Copyright 2013. Natasha Foreman Bryant. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha Foreman Bryant, unless otherwise noted. breakingbreadwithnatasha.com
 
 Scripture quotations marked HCSB are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Holman CSB®, and HCSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.
 
 
 
 

Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 11.8.13

First of all, you should know this: No prophecy of Scripture comes from one’s own interpretation, because no prophecy ever came by the will of man; instead, men spoke from God as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.
 
 2 Peter 1:20, 21 HCSB
 
 Pray
 Father protect me from false prophets. Let me always hear Your voice and see Your Truth. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
 
 Reflection
 Don’t be fooled by those claiming to have the gift of prophesy or the ability to translate it, or those claiming to have a greater connection with God.
 
 Love,
 Natasha
 
 Copyright 2013. Natasha Foreman Bryant. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha Foreman Bryant, unless otherwise noted.
 breakingbreadwithnatasha.com
 
 
 Scripture quotations marked HCSB are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Holman CSB®, and HCSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.
 
 
 
 

Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 11.7.13

You Are in Control of Your Happiness
 
 TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
 “…No one can take away your joy.”
 
 John 16:22, NIV
 
 TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria
 
 Life may not have turned out the way you planned, but you still have the power to be happy right where you are. God is the source of all joy, and when God gives you something, nothing in the world can take it away.
 
  That means other people cannot make you unhappy, no circumstance can force you to get upset. Nothing can take your joy; you have to give it away. You’re in complete control of your happiness.
 
 Think of it this way: If somebody is rude to you, what they’re really saying is, “Give me your joy.” Somebody cuts you off in traffic, “Let me have your joy.” Somebody ignores you or leaves you out of a meeting; they’re just asking for your joy.
 
 You have a choice. You can give it to them by going around upset, frustrated and offended. Or, you can make a much better decision and say, “No thanks, I need my joy. I’m not going to get upset because you were rude and didn’t speak to me. I’m not going to be frustrated because you cut me off in traffic. I’ve already made up my mind that I’m going to live this day happy!”
 
 Instead of giving them your joy, give them mercy, grace and understanding. Give them the benefit of the doubt and keep your joy because only you are in control of your happiness!
 
 
 A PRAYER FOR TODAY
 Father, today I hold on to joy. I refuse to give it up, and I refuse to let go of my peace. Give me Your strength today as I keep my heart and mind focused on Your love in Jesus’ name. Amen.
 — Joel & Victoria Osteen
 
 
 Copyright 2013. Natasha Foreman Bryant. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha Foreman Bryant, unless otherwise noted.
 breakingbreadwithnatasha.com
 
 
 Scripture quotations marked HCSB are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Holman CSB®, and HCSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.
 
 

Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 11.6.13

For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with goodness, goodness with knowledge, knowledge with self-control, self-control with endurance, endurance with godliness, godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they will keep you from being useless or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. The person who lacks these things is blind and shortsighted and has forgotten the cleansing from his past sins.
 
 2 Peter 1:5-9 HCSB
 
 Pray
 Father I pray for the balance needed to be loving and loved, to forgive others and myself, and to have control over my emotions and actions. Amen.
 
 
 Reflection
 Humble yourself. Never forget who you are and to Whom you belong.
 
 Love,
 
 Natasha
 
 
 Copyright 2013. Natasha Foreman Bryant. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha Foreman Bryant, unless otherwise noted.
 breakingbreadwithnatasha.com
 
 
 Scripture quotations marked HCSB are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Holman CSB®, and HCSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.