Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 12.31.13

Such are the paths of all who forget God; the hope of the godless shall perish.
 
 Job 8:13 ESV
 
 Pray
 Father thank You for this day. I am grateful for the life that You have given me. I am thankful for the lessons that I have learned, and for the growth in every area of my life. All good that comes to me is because of You, and I thank You for Your favor. May my life always be filled with faith, love, and hope. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
 
 Reflection
 May you never lose focus of what’s important in your life, your priorities, and those who God has bound to you. Don’t be like the man in the canoe who closed his eyes and napped, only to be awakened by chaos because he had gone off course. Keep your eyes and mind focused on the path, and you will never stray and be lost.
 
 Today is the last day of this year. What has been done has been done, and tomorrow we enter a new year, with new opportunities and even more challenges. Don’t dwell on past mistakes, just work harder to make future improvements. Live for today and with the same passion and urgency as you would if you knew it was your last day.
 
 It’s been such a blessing, this wraps up my fourth year of sharing my Breaking Bread daily scriptures. Each year I grow stronger, wiser, and closer to God. I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve in this capacity. I will always remain open to whatever God has in store for me.
 
 I pray that God fills each of you with peace and joy, today and all days. I look forward to connecting with you in 2014. God bless you!
 
 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 12.30.13

So they are no longer two, but one. God has joined them together, so no one should separate them.”
 
 Matthew 19:6 ERV
 
 Pray
 Father please protect what You have brought together. Protect this union from outsiders, from temptation, and from the enemy. Protect this union and others from fear and doubt, envy and jealousy, insecurity, and from the frustration that comes from hard work. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
 
 Reflection
 I’ve been hearing more stories of divorce, separation, and marital troubles, and it truly bothers me because marriage is very sacred in my opinion. I entered marriage with my eyes and heart wide open, and with an understanding of what it means to me, what the Bible says it means to God, and what my vows mean to my life and well being. I pray for my marriage and I pray for other married couples. I also pray for those who are contemplating marriage.
 
 Marriage should not be entered into lightly and casually. It is a commitment that binds two people together for as long as they live. People should not marry if they won’t remain spiritually, emotionally, physically, and sexually committed to their partner. People should not marry if they don’t want to answer to anyone else, be accountable to someone, and have to put someone before them.
 
 If you aren’t the monogamous type, don’t get married. You can’t occasionally or frequently “slip up” and commit adultery and think that it is acceptable to God or your spouse. There are no “passes” for adulterers. There is a reason that this sin is listed as one of God’s commandments. It is as serious as committing murder.
 
 Marriage won’t make a strayer faithful. Marriage won’t turn a liar into an honorable and truthful person. That’s like a person thinking that getting pregnant will make an unstable relationship solid, or make a person want to commit to a relationship.
 
 If your marriage has been (or is being) challenged don’t run, don’t tear it apart—pray and work. If one of you are being tempted to stray (or you have strayed) from your marriage, cease your outside engagement. If your marriage is being attacked by an outsider(s), distance yourself from them, and cut off all ties. Stop calling, emailing, texting, speaking to, seeing, or spending time with the other person(s).
 
 Whatever you feel or believe is lacking in your marriage, work together to fill in the “gaps” with the missing components or with something of equal or greater value. Surround yourself with people who support your union and will serve as “blockers” of attacks by the enemy and outsiders.
 
 Change your thinking then your ways.
 
 Today I read a quote that made me smile, and I hope to reflect on it for as long as God gives me life. Enjoy!
 
  “I will remember always that marriage, like life, is a journey – not a destination – and that its treasures are found not just at the end but all along the way.” -Anon.
 
 We only have today and tomorrow left in 2013. Why wait until 2014 to begin walking on the straightened path? Why not begin today.
 
 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 12.25.13

Earth, sing to the Lord! Be happy as you serve the Lord! Come before him with happy songs!
 
 Psalms 100:1, 2 ERV
 
 Pray
 Father thank You for another day. Thank You for giving me this day to sing and praise Your name and to show my gratitude for my life, and for the sacrifices that Jesus made so that I could be here today. As I serve You, I know that it is only because of Your love, will, and grace. Thank You for giving me what I don’t deserve. Thank You for picking me up when I naively and ignorantly fall. Thank You for allowing me learn as You mold me. I humbly praise You Father. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
 
 Reflection
 Today turn on some music, or make your own, and then sing and dance as freely and as long as you want—-praising God for the gift of life, and the gift of Jesus. Merry CHRISTmas to all of you!
 
 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
 
 
 
 

Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 12.24.13

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. I apologize for not posting yesterday. I was under the weather fighting food poisoning and completely lost track of my days. But I’m on it today as I share another moving, stirring, and Amen’ing word and prayer from Joel and Victoria Osteen. If any of you would like to share some inspirational words from others, or directly from your heart, please do. That’s why we all are here on this blog!
 
 Tomorrow is Christmas Day. We celebrate it for many reasons, but most importantly in honor of the birth of Jesus Christ, and what his birth has afforded all of us. Think of how Jesus has impacted your life over the years and most recently when you read the awesomeness below. Think of Christmas Eve and what Mary, pregnant with the child of God, was thinking and experiencing as she prepared to labor to save each and everyone of us. Wow! Wow! Wow! The eve before Jesus’ birth was also very special. Let’s not forget to also honor it today.
 
 May God continue to bless all of you. May you have a safe journey wherever you may going today and the rest of this week. Merry Christmas my spiritual brothers and sisters!
 
 Love,
 Natasha
 
 ———————————————————————————-
 
 Get Back Up Again
 
 TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
 “For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again…”
 (Proverbs 24:16, NIV)
 
 TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria
 Life is full of things that try to push us down. We all face disappointments and setbacks. Maybe you received some bad news about your health, or perhaps a relationship didn’t work out. That was a setback. It’s easy to get discouraged or lose your enthusiasm or even be tempted to just settle where you are. But if we’re going to see God’s best, we have to have a “bounce back” mentality. That means when you get knocked down, you don’t stay down. You get back up again. You have to know that every time adversity comes against you, it’s a setup for a comeback!
 
 Remember, as a believer in Jesus, the same power that raised Christ from the dead lives on the inside of you. There is no challenge too difficult, no obstacle too high, no sickness, no disappointment, no person, nothing that can keep you from your God-given destiny. If you stay in faith, then God will turn what was meant to be a stumbling block into a stepping stone, and you’ll move forward in strength, full of faith and victory!
 
 
 A PRAYER FOR TODAY
 Father, thank You for setting me up for success in everything I do. I choose to trust and rely on You knowing that Your plans are for my good. I know my best days are ahead of me and look forward to the blessings You have in store for me 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 12/16/13 to 12/20/13

Happy Saturday family! Below please find the recap for this week’s Breaking Bread posts. I look forward to a healthy discussion this weekend and next week. Let’s do this!
 
 
 Monday- 12/16/13
 
 Read the daily message here:
 https://breakingbreadwithnatasha.wordpress.com/2013/12/16/natashas-daily-scripture-prayer-and-reflection-for-12-16-13/
 
 
 Tuesday- 12/17/13
 
 Read the daily message here:
 https://breakingbreadwithnatasha.wordpress.com/2013/12/17/natashas-daily-scripture-prayer-and-reflection-for-12-17-13/
 
 
 Wednesday- 12/18/13
 
 Read the daily message here:
 https://breakingbreadwithnatasha.wordpress.com/2013/12/18/natashas-daily-scripture-prayer-and-reflection-for-12-18-13/
 
 Thursday- 12/19/13
 
 Read the daily message here:
 https://breakingbreadwithnatasha.wordpress.com/2013/12/19/natashas-daily-scripture-prayer-and-reflection-for-12-19-13/
 
 
 Friday- 12/20/13
 
 Read the daily message here:
 https://breakingbreadwithnatasha.wordpress.com/2013/12/20/natashas-daily-scripture-prayer-and-reflection-for-12-20-13/
 
 
 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 12.20.13

Jesus was born in the town of Bethlehem in Judea during the time when Herod was king. After Jesus was born, some wise men from the east came to Jerusalem. They asked people, “Where is the child who has been born to be the king of the Jews? We saw the star that shows he was born. We saw it rise in the sky in the east and have come to worship him.”
 
 When King Herod heard about this, it upset him as well as everyone else in Jerusalem. Herod called a meeting of all the leading Jewish priests and teachers of the law. He asked them where the Messiah would be born.
 
 Matthew 2:1-4 ERV
 
 Pray
 Father protect me from my fears and from those who do or would fear my growth and success. Amen.
 
 Reflection
 The power of Jesus and what his birth represented to the masses threatened the way of life for thousands, threatened those who thought they were destined to lead, and caused an immediate ripple in the ‘waves’.
 
 Re-read the above verses.
 
 King Herod, Jewish priests and teachers of the law came together fearing the end of their reign and control over the people. They were plotting and planning against a child. A child. They knew his power. They knew he was the son of God. They knew he would see straight through them and see them for who they truly were. They knew that the masses would follow and serve him. How amazing, yet pitifully sad is that?
 
 In our own lives we will have people who fear our growth, development, and success. We will have people who will want and seek ways to bring about our failure. This is just one reason to stay prayed up and keep your eyes on the Lord. Enjoy your day and weekend.
 
 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
 
 
 

Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 12.19.13

Lord, hear my voice. Be kind and answer me. My heart told me to come to you, Lord, so I am coming to ask for your help. Don’t turn away from me. Don’t be angry with your servant. You are the only one who can help me. My God, don’t leave me all alone. You are my Savior. Even if my mother and father leave me, the Lord will take me in.
 
 Psalms 27:7-10 ERV
 
 Pray
 Father slow me down so that I take the time after I pray to wait for Your answer.
 
 Reflection
 At church on Sunday, the pastor said something that hit home with me. He said that many of us say a prayer and then rush off into our day, then wonder why our prayers were ‘never answered’. He said that we must sit, wait, listen, and watch for God’s answer. God may present our blessing in a unique way. He also may not give us what we are asking for, but He may present something else for us. Additionally, sometimes the prayer that you thought was never answered, actually was, but you were so consumed in your drama you just didn’t realize it.
 
 “Prayer isn’t supposed to be (just about) us asking God to do something for us, it’s supposed to be our conversation with Him. But many of us think that all we have to do is put in a request, walk away, and then get what we want. It doesn’t work that way,” the pastor said.
 
 How many of you have a similar relationship with God?
 
 How many of you say a prayer for healing or relief from familial or societal pressures, and after saying the prayer you simply walk away ‘leaving it to God’, expect an immediate resolution to the situation, or ask for a ‘sign’? This can’t be a one-sided relationship.
 
 It reminds me of the story of the man lost at sea, holding on for dear life to a piece of wood (or some other item) and fearing drowning, he prays to God to rescue him. Various birds, sea creatures and sea mammals came to him to help but each time he said, “No, God will rescue me”. The man drowned and passed away and when he went to heaven he questioned God and asked why He didn’t answer his prayers and pleas. God said, (and please remember that I’m paraphrasing this fable) “I did. I sent birds and other animals to rescue you and you refused their help…”
 
 How many ‘signs’ did he need? How many instances did he turn down rescue attempts because in his mind he expected some grandiose rescue by God. I don’t know about you, but a bird or whale coming to rescue me is pretty grand!
 
 When you read the Bible and you read of the numerous men and women who prayed and had conversations with God, you will notice that none of these moments were rushed, and in every instance, the person involved was committed to their talks with Him.
 
 I recall a story my father told me of a woman his family knew (or knew of) who was committed to a mental hospital because neighbors had witnessed her talking ‘with God’ as she sat in her backyard each day. This woman was speaking aloud in prayer and speaking to God about whatever struggles or blessings she was experiencing, and was deemed mentally ill and institutionalized. She was spending time with our Heavenly Father, as we all should, and she was punished by man for it. This explains why many people pray silently.
 
 It doesn’t matter if we pray aloud or silently. What does matter is our intent, expectations, and our involvement in prayer. When we pray we must wait and watch for God’s answer. We must remember that prayer isn’t a vending machine that you simply invest a little time and expect a large payoff, nor should we expect immediate results. Sometimes it is delayed, and sometimes it comes a different way than what we expected. But we have to be present spiritually, mentally, and physically to receive 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
 
 
 

Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 12.18.13

Then the man who makes announcements for the king spoke in a loud voice, “All you people from many nations and language groups, listen to me. This is what you are commanded to do: You must bow down as soon as you hear the sound of all the musical instruments. When you hear the horns, flutes, lyres, sambucas, harps, bagpipes, and all the other musical instruments, you must worship the gold idol. King Nebuchadnezzar has set this idol up. Whoever does not bow down and worship this gold idol will immediately be thrown into a very hot furnace.”
 
 So as soon as they heard the sound of the horns, flutes, lyres, sambucas, bagpipes, and all the other musical instruments, they bowed down and worshiped the gold idol. All the peoples, nations, and different language groups there worshiped the gold idol that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.
 
 Daniel 3:4-7 ERV
 
 Pray
 Father may I always have my eyes, heart, and mind connected to You. I pray that I don’t sell out to other sources, people, or things, but that I would rather sacrifice all the comfort and wealth just to be Your servant. I would rather have Your love, protection, healing, and guidance than all of the money and resources in the world. Through You I am and always will be wealthy. I hope to never forget this. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
 
 Reflection
 
 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego weren’t the only people to refuse to bow down to the golden idol, but they definitely ruffled enough feathers and demonstrated their faith in God on a large enough scale that it is their story we read today.
 
 How many people have sold out and bowed down to idols? How many have sold out for a job or career, car, house, money, jewelry, for a relationship with someone, or for a way out of a situation that they believed was hopeless?
 
 What if we had the trust and faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego? What if we truly believed that God would see us through, and if He didn’t, then He had something else planned for us—and we would willingly take that journey, how would our lives and daily walk be different? The fear of the unknown holds us back, but have you read the story of the twins in the mother’s womb? I re-posted it on my blog:
 
 
 There’s an unknown long before our birth and we don’t know what to expect on the other side, but when it’s our time we come out and enter the world kicking and screaming, until we realize that everything is okay, and that unseen source that took care of us for so long is real.
 
 If you say God is real then you have to work at letting go of the perceived safety net that keeps you from giving your all to Him. It’s only choking you off and blocking your blessings.
 
 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
 
 
 
 

Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 12.17.13

But after Joseph thought about this, an angel from the Lord came to him in a dream. The angel said, “Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid to accept Mary to be your wife. The baby inside her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son. You will name him Jesus. Give him that name because he will save his people from their sins.” All this happened to make clear the full meaning of what the Lord said through the prophet: “The virgin will be pregnant and will give birth to a son. They will name him Immanuel.” (Immanuel means “God with us.”)
 
 Matthew 1:20-23 ERV
 
 Pray
 Bring me closer Father. I want to be saved. I don’t want Jesus’ struggle, torment, and sacrifice to be in vain. In his name I pray for forgiveness, strength, courage, and shelter. Amen.
 
 Reflection
 The name “Jesus” was common during his time. If you read the entire Bible you will see references to other men named Jesus. The name Jesus is a translation from “Yeshua” which means “Yahweh saves” and “Yahweh” is another name for God. The word “Christ” is Greek for “anointed” so Jesus Christ was the anointed sent by God to save His children. Next week is Christmas, which was once called Christ’s Mass, which celebrated his birth, and was later shortened to one word.
 
 Why do you celebrate Christmas? Why do you celebrate his birth every year? Even if we have the date and month wrong (because references in the Bible clearly note his birth in what we would consider the season of Spring) none of this matters, because as a whole we come together around the world honoring, celebrating, and remembering our savior, and what his life has meant and now means to us.
 
 How has your thinking about Jesus and Christmas changed since your childhood? Since your early years as an adult? How has it changed over the last few years? Has it matured? Do you question more of the details? Or are you simply caught up in the holiday and the season of gift giving, food sharing and consumption, and maybe time off from work? What does Christmas mean to you, and what are you doing to help spread God and Jesus’ love for us with others?
 
 Please share. I would love to hear from you and I’m sure my other readers would also.
 
 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
 
 
 
 

Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 12.16.13

Be sure that you continue to follow the teaching you heard from the beginning. If you do that, you will always be in the Son and in the Father. And this is what the Son promised us—eternal life.
 
 1 John 2:24, 25 ERV
 
 Pray
 Father I seek a consistency in my commitment and service to You. I seek growth but a never wavering belief in Your Word. Strengthen me in my walk. Help me to be a better student. I seek You always. In Your son Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
 
 Reflection
 The light that you feel inside when you have connected to God and our savior Jesus Christ, is the Truth that Jesus taught. Hold on tight to that teaching and let it guide you through your walk to eternal life. As you grow as a student you should be more determined to stay focused on the path God has placed before you. When you waver, when doubt slips in, pray for refocus, and the strength to continue.
 
 Our earliest understanding of love was shared with us as children. The majority of us still believe in that love so we seek it and try our best to share it. We should do the same with the teaching of the Truth we first heard and embraced. Seek it and share it. Through our commitment we will find and receive salvation.
 
 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
 
 
 
 

Sunday Sermon Share Day: Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 12/15/13

Welcome to Sunday Sermon Share Day for 12/15/13
 
 Today’s sermon comes from Destiny Metropolitan Worship Church in Marietta, Georgia. Taught by Dr. Bryan E. Crute
 
 Today’s Subject is: Live W.E.L.L.! – Christmas Presence
 
 Today’s Scripture selections from are:
 Romans 12:14-18 (LB)
 1 Peter 3:8-11 (GNT)
 Colossians 3:15 (AMP)
 Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT)
 1 Peter 3:12-14 (NIV)
 Ecclesiastes 8:15 (CEV)
 Proverbs 17:22 (GNT)
 Proverbs 17:28 (ESV)
 James 1:19-21 (MSG)
 
 Highlights from Today’s Sermon:
 “If someone mistreats you because you are a Christian, don’t curse him; pray that God will bless him. When others are happy, be happy with them. If they are sad, share their sorrow.Work happily together. Don’t try to act big. Don’t try to get into the good graces of important people, but enjoy the company of ordinary folks. And don’t think you know it all!Never pay back evil for evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honest clear through. Don’t quarrel with anyone. Be at peace with everyone, just as much as possible.” Romans 12:14-18 (LB)
 
 Peace: freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions
 
 If you don’t have money to buy gifts, don’t let that upset your peace. If you do have the money, thank God for it. We must seek and embrace the peace, don’t wait for someone to initiate it.
 
 To live W.E.L.L., I must learn to…
 
 1. Waive my right to retaliate against others.
 
 “To conclude: you must all have the same attitude and the same feelings; love one another, and be kind and humble with one another. Do not pay back evil with evil or cursing with cursing; instead, pay back with a blessing, because a blessing is what God promised to give you when he called you. As the scripture says, “If you want to enjoy life and wish to see good times, you must keep from speaking evil and stop telling lies. You must turn away from evil and do good; you must strive for peace with all your heart.” 1 Peter 3:8-11 (GNT)
 
 Waiving your right to retaliate takes you (as God says) and not God. When you are in a position to retaliate (and may be entitled to) waive your right to do so.
 
 When you get bad service at the store, restaurant, etc don’t use that as your opportunity to lash out and retaliate for all of the wrongdoing against you.
 
 It’s not always what you say but how you say it.
 
 What does humility look like to you (in your world)? What do you look like being humble?
 
 Do you know what dying to yourself look like? How do you die to yourself when you don’t know yourself? Deny yourself the pleasure of laying someone out when they deserve to be laid out in your opinion. Close your mouth and don’t react.
 
 Example: Holiday traffic, your turn signal is on in the parking lot (or on the street) and you’re hoping that other drivers will be gracious, but instead they speed up and they try to block you from making your turn, and the other drivers behind that driver do the same thing—-what are you supposed to do?
 
 Do you blow your horn? That’s retaliatory. Do you force your way over anyway? That’s retaliatory. Do you give a “magical finger”? That’s retaliatory (besides all of the fingers on your hand are supposed to be raised together). Do you stop your vehicle? You may not want to do that because you may have a lot of vehicle horns blowing. You may have to just keep driving farther down and re-route yourself to get to your destination. Don’t retaliate. Waive your right to retaliate. God is working on you.
 
 Traffic example is used because a lot of people lose their mind and forget about God when caught up in traffic.
 
 Peace is serving as the umpire. When you retaliate then you get a strike against you. Three strikes and you’re out.
 
 The most well-intending people can get on your nerves. You can respond or you can realize that God is testing you. Don’t tell the person(s) that you know God is testing them using them, just pass the test.
 
 Some of you have failed a test on your way from church.
 
 “And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ’s] one body you were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always].” Colossians 3:15 (AMP)
 
 2. Express my cares to God.
 
 “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT)
 
 Amazing how these letters are written to Christians. Why do you think that is? Because Christians lie. You have to remember your lies when you tell them. Let your “yes” be a “yes” and your “no” be a “no”.
 
 He’s laid out the formula to not get your ‘feathers ruffled’ or living with the tension and stress.
 
 The assumption is that when you pray and give it to God, you leave it alone and don’t pick it back up. You trust that He will take care of everything.
 
 When you thank God for what He’s done, you can’t thank Him and be ungrateful at the same time. You must be appreciative of what He’s done in the past as well as thanking Him for what you need (and Him taking care of it). When you do all of that you will experience God’s peace.
 
 “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.”But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord.” 1 Peter 3:12-14 (NIV)
 
 “So I think we should get as much out of life as we possibly can. There is nothing better than to enjoy our food and drink and to have a good time. Then we can make it through this troublesome life that God has given us here on earth.” Ecclesiastes 8:15 (CEV)
 
 What does it feel like, and what goes through your mind when you feel like you are suffering and you are innocent, and you don’t know why you are going through these things?
 
 When you know you have done something wrong you are looking for something negative to happen to you. You take credit for it. But when you haven’t done anything wrong we question why it’s happening. We suffer because God has us go through trials and tribulations, hardships and pain, just as Jesus did (and he didn’t do anything to deserve it). No you can’t waive that right to someone else. You have to be formed in your character.
 
 It’s like a person with physical muscular definition but no mental strength. There’s nothing more discouraging that seeing a buff person that’s mentally weak. You look good but you can’t handle life’s pressures. The definition must align with the ability to execute. If you’re going to look strong then be strong all around.
 
 Get some spiritual strength.
 
 How do you get stronger? Repetition, consistency, pushing through it, know that it’s a gradual process, add more weight, discipline, stretch the muscle, once you reach a threshold push yourself to the next one, add healthy fuel.
 
 For every physical truth there is a spiritual parallel.
 
 Express your cares to God, tell Him, and let Him do what He does.
 
 3. Laugh often with others.
 
 “Being cheerful keeps you healthy. It is slow death to be gloomy all the time.” Proverbs 17:22 (GNT)
 
 Get a life. Lighten up. If you’re gonna deal with it then laugh about it. You can choose to laugh. No matter what you’re going through.
 
 Why don’t you laugh more?
 
 Excuses: Fear, distracted by pain, stressed out, tired
 
 Do you think not laughing is going to make this go away?
 
 Laughter is like medicine. Research discovers that laughter boosts your immune system.
 
 If you’re hanging around a group of people and they are looking worn out and miserable just like you, put a placeholder there and go find people who will make you laugh like crazy.
 
 You can tell which married couples are also friends, they laugh together not just at each other. You don’t have to demean someone to laugh with them.
 
 Being cheerful keeps you happy.
 
 A baby’s laughter is contagious. There’s nothing like it. The innocence and purity of a baby’s laughter makes you laugh. The stress is still there but laugh anyway.
 
 Get a life.
 
 4. Listen openly to God and others
 
 “Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.” Proverbs 17:28 (ESV)
 
 Do you know of someone who talks too much?
 
 “Post this at all the intersections, dear friends: Lead with your ears, follow up with your tongue, and let anger straggle along in the rear. God’s righteousness doesn’t grow from human anger. So throw all spoiled virtue and cancerous evil in the garbage. In simple humility, let our gardener, God, landscape you with the Word, making a salvation-garden of your life.” James 1:19-21 (MSG)
 
 Visualize a 4-way intersection. When you get there it’s an unspoken rule of courtesy that the first one there has the right-of-way. The person who arrives third believes they have the right-of-way, but the person who arrives first believes they have the right to proceed, and the second person decides to just drive—what happens? Car crash. That’s what happens during our conversations.
 
 Let your ears lead. Let anger straggle along in the rear. Listen more than you speak.
 
 Have you ever been in a conversation with someone and you zone out and then they ask you to tell them what you heard, but you’re lost because you’re trying to remember the last thing you heard, but you didn’t hear their full statement.
 
 When people have conversations and you’re cutting each other off because each person is trying to get their two cents, and trying to talk over the other person. We do the same thing in prayer. You must pray, sit still, and wait for God to speak back to you. Too many of us quickly say our prayer and then walk away. When you do that you don’t stay still long enough to hear Him and then you get frustrated because now you have to figure it out on your own, and you waste time asking Him for signs—you wouldn’t have to ask if you had sat still and waited for Him to guide you.
 
 Ever do landscaping?
 
 You are very interested in the details and the environment before you begin planting. You need to figure out the lit and shady spots. God knows the shady spots in life. He knows where there may be stumps in your life that may need to be uprooted, where there were some trees that came down but the roots need to be replanted elsewhere.
 
 If you’re gonna live well then make sure to listen to God. Whatever He wants to take out or put in, He knows where everything needs to go, He’s just waiting for your cooperation.
 
 Do you remember last week when you were asked to ask God, “What do You want to give through me?” As you ask God, He already knows the children who will be the recipients of your giving. In this holy moment we get the opportunity to hear from God and then give the blessings.
 
 ———————————————————————————-
 
 Now this part you hear from me every Sunday: Be sure to share highlights from sermons at your church or place of worship here on my blog. Feel free to also visit and contribute to our community chat room where we can have healthy, positive, dialogue on the sermon I shared today, Breaking Bread daily posts, or issues impacting the Christian community.
 
 Remember there is absolutely no preaching, passing judgment, converting, recruiting, or focus on any specific church or religious leader. Those are the rules. We’re here to share words of love and peace inspired by the Word of the Bible. We’re here to uplift and never tear down. If you can roll with that, then you can roll with me and the Breaking Bread family! Visit the chat room here:
 
 http://chatroll.com/embed/chat/breaking-bread-with-natasha?id=lCL-CHvZOne&platform=wordpress-com
 
 Have an amazing week family. Remember to Waive your right to retaliation, Express your cares to God, Laugh often with others, and Listen closely to God and others. Claim and embrace your peace!
 
 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
 
 
 

Saturday Recap: Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 12/9/13 to 12/13/13

Happy Saturday family! How is your weekend going so far? Hopefully it is feeling and looking awesome, and hopefully you are enjoying every second of it—-if not, get to it!
 
 Below please find the recap for this week’s Breaking Bread posts. I look forward to a healthy discussion this weekend and next week. Let’s do this!
 
 
 Monday- 12/9/13
 
 Read the daily message here:
 https://breakingbreadwithnatasha.wordpress.com/2013/12/09/natashas-daily-scripture-prayer-and-reflection-for-12-9-13/
 
 
 Tuesday- 12/10/13
 
 Read the daily message here:
 https://breakingbreadwithnatasha.wordpress.com/2013/12/10/natashas-daily-scripture-prayer-and-reflection-for-12-10-13/
 
 
 Wednesday- 12/11/13
 
 Read the daily message here:
 https://breakingbreadwithnatasha.wordpress.com/2013/12/11/natashas-daily-scripture-prayer-and-reflection-for-12-11-13/
 
 Thursday- 12/12/13
 
 Read the daily message here:
 https://breakingbreadwithnatasha.wordpress.com/2013/12/12/natashas-daily-scripture-prayer-and-reflection-for-12-12-13/
 
 
 Friday- 12/13/13
 
 Read the daily message here:
 https://breakingbreadwithnatasha.wordpress.com/2013/12/13/natashas-daily-scripture-prayer-and-reflection-for-12-13-13/
 
 
 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 12.13.13

From far away, the Lord will appear to his people. The Lord says, “I love you people with a love that continues forever. That is why I have continued showing you kindness.
 
 Jeremiah 31:3 ERV
 
 Pray
 Father thank You for today. Thank You for my life. Thank You for loving me and for showing Your love through other people, and through circumstances where I should have failed or not made it through. I love You Father. Forever I will be your humble servant. Amen.
 
 Reflection
 God reveals Himself to us in many ways, and through many circumstances and people. His love is everlasting, powerful, and cannot be conquered. Show your gratitude by being loving, gracious, kind, and understanding with others. Have an amazing day and weekend family.
 
 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
 
 
 
 

Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 12.12.13

Hello my brothers and sisters!
 
 I pray that all is wonderful in your world today. I pray that you have already started your day by first giving thanks to our Heavenly Father. The prayer and reflection that you will read below was written by Joel and Victoria Osteen.
 
 My friend Juanita sent it to me and I could visualize not only myself (and how I feel sometimes when I fall short or fail at achieving a goal) but I also could see loved ones who I know are going through some rough times in their lives. I could see their faces, hear their voices, and recall some of the obstacles that they have faced and are currently facing. I dedicate this post to them, to you, to us.
 
 Our race is not over, but we must run it with the passion and zeal that says, “I will finish as I began—strong!” We don’t know when our race will end, so let’s not spend one day running it with a defeated mindset.
 
 I pray that today’s message impacts you as deeply or more than it did for me. I also pray that you share it with others so that we can all provide a helping hand for those in need of reassurance and hope. I love you all!
 
 Always,
 Natasha
 
 ———————————————————————————-
 How Will You Finish?
 
 TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
 
 2 Timothy 4:7, NIV
 
 TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria
 So often when people make mistakes, they get down on themselves and think, “If only…” “I should have…” “What if…?” It’s easy to feel like you’ve missed the best plan for your life. That’s when people get discouraged and stop pursuing their God-given dreams. But understand today, just because you’ve made a mistake or failed in some way doesn’t cancel God’s plan. God never disqualifies you. He never says, “Go sit on the sidelines. You’ve blown it too many times. You’ve got too many weaknesses.” No, God always gives you another chance!
 
 Some of the great people in the Bible made very poor choices. The apostle Paul started off as a murderer, yet his destiny was bigger than his mistakes. He ended up becoming a great leader and writing over half of the New Testament.
 
 What am I saying? Our mistakes, our failures, our poor choices don’t have to keep us from our God-given destiny. With God, it’s not about the way you start in life, it’s about the way you finish. Receive His grace today and embrace the bright future He has in store for you!
 
 
 A PRAYER FOR TODAY
 Father, thank You for Your grace and mercy. I trust that my days are ordered by You. I ask that You strengthen and empower me to fulfill Your call on my life. I love You and bless You today 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
 
 
 
 
 

Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 12.11.13

Lord our Lord, your name is the most wonderful in all the earth! It brings you praise everywhere in heaven. From the mouths of children and babies come songs of praise to you. They sing of your power to silence your enemies who were seeking revenge.
 
 Psalms 8:1, 2 ERV
 
 Pray
 Father forgive me for the days that I don’t immediately start my day in prayer, praising Your name, and giving thanks for the numerous blessings. Father may I see and act as I did in my youth, with the purity to know how special the smallest things are, and how important it is to express my gratitude without delay. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
 
 Reflection
 When you first wake up, look around and look closely at your surroundings, the sky, and all of God’s creations. Take it all in, and then allow yourself to naturally begin a conversation with God. That is prayer. Verbally admiring His works is praise. Never take this or your life for granted.
 
 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 12.10.13

The grass withers, the flowers fade, but the word of our God remains forever.”
 
 Isaiah 40:8 HCSB
 
 Pray
 I’m listening Father. Guide me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
 
 Reflection
 God never changes, His Word never changes, and His love for us never ends. Now if only we could be so dependable.
 
 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 12.9.13

“Don’t make idols.”
 
 Exodus 34:17 ERV
 
 Pray
 Father may I always place You and Your son first in my life, to worship only You, to obey only You. Next to You and Jesus the only voice that I place above the world is my spouse. Let me always keep my priorities in order. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
 
 Reflection
 God first, family second, career third, the world last. In that order everything is in order. God and Jesus should come first in your life, in every decision, every plan, and every thought. Then your spouse and children are your next priority. When family is mentioned this includes you, but you aren’t to come before your family. You are never to selfishly place your perceived needs before your family.
 
 When you place a God first, He will direct your paths and show you how to manage your needs and the needs of your family. After family is your career. Many people have issues with this because in their self-serving minds they believe that the career provides for the needs of the family.
 
 This is wrong.
 
 God provides for the needs of the family. God provides the career. Without God and family there is no relevance in the career. Your career is a gift from God, just as your family is His gift to you, but the family comes before the career—or God will take back your gifts.
 
 After your career comes the rest of the world, which includes friends and associates.
 
 If you look closely, no where do you see idols or the practice of idol worship, or idolatry. God is the beginning and center. Try 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
 
 
 

Sunday Sermon Share Day: Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 12/8/13

Welcome to Sunday Sermon Share Day for 12/8/13
 
 Today’s sermon comes from Destiny Metropolitan Worship Church in Marietta, Georgia.
 
 Today’s Subject is: Be Happy! Christmas Presence
 
 Today’s Scripture selections from are:
 Psalms 119:1-2 (NCV)
 Colossians 3:1-2 (MSG)
 Philippians 1:13 (NLT)
 Philippians 1:14 (NLT)
 Philippians 1:15a (TEV)
 Philippians 1:15b-16 (TEV)
 Philippians 1:17 (BBE)
 1 Timothy 6:18-19 (TLB)
 Matthew 6:33
 Acts 20:35 (TEV)
 
 Highlights from Today’s Sermon:
 
 5 Things You Need to Know About Happiness:
 
 1) Don’t look for happiness, create it. You’re as happy as you choose to be 2) Happiness is not a goal, it’s a result of right thinking and right acting (behavior). If you make it a goal you will never be happy. You have to be self-absorbed to achieve the goal. 3) My habits create my happiness. We shape our habits and then our habits shape us. 4) Happiness based on happenings is temporary. 5) Happy habits are as addicting as bad habits, but a lot more rewarding. Bad habits take time to develop just like good ones
 
  No matter what happens, I can be happy if I…
 
 1. Look at every problem from God’s perspective.
 
  “So if you’re serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that’s where the action is. See things from his perspective.” Colossians 3:1-2 (MSG)
 
 When I Face Problems with His perspective…
 
 – It’s a witness to unbelievers
 “For everyone here, including all the soldiers in the palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ.” Philippians 1:13 (NLT)
 
 – It’s an encouragement to believers.
 
 “And because of my imprisonment, many of the Christians here have gained confidence and become more bold in telling others about Christ.” Philippians 1:14 (NLT)
 
 Sometimes God qualifies you through hardships. Other people take note. God gives you the opportunity to shine and He becomes the reason for you to explain how you got through the hard times.
 
 No matter what happens, I can be happy if I…
 
 2. I never let others control my attitude.
 
 “It’s true that some preach Christ because they are jealous and quarrelsome.” Philippians 1:15a (TEV)
 
 CRITICSThese are the people who love to argue, love controversy, and love to start mess. They are jealous. Never let your critics control your attitude. The moment you allow yourself
 
 Comrades “Others preach from genuine good will. These do so out of love, and they know God’s given me the work of defending the gospel.” Philippians 1:15b-16 (TEV)
 
 You shouldn’t let your friends control your attitude. Sometimes the enemy uses your friends. Sometimes God allows your friends to go against you. Sometimes they go against you even though they are your friends. You live for an audience of one.
 
 Competitors “But those are preaching Christ in a spirit of competition…” Philippians 1:17 (BBE)
 
 A person is ego-driven when they have to put others down to pull themselves up. When people know that they can control you emotionally, you are done. People who can push your buttons, know you so well that they know how to control you. The Bible says that we are not to be controlled by others, only God.
 
 Conspirators/Enemies “(But those are preaching Christ)… not from their hearts, but with the purpose of giving me pain in my prison.”
 Philippians 1:17 (BBE)
 
 
 Do you have any known enemies? When you have enemies they can control your attitude. You can become defensive, for example, the enemy can get close geographically and they can sense your nearness and exploit it. A lot of people miss out on their blessings because the natural tendency is to distance yourself from those who can do you harm, and when you do you have to rely upon others to relay to you what your enemy is doing. Bring them close. You don’t have to be friends, share information, etc. But God can’t make them your footstool if you keep them away.
 
 No matter what happens, I can be happy if I…
 
 3. Choose to be generous.
 
 Generous people are generally happy people
 
 “Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and should give happily to those in need, always being ready to share with others whatever God has given them. By doing this they will be storing up real treasure for themselves in heaven—it is the only safe investment for eternity! And they will be living a fruitful Christian life down here as well.” 1 Timothy 6:18-19 (TLB)
 
 Money affects all of us, either because we have it or don’t. Money is spoken more in the New Testament than any other subject. It’s a means to an end. Kingdom principles and laws are counterintuitive to our natural bend, some people don’t realize it. God understands the stronghold money can be to us. If you don’t know how to handle money and you keep fixating on what you don’t have, instead of what God has already provided then money has a stronghold on you
 
 2 Ways To Be Generous
 
  1. By reason
 
  What can I afford?
 
 What can you afford to give? When you look at your finances and gave, were you stretched at all? No, because you gave what you felt you could afford to give. You gave what you were comfortable giving.
 
  2. By revelation
 
  God, what do you want to give through me?
 
 When you give by revelation it’s not based upon what you have in your possession, it’s based upon what God has placed upon you to give from your mind and heart. Many people don’t tithe freely because they are in debt. The job/career we prayed for God gave us, so that was His gift to us. Then the money we earn from that job we see as ours, not His.
 
 But then we are fixated on paying the debt we have incurred from bills. We salute ourselves because we are pleased that we are paying monthly debt, but we can’t bring ourselves to pay back God a portion of the money He gave us. We can’t bring ourselves to tithe 10% of our earnings because we don’t think we can afford it, we don’t see it in our budget. The Bible says we are to owe no man anything but love. We create the debt and we create the debt cycle that our families are in. Our children learn the process from watching us. They learn how to get and stay in debt from watching how you enter debt, and stay in it.
 
  Close your eyes and ask yourself this question, “God what do You want to give through me?”
 
  What number came to your mind? Did that number stretch you? Do you have the money to give? God did not say that you had it. If the amount that came to mind is one that you don’t presently have access to (you can’t afford it or you don’t even have it in your bank account) then that was revelation generosity.
 
  People quickly reference Matthew 6:33 but get it wrong. Seek first the Kingdom and His righteousness and these other things will be taken care of. But we reverse it and we look to God to take care of things first and then we will seek Him.
 
 How can you allow the government take taxes from you and then you don’t pay God what is His? The government takes it from you because they know you won’t give it freely. God doesn’t take it from you, He gives you free will. He trusts you and watches to see what you will do and how you will live. The government takes God’s money from you and you justify not paying Him.
 
 You need to understand the value of money and how it works. People joke about Jewish people and their money-handling ways, their dedication to watching closely how their money is spent and invested, but why laugh or balk at them? They are doing what they are supposed to.
 
 You live a fear-based life because you lack. You say you love Him, believe in Him, then act like it. Admit that you don’t believe what you say you do.
 
 You must choose to be generous. If you are generous with your time you get more back. If you are generous with your money you get more back.
 
 We misappropriated God’s money. We desire wealth but haven’t learned to operate with a wealthy mindset because we are afraid of going without, and that’s not faith.
 
 “….Remembering the words that the Lord Jesus himself said, ‘There is more happiness in giving than in receiving.’ ” Acts 20:35 (TEV)
 
 ———————————————————————————-
 
 Now this part you hear from me every Sunday: Be sure to share highlights from sermons at your church or place of worship here on my blog. Feel free to also visit and contribute to our community chat room where we can have healthy, positive, dialogue on the sermon I shared today, Breaking Bread daily posts, or issues impacting the Christian community.
 
 Remember there is absolutely no preaching, passing judgment, converting, recruiting, or focus on any specific church or religious leader. Those are the rules. We’re here to share words of love and peace inspired by the Word of the Bible. We’re here to uplift and never tear down. If you can roll with that, then you can roll with me and the Breaking Bread family! Visit the chat room here:
 
 http://chatroll.com/embed/chat/breaking-bread-with-natasha?id=lCL-CHvZOne&platform=wordpress-com
 
 Have an amazing week family. Remember the rules to happiness and then make them happen for you!
 
 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
 
 
 
 

Saturday Recap: Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 12/2/13 to 12/6/13

Happy Saturday family! I hope that you are having a great day so far, and that you had an awesome week. I pray that if you’re going through trials and tribulations, that you seek first God and His son, and that they bring comfort and healing to you.
 
 Below please find the recap for this week’s Breaking Bread posts. Wednesday’s post is missing because that was the roughest moment in my flu battle, and I just didn’t have the strength that day to post. I tell myself that I could’ve found the strength, and with that thinking, I am strengthened to push myself through my next obstacle that would discourage me from sharing, praying, and reflecting with you. I look forward to a healthy discussion this weekend and next week.
 
 
 Monday- 12/2/13
 
 Read the daily message here:
 https://breakingbreadwithnatasha.wordpress.com/2013/12/02/natashas-daily-scripture-prayer-and-reflection-for-12-2-13/
 
 
 Tuesday- 12/3/13
 
 Read the daily message here:
 https://breakingbreadwithnatasha.wordpress.com/2013/12/03/natashas-daily-scripture-prayer-and-reflection-for-12-3-13/
 
 
 Wednesday- 12/4/13 No posting shared today
 
 
 
 Thursday- 12/5/13
 
 Read the daily message here:
 https://breakingbreadwithnatasha.wordpress.com/2013/12/05/natashas-daily-scripture-prayer-and-reflection-for-12-5-13/
 
 
 Friday- 12/6/13
 
 Read the daily message here:
 https://breakingbreadwithnatasha.wordpress.com/2013/12/06/natashas-daily-scripture-prayer-and-reflection-for-12-6-13/
 
 
 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 12.6.13

Let me first start off by apologizing for missing a post this week, and for late postings. I’ve been fighting like a soldier the belief of the flu, so my days have been running together and I’ve just been a little thrown off. I’m feeling much better today and know that in my healing I will regain my strength, and get back into my daily rhythm.
 
 Today’s post was written by Joel and Victoria Osteen, and it was so heavy (and yet so light) that I was moved to share it today. Enjoy and have an amazing weekend.
 
 Love always,
 
 Natasha
 
 
 Identify with Him
 
 TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
 “Therefore if any person is [ingrafted] in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come!”
 
 2 Corinthians 5:17, AMP
 
 TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria
 So many people fall into the trap of identifying with their challenges instead of identifying with Christ. For example, you may be dealing with a sickness, but understand, you are not a sick person trying to get well. You are a well person fighting off sickness. You may be struggling in your finances, but you’re not a poor person trying to get ahead. You’re a successful person fighting off poverty. You may be struggling with an addiction. You’ve had it many years. Don’t see yourself as an addict. Don’t let that image become ingrained on the inside. You are not an addicted person trying to get free. You are a free person fighting off an addiction.
 
 Remember, in Christ you are a new creature. The old has passed away. Don’t let it cling to you! Identify with Christ and embrace the freedom and victory He has for you!
 
 
 A PRAYER FOR TODAY
 Father, today I choose to identify with Your Son, Jesus, who came so that I could have abundant life. Thank You for making all things new. I trust that You are at work in my life and declare that I am healthy, whole and strong 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