Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 1.31.14

“Your words have been hard against me, says the Lord. But you say, ‘How have we spoken against you?’ You have said, ‘It is vain to serve God. What is the profit of our keeping his charge or of walking as in mourning before the Lord of hosts? And now we call the arrogant blessed. Evildoers not only prosper but they put God to the test and they escape.’”
 
 Malachi 3:13-15 ESV
 
 Pray
 Father I want to have a real relationship with You, one that is not one-sided or reactionary. I want a relationship where we walk and talk together, and not one where I’m just asking for something. As my best friend I should be giving more to our relationship and not asking for more from You. I should be listening and following Your lead, rather than rushing fearfully and hopping from path to path.
 
 I apologize Father.
 
 I apologize for my hardheadedness. I apologize for those moments when I stray from the work that You have planned for me, because I am distracted by something that in that short period of time seems more demanding of my time, more exciting, or easier to accomplish. I want to have a genuine relationship with You. No doubts, worries, fears, or record-keeping. I want to have a relationship like no other. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
 
 Reflection
 Why must we keep expecting God to prove Himself to us? Why is it that He can make the impossible possible in one situation, but then in another situation when maybe He felt that it wasn’t time or that we needed to do more work on our part, we then question Him as to why He didn’t perform for us? Why is it we can claim our blessings one day and then something tragic happens and we immediately think that God is punishing us? Why do we immediately ask, “what did I do to deserve this Father?” We need to rethink our relationship with God and then begin to have that relationship with Him.
 
 Love requires work. Relationships require work. Being more like Jesus requires work. When we don’t think we have enough strength and energy, that’s when we need to do even more.
 
 Take the next few minutes to think about your life and your relationship with God. What can you do to strengthen that relationship? What can you do to be more like Jesus? What are you willing to sacrifice? What can you start doing today, right now? Don’t answer immediately. Sit and reflect and then let the answer come from within.
 
 Lovingly your sister in Christ,
 
 Natasha
 
 
 Copyright 2014. 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 1.30.14

Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation
 
 Psalm 42:5 ESV
 
 Pray
 Thank You for Your love and healing touch. Thank You Father for Your protection. Comfort Your children who are fearful and in pain Lord. Reassure them Father. I trust in You and will forever follow Your path as a believer in Christ. Amen.
 
 Reflection
 God loves, saves, heals, creates life, restores, molds, builds, protects, and uplifts. God is love. God is life. God is truth. God is light. Praise Him. In good times and in bad, praise Him. When you’re down on your knees, praise Him.
 
 Love,
 
 Natasha
 
 
 Copyright 2014. 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 1.29.14 LATE POST

For it is you who light my lamp; the Lord my God lightens my darkness.
 
 Psalm 18:28 ESV
 
 Pray
 In a storm please bring calm. In darkness please shine Your light. When I can’t see please restore my vision. When I’m in pain please comfort me. You are my warmth, my strength, my stabilizer. I seek You Father, my source, my guide, my All-in-All. I love You. Amen.
 
 Reflection
 Yesterday the state of Georgia was hit by a snow storm and the counties that comprise Metro Atlanta were caught unprepared for the sheets of black ice that has formed on untreated and previously treated roads and highways. Thousands of drivers are left stranded on the streets and highways that cover several counties. There are students stranded on school buses and at school campuses, and vehicles involved in accidents which have created major traffic jams. People are scared and upset.
 
 Throughout the day you see rays of God’s Light shine through as people have stepped up to help those stranded, involved in accidents, or frustrated and distraught. These rays of Light have helped push cars, give rides to those who can no longer drive their vehicles, bring food and supplies to those who can’t leave their vehicles, and place phone calls to the loved ones of drivers whose cell phones have died. In despair and chaos, God brings peace and comfort. People aren’t sure when they will get home, but God’s presence is felt and His goodness is being shared. It restores hope. When I watch good Samaritans going out of their way to help total strangers, I say, “thank You God. Thank You!”
 
 Let’s continue to pray for those directly impacted by this snow storm in metro Atlanta, as well as those in Alabama, Indiana, and other locations.
 
 Love,
 
 Natasha
 
 
 Copyright 2014. 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 1.28.14 Late Post

Note: Late Post

The cords of death encompassed me; the torrents of destruction assailed me; In my distress I called upon the Lord; to my God I cried for help. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears.

Psalm 18:4, 6 ESV

Pray
Father help me to always understand Your ways and to deal with the realities of life, not just human life, but the life You give to all of Your creations. Thank You for pulling me out of tough times and for focusing my eyes on Your light. Amen

Reflection
Today my sister’s Daschund, “Scooter” mysteriously passed away and it hit us all hard. I remember when she first got that adorable dog in 2008 when he was just a puppy. I remember when he lived with me for roughly two years. I always looked forward to our time together, our walks around my subdivision, watching television together, and running around playing catch with his toys. He means so much to us. When my sister called me I rushed over to her home. I cried driving there, worked to keep myself together while I was there, and then cried on and off as I drove home later this evening.

We’re never truly prepared for death, not the death of humans or our pets. One moment there’s laughter and good times, and the next moment there’s sobbing and confusion.

Yes, for pet owners, those animals are members of our family just like our parents, siblings, uncles, aunts, cousins, and grandparents. Our pets don’t judge us, hold us to higher standards, ask us to do the impossible or unbearable, and they don’t betray us. They are the epitome of love. They are truly gifts from God.

When someone we love passes away we’re hit with a roller coaster of emotions. What we have to remember to do is seek Him at all times, and ask Him to bring us calm during that storm. When I start feeling sad about Scooter, I turn to God for comfort. I hope that you do the same. Seek out God during the good times and the bad.

Love,

Natasha

Copyright 2014. Natasha Foreman Bryant. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha Foreman Bryant, unless otherwise noted.
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Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 1.27.14

For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”
 
 John 3:20, 21 ESV
 
 Pray
 Father keep me on the path that You have set for me. May I choose to do right over wrong, and may I always have the discernment to see Your light in every situation. I only want to do right by You Lord. As a follower of Christ I humbly pray to You. Amen.
 
 Reflection
 The truth must always surface. There is no hiding the truth just like God’s light cannot be blotted out by darkness, light like truth will always prevail. We must work to always be on the right side of every situation and circumstance, so that we are always looked fondly upon by our Heavenly Father. His grace and mercy is given to us even in times when we don’t deserve it, because He knows what we’re made of and what we’re capable of with enough molding. I pray that He never gives up on molding me into the person He sees. I pray the same for all of you.
 
 Love,
 
 Natasha
 
 
 Copyright 2014. 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 1.22.14

But sexual immorality and any impurity or greed should not even be heard of among you, as is proper for saints. Coarse and foolish talking or crude joking are not suitable, but rather giving thanks.
 
 Ephesians 5:3, 4 HCSB
 
 Pray
 Father thank You for this day. Today I pray not just for me and my loved ones, but for the religious leaders that You have called to serve and for those who self-appointed themselves.
 
 Father I pray that they have the strength and courage to resist temptation, and to not give in to the evils of the world. I pray that they refuse to live a life of hypocrisy telling their congregation one thing but living another way. Father touch them so they don’t present standards for others that they can’t and refuse to meet. If any of them are under attack or have given in to sin, and are praying for release from that bondage, please help them regain their footing and become whole again.
 
 Please unravel all superficial connections, all bold displays of greed and materialism, and clear indications of religious leaders taken advantage of their title, role, and the people of the church.
 
 Please Father, do not allow Your children to follow false prophets, leaders, and interpreters of Your Word. In Jesus’ name I humbly ask for these things. Amen.
 
 Reflection
 We are in a sad state of affairs. We have tons of people claiming they were called to be prophets, ministers, pastors, and other religious leaders. How can we tell who was called, who appointed themselves, and who just jumped at an opportunity?
 
 We have people taking the Word of God and construing it for their own personal gain, while the majority (or a large percentage of) members within their congregation suffers and struggles. We have people telling their congregation to do and say one thing, while they do and say another. Some of these so-called servant leaders sit back and watch members of the church lose their jobs, cars, homes, and more, while the “leader” continues pushing for more offerings and tithes. While the congregation suffers, the “leader” relaxes in their plush home and expensive car (sometimes costing the amount of a large house).
 
 We have leaders who don’t condone homosexuality, adultery, non-traditional sexual practices, the consumption of drugs and alcohol, and other things—but then they get busted for participating in one or more of these acts, sometimes repeatedly.
 
 We must hold those members of the cloth to the same standard they hold us, to the same standard Jesus said they were to be held to, or sit back and allow them to lead us down the hole of darkness they are existing in. We cannot be the naive sheep who walks joyfully into the slaughterhouse. The only time we are to sacrifice ourselves is for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, our family, and to save an innocent who can’t save themselves. But not for a man or woman who is “pimping” us for personal gain.
 
 Do not drink the tainted “kool-aid”.
 
 Remember, Jesus didn’t go off and chastise commoners, no, he had issues with those so-called religious “leaders” who lived double lives. So, let us not be fooled. Let’s not willingly participate in our own setup and setback for spiritual failure. Let’s not put ourselves in a situation where we are in a financial bind, or completely broke, because we were so fixated on pleasing the human leader of the building where we worship.
 
 Remember, the church is not a physical building, the church is the congregation. The church is us, you and me!
 
 Love you always,
 Natasha
 
 P.S. Happy 39th birthday to my cousin Shawn!
 
 
 Copyright 2014. 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 1.20.14

But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.
 
 Luke 6:35, 36 ESV
 
 Pray
 Father, even when I’m disrespected, cheated, or taken advantage of, let me take the high road Lord, and if I can’t seek and gain resolution, let me pick myself up and walk away. I will not be a victim but I won’t be the villain either. Curb my desire to react and mold in me the patience to think before I respond. I want to be more like Jesus.
 
 Reflection
 Jesus didn’t tolerate ignorance from those who claimed to know better, from those who claimed to be righteous leaders and teachers. But Jesus was and is the ultimate forgiver. Jesus would turn the other cheek, and even forgave those who betrayed, tortured and crucified him. That is love.
 
 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s birthday was last week on the 15th. Today is his national holiday, and it was both an honor and privilege to take part in the commemorative service at the Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church (his church home) celebrating his life and legacy. Dr. King wasn’t a saint or a messiah. He wasn’t Jesus Christ. He was a man whose wife stood by his side, while lovingly pushing him to do what he was called to do—fight for freedom, and do so nonviolently—be rebellious against the status quo without once ever instilling genuine fear in others, and without ever raising a fist or weapon.
 
 Dr. King was not Jesus, but he tried to consider the same thing many of us do each day, “what would Jesus do?” and “what would Jesus say?” It is true, one person can make a difference. The decisions we make will always impact another person, and will create a domino effect. The greatness of the effect depends on how great our decision and how deep our impact on others. We all make choices. What choices will you make?
 
 Love,
 
 Natasha
 
 Copyright 2014. 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 1.17.14

My heart is confident in you, O God; my heart is confident. No wonder I can sing your praises! For your unfailing love is as high as the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens. May your glory shine over all the earth.
 
 Psalms 57:7,10,11 NLT
 
 Pray
 Father thank You for being a constant in my life. When I have a moment of doubt You always awaken me to Your Truth and reality. Thank You for loving me, guarding me, and making me better. May others around the world also see, feel, and know You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
 
 Reflection
 When all else fails, He doesn’t. There are no contingency plans. There are no other options. He is all in all. Case closed. There is nothing else to say. Yes, it’s that simple!
 
 Have an awesome day and weekend.
 
 Love,
 Natasha
 
 Copyright 2014. 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 1.16.14

I long for You in the night; yes, my spirit within me diligently seeks You, for when Your judgments are in the land, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.
 
 Isaiah 26:9 HCSB
 
 Pray
 Father protect me. Comfort me during rough times, troubling times, and in moments of confusion.
 
 Comfort me in my sleep, when I’m most vulnerable and exposed. Watch over me and redirect my steps, my words, and my thoughts so that I walk, speak, and think that which is pleasing to You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
 
 Reflection
 Seek Him at all times. When you pray before going to bed, pray for protection as you sleep. When you wake up in the morning be sure to thank Him for the gift of life.
 
 Love,
 Natasha
 
 Copyright 2014. 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 1.15.14

Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 1.15.14
 
 For each will have to bear his own load.
 
 Galatians 6:5 ESV
 
 Pray
 Father strengthen my shoulders to handle the weight. I know that You will never place more on me than I can handle. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
 
 Reflection
 Only the strong succeed. Even if success has what most would see as negative consequences.
 
 We all have to pull our own weight and bear the heaviness of the loads placed upon us. Don’t give up half-way through, push and pray your way to the finish line. Don’t try to force your load onto others. When you need help ask. When you work on a team give your team members 100% of your effort, passion, focus, and hard work. Do your part to help the team succeed. Don’t let ego or pride get in the way.
 
 Happy birthday to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He carried his own load, and that commitment and sacrifice is why we celebrate and honor him each year. Today is not the national holiday. Today is the day he entered the world as a babe. What if he succeeded at resisting his calling? What if he refused to play a role in the civil rights movement?
 
 What if?
 
 Love,
 Natasha
 
 
 Copyright 2014. 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 1.14.14

Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 1.14.14
 
 Wow. Wow. Wow. I hope that the message and prayer (below) written by Joel and Victoria Osteen stirs you up and reawakens you to the unlimited possibilities awaiting you in the world!
 
 Love you all,
 
 Natasha
 
 Stir Up Your Dreams
 
 TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
 “Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you…”
 
 2 Timothy 1:6, NKJV
 
 TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria
 
 Do you need some freshness in your life today? It’s probably time to stir up what God has placed on the inside of you. It’s time to stir up those gifts, stir up those dreams, stir up those talents inside. Start stretching yourself. This doesn’t just mean making New Year’s resolutions; this means tapping into the destiny God has placed in your heart.
 
 Scripture tells us that without vision, people perish. If you don’t have a dream, you’re not really living the way God intends; you’re merely existing. Maybe at one time you had a dream, but you went through some disappointments or setbacks. Things didn’t turn out the way you planned.
 
 But here’s a key: when one dream dies, dream another dream. Just because it didn’t work out the way you had it planned doesn’t mean that God doesn’t have another plan. You cannot allow one disappointment or even a series of disappointments to convince you that your dream is over. It’s time to dig your heels in and hold on to the promises in your heart.
 
 As you stir up those God-given dreams and desires, He’ll pour out His favor and blessings and fulfill every desire in your heart!
 
 
 A PRAYER FOR TODAY
 Father, I come humbly to You. I give You my past, my disappointments, my brokenness. I choose forgiveness and peace. Fill me with Your hope and expectation as You fulfill the dreams and desires that You have placed within me in Jesus’ name. Amen.
 — Joel & Victoria Osteen
 
 
 Copyright 2014. 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 1.13.14

Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.
 
 Romans 12:15 ESV
 
 Pray
 Let me feel and think of others before I step or speak. May I always try to empathize with even the most difficult and damaged people. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
 
 Reflection
 Show compassion. Be compassionate. Consider others needs and feelings. Consider others before self. Don’t be dismissive of others feelings or situations just because they seem simple or minimal. Your minor can be someone’s major, and your major may be someone’s minor. Always remember that.
 
 Lovingly,
 Natasha
 
 Copyright 2014. 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 1.9.14

For by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think. Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one.
 
 Romans 12:3 HCSB
 
 Pray
 Father I pray for a humble nature so that I may always appreciate even the greatest things, objects, and actions—while never taking for granted my blessings. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
 
 Reflection
 Sometimes we get too “big for our britches”, too big-headed, and self-absorbed. The Lord always balances things out for us. Instead of facing a hard, painful lesson, why not ask God to keep your feet on the ground so you never forget who you are and to Whom you owe everything? I know I’m tired of learning things the hard way. How about you?
 
 Lovingly,
 Natasha
 
 Copyright 2014. 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 1.8.14

Flourish in the
 New Year
 
 TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
 “The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree…”
 
 Psalm 92:12, NIV
 
 TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria
 Have you ever seen a palm tree in the midst of a great storm? That tree may be bent so far over that it’s almost touching the ground, but when the wind finally stops, that palm tree bounces right back up. What’s interesting is that while that palm tree is hunched over under the pressure of the storm, it is actually becoming stronger.
 
 See, the reason God said we’d flourish like a palm tree is because He knew there would be difficult times. He knew things would come against us to try to steal our joy and victory. But God said, “You’re going to be like a palm tree because when the storms of life blow, you are going to come right back up stronger than before.”
 
 As you reflect on the events over the last year, remember, the storms you have encountered have only made you stronger. You are wiser, you are more alive, and you are headed for victory. Your brightest days are right out in front of you! Always remember that with God on your side, nothing can hold you back!
 
 
 A PRAYER FOR TODAY
 Father in heaven, thank You for making me strong in You. I trust that You are working in my life, even in the midst of the storms. Thank You for a new year and a new season of blessing in You in Jesus’ name. Amen.
 — Joel & Victoria Osteen
 
 
 Copyright 2014. 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 1.7.14

For jealousy makes a man furious, and he will not spare when he takes revenge. He will accept no compensation; he will refuse though you multiply gifts.
 
 Proverbs 6:34, 35 ESV
 
 Pray
 Mold me to quickly forgive, to seek clarity and understanding, and to resist the urge to take revenge. Mold me to be this way with my loved ones, my enemies, and the total stranger who may sin against me. Mold out of me all things not acceptable to You Father, and fill that space with all things pleasing to You. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
 
 Reflection
 Yesterday in my reflection I shared with you how I deal with conflict. Let me go deeper today, and let’s explore together how best to deal with conflict with loved ones, strangers, and with perceived and actual enemies.
 
 I believe that the best “revenge” is living well and doing good. Living well and doing good is a reflection of God and His love for all of us. Being the bigger, more mature person in a conflict, walking away without the need to brutally attack them, leaving your adversary with their dignity, and continuing your day being loving and kind to others—that’s living well and doing good. Refusing to run off and bad mouth them to others—that’s living well and doing good.
 
 It’s easier to build someone up than tear them down. It’s easier on them and it’s definitely easier on you. Tearing someone down is draining mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. It tears away at you and pulls you farther away from God and Jesus. Each time you “rip” in to someone else you are cutting at a cord that binds you to our Father and Shepherd.
 
 Besides you and I don’t need to get revenge, God balances all playing fields. There is no imbalance in God’s Kingdom.
 
 Your Role as the Confronter
 If you have issues with someone pray before you speak with them. Consider the ways you would want these same issues brought to you. Consider the most loving ways in which you can address your concerns. When you realize that you can’t calm down the situation, lovingly and respectfully excuse yourself from the environment until the energy is more conducive to possible resolution.
 
 Your Role When Confronted
 When someone you love, respect, and care for confronts you, pray immediately for them and for you. Do the same when confronted by a stranger or someone you may not like much or at all. Ask Jesus to walk before you and that God helps you to speak with love and clarity. Tune in to what the other person is really saying, not just what you hear. Is there pain and sadness coming through their words? Well then don’t say or do anything to heighten those emotions. Don’t make them feel as though their concerns are trivial, even if you think they are. What if the roles were reversed? How would you want that person to receive you and what you are telling them?
 
 Let’s work together to build each other up, with a shared understanding that the “enemy” is focused on tearing us down—why help it out and give it the power to succeed? The crazy thing is, if we really worked at building each other up, there would be a large number of “reality” shows that wouldn’t be on the air right now. The “enemy” wants to see conflict. It thrives off of it. Let’s stop giving it power.
 
 Share your thoughts.
 
 Love always,
 
 Natasha
 
 
 Copyright 2014. 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 1.6.14

So then, we must pursue what promotes peace and what builds up one another.
 
 Romans 14:19 HCSB
 
 Pray
 Father fill me with peace even in the midst of a storm. Settle my emotions and prevent them from boiling over. Let my cup be full with love, gratitude, kindness, humility, mercy, faith, and hope. Let it be so full that there is no room for negativity, hate, fear, pride, shame, insecurity, jealousy, or envy. Father, lovingly push me towards peace and resolution, and pull me away from the desire to fight and seek revenge. Mold me to build others up and not tear them down. Let me see others as Your son Jesus did. In his name I humbly and passionately pray to You. Amen.
 
 Reflection
 I will be the first to admit that I’m non-confrontational, but I have a long history of not backing down easily once pushed to my perceived limit. I don’t like to be bullied or “punked”. I don’t like to be pushed around verbally, mentally, emotionally, or physically. In the past I always presented the metaphor of the black panther pushed back until it could no longer move, and eventually it lashes out and fights back. I wasn’t always like that, just roughly 28 years of my life has followed this weakened course.
 
 Over the past few years I have learned to take steps to seek resolution before the “battle” breaks out. Anyone who knows me knows that I will say, “let’s just squash this” which means that I can clearly see that things are about to escalate, and I would rather diffuse them than watch the explosion. Remember, I’m still working on myself, so I can’t control me and the other person. If I can, I will try to talk things down and get both of us to sit in our neutral corners.
 
 I have also worked on thinking before speaking, and picking my “battles”, since every disagreement doesn’t need to turn into a “battle” or a “war”. It doesn’t mean I get it right all the time or most of the time, but I try and I’m trying. In disagreements I have made it a habit of not engaging in belittling tactics that many folks participate in. I’m not calling names and I won’t heighten the situation sprinkling or pouring curse words at the other person. In my opinion, I don’t see the need in dishing something out that you can’t take in return, so I won’t “play the dozens” in anger.
 
 I also don’t play the revenge game. No “tit for tat” exchanges from me. I think it’s childish, and I truly believe that an active pursuit for revenge especially against a loved one, will only create deepened bruising, scaring, and possible irreparable damage to them and to your relationship. You can’t take back words and you can’t repair a “shot” to the heart. You leave a permanent imprint on someone’s heart and in their mind when you purposely wound them emotionally, intimately, and physically. Think of the numerous families who don’t speak years after conflict. Think of the marriages destroyed by nasty “battles” and “wars”. I refuse to go down that rabbit hole.
 
 Tomorrow I will continue this line of thinking. Think about what I have shared today and then share your thoughts.
 
 
 Love always,
 
 Natasha
 
 
 Copyright 2014. 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 1/5/14

Unfortunately I missed church today, so instead of sharing a sermon with you, I will share these beautiful verses that I hope you also will share with others:
 
 Set me as a seal on your heart, as a seal on your arm. For love is as strong as death; ardent love is as unrelenting as Sheol. Love’s flames are fiery flames — the fiercest of all. Mighty waters cannot extinguish love; rivers cannot sweep it away. If a man were to give all his wealth for love, it would be utterly scorned.
 
 Song of Songs 8:6, 7 HCSB
 
 There is no emotion or feeling more powerful than love. God is love and knowing that there is no greater force than He, we can say the same about love. You cannot buy or sell it. You cannot trade it or trade up for it. You also can’t run away from it or switch quickly from it to hate. Love is intoxicating, overwhelming, and breathtaking. Love is light and life. Love is growth, courage and strength. Love is giving birth. Love is peace. Love is forgiveness and mercy. Love heals all.
 
 Why not share some today…
 
 
 Love,
 
 Natasha
 
 
 Copyright 2013-2014. 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 12/30/13 to 1/3/14

Happy New Year and 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, and I’m looking for an amazing 2014. Let’s do this!
 
 
 Monday- 12/30/13
 
 Read the daily message here:
 https://breakingbreadwithnatasha.wordpress.com/2013/12/30/natashas-daily-scripture-prayer-and-reflection-for-12-30-13/
 
 
 Tuesday- 12/31/13
 
 Read the daily message here:
 https://breakingbreadwithnatasha.wordpress.com/2013/12/31/natashas-daily-scripture-prayer-and-reflection-for-12-31-13/
 
 
 Wednesday- 1/1/14 HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!
 
 Read the daily message here:
 https://breakingbreadwithnatasha.wordpress.com/2014/01/01/natashas-daily-scripture-prayer-and-reflection-for-1-1-14/
 
 Thursday- 1/2/14
 
 Read the daily message here:
 https://breakingbreadwithnatasha.wordpress.com/2014/01/02/natashas-daily-scripture-prayer-and-reflection-for-1-2-14/
 
 
 Friday- 1/3/14
 
 Read the daily message here:
 https://breakingbreadwithnatasha.wordpress.com/2014/01/03/natashas-daily-scripture-prayer-and-reflection-for-1-3-14/
 
 
 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. Thank you.
 
 God bless you all!
 
 Natasha
 
 Copyright 2013-2014. 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 1.3.14

But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into Him who is the head — Christ.
 
 Ephesians 4:15 HCSB
 
 Pray
 May I grow each day and become more like Jesus. May I speak truth in love. In his name I pray. Amen.
 
 Reflection
 If you believe that Jesus is our savior, our Shepherd, and our way shower, then as his follower shouldn’t you follow his steps and his ways? Jesus didn’t lie and he also didn’t attempt to harm others when telling the truth. We must do the same. Even when someone hurts us, we need to ask ourselves, “what would Jesus do?” and then do it.
 
 Love always,
 
 Natasha
 
 
 Copyright 2014. 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 1.2.14

Marriage must be respected by all, and the marriage bed kept undefiled, because God will judge immoral people and adulterers.
 
 Hebrews 13:4 HCSB
 
 Pray
 Father may I build, embrace, and protect the type of marriage exemplified by Ida and Isador Straus. Amen.
 
 Reflection
 If you don’t know about Ida and Isador Straus, and their devotion to each other, then read about them here:
 http://www.rmstitanic.net/community/blog/241-isidor-ida-straus-name-of-love.html
 
 What if all married couples were devoted to each other like Ida and Isador?
 
 Love always,
 
 Natasha
 
 
 Copyright 2014. Natasha Foreman Bryant. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha Foreman Bryant, unless otherwise noted. breakingbreadwithnatasha.com