Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 5.28.14

GOD made my life complete when I placed all the pieces before him. When I cleaned up my act, he gave me a fresh start. Indeed, I’ve kept alert to GOD ’s ways; I haven’t taken God for granted. Every day I review the ways he works, I try not to miss a trick. I feel put back together, and I’m watching my step. GOD rewrote the text of my life when I opened the book of my heart to his eyes.

You stick by people who stick with you, you’re straight with people who’re straight with you, You’re good to good people, you shrewdly work around the bad ones. You take the side of the down-and-out, but the stuck-up you take down a peg.

2 Samuel 22:21-28 MSG

Pray
I am grateful for my life Lord, for the good and bad, for the successes and failures, for those in my life who are committed and even for my betrayers. I’m grateful for the humble and the arrogant, for the honest and even for the habitual liars, and for those who are genuinely remorseful as well as those who feel entitled to continue their destructive ways.

I’m grateful because I’m here to see, hear, feel and experience these things and these people. I get the opportunity to interact and learn.

I’m grateful for another day to experience all that is needed to make me stronger, braver, and wiser. I am grateful for my life Father. I’m trying to get out of Your way. Thank You for Your patience. Thank You. Amen.

Reflection
Isn’t it amazing the second chances we have been given. What about the countless ones thereafter? I can’t help but to smile, even through my guilt, because I know how awesome God truly is to see in me something worthy of multiple chances to make things right.

Life may feel like a vacuum at times, seemingly sucking you down a narrow tube, but instead of showing and expressing dread let’s work at showing and expressing our gratitude. God is allowing us to experience life to the fullest, not cut short, and definitely not a dull or boring moment. Be grateful.

Questions of the Day
1. What do you have to be grateful for today?

2. How do you feel after reading and reciting today’s message?

3. How do you see God after reading today’s message?

4. How do you see your rival(s)/enemy(ies) after reading today’s message?

Feel free to share your answers, prayers, comments, and reflections in the comment section below. You can also send me an email at: breakingbreadwithnatasha@gmail.com

Please also feel free to share this post with others. We’re never quite sure who needs to hear and see what, and when! It would be awesome if whenever you run across a prayer, message, or scripture that moves you, you would kindly share it with the rest of us. You can post it on this blog or send me an email.

Love always,
Natasha

Copyright 2013-2014. Natasha Foreman Bryant. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha Foreman Bryant, unless otherwise noted. Prior posts from 2009-2013 are copyrighted under the name Natasha L. Foreman. breakingbreadwithnatasha.com

Scripture quotations taken from the Amplified® Bible,
Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation Used by permission.(www.Lockman.org)

Scripture taken from the Common English Bible®, CEB® Copyright © 2010, 2011 by Common English Bible.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. The “CEB” and “Common English Bible” trademarks are registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Common English Bible. Use of either trademark requires the permission of Common English Bible.

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 5.27.14

How blessed the man you train, GOD, the woman you instruct in your Word, Providing a circle of quiet within the clamor of evil, while a jail is being built for the wicked. GOD will never walk away from his people, never desert his precious people. Rest assured that justice is on its way and every good heart put right.

Psalm 94:12-15 MSG

Pray
Mold me to withstand the worst of times with as much ease as the best of times. Both with a smile and praise for You Father. Realign my crooked feet so that I only walk on Your path. Make me whole in Your eyes. In Jesus’ name I humbly pray. Amen.

Reflection
It may sound outrageous to pray for God to increase your load so that you might be strengthened. But when lifting weights, do you not increase the load so that you can challenge your mind and muscles to push/pull the heavier weight?

Asking God to mold you to endure pain with as much ease as you smile during times of favor and abundant blessings, is also something that sounds peculiar, but it is the only way for us to he the best soldiers and ambassadors for Christ. It is also the only way to push through our human limitations and embrace our spiritual capabilities.

Our humanness leaves us fully exposed and vulnerable to the enemy’s attacks. Our reinforced spirituality shows the enemy one less viable entry point for attack. It will still try, but the battle is more difficult especially when we are adequately equipped.

Pray for a full arsenal.

Questions of the Day
1. How dedicated of a student of the Word are you?

2. If you have not read the Bible in its entirety as you have read other books cover to cover, consider the reason why?

3. Are you a reciter of Bible verses and parables, or are you the kind of person who strives to apply what you have learned in your daily walk?

4. As you get deeper into your studies do you find the enemy more active in your life (trying to distract and dissuade you) or less visible, or have you not noticed a difference either way?

Feel free to share your answers, prayers, comments, and reflections in the comment section below. You can also send me an email at: breakingbreadwithnatasha@gmail.com

Please also feel free to share this post with others. We’re never quite sure who needs to hear and see what, and when! It would be awesome if whenever you run across a prayer, message, or scripture that moves you, you would kindly share it with the rest of us. You can post it on this blog or send me an email.

Love always,
Natasha

Copyright 2013-2014. Natasha Foreman Bryant. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha Foreman Bryant, unless otherwise noted. Prior posts from 2009-2013 are copyrighted under the name Natasha L. Foreman. breakingbreadwithnatasha.com

Scripture quotations taken from the Amplified® Bible,
Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation Used by permission.(www.Lockman.org)

Scripture taken from the Common English Bible®, CEB® Copyright © 2010, 2011 by Common English Bible.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. The “CEB” and “Common English Bible” trademarks are registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Common English Bible. Use of either trademark requires the permission of Common English Bible.

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 5.26.14

Happy Memorial Day family! Today we remember those soldiers, past and present, and their families, all of which sacrifice(d) more than we can imagine in order for the rest of us to sleep peacefully at night, utilize the resources at our disposal, and live in and with freedom. Be sure to pray for those souls no longer with us and for those struggling each day.

In addition to our armed forces, we have God’s ultimate Force handling things for us and we should give thanks and glory to Him, because without Him none of us would be.

Today’s message is from Joel and Victoria Osteen, and it’s reminding us of God’s power and that we need to focus on Him more, and our problems less. Read, reflect and pray, and then share your thoughts and answers to my Questions of the Day.

~Natasha

Scatter Your Enemies

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“Let God arise, let His enemies be scattered…”
(Psalm 68:1, NKJV)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria
What are you letting arise in your life? In other words, what are you focusing your words, energy and thoughts on? You might say, “Oh, it’s just so hard right now. My finances are tight.” “My health doesn’t look good.” “Somebody walked out on me.” No, you’re focusing on the wrong things.

You’re letting defeat, discouragement and self-pity rise up. Why don’t you turn that around and say, “God is still in control. Somebody may have walked out on me, but I know God is going to bring me somebody better.” “I may be hurting right now, but I know God is the restorer of my soul.” “I may have an unexpected debt, but I know God is my provider. He is supplying all of my needs. He is fighting my battles.”

When you give God glory and let Him arise in your life, you can’t stay defeated. No foe can stand against you in the presence of Almighty God. Your enemies will be scattered! They will tremble at your words of faith! Let God arise and embrace the blessing and victory He has prepared for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father, right now I release any negative, self-defeating thoughts or attitudes. Instead, I choose to let God arise in my life. I declare that You are worthy, You are holy, and You are the center of my joy, peace and strength in Jesus’ name. Amen.
— Joel & Victoria Osteen

Questions of the Day

1. After reading today’s message, what immediately came to your mind?

2. What can you do to make life more about God and less about you and your issues?

3. When you feel self-pity rolling up, what can you do to silence it and instead focus on God’s calming presence?

4. What negative thing have you been focusing on lately that you’re ready to toss to the side?

I hope today’s message hit home for you. I hope that even with us honoring Memorial Day that you can see the spiritual and mental connection and how we need to release things to God, because no matter how big or serious something is to us, it’s nothing in the Eyes of our Father. Release your pain, guilt, frustration, anger, everything!

Feel free to share your answers, prayers, comments, and reflections in the comment section below. You can also send me an email at: breakingbreadwithnatasha@gmail.com

Please also feel free to share this post with others. We’re never quite sure who needs to hear and see what, and when! It would be awesome if whenever you run across a prayer, message, or scripture that moves you, you would kindly share it with the rest of us. You can post it on this blog or send me an email.

Sending love island-style!
Natasha

Copyright 2013-2014. Natasha Foreman Bryant. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha Foreman Bryant, unless otherwise noted. Prior posts from 2009-2013 are copyrighted under the name Natasha L. Foreman. breakingbreadwithnatasha.com

Scripture quotations taken from the Amplified® Bible,
Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation Used by permission.(www.Lockman.org)

Scripture taken from the Common English Bible®, CEB® Copyright © 2010, 2011 by Common English Bible.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. The “CEB” and “Common English Bible” trademarks are registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Common English Bible. Use of either trademark requires the permission of Common English Bible.

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.

Sunday Sermon Share Day: Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 5/25/14

I’m currently traveling and I missed church today, so I decided to share verses from 2 Peter:

These false teachers are like irrational animals, mere creatures of instinct, born to be captured and destroyed. They slander what they don’t understand and, like animals, they will be destroyed. In this way, they will receive payment for their wrongdoing. They even enjoy unruly parties in broad daylight. They are blots and blemishes, taking delight in their seductive pleasures while feasting with you. They are always looking for someone with whom to commit adultery. They are always on the lookout for opportunities to sin. They ensnare people whose faith is weak. They have hearts trained in greed. They are under God’s curse.

2 Peter 2:12-14 CEB

Share your thoughts. Share some love.

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 and the entire world.

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

You can also send me an email at: breakingbreadwithnatasha@gmail.com

Have an amazing week family. Sending love from the islands.

Love always,

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 Copyright 2009-2013 under Natasha L. Foreman, unless otherwise noted.

Scripture quotations marked HCSB are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Holman CSB®, and HCSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.

Saturday Recap: Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 5/19/14 to 5/23/14

Happy Saturday family!

The past few days I’ve been sending love from a warm, sunny, beautiful island. I’ve never been here before, always wanted to go, so here I am with my husband, relaxing and enjoying the natural beauty and the people who get to experience it daily. What a blessing!

If you missed any of this week’s messages or you want to go back and re-read any of them, here’s your opportunity. Below please find a recap of this week’s posts. Please share these posts with others, and also take a few moments to provide me feedback either in the comments section or email them to BreakingBreadWithNatasha@gmail.com. Thank you.

Love,
Natasha

Monday- 5/19/14

Read the daily message here:
https://breakingbreadwithnatasha.wordpress.com/2014/05/19/natashas-daily-scripture-prayer-and-reflection-for-5-19-14/

Questions of the Day:
1. Please share the last time you recall God steering you out of harm’s way?

2. What did you learn from that experience?

3. How has that experience impacted and shaped your life and journey?

Tuesday- 5/20/14

Read the daily message here:
https://breakingbreadwithnatasha.wordpress.com/2014/05/20/natashas-daily-scripture-prayer-and-reflection-for-5-20-14/

Questions of the Day:
1. What has today’s message revealed to you about how you deal/cope with pain, disappointment, betrayal, hurt, failure, etc?

2. What can you focus on instead of the negatives to turn your heart from troubled to joyful?

Wednesday- 5/21/14

Read the daily message here:
https://breakingbreadwithnatasha.wordpress.com/2014/05/21/natashas-daily-scripture-prayer-and-reflection-for-5-21-14/

Questions of the Day:
1. What could you sacrifice financially, or of your material possessions to remove another layer of ‘self’ in order to embrace a layer of Him?

2. How has a confusion of abundance (things versus blessings) clouded your judgment and walk with the Lord?

3. How would your life be different if you had less material possessions but greater spiritual blessings?

Thursday- 5/22/14

Read the daily message here:
https://breakingbreadwithnatasha.wordpress.com/2014/05/22/natashas-daily-scripture-prayer-and-reflection-for-5-22-14/

Questions of the Day
1. In what ways can you protect yourself from the seducer/seductress?

2. In what ways can you rebuke the enemy’s attempts to lure you into the adultery trap?

3. If you are married or engaged, how can you protect your relationship from the trappings of adultery?

4. How can an adulterer correct their wrongs?

5. Do you think a marriage can survive, heal, rebuild, and thrive after evil has violated the union? If so, share successful examples.

Friday- 5/23/14

Read the daily message here:
https://breakingbreadwithnatasha.wordpress.com/2014/05/23/natashas-daily-scripture-prayer-and-reflection-for-5-23-14/

Questions of the Day
1. What is missing in our churches today that could greatly impact our communities?

2. How and in what role could you play to help spiritually heal our communities?

3. What role does the media and entertainment play in the slow destruction of our communities?

4. What can you do to not only hold media and the entertainment business accountable, but to help restore them to positive sources that positively impact and nurture our communities?

5. How do you feel after reading today’s message and answering the questions listed above?

Don’t forget that tomorrow is Sunday Sermon Share Day. I’m going to try to watch church tomorrow online since I will still be on vacation. 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. Just post it as a comment or send a message to my new email at: BreakingBreadWithNatasha@gmail.com Thank you.

God bless you all and happy Saturday!

Natasha

Copyright 2013-2014. Natasha Foreman Bryant. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha Foreman Bryant, unless otherwise noted. Prior posts from 2009-2013 are copyrighted under the name Natasha L. Foreman. breakingbreadwithnatasha.com

Scripture quotations taken from the Amplified® Bible,
Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation Used by permission.(www.Lockman.org)

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.

Scripture taken from the Common English Bible®, CEB® Copyright © 2010, 2011 by Common English Bible.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. The “CEB” and “Common English Bible” trademarks are registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Common English Bible. Use of either trademark requires the permission of Common English Bible.

Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 5.23.14

23 But in our time something new has been added. What Moses and the prophets witnessed to all those years has happened. The God-setting-things-right that we read about has become Jesus-setting-things-right for us. And not only for us, but for everyone who believes in him. For there is no difference between us and them in this. Since we’ve compiled this long and sorry record as sinners (both us and them) and proved that we are utterly incapable of living the glorious lives God wills for us, God did it for us. Out of sheer generosity he put us in right standing with himself. A pure gift. He got us out of the mess we’re in and restored us to where he always wanted us to be. And he did it by means of Jesus Christ.

Romans 3:23, 24 MSG

Pray
Father I humbly ask for a loving renewal and restoration of Your people so that we can be where You want us to be. Father touch our hearts and minds, realign our footing, mold us—help us Father please. We have slipped far, but not too far that we are beyond saving. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Reflection
This cycle that we are apart of has been repeating itself for thousands of years, and we pray for the same chance to make things right, and then we repeat the same wrongs. It’s almost a test to see how quickly we can mess things up over a course of 100 years.

How frustrating this process must be for God, who watches us ignore Him, disobey Him, yet constantly ask for pardon, and then blame being ‘human’ as our weakness and flaw. We are spiritual beings in human form, having a human experience, and hoping to get things right so that we can be rewarded in our next level of existence.

I’m tired of making the same old mistakes repeatedly. I’m tired of seeing acts of cruelty repeated generationally. I’m tired of being sick and tired. How about you?

Questions of the Day
1. What is missing in our churches today that could greatly impact our communities?

2. How and in what role could you play to help spiritually heal our communities?

3. What role does the media and entertainment play in the slow destruction of our communities?

4. What can you do to not only hold media and the entertainment business accountable, but to help restore them to positive sources that positively impact and nurture our communities?

5. How do you feel after reading today’s message and answering the questions listed above?

Happy Friday family! I can’t believe it’s already Friday. I hope today’s message hit home for you. Feel free to share your answers, prayers, comments, and reflections in the comment section below. You can also send me an email at: breakingbreadwithnatasha@gmail.com

Please also feel free to share this post with others. We’re never quite sure who needs to hear and see what, and when! It would be awesome if whenever you run across a prayer, message, or scripture that moves you, you would kindly share it with the rest of us. You can post it on this blog or send me an email.

Sending love from a warm, beautiful island!
Natasha

Copyright 2013-2014. Natasha Foreman Bryant. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha Foreman Bryant, unless otherwise noted. Prior posts from 2009-2013 are copyrighted under the name Natasha L. Foreman. breakingbreadwithnatasha.com

Scripture quotations taken from the Amplified® Bible,
Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation Used by permission.(www.Lockman.org)

Scripture taken from the Common English Bible®, CEB® Copyright © 2010, 2011 by Common English Bible.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. The “CEB” and “Common English Bible” trademarks are registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Common English Bible. Use of either trademark requires the permission of Common English Bible.

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 5.22.14

“If I’ve let myself be seduced by a woman and conspired to go to bed with her, Fine, my wife has every right to go ahead and sleep with anyone she wants to. For disgusting behavior like that, I’d deserve the worst punishment you could hand out. Adultery is a fire that burns the house down; I wouldn’t expect anything I count dear to survive it

Job 31:9-12 MSG

Pray
Protect, correct, and realign all that You hold dear to You Father. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Reflection
Adultery of any kind, on any level, by any person, is a serious offense in the eyes of God. That’s why it’s listed as a commandment next to “thou shall not kill”. Marriage in the eyes of God is sacred and not to be toyed with, taken lightly, abused, or tossed aside like a napkin. It is a covenant between a couple and our Heavenly Father.

Protect the sanctity of marriage by protecting your mind, heart, and body from attack by the enemy—and steering clear from this sin and the seducers, because once you jump into this dirty pool, you cannot be easily cleansed. Unchecked and left to play itself out, adultery will destroy everything and everyone in its path.

Questions of the Day
1. In what ways can you protect yourself from the seducer/seductress?

2. In what ways can you rebuke the enemy’s attempts to lure you into the adultery trap?

3. If you are married or engaged, how can you protect your relationship from the trappings of adultery?

4. How can an adulterer correct their wrongs?

5. Do you think a marriage can survive, heal, rebuild, and thrive after evil has violated the union? If so, share successful examples.

Feel free to share your answers, prayers, comments, and reflections in the comment section below. You can also send me an email at: breakingbreadwithnatasha@gmail.com

Please also feel free to share this post with others. We’re never quite sure who needs to hear and see what, and when! It would be awesome if whenever you run across a prayer, message, or scripture that moves you, you would kindly share it with the rest of us. You can post it on this blog or send me an email.

Sending love from a warm, beautiful island!
Natasha

Copyright 2013-2014. Natasha Foreman Bryant. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha Foreman Bryant, unless otherwise noted. Prior posts from 2009-2013 are copyrighted under the name Natasha L. Foreman. breakingbreadwithnatasha.com

Scripture quotations taken from the Amplified® Bible,
Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation Used by permission.(www.Lockman.org)

Scripture taken from the Common English Bible®, CEB® Copyright © 2010, 2011 by Common English Bible.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. The “CEB” and “Common English Bible” trademarks are registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Common English Bible. Use of either trademark requires the permission of Common English Bible.

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.

Late Post: Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 5.21.14

“Did I set my heart on making big money or worship at the bank? Did I boast about my wealth, show off because I was well-off? Was I ever so awed by the sun’s brilliance and moved by the moon’s beauty That I let myself become seduced by them and worshiped them on the sly? If so, I would deserve the worst of punishments, for I would be betraying God himself.

Job 31:24-28 MSG

Pray
Father I pray for continued humility. Please keep me focused on my priorities, responsibilities, and role as Your servant. Let me to never be more consumed by Your creations than by You. Father I pray that I don’t disregard my debts but that I also am not more concerned about money than I am pleasing You and helping to build Your Kingdom. Redirect my paths each time I stray. You know my heart Lord, even when my mouth is misaligned. I praise You now for delivering me. Amen.

Reflection
Don’t allow your role in consumerism to overshadow your role in building God’s Kingdom, and humbly (and fully) serving Him.

Questions of the Day
1. What could you sacrifice financially, or of your material possessions to remove another layer of ‘self’ in order to embrace a layer of Him?

2. How has a confusion of abundance (things versus blessings) clouded your judgment and walk with the Lord?

3. How would your life be different if you had less material possessions but greater spiritual blessings?

Feel free to share your answers, prayers, comments, and reflections in the comment section below. You can also send me an email at: breakingbreadwithnatasha@gmail.com

Please also feel free to share this post with others. We’re never quite sure who needs to hear and see what, and when! It would be awesome if whenever you run across a prayer, message, or scripture that moves you, you would kindly share it with the rest of us. You can post it on this blog or send me an email.

Love always,
Natasha

Copyright 2013-2014. Natasha Foreman Bryant. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha Foreman Bryant, unless otherwise noted. Prior posts from 2009-2013 are copyrighted under the name Natasha L. Foreman. breakingbreadwithnatasha.com

Scripture quotations taken from the Amplified® Bible,
Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation Used by permission.(www.Lockman.org)

Scripture taken from the Common English Bible®, CEB® Copyright © 2010, 2011 by Common English Bible.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. The “CEB” and “Common English Bible” trademarks are registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Common English Bible. Use of either trademark requires the permission of Common English Bible.

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 5.20.14

A joyful heart brightens one’s face, but a troubled heart breaks the spirit.

Proverbs 15:13 CEB

Pray
Father thank You for this day. I appreciate this gift of life and my experiences, even the most painful ones. Father You know my heart and You know what I am going through. You know my struggles, conflict, and You know how the enemy is attacking me.

Father give me comfort through even the darkest of times so that my spirit is never broken. May my heart always be filled with joy, as a sign of appreciation for all that You have done for me, and for the sacrifices that Jesus made on my behalf. In His name I humbly pray to You. Amen.

Reflection
There’s a saying that I like to recite often, “fake it ’til you make it” and I usually say it when going through trials and tribulations, and when I don’t want to alarm others of my discomfort.

Here’s the thing, if we are filled with God’s love, that sense of overwhelming joy that comes from knowing that God had our solution before we even knew we had a problem—this joy would keep our faces smiling and our hearts warm.

It’s when we forget, overlook, or are too consumed with self, that we instead are concerned more with what’s going wrong in our lives, instead of celebrating all of the good we have coming our way. We need to celebrate our daily victories, celebrate our daily gifts, and celebrate our daily lessons.

Don’t let your heart become troubled, or stay there long if it’s already there!

Questions of the Day
1. What has today’s message revealed to you about how you deal/cope with pain, disappointment, betrayal, hurt, failure, etc?

2. What can you focus on instead of the negatives to turn your heart from troubled to joyful?

Feel free to share your answers, prayers, comments, and reflections in the comment section below. You can also send me an email at: breakingbreadwithnatasha@gmail.com

Please also feel free to share this post with others. We’re never quite sure who needs to hear and see what, and when! It would be awesome if whenever you run across a prayer, message, or scripture that moves you, you would kindly share it with the rest of us. You can post it on this blog or send me an email.

Love always,
Natasha

Copyright 2013-2014. Natasha Foreman Bryant. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha Foreman Bryant, unless otherwise noted. Prior posts from 2009-2013 are copyrighted under the name Natasha L. Foreman. breakingbreadwithnatasha.com

Scripture quotations taken from the Amplified® Bible,
Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation Used by permission.(www.Lockman.org)

Scripture taken from the Common English Bible®, CEB® Copyright © 2010, 2011 by Common English Bible.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. The “CEB” and “Common English Bible” trademarks are registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Common English Bible. Use of either trademark requires the permission of Common English Bible.

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.

Late Post: Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 5.19.14

The Lord’s eyes are everywhere, keeping watch on evil and good people.

Proverbs 15:3 CEB

Pray
Father thank You for protecting me. Thank You for watching over me, and helping to strengthen me so that I can endure the sneak and direct attacks of the enemy.

Thank You for the discernment to see clearly through other people’s lies, misstatements, and declarations. Thank You for the discernment to see that the person who may try to befriend me is and will never be a genuine friend, but only attempts to get close to me so that they can betray me. Thank You for the discernment to see who is truly a friend, so that I can build upon and nurture those relationships.

Father I know that You will never put more on me than I can bear. I know that You will never guide me anywhere that You can’t protect me. I know that You will never keep me in a situation that does not glorify You, and all that You stand for.

I pray for Your continued protection, the foresight to grasp ahold of gifts that You present, the strength to not buckle under pressure, and the courage to walk away from certain people and situations. I give You all the glory and I honor You today and every day. Amen.

Reflection
There is nothing that you are going through that God can’t resolve. Ask Him for the tools and gifts to do your part.

Questions of the Day
1. Please share the last time you recall God steering you out of harm’s way?

2. What did you learn from that experience?

3. How has that experience impacted and shaped your life and journey?

Feel free to share your answers, prayers, comments, and reflections in the comment section below. You can also send me an email at: breakingbreadwithnatasha@gmail.com

Please also feel free to share this post with others. We’re never quite sure who needs to hear and see what, and when! It would be awesome if whenever you run across a prayer, message, or scripture that moves you, you would kindly share it with the rest of us. You can post it on this blog or send me an email.

Love always,
Natasha

Copyright 2013-2014. Natasha Foreman Bryant. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha Foreman Bryant, unless otherwise noted. Prior posts from 2009-2013 are copyrighted under the name Natasha L. Foreman. breakingbreadwithnatasha.com

Scripture quotations taken from the Amplified® Bible,
Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation Used by permission.(www.Lockman.org)

Scripture taken from the Common English Bible®, CEB® Copyright © 2010, 2011 by Common English Bible.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. The “CEB” and “Common English Bible” trademarks are registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Common English Bible. Use of either trademark requires the permission of Common English Bible.

Scripture quotations marked HCSB are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Holman CSB®, and HCSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.

Saturday Recap: Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 5/12/14 to 5/16/14

Happy Saturday family!

The week sorta flew by for me, I’m not sure about you. I had some rough patches, some valleys, and a mountain or two, but God saw me through. Amen!

If you missed any of this week’s messages or you want to go back and re-read any of them, here’s your opportunity. Below please find a recap of this week’s posts. Please share these posts with others, and also take a few moments to provide me feedback. Thank you.

Love,
Natasha

Monday- 5/12/14

Read the daily message here:
https://breakingbreadwithnatasha.wordpress.com/2014/05/12/natashas-daily-scripture-prayer-and-reflection-for-5-12-14/

Questions of the Day:
1. Describe a time of great discomfort or anxiety and how prayer helped relieve the pressure?

2. How has God helped you through stressful moments?

3. Do you notice a different feel or outcome when you jump to resolve issues rather than turning them over to God? What is the difference?

Tuesday- 5/13/14

Read the daily message here:
https://breakingbreadwithnatasha.wordpress.com/2014/05/13/natashas-daily-scripture-prayer-and-reflection-for-5-13-14/

Questions of the Day:
1. What in life are you supposed to be focused on and committed to, but you keep allowing yourself to be distracted?

2. What are you going through in life that has you consumed with the negative instead of bragging on what God has done, is doing, and will do for you?

Wednesday- 5/14/14

Read the daily message here:
https://breakingbreadwithnatasha.wordpress.com/2014/05/14/natashas-daily-scripture-prayer-and-reflection-for-5-14-14/

Questions of the Day:
1. After reading today’s message, how do you now see your enemy/enemies?

2. After reading this, how do you see God’s presence in your life?

3. In what ways will you modify your thinking and behavior to be more like David?

Thursday- 5/15/14

Read the daily message here:
https://breakingbreadwithnatasha.wordpress.com/2014/05/15/natashas-daily-scripture-prayer-and-reflection-for-5-15-14/

Questions of the Day
1. Do you ever fear that God will one day just get fed up and make the decision that life as we know it should just be erased and then He would start all over from scratch?

2. When you do wrong, at one point does remorse and regret set in?

3. After reading today’s post, how do you view your life and how you live compared to God’s expectations?

Friday- 5/16/14

Read the daily message here:
https://breakingbreadwithnatasha.wordpress.com/2014/05/16/natashas-daily-scripture-prayer-and-reflection-for-5-16-14/

Questions of the Day
1. What examples can you share of how when you declared God’s Word you were blessed?

2. Share a time when you spoke negatively and were then impacted negatively, and you immediately felt a connection between the two experiences?

3. After reading today’s post, do you take note of how powerful your words are in and to your life?

Don’t forget that tomorrow is Sunday Sermon Share Day. I don’t know if I’m going to make it to church, so 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. Just post it as a comment or send a message to my new email at: BreakingBreadWithNatasha@gmail.com Thank you.

God bless you all and happy Saturday!

Natasha

Copyright 2013-2014. Natasha Foreman Bryant. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha Foreman Bryant, unless otherwise noted. Prior posts from 2009-2013 are copyrighted under the name Natasha L. Foreman. breakingbreadwithnatasha.com

Scripture quotations taken from the Amplified® Bible,
Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation Used by permission.(www.Lockman.org)

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.

Scripture taken from the Common English Bible®, CEB® Copyright © 2010, 2011 by Common English Bible.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. The “CEB” and “Common English Bible” trademarks are registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Common English Bible. Use of either trademark requires the permission of Common English Bible.

Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 5.16.14

I needed to read the words below. I’m sure most of you will too. The passage happens to be one of my favorites.

We speak our existence. We also speak of our confidence in God’s ability to make right the wrong.When we speak fearfully, negatively, arrogantly, cynically, we then declare through our words the limited ability of our Father. When we speak with faith and humility, we declare His limitless abilities in our lives and the lives of others.

Free yourself by freeing your mind, your heart and your mouth.

~Natasha

Say of the Lord

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“I will say of the Lord, He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God; on Him I lean and rely, and in Him I [confidently] trust!”
(Psalm 91:2, AMP)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria
Your words have tremendous power. No matter what you may be facing today, the words of your mouth can help set the course for your victory or set the course for defeat. You decide by what you say. When you wake up with an attitude of faith and expectancy and declare God’s Word, you will be strengthened and empowered by His Spirit. But at the same time, if you go around talking about your problems or talking about defeat, it drains your faith and sets your focus in the wrong direction.

That’s why it’s so important today and every day to take inventory of what you are saying. When challenges and obstacles arise, declare that God is your refuge and strength. Declare His Word. Declare that He is for you. Keep the weeds out of your heart by letting go of bitterness and choosing to forgive. Stay in step with God with your words and actions and receive His strength and power to be all He’s called you to be.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father, thank You for Your Word which is refreshing water to my soul. I choose today to say what You say. I choose to meditate on Your Word. Keep me close to You always in Jesus’ name. Amen.
— Joel & Victoria Osteen

Questions of the Day
1. What examples can you share of how when you declared God’s Word you were blessed?

2. Share a time when you spoke negatively and were then impacted negatively, and you immediately felt a connection between the two experiences?

3. After reading today’s post, do you take note of how powerful your words are in and to your life?

Feel free to share your answers, prayers, comments, and reflections in the comment section below. You can also send me an email at: breakingbreadwithnatasha@gmail.com

Please also feel free to share this post with others. We’re never quite sure who needs to hear and see what, and when! It would be awesome if whenever you run across a prayer, message, or scripture that moves you, you would kindly share it with the rest of us. You can post it on this blog or send me an email. Happy Friday family. Enjoy your weekend, and check in tomorrow for the Saturday Recap!

Love always,
Natasha

Copyright 2013-2014. Natasha Foreman Bryant. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha Foreman Bryant, unless otherwise noted. Prior posts from 2009-2013 are copyrighted under the name Natasha L. Foreman. breakingbreadwithnatasha.com

Scripture quotations taken from the Amplified® Bible,
Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation Used by permission.(www.Lockman.org)

Scripture taken from the Common English Bible®, CEB® Copyright © 2010, 2011 by Common English Bible.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. The “CEB” and “Common English Bible” trademarks are registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Common English Bible. Use of either trademark requires the permission of Common English Bible.

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 5.15.14

This is the future that I have prepared for you, declares the Lord, because you have forgotten me and trusted in lies. I myself will pull up your skirt over your face and expose your shame. I have seen your adultery and lust, your disgusting idols and shameless prostitution on the hills and in the fields. How terrible for you, Jerusalem! How long will you remain dirty?

Jeremiah 13:25-27 CEB

Pray
Father whatever You see in us that is displeasing, I pray that You mold it out of us. Help us to see our wrong ways, and help us to right them. Forgive us for our disobedience. Forgive us for our refusal to stay on Your path. Forgive us for being ignorant. Forgive us Father. Please. I. Jesus’ name. Amen.

Reflection
Loving God is only possible through obedience. For every wrong you commit you must confess, atone, and never repeat the wrong again. Until you acknowledge your wrong, take ownership for it, and fully confess your sin, then you walk in denial and continued disobedience. Continued disobedience just tells God that you don’t love Him. Consider that.

Questions of the Day
1. Do you ever fear that God will one day just get fed up and make the decision that life as we know it should just be erased and then He would start all over from scratch?

2. When you do wrong, at one point does remorse and regret set in?

3. After reading today’s post, how do you view your life and how you live compared to God’s expectations?

Feel free to share your answers, prayers, comments, and reflections in the comment section below. You can also send me an email at: breakingbreadwithnatasha@gmail.com

Please also feel free to share this post with others. We’re never quite sure who needs to hear and see what, and when! It would be awesome if whenever you run across a prayer, message, or scripture that moves you, you would kindly share it with the rest of us. You can post it on this blog or send me an email.

Love always,
Natasha

Copyright 2013-2014. Natasha Foreman Bryant. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha Foreman Bryant, unless otherwise noted. Prior posts from 2009-2013 are copyrighted under the name Natasha L. Foreman. breakingbreadwithnatasha.com

Scripture quotations taken from the Amplified® Bible,
Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation Used by permission.(www.Lockman.org)

Scripture taken from the Common English Bible®, CEB® Copyright © 2010, 2011 by Common English Bible.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. The “CEB” and “Common English Bible” trademarks are registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Common English Bible. Use of either trademark requires the permission of Common English Bible.

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 5.14.14

Today’s message that my friend shared with me is right on time as it addresses how to respond to your enemy. We waste a great deal of time pumping the enemy up instead of bragging on God and what He can do. Whoo hoo this message is powerful. Visualize what is being said. It will move you!

~Natasha

Don’t Magnify Your Enemies

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“…Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?”
(1 Samuel 17:26, NIV)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria
Did you know that when David faced Goliath, he never called him a giant? Other people did, but not David. He didn’t brag on the enemy’s power. He didn’t magnify the obstacle. He did just the opposite. He called him an “uncircumcised Philistine.” Not only did he not acknowledge who Goliath was, or his strength, his power, his experience, he took it one step further and diminished him. When he said, “He’s an uncircumcised Philistine,” he was saying, “This man is not in covenant with my God. He’s not in covenant with Jehovah.” In other words, “He doesn’t have the favor on his life that’s on my life. I know the favor of my God keeps my enemies from being able to defeat me.”

So when he went to face Goliath he said, “This day, I will defeat you and feed your head to the birds of the air.” How could David, a teenager practically half his size with no military experience, go out with such confidence and face Goliath, a skilled warrior wearing a full set of armor? It’s because he understood this principle. David is the one that said, “The favor of God keeps my enemies from defeating me.”

A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father, thank You for empowering me to overcome every enemy. I choose to magnify You over every obstacle I face. Thank You for paving the way to victory in every area of my life in Jesus’ name. Amen.
— Joel & Victoria Osteen

Questions of the Day
1. After reading today’s message, how do you now see your enemy/enemies?

2. After reading this, how do you see God’s presence in your life?

3. In what ways will you modify your thinking and behavior to be more like David?

Feel free to share your answers, prayers, comments, and reflections in the comment section below. You can also send me an email at: breakingbreadwithnatasha@gmail.com

Please also feel free to share this post with others. We’re never quite sure who needs to hear and see what, and when! It would be awesome if whenever you run across a prayer, message, or scripture that moves you, you would kindly share it with the rest of us. You can post it on this blog or send me an email.

Love always,
Natasha

Copyright 2013-2014. Natasha Foreman Bryant. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha Foreman Bryant, unless otherwise noted. Prior posts from 2009-2013 are copyrighted under the name Natasha L. Foreman. breakingbreadwithnatasha.com

Scripture quotations taken from the Amplified® Bible,
Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation Used by permission.(www.Lockman.org)

Scripture taken from the Common English Bible®, CEB® Copyright © 2010, 2011 by Common English Bible.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. The “CEB” and “Common English Bible” trademarks are registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Common English Bible. Use of either trademark requires the permission of Common English Bible.

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 5.13.14

I love this message. Nothing and no one will hold me back, stop me, tear me down, distract me, or make me feel less than. God is my source and so I praise Him. I’m going to brag on Him through the worst times with as much energy as I do through the best times.

There are some people who think they are getting over on me. There are some people who think that I don’t see them plotting and planning against me. What they don’t realize is that God is my source, He is my vision, and He provides me insight into what my enemy is attempting to do. Say and do what you want. I’m going to keep my eyes on God, focused on His mission for me, and praising Him along the way!

~Natasha

Brag on God’s Goodness

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“Then I told them about how the gracious hand of God had been on me…”
(Nehemiah 2:18, NLT)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria
In scripture, Nehemiah had a dream to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. He didn’t have the money, the supplies or the manpower. What he had was incredible opposition. The city leaders were not for him. The critics tried to talk him out of it. He could have gotten discouraged and thought, “These obstacles are too big. I’ll never overcome these enemies.” No, right in the middle of that difficulty he said, “I can do this because the gracious hand of God is on my life.”

He was saying, “The favor of God is making a way.” Again and again, he made this same statement, “The gracious hand of God will help me overcome.” He was constantly bragging on God’s goodness. In the end, he not only rebuilt the wall, but he did it in record time. It should have taken a year or two, but he did it in just 52 days.

When you’re always talking about God’s goodness, that’s when you’ll see His favor, His goodness, His protection in new ways. You may be in a tough time, but don’t magnify your problem. Magnify your God. The bigger you make God, the smaller your problems will become. Brag on God’s goodness and move forward in His victory!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father, thank You for Your gracious hand of favor on my life. I choose to believe that with You, all things are possible. I know that You are making a way where there seems to be no way. So I will brag on Your goodness all the days of my life in Jesus’ name! Amen.
— Joel & Victoria Osteen

Questions of the Day
1. What in life are you supposed to be focused on and committed to, but you keep allowing yourself to be distracted?

2. What are you going through in life that has you consumed with the negative instead of bragging on what God has done, is doing, and will do for you?

Feel free to share your answers, prayers, comments, and reflections in the comment section below. You can also send me an email at: breakingbreadwithnatasha@gmail.com

Please also feel free to share this post with others. We’re never quite sure who needs to hear and see what, and when! It would be awesome if whenever you run across a prayer, message, or scripture that moves you, you would kindly share it with the rest of us. You can post it on this blog or send me an email.

Love always,
Natasha

Copyright 2013-2014. Natasha Foreman Bryant. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha Foreman Bryant, unless otherwise noted. Prior posts from 2009-2013 are copyrighted under the name Natasha L. Foreman. breakingbreadwithnatasha.com

Scripture quotations taken from the Amplified® Bible,
Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation Used by permission.(www.Lockman.org)

Scripture taken from the Common English Bible®, CEB® Copyright © 2010, 2011 by Common English Bible.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. The “CEB” and “Common English Bible” trademarks are registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Common English Bible. Use of either trademark requires the permission of Common English Bible.

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 5.12.14

Whenever I feel my foot slipping, your faithful love steadies me, Lord. When my anxieties multiply, your comforting calms me down.

Psalms 94:18, 19 CEB

Pray
Father thank You for always being here for me, for being my constant, and my Rock. There is no love greater or richer than Yours, and I’m grateful to be on the receiving end. Father You know the struggles that I face, the challenges that cause me discomfort, and the obstacles that block my path. You know the plotting and planning that the enemy has (done) against me.

Father I know Your power. I know what You can do. I know what You have done. I know that You can smooth out the roughest patches, unblock all cluttered paths, and turn my struggles and challenges into successes. I know that You can heal and mend, for You have healed and mended me countless times, all of which I appreciate.

Help me Father. Help me through my circumstances. Help to remove all people and things from my space who serve as distractions, negative influences, and/or puppets of the enemy. I pray for the strength and courage to continue on my journey with my head up and back straight. In Jesus’ name I humbly pray. Amen.

Reflection
Whenever I am under stress or feel anxiety buildup I begin to pray for release; I pray for calm and order, and I pray that my fear doesn’t take over. I am praying to the one Source that I know for a fact can steady and calm me. We must walk in confidence that no matter what we’re going through we can always turn to God to help us see things through. We can turn to God for comfort. Unlike humans, God is always loyal, consistent and dependable. Turn to Him.

Questions of the Day
1. Describe a time of great discomfort or anxiety and how prayer helped relieve the pressure?

2. How has God helped you through stressful moments?

3. Do you notice a different feel or outcome when you jump to resolve issues rather than turning them over to God? What is the difference?

Feel free to share your answers, prayers, comments, and reflections in the comment section below. You can also send me an email at: breakingbreadwithnatasha@gmail.com

Please also feel free to share this post with others. We’re never quite sure who needs to hear and see what, and when! It would be awesome if whenever you run across a prayer, message, or scripture that moves you, you would kindly share it with the rest of us. You can post it on this blog or send me an email.

Love always,
Natasha

Copyright 2013-2014. Natasha Foreman Bryant. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha Foreman Bryant, unless otherwise noted. Prior posts from 2009-2013 are copyrighted under the name Natasha L. Foreman. breakingbreadwithnatasha.com

Scripture quotations taken from the Amplified® Bible,
Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation Used by permission.(www.Lockman.org)

Scripture taken from the Common English Bible®, CEB® Copyright © 2010, 2011 by Common English Bible.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. The “CEB” and “Common English Bible” trademarks are registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Common English Bible. Use of either trademark requires the permission of Common English Bible.

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.

Why I Share More Than Just MY Prayers and Reflections on This Blog

If you have ever visited my blog or received my messages via email and said to yourself, “I came here to read your messages not the Osteen’s,” then you missed the point and need to read what this blog and these messages are all about.

It’s not about me, even though when I first started in 2009 it was just about me finding scriptures, and then praying and reflecting on them during my journey. My heart was soon touched to share with others by text, then email, and then through my blog. I will post and share anything loving, inclusive, and representing God’s loving Light.

If you have ever sat back and said, “Why doesn’t Natasha share other loving and powerful messages from others besides the Osteen’s,” my response is simple, I share what is sent to me. Every single day I ask my readers to share a scripture, prayer, or reflection that moves you. If you don’t share then you don’t get to experience multiple reflections and prayers from different people, from different backgrounds, with different experiences, but with the same common goal—loving and serving God.

I would love to share messages from others called to serve our Heavenly Father, so please share the links or exact messages, so that I can share it with everyone here. You can email me at BreakingBreadWithNatasha@gmail.com

If you come to my blog to only receive something, then you also have missed the point. The purpose of my blog is about reciprocity. We are coming together to share, to give, to love. As you receive something you should be leaving something with the rest of us, and then sharing something with others who have yet to become a member of the Breaking Bread family.

I pray to one day write a book to share with the masses. I pray to one day provide the environment for all of us to come together, to interact freely, and discuss the things that (should) matter most to us: God, our service to Him, our families, our calling, and what we can do to help change our world for the better.

All of this will only be possible through your support and engagement. If I only hear from a few people, yet I know how many people have subscribed to my blog, and can guess how many view (yet don’t want the commitment of a subscription), then how will I know that what I’m sharing is worthy of a book, or worthy of going a step farther?

I need to hear from you. I need your feedback. I need to be pushed, because God never wants me to be comfortable with just doing these blogs and making minor changes here and there. This entire process is molding me as I hope it is molding you. I’m now committed to doing this blog, and making no excuses for when I miss one or more days due to illness, poor time management planning, or anything else.

The blog has grown a great deal since I first launched it in 2010. It started out as a Monday through Friday commitment, then we tip-toed into Saturday, then Sunday, then an online chat feature was added (which I’m ready to nix, overhaul, and supersize), sharing of other messages from other servants, you now have the ability to email me, and now we have taken another step with the daily questions (which are also shared during the Saturday Recap).

God is molding me to do more, to be less and less comfortable with my status quo, and to stretch myself to points and places I have yet to imagine. What I have done, what I’m doing, and what God has intended for me to do takes a great deal of time, energy, and commitment. I didn’t know what I was getting myself into in 2009, but I’m beginning to see things clearer. I’m not trying to be a preacher, minister, or any other religious official, I’m just trying to serve and love.

I want to grow, I want to change, I want to serve God fully, and I want to give as my cup runneth over. Please share with me your thoughts and feedback. Please share any scriptures, prayers, reflections, and sermons that move you. Please share. God bless you all!

Loving you always,

Natasha

Copyright 2013-2014. Natasha Foreman Bryant. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha Foreman Bryant, unless otherwise noted. Prior posts from 2009-2013 are copyrighted under the name Natasha L. Foreman. breakingbreadwithnatasha.com

Saturday Recap: Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 5/5/14 to 5/9/14

Happy Saturday family!

I had a positively productive week, how about you?

If you missed any of this week’s messages or you want to go back and re-read any of them, here’s your opportunity. Below please find a recap of this week’s posts. Please share these posts with others, and also take a few moments to provide me feedback. Thank you.

Love,
Natasha

Monday- 5/5/14

Read the daily message here:
https://breakingbreadwithnatasha.wordpress.com/2014/05/05/natashas-daily-scripture-prayer-and-reflection-for-5-5-14/

Questions of the Day:
1.What has He said to You today?

2. Share a moment when you heard His voice but ignored Him?

Tuesday- 5/6/14

Oops today’s message never posted. My apologies.

Wednesday- 5/7/14

Read the daily message here:
https://breakingbreadwithnatasha.wordpress.com/2014/05/07/natashas-daily-scripture-prayer-and-reflection-for-5-7-14/

Questions of the Day:
1. What is you first recollection of God, being God, in your life?

2. How has your relationship with God evolved over the years?

3. In what ways has your faith been tested over the years?

4. How would you rate your level of faith now compared to five years ago? Why?

Thursday- 5/8/14

Read the daily message here:
https://breakingbreadwithnatasha.wordpress.com/2014/05/08/natashas-daily-scripture-prayer-and-reflection-for-5-8-14/

Questions of the Day
1. Share a time when you didn’t feel at peace with a decision but you went through with it anyway. What was the end result?

Friday- 5/9/14

Read the daily message here:
https://breakingbreadwithnatasha.wordpress.com/2014/05/09/natashas-daily-scripture-prayer-and-reflection-for-5-9-14/

Questions of the Day
1.What do you think about me sharing details about my life (like this) with the public?

2. Does my openness help build the bridge of communication between you and I, or am I just talking?

3. Does my openness help to build a relationship with you?

4. While looking somewhat into my life does it help you to look at your own life?

Don’t forget that tomorrow is Sunday Sermon Share Day. I don’t know if I’m going to make it to church, so 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. Just post it as a comment or send a message to my new email at: BreakingBreadWithNatasha@gmail.com Thank you.

God bless you all and happy Saturday!

Natasha

Copyright 2013-2014. Natasha Foreman Bryant. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha Foreman Bryant, unless otherwise noted. Prior posts from 2009-2013 are copyrighted under the name Natasha L. Foreman. breakingbreadwithnatasha.com

Scripture quotations taken from the Amplified® Bible,
Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation Used by permission.(www.Lockman.org)

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.

Scripture taken from the Common English Bible®, CEB® Copyright © 2010, 2011 by Common English Bible.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. The “CEB” and “Common English Bible” trademarks are registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Common English Bible. Use of either trademark requires the permission of Common English Bible.

Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 5.9.14

Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with My righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10 HCSB

Pray
Father forgive me for my wrongdoing. Forgive me for the words and thoughts that have came from me but were not reflective of You. Forgive me for my weakness and my lack of strength to walk right always. Father forgive me for any negativity that flows from me, any profanity that I ignorantly use, and the casualness of my judgments or gossiping. Mold me Father. You know where and how I can be, because You created me in Your image. I’m sorry for disappointing You. I pray for Your forgiveness in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Reflection
Today and last night I had some moments where my mouth and mind didn’t fall in line with what God expects of me, and what I study and know of Jesus’s teachings and his walk. I allowed myself to casually use words and expressions that I know I could avoid, because had I been in a different environment, I would have chosen a different way. My weakness left me exposed to the enemy, and boy did he have a ball laughing at me.

Today I told my friends that I was hanging with that I would confess my blundering slip ups tonight in my message, because I have to keep things real with all of you, because I’m human, we’re all human, and my initial purpose for Breaking Bread was solely for my redemption, healing, and spiritual journey so I have to honor this. But also because every person who reads this blog becomes one more person who I am accountable to believe it or not—we’re all here to help each other, and when we actively engage with others on Breaking Bread we hold each other accountable in some way—because iron sharpens iron—we’re all trying to be better people, better Christians, better servants, and better ambassadors for Christ.

So today and last night I was a potty mouth, and every day I work to challenge myself to use my expansive vocabulary, to use different words to express myself, and to make up words to express displeasure, frustration, anger, and more. I have creative words to express love and terms of endearment, I know I can be more creative when I’m unhappy. I know it’s possible because depending on the environment and who I am with I know I can refrain from using certain words, from being negative, or behaving a certain way.

I pray that God keeps molding me as He sees fit. He’s working on me and I know it, day by day, day by day!

Questions of the Day
1.What do you think about me sharing details about my life (like this) with the public?

2. Does my openness help build the bridge of communication between you and I, or am I just talking?

3. Does my openness help to build a relationship with you?

4. While looking somewhat into my life does it help you to look at your own life?

Feel free to share your answers, prayers, comments, and reflections in the comment section below. You can also send me an email at: breakingbreadwithnatasha@gmail.com

Please also feel free to share this post with others. We’re never quite sure who needs to hear and see what, and when! It would be awesome if whenever you run across a prayer, message, or scripture that moves you, you would kindly share it with the rest of us. You can post it on this blog or send me an email. Happy Friday family. Thank you for sharing with me and allowing me to share with each of you. Tomorrow I will recap this week’s messages with you in the Saturday Recap.

Love always,
Natasha

Copyright 2013-2014. Natasha Foreman Bryant. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha Foreman Bryant, unless otherwise noted. Prior posts from 2009-2013 are copyrighted under the name Natasha L. Foreman. breakingbreadwithnatasha.com

Scripture quotations taken from the Amplified® Bible,
Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation Used by permission.(www.Lockman.org)

Scripture taken from the Common English Bible®, CEB® Copyright © 2010, 2011 by Common English Bible.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. The “CEB” and “Common English Bible” trademarks are registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Common English Bible. Use of either trademark requires the permission of Common English Bible.

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 5.8.14

Let Peace Be Your Umpire

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“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)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria
An umpire calls the players safe or out. As believers in Jesus, we have an internal umpire, so to speak, calling the plays and giving us direction. Before you ever make a decision, you should stop and see if you have peace inside. If there’s unrest or an uneasy feeling inside, then don’t move forward. Let peace be your umpire.

How many people get into a relationship that they didn’t have peace about and end up miserable? They buy things they didn’t have peace about. They end up in debt. They take a job they didn’t have peace about. They end up frustrated. Here’s the key: If you don’t have peace before you make the decision, you’re not going to have peace after you make the decision. If you don’t have peace about that person now, you’re not going to have peace if you get into relationship. If you don’t have peace about buying that new car, you’re not going to have peace when the payments come each month.

Remember, God gave us peace for our protection. No matter what circumstances look like, always trust His inner peace. Let peace in your heart be your umpire and settle any questions you have in your mind.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father, thank You for Your peace that passes understanding. Thank You for leading and guiding me by peace. Help me to tune in to Your voice better so I can walk in the peace and protection You have for me in Jesus’ name. Amen.
— Joel & Victoria Osteen

Questions of the Day
1. Share a time when you didn’t feel at peace with a decision but you went through with it anyway. What was the end result?

Feel free to share your answers, prayers, comments, and reflections in the comment section below. You can also send me an email at: breakingbreadwithnatasha@gmail.com

Please also feel free to share this post with others. We’re never quite sure who needs to hear and see what, and when! It would be awesome if whenever you run across a prayer, message, or scripture that moves you, you would kindly share it with the rest of us. You can post it on this blog or send me an email.

Love always,
Natasha

Copyright 2013-2014. Natasha Foreman Bryant. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha Foreman Bryant, unless otherwise noted. Prior posts from 2009-2013 are copyrighted under the name Natasha L. Foreman. breakingbreadwithnatasha.com

All Joel and Victoria Osteen messages are Copyright Protected by Joel and Victoria Osteen. None of their messages have been modified by Natasha Foreman Bryant.

Scripture quotations taken from the Amplified® Bible,
Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation Used by permission.(www.Lockman.org)

Scripture taken from the Common English Bible®, CEB® Copyright © 2010, 2011 by Common English Bible.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. The “CEB” and “Common English Bible” trademarks are registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Common English Bible. Use of either trademark requires the permission of Common English Bible.

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.