Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 5.31.17

May 31, 2017Natasha Leave a comment

Scripture

John 15:2

Prayer

Father I hope to always produce fruit for you, even after I leave this level of existence. I understand that You must prune me so that I can bear more for You, so as I endure that process I will smile and praise You because I know what You are doing and how it benefits me and those I serve in honor of You. Thank You Father.

Reflection

We must be pruned to bear more fruit. The dead leaves and fruit must be removed. If not, our entire tree risks dying.

As we grow we are strengthened by God’s support. He is the foundation, the soil, the water, and the sun that helps fuel us.

The pruning process can hurt, sometimes it can feel unbearable, but know that it is short-lived and the recovery will set you up for a great harvest. So hold on tight and know that it’s worth it in the end. If God believed that you couldn’t handle this or weren’t built for this, then He wouldn’t subject you to it!

Questions of the Day

1. What would you like to add to today’s prayer and/or reflection?

2. What are your thoughts about today’s message?

3. What issues are you fighting to protect from the enemy’s attack?

4. What cares, worries, and fears are you ready to turn over to God?

5. Who would you like to pray for today?

6. Do you have a testimony that you would like to share? Please do.

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 2013-2017. 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 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 5.30.17

May 30, 2017Natasha Leave a comment

Scripture

John 14:1

Prayer

Each day I trust. I won’t stop now Father. Thank You for always being here for me, even when I do and foolish things, and disobey You. Hold me Father. Please protect me. You already know what I’m facing and what lies ahead. Prepare me Lord. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Reflection

God already knows what we fear most, what is bothering us, who is attacking us, and where we are strongest and weakest. So turn to God, our Creator and Supplier, and do so in the name of Jesus—as a believer and follower in His ministry and the sacrifices that He made for all of us. If you say you believe, then show it through your faith in the smallest and never relinquish hope for fear.

Either you trust in God and Jesus or you don’t.

Questions of the Day

1. What would you like to add to today’s prayer and/or reflection?

2. What are your thoughts about today’s message?

3. What issues are you fighting to protect from the enemy’s attack?

4. What cares, worries, and fears are you ready to turn over to God?

5. Who would you like to pray for today?

6. Do you have a testimony that you would like to share? Please do.

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

Love always,

Natasha

Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 5.29.17

May 29, 2017Natasha Leave a comment

Scripture

John 14:9-11

Prayer

Thank You for Your mercy and grace Father. Forgive me for my shortcomings and disobedience. I pray for discernment, strength, courage, and an obedient heart. I pray to forgive those who have hurt, betrayed, and taken advantage of me. I can’t ask for what I can’t give. May I show mercy even to those who chose not to be merciful towards me.

Reflection

If Jesus gave up and walked away from each disciple who doubted Him, then He wouldn’t have had any walking beside Him. It’s interesting how people can see you for who you are, see your value and contributions, see how helpful you have been, you could have even saved them on some level, yet they still doubt you. Now imagine if you were Jesus. It had to be exhausting to look into the eyes of doubters for months and years. The lesson to be learned here is–keep doing what you do, either they will believe or they won’t, but no matter what you should not slow down, change directions, or walk away from your path.

Questions of the Day

1. What would you like to add to today’s prayer and/or reflection?

2. What are your thoughts about today’s message?

3. What issues are you fighting to protect from the enemy’s attack?

4. What cares, worries, and fears are you ready to turn over to God?

5. Who would you like to pray for today?

6. Do you have a testimony that you would like to share? Please do.

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

Love always,

Natasha

Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 5.26.17

May 26, 2017Natasha Leave a comment

Scripture

John 14:6

Prayer

Father please guard me, guide me, comfort me, strengthen me, and redirect my steps. Jesus laid the path and I want to be courageous and obedient enough to follow. I know that only through Him can I have all that You want for me.

Reflection

These are bold words spoken by Jesus and knowing the cynicism that runs through most of us, it’s not surprising that although the disciples heard these words, they didn’t truly believe that He was the Way, the Truth, the Life, and the only access point to God. It’s clear that we also doubt Him since we choose to hopscotch on and off His path. If we truly believed then we would obediently follow, without doubt or hesitation and we could never be distracted or discouraged. We have a lot of work ahead of us.

Questions of the Day

1. What would you like to add to today’s prayer and/or reflection?

2. What are your thoughts about today’s message?

3. What issues are you fighting to protect from the enemy’s attack?

4. What cares, worries, and fears are you ready to turn over to God?

5. Who would you like to pray for today?

6. Do you have a testimony that you would like to share? Please do.

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

Love always,

Natasha

Did I Forget to Tell You We’re on Facebook Now?

May 25, 2017Natasha Leave a comment

Hi Breaking Bread Family!

With the days passing by and God molding my hardheaded self, I think that I forgot to announce that we’re now also on Facebook. Yes, we are!

So now you can stay connected via this blog, but I’m added more inspiration and opportunities for interaction via social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Check us out:

Facebook @BreakingBreadWithNatasha

Instagram @BreakingBreadWithNatasha

Twitter @BreakBread365

Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 5.25.17

May 25, 2017Natasha Leave a comment

Scripture

Matthew 26:34-35

Prayer

Father I pray for the courage to stand and walk even in fear. I pray for the courage to stand strong in my convictions. I pray for the courage to never deny who I am and Whom I belong to, no matter what the consequences. Father strengthen me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Reflection

We have all been betrayed at least once in our lives, but how many of you saw the betrayal coming in advance? Most likely not. For the most part, we are blindsided by the betrayal, never seeing it coming, and later we try to dissect the series of events that led to our betrayal. Now imagine Jesus Christ knowing well in advance which disciples would betray Him. He broke bread with them, He continued to teach and guide them, He continued to love and serve them–knowing they would betray Him, even when they declared and cried aloud that they never would. But He knew the truth and He knew that all would have to happen to fulfill prophecy. That has to be a disturbing feeling.

Looking into the eyes of those who would turn their backs on you, deny you, reject you, claim they don’t know you, sell you out for money (even worse, chump change)–how did He keep it together? How did He maintain His composure? Most of us would have ‘snapped’ knowing that we were sitting next to the people who would soon betray us. We definitely wouldn’t be eating, laughing, praying, and washing their feet. It just shows you how special, committed, and obedient Jesus was. It just shows you why He was chosen to be our Savior.

Questions of the Day

1. What would you like to add to today’s prayer and/or reflection?

2. What are your thoughts about today’s message?

3. What issues are you fighting to protect from the enemy’s attack?

4. What cares, worries, and fears are you ready to turn over to God?

5. Who would you like to pray for today?

6. Do you have a testimony that you would like to share? Please do.

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

Love always,

Natasha

Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 5.24.17

May 24, 2017Natasha Leave a comment

Scripture

Luke 22:31-32

Prayer

Father strengthen me along my journey so that as I climb I can reach my hand back to others, and so that when they are weak I can share Your Word and favor to strengthen them. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Reflection

If your faith wavers or wanes then how can you possibly inspire, encourage, enlighten, and help others along their journey? You must possess and exhibit strength to endure the valleys and mountains in life. When others see you what do they see? No one follows the trembling coward. We seek out the courageous, even if they walk in fear, because we know that their faith guides them.

Knowing what God has done for you through His mercy and grace, stand tall even in your darkest hour–because you know that God is still with you and that satan has no power in this life or in your next one–unless you give it power.

Questions of the Day

1. What would you like to add to today’s prayer and/or reflection?

2. What are your thoughts about today’s message?

3. What issues are you fighting to protect from the enemy’s attack?

4. What cares, worries, and fears are you ready to turn over to God?

5. Who would you like to pray for today?

6. Do you have a testimony that you would like to share? Please do.

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

Love always,

Natasha

Oops Messages Aren’t Posting

May 24, 2017Natasha Leave a comment

Hi Breaking Bread family!

My apologies, the messages haven’t been posting properly. I reset them and will have them post again. So Monday and Tuesday’s messages will release minutes apart, followed by today’s message. That means you should receive back-to-back emails (if you subscribe to my blog via email).

Once again I apologize for the mix up.

Natasha

Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 5.23.17

May 23, 2017Natasha Leave a comment

Scripture

John 13:14-15

Prayer

Father let me always lead by example, serving others without expectation, and always with gratitude for the blessings that You have given to me.

Reflection

Oftentimes people reach a certain level in their lives and careers and they feel that they don’t have to or shouldn’t have to serve others. For some reason they believe that someone should be serving them. This sense of entitlement is in direct conflict with what Jesus taught His disciples. Not to say that you or I are disciples of Christ, but in our walk if we form the words “I want to be more like Jesus” then shouldn’t we begin to align our thoughts and deeds with the principles outlined by our Savior?

Jesus washed the feet of those who followed Him and called Him their Lord. And look at us, waiting for someone to wash our feet, serve us food, cater to our every need.

Who are we again?

Questions of the Day

1. What would you like to add to today’s prayer and/or reflection?

2. What are your thoughts about today’s message?

3. What issues are you fighting to protect from the enemy’s attack?

4. What cares, worries, and fears are you ready to turn over to God?

5. Who would you like to pray for today?

6. Do you have a testimony that you would like to share? Please do.

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

Love always,

Natasha

Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 5.22.17

May 22, 2017Natasha Leave a comment

Scripture

John 13:3

Prayer

Father I know who I am and Whom I come from, and I know that You always have me even when I feel like I’m falling. Thank You for loving me unconditionally.

Reflection

No matter how Jesus felt about the betrayals that would become clear to all, He knew that He was doing as God instructed Him, and He knew that God would take care of Him as He always had. So Jesus continued to be obedient.

If only our obedience was so consistent.

Questions of the Day

1. What would you like to add to today’s prayer and/or reflection?

2. What are your thoughts about today’s message?

3. What issues are you fighting to protect from the enemy’s attack?

4. What cares, worries, and fears are you ready to turn over to God?

5. Who would you like to pray for today?

6. Do you have a testimony that you would like to share? Please do.

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

Love always,

Natasha

Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 5.19.17

May 19, 2017Natasha Leave a comment

Scripture

John 12:48-50

Prayer

May I be receptive to all that You put before me Father. I want to be obedient and it hurts me to disappoint You. Help me Father. Protect me. Forgive me for my foolish ways. Your humble servant I long to be. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Reflection

Jesus explains to the crowd that He’s simply following God’s commands and if folks choose to not believe and follow Him then they will have to take it up with God–Jesus is just the Messenger.

Looking back on it now more than two thousand years later we scoff at the idea of these people treating Jesus this way. But then we should cover our mouths tightly because not only are we no better than them, we are actually far worse. Why? Because the vast majority of them were just then hearing of this man called Jesus that others were saying was the Messiah. We on the other hand, for the most part, have grown up reading and hearing the stories about and parables spoken by Him. Yet many of us are conditional believers and followers.

And let’s not even go there when we talk about our dysfunctional relationship with our Heavenly Father. We want want want but then we’re reluctant to give in return. We sing the songs, we poetically spin the catchphrases, we can dress the part, and we have some verses memorized—but are we ready for the sacrifice?

Stop talking about Jesus coming and start living like He’s already here living amongst us!

Questions of the Day

1. What would you like to add to today’s prayer and/or reflection?

2. What are your thoughts about today’s message?

3. What issues are you fighting to protect from the enemy’s attack?

4. What cares, worries, and fears are you ready to turn over to God?

5. Who would you like to pray for today?

6. Do you have a testimony that you would like to share? Please do.

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

Love always,

Natasha

Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 5.18.17

May 18, 2017Natasha Leave a comment

Scripture

John 12:44-47

Prayer

I believe Father.

Guide me. Guard me Lord from myself, the enemy, and from others who are easily manipulated by the enemy.

Humbly I pray. Amen.

Reflection

Jesus attempts to answer the crowd’s question using the metaphor of the “light” thinking they would be wise enough to make the correlation to Him. When they failed to, He then had to just cut straight to the point and say that He was the light– He came as a light to guide them to eternal life with God; that He was there to save not judge them.

Interesting enough, so many Christians associate judgment with Jesus. Maybe it’s because of the multiple books in the Bible that share difference perspectives and lenses of the accounting of what was said or done, or not. Whatever the reason, this viewpoint has also given way to a sea of people who feel entitled to pass judgment on others, as though they have been deemed worthy and appointed to measure another’s worth based on the standards they have set forth, and on a Book that they too struggle to make sense of and follow consistently or at all.

If Jesus was sent to save the world and not judge it, then who are you to assume a role that was never even given to Him–and He’s your Lord and Savior?

Questions of the Day

1. What would you like to add to today’s prayer and/or reflection?

2. What are your thoughts about today’s message?

3. What issues are you fighting to protect from the enemy’s attack?

4. What cares, worries, and fears are you ready to turn over to God?

5. Who would you like to pray for today?

6. Do you have a testimony that you would like to share? Please do.

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

Love always,

Natasha

Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 5.17.17

May 17, 2017Natasha Leave a comment

Scripture

John 12:42-43

Prayer

Father give me the courage to walk right even when it’s easier to side step. Give me the courage to do what’s right and speak up, even when fear encroaches. Give me the courage to stand in my convictions and proudly proclaim that I am a believer and follower of Christ, even if I face ridicule, shame, judgment, or far worse from my fellow human. Lift me up Father. You know what I need and when I need it. I choose to praise You even through the worst of times. I praise You now and I praise You always in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Reflection

Now let’s talk about the foolishness going on in John 12, shall we?

So first we have folks questioning Jesus. Interesting enough this is still our issue today. Although many had seen His healings, and some even had actual testimony of healing, many couldn’t bring themselves to believe in Him. It’s like a never ending cycle of “well can you do this? what about this? Well how about now? But what if this happened?” You know what I’m speaking of, the twisted nonsense that we all have been guilty of throughout our short lives here on Earth.

But that’s not the most disturbing. Nope.

The most shocking comes in verses 42 and 43 where you have believers who just refuse to publicly claim Him as their Lord and Savior because they are more concerned with and consumed by peer pressure and human narcissists that intimidate them through threat of banishment from the synagogue, as though God only hears and responds to prayer in a structure built by human hands.

So they would rather disappoint, turn their backs on and denounce the Son than the peons who are supposed to be serving Him. They would rather reject the One that God sent to save them than be cast aside and judged by the one who self-appointed themselves as so-called leaders.

That is our world still today, more than 2,000 years later.

You can believe and yet not follow, follow and yet not serve, serve and not be humbled.

God leaves us free to choose….

Questions of the Day

1. What would you like to add to today’s prayer and/or reflection?

2. What are your thoughts about today’s message?

3. What issues are you fighting to protect from the enemy’s attack?

4. What cares, worries, and fears are you ready to turn over to God?

5. Who would you like to pray for today?

6. Do you have a testimony that you would like to share? Please do.

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

Love always,

Natasha

Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 5.16.17

May 16, 2017Natasha Leave a comment

Scripture

John 12:37-38, 40

Prayer

Father help me to walk even if I do not know what lies ahead. Give me the courage and strength to press forward even in fear. Help me to see what You wish for me to see and realize that it is Your doing and not that of the enemy’s. Calm my anxiety. Fill me with peace. I give You all of the praise and glory. Amen.

Reflection

The prophet Isaiah said that people would not believe even what they saw with their own eyes. So Jesus understood that it is only spiritually that we are awakened and enlightened, and patiently He unpacked wisdom and Truth for those who could not see Him for Who He was. An uphill battle that He was willing to pursue.

Consider the people in your life, within your inner circle, who you share your dreams, goals and aspirations, successes and failures, and what you believe that God has called on you to do.

How many of them truly believe in you and support you, even when you have the most absurd and outlandish sounding ideas? I mean they are the first ones aboard, the first to make a purchase, the first to promote your efforts to their networks, they are constantly challenging you to do more and do better, and they stand by you through the ups and the downs with unwavering passion for what you do. How many people do you have like that in your life?

How many “conditionally” support you? Meaning they support you as long as your ideas work and you achieve your goals, but if you have too many strike outs at the plate, then they’re quick to tell you it’s time to give up and get out. How many people do you have like that in your life?

How many people do you have in your inner circle and/or family that shoot down every idea that you have? I mean these people won’t even give you a chance to try out your idea before telling you it won’t work or that it’s stupid, or too risky.

Now imagine walking in Jesus’ shoes….

Questions of the Day

1. What would you like to add to today’s prayer and/or reflection?

2. What are your thoughts about today’s message?

3. What issues are you fighting to protect from the enemy’s attack?

4. What cares, worries, and fears are you ready to turn over to God?

5. Who would you like to pray for today?

6. Do you have a testimony that you would like to share? Please do.

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

Love always,

Natasha

Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 5.15.17

May 15, 2017Natasha Leave a comment

Scripture

John 12:35

Prayer

Father help me to keep my eyes focused on the Light, not distracted by the chaos and seductions of the darkness, so that I may walk where You guide me. In Jesus’ name I pray to You this day and always. Amen.

Reflection

Jesus definitely was a patient man if we go by what is written about Him in the Bible. Imagine constantly being questioned, challenged, critiqued, and ridiculed by the people you have been sent to help. That is definitely a roll-the-eyes moment.

The crowd asked Him how it was possible that the Messiah would remain forever yet Jesus told them that the Son of Man must be lifted up. Then they asked, “So who is this Son of Man?” In John 12:35 Jesus shares these spiritual words to help shed some light on who the Son of Man is and the importance of walking in the light so that they do not lose their way and find themselves consumed by the darkness.

I don’t think I could be as patient and understanding as Jesus, nor would I be as obedient to our Father as He was. There would have been plenty of times that I just threw my hands up, cursed folks, and walked away. Hence why God is constantly working to mold me into the servant He needs me to be. Smile.

Questions of the Day

1. What would you like to add to today’s prayer and/or reflection?

2. What are your thoughts about today’s message?

3. What issues are you fighting to protect from the enemy’s attack?

4. What cares, worries, and fears are you ready to turn over to God?

5. Who would you like to pray for today?

6. Do you have a testimony that you would like to share? Please do.

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

Love always,

Natasha

Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 5.12.17

May 12, 2017Natasha Leave a comment

Scripture

John 12:34

Prayer

Father thank You for allowing me to see and understand things in the time and place that You see fit, because You know that I cannot handle or comprehend the fulness of this world or Your Kingdom. I apologize for my impatience, hard head, flippant attitude, and disobedience. Gently and lovingly mold me Father.

Reflection

Silly silly silly children we are. Our failure to see beneath the surface, to go beyond the physical to the spiritual, to see through a different kind of lens not our eyes.

A great portion of the Bible has spiritual not physical connotations and correlations, but we take things literally—well, except the things that we want to avoid because they don’t serve our self-serving desires.

Take the Bible and read it through a spiritual lens. Remove the physical elements and the barriers that limit our ability to grasp the possibility of certain things taking place as written. Dig deep, go within, and then you will see how the Son of Man “must be lifted up” while remaining with us forever!

Questions of the Day

1. What would you like to add to today’s prayer and/or reflection?

2. What are your thoughts about today’s message?

3. What issues are you fighting to protect from the enemy’s attack?

4. What cares, worries, and fears are you ready to turn over to God?

5. Who would you like to pray for today?

6. Do you have a testimony that you would like to share? Please do.

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

Love always,

Natasha

Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 5.11.17

May 11, 2017Natasha Leave a comment

Scripture

Prayer

Father thank You for this day. I’m so grateful for my life. Even through sadness and confusion, please don’t ever think that I don’t want to live this human experience. Forgive me for those moments and days when I don’t appear appreciative, when I don’t praise You and when I’m defiant. Forgive me for those moments when I see someone in need and I don’t do anything to help, even when capable. Touch me Father. Help me to see how I can help, and then lovingly push me to act. Help me to be a better servant so that as You bless me I can bless others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Reflection

Well Jesus said it all in these last two passages. He made it crystal clear that every time one of the “goals” chose to not take care of give to someone in need, they made a clear declaration that they had no interest in taking care of and giving to Jesus–because in His mind, there’s no separating the two. By not giving others a hand up you’re silently saying that you don’t think it’s your responsibility to help them.

We never consider that one day we could be that homeless person, the sick person, the incarcerated person–and we will desperately want help and a hand up out of our situation. We will want our dignity restored and to be treated not based on our outward appearances or circumstances, but by our heart. But will you receive it in return?

What if each person that you deny a blessing is every blessing that you are denied? Ponder that.

Questions of the Day

1. What would you like to add to today’s prayer and/or reflection?

2. What are your thoughts about today’s message?

3. What issues are you fighting to protect from the enemy’s attack?

4. What cares, worries, and fears are you ready to turn over to God?

5. Who would you like to pray for today?

6. Do you have a testimony that you would like to share? Please do.

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

Love always,

Natasha

Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 5.10.17

May 10, 2017Natasha Leave a comment

Scripture

Matthew 25:41-43

Prayer

Father it is not my place to decide to eats, drinks, and is taken care of; You have called on Your children to give without question or hesitation, and I pray that You always touch my heart to do so. I love You Father and I want to do better and be better in Your eyes. I give You all of the glory. Amen.

Reflection

There are a lot of people who think they are going to a special place called heaven simply because they consistently attend church, pay tithes, have a fish and cross emblem mounted on their car, wear a cross around their neck, and carry their Bibles around and display them in the back window of their car, night stand, and on their desk at work. You can do all of that but walk past the dirty disheveled man on the street asking you for money, and in that instance, all of your outward signs of Christianity have been flushed down the metaphoric toilet.

We have not been called on to judge and be the officiants over others. God called on us to be servants throughout His Kingdom, giving in all ways to the least of His children. We have excess in our homes, and stuff sitting around collecting dust, that we could bag up and disburse to those in need who could benefit more from what we have.

A person we assume to be homeless asks us for money or food, and we stop and attempt to assess whether or not the person is being honest and honorable, and if they will actually eat healthy food or turn instead to drugs and alcohol. It’s not your job to judge and make assessments. If you’re concerned with the health and wellbeing of that person, then invest the additional time and money by purchasing them a healthy meal and beverage that can provide nourishment and let them know how much you truly care. But scoffing at them, rolling your eyes, and passing them by because in your assessment your money would be wasted–you have scoffed at Jesus. Every time you tell the lie “I don’t have any money” yet you have dollar bills and coins in your wallet or purse, is the same lie you’re telling Jesus.

Everything you say and do for, to, or against the least of God’s children has the same impact as though you said or did it directly to Jesus.

God and Jesus aren’t concerned with your religious pomp and ceremony. We’re being judged based on how we treat those who have the least and need the most, how we treat the animals that we’re to have dominion over, how we treat this planet that God made our temporary home, and how we make the most of the blessings that God has given us.

Don’t get distracted with the “extras”. Focus on the most important. For those of you who love to thump and pat your Bibles, you should know what the most important is, if not you need to stop pretending and crack open that Bible and start studying it cover to cover. Practice what you preach. Practice what you’re “amen’ing” from the pews. Stop simply wearing your “WWJD” t-shirts and bracelets, and actually start speaking and living your life the way you think Jesus would–the way that is depicted in all of the historical accounts of our Savior.

You can pretend with the rest of us, but do you really think you can pull the wool over God’s eyes?

Questions of the Day

1. What would you like to add to today’s prayer and/or reflection?

2. What are your thoughts about today’s message?

3. What issues are you fighting to protect from the enemy’s attack?

4. What cares, worries, and fears are you ready to turn over to God?

5. Who would you like to pray for today?

6. Do you have a testimony that you would like to share? Please do.

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

Love always,

Natasha

Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection 5.9.17

May 9, 2017Natasha Leave a comment

Scripture

Matthew 25:40

Prayer

Father thank You for this day. I pray to make the most of today and each day, by making sure that I strive to serve the least of Your children without hesitation or question. Touch my heart to always consider what Jesus would say and do before I speak and act. I want to be a better person and servant. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Reflection

Whatever we do for or against another person is what we do for or against our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Whatever we deny or bless the least of God’s children, is what we deny or bless Jesus. Ponder that.

Questions of the Day

1. What would you like to add to today’s prayer and/or reflection?

2. What are your thoughts about today’s message?

3. Do you have a testimony that you would like to share? Please do.

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

Love always,

Natasha

Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 5.8.17

May 8, 2017Natasha Leave a comment

Scripture

Matthew 25:35-36

Prayer

Father always keep my eyes open and aware, my heart warm, my ears receptive, and my mind focused so that I do not miss out on opportunities to serve You and to walk like Your son, my savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Reflection

How often do you feed, provide drink, take in, clothe, take care of, and visit Jesus? “But He’s no longer alive Natasha. How can I physically do those things?,” you say in response. And I say in return, Jesus lives amongst us and within us—just as God, our Heavenly Father does. Jesus taught the people to always look after and take care of the least of God’s children–the sick, homeless, shut in, the poor, the broken, and the inflicted. He taught the people to take care of all children and the elderly.

I hear people say all of the time “Jesus is coming” and I can’t help but to wonder to myself (with an urge to speak in return), “what if He’s already here? Are you ready? And how do you know if you haven’t already interacted with Him and failed your ‘test’ miserably?” What if you’re not actually a sheep but rather you’re a goat and just don’t know it. You’re parading around judging and condemning others, who could actually be sheep, yet you’re too foolish to see that you’re the goat and you’re standing on the wrong side after all. Oh the irony of it all. Think about that!

Questions of the Day

1. What would you like to add to today’s prayer and/or reflection?

2. What are your thoughts about today’s message?

3. Do you have a testimony that you would like to share? Please do.

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

Love always,

Natasha

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Month: May 2017

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Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection 5.9.17

Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 5.8.17

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