Thank you for joining me today. If you’re new to this blog I hope you will spend time browsing and getting to learn more about the experiences shared here, the mission of this blog, and why I share it. If you’re not a newbie, and you’ve been breaking bread with me for some time, thank you for the continued love and support. This blog is where I share inspirational messages with the world. I'm not here to convict, pass judgment, convert, recruit, or highlight a church or religious leader. I'm simply sharing words of love and peace inspired by the word of the Bible. Negativity, hate speech, and intolerance will not be accepted on this blog from ANYONE! I pray that you’re blessed, that you see and embrace your blessings, and that you’re a blessing to others!
I want to continue praying and reflecting on the word shared in 1 John 4:1. If you recall, last Friday I shared this passage. Today let’s explore this scripture in another way.
Today’s message was originally shared on October 12, 2011. It has been modified to align with current standards and formatting, to include an audio message. I hope that it helps someone as it continues to help me.
Audio Message
Scripture
Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
1 John 4:1
Reflection
There are a lot of false prophets, false images, false paths to enlightenment and salvation, false testimonies, false servants, and false tools and resources that are placed before us as a test of discernment, faith, belief, understanding, love, devotion and loyalty to God and His son Jesus. Even to those of you who are not Christian, but of a different faith, even when you remove Jesus from the above equation, it still does not detract from the fact that we have tests of our devotion and loyalty to God.
Can you tell the real from the fake? Can you tell God’s angels from pseudo manifestations? Can you discern God’s voice from other voices? Can you tell when God is directing your path and when you have strayed and began following the lead of another? Can you tell the genuine prophets from the false ones?
Are you following God’s Word, or words created by man who maps out stars, planets, symbols, and numbers as a prophecy of your future?
No one can tell you what’s in your future but God. No one can tell you the right person to love, date, or marry but God. No one can point you in the right direction and keep you there except God. So you must pray to God for discernment to ascertain if the source that comes to you with prophesy is one sent by God or one sent by the enemy.
If someone calls themselves a prophet, you must pray to God for discernment to see clearly if that person was sent by God or if this person is self-appointed, speaking their own words, and stating their own pseudo prophecies in God’s name. Are their visions from God or just make believe? Only God can provide you with that answer. He will guide you and provide you with the skills to test this person, test this spirit, to see if they are who they claim to be.
We have a choice given to us by God, follow Him and His Word, or follow mortal mind, the “enemy”. The choice is ours. This isn’t a Coke and Pepsi challenge…there is most definitely a distinct and clear difference!
Prayer
Father-Mother God please continue to bless me with the gift of discernment, increasing my ability to see and understand the differences in and of the world, and Your light and Word through the clutter. Father I want to focus on doing right each day, not selfishly for myself and my salvation, but for Your Kingdom and in my devotion to You.
Lord I know each day I am tempted by thoughts, voices, and words in books, magazines, newspapers, and online, but I know that my discernment will help me to connect with You and disregard the rest.
Lord I pray for the discernment to see and learn my lesson at the rate and pace You expect, and not at the delayed contemplative pace I would prefer out of comfort and convenience.
I want to know sooner than later which person is right for me to walk beside, to trust, and to continue building a relationship with.
Let me rely upon Your Word, not numerology, tarot cards, horoscopes and other astrological mumbo jumbo–even when concepts seem to connect the dots, for the only way to put the puzzle of life and love together is through, by, and with You Father.
Do not allow entertainment to conveniently become my learning tool, guide, and answer to life and what I need and want from it. Let my relationship with You and Jesus be all that I need for spiritual comfort, enlightenment, and guidance. Thank You Father. Amen.
With that we part until tomorrow. May your day be blessed with discernment, strength, courage, grace, and gratitude.
Love your sister in Christ,
Natasha
Copyright 2011-2018. 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
Please Note: The audio message contains more content than what is written below. Please listen and enjoy!
Scripture
1 John 4:1
Reflection
We have a tendency to gravitate to people who speak frequently and confidently of God and His Word. But how do we know if this person is a servant of God, or a servant of self––or worse—a servant of the enemy?
It reminds me of the movie The Devil’s Advocate starring Keanu Reeves, Al Pacino, and Charlize Theron. Al Pacino’s character was the devil, but Keanu Reeves’ character didn’t realize this until it was too late. Even though his wife, played by Charlize Theron, could discern the evil, Keanu’s character was blinded by words, carnal pleasures, and material possessions.
When the truth was revealed to him he was so shocked and dismayed to realize how many people he had interacted with in life had actually been the devil in disguise. Each time he ate the proverbial apple that each of these individuals gave him, he had no clue that he was being lured in by the devil and losing his life and soul to evil.
That can happen to any of us. As humans, we are not immune to the enemy’s attacks and seductions.
You have to stay prayed up and you have to keep your eyes and ears tuned in to God’s voice and light—so you can distinguish Him from all others. We always need our armor on because we are always under attack. The enemy doesn’t take breaks, vacations, holidays, or sick days. We can’t afford to either.
My dad used to always tell me that the closer we get to God, the stronger our relationship with Him, the more the enemy attacks us. And let’s be clear, the enemy attacks us through our loved ones. It attacks our loved ones to break us down. Stay prayed up and don’t give in to the pressure.
Prayer
Father I pray for discernment to see and differentiate real from false, truth from lies, light from dark, Your voice from that of the enemy’s; Your voice from my flawed, weak, fear-based human voice; the mortal mind that convinces me that those false experiences and false evidences are actually real. Father help me to see through the clutter and chaos, and the fog. Help me to remove the blinders from my eyes. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Questions of the Day
1. What would you like to add to today’s prayer and/or reflection?
2. Share a time when the gift of discernment opened your eyes about a person who wasn’t being honorable.
3. What are your thoughts about people who use religion for personal gain, and how you think we can protect ourselves from these false prophets?
4. What is a prayer that you recite to protect yourself from the enemy’s attacks? Or do you have an affirmation, song or chant, that you recite to use to guide you as you step forward, progress through, and end your day?
Feel free to share your answers, prayers, comments, and reflections in the comment section below. You can also send me an email to: 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, scripture, picture, painting, or sculpture 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
Please note: This message was originally written and published on February 22, 2016. It has been modified and aligned with current standards and formatting, to include an audio message.
Copyright 2013-2018. 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
Please note: This audio message includes additional content not reflected in the written message below. Please listen and enjoy!
Scripture
Therefore, through Him let us continually offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of our lips that confess His name.
Hebrews 13:15
Reflection
(A condensed message from what is featured in the audio message)
Even if you don’t think you have anything to be grateful for, to consider a blessing, or find worthy of praise, you do!
There may be storms in life that rain down on you pretty hard, but in your obedience to God, you begin to realize that even those storms are lessons to be learned and grateful for.
If God didn’t love you and didn’t want the best for you, He would not allow you to receive one blessing—even the air you breathe this very moment. If He didn’t love you then He didn’t have to bring life to you. You weren’t an option given to Him. You were the choice that He made. No matter how long or how short your life, no matter how bumpy or how smooth—all of it is possible because of His loving plan for your life, and how you and others will be impacted by it.
You must learn—we must learn—to praise Him through ups and downs. Don’t praise Him in good times and curse Him in bad times. Praise Him!
Prayer
Father thank You for waking me another day.
I give You all the glory, for only You have the power to change me and my life.
Thank You for the lessons and opportunities, and for the successes and failures.
Thank You for believing in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself—even when I don’t believe in myself.
I don’t want a day to go by where I’m not praising You for all that You have done, and for all You have in store for me.
You don’t need to hear me rattle off each thing that I’m thankful for, just by saying, “thank You Father!” You and I are both on the same wavelength. But still, I pray for those conscious moments that I’m aware of your grace and mercy, and in these moments may I pause long enough to thank You. For without You all that I have and all that I am would not be possible.
Thank You Father!
Love,
Natasha
Please Note: This message was originally written and published on April 26, 2012. It has been modified to align with current standards and formatting, to include an audio message and visual scriptural image.
Copyright 2012-2018. 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
Please note: This audio message includes additional content not reflected in the written message below. Please listen and enjoy!
Scripture
But now, this is what the Lord says— He who created you… “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are Mine.”
Isaiah 43:1 NIV
Reflection
God chose you, set you apart from everyone else, and appointed you to do specific things in His name.
He didn’t tell you your time limit. He just reminds you that there is one, and every second of the day you have to choose how best to use that time.
What will you do?
I’m making an effort each day to place God 1st, me and my family 2nd, and my career 3rd; in all that I do I’m working to make sure that every decision is God-centered, and that I keep my priorities in order. I can’t have family and career without God.
How can I ask to be a priority for God, to be healed and protected by Him, but then put Him anywhere and everywhere except first in my life?
What place, what role, what position does God stand in your life?
Prayer
You have great plans for me Father and I’m excited at what You still have in store for me.
There have been times when I’ve stumbled, fallen, stalled, lost my way, ran away, and froze in absolute fear.
There have been times when I doubted, questioned, and even tried to reason with You. You love me so much that You have forgiven me, laughed at my silliness, redirected my steps, picked me up, and protected me even when I foolishly disobeyed You. Thank You Father.
I know that I don’t deserve all that You have given me and all that You have done for me. Thank You for Your unwavering love and patience.
There is no source greater, more loving, more giving, or more capable than You. I praise You in the name of Jesus and in the name of those who sacrificed in obedience to You. Amen.
Questions of the Day
1. What do you think of today’s message?
2. What would you like to add to today’s prayer and/or reflection?
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
Please Note: Today’s message was originally written and published on September 17, 2015. It has been modified to align with current standards and formatting; it now also includes an audio message and scriptural image.
Copyright 2015-2018. 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
Please note that some content shared in the audio message is not reflected below. You must listen to the audio message to hear this additional content. Thank you.
Scripture
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
Romans 5:3-5
Reflection
Through uphill battles and downhill falls we persevere, grow, and develop our character with a restored sense of hope that tomorrow will be better, and that after this storm will come the rainbow and the beautiful rays of God’s light shining brightly.
Never lose faith and hope that God will always see you through life’s issues, failed relationships, economic downturns, personal hangups, and moments of fear and frustration.
Praise Him. Thank Him. Sing and dance as though you don’t have a care in the world- because you know that God is taking care of you and your needs- even if you can’t see the solution, know it’s there. All you need to do is keep up your part of the deal.
Keep working. Keep praying. Keep praising. Keep being the blessing that you hope to receive. Keep being the blessing that you already receive—as your cup runneth over you should share so that others might fill their cups.
If you cannot see your blessings even through painful times, then you need to remove your blinders; because every single day God blesses you with things big and small—with things you can see and with things that you can only feel. Look at your glass with optimism not pessimism—with gratitude not dread.
If you’re honest with yourself, God keeps your cup full—-you may just be the one bumping it or knocking it over.
Prayer
Father I praise Your name through good times and in bad because I know that through life’s trials and tribulations I grow stronger, wiser, and closer to You.
Father I know that every time I fall and get up, every time I face a setback my perseverance is helping to build my character as Your ambassador; and every day that I rise to see the sun I know that I am truly blessed. So I thank You Father. Amen.
Love always,
Natasha
Please Note: This message was originally written and published on May 23, 2011. It has been modified to align with current standards and formatting; to also include an audio message and scriptural image. The audio message may include additional content than what is referenced above.
Copyright 2011-2018. 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
Note: Today’s message is a deep one that some of you may not be ready to read, hear, and digest. So I’m letting you know upfront that if you are one who is clearly naive to the majority of things around you, or extremely stubborn and close-minded, this message may be difficult to take in and run with. Today’s message is also not a quick paragraph per section, so don’t think that you will zoom through it. I just want to make this perfectly clear. Today’s message is long. I’m serious. It will take far longer than normal to take it in. But if you’re ready to break bread with me, then I’m ready to share.
Are you ready? Okay let’s do this…
Scripture
“This, then, is the judgment: The light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil. For everyone who practices wicked things hates the light and avoids it, so that his deeds may not be exposed. But anyone who lives by the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be shown to be accomplished by God.”
John 3:19-21 HCSB
Reflection
There are a lot of wolves in sheep clothing and there are a lot of wolves walking around in plain sight. Pray for negative people, greedy people, self-serving people, toxic people— and let those that you associate with know that you are praying for them. Lovingly keep your distance from those who refuse to embrace God’s Love, but don’t stop praying for them. Your prayer is your faith in God and your belief that He will always be with these troubled souls, even if they aren’t fully open to Him in their lives.
Entertainment with Negative Ulterior Motives
There are entertainers and athletes who either wholly embrace or find it fashionable to worship, advertise, and/or promote the enemy and those that serve it. Either they are motivated by those executives that pay them, motivated by peers, or always found it fascinating growing up—they have taken to subtly or overtly displaying signs of darkness for the public to view.
It is not fashionable to walk around with satanic or cult symbols and words. It is not fashionable to say you are possessed by demons, spirits, etc.
It is not fashionable to have music videos with images of demons in it, unless you are showing the Light casting out those demons. Even in horror movies, the focus is on destroying evil not surrendering to it. No one in the movie is turning to Freddy Krueger and saying, “okay Freddy I’m ready to hang with and be like you!”
To uplift and celebrate darkness shows a person’s character and their allegiance. The line in the sand has been drawn.
I’m not referring to an actor pretending to be a character in a movie, I’m referring to actors who outside of their roles in movies (who in their everyday lives), wear images and throw up hand gestures that are symbolic of the occult. In their daily walk they are clearly saying “I’m team satan” but in your idolatry you just say to yourself, “ah their just throwing up a cool symbol”. Wrong. They are sending a message to others that also follow the darkness, to reinforce who they are and who they serve. It’s not just actors either, I’m also talking about musicians, singers and rappers who cleverly and creatively massage demonic and satanic propaganda and messaging into our minds.
Our minds are like sponges. You must be mindful, you must be careful of, what you absorb.
There’s nothing cute about putting up hand signals or displaying any other element of darkness that are symbolic of and represents the enemy. Doing so clearly signifies your allegiance against God, as you most definitely are not a Christian, Jew, Muslim, or any other peaceful and loving religion. You are not a believer and follower of Christ. Christ has never been on satan’s team. Your practice of darkness means you do not walk in and reflect the Light. You instead have pledged an allegiance to the enemy.
Don’t tell me it’s just a marketing ploy, because you can’t explain that away to Jesus or God. You can’t justify it, rationalize it, or outline any logical reasons why one would freely promote evil.
Children and adults are naively listening, watching, and purchasing music and clothing from people who have chosen to serve darkness. Every cent that goes towards that purchase endorses this belief system, and indirectly gives relevance to the enemy—because your money continues to pay for the marketing and promotion of this nonsense.
I have made a decision to destroy and delete all music that clearly or subliminally glorifies the enemy and darkness. I don’t have it in my catalogue. I will no longer support these artists on any level. My hard-earned money will not be invested in their dark campaign.
I don’t care how attractive they are (and many of them are very attractive) or what songs they include on their albums that appear to be positive, I will not knowingly support a lie. I will not pay for a ticket to an event or film they are participating in. I will not knowingly support the enemy.
Pay attention to what you are listening to, singing, dancing to, reading, reciting, mimicking, reposting, and retweeting. This is not entertainment it is a battle for your mind, heart, spirit, and soul.
I don’t say this to scare you but to empower you to think, question, research, and to pray for discernment.
Do not be a slave to the system that believes you are too ignorant, dumb, or busy to pay attention to what they are selling you.
Yes, Question So-called “Christians”
Question everything and everyone. Yes, even so-called “Christians” need to also be questioned because they could very well be serving two masters knowingly or unknowingly. You have folks preaching one thing and then sneaking off doing the exact thing that they told others not to do (or worse).
You have preachers, pastors, ministers, elders, bishops, deacons, priests, and so-called prophets who are adulterers, child molesters, abusers, drug users, alcoholics, rapists, porn addicts, participants in prostitution and human trafficking, those who are into beastiality, and other things that they preach against in their pulpit. Yes, they are hypocrites. Yes, they are serving two masters. Yes, you are to question them.
Remember that they are not your Master or Wayshower, but they are merely servants who have claimed a commitment to serving God and spreading His Word, to build His Kingdom. They are not to be worshipped or showered with expensive gifts, etc.
Read your Bible and recall how appalled Jesus was at how religious leaders had taken advantage of the people, taken the money of the poor instead of serving the poor.
Yesterday, my sister visited a church where the pastor bullied the congregation to give all that they had, without a care if they overdrafted their bank accounts, without a care if it put them further in debt, without a care if they could end up destitute. He stood in that pulpit and told them that they should give everything that they have in faith, in trusting that God would take care of their needs. He guilted members to come forward with an offering of $500—he wanted them to each walk forward with $500 in their hands—a number that he claimed he just randomly thought of. My sister said that several people actually walked forward with what appeared to be their $500 offerings. This pastor refused to let the church services move forward until he was satisfied that enough people had given all that they could.
That is plain foolishness. That is blatant financial, psychological, and spiritual abuse. This is more darkness than it could ever be perceived as light.
This isn’t the only church engaging in this sinful practice. I know of churches that have allowed members to take out second and third mortgages on their homes to help finance the building of a larger church or to build the pastor a home. I know people who have lost their homes and cars while trying to help their pastor, their church, reach some financial goal. That is sinful. That is the enemy manipulating things and sadly no one sees what is happening.
We have people going financially broke to ensure that their pastor has a private jet, an estate, vacation homes, and a life of luxury. Now this is acceptable if 100% of your congregation also is financially wealthy; if it’s a millionaire church life with billionaire-focused dreams—then it’s basically a flock of birds hanging out together. But this is rarely the case. In most houses of worship, the poor, far outnumber the financially wealthy. While the church leaders are flossing their designer clothes, the majority of their church members can’t even keep the utilities on in their homes—let alone walk around in high-end clothing and footwear.
It’s bad enough that churches are abusing the tithing practice and using it to benefit the church and the church leaders, not the poorest of congregants—as outlined in the Bible. But we have these wolves out here, draped in religious garments, claiming to be the mouthpieces of God, and telling blatant lies to people who are most vulnerable—most likely to surrender to the enemy’s temptations and manipulations, just to ease the temporary pain. These so-called religious leaders are out here manipulating people to bankrupt themselves in order to build larger buildings and finance these leaders lifestyles. You have some religious leaders pimping their congregation, telling them that they will become wealthier if they give more to the church. God said to care for the least of His children.
Do you recall the story in the Bible where Jesus made note of the poor woman who gave the most that she could, while the wealthy members gave what they had in excess? Jesus said that the woman actually gave more than the wealthy contributors, because she didn’t have more to give, while the wealthy were merely giving the excess of their riches—they had plenty more to give, invest, throw away, or lose if they wanted.
I think back at the church that my sister visited and I think of his call to action for members to parade to the front with their $500 offerings. It was psychological manipulation to motivate others to do the same. It also made the poorest congregants feel bad that they don’t have that kind of money to give. So then the message that becomes embedded in their minds is, “if you give all that you have then God will provide for you so that one day you too can have $500 or more to give to the church“. It plays a trick on the mind to believe that the wealthy somehow give and have given most or all of what they have and that is why they are blessed with more financial wealth.
The truth is, those individuals who walked to the front with their $500, if that’s actually what they did—and not what they wanted the congregation to believe they did—these individuals were presenting their excess. They weren’t giving their all. They weren’t giving all that they could. They weren’t overdrafting their bank accounts, risking their homes and vehicles.
Well….
Let’s hope not. Let’s hope that these individuals were not so manipulated that they would rather shine in the eyes of the congregation than in the eyes of God.
But group peer pressure is an amazing crockpot that can sadly produce the worst and least valuable outcomes.
Wouldn’t it make better sense for a church to tell its congregation, “provide us with one-tenth of your earnings to cover the cost of operating this facility and so that we can afford to provide resources and food to our members and the community who need the most; and then we encourage you to give one-tenth of your earnings to the poor, shut-in, rejected, sick, hurt, and overlooked people within your community.”
Wouldn’t that make better sense?
Wouldn’t it make even more sense to say, “and if you can’t afford to give the church one-tenth and the community one-tenth, then please give your one-tenth to the community, and then volunteer one-tenth of your time every month to help us meet the needs of our congregation and others outside of our church doors“.
Doesn’t that sound more aligned with Jesus’ teachings?
Let me share something else with you.
Why not allow congregants to provide resources during the time of offerings? What if the church posted a list of the supplies that it needs replenished each month, like printing paper for the programs and bulletins, ink for the printers, envelopes for the monetary contributions, light bulbs to keep the facilities lit, staples, tape, pencils, and anything else that the church uses in bulk—and then allow the congregation to help cover the costs by actually bringing ink cartridges, reams of paper, spools of tape, so that members are not just digging into their wallets every week to pay for things that they simply can’t see.
What if I don’t have an extra $5 dollars to give but I have two reams of printing paper that value over $5 dollars? Does that paper not have the same value? If you say that you need money to keep the church operating, then can my offering not be whatever that I possess that I believe the church can benefit from?
We need to question and put in check any and all people who stand before us, claiming to be called by God to lead us. You must always remember, that even with their fancy robes and degrees, even with the titles that they were given, they have no hierarchy over you and are no closer relationship to God—we all can talk to God, some of us just choose to serve Him in greater and grander ways. Their so-called commitment to Christ should place higher responsibilities on them and hold them accountable for what they practice versus what they preach.
Check Yourself
We all should be held accountable for the labels and titles that we give ourselves, accept, and proclaim.
Just like you shouldn’t take on the title of Chief Executive Officer, President, or Chief Operating Office, without expecting to be held accountable—do not call yourself a minister, preacher, prophet, prophetess, or any other name and then feel like you should not be held accountable to walk the walk.
The moment you take on a title or role the world is watching, and if we’re watching don’t you think that Jesus and God are also? Think about it. You will be held accountable on Earth and in Heaven.
This is guaranteed!
Whew. Now take a breath. I know it was a lot to read, hear, and take in.
Today is a deep, real-talk message because I think from time-to-time we need to rock the boat, check each other, and check ourselves. Sometimes we get too comfortable and we then begin to overlook things that God really needs us to see, defend ourselves from, and fight against.
I pray for each of you and hope that you also pray for me. We must always stay ready so we don’t have to get ready. Before you start your day, pause for a moment and pray to God to protect your mind, heart, body, spirit, and soul. You are constantly under attack. Your prayer is just you verbalizing to God that you’re in this to win this!
Prayer
Father I pray for discernment to see clearly those who would rather turn to darkness than Your Light. May I see them and keep my distance if they chose not to embrace Your Love.
Those who rebuke You and Your son Jesus cannot be a part of my inner circle. Let me lovingly put them in a separate category and pray for them, but not be subjected to their negative energy. I will not hate them but I will love them from afar, and allow You to work on them.
I pray for the discernment to see the intent and heart of those who are paid to entertain the world. May I see the Truth in their words, images, and behavior. For there are some people who boldly serve another master—the enemy–and there are some who are torn between serving it and serving You. Let me see Father so that I do not invest one penny or one moment in their lie. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Have a blessed day and be a blessing to others!
Love,
Natasha
Please Note: This message was originally written and published on April 17, 2013. It has been modified to align with current standards and formatting, it also now includes an audio message that may provide more or the same amount of content as the written message.
Copyright 2013-2018. 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
Please note: The audio message contains more content than the written message below. Also, please forgive me for the first few moments of this audio message where you can hear my windbreaker moving across my body as I walked around outside. The microphone was sharper than I expected [*smile*].
Please listen to today’s message, instead paying attention to my words and the blissful sounds of nature in the background. Thank you!
Scripture
Hebrews 12:14
Reflection
Peace comes from within, so we must turn inward, pulling out and bestowing upon others this gift.
The scripture says to “work at living in peace with everyone”.
That first word is “work”, which means that it won’t be easy, but it’s always worth it.
That last word is “everyone”. It didn’t say “someone” and it didn’t say, “your loved ones”.
It said that we have to work at loving every single human being, and it doesn’t matter their gender, sexual orientation, religion, socioeconomic status, hair texture, skin color, ethnicity, race, tribe, nationality, education level, capabilities or limitations.
We’re supposed to live in peace with every single person.
There’s a level of effort that we need to invest in order to make this process possible.
Sometimes we won’t feel like sharing much or any space with others, but we must work at it, not for (or just for) their sake but for our own. You can call it a positive selfishness, if you want. The only way we will have peace within is by doing our part to declutter and detox the environment around us.
There’s no way to have peace within if you’re mad at someone else. There’s no peace when you’re plotting and planning chaos towards others. We can’t cause strife and then think we will have internal peace.
It’s just not possible.
Work each day to reflect God’s light, His love, His joy, His steady calm.
Pause and reflect before speaking, making sure the words you use are intentional and come from the heart.
This is something I’m working on.
Oh how I can let the venom flow, slicing and dicing at rapid speed.
It takes great effort to be a jerk. It’s much easier to be loving.
If all you know is arguing and fighting, and you spend a great part of your life with your face in a frown and your heart rate sky high, what peace could you possibly relish here on Earth?
So when that day comes that you transition from this level of existence, what do you think the next level is going to be like?
If you’re a hell raiser here, what are you going to be there?
I recommend you get things right this go around so you don’t face an even tougher uphill battle in the next round.
Just a suggestion!
Prayer
Fill me with Your peace Father, so that I might reflect Your light outward to touch others in love. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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? About today’s audio message? About my recording the message outside in nature?
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
Please note: This written message was originally published on September 8, 2016. It has been modified to align with current standards and formatting, and to include the audio message.
Copyright 2013-2018. 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
Today’s message was recorded outside in a nature preserve. It also includes content not featured below. Please listen.
Scripture
And John testified, “I watched the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He rested on Him. I didn’t know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The One you see the Spirit descending and resting on — He is the One who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ I have seen and testified that He is the Son of God! ”
John 1:32-34 HCSB
Reflection
God speaks to us and sends messages to us. Only those who listen, obey, and follow get the most out of each experience. John understood his role, was obedient, and pursued each step passionately.
Each day take that next step. Each day overcome a fear or a layer of something feared. You can be who God intends.
Prayer
Today I take the next step towards being a better servant. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen
Have a blessed day family!
Clothed WITH Love,
Natasha
Note: This message was originally published on April 12, 2013. It has been modified to align with current standards and formatting, to include a scriptural image, and an audio feature.
Copyright 2013-2018. Natasha Foreman Bryant. All Rights Reserved.
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
For it is God who is working in you, enabling you both to desire and to work out His good purpose.
Philippians 2:13 HCSB
Prayer
Father thank You for this day, for another day of life, blessings, gifts, and experiences to learn and grow from.
Father I pray that if I’m wrong about my purpose in life, that You will help me to discover and live it fully in Your honor. I offer my dreams to You because only You can make them come true.
Father I pray that the goals that I have set for myself only bring You glory, and never disappointment.
I pray that the steps I take make my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, proud to be my shepherd. If I misstep Father, please redirect me, because I never want to walk in the wrong direction away from You.
Mold me Father. You know my heart. I want to be the best servant that I can be. In Your name I praise. Amen.
Reflection
Re-read the first sentence of today’s prayer aloud, “Father thank You for this day, for another day of life, blessings, gifts, and experiences to learn and grow from.”
We have a lot to be grateful for, even when life or Mother Nature hits us with a devastating storm. Each day that we survive is a blessing and we should show our gratitude. Then we should go out and be a blessing to others, and use our gifts and talents to the fullest in honor of our Creator.
What if you don’t know what your God-given purpose is exactly, what should you do? Pray. Pray that God reveals them to you and that you have the insight and vision to see it, and the courage to pursue and live it fully no matter your age or perceived limitations.
How many of you are dreamers?
Do your dreams turn into goals that you pursue and accomplish? Or do you simply dream with the mindset that, “it’s only a dream. I could never have or do that.”
You must, we must, offer all of our dreams to God, allowing God to mold into us the possibilities of achieving the impossible. When we turn things over to God we free ourselves from the bondage of ‘can’t’ and ‘impossible’, and allow ourselves to look around and focus on what God wants us to see and embrace.
How can you possibly see what God wants you to see if you’re preoccupied looking in another direction?
I know I’ve been a wanderer, drifter, coaster before. I know that I’ve dreamed some big dreams, even set some goals to achieve these dreams, but I would sometimes fail to turn them over to God. Nope, I was too busy thinking it all had to do with me and was only possible by my hard work and efforts. Boy was I wrong, and I’m still wrong any time I approach life this way. What I want and need in life can only be made possible by and through God. He has to allow it to happen. Just like He made it possible for each of us to be here today.
God is our Father-Mother. He is our true and genuine life partner. Honor your partnership with Him.
We have all been given another chance, another opportunity to live our purpose on purpose. We have all been given another opportunity to set and pursue goals that bring God glory. So instead of us focusing on what we don’t have, what we can’t seem to do, or whatever bad that has happened to us, let’s instead focus on what God can do to make our dreams and goals a reality. Let’s focus on doing our part to bring Him glory.
Questions of the Day
1. Are you living your God-given purpose?
2. How do you know you’re living your God-given purpose?
3. Are you pursuing only those goals that will bring God glory?
4. In pursuit of these goals do you find pleasure in fulfillment or strain from the intensity of the process?
5. After reading today’s message, how do you see your life and your purpose?
Happy April 18th family! Wow can you believe that we’re already a quarter of the way through the year? Time sure is flying by, and just another reason why we shouldn’t waste precious moments being idle or running down ‘rabbit holes’. I hope today’s message was enriching, eye-opening, and a decent reinforcement of what you already know.
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 your sister in Christ,
Natasha
Note: This message was originally published on May 1, 2013. It has been modified to align with current standards and formatting, to include a scriptural image, and an audio feature.
Copyright 2013-2018. Natasha Foreman Bryant. All Rights Reserved.
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
Today’s audio message includes additional content not listed below. Please also note that today’s message is written in a new format, with the reflection following the scripture, and the prayer ending our time together. Please be sure to comment below on your thoughts and preferences as it relates to this new order. I’m testing some things out as I stretch beyond my comfort zone.
Scripture
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:4-7
Reflection
As clouds, rain, thunderstorms, lightning, tornados, earthquakes, hurricanes, and tsunamis rip through your life you should pray and praise God, and rejoice because through these episodes there are lessons to be learned, embraced, and taught.
Through these situations comes growth and an understanding of how close and protected you are by God. He is never apart from you; always there and always knowing what you’re going to do long before you do it. Be thankful for your life. His peace transcends everything.
Prayer
Father thank You. I praise Your holy name as I reflect on all that You have done for me. You lift me up when I am down, You bring solutions to my problems and answers to my questions.
You turn darkness to light, bring sunshine after the rain, kiss us with a rainbow, and wink at us with a falling star. You calm the rough waters, quiet the chaos, steady the rumbling, and make smooth rocky paths.
Father You bring peace during times of discord and strife. Thank You Lord for being my anchor, guide, and salvation. Thank You for loving and guarding me. I praise You Father. Amen.
Love,
Natasha
Please Note: This message was originally published on April 15, 2011. It has been modified to align with current standards and formatting; it also includes an audio feature not previously made available.
COPYRIGHT 2011-2018. 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
Today’s Audio Message Includes More Content Than What is Written Below. Please Listen and Share.
Scripture
“How can these things be? ” asked Nicodemus.
“Are you a teacher of Israel and don’t know these things? ” Jesus replied. “I assure you: We speak what We know and We testify to what We have seen, but you do not accept Our testimony. If I have told you about things that happen on earth and you don’t believe, how will you believe if I tell you about things of heaven? No one has ascended into heaven except the One who descended from heaven — the Son of Man. Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in Him will have eternal life.
John 3:9-15 HCSB
Prayer
Father open me to receive fully without doubt or fear. I choose to follow Jesus to You. Free me from bondage. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection
Our doubt is no different than those who interacted with Jesus face-to-face. Our doubt is no different than the children of Israel who spent 40 years walking around in the wilderness, and spent countless years in slavery after being freed from the Egyptians.
We can’t conceive of things because we believe them to be impossible. They are impossible to us because our vision is blocked by blinders and our minds are limited by external clutter. We keep thinking it’s about us. We keep thinking that we are the ones making moves and making things happen. We keep thinking that our success is our doing. We’re so ignorant it’s almost comical.
Even when we see the Truth we spend too much time examining it, questioning it, and trying to figure out the how and why of its existence. If God wanted us to know then we would know, what’s to figure out about that?
God always reveals the Truth. God’s Light always penetrates darkness. Jesus is the way to peace, wisdom, and salvation.
The question is, do you truly want to walk with him…beginning right now? Not when you are ready, I mean right now. Because your readiness may never come, sometimes you just have to jump! Let’s do this!
Love,
Natasha
Please Note: This message was originally published on April 16, 2013. It has been modified to align with current standards and formatting. It also now includes an audio version.
Copyright 2013-2018. 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
Today’s Audio Message Includes More Content Than What is Written Below. Please Listen and Share.
Scripture
“Be still, and know that I am God!…”
Psalms 46:10 NLT
Prayer
Father, thank You for helping me with my fears. Thank You for directing me out of darkness, chaos, and lands where I could become lost. Thank You for helping me through complicated situations, and for steering me clear of negative people. I don’t know everything, but I do know that my blessings only come from You. Thank You Lord.
Reflection
On Monday, June 17, 2013 I journeyed home to Atlanta from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and almost 11 hours into the drive I realized that the rental cars navigation system had me driving two hours in the direction I was trying to avoid. I then followed the suggestion to take another route that conflicted with an alternate route that my iPhone highlighted. This new route had me backtrack 45 minutes and detour four hours in a direction that I had never driven.
By hour 15 of driving I began to question why I agreed to that route. As I entered a strong storm (we were trying to outrun tornadic activity coming west to east) in the middle of nowhere and in pitch darkness, with limited visibility, I began praying for safety and reassurance. By hour 17 I knew I could no longer drive safely, but was able to get us to Birmingham, Alabama, and to an area of recognizable landmarks, etc. I was grateful that my sister, Alexandra, had the courage and strength to drive the remaining 2.5 hours.
I didn’t stop praying until I was snuggled into my bed and drifting to sleep. We made it through that trip safely because of God’s guidance and protection. He kept me calm, focused, and awake. He made it possible for me to see areas that were overshadowed by fog, darkness, and rain.
I am so humbled. I was so humbled.
Can you recall a time in your life where it was totally obvious that it was only because of God that you made it through, reached your goal, overcame an obstacle, or survived an experience?
Please share. I would love to hear your testimony. You can leave a comment below or via email at breakingbreadwithnatasha@gmail.com
Love your sister in Christ,
Natasha
Please Note: This message was originally published on June 19, 2013. It has been modified to align with current standards and formatting, to also include a scriptural image, and an audio feature.
COPYRIGHT 2013-2018. 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
Please Note: This message was originally published on June 6, 2011. It has been modified to align with current standards and formatting. The Reflection section has also slightly been modified to emphasize points that best tie in to the scriptural selection. Today’s message also now includes an audio feature that allows you to hear this message spoken by Natasha.
Audio Feature
Scripture
and do not give the devil a foothold.
Ephesians 4:27 NIV
Prayer
The devil is a liar.
Father You have said it and proved it. “it” tempts us to go against You. “it” tempts us to stray from Your path. “it” tempts us to disrespect Your holy name. “it” tempts us to disrupt our lives. “it” tempts us to lose a great thing for a few quick moments of ecstasy. “it” tempts us to change our righteous ways. “it” tempts us to seek self-gratification and self-interests without concern for what You want and ask of us. “it” will ruin a marriage, a relationship, a family, a friendship, and a business if given the power.
Father show me how to not give “it” power. Show me how to stand strong and tall and say, “you are a liar devil and you have no purpose or place in my world. Get out now.” Father show me how to not give in to the emotional games it plays; how not to give in to depressing and oppressive thoughts and feelings. Father show me how to follow Your light even when “it” tells me that I’m too weak, not ready, not capable, too young, too old, or too inexperienced in life to handle what You are offering. Strengthen me Father.
Lord when “it” enters my relationship and causes disruption and then tries to convince me that my self-worth is too low to either fight for or leave the relationship- give me the strength, wisdom, and discernment to make the right decision and to prove “it” wrong. When “it” tries to convince me that there is something better ‘there’ than ‘here’ yet You haven’t directed me towards that path, strengthen Your hold on me Father- show me the evil plot so that it can be diffused immediately.
Strengthen me Father.
Strengthen me Father. Bless me with discernment, wisdom, and joy to overcome “it” and the temptation and evil “it” represents. In Your holy name I pray. Amen.
Reflection
For those of you reading this message, yes, as you can see from the length of it, you will need a couple of minutes to read this. For those of you listening, it won’t take long. I promise. So let’s jump into today’s scripture and look closely at the biggest culprit standing in the way of your future blessings.
The devil is a liar.
Repeat after me…the devil is a liar.
For those of you who are thrill seekers, never satisfied, shopaholics, always on the go, always looking ahead for something better, faster, leaner, sexier, hotter, and newer…this message is especially for you.
The moment you acquire something and begin to use it without taking care of it properly, it loses a great deal of value. A car loses some value the moment it drives off the lot, but a ‘classic’ becomes more valuable the longer you have it, maintain it, and keep it well-conditioned…looking like new. Many of us treat our personal and professional lives and relationships the exact same way that we treat our cars.
A ‘weak’ personality (or mindset) is the easiest for the enemy to manipulate; you’re easily swayed one direction or the other. The enemy would soon have you looking around for something “better” and not all the time with the goal of replacing it, but rather keeping it around like a trophy you dust off from time-to-time; like the old pager that you don’t use but you just can’t throw away or recycle; like the old car you keep in the garage collecting cobwebs, that you haven’t started up in years.
That’s our lives in every aspect of the sense…in business and in love some of us struggle with the temptation for ‘more’.
When you “fudge” numbers on accounting books, steal office supplies, take credit for work not yours, maneuver yourself into an assignment or project that you know was to go to someone else but you wanted it too much, or you flat out steal someone’s client—you have given the devil a foothold.
You have given in to the liar’s lure. You are like the fish who just can’t resist grabbing that red, bouncing ball in the water; you are so blinded by the desire to get the ball that you don’t see the sharp hook that is attached, and right as you put the ball in your mouth the hook snatches ahold of your jaws and before you know it you’re being thrown in a ice chest.
If you aren’t 80% to 100% satisfied with your job and it is no longer the environment where you find great passion…you have two choices…
Find a new one. Don’t stay there giving 50% to 70% effort, yet expecting 100% pay. Don’t stay there moaning, groaning, and complaining about how miserable you are- move on and get a new job/career; or
Pray to God to show you what made you so passionate in the beginning about this job, this company, and then reinvest yourself in reigniting that passion.
Here’s another example:
Every time you receive a call, text message, instant message, email, friend request, card, letter, postcard, ecard, or gift from someone that you know in your heart wasn’t sent to you by God to do His good and empower His kingdom, you have to know it’s a trick of the liar. Especially if this person is not your spouse/significant other.
Red lights!!!!
Can you see them? Pay close attention. They are warning signs that you’re giving the devil a foothold.
God will sit back and see what we do after He’s warned us and tried to redirect our paths. He will see how far you can be tempted, how far you will stray, how far you are willing to go before destroying your life and your relationships with loved ones. He will send His angels to show you the way back to the light- but ultimately it is your decision to either follow wrong or turn around and follow God.
When you are sharing intimate details about yourself, your spouse or significant other to another person (that you are or could potentially be attracted to, or vice versa) you are merely fanning the flame of temptation, and forming the dark cloud that hangs over your head and soon surrounds you. When you invest time and energy with a person not your spouse or significant other, you have almost totally invested in the devil and turned your back on God. You’re giving the devil a foothold.
The flirting, exchanging of contact information, the secret calls and messages, the gifts, the intimacy, the planning of time together, the dreaming of being together, the secret visits at hotels and other places…it’s all part of the evil plan to snatch all of the goodness out of you and replace it with the pitiful darkness of evil.
You’re giving the devil a foothold.
If you aren’t 80% to 100% satisfied with your relationship, don’t disrespect your relationship, the person you are with, and God, by sneaking around with other people …instead just lovingly walk away from the relationship— making it clear that you are no longer invested in that relationship and that person; and are more interested in seeking what you desire elsewhere. If you can’t give and receive what you and the other person needs to have a joy-filled and fruitful relationship then don’t deduct even more time, energy, and effort away from that person just to invest it in someone else at the same time. You’re giving the devil a foothold.
But think about this…
Maybe the very thing that’s lacking in your relationship is the result of you (personally) not investing in it to begin with, not nurturing it, and not finding a way together to make it work. Maybe your laziness and self-centeredness is the reason you are so easily tempted elsewhere.
Ever consider that?
There’s a second option for you…
Look to your spouse/significant other and ask yourself how you could make things better in your relationship, how much time you could have loving and caring for this person if you weren’t busy investing it in someone and or something else.
Don’t let temptation ruin your life.
Don’t let your temptation ruin someone else’s life.
Don’t let temptation steer you away from God.
Don’t let the liar convince you that you can do and have all you desire without God.
Stop the madness. It is literally eating you from within like rotten fruit.
Pray to God for the strength to discern bad seeds from good ones, temptation from His way, and wrong from right. Pray for the courage to be obedient and to tune in to His voice above all others.
Remember, when we’re so busy looking into the yard next to us, we fail to tend to our own!
What looks and feels good in the temporary may bring us the most pain in the long-term. The job you hate today may later prove to be heaven-sent when you get to fully explore the realization of what else is out there.
Embrace your blessings family, and focus on making sure that the devil does not gain a foothold in any part of your life. Have a wonderful day!
Love you always,
Natasha
COPYRIGHT 2011-2018. 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
“Be serious! Be alert! Your adversary the Devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. Resist him and be firm in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are being experienced by your fellow believers throughout the world. Now the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will personally restore, establish, strengthen, and support you after you have suffered a little.”
1 Peter 5:8-10 HCSB
Prayer
Father thank You for today, another day by Your grace and mercy, for which I am and will forever be eternally grateful.
Father thank You for always showing me that my struggles are not unique only to me, others throughout the world are experiencing similar, same, and far worse pain and suffering than my own.
Father I want to thank You for Your constant and faithful reassurance, for the loving touch that guides and guards me, for the gentle reminders to take in the sights and sounds of your creations.
Thank You for reminding me that I can never let my guards down for the enemy never sleeps or takes vacations. I pray for added strength and courage as I journey through areas and instances where fear, doubt, and unsurety could easily paralyze and derail me. You bring me comfort Father. I give You all of the glory. In Jesus’ name I praise You. Amen.
Reflection
There is never a time when the enemy is not lying in wait to pounce on you.
My dad used to tell me as a child that “the closer you get to God, the more that mortal mind attacks“. Mortal mind in Christian Science is what other Christians simply call “the enemy”. That closeness my dad spoke of comes in many ways, through studying His Word, through daily talks and prayers with God, through service of others in the church and in the community, and so many other ways.
As a child I grew up seeing my maternal and paternal grandmothers and my paternal great-grandmother play active roles in their respective churches. My paternal grandmother and great-grandmother also had leadership roles within their churches. I grew up seeing my father and his eldest sister actively engaged in church, in leadership roles. I was drawn to the church, to God’s Word, to living by, with, and through the grace of God. As a child I studied my Bible and other Christian writings.
My dad revealed to me that as he took on greater roles within the church that “mortal mind” attacked him more, in all areas of his life. The more that my dad gave of himself to the church the more that he was spiritually attacked. Dad eventually pivoted from his leadership role in the church and turned more inward to his studies of the Word.
I grew up watching the burden of trying to balance life and counter the attacks of the enemy, and I found myself pulling away from the church and from my studies. By the time I was an adult I basically only went to church to have those moments with my paternal grandmother. I had forgotten so much. I couldn’t recall scripture, parables, and teachings. It was as though huge chunks of my spiritual memory were gone.
I never turned away from God, I was just disheartened by “church folk” in various denominations. I found myself embracing a walk of spirituality over religion. I applied the principles I had learned in the World Religions classes I had taken in undergrad. Having an appreciation of different religions helped me to see through their lens the side of the mountain that they climbed to reach the same God that I pray to, even if they called Him by a different name. But I had lost a special connection that I once had with God. I also found myself limiting Jesus’ role in this world and in God’s Kingdom. I questioned the validity and soundness of this position that Christians took on Jesus, and the fact that none of the Christian churches shared the same beliefs in all ways.
I felt it best to take nuggets from Christianity and nuggets from the other notable world religions, and live my life according to shared and complementary principles.
That’s not to say that my life was harmonious even that way. There was chaos and strife in my life. I would confuse God’s voice for the other voices that would lead me astray. I found myself tuning more into the voice of the enemy, unknowingly. Those words of doubt, fear, second-guessing, jealousy, resentment, and hurt would overshadow God’s voice. It left me feeling dark inside. There was a void and I couldn’t figure it out. The only time I felt a sense of peace was at church with my paternal grandmother, but I never felt empowered enough to recommit to my Christian studies.
Then when I moved to Georgia in 2007 I was faced with the reality that I no longer had that shield that my grandmother provided. By 2008 I knew clearly that I needed to come back “into the fold” so-to-speak because I was not adequately prepared for the attacks coming my way. That is when I turned to a non-denominational church as a pathway. For me, I needed a neutral ground, a perspective that didn’t seem to the extreme in either direction. It was what I later found out, to be a “New Testament Church” that occasionally referenced passages from the Old Testament. I was okay with that. I was being re-engaged in an environment that was “come as you are” and seemingly less judgmental than many other houses of faith that I had experienced. I could attend church in jeans and it was refreshing, especially after 30 years of a more conservative approach to churchgoing and fellowship. I could study God’s Word without being concerned with what His children said and thought about me.
Thanks to the daily text messages that my friend Kenya Ware forwarded to me (from a third-party source that was unknown by me) and the exposure of the non-denominational church, I began to open my eyes, ears, and heart more. I finally learned how to pray, my way, with an increasing comfort that brought nostalgic memories of my childhood. I would forward Kenya’s text messages and elaborate on them injecting my prayers and reflections. When my text messages became too lengthy I then evolved to emails. I had a growing number of people requesting that they be added to my email list. When I struggled with managing the email list another friend suggested that I transition to a blog.
In 2009, Breaking Bread With Natasha was birthed.
Every step along this spiritual journey the enemy, “mortal mind” has attacked me in every aspect of my life: spiritually, mentally, physically, emotionally, and financially. It has attacked my relationships, my career, and so much more. There were times when I was physically and mentally exhausted; beaten down and worn out. I’ve taken breaks from Breaking Bread. You don’t know how many times I almost called it quits. Then through someone or something, or both, God would get the right frequency tuned in to tell me just what I needed to hear to realize that I cannot stop. He has been guiding me to this since childhood and no matter how much I want to resist, no matter how fearful I am of the attacks, God has called me to study, learn, and share in every way that He sees fit. I never thought that I would still be doing this 10 years later. So I can’t say what God has planned for me in 10 months or in another 10 years. I’m just trying to commit to staying tuned in to Him and being obedient.
Since 2008 many of you have been walking on this journey with me, seeing glimpses of my struggles. These prayers and reflections that I share are not crafted blindly or generically. They are pouring out of me and I am merely typing them and sharing them with you.
I know that each step that I take irritates the enemy. That is just reinforcement for me to dig deep and stretch my arms out even more to God.
I need God to do this. I need Jesus to do this.
There is the saying that “misery loves company” and with that one must always remember that the enemy is miserable when you’re walking around filled with joy and praising God for your blessings. You are the most despised of God’s creations in the eyes of the enemy.
You do little to nothing to receive God’s grace and mercy, and the enemy sees you as spoiled and undeserving—so it attacks you in all ways and in every direction (that God allows) to tear away at you, to get you to turn away from God, to prove to God that you are exactly as the enemy sees you. The enemy does not sleep, it does not take vacations or sabbaticals, it’s not off due to sickness, it never tires—it is always working, plotting, waiting for you to expose one area of your life of your mind, of your heart—so that it can attack with a vengeance.
But be comforted in knowing that you are not alone. You are not singled out. Others are attacked as much or far more (and greater) than you. Every day you must begin with a conversation and declaration with God. Throughout your day you must turn to God and praise Him for all answers and opportunities—both big and small. You must end your day with thanks and a conversation with God, knowing that even as you sleep the enemy is at work.
Be comforted in knowing that the enemy’s presence and existence is only made possible by God, so the enemy is not and never will be greater, smarter, more present, or have an advantage over God.
The enemy is a speck, an eye blink, a flick of a switch in God’s domain.
Stand confidently in your understanding that you are rooted in God and God’s roots are deeply embedded in you.
Walk with confidence today my family. I love you all!
Always your sister in Christ,
~Natasha
COPYRIGHT 2018. 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
and a season for every activity under the heavens:
a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot;
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build;
a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance;
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing;
a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away;
a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak;
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 NIV
Prayer
Father I pray to always be on Your time and not consumed by the past or the future, by what I had or what I desire, by what people say or the status quo of society.
Let my focus be only on You so that I can appreciate each day as it comes, for each millisecond of every day is a blessing.
Everything I gain is through Your planning, and everything I lose is through Your instruction I failed to remember and apply. I must remember that I am a spiritual being in human form having a human experience. I am to realize through my daily walk my purpose, and surrender to You, Your Power, and Your Glory—to gain the greatest gift of all. Mold me Father. Amen.
Reflection
Every day we are reminded that there is a reason for everything that happens, and that these things have happened before in the past–we are merely part of a cycle of repeated events until maybe just maybe we get it right.
Wars have occurred for thousands of years, and they will continue until we learn to love each other and live in peace. But as long as people see themselves equal to or greater than God, and benefit from the destruction of others, then we will never have peace.
We will continue to have crime until people realize that all they need comes from God; and when those that are blessed to possess an abundance of God’s gifts and wealth learn to share their blessings with the least of God’s children—we will stop seeing the “have not’s” robbing the “have’s” in society.
When we stop committing adultery, prostituting ourselves for money, cheating on the person we claim to love–and instead only seeking and nurturing the love we have at home—will we find peace and beauty internally and in the world. For those without love at home, gaining it first comes from your relationship with God and Jesus.
Love comes from God and instead of searching blindly for it, ask God to show you.
For God never intends for a person to hurt others, and if you know it would hurt someone to know that you love them (supposedly) and that you also romantically love another person, then it’s obvious God isn’t part of that relationship. God isn’t about chaos. Dishonesty in a relationship will almost always bring chaos.
Sneaking around isn’t God. Hurting someone isn’t God. Dishonesty isn’t God. Being self-consumed isn’t God.
Nagging, whining, and complaining also isn’t God.
Honesty, harmony, peace, joy, comfort, Love, and Light–now that is God!
Harming each other is the equivalent of fighting God. You attack His creation; you attack the qualities and principles that He designed. We must stop fighting God and start fighting the “enemy” who tells you there is no God, or that God is conditional or hands-off. We must listen to and obey only one voice–-God’s! The voice can be heard from within. You should be able to recognize It just as the sheep recognize their shepherd’s voice. Tune in. Tune out the clutter, static, periphery noise, and tune in to God’s voice.
Everything happens for a reason and on time. It may not make sense to you now or even years from now, but try to understand that it makes perfect sense to God. He is never surprised by what unfolds. He is never blindsided by today’s outcomes. He is never shocked by what is said or done by you or to you. He knows all, sees all, hears all, and feels all.
We each serve a purpose.
We have been given choices each day and daily we either align with the direction God desires for us or we deviate to another course that will take us down a much longer path—but still never beyond God’s sight and reach. He also knows each step, crack, pothole, pitfall, and obstacle on that path. He patiently waits as we walk and faithfully He shows us mercy each and every day, even while we walk on the undesired path. God wants us to see and experience all of the blessings that He has in store. Most of us only catch glimpses because in our impatience and busyness we are oftentimes distracted by the temporal and physical, and we don’t see that which is eternal and spiritual.
I truly believe that whatever we did not learn, gain, experience here while in this level of existence, we are given new opportunities in our next level of existence. Whether you call it heaven or not, if you believe that we do not die as spiritual beings—but rather shed this human shell and transition to another state of being, then would we not still experience levels of growth and understanding as guided and determined by God? Learning could not possibly stop here as God is Mind, and we are fed by the knowledge He provides through our lessons. The goal is to learn and apply as much as we can while here so that in our “promotion” to the next “level” our attainment can be even more rewarding.
The lesson that you need to experience and learn will unfold as God allows. As we mature, surrender, let go, open our hearts and minds to God—He reveals more and pours more into our “cup”. The more obedient that we are the more that we receive. But you must remember that the blessings intended for you are given to you on His time, not yours, based on His understanding, not yours.
There is a time for everything.
Enjoy your day—make it a full one—and pray for the opportunity to embrace and be a blessing to others today, tomorrow, and always.
Love you all,
~Natasha
Please Note: Today’s message has been modified from a previously published message from August 31, 2012. The current and updated message elaborates on the previous writing and it has been formatted to align with today’s standards. It also includes an audio feature.
COPYRIGHT 2012-2018. 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
…God is not a God of disorder but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints, the women should be silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak, but should be submissive, as the law also says. And if they want to learn something, they should ask their own husbands at home, for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church meeting.
1 Corinthians 14:33-35 HCSB
Prayer
Father please bring and maintain peace in my life, even during storms. Please enlighten me as to Paul’s words reinforcing a belief of order within Your church and the roles of man and woman, as they seemingly contradict his letter to the Romans and the makeup of many of today’s churches; in many families we see a contradiction to Paul’s writings; his writings even contradict or don’t fully align with Your Word as shared in other books in the Bible, as well as through recollections of those repeating Jesus’ words—-as a representation of You.
Father help us to see how Your gifts can best be applied to and for use by both men and women, so that none of us are wasting our gifts and making a mockery of Your good name. Help us to serve fully as You would intend. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection
I was thrown off by these verses because they basically say a woman has no voice in the church, and any questions that she has should be asked of her husband at home, and any voice that she has, or may have, is only given to her by a man.
But what of the woman chosen and empowered by God?
Are we to believe that God would only choose women in the roles of bearers of human fruit that He nurtures (the “fruit”) into leaders? Or is it unfathomable to embrace the examples given in earlier accounts of women whom God called to serve in capacities greater than just mothers and wives?
Do we discourage women from listening and tuning in to that Voice inside that calls them to stand up, speak, and lead both in the church and in the community?
I pray for clarification, for the Bible serves as an amazing roadmap that is timeless in some ways, in many ways, in most ways.
In Romans 16:1-2, Paul writes a letter to the Romans commending a female deacon (deaconess) of the church in Cenchreae [SEHN-kree-ay] , her name was sister Phoebe. She is the person who delivered Paul’s letter to the Romans. Paul wrote, ‘So you should welcome her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints and assist her in whatever matter she may require your help. For indeed she has been a benefactor of many — and of me also. I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church in Cenchreae. ‘
A benefactor is a helper of a person or a cause. Phoebe was called Sister Phoebe. By giving her the name “Sister” this also signifies her status as a Christian; a member of a spiritual family–and not a title given to any and all women. The word for “servant” in Greek (as this is translated from Greek) is diakonos [dee-ak’-on-os], which in English is “deacon” or “deaconess” (when spoken in the feminine).
Was a female deacon not still a deacon? Is a deacon not a leader in the church? So what changed from Romans 16 to 1 Corinthians and 1 Timothy?
There are approximately 15 historical records of women being ordained in antiquity [meaning ancient times before the Middle Ages] by Christians, although the Catholic Church and Orthodox Churches claim that those ordinations were by heretical groups and don’t “count”; despite claims that the groups were actually orthodox and that both the Catholic Church and Orthodox Churches were in fact heterodox. Both the Catholic Church and Orthodox Churches state that ordaining female priests and bishops is to be condemned as it is unacceptable in the Church—for only a baptized man can validly received sacred ordination as a matter of divine law. This has been reinforced as of 2014 by Pope Francis who said this is a non-issue; it is a given.
Let’s look at another example…
Although in 1964, Addie Davis became the first Southern Baptist woman to be ordained, in 2000 the Southern Baptist Convention stopped ordaining women, and told those already-existing female pastors that they could continue their jobs, but no other women after them would be ordained. I wonder what happened in 1999 or 2000 that caused this deviation and change? Why is it that now women are deemed no longer eligible, fit and capable to lead in the Southern Baptist Church as pastors?
In 1 Timothy 2:11-12 Paul says “Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet.” Some use this as an argument that reinforces the belief that God ordered, through Paul, that women are not to lead in the church. But Paul said, “I” not that God said. He said that he spoke as a servant of God.
It is also noted that women for the most part were not educated, as men made it clear that a woman’s role was to be a wife and child-bearer, and then of course there were the few who were prostitutes and “harlots” to serve man’s carnal pleasures that far-exceeded what he could respectfully subject his wife to and not “damage” her (in God’s eyes).
But when we speak of a woman’s education as a factor, that counters the fact that education is not the factor in 1 Timothy 2:11-12, nor is it a qualifier for church leadership in 1 Timothy 3:1-13 (qualifications to be bishop or deacon) or Titus 1:6-9 (ordaining elders and bishops and the qualifications of the candidates).
Many argue that if education was a qualifier then most if not all of Jesus’ disciples would be have been disqualified.
Education, culture, and marriage are none of the restrictions in 1 Timothy, although marriage is an implied or stated “restriction” in 1 Corinthians 14:34-35.
So what is ultimately the overarching restriction and reasoning behind this according to Paul?
In 1 Timothy 2:13-14, he wrote, “For Adam was formed first, then Eve; and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived…” and because of her (Eve) deception in the transgression (from the serpent) Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 2:15, that “she will be saved through childbearing if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with good judgment“. Interesting enough, I have not found one version that says “she will be saved through childbearing if she continues in faith, love, and holiness…”, so would the “they” be both she and her husband? Because this is not the plural of women, it was singular as woman—but even with these words, it is an exclusion through marriage and a tie-in to childbearing—but what of the single woman (why is she excluded) or what about the barren wife? Is she now no longer saved, even if she and they continue walking in faith, love, and holiness?
Paul’s letter does not consider the what-ifs. It is not for the critical thinker that Jesus told His followers to be.
Paul is saying that since God made Eve after Adam and then was later deceived by the serpent, and caused Adam to be deceived, then she is not fit to lead, correct? But he says nothing about the fact that Adam was deceived by Eve, so is that a sound argument proving man’s fitness over woman? If Adam was wiser and with stronger will, then why was it possible for him to also be deceived? Paul’s argument would most likely be that women can only lead a man to his downfall.
So following this premise that would then mean that women are not to serve in any role where they would have authority to spiritually teach men—as teaching, pastoring, and shepherding men is reserved for men—which refers you back to 1 Timothy 3:1-13 and Titus 1:6-9.
But I find nothing spoken by Jesus that states this way of thinking, nor do I find anything in the Old Testament that would say that only men can teach, pastor, and shepherd to both men and women. That has a lot to do with the fact that the Bible is incomplete, hundreds of books missing, a great deal edited to reflect what religious and political leaders wanted reflected in that day. And as humans we are limited by and through our interpretations and understandings.
Why then did some houses of faith deviate or pivot slightly from the New Testament proclamations? Why are some houses of faith being led by a different understanding of how and whom God uses to spread and teach His Word and ways?
What do I mean?
In 6th century BCE, Buddha’s aunt and foster mother was the first woman to receive Buddhist ordination as a nun. The first female monk was ordained in Thailand in 2002.
Between 1590-1670 the first female rabbi of Jewish history is noted by some scholars, but the world’s first ordained female rabbi was not until 1935 in Germany.
In 1815 (in New England), the first woman was ordained in the Free Will Baptist faith.
In 1853 the Congregational Church ordained its first female minister.
1866 is noted as probably the first time a woman was ordained in the Methodist Protestant Church; although not listed officially.
In 1880 is recorded as the first official recognition of a woman being ordained as a minister in the Methodist Protestant Church. That same year, Scotland ordained their first woman, making her the first in Scottish and European history.
In 1947 the Lutheran Protestant Church started to ordain women as priests.
These are just several examples.
Over the past two hundred years we have noted hundreds of women who have been appointed and recognized as leaders in houses of faith around the world.
What changed, that people began to believe that it was and is acceptable for women to take part in the church, as leaders in the church, as spiritual teachers of men and women?
Or is it that men had to and still have to first approve of a woman speaking her mind and serving as a church leader—and specifically (and especially) as a pastor, priest, rabbi, monk, etc?
Why do many other houses of faith still refuse to allow women to lead? Is it because the role of woman is only to be a helpmate of man? Or is this merely the weakness of man to keep beneath him the woman, rather than allowing God to use her as He sees fit?
What do you think?
Comment below or at our Facebook Page @BreakingBreadWithNatasha, or you can email me at breakingbreadwithnatasha@gmail.com. I’m really interested in your thoughts about this and other topics.
Love your sister in Christ,
Natasha
Please Note: This message was originally published on July 26, 2013. It has been modified to align with current standards and formatting. This message has also been significantly expanded to include current-day reflection and extensive research by Natasha. It now also includes an audio feature.
Copyright 2013-2018. 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
The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, were listening to all these things and scoffing at Him. And He told them:
“You are the ones who justify yourselves in the sight of others, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly admired by people is revolting in God’s sight.”
Luke 16:14, 15 HCSB
Prayer
Father, may I always be aligned with You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection
God knows our hearts. No matter what you profess, He knows the Truth. Align with Him or be realigned.
Clothed WITH Love,
Natasha
Please Note: This message was originally published on April 8, 2013. It has been modified to align with current standards and formatting.
Copyright 2013-2018. 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
My apologies for the late post. Today has been filled with taking care of some personal, family matters.
Today I share a bold message from April 5, 2012. It however does not include audio. It is only modified for formatting purposes. I hope that it touches you and that you will share it with others so that it might also touch them.
Scripture
I will maintain my innocence and never let go of it; my conscience will not reproach me as long as I live.
Job 27:6
Prayer
Father I thank You for another day. I thank You for my loved ones. I thank You for experiences past, the ones I face now, and those awaiting me in my future.
Father I want to be obedient to You. I want a clear conscience, free of guilt, shame, and sin–I want to build my life towards righteousness, and not walk around looking over my shoulder.
Father it would be selfish of me to ask for blessings when I have not made things right from my past, and not atoned for my trespasses and debts to others.
Father I pray that You equip me with the tools and resources to make right my wrongs, and I will do the work faithfully to fulfill my obligations.
Father any feelings I have harmed, any loose strings I have not tied, and words not spoken, let me be in a position to handle those things and then finally put them to rest, to never be revisited.
Let my past remain in the past, and never allow me to dig up old things You wanted to stay buried— to see if they still ‘work’. Let me not carry around added burden, harbor any resentment, or walk without grace, honor, and humility.
I ask these things with the presence of light, and a burning desire to do right by You and by all. Amen.
Reflection
Having a clear conscience means you have no wrongs to right, no victims to atone for, no debts to clear, and no fences to mend.
Having a clear conscience you don’t have to sneak, hide, tell lies, cheat, steal, beg, borrow, manipulate, play games, or anything else that is not a pure and unquestionable reflection and representation of God.
When you are doing right by God you don’t live a double life, you don’t have mistresses, lovers, or affairs. When you are doing right by God you don’t need to seek revenge, you don’t need to find ways to protect yourself and your things, and you don’t need to worry about the past, present, or future.
Wouldn’t it be awesome to have a clean, clear slate? Wouldn’t it be nice to just have peace, joy, and tranquility…while still living here on Earth?
It is possible. We CAN do this. We CAN have this life.
Let’s take the first step and start emptying out our clutter, burying those skeletons in our closets, dumping that baggage we keep carrying from one relationship to the next, stop making excuses for our mediocrity and shortcomings, and stop allowing our insecurity to make us act like jerks towards others.
The ONLY ‘elite’ in this world are those who continuously walk in God’s light, pure, innocent, blameless and conscience-free.
Lovingly,
Natasha
Copyright 2012-2018. 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
Please Note: The audio message may include more, less, or exactly the same content as listed below.
Scripture
As the water reflects the face, so the heart reflects the person.
Proverbs 27:19
Prayer
Father let my heart reflect You, Your Love, and Your goodness.
Let every person who encounters me always be filled with Your light reflected from me. Let each person who leaves my side always leave feeling renewed and appreciated. Let me always uplift and never tear down.
Let me pray to You before I speak, before I say something negative, and before I act upon my thoughts. Let me immediately wipe out negative thoughts before they have a chance to settle in and influence my decisions.
Let my integrity and character speak loud and clear about me and the person that I am.
I am Your child and I want the world to know Who I represent each and every day.
In Jesus’ name I humbly pray. Amen.
Reflection
Your character speaks volumes about who you are. If you live by the code of honor, you are an honorable person.
However, if you lie you are a liar. If you cheat you are a cheater. If you steal you are a thief. If you kill you are a killer. If you rape you are a rapist. If you abuse others you are an abuser.
What we do, say, and think make up who we are; who we choose to be; and what we represent.
Day by day we slowly must build our character up to be honorable expressions of God and His love. Character-building is a daily, delicate process, because as Faith Baldwin is quoted as saying, “…it can be torn down with incredible swiftness“. Which means that we then have to rebuild each time it is torn down.
I read something beautiful in a devotional book for Christian women entitled 100 Days of Grace for Women, that said:
“Character isn’t built overnight; it is built slowly over a lifetime. It is the sum of every sensible choice, every honorable decision, and every honest word. It is forged on the anvil of sincerity and polished by the virtue of fairness. Character is a precious thing—preserve yours at all costs.”
How do you want to be viewed by God and our shepherd Jesus? How do you want the world to view God and Jesus?
The way you live your life as a self-proclaimed Christian tells the world exactly who you are, the type of relationship you have with God and Jesus, and what Christianity and being a Christian truly means to you.
The way that you treat and speak to people says everything about you. How do you treat the person that you think you’re “greater than”, “more powerful than”, “wealthier than”? If you truly believe that they are here to serve you, then you’re lost and need to be found. You are to serve them. Those with the most are to serve those with the least.
You cannot honorably lead if you aren’t serving those being led.
Men that expect women to “submit” to them yet that man does not submit to God, is what my elders would call a “plum fool”.
Additionally, that man must honor his wife as he would want her to honor him, and as the Bible says, love her as he loves his own body. You must give what you hope to receive, expect to receive.
How you treat your spouse is a reflection of how you view that covenant with God.
Family, I want you to honestly ask yourself these questions: Would you agree to go to church with you, if invited? Would you attend Bible study with you, if invited? Would you listen to you, speak of the Bible if given the opportunity?
Why would another person go to church with you, attend Bible study with you, or listen to your interpretation of the Bible?
You either reflect God and attract people to Him, or you stand as the mirror image of the enemy—and leave the impression in people’s minds that the last church they would attend is yours, the last person that they want to talk about the Bible to is you, and if you’re a representation of a Christian then they will say “I’ll pass“—and they just may turn farther away from the church. Some people have been so offended that they’ve even turned away from God, no longer believing in Him.
Be the example you want others to see when they look at and interact with you.
Love always,
Natasha
Note: This message was originally published on May 5, 2012. It has been modified to align with current standards and formatting. Some content has been added to reflect a current understanding or expansive reflection upon the scriptural text. Today’s version also now includes the audio feature.
Copyright 2012-2018. 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
A gift from You that I never want to take for granted.
So I will work with a clear focus that everything I do is in honor of You.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection
Today God was working on me and helping redirect my thoughts as I was being offended and defensive of attacks from someone else. I was losing sight of the fact that God has already handled the situation, the person, and my vindication. I just need to be still and be patient.
What came from that moment with God were immediate blessings, some may see as small, but I see them as my cup filling up to run over.
So I type today’s message enthusiastically. I’m beaming with enthusiasm.
You’re probably frowning and saying to yourself, “what? Come on now, really?”
Let me explain….
Did you know that the word enthusiasm was borrowed from the Greek word enthousiasmos, meaning “inspiration or possession by a god.” Enthousiasmos comes from enthousiazein which means “to be inspired“. Entheos means “from God“.
Enthusiasm entered the English language around the 17th century and for approximately 200 hundred years it was used solely in a religious context. Some time in the 18th century we embraced it from a secular context.
Inspiration from God. All of the energy stored up from God that we joyfully release and share with others.
Paul wrote a letter to the Colossians in Colossae (what is now modern-day Turkey) and told them to do everything enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for man.
In a sense the intensity and effort expended is an expression of and a praising to God for what He has invested in you—what He has poured into you—what He given to you.
Enthusiasm.
God filled me up today and so I share some of it with all of you.
Enthusiastically.
You may have the dream job or career—or not—but that’s not the point. What’s most important is the effort you place in the work that you perform.
What are you pouring in or taking out of your work?
What are you pouring in or taking from the people that you work with and the customers that you’re supposed to be serving?
If you aren’t leading through service of others, then ask yourself why?
It is not only in the church that we serve. It is not just the volunteer activities in the community, that you are in service of others.
It should be each and every day that you wake.
Every single day that you go to work you should be serving your co-workers, and the customers and vendors that the company has relationships with.
Why?
Seriously, why?
Because we are reflections of God, and as His servants, we should be serving each other.
Jesus washed his disciples feet, he didn’t just sit back and let everyone wash his. Jesus showed us what being a servant leader truly means. He paid the biggest price, sacrificed the most, so the least we can do is “work enthusiastically” for the Lord. God will always reward us for our efforts.
We get what we give.
You may not like your job, your manager or your co-workers, but you need to come to work everyday and put forth an effort that overflows with enthusiasm. Because honestly, you could be without a job, homeless and living on the streets or couch-hopping from one person’s home to the next.
Consider that.
And maybe you are homeless, could you be worse off? Sure you can. You don’t need me to rattle off the what-if scenarios that you could be facing this very moment. You know them already. Be grateful for what you do have and enthusiastically walk towards the future rewards that God has for you.
Work enthusiastically.
Live enthusiastically.
Serve enthusiastically.
Pray enthusiastically.
Love enthusiastically.
Pour into others what God pours into you!
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 are your thoughts about the new audio feature provided here?
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
Please Note: Part of today’s message was originally published on August 31, 2016. It has been modified significantly to align with current standards, formatting, and an expanded look on the Bible scripture selection.
Copyright 2016-2018. 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
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