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!
This audio message contains content that is not reflected in the written message below. Please listen and enjoy!
Scripture
Think how you have instructed many, how you have strengthened feeble hands. Your words have supported those who stumbled; you have strengthened faltering knees. But now trouble comes to you, and you are discouraged; it strikes you, and you are dismayed. Should not your piety be your confidence and your blameless ways your hope?
Job 4:3-6
Reflection
When we give advice, encouragement, and support to others we must remember the words, sentiment, and actions delivered so that during our time of need we use what God equipped us with to lift ourselves up. When we praise God to everyone else but then doubt Him in moments of despair, aren’t we being hypocritical and engaging in a conditional relationship with Him?
Let God’s light come in every millisecond of the day. Feel His warmth, love, tenderness, and support. When we live our lives and express love, mercy, and forgiveness the way God intends then we never feel alone, lost, defeated or forsaken.
Prayer
Father I pray for the strength and confidence to always see and act upon practicing what I preach. I want to be there to uplift and support others through my thoughts, words, and deeds- while remembering those same thoughts and words when I need uplifting and encouragement through rough times.
Father I want Your Word to resonate through me so that my strength always lies in You. Forgive me for those days I waver, get discouraged, feel like giving up and letting life pass me by- I know You know my heart and intentions Lord and I thank You and love You for Your love. Amen.
Love always,
Natasha
Please Note: This message was originally written and published on May 31, 2011. It has been modified to align with current standards and formatting to include an audio message and scriptural image.
Copyright 2011-2018. Natasha L. Foreman. Some Rights Reserved.
ALL PRAYERS AND REFLECTIONS ARE COPYRIGHT PROTECTED BY NATASHA L. FOREMAN, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED. PRIOR POSTS FROM SEPTEMBER 2013 TO MAY 30, 2018 ARE COPYRIGHTED UNDER THE NAME NATASHA FOREMAN BRYANT. PRIOR POSTS FROM 2009-SEPTEMBER 2013 ARE COPYRIGHTED UNDER THE NAME NATASHA L. FOREMAN. BREAKINGBREADWITHNATASHA.COM
A few minutes ago I realized that I inadvertently posted today’s BBWN message without audio, so some of you probably opened the message and asked yourself, “well, where’s the audio?” I just reposted the message with audio, and to save you time, I’ve included the audio below.
The audio has additional content that my written message does not, so I hope that you enjoy that version as much as the written one.
Please provide me with feedback on how I can improve BBWN, my messages, etc. Thanking you in advance!
Love always,
Natasha
Copyright 2018. Natasha L. Foreman. All Rights Reserved.
This audio message contains content that is not reflected in the written message below. Please listen and enjoy!
Scripture
You wearied yourself by such going about, but you would not say, ‘It is hopeless.’ You found renewal of your strength, and so you did not faint.
Isaiah 57:10
Reflection
The stories and accounts of the men and women of the Bible were not focused on super-human creations but on regular people who did extraordinary things as they were touched by God’s light. It’s not that they didn’t have fears or doubt- think of the times Jesus prayed, fasted, asked God “why”, and the times Moses would go ask God why he was chosen to lead the children of Israel. There was fear; but it speaks volumes about these great people because of what they did when fear stood in their face and challenged them. They didn’t cower over, give in, run away, or lose hope- instead they slapped fear down to the ground, stepped on it and kept marching forward to the beat of God’s drum.
So each day as we walk, march, and make our way down life’s paths we will grow tired, but we should work towards mentally never giving up; to never believe we can’t take one more step or push one more obstacle out of our way. Our end in any aspect of our life is not for us to decide, that is God’s job. If we sabotage our lives then we cut short the blessings that were coming our way and the opportunities for success, and to make a difference in the lives of our loved ones and people around the world.
So ask yourself, “is what I’m going through in life really that unbearable that I no longer have hope and faith in God that He will see me through?”
Prayer
Father through ups and downs You never waver, You never fail me, You never fall short of blessing me abundantly. Through the trials and tribulations Your son, Jesus, never walked away, never gave up or gave in, instead he faced head on anything, everything, and everyone that came at him and attacked him.
Father through the desert and wilderness, through attacks by other people, Your sons Moses and Joshua kept their heads up and charged forward in Your name. Your son Daniel faced down fear as he walked into the lion’s den and later walked out unscathed. David overlooked his size, his inexperience at fighting and battle, that he only had a stone and slingshot, and that Goliath was a giant. David conquered Goliath because he was charged in Your light.
There are so many accounts in the Bible of men and women, Your children, who never ever ever gave up, never lost hope, and never stopped believing in You, Your word, and their role in Your kingdom Father.
If I want the personal success of having a beautiful, long-lasting, loving, nurturing, and energized marriage with obedient, dignified, hard-working, productive, and respectful children—I must first set the example as an individual. The qualities and principles that I want to see in my spouse and children must be the qualities and principles I possess and reflect consistently through You Father.
If I want professional and financial success then I must be willing to take the charge to walk even when tired, climb even when I don’t think my arms and legs can move, face my fears even when they stand in my path and seem too big to conquer.
Each day I must claim victory in Your name as I begin with the blessing of being alive. I pray for daily renewal Lord. I humbly pray to You Father, and say in advance “thank you”. Amen.
Love Always,
Natasha
PLEASE NOTE: THIS MESSAGE WAS ORIGINALLY WRITTEN AND PUBLISHED ON MAY 30, 2011. IT HAS BEEN MODIFIED TO ALIGN WITH CURRENT STANDARDS AND FORMATTING, TO INCLUDE AN AUDIO MESSAGE, AND SCRIPTURAL IMAGE.
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
Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.
Proverbs 19:21
Reflection
As someone I once knew always says, “if you want to make God laugh tell Him your plans” and this phrase is so accurate that you have to laugh, because we spend the largest portions of our life planning, strategizing, and outlining our life the way that we think it should go- but never stepping back and acknowledging that through it all- God is running things and we are merely along for the ride.
If we let Him steer our chartered course then we can fully experience and enjoy the trip- we can wisely invest our time and energy into serving Him and living life to its fullest. God will always open doors, windows, and crawl spaces of opportunity for us. He will always make a way out of no way- but if He’s trying to guide the ship right while you’re grabbing the wheel trying to turn it left guess where you will go? No where. Guess what you will experience? Nausea and frustration.
Every day we must make the effort to get out of our own way, to let go and surrender to God, and allow Him to lead us to where we need to be. Lord knows I battle with myself on this regularly, and I recognize that my life is so much smoother, calmer, and stress-free when I simply let God do His job and I focus on doing mine.
Prayer
Father thank You for your patience, for Your remarkable sense of humor, for Your wisdom and understanding, and for your guidance throughout my days. There are moments in time when I think I have things figured out, and I think that what I’m doing is Your intent for my life- just to find myself puzzled when things don’t go as planned.
Father I apologize for getting out of line, for assuming to know Your plans and thought process. Father I apologize for trying to run my life like a goat, instead of being a disciplined and loyal sheep and simply following Your lead. Thank You for knowing me better than I can ever know myself, and in knowing me You patiently wait on me to catch on and catch up to the pace You have set. You are amazing. You are awesome. I love You Father. Thank you. Amen.
I love you all. Have an amazing day. God bless you.
Natasha
PLEASE NOTE: THIS MESSAGE WAS ORIGINALLY WRITTEN AND PUBLISHED ON May 27, 2011. IT HAS BEEN MODIFIED TO ALIGN WITH CURRENT STANDARDS AND FORMATTING, TO INCLUDE AN AUDIO MESSAGE.
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
This audio message contains content that is not reflected in the written message below. Please listen and enjoy!
Scripture
Galatians 1:10
Reflection
God told us to obey Him and honor our father and mother. Notice that He didn’t tell us to even obey them, but to honor them. At the beginning and end of each day what matters most to our Heavenly Father is our obedience to Him. You don’t read in the Bible where we’re supposed to be obedient to anyone else.
Someone may snatch and twist a verse where there’s talk of slaves and their masters, don’t distort that to align it with man-based laws that support the enslavement of men, women, and children like chattel.
God never intended for His children to serve, worship, and obey anyone or anything but Him. Our decisions are to be motivated by our desire to please Him, not man.
We have allowed the ‘world’ to influence our decisions, dictate to us what and whom is attractive, intelligent, gifted, and successful. We have allowed the ‘world’ to pimp us out where we even jump at the chance to sell ourselves to the highest bidder. Don’t believe me? Watch reality television shows.
Are we seeking approval and acceptance from man, from the world, from the “in crowd”, from society, or so-called friends? Or are we focused and passionate about seeking and gaining approval from our Creator?
You can’t serve man and God. Don’t confuse this statement with being a servant leader and being of service to the least of God’s children. Giving of your time and resources to help uplift the poor, voiceless, powerless, underrepresented, and hopeless–is what God intends. Pimping yourself out to the world’s power-hungry and greedy, is not.
He has given us a choice.
Prayer
Father I pray to keep my eyes on You, being not concerned with the world and what others think and say about me, or even what they do to me directly or indirectly. For I know that You are omnipresent, omnipotent supreme.
I know that You are all-powerful, all-knowing, all-seeing, and that nothing and no one can destroy You or separate me from You. I was made in Your image and likeness and You never make mistakes.
I humbly accept my role in this journey, the responsibilities that You have placed before me, and my duties as a steward of this great planet that You created. I seek only Your approval Father.
Please forgive me when I forget and align myself with the expectations of Your creations, as though their opinion matters. In Jesus’ name I humbly pray. 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?
3. In what ways have you been struggling with trying to serve two masters? How has this struggle impacted your life?
4. In what ways can you see yourself realigning your focus and actions to be released from the stronghold that keeps you handcuffed and tormented?
5. If you can’t see how you can realign yourself, what prayer will you say today and moving forward to convey to God your desire to be free from bondage?
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 message was originally written and published on November 9, 2016. It has been modified to align with current standards and formatting, to include an audio message.
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
This audio message contains content that is not reflected in the written message below. Please listen and enjoy!
Scripture
Through laziness, the rafters sag; because of idle hands, the house leaks.
Ecclesiastes 10:18
Reflection
Get up. Get out. Get going. If you are spending the bulk of your day on a computer and it is not a major part of your job/career function then you are wasting precious moments. Stop making excuses and start living your dreams. No one can keep you from achieving your goals except you.
If your job/career requires you to meet and interact with people on a regular basis, but you’re hiding indoors and/or behind a computer the bulk of your day- then you are failing yourself and failing your family who depend on you.
Are you investing 12 to 20 hours per day of pure sweat equity towards your goal? Or are you telling yourself a big fat lie that you are in the “research and development stage” of planning your life and career?
How do you explain to your family that out of laziness you squandered almost (or totally) everything God has blessed you with?
Fear fails. Laziness leads to failure. If you don’t want to be a failure or seen as one then get up and make the most of your day. Get out and make smart decisions and career moves that will help propel your life where it needs to be–where God intends for it to be.
Prayer
Father rid me from any laziness that I might possess. Cause me to rise up from my slumber. If necessary make things so uncomfortable in my life that I must do something to change my circumstances for the better. I do not want to lose favor in Your eyes Lord.
I do not want to lose the gifts and blessings You have given me because I am not doing my part to take care of and nurture them. I do not want to lose the home, car, clothing, accessories, appliances, and miscellaneous things You have loaned me Father.
I do not want my mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health negatively impacted because I have disconnected from Your plan and purpose for me Lord. An idle mind is a mind not focused on You Father, and I want my mind and heart to always be focused and connected to You. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
I love you all,
Natasha
Please Note: This message was originally written and published on May 24, 2011. It has been modified to align with current standards and formatting, to include an audio message.
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
The audio message contains content not reflected in the written message below. Please listen and enjoy!
Scripture
Don’t be deceived: God is not mocked. For whatever a man sows he will also reap, because the one who sows to his flesh will reap corruption from the flesh, but the one who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit. So we must not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up.
Galatians 6:7-9
Reflection
I’m grateful to my mother for sending me today’s scripture. It encourages me to continue doing good and to continue being loving. It encourages me to continue treating others as I would like to be treated; and how I would want my loved ones treated.
This scripture encourages me to always put God first in every decision, with every word, every thought, and all actions. It also encourages me to continue accepting responsibility for my feelings, my emotions, my thoughts, my words, and my actions. We have been equipped with self-control, and it is only our fault when we mismanage it or toss it out the window.
Freeman Smith, LLC wrote that, “Everywhere we turn, or so it seems, we are faced with powerful temptations to behave in undisciplined, ungodly ways. We live in a world in which leisure is glorified and misbehavior is glamorized. But God has other plans. He did not create us for lives of mischief or mediocrity; He created us for far greater things.”
After reading that it hit me that no matter how much temptation comes my way or that I run across, mischief and mediocrity are not my calling, so I must be disciplined enough to keep marching forward in strength, rather than be weak and give in to the world.
With the exception of movies like Se7en, no one can make you or force you to do anything you don’t want to do. You choose to cheat, steal, lie, rape, kill, be lazy, be a glutton, be mean, be a bully, be manipulative, and any other number of things. It takes more energy to do or say something negative than it does to be godly and say or do something positive.
Being negative is draining. It will suck the energy and life out of you. It ages many people. When you are positive your day is upbeat and bright, and no one can rain on your parade. When you are negative you attract more negativity. When you are negative you can easily be drained of reserved energy, and easily be pushed to your breaking point. Ever consider how much effort would have to go into breaking the spirit of a positive person? Ever wonder why no matter what happens to this person they just don’t snap, go off on people, fall into a deep depression and check out of life, or give up and end their life?
It’s God working inside of and through them.
A negative person is always looking to be attacked, always thinks there is a motive, and thinks that someone is judging them or thinks that some people think they are better than them. A negative person spends so much time trying to shine on their own that they fail to see and recognize that nothing is possible without the Father. That’s why the spotlight quickly turns off of them onto someone positive.
A positive person doesn’t need to try to shine, they just do. They can enter a room and everything and everyone just lights up.
A positive person is comfortable in pure silence, while a negative person always needs noise of some kind. A positive person feels the need to stay connected to the Light, while a negative person feels the need to stay connected to the world.
A positive person says “I love you,” no matter the situation or outcome. A negative person says “I love you” and there are always associated conditions. They will always add, “but”, “however”, or “if” whenever they are displeased. They love you most and show this love only when their expectations are met fully. There are always conditions associated with their love, conditions you must adhere to if you want to continue receiving this love.
A positive person will see the need to have God first and in the center of their relationship, allowing Him to guide them to either continue in a loving relationship, or walk away from a negative one. A negative person believes that they are the beginning, end, and the center of the relationship.
So we all have decisions in life. Which will you choose? Will you choose to be disciplined or undisciplined? Positive or negative? Self-centered or God-centered?
Prayer
Father there is no reason for me not to do the right thing all of the time. There is no justifiable reason for me to make excuses other than I’m lying to myself and thinking I can lie to you.
There are no half-wrongs or half-sins in life. So each day I strive to be honest first with myself and then to Your children. Each day I will stop before I even contemplate crossing a line that I know I wouldn’t cross if I could see Your son Jesus standing near. Each day I will make it a priority to look through the lens of another person before, during, and after a conversation. Each day I will consider that I may be wrong in a decision or opinion, and through prayer, work to realign myself with Your Truth.
When I’m attacked, I will not attack back, for the battle is not mine but Yours. Instead I will follow through with prayer, and not allow myself to be sucked in to the negativity that awaits me. It is my desire to be more like Jesus, and the only way that is possible is to change through growth every single day. In his name and Yours I pray. Amen.
Lovingly your sister in Christ,
Natasha
Please Note: This message was originally written and published on April 18, 2012. It has been modified to align with current standards and formatting, to include an audio message.
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 contains additional content not reflected in the written message below. Please listen and enjoy!
Scripture
“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.”
Galatians 6:7-8
Reflection
What we think about we bring about. What we desire and seek whether good or bad will only bring forth good or bad seeds.
If you have ulterior motives that are centered on self and only on pleasing the flesh, by any means necessary, then you have a higher probability of falling into a state of darkness. When it’s all about you and not about God, you reap what you sow.
Don’t be deceived into believing that you can trick, mislead, or fool God. He is omnipotent, omnipresent, and omniscient.
I only want good and pure seedlings, so it is my intent to only plant good and pure seeds. I know that there are times that I mess up, but my focus is to always get back up and plant something new.
What are you planting and reaping?
Prayer
Father knowing my heart as You do, You know my intentions, my thoughts, and my desires. Cleanse my heart so that it may be aligned with You, so that I might only sow goodness to please the Spirit and not the flesh. I never want to disappoint You Father. In Your name I pray. Amen.
Love,
Natasha
Please Note: This message was originally written and published on January 21, 2011. It has been modified to align with current standards and formatting, to include an audio message and scriptural image.
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.
Please Note: The audio message contains a significant amount of content not reflected below in the written message. Please listen and enjoy!
Scripture
An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who shames him is like rottenness in his bones.
Proverbs 12:4 NASB
Reflection
Ladies, recite this with as much conviction as you would in declaring your value in your life:
“I WILL be faithful to my husband and honor him in my conduct and in my conversation, and will aspire to be a suitable partner to help him reach his God-given potential.”
Men, when you read those words understand the magnitude of the woman’s declaration. What kind of man must you be to have a wife who is dedicated to be devoted to this level for her husband?
Husbands, if you are the man that is deserving of this faithful and devoted wife, recite this with the same passion as you would in stating the value of your life:
“I WILL be faithful to my wife and honor her in my conduct and in my conversation, and be the man and provider that she needs spiritually, emotionally, and intimately.
I will aspire to be a suitable partner that my wife finds deserving of her help so that I can reach my God-given potential. I will also aspire to be a suitable partner for my wife, so that I can help her reach her God-given potential. I won’t bring her shame and I won’t leave her unprotected.”
Prayer
Father lift me up, to always walk in dignity, to remember that first impressions are lasting, and that I will never see all of the eyes that see me—so I must focus on conducting myself with respect and honor publicly and privately. Remind me of the name I carry, the legacy of honorable and honored people. Remind me of the blood that was shed so that I might have the freedom I take for granted. Remind me of who I am and to Whom I belong. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Questions of the Day
1. What would you like to add to today’s prayer and/or reflection?
2. If you’re married, what are your thoughts and feelings about today’s reflection, and the declaration that you made?
3. If you are single and interested in getting married or remarried (if you are divorced), what are your thoughts and feelings about today’s reflection, and the declaration that you made?
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 message was originally written and published on August 26, 2015. It has been modified to align with current standards and formatting to include 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
Scripture quotations taken from the Amplified® Bible,
I just finished recording the audio for today’s message (May 21, 2018). Many of you know that my audio messages sometimes contain additional content not reflected in the written messages.
Today is no exception.
Matter of fact, today’s audio message has a significant amount of content that you will not find in the written message. I strongly encourage you to listen to the message and not just focus on the written message, as I was led by God to share more and go deeper than what my written message reflected. Through my obedience you are receiving more. I hope that you will listen, reflect, and share with others.
Have a blessed day and be a blessing to others!
~Natasha
Copyright 2018. Natasha L. Foreman. All Rights Reserved.
As I work on today’s message I just noticed that I never posted last Wednesday’s message (May 16th). I’m not sure why I never published it. I apologize for my oversight. I just posted it.
Those of you who subscribe to Breaking Bread will receive a notification. Hopefully you will have the opportunity to listen and read it sometime today or later this week. The message is late but it is also on time. Think about it!
Have a beautifully blessed day!
Love,
Natasha
Copyright 2018. Natasha L. Foreman. All Rights Reserved.
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.1 John 5:14-15 NIV
Reflection
There is a saying that, “if you’re going to pray then why worry, and if you’re going to worry then why pray”.
This is so true.
Once you say your prayer to God, there isn’t a need to keep repeating that prayer several times a day or every week—God doesn’t have memory loss issues; God doesn’t get so bogged down with prayer requests that He forgets which of His children asked for what, and when. If we truly believe that we should, “let go and let God”, then why don’t we say our prayer, let go, and let God do what only He can do? Do we truly believe?
Do you have confidence in your approach to God?
Prayer
Father there is nothing that I need that You have not provided for me. Thank You. I’m confident that when I come to You in prayer, that if I need it, You will make it possible for me to have it. I thank You in advance for the blessings that I have yet to receive. Amen.
Questions of the Day
1. 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: This message was originally written and published on October 23, 2015. It has been modified to align with current standards and formatting.
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.
Please note: The audio message may contain additional content not reflected in the written message below. Please listen and enjoy.
Scripture
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”
Luke 6:37
Reflection
We spend so much time butting into other people’s lives and personal business that we fail to realize that we are stepping outside of the boundaries God set for us. We are in no position to say who sins more or less, who is going to heaven or hell, or who is evil or good. We’re supposed to be living our lives focused on being better people, better Christians (or whatever faith that you subscribe to and follow), and loving everyone despite our differences.
We spend so much time holding grudges and carrying around the burden of our ego and pride that we never consider how freeing it would be if we only stopped and forgave those who wronged us.
Forgive. Let go. Stop judging. Stop condemning people to a fate you would never wish on a loved one. Start living and start loving.
Prayer
Father I pray for a warmed heart to forgive those who have knowingly and unknowingly hurt me. I pray that my heart be filled with peace to not judge or condemn other people.
Father my role in Your Kingdom is to be a good steward and ambassador, not serve as judge, jury, dictator, or ruler over Your children.
It is not my place to say who is keeping or breaking Your commandments, or who is fulfilling their duties as Your ambassadors. You are the only Judge and I apologize for all of the times I have crossed the lines and forgot my place and position. Touch my heart Lord. In Your name I pray. Amen.
Final Words
Have an amazing day. I love you all–friends, family, associates- those near, those far, those traveling, and those that I only know through these daily messages.
God bless you!
Natasha
Please Note: This message was originally written and published on May 17, 2011. It has been modified to align with current standards and formatting, to include and audio message and scriptural image.
Copyright 2011-2018. Natasha Foreman Bryant. Some Rights Reserved.
Please Note: This audio message contains content not reflected in the written message below. Please listen and enjoy!
Scripture
Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!”
Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.”
Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him.
The men seized Jesus and arrested him.
Mark 14:42,44-46
Reflection
Jesus was given the gift of discernment to see and know who his betrayer was long before Judas publicly proved himself to be a backstabber. He sold out Jesus for money. The love of money is the root of all evil. Greed, selfishness, envy, and jealousy will eat you up and spit you out to rot for all eternity.
Look around you and count your true friends. Do you know who they are?
Your true friends, your loyal-to-the-end friends are those you can count on when times get tough, when you are at your lowest, when there doesn’t seem to be a solution in sight- yet they stand beside you, pick you up and tell you that you’re not a quitter you’re a child of God and as His perfect reflection you can and you will walk and run again straight to the mountaintop.
Your true friends are there to encourage you- not for selfish gains because they need ‘dirt’ and drama about you in order to feel good about themselves; no they selflessly listen and offer to help serve as a possible solution to your problem and not merely try to one-up you with their own, downplay your situation, or change the subject altogether.
Your true friends find ways to not add to your stress and frustration. True friends don’t manipulate you into doing for them; they don’t take from you, rather they give whatever resources that they have at their disposal.
Who can you call on when the ‘walls’ start closing in on you? Who can you call on when no one sees and believes in your vision? Who can you call on to bounce around ideas with and know that they will objectively assist you, and not ‘shoot down’ your ideas?
Who can you call on late at night or early in the morning without question because you need to vent and work out some things, or share ideas? Who can you loan or borrow $1,000 from and never question or worry about repayment? Who can you trust around your spouse or significant other to not ‘run you down’ or attempt to break you up?
Your associate/acquaintance has a short ‘leash’ to walk on because although they are friendly they have not invested enough into a relationship with you to be as vulnerable and exposed as a friend would.
Your associate/acquaintance will sever ties or pull away the moment they hear a negative rumor about you, that you desperately need help, or when their needs aren’t being met consistently.
Your associate/acquaintance may be all about the “me” and “I” and not about the “we” and how they can grow to become a friend and find ways to help you sometimes.
The associate/acquaintance may contact you when they need something and to discuss situations and circumstances that fall into the ‘box’ or category in which they met you such as business, hobby, social event, etc. For the most part, you never truly know your associate/acquaintance and they never truly get to know you.
Pray for the wisdom and discernment to recognize your enemies, and distinguish your friends from your associates/acquaintances. Pray for the wisdom and humility to comfortably keep separate your enemies from your friends and associates/acquaintances, so that they never co-mingle to the point where your enemies taint the ‘pot’ and begin to unravel your mission from God.
Prayer
Father I thank You for the wisdom and discernment that I have today. I pray that I am always closely connected with You that I might see those who are true friends versus those who would betray me at a whim; that I might see the intent of others and know whether they surround me to help support Your mission or whether they are around for selfish gains.
Father allow me to see the human leaches and hangers-on so that I can distinguish them from true ambassadors of Christ who are self-sufficient from Your blessings.
Father I pray for the discernment to see the honest from the liars, the givers from the takers, and the self-servers from the self-sacrificers. I thank You now Lord for these blessings. Amen.
Love,
Natasha
Please Note: This message was originally written and published on May 13, 2011. It has been modified to reflect current standards and formatting to include an audio message.
Copyright 2011-2018. Natasha Foreman Bryant. Some Rights Reserved. Messages from 2009-2013 have copyright protection under the name Natasha L. Foreman.
Please note: This audio message may contain content not featured in the written content below. Please listen and enjoy!
Scripture
In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church—
Ephesians 5:28-29
Reflection
The moment you feel as though you need to stray from your relationship, get or maintain the attention of a third party, seek compliments or approval from a third party, and neglect your partner and their needs- then you have failed God and disobeyed Jesus’ instruction as to how man and woman should live their lives according to his and our Father’s command.
The moment your mind is on another not your spouse or significant other it is then under the control and influence of mortal mind, the “liar”, the “enemy”- and it is up to you to regain control and declare your allegiance to God and only God.
If you are not happy where you are in your life, pray and then do something positive about it. If you are displeased with your relationship then pray and work on it selflessly looking at how you both can grow and benefit- not just selfishly focusing on your own needs.
If your arm or leg were bothering you would you simply cut them off or would you desperately work to find a solution to the pain and discomfort? If you have a migraine do you try to find a remedy, ignore the pain, or bang your head on a wall?
If you are married or seriously considering the person that you are with to become your future spouse then no other person should ever have priority, receive any of your attention, or ever be in a position where they could cause disruption on any level in your relationship.
If you can’t be loving, respectful, caring, considerate, attentive, nurturing, protective, and faithful at all times and in all ways with your spouse/significant other then you don’t deserve them and you don’t deserve to be in the relationship. God did not bring you together for you to take advantage of and hurt this other person.
The man as the proposed leader is only honored in that position if he is walking in God’s light and deserving of that position to be followed and supported. The woman as the supporter can only maintain her position if she has someone worthy of supporting and following along the way.
If the man is not leading like Christ then he has no true support from the woman. The two must work together in God’s love with the purpose and mission of being the example of ambassadors in Christ.
You must choose to either follow God or the “enemy”– you can pray for healing or cut off your limb–so choose!
Praye
Father I pray that Your love as demonstrated through and by Your son Jesus Christ touches and warms my heart and the heart of the one I love- that we treat and love each other the way we love ourselves; that we put in the time and care to nurture each other the way we care for our bodies; that when we see something is wrong we do everything in our power to make things right, just as we would do if we ever noticed that something appeared to be wrong with our body we would try to find all remedies to solve the problem.
Father I want to protect and be protected with the concern that no one and nothing will bring harm to my loved one and our relationship. It is my belief Father that no one should ever have the ability to penetrate a relationship, enter into a home, take the attention of someone else when a couple is united in Your love and devoted to living the life You have chosen.
A person should never consider straying from their relationship if their eyes and heart are focused on You Lord. Keep us pointed in the right direction Father. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Love you all,
Natasha
Please note: This message was originally written and published on May 12, 2011. It has been modified to align with current standards and formatting to include an audio message and scriptural image.
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
“I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart.”
Jeremiah 1:5 NLT
Reflection
What God has intended for you He doesn’t have intended for someone else. What is yours is yours and what is theirs is theirs. What’s meant for you will be yours.
We need to stop hating and start celebrating. Give people their “props” for all that they have, and all of their blessings. Stop disrespecting God by making comments that infer or directly state that His child didn’t earn or deserve their blessings.
God’s relationship with them is unique and you have absolutely no clue what’s going on over there, just like they have no clue what your relationship with God is like or what He has planned for you.
Focus more on Him and less on you. Focus more on Him and less on what others have. Focus on Him.
Recite these words until they are your own:
“I WILL embrace my God-given uniqueness and celebrate the distinctions He has placed in others.”
Prayer
Father there is no one who knows me like You. There is no source, no human, no being, no spirit—nothing, that knows and understands me like You. You know my heart, no one else does. You made me like no other. I want to strengthen my relationship with You Father. I want to embrace what I have with You. I love 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
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
Scripture quotations taken from the Amplified® Bible,
Please Note: Most of the content in the audio message is not reflected below in the written message. I’ve elaborated greatly on certain parts. Please listen and enjoy!
Scripture
Matthew 5:14-16
Reflection
Once again, my mom sent me a deep yet light-filled message. Our shared scriptures help each other while we help ourselves. It’s through the selflessness that it’s possible.
Today I’m sharing a separate message in honor of my amazing mother, and how she continues to shine—even in the roughest and darkest of times. I’m not going to lie and say that she doesn’t break down and cry out in pain. She does. But she also picks herself up, brushes herself off, looks up and looks around, and finds that silver lining in the cloud. She finds the lesson and the blessing. She thanks God for another day.
Some people have minor inconveniences and fall out on the floor in their self-described martyrdom, hoping that someone would rescue them from their oftentimes self-designed trap. They aren’t living life but rather walking around merely existing. Some people are trapped in their depression and make the choice to wade there. Even if they see the Light, they choose not to embrace it. They would rather pretend they have it or admit they don’t, and then sink further in darkness and gloom.
Other people become so sick and tired of being sick and tired, that they make the decision to get up and do something about it. They de-clutter their desks, cars, homes, garages, storage units, attics, basements, and most importantly—their lives! They step up and celebrate life and show gratitude for their life and for the people and things that God has blessed them with each day. They stand up and shine!
So you have a choice today, shine or hide. Prove God is right and good, or prove the enemy’s belief about human nature. Which will you do?
I choose to shine even through the storms. Shine. Shine. Shine. Today my mom and I declared that we’re going to shine for ourselves, for our family and friends, for our associates, and for the stranger we’ve never met. You never know who needs to see and feel even a ray of that Light. Let’s shine!
Prayer
I’m gonna let Your Light shine today Father. Just as I’ve needed to see and feel it, I know that someone else can greatly benefit from seeing and feeling Your Light. So no matter what I’m going through today, I will make sure to shine and shine in service to You. 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. What are your thoughts about today’s message?
3. Testify about a time when someone’s shining Light lifted you out of a storm, or made the storm bearable.
4. Testify about how God’s Light moves you, makes you feel, etc.
5. Share a time when your selfless shining positively impacted someone else’s life.
Feel free to share your answers, prayers, comments, and reflections in the comment section below. You can also send me an email at: breakingbreadwithnatasha@gmail.com
Please also feel free to share this post with others. We’re never quite sure who needs to hear and see what, and when! It would be awesome if whenever you run across a prayer, message, or scripture that moves you, you would kindly share it with the rest of us. You can post it on this blog or send me an email.
Love always,
Natasha
Please note: This message was originally written and published on March 1, 2016. It has been modified to align with current standards and formatting, to include the audio message.
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
Please Note: This audio message may contain more content than what is found below in the written message. Please listen and enjoy.
Scripture
Matthew 13:54-58
Reflection
Oftentimes the words in this picture reflect our reality. You can leave your home and community and be honored and celebrated by outsiders. But when you return to your community and your home, they don’t see anything special about you, you’re just “So-and-so’s child“. Don’t let that deter you. Keep marching and pressing forward on your mission!
Jesus had brothers and sisters that his neighbors knew and spent time with. They remembered him as Jesus the carpenter, “nothing special, just did his job, and didn’t cause any problems” (Note: those are my words by the way, nothing scriptural quoted, simply implied).
How is it possible that this now 30-something-year-old can go from carpenter to Messiah? “It’s just Jesus, Mary’s son, you know the carpenter down the street” (once again these are my words folks).
Now consider his family members that watched him grow up (and those who grew up with him), as they probably saw things, “he didn’t walk on water as a child…where were the loaves of fish and baskets of bread when we were growing up and low on food?” Don’t those sound like the words of our beloved kin?
Family members reflect on their memories (and their interpretation of those memories), and have a difficult time making sense of and embracing outsider viewpoints of the person that they grew up knowing.
His mother Mary, most likely had fond recollections of giving birth to him (even the painful labor still brought her a smile after), and the glorious gift of knowing that she did so even though she hadn’t consummated her marriage to his human father, Joseph. She knew that Jesus was a special gift from God, not conceived as other children (not even her other children) but I wouldn’t doubt that even she was bewildered by what she had heard of his newfound celebrity.
From carpenter to Messiah is a big ‘pill’ to swallow. Could her son really be up there in the ‘big leagues’ with (or even beyond) Moses and the crew?
Mary probably sat back (frequently) and scanned her memory of any supernatural times spent with or watching Jesus. She also probably wondered if any of her other children had any special gifts, and if not, then why was Jesus the only one, and chosen by God?
She bathed Jesus as a child. She nursed and cared for him. She fed him. She sewed his clothes. She cleaned his wounds (because what child doesn’t fall and scrape their knees?). She watched him play. She watched him grow into a man. Mary watched her son use his gift of carpentry to contribute to the building and maintenance of homes, synagogues, markets, and more. Why and how is it possible that now he’s on a mission for God, and has a throng of disciples?
Could this same Jesus be the Jesus that “heals the sick, casts out demons, cleanses lepers, and raises the dead” all over the nation? I’m sure she had some doubts—maybe.
One of our flaws as humans is our propensity to doubt greatness and expect status quo, mediocrity, or worse, failure.
Jesus didn’t grow up in a family that despised him or was jealous of him, like Joseph (son of Jacob/Israel) did. Jesus had siblings that loved him. From what is left intact of the scriptures (because as you know, there were groups of men who chose what information would be combined into a text that we now call the Bible), it seems more fitting to say that Jesus’ family simply had a difficult time believing that he went from sweating all day hammering nails to turning water into wine.
Jesus didn’t let that deter him. He knew that God had a mission for him and that he would have to fulfill it no matter what. On the cross Jesus faced the reality that just like Moses, he wouldn’t continue on in human form, on the same path he was on days earlier. But then three days later came his resurrection, and look at him now 2,018 years later. We would pray to have such a long, and ongoing legacy, regarded and respected by most. I can tell you this, no reality TV star will ever have such longevity!
So I wrote this much-longer-than-I-expected reflection to say these simple words: No matter what people say about you, keep marching forward. Their thoughts and words have nothing to do with God’s plans for you!
Prayer
Father, even when others doubt me, please keep me focused on reflecting Your Light, and doing the work that You set me out to do in Your name. Turn my head when I look too long at the naysayers. Blot out the noise coming from those who practice saying and thinking the words “can’t” and “impossible”, so that I don’t become distracted and consumed by their limited thinking.
Strengthen me Father so that any doubt is diminished and replaced by an unwavering belief. I humbly pray to You as a believer of Christ and a servant who keeps trying each day to be more like Jesus. Amen.
Questions of the Day
1. Even though this message is much longer than I expected it to be, and hopefully the length didn’t disturb you, what are your thoughts about today’s message?
2. Reflect on a time when you doubted the gifts, skills, and abilities of someone who turned around and did great things with the gifts God gave them.
3. Reflect on a time when you walked the walk and turned your doubters into your cheerleaders.
4. 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: This message was originally written and published on August 10, 2015. It has been modified to align with the current standards and formatting, to include an audio message.
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
Scripture quotations taken from the Amplified® Bible,
Breaking Bread With Natasha 