Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 6.29.18

Audio Message

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Scripture

“Stand up, you complacent women; listen to me. Pay attention to what I say, you overconfident daughters.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭32:9‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

Reflection

Let’s be clear–this scripture is speaking to women but it’s not just for women. I do want the women to embrace this message because it’s important for us to dig deep and remember how special we truly are in God’s eyes; it’s important to realize how valuable we are to Him, and that we have been reduced to be below men, by men, but not by God. Never by God.

I also want the men who are taking in today’s message to understand that it doesn’t matter if the word says he, she, him, her, son, daughter, father, mother, man, or woman—it is of great importance that men place their feet within the shoes of whomever is being spoken to so that you can see through, respect and appreciate more than just your lens. You will then also see that what applies to one can also apply to you.

That is one major step and stage towards humility and humbleness. It is also a major step towards being more and living more like our Savior, Jesus Christ.

With this understanding, let’s reflect on today’s scripture:

Every day we should have an action plan for doing something different in our lives, for taking the next step towards greatness; and never content with simply getting by.

‘Easy’ should never be our goal and motivation.

Let’s strive for being better than average, since God is no average god; He is the ultimate, all-knowing, all-seeing, all-powerful, being everywhere and everything to all creatures…God.

As His reflection we can’t walk with lower expectations of ourselves or those who we associate with.

Step up, show up, and show who you really are as a child of our heavenly Father-Mother.

Prayer

Father I know that You don’t approve of laziness, complacency, and contentment with the status quo of the world.

I never want to be satisfied with mediocrity, with doing what others are doing, or being comfortable with someone else taking care of me or making decisions on my behalf.

I want to always be standing, moving, thinking, and doing my best to live life as You expect of me.

Thank You Father for instilling that passion and purpose in my life. I love You. Amen.

Love you all,

Natasha

Please Note: This message was originally written and published on June 29, 2011. It has been modified to align with current standards and formatting.

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 copyright protected under the name Natasha Foreman Bryant. Prior posts from 2009-September 2013 are copyright protected under the name Natasha L. Foreman. BreakingBreadWithNatasha.com

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

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

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

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. http://www.zondervan.com the “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.

Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 6.28.18

Audio Message

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Scripture

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

1 Corinthians 13:7

Reflection

Love protects always, love trusts always, love hopes always, and love always perseveres. To be protected by man you must be a protector. To be trusted by man you must be trustworthy. For hope and perseverance to remain constant in your relationship you must believe in them, work daily and throughout to secure a confidence in hope and wanting more and better for your relationship; and you must be willing to do anything and everything cloaked in love to protect your relationship- never doing or saying anything that would bring harm and dishonor to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and His and our Heavenly Father-Mother God.

We must make a conscience effort throughout the day to think, speak, act, and be as God expects, envisions, and knows of us as His children. We must overcome our fears, temptations, doubt, pride, and ego. We must live for more than ourselves, and give more than we could ever imagine, and still realize that we have not done, given, expressed, or shared as much as Jesus, Moses, Joshua, Daniel, or others before us individually.

We must get past our perceived humanness and embrace, and demonstrate our spiritualness. How beautiful this world would be if we could only get past ourselves and focus on love, commitment, sacrifice, forgiveness, honesty, trust, kindness, and doing God’s work.

Smile. Your day is waiting for you. Who can you bless today?

Prayer

Father You are love, happiness, joy, kindness, care, hope, Spirit, Soul, Mind; You are all-in-all. Everything that is good is of You. Father in and through Your love I am always protected; I can trust in You and have faith that no harm will come to me of Your doing. In Your love I have hope; hope for a better life, a better experience, and better opportunities. In Your love I can and will persevere, thrive, and succeed.

Father thank You for the guardian angels You have placed around me throughout my years, and for those who will guide me along my path during my remaining years. I pray for the opportunity to see, experience, and demonstrate love in its purest form as You have shared with me. I want to share this love with generations yet born so that they may enter this world having faith in mankind, and in their ability to serve as honorable stewards in Your Kingdom.

Thank You Father for protecting me. Thank You Father from keeping those who would harm me through their fear, arrogance, carelessness, self-centeredness, and disobedience from doing so. Thank You for the wisdom and discernment to identify those people who are with me and those who are against me, those who love and respect me versus those who don’t; and that I might still love them all as Your son Jesus loves me.

In Your name I pray. Amen.

Love always,

Natasha

Please Note: This message was originally written and published on June 28, 2011. It has been modified to align with current standards and formatting.

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 copyright protected under the name Natasha Foreman Bryant. Prior posts from 2009-September 2013 are copyright protected under the name Natasha L. Foreman. BreakingBreadWithNatasha.com

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

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

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

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. http://www.zondervan.com the “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.

Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 6.27.18

Audio Message

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Scripture

Why, my soul, are you downcast?

Why so disturbed within me?

Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

Psalm 42:11 NIV

Reflection

We are all tested. Scenarios will always be presented where our judgment will come to question.

Are we spiritually mature and tough enough?

Sometimes we will be tested through our loved ones—friends and yes, family—for many of us this test comes mostly from family. How do we respond? Do we release it all to God or do we struggle to try and fix things on our own, and then wonder why matters only get worse?

If things are not right in your life pray to God to reveal all—then look in the mirror and look within yourself—and you will see the culprit, and the answer to why things aren’t going the way they should.

God doesn’t do chaos and disorder, only order, structure, and peace. We must fall in line to receive the life we’re supposed to have, and we must do it with hope, humility, passion and appreciation.

When we continue to follow Jesus to serve God there is constant peace even in turmoil, because we know from Whom we belong.

Pray for the way and the right turns each step on your path. Pray that God touches those around you so that they lean on Him and not on you.

Prayer

Father give me the strength to endure and persevere during the worst of times. Give me the patience to wait, listen, and gain the guidance I need from You and Jesus.

Fill me with the grace to handle all situations without showing and expressing anything but Your light. Pour Your loving light into me so that I can only reflect Your love in my fullness. Equip me with the tools to work through any circumstance. Turn me from all negativity.

Help me to stop being a leaning post for others, but rather let me serve as an ambassador that guides them to You through Jesus.

Help me Father. Touch me to my core so that my foundation is unshakeable. Thanking You now Father. Amen.

Love,

Natasha

Please Note: This message was originally written and published on June 27, 2012. It has been modified to align with current standards and formatting.

Copyright 2012-2018. 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 copyright protected under the name Natasha Foreman Bryant. Prior posts from 2009-September 2013 are copyright protected under the name Natasha L. Foreman. BreakingBreadWithNatasha.com

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

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

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

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. http://www.zondervan.com the “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.

Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 6.26.18

Audio Message

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Scripture

So watch yourselves.

“If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.”

Luke 17:3,4 NIV

Reflection

Forgiveness is not about or for the other person, it is about and for us. We must release ourselves from the negativity, poison, darkness, and suffocating environment that will slowly but surely kill us. Instead we must forgive each and every time. We must forgive, let go, and not harbor or dwell on what was done to us.

Jesus did not say we had to resume some type of close knit relationship with those who sin against us; he simply said to forgive them when they repent. Forgive to release yourself so you can walk in peace. Forgive so that even when you see the one who sinned against you, your heart is not cold and hardened.

Even when we rebuke a person, let love guide you to walk away without stooping to the other person’s level.

Jesus didn’t rebuke people and then act a fool like them. His wisdom and Light propelled Him above them so that when He refused to deal with them, He remained empowered and it drained the other person of their essence and being (by their doing, not His). It left the other person empty, and oftentimes desiring a fullness that could only come from the Son and our Father.

It really doesn’t matter if the one who hurts and offends you apologizes and repents. That’s between them and God. What matters most is your response, your reaction, your heart. God is looking at you to see if your heart will forgive and let go, or harden and shut down; will you be receptive or closed off, free or enslaved—those are our choices.

Free yourself!

Prayer

Father I am learning to forgive those who sin against me even when they do not voice repentance. Touch my heart to always see them as Your child, even when they have aligned themselves as my enemy.

Touch my heart to be graceful and dignified even when I have urges to get loud, ignorant and disruptive, or just spiteful. To rebuke them should not be disrespectful to and of You.

I know that the act of forgiveness is about me and not them, and for that reason I choose to follow Jesus’s direction and commandment.

In Your name and His I humbly pray. Amen.

Love,

Natasha

Please Note: This message was originally written and published on June 26, 2012. It has been modified to align with current standards and formatting.

Copyright 2012-2018. 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 copyright protected under the name Natasha Foreman Bryant. Prior posts from 2009-September 2013 are copyright protected under the name Natasha L. Foreman. BreakingBreadWithNatasha.com

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

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

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

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. http://www.zondervan.com the “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.

Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 6.25.18

Audio Message

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Scripture

Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor.

Proverbs 21:21 NIV

Reflection

When we pursue righteousness and love. It’s an ‘and’ not an ‘or’. Righteousness and love leads to life, prosperity and honor. A life. Not just existing, but a true life. How straightforward is that? Yet we try to take hundreds of other routes and wonder why we don’t get where we want to go in life.

How many of you are frustrated with going everywhere but ending up no where? Why don’t we return to route A that God has provided, and where Jesus keeps pointing us—and walk that path?

Righteousness and love, combined.

Sounds like a good and fruitful path. I’ve got my walking shoes. Do you?

Think about it. Let it sink in and resonate.

Prayer

Father my blessings from You come like the flow of water and I am grateful. Even when I’m asleep You are blessing me with priceless gifts. Thank You Father.

I seek to know, understand, and live Your Truth. I desire a life as You see fit, and love that is reflected in Your Love.

Your Truth and Love will make and keep me wealthy always, and mold me into an honorable person that is respected by all people of all walks of life.

That is the life I desire, that is the life I will work each day to claim as mine. I’m here Father and I’m not going anywhere without Your guidance. In Jesus’ name I humbly pray. Amen.

Lovingly your sister in Christ,

Natasha

Please Note: This message was originally written and published on June 25, 2012. It has been modified to align with current standards and formatting.

Copyright 2012-2018. 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 copyright protected under the name Natasha Foreman Bryant. Prior posts from 2009-September 2013 are copyright protected under the name Natasha L. Foreman. BreakingBreadWithNatasha.com

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

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

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

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. http://www.zondervan.com the “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.

Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 6.21.18

Scripture

A miserable heart means a miserable life; a cheerful heart fills the day with song.

Proverbs 15:15 MSG

Reflection

“Optimism is that faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.”

— Helen Keller

I read that each day is a “non-renewable resource” that once gone can never be reclaimed or relived–no matter how hard we try.

So knowing this, we should live each day to its fullest. We should celebrate all victories no matter how small. We should laugh and smile, and rejoice in the life we have. Even in sorrow and the gloomiest of days, you should be able to see a rainbow and SMILE!

Today I wish a happy birthday to two of my girls that I’ve known for almost 25 years. My girl Karen, who I’ve known since 1994 and who is the mother of my eldest Godson, Isaiah. Happy 21st birthday AGAIN, Karen!

We’re gonna have to figure out something about your age now that Isaiah has graduated from high school—I don’t think it will ‘fly’ that his mother is 21 years old [*smile*].

My other birthday wish goes to my dear Marta who passed away abruptly in 2011 after being diagnosed with cancer. I didn’t get the chance to say, “see you later” but it’s all good with us because I know she knows my heart and how I felt about her and our friendship—even when separated by distance and time. Happy 63rd birthday Marta!

I’m wishing all of you an awesome and blessed day, treat yourself and others like today is YOUR birthday!

Prayer

Father I pray that I always find a way to smile through each day regardless of what comes my way. In heartaches and failures, let me still find a way to smile and be appreciative for the blessings You have given me.

Let me always find time to spend alone time with You. Let me always have a spirit of appreciation, not expectation, not fear or doubt, not cynicism or bitterness, not boredom or laziness, or pessimism.

Let me see each day as a new gift that will never be the same thereafter, as it wasn’t the day before. Let my energy reflect our relationship. Let that energy fill others and bless them.

I pray to You humbly and graciously, and say right now—thank You Father!

Love always,

Natasha

Please Note: This message was originally written and published on June 21, 2012. It has been modified to align with current standards and formatting.

Copyright 2012-2018. 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 copyright protected under the name Natasha Foreman Bryant. Prior posts from 2009-September 2013 are copyright protected under the name Natasha L. Foreman. BreakingBreadWithNatasha.com

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

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

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

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. http://www.zondervan.com the “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.

Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 6.20.18

Audio Message

This audio message contains content that is not reflected in the written message below. Please listen and enjoy!

Scripture

The Lord bless you and keep you;

Numbers 6:24 NIV

Reflection

The Lord our Father-Mother is always there for us, keeping watch over us, over you, over me. In good times and in bad, be grateful for God and the blessings that He brings; be grateful for each day that you’re alive.

If you have vision to read this message- be grateful for sight and for each sunset and sunrise you are blessed to view if you so choose. Be grateful for the blessing to see God’s creations both big and small.

If you have the gift of hearing, be grateful for your ability to tune in and tune out sounds and voices, to exercise your gift to hear the faintest swoosh, flap, and plop of known and unknown sources.

Life is great. Live accordingly.

Prayer

Father thank You for my countless blessings. Thank You for protecting me and calming my fears in times of trouble or when I was clueless of the outcome.

Father thank You for bringing me peace, calm, and moments of reflection during and after life’s storms. Thank You Father. Thank YOU Father!

In Jesus’ name I humbly pray to you. Amen.

Love,

Natasha

Please Note: This message was originally written and published on June 20, 2011. It has been modified to align with current standards and formatting.

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 copyright protected under the name Natasha Foreman Bryant. Prior posts from 2009-September 2013 are copyright protected under the name Natasha L. Foreman. BreakingBreadWithNatasha.com

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

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

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

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. http://www.zondervan.com the “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.

Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 6.19.18

Multi-Part Audio Message

Today’s audio message is broken up into several parts to make listening easier. Since the message is longer than my average posts, I wanted to make this listening experience more enjoyable as well as feasible—taking into consideration that some of you may be listening to it in the car, between appointments, etc. Please also note that this audio message contains content that is not reflected in the written message below. Please listen and enjoy!

Audio Message 1 of 3

Audio Message 2 of 3

Audio Message 3 of 3

Scripture

“Let your fountain be blessed, and take pleasure in the wife of your youth. A loving doe, a graceful fawn — let her breasts always satisfy you; be lost in her love forever. Why, my son, would you be infatuated with a forbidden woman or embrace the breast of a stranger? For a man’s ways are before the Lord’s eyes, and He considers all his paths. A wicked man’s iniquities entrap him; he is entangled in the ropes of his own sin. He will die because there is no discipline, and be lost because of his great stupidity.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭5:18-23‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

Reflection

I read in a devotional published by the International English Service Jakarta, one of their contributors thoughts about Solomon’s views on marriage, that I was moved to share. The writer said:

Solomon tells us to remain faithful to our spouses. He says that the sexual relationship with our spouse, even after 30 or 40  years, is better than a relationship with someone outside of our marriage. Why? No guilt or shame, for one thing.

God blesses the marriage bed and tells us to keep it pure. And while sex is only one part of marriage, it is a very important part. Sharing that intimacy with someone else can only destroy your marriage….

The more we are faithful, the less we will be tempted.  Run towards God, run towards your spouse. Flee everything that draws you away from either of them.

Someone near and dear to my heart expressed their opinions about marriage and why so many of us struggle in this sacred relationship, and why some of us fail and end up in divorce. He said that it is due to our failure to realize what marriage truly is in and through God’s eyes.

It’s more than our blunder of limiting it to rings and weddings, it is our inability to fully comprehend how God sees us and the expectations that He has for us to come together and love each other fully as He loves us; to protect and care for each other as we would our own bodies, as our most beloved and valued.

It is our relationship with Him through another. In their eyes we should see God. We should see them as God sees them.

Our failings in this union are clear indications that we don’t fully understand what it means to be a husband and wife, that men don’t understand what it means to be a wife—as they don’t see themselves in the role as wife—they don’t see the value and importance of that role and they can’t see themselves as spiritual ‘wives’ of Jesus.

If all men saw themselves as spiritual ‘wives’ of Jesus then they would see and appreciate women differently. Women have been reduced to chattel, the property of man to use and discard at his discretion—and that ignorance or blatant stupidity on the part of some men only reinforces the fact that many men don’t realize and know how God sees His daughters.

Daily, God attempts to remind us that what we do to His children we do to Him—whether love or hate, respect or disrespect—and the consequences of our actions will always steer towards and land upon us.

Our infidelity in our relationship is a direct reflection upon our commitment and faithfulness to God. How we treat each other shows our character and how we value God or not. To reinforce this statement let’s focus on one truth—if we are God’s creations, His reflections, made in His image and likeness—then is it not true that the way that we treat and handle what He created is a clear indication and statement about how we feel about Him, what we think about the things He created? Or “the lack of what we believe about ourself,” as my beloved shared with me today. “If you don’t see yourself as a King or Queen then you won’t behave that way and won’t expect to be treated accordingly….What you believe dictates your choices and decisions, and those actions reflect your character” he concluded.

Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 6.18.18

Scripture

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Ephesians 4:29,31,32

Reflection

Let’s work to let go of our past. Let go of those people who have no place in our present or our future. Let go of those pains that haunt us.

Let go of our anger, bitterness, jealousy, envy, and rage for it only slows us up, drains us, ages us, and causes us painful inflictions. Today let’s work to free ourselves so that we can be open and receptive to our blessings from God.

Breathe.

Can you already feel the weight lifting off of your shoulders? I can and it feels amazing. Make it an amazing day. Thank God for a new day to celebrate and rejoice in His name. I love you all!

Prayer

Father thank You for this day. A new day. A day to start fresh with good intentions, good thoughts, and acts of kindness random and planned.

Today I make the effort to speak kindly of and begin the process of forgiving those who have wronged me directly and indirectly.

Today I make the effort to say a prayer for those who go against me whether in fear or malice. Today I push out my bitterness, rage, jealousy, envy, and anger against others and instead replace it with Your loving peace and joy.

My time will not be spent thinking and worrying about, or stressing over what someone else is doing or not doing.

Today I will begin anew and pray for the strength to look at my past, acknowledge what was, and then move forward with both feet planted in my present, and the courage to accept what comes in my future. Thank You Father. Amen.

Love,

Natasha

Please Note: This message was originally written and published on June 17, 2011. It has been modified to align with current standards and formatting.

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 copyright protected under the name Natasha Foreman Bryant. Prior posts from 2009-September 2013 are copyright protected under the name Natasha L. Foreman. BreakingBreadWithNatasha.com

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

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

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

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. http://www.zondervan.com the “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.

Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 6.15.18

Scripture

The righteous cry out, and the lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.

The lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

The righteous person may have many troubles, but the lord delivers him from them all…

Psalm 34:17-19

Reflection

God can always make wrong right, crooked straight, broken fixed, empty full, and missing found. Just reach out to Him and pray. Be specific as to what you need help with and then let go, and let Him take over.

Prayer

Father deliver me today. Save me from myself, from the ways of the world, and from the enemy. Father steady my mind so that it is only focused on You.

Warm my heart and uplift my spirits. Those things that bring me grief, worry, and trouble please make right. I’m crying out to You Lord; dry my tears.

Heal me from my inflictions and make me whole in You. Thank You Father. Amen.

Love,

Natasha

Please Note: This message was originally written and published on June 15, 2011. It has been modified to align with current standards and formatting.

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 copyright protected under the name Natasha Foreman Bryant. Prior posts from 2009-September 2013 are copyright protected under the name Natasha L. Foreman. BreakingBreadWithNatasha.com

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

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

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

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. http://www.zondervan.com the “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.

Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 6.14.18

Audio Message

This audio message contains content that is not reflected in the written message below. Please listen and enjoy!

Scripture

Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. The eyes of the lord are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry…

Psalm 34:12-15

Reflection

Keep your eyes and heart on the Lord and seek His love to fill you when you become troubled. Seek His love to touch your enemies- both known and unknown.

Pray that He settles the stirred pot of fear and hate that plague our world and cause people to tell lies, spread evil, and tear down hope.

Pray for those people who relish a world of chaos and mania, that they might seek instead a life of tranquility, peace, and joy.

Pray for the non-believers and conditional believers that God’s light shines through to them and they embrace their walk with Him.

Pray for more opportunities to do good, to help others, and to share God’s Word.

Prayer

Father I know You hear me. I know that You see everything that I do and don’t do. I am grateful for Your presence in my life, and for the blessings You have given me.

Quiet my fears Lord, turn me away from wrongdoing, and blanket my fellow brothers and sisters with Your peace so they will only seek to do good for the rest of their days.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Lovingly,

Natasha

Please Note: This message was originally written and published on June 14, 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 copyright protected under the name Natasha Foreman Bryant. Prior posts from 2009-September 2013 are copyright protected under the name Natasha L. Foreman. BreakingBreadWithNatasha.com

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

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

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

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. http://www.zondervan.com the “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.

Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 6.13.18

Audio Message

This audio message contains content that is not reflected in the written message below. Please listen and enjoy!

Scripture

I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.

Psalm 34:4 NIV

Reflection

We’re all facing uphill battles this year, this quarter, this month, this week, and today. But are our battles any more difficult than those in the past? Or are they simply just more battles to overcome at a time when maybe we have less resources than in the past? Or because others are under a lot of pressure so their weight comes down on us more so than in the past? Or maybe it’s a figment of our imagination because we’re afraid.

God is our scale, our measurer, and He carries the weights and determines what we can withstand and what we can’t.

So I’ve come to realize, even in my fears, that when God places a lot on my back and shoulders it’s because He knows I can handle it; He knows I can walk through the valley and up that mountaintop with that weight on my back and reach the finish line of victory.

Yes, it’s scary a great deal of the time. Yes, it can rattle the nerves and cause your body to seize up in pain- but we can make it through. As we work through life’s lessons we are clearing the pathway for others, for our children and generations to come; and we are making ourselves stronger so that each obstacle we approach we gain the courage to tell ourselves, “I’ve got this”.

So let’s do this. Let’s turn to each other in encouragement and push each other on the back, grab each other’s hands, and look into each other’s eyes and say, “we can do this!”

Prayer

Father throughout my day I pray to You, give thanks for You, and say thank You for my many blessings. I seek You Lord minute by minute to help me to see things through, to help me to find my way, and to realize my purpose in Your Kingdom and on Your land.

Father I am faced with some heavy decisions in my personal and professional life; I am faced with financial burdens and haunted by my past decisions and by current unknowns. I’ve got more month than money, bills to pay, and although I know there is a solution to my problem, I’m blinded by fear.

Father I have to make decisions about who to trust, who to associate with, and who to walk away from. I’m scared Father. I’m scared that I will make the wrong decisions. I am afraid to disappoint You.

Lord, deliver me from all of my fears. Calm my nerves so that I worry no more as I put my trust and faith in You.

You are my rock Father. You are my light and salvation. With You nothing but good can come to me or go from me and that’s all that I need to know. I love You Father. Amen.

I love you all,

Natasha

PLEASE NOTE: THIS MESSAGE WAS ORIGINALLY WRITTEN AND PUBLISHED ON JUNE 13, 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 COPYRIGHT PROTECTED UNDER THE NAME NATASHA FOREMAN BRYANT. PRIOR POSTS FROM 2009-SEPTEMBER 2013 ARE COPYRIGHT PROTECTED UNDER THE NAME NATASHA L. FOREMAN. BREAKINGBREADWITHNATASHA.COM

SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS TAKEN FROM THE AMPLIFIED® BIBLE, COPYRIGHT © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 BY THE LOCKMAN FOUNDATION USED BY PERMISSION.(WWW.LOCKMAN.ORG)

SCRIPTURE TAKEN FROM THE COMMON ENGLISH BIBLE®, CEB® COPYRIGHT © 2010, 2011 BY COMMON ENGLISH BIBLE.™ USED BY PERMISSION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED WORLDWIDE. THE “CEB” AND “COMMON ENGLISH BIBLE” TRADEMARKS ARE REGISTERED IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE BY COMMON ENGLISH BIBLE. USE OF EITHER TRADEMARK REQUIRES THE PERMISSION OF COMMON ENGLISH BIBLE.

SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS MARKED HCSB ARE TAKEN FROM THE HOLMAN CHRISTIAN STANDARD BIBLE®, COPYRIGHT © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003 BY HOLMAN BIBLE PUBLISHERS. USED BY PERMISSION. HOLMAN CHRISTIAN STANDARD BIBLE®, HOLMAN CSB®, AND HCSB® ARE FEDERALLY REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF HOLMAN BIBLE PUBLISHERS.

SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS MARKED (NIV) ARE TAKEN FROM THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV®. COPYRIGHT © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA, INC.™ USED BY PERMISSION OF ZONDERVAN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED WORLDWIDE. HTTP://WWW.ZONDERVAN.COM THE “NIV” AND “NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION” ARE TRADEMARKS REGISTERED IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE BY BIBLICA, INC.

Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 6.12.18

Scripture

I will praise You, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing to You among the nations. For Your mercy reaches unto the heavens, And Your truth unto the clouds. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; Let Your glory be above all the earth.

Psalm 57:9-11 NKJV

Reflection

Are you grateful for your blessings? If you’re grateful, are you praising God and sharing your testimony with others?

How can we build God’s Kingdom if we don’t share with nonbelievers and conditional believers what He has done for us?

Remember for some people we are the only Bible that they know. Praise and share.

Prayer

Father I praise You. I am humbly grateful. Today I am satisfied enough to simply say, “thank you!”

Love you all!

Natasha

Please Note: This message was originally written and published on June 12, 2012. It has been modified to align with current standards and formatting to include an audio message and scriptural image.

Copyright 2012-2018. 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 copyright protected under the name Natasha Foreman Bryant. Prior posts from 2009-September 2013 are copyright protected under the name Natasha L. Foreman. BreakingBreadWithNatasha.com

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

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

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

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. http://www.zondervan.com the “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.

Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 6.11.18

Scripture

I love you, lord, my strength.

Psalms 18:1 HCSB

Reflection

We have to stop in our tracks when we feel anxiety building up and the need to think, then over think, then react, then overreact takes over…until we’re out of control.

We have to listen for God’s voice and ignore our own. We have to listen to Him as He whispers in our ear. God’s voice isn’t manipulative and He never leads us astray.

We have to learn to discern His voice from the enemy’s; His encouragement and direction towards the light versus the enemy’s who will always try to lead you toward pain and darkness.

God would never encourage or be supportive of you telling lies, stealing, cheating, or manipulating others- but the enemy would.

When you feel yourself about to do or say something that you know is wrong, is not Christlike, and isn’t something you would suggest someone else to do if the two of you were sitting in front of Jesus- stop and pray for God’s guidance and heavenly touch to see you through the situation.

I’m working on me as God molds me second by second each day. One day we’ll be aligned and oh what a sight that will be!

Prayer

Father I love You. I need You. I need to surrender to You.

Father I need Your help to overcome fear, to conquer my insecurities, to squeeze out any envy or jealousy that bubbles beneath the surface, and any resentment, frustration and anger that is waiting to unleash itself on an unsuspecting victim.

Father free me from this negativity and darkness. Blanket me in Your peace, love and joy that a calmness fills me.

Keep my eyes, mind and heart on You Lord so that I can stop losing focus looking elsewhere. In Your name I pray. Amen.

Love you all,

Natasha

Please Note: This message was originally written and published on June 10, 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 copyright protected under the name Natasha Foreman Bryant. Prior posts from 2009-September 2013 are copyright protected under the name Natasha L. Foreman. BreakingBreadWithNatasha.com

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

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

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

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. http://www.zondervan.com the “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.

Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 6.8.18

Audio Message

This audio message contains content that is not reflected in the written message below. Please listen and enjoy!

Scripture

Honest scales and balances belong to the lord; all the weights in the bag are of his making.

Proverbs 16:11

Reflection

Sometimes we add more pressure, more responsibility, more drama, more headaches and heartbreaks upon ourselves because we want to control or fix something, but then turn to God as though it was His doing, or somehow out of our control.

We then are consumed with our stress and forget that God is always our solution. If we want peace, balance, clarity, and more positive energy- we must turn to and release ourselves fully to God.

Prayer

Father I pray to see that only through You and by You can I find balance in my life. You control the scales, and You make a way out of no way.

If I want peace, it must come from my reliance upon and devotion to You. I want to release my cares to You Lord. I want to be freed from my burdens that I subject myself to, and freed from the weight that I place on my shoulders.

Let me carry what You place on me, what You say is acceptable, and what helps me to carry out my responsibilities as Your ambassador- everything else I ask that You take away. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Lovingly,

Natasha

Please Note: This message was originally written and published on June 8, 2011. It has been modified to align with current standards and formatting to include an audio message. 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 copyright protected under the name Natasha Foreman Bryant. Prior posts from 2009-September 2013 are copyright protected under the name Natasha L. Foreman. BreakingBreadWithNatasha.com

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

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

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

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. http://www.zondervan.com the “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.

Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 6.7.18

Audio Message

This audio message contains content that is not reflected in the written message below. Please listen and enjoy!

Scripture

…if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those who are in the dark, an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of little children, because you have in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth—you, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself?

You who preach against stealing, do you steal? You who say that people should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? You who boast in the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law?

Romans 2:19-23

Reflection

What if someone never read the Bible but only had you to rely on to show them how a Christian should be, should act, should think, and should speak?

How would you rate yourself as a representative of Christ if given the scale 1-5? (1 =poor example, 5=awesome example)

If someone secretly videotaped you for several weeks…several months…what would that tape show about you?

Do you lie to others but say, “it’s just a white lie” or “I didn’t lie I just didn’t tell the whole truth”? Do you say you can’t stand thieves, yet you find yourself stealing all sorts of things from hotels, companies, your job- and you rationalize the theft?

Do you bad-mouth other people who cheat on their significant other, but when you do it you call it anything and everything except what it is…cheating? Would it be cheating if you found out your significant did it?

Do you say that people can control their urges and avoid addiction, yet you just have to consume or partake in something regularly to feel a sense of normalcy? Sexual addiction (on every level) is just as intoxicating and destructive as alcohol addiction, drug addiction, or gambling addiction.

When we play with fire we will always get burned. Pray to God to show you the truth about yourself and then pray for the strength to change your ways and live like a honorable, dignified child of God. I’m praying each day to change my life the way God intends so I can represent and reflect the love, light, joy, honor, and purity that is in and of Him. I want my life to be God-centered and focused…how about you? Let’s be the example we want to see in the world.

Prayer

Father I want to look in Your spiritual mirror and ‘check myself’. I want to look deeply and see if I’m practicing what I’m preaching, following the advice I give others, walking the path of righteousness that I claim to be, living the life as an upright ambassador…or am I a hypocrite.

Place the mirror before me Father. Let me see my true self. Let me see the areas that need correction, those areas for improvement, and the way to make things right in my life. I love You Father and I only want to do right in Your sight. In Jesus’ name I humbly pray. Amen.

Love,

Natasha

Please Note: This message was originally written and published on June 7, 2011. It has been modified to align with current standards and formatting to include an audio message. 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 copyright protected under the name Natasha Foreman Bryant. Prior posts from 2009-September 2013 are copyright protected under the name Natasha L. Foreman. BreakingBreadWithNatasha.com

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

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

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

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. http://www.zondervan.com the “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.

 

 

Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 6.6.18

Audio Message

This audio message contains content that is not reflected in the written message below. Please listen and enjoy!

Scripture

I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the lord in the land of the living.

Psalm 27:13

Reflection

No matter what you go through. No matter how often or intense someone mistreats you, God brings a calming balance to chaos. God will remove you from a bad situation, He will heal your pain, and bring people to your life that walk in His light. He will bring people to you that will not lie to you, cheat on you, or steal your time, money, possessions, energy, or dignity.

I truly believe that there is more love and acceptance than hate and rejection in the world…sometimes, oftentimes, most of the time, you just have to take a closer look.

Prayer

Father I believe that even in darkness, through lies and deceit, hate and evil of all kinds that Your goodness can and will be seen amongst and within the masses of Your children. No matter how much I’m wronged by someone I will never stop believing that Your light will always penetrate darkness, that Your truth will always reveal lies, and that Your love will always heal pain. In Jesus’ name I humbly pray to You today and every day. Amen.

Love,

Natasha

 

Please note: This message was originally written and published on June 6, 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 copyright protected under the name Natasha Foreman Bryant. Prior posts from 2009-September 2013 are copyright protected under the name Natasha L. Foreman. BreakingBreadWithNatasha.com

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

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

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

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. http://www.zondervan.com the “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.

Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 6.4.18

Audio Message

This audio message contains content that is not reflected in the written message below. Please listen and enjoy!

Scripture

I do not sit with the deceitful, nor do I associate with hypocrites.

Psalm 26:4 NIV

Reflection

We have to choose what is most important to us, telling the truth even when it hurts or deceiving people because we don’t want to lose someone or something.

The crazy thing is, we obviously don’t value this thing or person much if we’re willing to gamble, take a bet, and risk the truth never surfacing at some point and losing them/it anyway. We obviously don’t value ourselves— and most importantly God, and our relationship with Him.

We also have to choose to be a hypocrite and point the finger of blame towards others while we do the same.

We have to choose to either be honest about the way we live and think or continue to pretend like, “that’s not me. I don’t do that. I wouldn’t do that” while secretly we do and we would.

We have to stop being hypocrites telling everyone else to pray for others, to forgive others and themselves, to seek help through counseling and therapy, to spend quality time with loved ones, to take better care of themselves- yet we don’t do it.

Don’t tell others to do something you’re not actively and consistently doing and at the level and intensity you encourage them to do it.

We have to make choices. No one said it would be easy, and it won’t be- each and every day we must strive to live right, tell the truth, stay focused on our mission and purpose in life (or focused on figuring it out), and be free of worry about getting caught doing wrong- because we’re too busy doing right.

Prayer

Father touch my heart and mind.

Show me the ways through Your light, love, peace and joy that I might think twice before telling a lie or withholding the truth whether out of fear, jealousy, envy or anger.

Turn me around from living a hypocritical life where I say one thing yet do another.

Help me to seek out and associate with those who seek You out, and work daily to stay on the path You have set for them.

Help me to seek out those who are less quick to place blame on others, those who are not manipulators of the truth, those who don’t lead double or multiple lives, and those who give freely of their time and love to all mankind not just those in their inner circle, and not just when it’s convenient.

Father let me stand by those who serve the least of Your children during their free time, not just as part of their job or something to do in connection with a group they are part of- but because it is what they are called to do and they love and live to serve.

Father rid me of the fear of losing out or losing favor with someone for speaking the truth, for living righteously, and for not switching ‘faces’ out of convenience.

Not losing Your favor is more important to me than my relationship with man or woman.

I want to stand in Your light Father and not lie in darkness. In Jesus’ name I humbly pray. Amen.

Love you all,

Natasha

PLEASE NOTE: THIS MESSAGE WAS ORIGINALLY WRITTEN AND PUBLISHED ON JUNE 3, 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 COPYRIGHT PROTECTED UNDER THE NAME NATASHA FOREMAN BRYANT. PRIOR POSTS FROM 2009-SEPTEMBER 2013 ARE COPYRIGHT PROTECTED UNDER THE NAME NATASHA L. FOREMAN. BREAKINGBREADWITHNATASHA.COM

SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS TAKEN FROM THE AMPLIFIED® BIBLE,COPYRIGHT © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 BY THE LOCKMAN FOUNDATION USED BY PERMISSION.(WWW.LOCKMAN.ORG)

SCRIPTURE TAKEN FROM THE COMMON ENGLISH BIBLE®, CEB® COPYRIGHT © 2010, 2011 BY COMMON ENGLISH BIBLE.™ USED BY PERMISSION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED WORLDWIDE. THE “CEB” AND “COMMON ENGLISH BIBLE” TRADEMARKS ARE REGISTERED IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE BY COMMON ENGLISH BIBLE. USE OF EITHER TRADEMARK REQUIRES THE PERMISSION OF COMMON ENGLISH BIBLE.

SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS MARKED HCSB ARE TAKEN FROM THE HOLMAN CHRISTIAN STANDARD BIBLE®, COPYRIGHT © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003 BY HOLMAN BIBLE PUBLISHERS. USED BY PERMISSION. HOLMAN CHRISTIAN STANDARD BIBLE®, HOLMAN CSB®, AND HCSB® ARE FEDERALLY REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF HOLMAN BIBLE PUBLISHERS.

Please Provide Your Feedback on BBWN Audio Messages

Hi family!

I just wanted to check in with you and ask you for a small favor. On March 30th I started including audio messages with the written Breaking Bread With Natasha (BBWN) posts, and we’ll now be entering our third month of using this new feature. I would love to receive your feedback on the audio feature.

• Do you like it?
• What do you like or dislike?
• How can I make the experience better?
• Would you be interested in having access to the audio messages through a podcast in addition to this blog? Why?

Please respond in the comment section below or send me an email: BreakingBreadWithNatasha@gmail.com

Thanking you in advance for your feedback!

Love always,

Natasha

Copyright 2018. Natasha L. Foreman. BreakingBreadWithNatasha.com

Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 6.1.18

Audio Message

This audio message contains content that is not reflected in the written message below. Please listen and enjoy!

Scripture

With such nagging she prodded him day after day until he was sick to death of it.

Judges 16:16

Reflection

Place people into categories. Separate yourself from the drama. You may not be able to control elements of life and what people do or say, but you can control in what capacity and how often you interact with these people. You can dictate how a conversation will go with a negative person by simply shutting them down when the venom flows from their mouth, and then remove yourself from the situation. Tell them to contact you when their mind and heart is right.

The time and energy you invest in negative people (and resolving nothing) could be better spent focusing on what God has planned for you. Just like positive energy waves, negative energy waves can latch on to you, and drain and eat away at you like a disease.

Welcome this new month. See it as a fresh start. It’s Day One…now do something positive in your life and lovingly put those energy-drainers in their rightful place.

Prayer

Father I pray for peace and joy in my life that I might come home to an environment free of drama, nagging, guilt trips, and negativity. I may have to deal with the drama of the ‘world’ outside of my home, but while in my home and while dealing with family and loved ones I should not be subjected to the negativities of the ‘world’.

Father touch the heart of those who enter my environment and those who contact me- that they be warmed and softened enough that they bite their tongue and refrain from trying to make me a part of their drama. Father touch my heart that I lovingly refuse to deal with the drama, nagging, guilt trips, and negativity and instead turn to You for comfort. Be my buffer Lord. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Love,

Natasha

PLEASE NOTE: THIS MESSAGE WAS ORIGINALLY WRITTEN AND PUBLISHED ON JUNE 1, 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 COPYRIGHT PROTECTED UNDER THE NAME NATASHA FOREMAN BRYANT. PRIOR POSTS FROM 2009-SEPTEMBER 2013 ARE COPYRIGHT PROTECTED UNDER THE NAME NATASHA L. FOREMAN. BREAKINGBREADWITHNATASHA.COM

SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS TAKEN FROM THE AMPLIFIED® BIBLE,COPYRIGHT © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 BY THE LOCKMAN FOUNDATION USED BY PERMISSION.(WWW.LOCKMAN.ORG)

SCRIPTURE TAKEN FROM THE COMMON ENGLISH BIBLE®, CEB® COPYRIGHT © 2010, 2011 BY COMMON ENGLISH BIBLE.™ USED BY PERMISSION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED WORLDWIDE. THE “CEB” AND “COMMON ENGLISH BIBLE” TRADEMARKS ARE REGISTERED IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE BY COMMON ENGLISH BIBLE. USE OF EITHER TRADEMARK REQUIRES THE PERMISSION OF COMMON ENGLISH BIBLE.

SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS MARKED HCSB ARE TAKEN FROM THE HOLMAN CHRISTIAN STANDARD BIBLE®, COPYRIGHT © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003 BY HOLMAN BIBLE PUBLISHERS. USED BY PERMISSION. HOLMAN CHRISTIAN STANDARD BIBLE®, HOLMAN CSB®, AND HCSB® ARE FEDERALLY REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF HOLMAN BIBLE PUBLISHERS.