Breaking Bread For 8.31.20

August 31, 2020Natasha Leave a comment

Scripture

When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow.

Ecclesiastes 5:4

Reflection

We cannot move slowly on our vows and promises to God, yet have expectations of His blessings arriving on our time. Stop giving God less than what you expect from Him. Stop cheating on Him with the world. Stop betraying Him with false promises.

Stop treating your relationship with God in a way that you wouldn’t tolerate in a human relationship. We read stories, watch shows and movies, listen to gossip, and we declare all of the things that we believe to be untolerable and unforgivable, yet if we look closer at our relationship with God we would see all of the ways that we misuse, abuse, and neglect it. The very deal-breakers we speak of we commit against Him. Think about it. Really think about it.

Our lack of communication, commitment, honesty, care, trust, trustworthiness, faithfulness, humility, remorse, closeness, intimacy, appreciation, and love—are all of the areas that we would find offense if we weren’t receiving it from a human partner. If we aren’t giving these things to God yet we give them to His creations, are we not being unfaithful to Him? Yet we want from Him what we won’t give. That’s hypocritical, entitlement, and selfishness.

If we’re also failing in these areas within our human relationships, then how do we expect to receive what we don’t give? Think about it.

Some of us are procrastinators, others are just outright self-serving, and then there are some who don’t feel they deserve the goodness that God and humans have to offer, so put out little to nothing because that’s what they expect in return. We have to stop these self-destructive tendencies towards procrastination, self-serving, and self-deprecation. Our continued behavior destroys our relationship with God.

Prayer

Father, I pray to rid myself of my affliction of procrastination; putting off for tomorrow what I can do today is ignorant, foolish and costly. I also pray for the right thinking to keep my vows to You and not procrastinate or slack off on fulfilling them. I don’t want to disappoint You Father.

Procrastination is connected with laziness and I know that You don’t like the former and detest the latter. So I will make every effort to focus on fulfilling my vows to You with a sense of urgency, as I would hope and pray that You would in blessing me. I don’t want to be a hypocrite. I don’t want to block my blessings. I also don’t want to weaken my relationship with You. I want to keep my word. Let my “no” be a no and my “yes” be a yes, on Your time not mine.

Help me to work through my self-image issues so that I see my value and believe myself to be valuable, and worthy of love and blessings. Then I won’t hesistate to give that which I also feel worthy to have. I apologize for my foolishness and fear-based antics. I thank You now Lord for the healing and blessings. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Love,

Natasha

Breaking Bread For 8.28.20

August 28, 2020Natasha Leave a comment

Scripture

In his pride the wicked man does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God.

Psalm 10:4

Reflection

Pride will leave us blind, deaf, and in a manic, crippling state as we spend our time consumed by thoughts of us, them, and we— and not of God and His expectations and desires for us. We can’t say that we don’t know what God wants for us. His Word is clear, and even if you have doubts, because the Bible was drafted by men, then trust your gut; your intuition is a compass directly connected to God.

You KNOW when you are doing right and wrong. You know when you aren’t supposed to be speaking with someone, spending time with someone, doing certain things, or saying certain things. You know. Every time we ignore our intuition, we ignore God.

Our pride and arrogance tells us that we know what we’re doing, but then we stupidly look around for God to help us when everything goes haywire. Lovingly He helps us on His time, which is the right time, but we don’t even recognize the abundant love He has for us, that He reaches out and restores us even when we blatantly disrespect and disobey Him.

We need to place God first in our lives. Starting our days with Him, pushing through our days with Him, and ending our days with Him. Our mention of Him shouldn’t just be in need, during grace before we eat, before we sleep (when we remember), in church on Sundays and Wednesdays (when we go), and definitely not coupled with profanity.

What if God only provided for us and answered our prayers during these moments (minus the profanity of course)? What if He said, “I will let you breathe on the days you live righteously” or, “I will make sure things go right for you when you pray to Me”?

Who would survive the first of those tests? I can admit that I probably wouldn’t. I mean maybe I would fair better if this was the standard for generations before me. I could see not testing things. But if it was a practice that just started happening, I would struggle with my habits and default mindset. That is, until I either complied or faced harsh consequences.

Imagine the day you choose to do wrong and you begin to feel your lungs shut down. The fear would be overwhelming. Panic would kick in. Is there a safety “switch” of sorts to ask God to reverse that decision? That would be a traumatic experience and knowing this, God chooses to show us mercy. He has the power to punish us immediately and to whatever degree that He deems fit, but you and I know that we’ve done some stupid things that we never were punished for. That’s God’s mercy. It doesn’t mean that punishment won’t come, just not now, or maybe you’re being granted a “stay” because of a decision you will make in the future atones for the past. Maybe.

The truth is, God loves us unconditionally and we love Him with the strongest of conditions. Then we wonder why we have so much imbalance in our lives.

We have a lopsided relationship with God that we wouldn’t stand for in a human relationship. If we were with someone who loved us with wishy washy conditions, were dishonest and disrespectful, only came to us when they wanted something, and didn’t keep their promises—we would work hard to get out of that relationship. But isn’t that how we treat God?

Just a thought.

Prayer

Lord, I want to do right by You. I want my days consumed with the principles You possess and share with Your children. I want my beginning, middle, and end to be about reflecting, expressing, demonstrating, and representing You as Your ambassador in Christ. I don’t want to try to make time for You, try to make time to pray, or try to make time to study Your word; the world is to wait as I find time for it, because You are to be my everything. Mold the weakness of pride out of me Father. Replace it with honor and righteousness, in and through Your light.

Father when I lean to select and read another book before Yours, remind me. When I go to turn on the television before giving thanks to You, remind me. When I go to connect on the Internet before connecting with You, remind me. When I allow my day to go by without studying Your word—which is my road map, my compass, my life plan and contingency plan, please remind me.

Remind me of my desire to be more like Jesus. Remind me of my desire to walk through my fears like Daniel, David, Joshua, Moses, and so many others. Remind me of my hope to live eternally by Your side with my loved ones. Remind me of my dreams to raise and nurture healthy and loving children who respectfully and humbly fear displeasing You. Remind me Father. In Your name I do humbly pray and ask for Your guiding love today and every day. Amen.

Lovingly,

Natasha

Breaking Bread For 8.27.20

August 27, 2020Natasha Leave a comment

Scripture

Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.

Proverbs 16:18

Reflection

Pride and arrogance always leads to destruction. They will always block our blessings. When we are arrogant to think that we alone can accomplish something, we oftentimes find ourselves alone and feeling lonely. When we are too prideful to say we need help, we won’t get the help we need.

I have allowed my pride to completely contaminate my space and environment to the point that I have lost at times more than others may ever gain. Is that not ridiculous to visualize? My pride kept me from maintaining or developing further, something I already had in my possession. How ignorant is that?

My pride has kept me from asking other people who could help me for assistance, all because I didn’t want to appear weak and needy. Ironically, that thinking is what actually weakened me, and left me quite needy.

We must push pride out of our thinking and being—just as we would push out fear (the root of pride), arrogance, and any other sin. Push it out. The bigger the boulder you create for yourself the harder it is to overcome. This is self-inflicted pain you’re dealing with. If you’re fearful and prideful, you will find yourself getting nowhere fast. You remain stagnant. The world passes you by. You look around and see the same ole same ole, because there’s been no growth. You’re too afraid of the risk and too prideful to ask God and others for help.

Get out of your own way and allow the blessings God has in store for you to flow in through whatever channel and path that He has established. God’s busy trying to provide us with opportunities to thrive and we’re busy blocking them with our pride and arrogance—to the point we at times struggle to survive. You never know who God has placed in your life to help you reach your goals and fulfill your purpose in life. Let go and let God!

Prayer

Father I want my strength to come from faith in You, not in pride or arrogance— which only weaken me. Open my eyes to see and acknowledge how pride is self-destructive and the reasons for many of my failures in life. In times when I should be asking for assistance or direction, but my pride stands in the way, remind me of the blessings I am blocking in my stubbornness. Free me from my personal bondage Lord. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Love always,

Natasha

Breaking Bread For 8.26.20

August 26, 2020Natasha Leave a comment

Scripture

When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered, I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you. Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you?And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

Psalm 73:21-26

Reflection

We can look around and see family members, our significant other, friends, associates, and acquaintances, but the only Love that is unconditionally guaranteed is God’s. The only source for eternal Life and Truth is God. The only solution to our problems is God. Salvation can only come by way of God, so why not put our trust in Him?

We expect Him to be there for us, but how dependable are we to have complete and total faith in Him? Where’s our unconditional love for Him?

How solid is your relationship with Him? Is it lopsided, with His commitment and love more obvious than yours? Is He carrying the load in your relationship while you sit back in full expectation and entitlement? Or are you doing your part to glorify Him and protect, and strengthen, the relationship you have with Him?

Prayer

Lord no matter what I do or say, no matter how I act or think, You have always been my comforter, my rock, my fortress, my protector, my Father-Mother—my beginning, middle, and end. I humbly thank You.

Thank You for restoring me when I am beat down, worn out, and don’t know where to go or what to do. Thank You for mending my broken heart each time someone took advantage of me, played games with me, and felt emboldened to tell me lies while ‘stabbing’ me in my back. Thank You for lifting my head, wiping my tears, strengthening my back, and taking my hand as I learned to walk on a new path with increasing confidence.

Thank You Father for making a way out of no way, for making sure that bills were paid when they were supposed to, and for healing me when man said only through his medicine could I be healed. Father, You have been showing me how to run the marathon called life and I appreciate You. Thank You. In Your son Jesus’ name I humbly pray to and praise You. Amen.

Love,

Natasha

Breaking Bread For 8.25.20

August 25, 2020Natasha Leave a comment

Scripture

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

1 Peter 5:6-11

Reflection

There are times when it feels beyond difficult to breathe, think, or act. There are times when fear takes you hostage and you feel as though there is no ransom that will release you from imprisonment. You have more bills than bucks, more month than money, more debtors demanding payment than people repaying their debts to you. You can’t remember your last vacation, but you know you’re long overdue.

Your vehicle seems to have something wrong with it at the wrong time, which makes matters worse since you have a car note that you risk or already have fallen behind on paying (on time or at all); an appliance (AC, heater, refrigerator, stove, etc) at your home seems to go out when you most need it, every 200 days it seems; you seem to have some weird ailment, injury or pain you can’t shake off every 6 months, and your body weight keeps yo-yo’ing throughout the year.

But what if we started each day praying to our shepherd Jesus Christ, and to his and our heavenly Father-Mother? What if we prayed for the strength to endure, vision to see, the clarity to hear, the ability to move swiftly, think with precision, and act efficaciously? What if we released the things we are not (or not yet) capable of handling and instead focus on those issues that through Jesus, as the wayshower, we can resolve?

What if we did our best in every aspect of our life and relied on Jesus to show us the way, and relied on God to make the way possible? What if we stopped talking and thinking about what we can’t do and instead focus on what we can do? What if every day we took one step closer towards the unknown, knowing that God is right there and Jesus is holding our hand?

What if….there’s plenty of positive what if’s.

Think about it. Focus on those and not the negatives. God has the details figured out, He just needs us to obediently walk in this relationship with Him. We’re not doing well as His betrothed.

I love you all. I pray that we’re all strengthened by God’s Word and Jesus’ walk. I pray that those warriors and ambassadors we read about in the Bible give us the extra ‘pep in our step’ to declare, “yes I can” and then we do it with passion and purpose. Pray for me as I pray for you.

Prayer

Father, as You know I am going through many tests right now and there are times when the pressure seems unbearable, but I grit my teeth, bear down, and breathe as I exhale and put my faith in Your protection and guidance. There are times that I want to cry because I feel like I have “bitten off more” than I can “chew” and the only way to turn back is to simply fall on my face, lay there and fail.

I don’t want to fail Lord. I don’t want to be a disappointment to You, Jesus, myself, and to my family. So each day I pray to You for the strength to not only make it through but to see the possibilities for tomorrow. I know that I’m not alone in this; I know that there are other believers who struggle with the same issues, more issues, and worse issues. We all must carry the cross to make our demonstration and to reach salvation.

I know that the enemy, in its limited capability, hides around the corner waiting to ambush me and knock me off my path with lures of temptation and traps of fear, but I declare that each day I will pray for the strength and conviction to overcome temptation and fear, defeat the lies, and take one step closer towards fulfilling my purpose in Your Kingdom.

It is because of You that I live, survive, thrive, am blessed, and am a blessing to others. In You I place my anxieties for only You can destroy them. Only You can make wrong right, turn darkness to light, solve the insolvable, and do the impossible. In Jesus’ name I pray to You Lord. Amen.

Natasha

Breaking Bread For 8.24.20

August 24, 2020Natasha Leave a comment

Scripture

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

1 Peter 4:10-11

Reflection

God has blessed me with the ability to write, to be creative and visionary. He blessed me with the gift of intuition that is so strong at times it can be unnerving. He blessed me with the strength to pick myself up every time I fall down, to pick myself up every time I face loss, to move myself every time I don’t think I can take that next step, and to get out of my own way.

That doesn’t mean that I’m always walking in that strength. Nope. I oftentimes find myself in my way, and as a result, blocking my blessings. God’s working on me.

God has blessed me to see the goodness in people, discern the light from the dark, see the healthy ‘fruits’ from the rotten ones, and make decisions based on His truth and not my desires.

It doesn’t mean I haven’t failed miserably in these areas by not using the tools and skills He gave me. I know that when I’m stressed, depressed, or fearful, I make the biggest of blunders. I make the worst decisions because my state of mind and heart is not healthy, and it’s not properly aligned with Him.

God has blessed me with the ability to still be childlike. This allows my inner child to come out and connect with children. Adults get so consumed with adulting that we put up walls that block that perfect connection. Believe it or not, this ability also allows me to connect with people who feel weak and scared. My inner child shares uplifting words and empowering images with their inner child. We are then both strengthened to resume our life’s journey without being overwhelmed with our roles in it.

I just have to remember how to harness the energy in a healthy way, so the childlike does not fearfully become childish.

God has touched my life in a way that gives me constant hope for my future, and the future of mankind. Even in loss and chaos I am learning to feel and be more secure. I keep reminding myself that there’s nothing that surprises God—He’s already worked it out. It’s not easy to do but God’s reward is worth the effort.

Knowing all of this why wouldn’t I share my gifts, talents, and blessings with the world? Why wouldn’t I find ways to express His goodness in my life so that it might touch and possibly change the lives of others? It’s fear that gets in the way. It unfolds as the branches of arrogance, pride, selfishness and greed. These branches convince us to hoard our gifts for ourselves and share with only those who we see fit to receive.

God doesn’t bless us for us to keep the blessings to ourselves. We’re supposed to spread our wealth to and with others. Through our sharing we are all connected and He is glorified. So let’s look at what we are good at and what thrive in, and then think of ways to share our talents with others…and then DO IT!

Prayer

Father, You have given me many gifts, talents, and blessings; more than I can even count. It would be a dishonor to You if I don’t fully use the ones that I’m aware of.

You have blessed me with intuition which is a direct portal to You. It churns loudly when I may not hear your voice. You have provided me with the best example of how to live, by sharing Your son Jesus. Thank You Father. Thank You for providing me with the road map, the script, the blueprint, the outlines, the vision board, and the story board for how to live my life.

Let my thoughts, words, and actions be molded by Jesus’ example, through You Lord. When I walk and speak let the world see Christ in me. Mold me Father. Remove the darkness inside of me and infuse Your lightness so that there is no room for anything but Your goodness.

I know this won’t be easy. I know that I will continue to be tested and tempted to stray from You and my path. I will work each day to turn my head from temptation of all kinds, in all forms. The more time that I invest in temptation the more that I fail You and Jesus—which means I am failing myself. I don’t want that.

Father, I will work each day to face down and overcome envy, pride, arrogance, jealousy, greed, lust, fear, rage, and revenge. Instead let me turn to, be comforted by, uplifted in, and satisfied with You and the journey called life that You have gifted me. Help me to free myself of all things and people that serve as baggage and aren’t meant to be a part of me. In Jesus’ name I pray to You. Amen.

Love always,

Your spiritual sister in Christ

Natasha

Breaking Bread For 8.20.20

August 20, 2020Natasha Leave a comment

Scripture

Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life.

Proverbs 22:4

Reflection

Humility is defined as modesty, or a low view of one’s own importance. You realize you are one piece to a bigger picture. You don’t see yourself as the picture. Modesty is defined as being unassuming or moderate about how you estimate your abilities. So you aren’t one to brag about your perceived or actual greatness.

In the Biblical context, considering the culture of the Hebrews, fear meant to be in awe of, to respect, to submit to. Even looking at from the context of how many people define fear as an unpleasant emotion that surfaces when we think something bad is going to happen, what we do when we fear something or someone, is we let go of our understanding of truth or the known and we submit to the unknown. But let’s not confuse that with the respectful fear as articulated in the Bible.

Fearing God means to respect, be in awe of, and submit to Him. Understanding and acknowledging that we are a piece of His puzzle, and we are to bring glory to Him, it demonstrates our respect for Him. Doing so, fully committed and undeterred, brings riches, honor, and life as defined and made possible by God.

If humility is the way to riches, honor, and life then why are we not surrendering? What do we think we have to sacrifice? What is it that we are afraid of losing or gaining? Do we think we aren’t worthy?

Do we not surrender because we aren’t humble and modest?

Do we struggle with the truth that we are one piece of a puzzle that makes up a bigger puzzle that is part of an even bigger puzzle, and so on?

Are we too busy analyzing what riches, honor, and life truly mean, and whether it’s a different context than we’re thinking about?

Have you surrendered? Are you living life fully, joyfully, and abundantly? If not, why?

Are you ready to truly surrender?

Prayer

Father, there is nothing or no one I should fear but You. There is no greater power or presence than You. There is no source capable of providing me with everlasting joy, happiness, love, and life than You. I cannot thrive, gain riches and wealth, or grow without You. I cannot be in perfect mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional health without You. I humbly surrender to You Father. I humbly admit that without You there is no me. Without You I have no home. Without You I cannot eat or drink. Without You there is no purpose. You are everything and my everything. I am merely a piece to Your puzzle.

I am afraid of not pleasing You. I am afraid of losing Your favor. I want to serve You and be the best ambassador that I can be as an example for Your children— my brothers and sisters who have not yet embraced Christ, and those who have perverted their relationship with Christ.

Show me the way Lord. Show me how to serve You best. Show me how to humble myself to Your liking. Father, show me how to best be receptive to You. I want to see what You have before me. I want to hear Your voice, even at a whisper. I want to feel Your touch, even if it’s like a light breeze. I want even the most bland of food and drink to taste so rich and satisfying that I never have room to complain because I am full. I want to smell the slightest scent and be delightfully overwhelmed with the aroma.

This can only happen with You Lord and through Your son Jesus. Show me how Father. Show me how. I surrender. I love you. Amen.

Love always,

Natasha

Breaking Bread For 8.17.20

August 17, 2020Natasha Leave a comment

Scripture

He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life.

Revelation 21:6

Reflection

How much clearer does God need to make it for us to see that without Him there is no us? We can work as hard as we want, we can plan out our life daily, we can dream the biggest of dreams, but without a genuine commitment to serve Him and only Him, nothing that we work, plan, and dream for will come to fruition and last without His “hand” blessing it.

It seems simple when you say it, but yet we struggle to fully commit to this life as He sees fit. We keep looking for substitutes in people, things, and places—all of which, He created and makes possible. Everything that we’re looking for we can find in Him. Everything that we want and need can be provided by Him. We get in the way and we place substitutes in the way, and we block our own blessings. We’re dying of thirst and the thirst quencher is waiting on us to choose Him, no other source, and commit to Him, and only Him.

We’re all works in progress. All pieces of clay being molded slowly into the perfect examples of His spiritual likeness. Keep praying for the molding!

Prayer

Father there is no life, truth, or love without You. My day can not start or end without You. Everything I am capable of doing is because of You. I cannot breathe, speak, see, feel, taste, move or think without Your will and grace making these things possible. My ideas are not mine, but Yours. The things I possess are only temporary gifts and loans from You. I thank You and love You Father. In You I want to put 100 percent of my trust. No more substitutes. No more entertaining distractions. Help me Father. Amen.

Love,

Natasha

Breaking Bread For 8.14.20

August 14, 2020Natasha Leave a comment

Scripture

Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. This is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence: If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.

Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God and receive from him anything we ask, because we keep his commands and do what pleases him.

And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us. The one who keeps God’s commands lives in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us.

1 John 3:18-24

Reflection

Every day we start anew with a hoped for understanding that we can make our own choices in life, but God is the ultimate and true decision maker. We have the choice to do right or wrong, to be loving and kind or cruel and selfish.

But at the beginning, middle, and end of each day (and every second in between) God still makes the decisions whether we walk, talk, think, breathe, move, blink, swallow, live here on earth or pack our spiritual bags and move on to another level of existence.

God still determines whether my bills are paid on time or whether I reach my goals on time, or at all. God determines whether I will get the remaining money I need by deadline, or whether I face the facts that it didn’t happen and that is just an “is” in life.

God determines whether I get re-married and have a healthy, joy-filled, honorable, faithful and loving marriage, or whether I remain as a redefined “single” woman having all of the love and commitment that I desire from marriage, but packaged differently, and without the labels.

God determines whether I give birth to children, become an adoptive parent, or a foster mom, or only pour my love on my Godchildren and my friends children as “auntie Tasha”.

God determines whether I live to be age 120 or if I leave here before my next birthday in two months.

That is why I have to learn to just let go and trust Him in all things, in all ways, through every moment. Trust Him like the trees, plants, and flowers do. They don’t grow impatient, uproot themselves, or go look for sustenance elsewhere. They wait on God.

For only He has the wisdom, power, and presence to handle anything and everything that comes my way. He knows of situations before they manifest in the physical realm. He knows everything. He sees and hears everything. There are no closets for us to hide our skeletons and truths from Him.

We are who we are and we can hide the truth from other people, but there’s no hiding it from Him. That is why we have such disharmony in our lives. Because we aren’t living our truth. We are con artists struggling to fit in two worlds, wearing multiple masks. We are so confused that we don’t even know who we are, so how can any other human? But God knows us. He’s known us before we were conceived. We are His thought, His idea, His essence molded in human form.

We need to stop pretending and start getting right with God. We need to stop playing games as though we have a trump card that can overrule God, and start realizing and acknowledging that He holds every card to every deck, and knows every move we’re going to make (or think we’re going to make) before we do.

We keep trying to go at life like a blindfolded person playing chess with their arms tied behind their back, legs bound to the chair, ears plugged, and mouths covered with tape. What moves are you going to make? What will free you?

We keep making the mistakes of Adam and Eve, believing the lie that God is hiding from us something that would make us equal to or greater than Him—when we haven’t even learned who we are, our purpose, and the relationship we’re to have with God. Adam and Eve didn’t get it and we still don’t get it. That’s why we keep trying to do things our way, not His. We think we can do it faster, all because we’re impatient, not because we’re more competent. We make fools of ourselves and it’s both sad and comical at the same time.

I pray to be less selfish each day so that I may be more selfless in my walk. I pray to be less bossy and opinionated, so that I can learn more to share more. I pray to forgive myself and others as quickly as God forgives me, and that I may feel worthy of forgiveness so that I don’t delay forgiving myself and others.

I pray to trust myself to let go, surrender, and trust God. Because this has nothing to do with me and everything to do with Him, and my relationship with Him. I open myself up to prove in and through my actions, in my beingness, not just my words that my declaration is truthful and not just “catchy” and sweet.

God knows both our heart and mind. Our motives are not a secret to Him. He will always checkmate us.

Enjoy your day and welcome your tomorrow when it arrives, and thank God for each moment that you experience—they’re filled with lessons. I love you all!

Prayer

Father fill me with Your love and peace, that I might one day reach a point of maturity to love all of Your children, equally and without hesitation or judgment, as You have commanded.

Teach me Father how to be accepting and loving of each and every one of my fellow brothers and sisters as Jesus does. Let me see them as You do, and let me see myself as You see me.

Father, You know me better than I will ever know myself. You know my strengths and weaknesses, some I’ve acknowledged and some I’m still clueless or in denial about, but even in my imperfections I am perfect in Your sight as Your spiritual reflection. I want to be a better person Lord. I want to lead a better life where nothing and no one takes the place of You, comes before You, has more power (in my mind) over my life than You. I want my crooked walk to be straightened. I want my life to be filled with more peace and joy as I bring more peace and joy to others lives.

I know that nothing and everything takes place by Your will and grace, and there is nothing that I can do to change this, to change You, or to change Your Mind—for You are the ultimate and only decision maker.

Father I don’t want to disappoint You, even when I do, and even when later today I probably will— that is not in my heart Lord and You know this. Help me to discern truth from fiction, light from dark, love from fear, transparency from manipulation, real from fake, facts from opinions, and know that no matter what I go through You will always be here and there for me. In Jesus’ name I pray to You this day and everyday. Amen.

Love,

Natasha

Breaking Bread For 8.13.20

August 13, 2020Natasha Leave a comment

Scripture

Fools fold their hands and ruin themselves.

Ecclesiastes 4:5

Reflection

Crossed arms leave you closed off to receiving God’s blessings, and incapable of being a blessing to others. Ever try walking, jogging, or running with your hands or arms interlocked? Eventually you WILL lose balance and you run the risk of falling flat on your face. Why purposely subject yourself to that pain?

Always keep your hands and arms open and free to receive and give. And not just your physical ones but your spiritual and mental ones. Our decision to be closed off is made so through two things: our feelings and our thoughts. Combined, you have to rule out the logic that supports openness, transparency, and vulnerability. A fool is not one who does it a few times in life. A fool is one who consistently makes this decision. They block themselves off to avoid feeling vulnerable and exposed.

Unfortunately, as only fools can, they fail to realize that by being closed off we are more prone to harm, being alone and lonely, and left exposed and vulnerable—all of which are the prime ingredients for the enemy to pounce and take you on a merry-go-round of sorrow. A wise person experiences this a few times and quickly realizes that they’ve made the wrong decision, and they move to realign to what’s right. A smart person will take longer than the wise person but not even close to as long as the fool. The smart person just isn’t processing the information fast enough and consistent enough to get the truth sooner. Once they do they act on it.

A fool on the other hand can hear and see the truth, where they’ve steered wrong, and still feel that it’s in their best interest to remain as-is. They fear the pain of labor, not realizing the greater pain and agony that comes from their recklessness. They expect something for nothing. In their minds the blessings should just come. Work is not an effort they are willing to invest in, and being open takes work. But ironically, so does closing yourself off. It takes work to keep those hands clasped, arms crossed, face stern, and unmovable. Just like a lie that requires you to recall the details precisely each time retold. Unlike the truth, a lie is exhausting. As is being the fool.

Great energy is exerted, whether you believe it or not. It is emotionally draining. It eventually becomes physically draining and all-consuming. It is the choice a fool makes. So God waits.

He has more time to wait than we do. He misses out on nothing waiting for you. What do you miss out on sitting idly by as the fool? What moments can you never recapture? What people will you never meet? Who has come and gone, never to return? What opportunities have passed you by? That reality is where the true pain lies. That is where wounds are created and left wide open. Life as a fool is excruciating.

God guides you through the experiences, helps you to see and embrace the lessons, provides you the truth, and through all of that you gain wisdom—to make better decisions and to share with others. What does a fool have to share? To anyone other than another fool, what is shared is what not to do and who not to be.

Fools flock together and then eventually turn on each other. That’s because there’s no harmony and peace in that space. Don’t choose to be a fool. Seek wisdom, the truth, experiences, and most importantly—seek God, and strengthening your relationship with Him.

I love you all.

Prayer

Father, thank You for this day and the lessons that I will learn. Thank You for the experiences that will shape me into a better person. Father, never do I want to be closed off from You, closed off from knowledge and wisdom, and the right way to live my life. Father, I never want to be stubborn and set in my ways where I never consider and accept alternative avenues shared by other people to make the right decision, or to reach my goal. I don’t want to be the fool. Even when I do and say foolish things, I pray for clarity and discernment to learn the truth, and do better, so that I don’t repeat the things that I know displeases You.

Father, I never want to be stubborn and set in my ways where I never consider and accept alternative avenues shared by other people to make the right decision, or to reach my goal. I don’t want to be the fool. Even when I do and say foolish things, I pray for clarity and discernment to learn the truth, and do better, so that I don’t repeat the things that I know displeases You.

Lord I always want to have a “can do” attitude even in a situation that may at first and throughout the process seem impossible to complete, overcome, or achieve. I’m not a quitter Father, and You know this more than I do. Keep showing me the possibilities and potential that I have through You. Keep showing me how to reach out and connect to You, and that it’s not a burden on You when I do.

Please keep blessing me Lord. Keep my mind and heart receptive and open to You and the children that You send to help, challenge, inspire, and love me. In Jesus’ name I humbly and gratefully pray. Amen.

Natasha

Yesterday’s Message Never Posted…There’s a Lesson There!

August 13, 2020Natasha Leave a comment

Well isn’t that something…

Yesterday, I spent time with God to share a message with you, and technology got in the way. I assumed when I clicked the “publish” icon that my message was sent and soon would be delivered to your inboxes, and announced through my social media. Ummm I was wrong.

Today I sit here prepared to begin the message for the day and I noticed that yesterday’s message never sent. I’m left to assume that it was a technical issue with my signal, and the message instead saved as a draft. Wow!

So, I went through the steps to click “publish” again and you should have the message. It’s waiting for you [*smile*]. Now, I can focus on getting today’s message ready and delivered. This time I will confirm that it was indeed published.

Lesson learned.

~Natasha

Breaking Bread For 8.12.20

August 12, 2020Natasha Leave a comment

Scripture

For you, Lord, have delivered me from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before the Lord in the land of the living.

Psalms 116:8-9 NIV

Reflection

Be thankful for today and your ability to think, act, and do great things. All is due to the will and grace of our Heavenly Father. How awesome is that! Praise Him for making possible the impossible, inconceivable, and unattainable

Enjoy your day family. It doesn’t matter what inconveniences, obstacles, or hurdles are before you. Fully take in and embrace these moments knowing that God is by your side providing you with what you need before you know you need it. He already has the tools outstretched and ready for you before you ask for them. Praise Him. Show your gratitude by giving today your all, your best, without being weighed down by the past or the future.

Prayer

Thank You Lord for lifting me up, keeping me, protecting me, healing me, and molding me into a better servant, a better version of You. As I release the complicated layers of self that I’ve created to embrace all that is You, I find freedom and peace. Thank You Father for showing me and patiently waiting for me to catch up to Your vision for me. I know I’m slow, but Your grace endures. I praise You. I love You. Thank You Father. Amen.

Love always,

Natasha

Breaking Bread For 8.11.20

August 11, 2020Natasha 1 Comment

Scripture

Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions.

Proverbs 18:2

Reflection

Don’t argue or debate with a person who has clearly shown themselves to be a fool—what does that then say about you? I used to debate tirelessly with fools and after much time I realized that I was serving their purpose but not God’s.

Last week I argued for some time with a friend who I thought was in their right mind, just misled. I eventually realized that they’re a fool and choose to be a fool. They choose to spew lies masqueraded as truth to support their twisted thoughts and beliefs. So I decided that I had shared all that I was willing to share and there was no turning away of this person from their ignorant plight. That was their responsibility to open their mental eyes, see the truth, and choose to realign.

Fools choose to wallow in darkness, be consumed by it, and fight to remain there.

Where in the Bible can you find passages of any ambassador of God’s, a devout leader and follower of Christ, arguing with a complete fool? I haven’t found one yet. There is a reason for that. Arguing with them proves you to also be a fool. Instead, speak truth to lies, wish them well, let them be and then carry on about your day.

So let’s follow this model and pray for fools, but don’t argue with them or try to change them—they love the darkness of ignorance.

Prayer

Father, thank You for such knowledge and wisdom, and the gift of discernment where I have the intelligence to think before I speak, the courage to stand up for what’s right, and the understanding to know not to argue with fools for they know not what they speak.

Father hold my tongue when I feel the need to tussle verbally with an individual who obviously doesn’t walk in Your light. I thank You now for redirecting me from those who would waste my time blabbering rhetoric, and I thank You for pointing me in the direction of enlightenment where I may serve Your Kingdom most effectively. In Jesus’ name I humbly and faithfully pray. Amen.

I love you all!

Natasha

Breaking Bread For 8.10.20

August 10, 2020Natasha Leave a comment

Scripture

Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God.

When all the people saw him walking and praising God, they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. When Peter saw this, he said to them: “Fellow Israelites, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?

Acts 3:6, 8-10, 12

Reflection

Don’t be shocked when you receive or see a healing. Rejoice, but don’t be surprised. Praise God, but don’t be amazed at the blessing. Nothing should shock you because you know that God can do anything. You can be startled by the timing because you didn’t expect something to happen so quickly, but the event itself shouldn’t blindside you. You should excitedly praise God for once again doing what only He can do, and knowing that He is within you. You are Him and He is you. How awesome is that?

Embrace God’s light and healing presence, and strive each day to be a blessing to others.

Prayer

Father thank You for the ability to reflect You, to heal the sick, feed the hungry, clothe the naked, give drink to the thirsty, uplift the hopeless; and share in Your grace and mercy to build faith in those who doubt Your power and presence.

Thank You for showing me daily what You can do, and what I can do through You. Thank You for providing me with endless examples of Your love. Thank You for showing me how I can do Your work, how I can bring nonbelievers to a place where they want to believe and form their own personal relationship with You. Thank You for my blessings and gifts Father. I humbly pray for Your continuous guiding light. In Jesus’ name Amen.

Love,

Natasha

Breaking Bread For 8.7.20

August 7, 2020Natasha Leave a comment

Scripture

Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.

Hebrews 12:14 NIV

Reflection

It hurts to hear and see people with so much anger and hatred inside of them yet they call themselves God’s servants. God is Love, Joy, Peace, and Light. There is no hate, chaos, or darkness with or in God.

Jesus, His son, was clear in his speech that the babies, children, and our most elder are to be treasured and taken care of—and no harm is to come to them.

Jesus said that loving our neighbors as we would love ourselves is most important in our daily walk as followers of Christ. Which means that he obviously meant for us to love ourselves—and pour that same love into others, not pour our insecurities, fear, and pain upon them.

Unfortunately there seems to be a great deal of people with low self-esteem and self-worth in the world subjecting others to their personal image issues. They don’t love themselves and don’t possess peace within so they can’t conceive of living peacefully with others. They must disrupt and destroy the outside world so it resembles their internal world.

We need to pray for them as much as we pray for ourselves. Pray for your fellow humans’ sense of peace, comfort, and contentment as much as you pray for your own.

I truly believe there is more love and goodness in the world than hate and evil, more tolerance than intolerance. We just have to pray, believe, and do our part to love everyone—and I mean everyone—even those who hate you, or are different than you.

It can be difficult to love someone spewing words of ignorance and venom. You don’t have to like them to love them. You don’t have to spend time with them to love them. You don’t have to buy them a gift to choose to love them despite their foolishness. You could never meet them in life and still love them as you would want to be loved—especially if you were acting a fool just like them.

You have done or said something cruel before. Did people stop loving you? They probably didn’t like you but hate wasn’t part of the equation. To hate is to be running in close second or third to the person doing evil things. To hate is to be influenced by the enemy. To hate is to choose to ignore God and instead tune solely into the enemy’s frequency.

You have to remind yourself that they are still God’s child, His creation, even if they have been tainted and their mind has been perverted. You know that they are under the influence of the enemy and its crew. You know that God hasn’t given up on them. You know that God is using them to reveal truth that is hidden and distorted. Even if they are spreading lies, realize that God will use their wickedness against them for His plan. Look at the scandals that have been uncovered, the crimes that were revealed, by God’s doing.

This one is a biggie because it requires you to walk the walk. Whatever label you proudly wear, as a Christian, servant leader, whatever—you have to walk that walk and put the lip service to the test.

Yes, they may do and say some stupid and cruel things, but that’s God’s job to handle them. You need to handle yourself. You’re not equipped to change hearts or heal souls, He is. Focus on keeping your heart and mind aligned with God. So look at these individuals through that lens, say a prayer, keep your distance from the stupidity, and allow your heart to choose to love them anyway!

Prayer

Father, there is so much hate and intolerance in the world today, but I truly believe that there is more love and tolerance that outweighs the negative speech and actions of people out there—many of which are committing acts of cruelty in Your name. Father give them peace. Help them to see all of Your children as You see them. Rest the minds and hearts of Your children who have used Your Word and twisted it to do wrong to others, and to hate others based on their sexual orientation, race, nationality, religion, skin color, and other identifiers.

Father I also pray for the men, women and children who have been negatively impacted by these hate mongers. May they find peace in Your Love and Light. May they find comfort in Your Arms. I pray that Jesus keeps them connected to Your Kingdom and believing in You forever. These things I sincerely pray. Amen.

Love you always,

Natasha

Breaking Bread For 8.6.20

August 6, 2020Natasha Leave a comment

Scripture

Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous.

Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice.

Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever. They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord. Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes. They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor, their righteousness endures forever;
their horn will be lifted high in honor.

The wicked will see and be vexed,
they will gnash their teeth and waste away; the longings of the wicked will come to nothing.

Psalm 112:4-10 NIV

Reflection

To get where we need to go, to be where God has intended us to be, we must push past our fears like a sheer curtain.

We must embrace our roles like we would the hug of a child or elder.

We must seek out knowledge like we would a treasured keepsake, or desired financial wealth.

We must be as passionate about expressing God’s Love, reflecting His Light, and following the teachings of His son Jesus—as we are about wanting to live another day.

I am working each day to be a better follower of Christ and a better servant and ambassador of God so that my family, my unborn children, and generations yet unborn are blessed abundantly—so that complete strangers are blessed abundantly, because I know it’s not just about me.

When we give God our all, He gives us all we need, and He provides for those we love. Heck, God provides even when we are living mediocre. He provides for where we are mentally, for what our heart reveals. He helps us deal with what’s before us and reminds us not to worry about the past, for it’s done, nor should we worry about the future because we have enough to deal with present day.

Stand tall and firm in the understanding that no matter what, God is always going to do what only He can do. He’s never going in hiding. He won’t be defeated. He won’t go on vacation and put you on hold. He is ever-present and a force with no equal. We are made in His spiritual image, borrowing these vessels to have a unique experience and to learn lessons.

Don’t let the temporariness of this life scare you into not living it freely, boldly, and lovingly as God intends. You’re being held back because you keep holding on to the restraints. Let go and let God show you the way and take care of you along this amazing journey!

Prayer

Father, as You continue to mold me I continue to work on bettering myself, strengthening myself, exposing myself to the unknown, and reaching out to others who I can help and to those whose wisdom can help me. I look forward to the experiences and the knowledge that will come from me pushing past fear and doubt as I take each step on the path You have set for me.

May I continue to be blessed all the days of my life, and may my family and loved ones for generations be blessed. Your name I praise today and always. Amen.

Love always,

Natasha

Breaking Bread For 8.5.20

August 5, 2020Natasha Leave a comment

Scripture

I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.

Psalm 146:2

Reflection

No matter what your day looks like you should spend it praising God for being alive to experience LIFE and all that it brings! Enjoy it, love it, embrace it, and never forget who blessed you with it.

Prayer

Father everyday I praise You. Everyday I testify to healings and blessings from You. As long as I live I will praise You for all you have done, are doing, and will do- because only You can take care of my every need. Through good times and bad, You are my constant provider, healer, protector, nurturer, encourager, and shelter Lord. Thank You. I love You Father. Amen.

Love always,

Natasha

Breaking Bread For 8.4.20

August 4, 2020Natasha Leave a comment

Scripture

But as for me, I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the Lord, and with justice and might…

Micah 3:8

Reflection

You are strong.

Say it. Claim it. Know it. Believe it. Be it—and thank God for your strength and blessings, for it is in, by and through Him that you have these things.

Prayer

Father thank You for blessing me with strength, power, wisdom, courage, humility, joy, love, laughter, humor, and the ability to care and empathize. In You do I put my trust. In You am I strengthened and know the truth of my walk with Your son Jesus, and my purpose in Your Kingdom. There is nothing and no one who can stand in the way of our relationship Father. There is nothing and no one who can block my blessings Lord. Thank you. In Jesus’ name I pray to You Father. Amen.

Love,

Natasha

Breaking Bread For 8.3.20

August 3, 2020Natasha Leave a comment

Scripture

And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.

Romans 11:6

Reflection

Work hard, God doesn’t like laziness. He gives fully and we should too. Even if in our efforts we fall short of greatness, it is the level and intensity that matters. It is what’s in your heart that matters even more, for what’s in your heart fuels your efforts.

Work hard then thank God for His grace and the opportunities that He will provide now and in your future. It is His grace that makes things possible. It is through His grace that you see a way out of no way, see the possibilities in impossible situations, are healed when doctors said you were uncurable, live a long life when the prognosis said early death was imminent. It is His grace that gives you the vision to see what others won’t allow themselves to see.

Don’t ever confuse your work with God’s grace.

Some people may put caveats on their grace, but that’s not grace, and that’s not of God. On a good day you can call it mercy, but never grace. Grace is a gift we don’t deserve.

You do nothing to receive grace. It is not quanifiable. You can’t buy it. It cannot be earned. God gives it without a promissory note. There’s no strings attached.

So thank God each day for the grace He gives as yet another way of showing His love.

Prayer

Father it is Your grace and will that provides for me, that shelters me from harm, that guides me through darkness, that heals my inflictions, and comforts me in times of pain and loneliness. Father it is Your grace and not my works, why I am who I am, and have what I have. I thank You. I love You!

Love,

Natasha

Scripture

Reflection

Prayer

Rate this:

Share this:

Like this:

Scripture

Reflection

Prayer

Rate this:

Share this:

Like this:

Scripture

Reflection

Prayer

Rate this:

Share this:

Like this:

Scripture

Reflection

Prayer

Rate this:

Share this:

Like this:

Scripture

Reflection

Prayer

Rate this:

Share this:

Like this:

Scripture

Reflection

Prayer

Rate this:

Share this:

Like this:

Scripture

Reflection

Prayer

Rate this:

Share this:

Like this:

Scripture

Reflection

Prayer

Rate this:

Share this:

Like this:

Scripture

Reflection

Prayer

Rate this:

Share this:

Like this:

Scripture

Reflection

Prayer

Rate this:

Share this:

Like this:

Rate this:

Share this:

Like this:

Scripture

Reflection

Prayer

Rate this:

Share this:

Like this:

Scripture

Reflection

Prayer

Rate this:

Share this:

Like this:

Scripture

Reflection

Prayer

Rate this:

Share this: