Breaking Bread For 11.30.20

Scripture

Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor.Proverbs 12:24

Reflection

God doesn’t look too kindly on lazy people. Everyone must be active, must be doing something, and must be working—on something, that glorifies God.What are you doing each day to get the most out of your human experience here on Earth? What lessons are you learning and what lessons are you sharing and teaching to others?What contributions are you making to this world, other than existing?Let’s be clear, many people would argue that your existence alone may not be a significant “contribution” if your presence doesn’t feel like a gift. Let that sink in for a moment.I know that a weakness of mine is procrastination, and sometimes I get an adrenaline rush from cramming things in during the eleventh hour. I will even brag about how I accomplished something with only moments to spare. Let me be first to say that that isn’t a noble characteristic.There is greater risk in something going wrong within that window of procrastination than if we simply plan properly, and get the job done when we’re supposed to. I have missed important deadlines and events because I thought I could make something work last minute, just to find out that it was more than what I had bargained for, and too much to cram and complete in the small window of time that I had left.Procrastination is a form of laziness, and as the scripture says above, “…laziness ends in forced labor”, or let’s use a term we can really connect with—slavery. We become a slave to our circumstances when we are lazy, procrastinate, and put things off.Our decision to not make a decision, to put off doing something that we know is important, almost always has negative consequences and causes a domino effect of drama. By missing one deadline we then cut into work that needs to be done before another deadline.How many times have you found yourself slammed with multiple deadlines overlapping or crammed together because you put off completing an earlier task, assignment, project, or decision?It’s happened to me numerous times this year, heck, this month.Oftentimes many of us who are overwhelmed with numerous things to do each day are slaves to ourselves. We didn’t do something two weeks or two months ago and now that thing, plus others we kept ignoring, are staring us in our face along with pressing issues and deadlines that are fast approaching. We created the monster, but cry out in pain as though someone else wronged us.People do the same thing with missed opportunities and not asking the right probing questions. People miss out on benefits, bonuses, discounts, refunds, and other opportunities due to procrastination and laziness—too lazy to ask who, when, where, what, why and how.If you think you can be lazy and be rewarded, you’re delusional.The same is true of people who are too lazy to clean their bedrooms, bathrooms, closets, garages, attics, basements, offices, and cars. A cluttered environment is the sign of a cluttered mind, an unhealthy mind, a mind that cannot focus clearly because there is too much chaos.God is not the author of confusion, the enemy is!I can’t live, work, or sleep in clutter. The environments in which I spend my time must have order. As I have been known to say, “You may not be able to control much in the world, but you can control the cleanliness of your home, work area, and car.” If you are living in clutter, then you too are enslaved and must free yourselves from the shackles of laziness.No person can do this for you. We must stand up and say, “No more!” We must ask God for the strength to not give up; turn to Jesus’ lessons on how to lead our lives; and then through the Holy Spirit ignite our minds and bodies towards movement and action.We may receive assistance from loved ones or professionals who specialize in strengthening our areas of weakness, but it is our efforts that determine whether we continue living life as we have been, or if we rise above the chaos and embrace a life of being on time, doing things on time, working hard, working smart, investing wisely, asking probing questions, and living a clutter-free life.Are you ready to start living the life God intends for you? Are you ready to be free? Then ask for help and then do your part to start today!

Prayer

Father I opened my eyes this morning and was filled with gratefulness as You have once again blessed me with another day in this human experience. I humbly thank You. A more measurable way of thanking You is in my actions each day; in the work that I do and the effort I put in; in the lives I positively touch, and the lessons I learn to not repeat. Expression of my love does not come from laziness, for no one can be an ambassador in Your Kingdom if they are lazy and shiftless. So I pray to You today, Father, that You force out of me my tendency to procrastinate, any flighty behavior, or a preoccupation with irrelevant things and situations. I pray that Jesus keeps me focused on my walk and not on what’s going on around me, or what someone else is or isn’t doing. I pray that the Holy Spirit serves as the technician in my life, making the necessary adjustments so that I am spiritually fit to serve You, Father, and Your children. These things I pray for in all honesty and humility. Amen.

Love your sister in Christ,NatashaCopyright 2011-2020. Natasha L. Foreman. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha L. Foreman. BreakingBreadWithNatasha.com

Breaking Bread For 11.26.20

Scripture

So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God. Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.

Therefore do not let what you know is good be spoken of as evil. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval.

Romans 14:12-13, 16-18

Reflection

Every day we should give thanks for the blessings God gives us.

Every day we should work to help our fellow brothers and sisters.

Every day we should strive to do better, live better, speak with love and honesty, and think pure thoughts.

Every day we should act as servants not judges.

Love should be what leads us. Love should speak through us.

Follow Jesus’ lead and break free from the shackles of religion, and embrace the Truth of Love. God is love and love is God. If we aren’t walking and speaking in love then we aren’t reflecting God.

Prayer

Father, forgive those who actively work to disenfranchise your children. Forgive those who plot and plan the destruction of Your children. Forgive those who discriminate against Your children. Forgive those who block the blessings of others.

Father forgive those of us who feel it is our right and obligation to judge others, and do Your job. Forgive those of us who pretend to be like Your son Jesus, yet we keep sinning and living like the antichrist.

Lord forgive Your children who rely and trust in the concept of luck, and not in You. Forgive us Father. Our arrogance makes us ignorant to Your wisdom. Help us Father. In Your name I pray and praise. Amen.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Love,

Natasha

Copyright 2011-2020. Natasha L. Foreman. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha L. Foreman. BreakingBreadWithNatasha.com

Breaking Bread For 11.24.20

Scripture

Friend deceives friend, and no one speaks the truth. They have taught their tongues to lie; they weary themselves with sinning.

Jeremiah 9:5

Reflection

It is the insecure and fearful who lie, cheat and steal. When we do these things we have to see the ways we are weak-hearted and weak-minded. We make the decision to lie, cheat, and steal. No one else is to blame. We choose.

We waste our energy trying to remember our lies and trying to cover up our deception. We try to convince ourselves that our sin is not great, that God is not offended, and that even if we cause someone harm, it’s not as bad as it appears. We try to rationalize and justify our offenses and the collateral damage we cause.

Over time, without a changed heart, without atonement and reconciliation, we wither away, pretending to be someone other than who we are. In shame, we hide from being who we were made to be. We are the prime candidate for full conversion by the enemy, because the less worth and value we begin to see in ourselves, the less hope we have in God forgiving and loving us.

The more we fall down that slope, the faster we fall into the enemy’s trap. We begin to believe the lies the enemy tell us. We begin to embrace the darkness, drawing farther away from the Light.

It takes a strong and brave person to see and embrace the Light within that makes them amazing and special. It takes hope and faith to keep your eyes and heart on the Light that leads you out of darkness. It takes hope, faith, and action to be moved from that darkness and remain in the Light.

God blessed us with the Holy Spirit for a reason. Study and embed in your mind what Jesus said about the Holy Spirit, it’s purpose and value, and why we should daily engage with and tap into that source of God. [John 14:16-17, 26; John 16:13]. Read 1 Corinthians 6:19, to see what the Apostle Paul wrote about the Holy Spirit. Then actively engage and rely upon the Holy Spirit, as God planned and intends. God makes no mistakes, nothing slips past Him, all is done for a reason.

Let us find and embrace our strength and push past our fears and weaknesses. When we are too afraid, let us call on the Holy Spirit to remind us of our truth. Let us find and embrace God’s Truth so we may embrace our truth, and live the lives we were called to experience. We are on this plane of existence for a limited time to have a fulfilled culmination of experiences. We’re to strive each day to be like Jesus, to resist temptation, and to love strangers and those we know as Jesus taught and demonstrated.

The more we lie, cheat, and steal, the more perverted our heart and mind becomes—and we begin to transform from our original design. Every day we must reconcile the day before. Every moment should reconcile the last. Remedy the harm as best as possible. Aim and commit to do no more harm. Each day we’re choosing which team we support, team God or team Satan. At the end of this war, there is no “team Undeclared’. You’re either on one of these two teams. Right now you may not know. You may be confused, so for you it’s safer to say you’re on team Undeclared. Just know that the other two teams want you.

Let’s be clear, you don’t have to be mean or evil-spirited to be on team Satan. You just have to believe there is no God and Jesus is a myth. Disbelief is all the enemy needs to have you on its team.

So, now that we have clarity, which team are you choosing today?

Prayer

Father, hold my tongue if it utters anything that goes against You and Your Truth. Make me stop before I speak ill will towards anyone. Remind me that they are Your child. Cleanse my mind of wrong and evil thoughts. Infuse Your Truth. Heal me, Father. If it’s not of You, I don’t want it in me or near me. I don’t want to possess it or be possessed by it.

Let Your Light serve as my source of energy, always recharging and restoring me, and always guiding and protecting me.

Help me to learn, call on, and rely upon the Holy Spirit. Help me to see the purpose and value of this blessing you have given me. I never want to be disconnected from You. I pray for discernment, clarity, courage, wisdom, strength, grace, and mercy. In Your name I pray and praise. Amen.

Love,

Natasha

Copyright 2011-2020. Natasha L. Foreman. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha L. Foreman. BreakingBreadWithNatasha.com

Breaking Bread For 11.23.20

Scripture

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

James 1:17

Reflection

There is nothing in life that we receive in joy that does not come from our heavenly Father. Every blessing, talent, skill, and ability comes from God. All goodness, correction, and uplift comes from God. Be grateful and praise His Holy name. Give thanks today and each day. Express your joy and appreciation, even on days of pain and heartache.

Prayer

Father, thank You for every gift given to me and delivered through me. You are my constant. You are always here. I can always count on You. You are my ever-present source of strength, courage, hope, love, peace, dignity, grace, joy, and laughter. I dance and sing because of You. I sense beauty and richness because of You. Life is amazing, even in chaos, because it is a gift and opportunity from You. Thank You Father. I pray to, praise, and serve You always. As a believer in You and Your son Jesus Christ. Amen.

If you aren’t smiling right now, what are you waiting for? If you aren’t listening to some uplifting and positive music right now, then it’s time to turn it on and if possible, crank it up, and make the time to praise God through song and dance!

Love your sister in Christ,

Natasha

Copyright 2011-2020. Natasha L. Foreman. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha L. Foreman. BreakingBreadWithNatasha.com

Breaking Bread For 11.20.20

Scripture

You did not go up to the gaps or restore the wall around the house of Israel so that it might stand in battle on the day of the Lord .

Ezekiel 13:5 HCSB

Reflection

How disciplined and obedient are we really? Think about it for a moment before you proceed.

Do we prepare in advance for chaos, or do we react in a panicked state of mania, once “hell” has broken wide open upon us? Many of us are reactionaries not planners and preppers.

We know that our homes need upkeep, repairs, reinforcement— yet we put it off because it’s not a huge priority. Until something happens to the home and then we’re frantic and desperate, and of course we are complaining as though we took no part in the lack of planning and preparation. We heard the Voice repeatedly tell us month after month, season after season, to fix or replace something, yet we ignored that Voice. Absolute disobedience.

We smirk and make snide remarks about doomsday preppers and others who prepare for calamity, yet who were and have been the only ones prepared in 2020 when we were hit and are still being devastated by a global pandemic?

Preppers.

They have planned, prepared, and trained for it. They have taught generations of their family how to prepare for a season or period of devastation. While we teased and chided them as being paranoid and delusional, they see a vision, that based on our trending nature of destruction, conflict, and chaos, that life as we have comfortably known it would cease to exist for a period of time.

They planned for disorder and looting, and built living quarters for their families that could sustain them two or more years. Some of them even practice long stints of isolation to prepare for being separated from society for extended periods of time. All while we rolled out eyes in cynicism.

This 2020 experience has been a good trial run for them, because they could see how outsiders reacted to store shortages, mass unemployment, business closures, hospital deficiencies, city and state shut downs, and the temperament of not only the residents but of the political, community, and business leaders.

This is only a trial run. You’re ignorant to believe that this is the worst scenario we will ever again experience in our lifetime. Yet, looking at the news and social media, there are huge chunks of our population in the US that obviously don’t care; they’re more concerned with socializing than with learning, planning, and preparing for the future.

Many of us didn’t learn a thing, except that folks don’t like being told what to do, suggested what to do, or be inconvenienced in any way. We also learned that in a crisis, there is a small segment of the population that will price gouge and leverage your desperation for their financial gain. We also learned that we don’t keep enough household supplies and nonperishable foods on hand in our homes, to last us months or longer.

I bet many of you started envying those mass couponers that you see on TV. The ones who have years-worth of products stocked up in their homes, garages, custom-built storage shelters.

Yep, I too used to ask myself why a family of two to four needed as much items as so many of them kept stocking. But after watching the shows more and more last year, I began to see the why. I also saw, that in their bargaining preparation they also accounted for the products they would donate to local churches and charities, and the amounts they would set aside for other family members, friends, and neighbors who may need help.

The majority of couponers aren’t wealthy. They’re just great at using the gift God gave them to calculate and analyze how to apply coupons to gain the most value. They are disciplined and committed. They are forward-thinking. They are planners and preppers.

And I can guarantee you they didn’t have to go to the grocery store one time this year. Many of them have enough supplies and food to last them several years. While the rest of us are rationing it and we still haven’t understood the lessons that we’re being taught.

Noah was obedient and did as God instructed, and while his neighbors and friends looked at him like he was out of his mind, even telling him he was, he continued preparing and getting his family ready. When the floods rushed in and began wiping people out, imagine the thoughts of so many people who knew Noah and the moment they had the realization that he was right, it was too late.

Noah was a prepper. We celebrate Noah, yet we roll our eyes at modern-day preppers. We better start paying attention, learn our lessons, apply what we learn, listen and obey God’s guiding words. Or expect to be wiped out by whatever Earth-created or man-created force.

The Bible passage above shares God’s disappointment that the people chose to be disobedient, chose to do other things, than prepare and protect the House of Israel. It wasn’t a priority for them. Idol worship was. Socializing was. Ezekiel kept telling the people what God said, and they kept doing their own thing.

Think of Jeremiah’s struggles. He too would tell the people what God said and the people chose to do things their way. Yet when things would blow up, they would rush to Jeremiah to help make things right with God. There are numerous examples like this in the Bible. All lessons to be learned and taught, so we don’t repeat them.

When you read the Old Testament part of you questions why the Israelites kept messing up and faced punishment for their sins and disobedience, and then the other part of you is quickly checked by the reality that in current-day we do the same ignorant things.

I’m grateful that God doesn’t get totally frustrated by us and just decide to wipe us out, and start over fresh again. He has the power to do so, but He spares us. He shows us mercy. That’s love.

Could we do the same? Would we do the same, having the power to punish or show mercy?

Honestly, no. We’re quick to punish and destroy. That’s why He keeps molding us.

Take a few moments to consider what you need to do to listen, plan, prepare, and be disciplined in whatever assignment or task God gives you. If you aren’t tuned in then you will most likely be left out. We all must do better.

Prayer

Father prepare me for days ahead, for struggle and strife, for challenges and complications. Show me how to see opportunities in each situation. Protect me from myself and from those who would plot to harm me. Forgive me for my pride and disobedience, for my fear and doubt, for my frustration and conditional faith that sometimes creeps in.
Father let me learn a lesson once without need for repetition. Help me to prepare my mind, heart, body, home, family, and life for battle. Whether the battle is spiritual, financial, medical, or anything else—help me to be ready so I don’t have to fearfully rush to get ready. Help me to resist the enemy and see temptation’s lure as leading to nothingness and nothing worthy of giving attention to. My true health, wealth and victory can only come from You. In Your Name I pray and praise. Amen.

Forgive me for my pride and disobedience, for my fear and doubt, for my frustration and conditional faith that sometimes creeps in.
Father let me learn a lesson once without need for repetition. Help me to prepare my mind, heart, body, home, family, and life for battle. Whether the battle is spiritual, financial, medical, or anything else—help me to be ready so I don’t have to fearfully rush to get ready. Help me to resist the enemy and see temptation’s lure as leading to nothingness and nothing worthy of giving attention to. My true health, wealth and victory can only come from You. In Your Name I pray and praise. Amen.

Love,

Natasha

Copyright 2012-2020. Natasha L. Foreman. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha L. Foreman. BreakingBreadWithNatasha.com

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.

Breaking Bread For 11.19.20

Scripture

In my distress I groan aloud and am reduced to skin and bones.

Psalm 102:5

Reflection

When we think that the pressure has become too great for us to bear, we yell and cry out in pain. At that moment we have forgotten our true existence and forgotten to Whom we belong, and Who’s children we are.

We are spiritual beings in a human vessel (flesh and bones). We don’t die but the vessel does. We get caught up in the beingness of the vessel and forget who and what we truly are, and our purpose here.

When we don’t stand firm in our spiritualness we are reduced to our humanness. We are weak in our humanness. God combined the two for a reason, for our experiences and existence here to be made possible. To feel, to form and build relationships with other creations of God, and to go beyond the limits that our human fear erects to achieve God-defined excellence.

We have to always tap into and lead from the spiritual source within and not limit ourselves to what we see, hear, and feel with our human senses. When we do the latter we feel too much, spiral out of control, listening less to God and more to the pain-pleasure stimuli.

We have also delighted the enemy who desperately wants us to think, say, believe, and live as though God has abandoned us in our time of need. He wants us to believe that God is blocking our blessings, knowledge, wisdom, and Godness. He wants us to curse God for our pain, for not immediately healing us, for not immediately rescuing us, for not immediately making right the wrongs we face.

When times get tough as they always will, force a smile on your face as you remind yourself that you are God’s child, a spiritual being having a human experience, and no matter what you go through, God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit will always see you through.

God gave us the Holy Spirit so that we are never disconnected, never lost, never alone, and we can tap in whenever and wherever we choose. It is our GPS, fueling station, and much more. Remind yourself of this Truth. Speak it boldly until it feels like the space around you is moving from that power.

Keep saying it until you feel it deep inside, in your bones, until you are declaring it firmly, intensely, and with a power and passion that can’t be rocked.

Say it with me:

“I am God’s child; a spiritual being having a human experience, and no matter what I go through, God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, will ALWAYS see me through”.

Now say it again with a smile on your face. Say it until you believe it, until the pain evaporates, until the fear subsides, until the darkness slithers away, until you hear the demons shriek in horror.

Then live each day speaking this Truth and demonstrating this Truth through action.

Without action, faith will crumble. Without action, a vision is merely a dream. Without action, a dream will fade away.

We must work daily in our spiritual roles, no time off. The enemy and its crew take no days, hours, minutes, or seconds off. They are suited and booted for battle every millisecond of every day, tempting and tormenting us, with a goal to break us and get us to abandon God, and give our souls freely to them.

If you’re a member of team God, then you better know the rules the enemy is playing by. You better study their playbook and learn how their influence impacted those history books many of us avoid reading. You better learn your lessons from past mistakes, failings, and sins—or you’re bound to repeat them. Because I can guarantee you that team Satan is well educated on you, me, and us.

They risk extinction and so they are playing for their very existence. If you knew how valuable your soul is, you would be in this to win it without doubt, sarcasm, or cynicism. The ancient vision says evil eventually loses, but that also reflects the understanding that many souls were, are, and will be lost and turned over to that side during these battles and wars.

As long as people keep loaning and selling their souls to evil, we leverage the odds in satan’s favor. Protect your God-given heart. It is the indicator that measures which team you’re rolling with. Satan can’t make us do anything. We have to choose. God doesn’t force us. We have to choose.

Which side will you choose and continue to choose?

God never gives up on us. We need to love Him as He loves us. We need to commit to Him as He is committed to us. Our belief and our faith must be combined with our actionable speech and progression in God’s direction. That’s why we call it a faith walk and not a faith rest, or faith sit. Action is the key to real progress.

There are thousands of people who claim to be team God while doing the selfish work of the enemy. We have to check ourselves so we don’t wreck ourselves.

I love you all and I pray that through thick and thin you always keep your eyes and heart focused on God and Jesus. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you, to go before you, to help in whatever ways you need. Don’t think you’re alone and have to go at this alone. God has the resources and the way. He’s just waiting for us to reach out in faith and take ahold.

Prayer

Father, You are Jehovah Go’el, my Redeemer. You are Jehovah Eli, my God. I pray that even in times of pain, frustration, grief, and anger, that I never forget that I am the perfect reflection of You; that I am a spiritual being having a human experience and not a human being having a spiritual experience; and that as a spiritual being living in and of Your Spirit, the distress I feel is temporary and is actually nonexistent.

By giving in to the distress and allowing my hope and faith to wane I reduce myself to mere flesh and bone and forget the demonstration that I am supposed to be having while on Earth. I do not want to play any role in the enemy’s schemes. I declare that You and only You are Jehovah Mephalti, my Deliverer.

Help me to get and stay focused Father. Help me to see and always remember my purpose here, and to never ever ever give up on life, living, and serving You and the least of Your children—and doing so humbly, joyfully, and graciously.

In Your name I pray and give thanks. Amen.

Love,

Natasha

Copyright 2011-2020. Natasha L. Foreman. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha L. Foreman. BreakingBreadWithNatasha.com

Breaking Bread For 11.18.20

Scripture

Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man, But afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel.

Proverbs 20:17

Reflection

We always reap what we sow. So be mindful of the things that you do and say in order to get ahead in life. We all have pitfalls, setbacks, disappointments, and failures; but we can all succeed in life by doing good, living right, being obedient to God, and being honest in all situations.

Remember that we’re supposed to use things and love people, not the other way around. So don’t let consumerism get the best of you. Don’t let products and price tags mesmerize you into idol worship. Some of us can’t pay our bills on time but we’re making sure we can budget for the bling and excess in our lives.

When our focus becomes more on what we accumulate than on Whom we serve, we have a problem; we have an infestation that needs extermination. We are distracted and are in desperate need of realignment.

I love you all. Have an incredible day. Be a blessing to others. Be the example in the world that God wants to see.

Prayer

Father, thank You for blessing me. There are times when I desire things that maybe I want but I don’t need, and I am grateful that You keep me in line so that I receive only what I need.

Father I would rather defer my gratification than to receive something that I didn’t earn, especially if I was being deceptive, not genuine, or inauthentic. Father bless me as You see fit. Mold me into your perfect image and protect me from harm; harm that I may cause myself and harm from others.

As I try to dig myself out of this valley, please provide me with the tools and guidance that I need to not only survive but to thrive, so that I may pay it forward and educate others on the valley experience, and Your grace that saw me through.

I trust and believe in You Lord, and I apologize for any moments where my faith and hope are not crystal clear. In Your name and Jesus’ name I ask for forgiveness, pray for these blessings, and declare my commitment to doing my part. Amen.

Love,

Natasha

Copyright 2011-2020. Natasha L. Foreman. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha L. Foreman. BreakingBreadWithNatasha.com

Breaking Bread For 11.17.20

Scripture

Sustain me, my God, according to your promise, and I will live; do not let my hopes be dashed.

Psalm 119:116

Reflection

Without hope for a better tomorrow where are you and where do you stand in your faith?

God blesses us daily, every single second—yet we want more, we want to see more, we want to see the bigger blessings—when the biggest of blessings is our relationship with God and Jesus, our life that God gifts us, and being able to live it.

How grateful are you?

How hopeful are you?

How devoted are you?

Those are questions for you to ask and answer for yourself.

Embrace your day and be a blessing to others.

Prayer

Father, thank You for this day. Thank You for calming me as I slept. Thank You for waking me to experience and learn the lessons I need to learn. Thank You for Your love, guidance, support, and protection.

Father I pray to be prepared for the blessings that You have in store for me today and in the future. I pray that I am open, receptive, hopeful and humble. Help me Father. Help me to see every opportunity. Help me to avoid pitfalls. Help me to keep moving forward in the right direction. Keep me close, to remain strong and focused Father. In Your name and Jesus’ name, I pray and praise. Amen.

Love,

Natasha

Copyright 2011-2020. Natasha L. Foreman. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha L. Foreman. BreakingBreadWithNatasha.com

Breaking Bread For 11.16.20

Scripture

…and when a prayer or plea is made by anyone among your people Israel—being aware of their afflictions and pains, and spreading out their hands toward this temple— then hear from heaven, your dwelling place.

Forgive, and deal with everyone according to all they do, since you know their hearts (for you alone know the human heart), so that they will fear you and walk in obedience to you all the time they live in the land you gave our ancestors.

2 Chronicles 6:29-31

Reflection

Before we get started with today’s message, I have to step in with some personal celebrating. Today, as I shared in my earlier post, is the day my beloved mother was brought into this big world to bless me, our family and friends, and countless others. I am so grateful for her and for what she has done for me. She is not only my mother but she is my friend and mentor. I will always love her, respect her, adore her, and look up to her.

Father forgive me for any and all moments that I am not 100% respectful of and to my mother. Touch her heart so that she knows my true heart and that I never want to or mean to dishonor her in any way. I pray that she forgives me the moment I displease her.

I pray that God heals and blesses my mom spiritually, mentally, physically, emotionally, and financially. I pray that He provides her with the financial abundance to live comfortably so that she can provide a way for others as she has always dreamed. I wouldn’t trade my mom for another mom, for anything. I hope that she lives long, enjoying many more healthy, vibrant, joy-filled years, and enjoying each day like it’s her birthday! I love you mom!!!!!!

Let me also say “Happy birthday Jack”. He is the son of some dear friends of mine and he entered the world today, nine years ago. He was and is a blessing to his family and I believe one day even to this world; he’s bound to make a positive change for many generations.

---

Okay so let’s pivot to today’s message..

---

Father-God, it amazes me that many of Your children do not take the time to read, study, learn, and gain wisdom from Your good book; to see and realize that the stories from thousands of years ago which were recorded and compiled in the Bible can also be found represented today. As Your children today face many of the same tests, trials, perils, and situations as did Your children in ancient times, we struggle to see those parallels, and seek atonement and reconciliation.

We struggle in this world because we don’t know the world, we don’t know the behind-the-scenes action going on, the lead and supporting characters, and we don’t see and understand the plotting and planning that goes against us each day. We don’t know our enemy and how to fight it, yet our enemy has known us for thousands of years.

Every solution to every problem and issue can be found in God and through the Bible, Jesus Christ, and within ourselves—when we connect to God. Jesus is the way to salvation. Jesus is the shepherd, the puzzle box cover, who shows us the right way to walk, talk, act, think, and live.

We don’t need interpreters or guides to have a conversation with either Jesus or God. Yes they serve a purpose, but we’re already connected to God and Jesus, we just need to tune in. We need to stop what we’re doing and speak plainly, through prayer or conversation. The answers will always come, you just have to be receptive enough to listen, see, and then respond.

We have to pray without ceasing, not pray a one-and-done, and think it’s good enough. Look at the numerous examples in the Bible of God’s children repeatedly and consistently praying to, speaking to, asking questions of God. Read of the praising that took place long before the blessings manifested.

We’ve transfigured God and Jesus into these theatrical figures and completely lose the Truth of Who and What they are, and who and what we are in and of them. We’re confused and lost in the religiousness when we should be flourishing in the richness of the rawness, the peeled back layers of true authenticity, that you can only see and experience when you get out of your way and let God in.

We say we want more but are we truly prepared for it? Are you prepared to walk in your true self, your spiritual self, not restricted by the illusion we’re currently in?

Be prepared for your blessings or they will come and you will be so self-consumed that you won’t notice them, and then later cry out that God didn’t answer your prayers—when He did so in the most beautiful of ways.

When life is going great for you and you have God’s favor, never say, “It’s too good to be true” and dismiss your fortune as merely luck. Rather, say boldly and proudly, “Thank You Father!” Because you know that it was only made possible by His doing.

When life is going rough and it at times seems unbearable, never say, “I can’t go on” but rather say, “I need a moment to breathe and get my bearings right, so I can re-focus”.

We’re all going through something, right now, today. I know I am. Two days ago my fur baby, Bishop, took his last breath in that body. I know that I have family members and friends who are getting knocked around by the “waves” of life.

I know that there are times when it so hard to breathe. There are days when I can barely see through my own tears. There are days that the pain within makes my body ache all over. But I would rather us continue to pray for guidance, strength, courage, wisdom, discipline, and determination to move forward another day, than to give up and tell God that we can’t go on.

God has never put more on us than we can handle. He has always provided solutions to our problems; it is up to us to accept the solutions and with His guidance, get ourselves out of the compromising situations, by following the paths that He has placed before us.

I believe God can do anything. I believe that I can do anything through Christ. I believe that when I fall it is because of something I did wrong or something I need to learn, and it is up to me with God’s guidance to make it right.

I believe that before I can ask for forgiveness I must first forgive myself and then forgive those who have wronged me. I believe that God will never leave or forsake me. I believe that God loves me more than I can ever comprehend. I believe that He wants me to begin loving myself better, starting this very second. I believe that if it weren’t for Him I wouldn’t be alive today.

The tears that fill my eyes are created by Him and as they flow down my face I am gradually being released from my self-imposed bondage, and being healed from inflictions—some new and some that have been building over time. I believe this.

I also believe that God has amazing things in store for me and amazing opportunities for me to serve Him and His children. So each day I will take another step to humbly step out of my own way and let go of my issues so that His Truth can become my accepted reality. What do you believe about God, you, and His plan for you.

Embrace today. Embrace your life.

Prayer

Father, today there are nations suffering from famine and living in ruins. There is crime, sin, worship of other gods, unethical and dishonest leaders, and people killing in Your name. Father forgive us.

Forgive us for our ignorance, arrogance, ego, pride, and refusal to obey You fully. Forgive us for making our own rules even though You clearly outlined Your own. Forgive us for marrying and divorcing like we’re buying and discarding clothes.

Forgive us for caring for our personal possessions better than we do our personal relationships. Forgive us for judging each other without Your guidance or permission to do so. Forgive us for thinking we know what we’re doing, when we clearly have no clue. Forgive us for repeating sins and even committing worse sins than of our predecessors and ancestors. Forgive us for using Your name in vain and for cursing using Your name. Forgive us Father.

Forgive me Father for the wrongs I have committed. Help me to undo the web I have created. Help me to restore my good name as Your child. Help me to repay my debts. Prepare me Father to be the child, sibling, parent, spouse and friend You see in me. Teach me how to be a better servant, neighbor, friend, advisor, mentor, sponsor, and person. I want to be better, I want to do better, I want to live better. Help me Father.

In Your name I pray and praise. Amen.

Love,

Natasha

Copyright 2011-2020. Natasha L. Foreman. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha L. Foreman. BreakingBreadWithNatasha.com

Happy Birthday to My Amazing Mother!

Happy birthday mom!

Today is bittersweet, because it is my amazing mother’s birthday, and her eldest grandson Bishop isn’t here to celebrate her extra special day.

But rather than focus on the gloom and loss, we’re going to focus on the light and blessings.

Our heavenly Father has blessed my mother, Gwendolyn, with some beautiful decades, years, months, weeks, days, hours, minutes, and seconds on this beautiful, big planet. We thank Him for this time and thank Him for each and every additional decade that He blesses her with.

He blessed her and continues to bless her with intelligence, knowledge, wisdom, beauty, humor, creativity, compassion, grace, and so much more. He blesses my mother with excellent health and wellness.

We thank Him now for continued excellence in all areas of her life. We thank Him now for uplifting her in areas where she needs support, correcting what needs mending and fixing, and reinforcing all that He sees necessary for reinforcement. We thank Him now for the abundance of spiritual, mental, physical, financial, and social blessings coming her way.

My mother is a servant leader and she desires to be better in all ways, so that she can glorify God, life her life as He envisions, support her family as needed, and do her part to help and uplift other people.

My mom loves her family. She is usually the first to try and coordinate family gatherings. She has been working hard to spruce up her childhood home, my grandparents house, to make it into a family hang out for holidays and other special occasions. Mom is the solution-finder, fixer, quicker picker upper. She loves planning and attending parties and special events. She’s loyal and when she has your back, she’s got your back!

My mom is a social butterfly and I’ve always teased that she could talk to a tree, she’s just that sociable. It’s no wonder she’s been blessed with opportunities, jobs, and careers working with and serving others.

Even her college degree that she busted her butt and earned several years ago, is in a field that is designed to help others. My mom is a giver, thanks to God’s guiding and molding hand. She could’ve chosen not to be, but I’ve known her my entire life, and that’s just not in her character. Mom’s heart is set on pouring into others. Mom sacrifices self for the benefit of others.

I want to be in the position where I can financially support my mother’s dreams. I thank God now for making these visions a reality so that my mother can serve without question of the financial how-to’s. With God blessing her, me, and my sister, I know that He will make a way.

I’m grateful and blessed to have my mother, mom, confidante, and best friend. My mom was my first friend. The first heart I heard beating. I was nourished by her in her womb. Every emotion she felt I also felt. My first impressions in and of life was thanks to my mother. She has never stopped loving, caring, uplifting, supporting, and blessing me, my sister, our family.

Today and every day I celebrate my mom and thank God for blessing me and this planet with her. She is an amazing mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, niece, aunt, and friend.

Mom, I know that today isn’t how you envisioned it last year, the first of this year, last month, or even last week. But I pray that as always, you look closely and see that silver lining, the blessings, and the beauty—and you celebrate it like you’re a big ole’ kid. Smile brightly, laugh hearty, and bust out dancing and singing whenever the Spirit moves you.

Today while at work, treat each person like it is their birthday, and rock this day and the days ahead, like you have the shiniest, sparkliest crown on your head. Because my beloved, you do!

Happy Birthday Mom!

Loving you forever and always,

Natasha

My Beloved Fur Baby, Bishop, Has Passed Away

It is with deep sadness, sorrow, and gut-wrenching pain that I share today that yesterday, November 14, 2020, by beloved child, dog, friend, companion, and protector—Bishop Milo Bryant, transitioned from this life.

I struggle to type these words because his presence is so strong, in my heart, mind, spirit, and soul. His presence is so strong in my home, car, and throughout social media—as he has his own IG, FB, and Twitter accounts.

I walk past his bed, cool mat, blanket, water and food area, his toys, and I’m waiting to see him. My heart hurts. My head hurts. My entire body is in agony and I don’t know what else to do except pray for peace within.

Read More Here

Copyright 2020. Natasha L. Foreman. All Rights Reserved.

Breaking Bread For 11.12.20

Scripture

Wisdom will save you also from the adulterous woman, from the wayward woman with her seductive words, who has left the partner of her youth and ignored the covenant she made before God. Surely her house leads down to death and her paths to the spirits of the dead. None who go to her return or attain the paths of life.

Proverbs 2:16-19

Reflection

Let’s “keep it real” shall we?!?

We all have choices. You can choose to deceive others or tell the truth. You can choose to wait until marriage to be sexually intimate or not. You can choose to be sexually intimate with multiple people or commit to one. You can choose to be sexually intimate with someone else while your significant other lovingly is clueless, or is too afraid or ignorant to leave you.

You can choose to be faithful and committed to a monogamous relationship with one person—not straying mentally, emotionally, or sexually. Or you can make the choice to cheat on the person who chooses to be committed to you.

You can rationalize your cheating ways by saying that they aren’t meeting or fulfilling your needs. You can take that selfish, self-absorbed, narcissistic position to justify why you chose and choose to be intimate with someone other than the person you swore a commitment to. It’s your choice and with that choice comes consequences.

There’s always consequences.

You can rationalize and try to justify your reckless behavior. But as the saying goes, “to rationalize is to tell rational lies”.

You can think what you want, but if you are thinking solely about yourself and God is not the center of your decisions you will end up flat on your face. If you are following any other voice than God, then you are choosing to be misdirected.

We must resist the temptation that tells us that this dumb option we are considering will “Be okay…just do it, it will feel so good…” and instead we must keep our eyes, minds, and hearts locked on God’s plan and purpose for our lives.

We are supposed to be reclaiming our true selves so we can live in perfect harmony. Instead we keep choosing this self-inflicted punishment of humanness which conflicts with our spiritual beingness. Our true selves, our true energy is repulsed by what we have become and choose to embrace. This lower level thinking and behaving is beneath us yet we are too ignorant and blind by worldly temptations to do better and be better.

What choice will you make? What choices will you commit to so that you can let go of your old ways, your old self, and embrace who you truly are and what God created you to be.

Prayer

Father, I pray for the arrogant person who through their own self-absorption they do not put care in the lives they run through, the hearts they break, and the souls they crush along the way. They are primarily concerned about self and they accept that all others may be collateral damage. Touch their heart Father. Help them to see the evil that is guiding them and that none of that is of You. No matter how much they speak your name and professes to know You, let them see and know that their truth is not Yours.

Father I pray for Your daughters. I pray for the women who feel it necessary to assume the role of seductress to trap a man, rather than patiently wait for You to bring them the mate that will love them as You do. I pray for those women who plot and plan to get a man, yet claim they don’t and wouldn’t. Their lies are not hidden from You. Yet ignorantly they behave as though they do.

I pray for these women who lie to get their way, who lie to gain happiness yet never consider living in joy with You. Help them to see themselves as You do, so they stop believing the enemy who tells them that their worth is only tied to their body and what they birth from it.

Protect the children that grow up in this dysfunction their parents created. Protect them from their parents deception and selfishness; protect them from this world; and protect them from the darkness that will try to overshadow Your light.

Father I come to You to pray for Your sons. I pray for the men who see women as nothing more than something to conquer, control, manipulate, and discard when they no longer have use for them. I pray that they seek and engage with You every day, to see women as You see them, to love and honor them as You love and honor them.

Uplift them Lord in Your light that they might seek, see, and receive the truth—Your Truth; and that they rebuke their old ways. Help them to see how to let those ways die. Free these men, Father. Show them the way out of that deep pit.

I say this prayer with love, compassion, and forgiveness in my heart. I pray for your grace, mercy, and compassion Father, as we fight to rid ourselves of the evil we keep choosing.

Forgive us Father for we truly don’t understand and value who we are and to Whom we belong, because if we did we wouldn’t have these issues. I praise You for all that You have done, are doing, and will do. I give You all the glory. Amen.

Lovingly your sister in Christ.

Natasha

Copyright 2011-2020. Natasha L. Foreman. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha L. Foreman. BreakingBreadWithNatasha.com

Breaking Bread For 11.11.20

Scripture

“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.

John 15:1-2

Reflection

Without faith, hope and love where are we? What are we? Who are we? What would life be like here on Earth?

I don’t know about you but I want wealth of wisdom through experience, listening to God, and learning from others. God teaches us daily. He also places us before books, people, and other resources for us to learn and apply what we have learned. He also gives us opportunities to learn in real-time through life experiences.

With the experiences come hurdles, barriers, valleys and mountains. It is the adventure of overcoming the odds, not just reading about it (or listening to someone else share their stories) that makes these life experiences full, rich and wondrous.

Some people have no desire to experience the things they read about or see on television. They want to play it safe because they fear the unknown, fear possible harm, etc. There are people who choose not to take risks, even when God is urging them to take that step. Instead, they prefer a sheltered life. But what fruit grows on that tree? If a tree restricted where its roots and branches grew, what quality of life would that tree have?

Living life sheltered isn’t living it’s merely existing. If you don’t accept challenges and take risks then you haven’t truly lived. And what really can God trust you to do and trust you to be?

There’s no cut-off point to getting up and getting out there. There’s no age limit, and adventures aren’t just limited to men. Moses was an old man, Jesus was in his 30s, Solomon was a young man, Ruth was a woman. Sarah/Sarai didn’t give birth to a child until she was elderly!!

There are people starting college, graduating from college, and starting businesses in their 60s, 70s, and 80s—challenging themselves, taking risks, desiring to bear good fruit.

What’s stopping you?

Don’t use your children or your circumstances as excuses for not standing up and embracing the opportunities God has given you to make your dreams your goals, and your goals your accomplishments—creating a new reality for you, in honor of Him!

There are no limits to what we can do. If God has blessed us with gifts and talents, placed someone in our lives who possesses other gifts and talents—then head towards your adventure and keep going through the finish line. Be the tree that bears good fruit. Allow God to prune you, make you healthy, strong, and productive. What you pour into the world for uplift, glorifies God. Live your life as He intends!

Start today!

Prayer

Father thank You for today, for the shelter and for the food—both spiritual and edible. Thank you for the vision to begin to see the path You set before me. I cannot always see long distance, but I can see each step that I take. I can dream and hope that my dreams align with Your reality and plans for my life.

Father I am a growing and developing tree. Shed my old leaves and help my new ones to grow strong and bright. Remove from me what is undesirable to You, so that I may be molded into the perfect image as You see fit. Let those around me not steal my fruit but rather seek their own, and wait patiently for You to provide. Let me also gain patience for the things I desire. Let me receive what I need and realize that what I want may not always be what I need.

I humbly accept whatever portions You allocate for me, while never having low expectations of You, Jesus or myself. I pray and give thanks to You today and always. Amen.

Love,

Natasha

Copyright 2011-2020. Natasha L. Foreman. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha L. Foreman. BreakingBreadWithNatasha.com

Breaking Bread For 11.10.20

Scripture

Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in me.

John 14:1

Reflection

Just as we trust and believe that trees will regrow new leaves come Spring season, we must learn to trust and believe that God and Jesus will always provide us with the means to make it through any situation, and grow from it, starting anew in a new season of our life.

No, it won’t be easy, but it’s not impossible, and it’s worth every phase we must walk through. Allow your leaves to fall where they may, and smile, because in your new season new leaves will grow in their place. With those new leaves come wisdom and layers of God’s transformational goodness.

I woke this morning with Kirk Franklin’s song, “Love Theory” playing in my mind, and guess what? I couldn’t help but to start singing it to myself. The lyrics point to God and Jesus’ love for us, even the unlovable parts of us, and repeatedly stating in the chorus “I don’t wanna love nobody but you…”. There’s great peace that rises within and covers me when I hear and sing that song. It’s a cloak of protection that comes from the knowledge that God and Jesus love and protect me, even when I’m not loving and protecting myself.

I pray that each of you find the peace to let go of your leaves, to embrace the life God has planned for you, and prepare yourself for the new season of growth and development. I pray that you also pray for me, because we all have our ups and downs, and Lord knows I need prayer too.

The closer we are on our walk with Jesus, the closer we get to God, the more we are attacked by darkness; and the more we need to pray and be prayed for. So please pray for me. The enemy wants our souls and we can’t have that. So let’s keep each other prayed up. I love you all.

Prayer

Father I won’t and can’t lie to You and say that I’m not troubled, not saddened and frustrated at times—at myself, at my circumstances, and at the valleys and mountains I encounter regularly. I realize that change comes with a price; something must go before something new comes in.

I know that I’m going through a change, some things have to go in order for new developments to grow. I have to let go of my fear and trust You and Jesus to show me the way, to protect me, and to lift me up out of those valleys and up and over those steep mountains.

I know that every day Jesus walks beside me and the Holy Spirit is within me, and some days I lose my focus and start walking off the path You have set for me; yet Jesus lovingly and patiently keeps walking and guiding me back to the right way.

Father, touch and warm my heart. Calm the pressure in my chest. Release the tension in my neck and shoulders. Soothe the cramps throughout my body. Calm my fears Lord. Bring me peace within so that I may fully embrace this change and walk upright, ready for my next adventure—my next demonstration—my next testimony.

In Your name and in Jesus’ name I humbly and faithfully pray. Amen.

Your sister in Christ,

Natasha

Copyright 2011-2020. Natasha L. Foreman. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha L. Foreman. BreakingBreadWithNatasha.com

Breaking Bread For 11.9.20

Scripture

David praised the Lord in the presence of the whole assembly, saying,
“Praise be to you, Lord, the God of our father Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours.
Yours, Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things.

In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name. “But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.”

1 Chronicles 29:10-14

Reflection

Every fruitful idea, every shred of clothing, all of our material possessions, come from God. He blesses us multiple times a day, yet we oftentimes only give Him credit and acknowledge Him when the gifts are unexpected or unexplainable—so we can call them “miracles”.

We don’t always give thanks to Him for the successful deal we closed, project we finished, excellent grades we received, late fees that were waived, payment extensions granted, or for the mechanics and other workers who grant us discounts on services.

We don’t always thank Him for the car, animal, person, or object we avoided hitting, the headache that went away quickly, the calm peace that overtakes us when we’re stressed out, or the money that we find in a pocket or drawer we had forgotten.

We don’t always thank Him daily for the faithful, loving, and devoted spouse/significant other. We don’t always remember to thank Him daily for our loved ones, for those family members whose eyes look like ours, whose laughs bring a smile to our face, and whose pain is matched with our own. We don’t thank Him for every moment we get to share with them.

We don’t always thank Him for keeping us focused and grounded, and for helping us to overcome and walk right past temptation without hesitation or a double-take.

Are we really that busy, that self-absorbed, and self-consumed that we don’t have the humility, the gratitude, and the love to thank our Father for all that He has done, is doing, and will do for and in our lives and the lives of our loved ones?

Are we too lost in our own false-reality that we can’t stop and thank Him for our freedom? You might ask, “What freedom?” We all are free to think with our own minds, even if our bodies are enslaved— our souls, spirits, and minds can never be shackled by another. We have to willingly and willfully surrender these things. We even have to give the devil permission to have access. Ponder that fact.

The first thing we should all do upon opening our eyes each morning is say, “Thank You” to our loving Father-Mother God. For without Him we would have no life, and no chance for succeeding, growing, exploring, and demonstrating another day.

Embrace your day. Be grateful for today and be a blessing to others. Ask God to provide opportunities for you to joyfully be of service to others. May your service glorify Him.

Prayer

Father I woke this morning and thanked You for another day. Some of Your children did not open their eyes to this human experience but rather were transitioned to spiritual levels of existence, that we each will one day venture towards. But while I’m here Lord I want to do my best to serve You and Your children, especially the least of them, who are overlooked, neglected, manipulated, and abused.

I don’t want to question who needs more or whether someone is pulling a scam on me, I just want to focus my attention on being of service and helping them to develop an even closer relationship with You. The more people I encounter, the more of You I see in their eyes.

Father I thank You for the clothing, food, water, and shelter You provide for me. I thank You for the money that I receive through my labor, investments, and as gifts. No matter the perceived origin, I know that it all comes from You.

I am humbly appreciative of the grace and favor You bestow upon me, even when I am being fearful, doubtful, ornery, or prideful. You truly know my heart Lord, You know what is inside of me, and You know that even in pain I love You dearly and deeply, and that I never want to risk my relationship with You Father.

Let me not pass up an opportunity to serve and give You glory through that service. In Your Holy name I pray. Amen.

Love,

Natasha

Copyright 2011-2020. Natasha L. Foreman. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha L. Foreman. BreakingBreadWithNatasha.com

Breaking Bread For 11.6.20

Scripture

For a person may labor with wisdom, knowledge and skill, and then they must leave all they own to another who has not toiled for it. This too is meaningless and a great misfortune.

Ecclesiastes 2:21

Reflection

Jesus, Moses, Jeremiah, Daniel, David, and many others put in the work just for generations after them to squander it. Those who inherited did not steward that inheritance with the care that God expects. A lack of care, a sense of entitlement, an expectation for protection and restoration, blinded the latter generations. How are we any different?

Let me put this into a simpler context…

What is the purpose of working hard, saving and investing your money, if you will end up leaving it to those who will squander it away carelessly?

You must strive each day to become more financially literate and capable of being a wise and loyal steward so that you can educate and empower those who stand to inherit from your hard work and labor. Our financial dignity weighs heavily on the decisions we make, the advice we take, and our commitment to rebuking low-living thoughts and lifestyles. We must rebuke all that is not of God, opposite of God, disrespects God.

We must educate ourselves and then educate others. Our legacy must be more than our names and photographs. Is what you are doing today providing a road map and healthy portfolio for your heirs 20,40, 80, or 100 years from now? If not, then make the time to reconfigure your life and your vision for your legacy. If you fail to do so, it may be short-lived or re-written by the foolish decisions made by your unprepared heirs.

Embrace today. It’s a new day to do extraordinary things to glorify God!!!

Prayer

Note: For those of you who don’t have children, don’t plan to have children, please modify the words in the prayer below to apply to you, if necessary. You can reword it to apply to other children in your family.

Father let my hands and mind work diligently to build that which You have envisioned for me, and let it not be in vain that when my day comes to retire this human form, that the fruits of my labor are left behind for heirs who have not earned it.

Father prepare me each day to better myself in every way, and prepare me to nurture and educate my children so that they too learn to work hard; and that their inheritance from me is well-earned, well-received and well-invested.

Let my other family members also be prepared over these long, beautiful days, to be receptive and well-equipped to take on the weight of their inheritance, left by me, in trust, that they too will be good investors and not careless fools.

Father I thank You now for what You will bless me with today and in the future. I know You will equip me and prepare me to handle whatever comes my way. I know that the abundance will bless generations yet born. I know that You will provide me with the tools to be the best steward that I can be. Thank You Father. I love You. Amen.

Love you all,

Natasha

Copyright 2011-2020. Natasha L. Foreman. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha L. Foreman. BreakingBreadWithNatasha.com

Breaking Bread With Natasha for 11.5.20

Scripture

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

John 14:27

Reflection

The English word “peace” was translated from the Hebrew word “shalom”. Shalom does not simply mean peace, it means wholeness (to make whole), completeness (to make complete), replacing, and restoring (to restore).

Look at the verse from that context:

Completeness, wholeness I leave you with, My completeness, wholeness I give to you; not as the world gives do I give you….

God provides this. The world can’t do this. No other human can do this. No other being or entity can do this. Just God.

You can be lured and conned by substitutes. You can feel lonely and look to something or someone else and convince yourself that completeness, wholeness, restoration, and replacement can be achieved through this source.

Then we find out the hard way that we’re 100 percent wrong.

Only in and through God can there be replacement, restoration, completeness, and wholeness. When you’re feeling lonely and empty it’s because it’s a direct reflection on your relationship with God. You aren’t nurturing and fully participating in the relationship. You’re neglecting it and so you feel neglected. Invest in your relationship, see and understand your role and responsibilities, appreciate God’s role and promises to you. Protect that relationship and then nothing can penetrate it.

God is the Source of shalom. God is shalom. Jesus shows you the way to God. Jesus shows you how to have a nurturing relationship with God, relying solely on our Father-Mother. Jesus shows us how to resist substitutes and how to address self-righteous fools so that even they acknowledge the Truth.

You can be experiencing turmoil in your life right now, don’t be afraid of walking towards God. Be afraid of staying away. Be afraid of straddling the fence. Understand the trappings of the enemy that feeds off of our confusion. God is not the author of confusion and chaos. We are blind and ignorant in the dark. We are fearful and feel alone in the dark. Even though God is never not beside us, the enemy convinces us we’re alone. God wants you to choose Him. He wants you to stand in His Light. He wants you to decipher His light from the fake flashlight the deceiver keeps twirling around you.

Turn to the Light and embrace its warmth and familiarity. There you will live the Truth. Let the peace fill you and rejoice as it overflows into the world, to fill others.

Prayer

Father thank You for waking me up today. Thank You for the blessings I have received, especially today, and for those You will still send my way. Father I pray for peace within and peace around me. Fill us Father. Mind, body, Spirit, and soul.

I pray for vision, clarity and the ability to discern what is, what isn’t, and what could be. I pray for discipline to see things through. I pray for courage to overcome anything that appears to be an obstacle. Let me see the potential in every situation you place before me.

I want to stand strong, to overcome the grip that fear has on me. You are my Source. In You I believe; through You I can do all things, and because of You I am who I am. As a believer and follower of Your perfect son, I pray to You with conviction and expectation. Amen.

Family, I hope these words inspired and encouraged you. I hope you made them your own. Enjoy your day. Be the blessing you would like to receive. God bless you all.

Love,

Natasha

Copyright 2011-2020. Natasha L. Foreman. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha L. Foreman. BreakingBreadWithNatasha.com

Breaking Bread For 11.4.20

Scripture

“Blessed is the one whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.”

Job 5:17

Reflection

Be grateful for the struggles, the strife, the friction, the pain, and the storms. For all of these moments in your life are about change and growth for your future. If we did not experience pain we would not understand and appreciate pleasure and the growth that comes from it leads to change.

A tree does not have an easy growth plan, but as it grows it changes and it becomes more beautiful and stronger with time. We must see ourselves as trees that have the potential to live long-lasting, healthy lives, as long as we allow God to lead us and we humbly follow.

We can be trees or we can be weeds that choke off and kill greatness, and then are eventually whacked off, plucked out and tossed away. The choice is ours.

What do you want to be? Do you know what you are made of? What is your foundation? Are you rooted to grow upright or remain low-lying always getting caught up in yourself and other “weeds”?

Prayer

Father thank You for another day. Thank You for loving me enough to guide me, mold me, and correct my ways. Father I know there are days when I’m all over the place and I’m trying to make my own decisions without allowing You to guide me, and I appreciate You for having the patience and care to help me work through my issues.

Thank You for correcting me father, thank You for disciplining me, and thank You for never giving up on me. I accept the friction caused by the necessary changes in my life that will lead to my growth, wisdom, and prosperity.

You are my constant and consistent. You are Jehovah Se’li, my rock; Jehovah Yishi, my salvation; Jehovah Ori, my light; Jehovah Uzi, my strength. Father, you are Jehovah Tikvah, my hope. You are love. You are my past, present, and future— my everything.

I love You God. I love the life that You have given me and I look forward to the days ahead that You have planned for me. I praise You Lord. In Your name I pray with confidence. Amen.

Love,

Natasha

Copyright 2011-2020. Natasha L. Foreman. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha L. Foreman. BreakingBreadWithNatasha.com

Breaking Bread For 10.3.20

Scripture

All their days their work is grief and pain; even at night their minds do not rest. This too is meaningless.

Ecclesiastes 2:23

Reflection

There is no point in your life being filled with pain and grief, especially not from the moment you wake and then hours later well into your sleep. God did not create us to live like this. Our pain is self-inflicted as we fail to open our eyes, stretch out our arms, grab ahold of opportunities, and bring them tightly to our chests so that we don’t trip, fall, and lose or destroy them.

How many of us see opportunities in life but we think:

1) “it’s not time”
2) “I can’t do it”
3) “I can’t do it alone”
4) “that can’t be for me”
5) “that’s too much”
6) “it’s too far out of reach”
7) “it’s too risky”

Do you see a common thread connecting these claims?
It’s all fear-based and absent of God!

I’m tired of living and operating in and out of fear, aren’t you? It’s one thing to fear something but do it anyway, maybe even a different kind of way. It’s not acceptable to be paralyzed by that fear, to give up on the pursuit because we give the fear more power over us. That is unacceptable and you have to know that it’s disappointing to God. We didn’t turn to and tap into Him. We relied upon our knowledge and understanding, and made decisions without Him. That is self-inflicted defeat. It is self-sabotage.

At the same time, aren’t you tired of living a reactionary life, only doing things out of last minute knee-jerk reactions? The signs and warnings were present but you only reacted when your back was against the wall, or something was in your face and you couldn’t avoid it. But there’s a huge problem with that. Have you noticed that in those instances you didn’t consult with God, at some point, or at all?

We say we want to live debt-free lives, how about adding drama-free, negativity-free, pain-free, guilt-free, shame-free, and living a life free of fear’s torture?

Whatever consumes our time and energy is the master of us. We serve it. We are a slave to it.

Aren’t you tired of walking around with that aching feeling in your chest that sometimes tightens so much you can barely breathe? Aren’t you tired of your body being in pain because it’s carrying around emotional pain and unresolved issues? Aren’t you tired of your weight fluctuating worse than the stock market?

We have to let go and truly release our cares, fears, worries, pain, frustration, anger, guilt, resentment, pride, ego, shame, and everything else to God. We have to let it all go or we will die holding on. I don’t know about you but I want to live a long, healthy, joy-filled life.

I believe there’s a lot that God has in store for me and planned for me and I don’t want to disappoint Him one more day. So as I lovingly encourage each of you to let go, I pray that you also lovingly encourage me to do the same. Let’s push each other to greatness. Let’s push each other to be the best representations of Christ that we can be. Let’s not worry about today, yesterday or tomorrow. Let’s instead…P-U-S-H…

Pray
Until
Something
Happens

…and then do our parts to make sure we are there to receive our blessings and seize all opportunities that God places before us. I love and respect you all. Thank you for also loving and respecting me.

Prayer

Father, when night falls oftentimes my unresolved issues follow me to sleep, and sometimes I find myself tossing and turning in bed fighting my personal demons that I couldn’t face in daylight. When this happens I sometimes wake throughout the night disturbed by the heavy feeling that is over me.

Father I need internal peace. I need peace of mind to see clearly what I can handle or what needs to be placed on hold before tackling them, and that which needs to be released 100 percent to You.

I need to see how to be helpful to others without carrying their weight. I need to learn how to guide them to You, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit so that they can develop their own special and close relationship with You.

I need to let go of my pride and accept that there are certain things I can’t do alone or at all, at this time in my life. I also need to understand that if I only give 50% effort then I will only get that much or less in return, yet if I give 100% effort with You guiding me every step of the way, the return on that investment will be equal or greater.

If I don’t seize opportunities for growth and prosperity that You have placed around me, then there is no reason to complain—for I made the decision not to act. I want to act Lord. I want to take ahold of the blessings You place before me. Show me Father. Free me from this self-inflicted bondage. I’m tired of the pain and grief that I’m causing myself. I want to be better, live better, and do more. Humbly I pray to You. Amen.

Love,

Natasha

Copyright 2011-2020. Natasha L. Foreman. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha L. Foreman. BreakingBreadWithNatasha.com

Breaking Bread For 11.2.20

Scripture

My heart falters, fear makes me tremble; the twilight I longed for has become a horror to me.

Isaiah 21:4

Reflection

Eventually we all must stop running and face the things we fear most.

Eventually we all must make a decision to be specific about what we need and be ready to accept the gift that God has for us, or choose instead to decline it (and lose out).

Eventually we must make a decision about our life and how we want to live it—with intention or as a bystander. We must choose to commit ourselves 100% or live our remaining days as a fence-straddler—indecisive and confused.

Fear provides us with information that we need to process and make sense of, rather than be consumed by. There’s nothing wrong with being afraid. What we’re striving to reach is a point of continued faith that overrules the fear; there, our mind and heart get in alignment and while afraid we choose to “do it anyway”, we choose to take those steps forward, we choose to believe that God is right there guiding us.

Think of the faith walk of the various people featured in the Bible. Even in fear so many of them decided to choose God, be obedient, and make the decisions based on His direction. That’s where we all want to be in our life. When our trust is completely in Him, anything else is insignificant in comparison.

To build this trust we have to learn and practice listening for His voice (above all others) and communicating with Him through prayer and casual conversation. The more we engage with Him the more familiar and comfortable we become. We continue to sharpen our skills so that we can distinguish His voice and learn to be responsive to it, just as a sheep is to its shepherd.

Understand that the enemy is always lying and conniving, trying to find angles to confuse and trick you. That is why you must be a student and lover of God, developing a level of intimacy where you know His presence in your life, just like a baby knows its mother’s scent.

That’s what I’m aiming for. I don’t know about you but I’m tired of operating out of fear, making reckless decisions because I was too impatient to wait on God. I want to hear His voice and respond accordingly. I want to be able to distinguish His voice from all others, especially the crafty enemy and its determined crew.

Are you ready to stop living in, or should I say, existing in fear? Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired? Are you done with living a mediocre life spiritually, financially, physically? Are you ready to take the first step to a better, more wholesome, more freeing and joy-filled life?

Then let’s do this!

Prayer

Father thank You for another day, another sunrise, another breath, and for another opportunity to serve You and Your children. Father sometimes I live my day paralyzed in fear. I oftentimes make decisions out of fear, and then fear what this fear will do to me if I continue living this way. Then there are days I live courageously with little to no doubt in my heart and mind, where fear takes a backseat to faith, and in those days I am most confident and determined to live out my purpose fully.

Father free me from this toxic relationship that I have with fear. Help me to stand tall despite the odds, despite what others say and do, despite what the enemy says; I want to live courageously consistently. I want to live each day in the moment, embracing the present, with a spirit of joy at what may unfold today and what tomorrow may bring. I want to be prepared to receive the things that I wish for, that I need, and that You desire.

I’m tired of hiding, running, and being fearful. Free me Father so that I can live fully as You have intended. You are Jehovah Shalom, the Lord of Peace, and in You I will and do have peace. In Your name I pray and praise, giving You all the glory. Amen.

Lovingly,

Natasha

Copyright 2011-2020. Natasha L. Foreman. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha L. Foreman. BreakingBreadWithNatasha.com