Breaking Bread For 7.30.21

July 30, 2021Natasha Leave a comment

Scripture

And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.

1 John 5:11-12 NIV

Reflection

Some people live their entire life in limbo and chaos, not quite sure what to believe and stand for. Some people don’t make a decision until on their death bed. Some never make a decision at all. Either you believe or you don’t.

Either you believe in eternal life through God and Jesus Christ, or you don’t. You either believe that God is the only God that can create, remove, re-imagine, heal, complete, birth, and protect—or you don’t.

When I was very young my parents instilled in me the importance of my relationship with my Father and His Son. My dad used to be a Sunday School teacher and leader within our church, and I enjoyed taking part in Bible study with him. He was a believer and follower. Yes, he was human and had faults—but his heart was warm and his intentions were good. Sometimes his transparency and vulnerability allowed others to take advantage of him and our family, but my dad never stopped believing in God’s power and Jesus’s footsteps to make things right.

We have a choice to either accept and embrace God’s Truth or the enemy’s lie.

I truly believe that my dad’s belief in and strong understanding of God and Jesus not only blessed him with eternal life, but also the opportunity to still be a blessing to others even today. His loving presence is still felt by all those who knew him, respected him, appreciated him, and loved him.

I believe that life does not end when I take my last human breath. For I know I am a spiritual being here in human form, experiencing life in a different way so that I can be prepared and learn to appreciate my planned life on the next level.

Our life here on Earth is about lessons, love, embracing and expressing God, our humbleness in our blessings, taking care of the least of God’s children, making decisions, learning from our experiences, touching lives, utilizing our talents and strengths, being receptive and open to others, connecting the dots between the old and wise and the young and wise, and turning knowledge into wisdom that can be passed down generationally. It’s about seeking and knowing the Truth, and being free in this Truth.

God is Father. Jesus is Son.

Prayer

Father, thank You for this day. Thank You for the light I see and feel. Thank You for my beating heart and other healthy organs. Thank You for my family and friends, and for my spiritual family around the world.
Most importantly, thank You for Your Son Jesus who has been a constant reminder of the way to You. I know that Jesus is the wayshower and Your Truth.
I pray for those who have gone to the next level of existence knowing Jesus as their Savior, and You as their Father-Mother. I pray for Your grace to cover those who transitioned and didn’t believe in You. I pray for those still here on earth living each day confused. I pray that they turn to You and Jesus, and embrace Your blessings with gratitude and humbleness.
I know Who’s child I am. I know Who my leader is. I praise You and Jesus each and every day. Amen.

Love always,

Natasha

Breaking Bread For 7.29.21

July 29, 2021Natasha Leave a comment

Scripture

Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Romans 12:10-12

Reflection

Stop what you’re doing right now and just say, “Thank You” and declare that you are God’s child, and a follower and believer in Christ. Even if you aren’t in a romantic relationship, thank God for your friendships, family, and for preparing you for the person He has planned for your future.

Thank our Father-Mother for all the blessings, good times, not-so-good times, and the downright awful times—for all of these moments are learning experiences for growth and ultimate success in every area of our life; so embrace them and declare that you will rise and smile each day, whether the sun shines brightly or the clouds and rain match your tears.

Prayer

Father, thank You for loving me so that I may see the intensity, consistency, realness, and fullness of true love. Father thank You for sending Your son Jesus to show us how to love even when others aren’t being loving, supportive, or caring; for showing us how to love those who hate us, despise us, and envy us.
Father, I praise Your Holy Name with an excitement that can’t be measured. You are so wondrous, beautiful, powerful, loving, giving, caring, and passionate, and I’m honored to receive Your many blessings. Thank You Father. I am joyful, hopeful, faithful, and committed to You and in serving You and Your Kingdom.
I will never let a day go by without praising and thanking You. I hope to never let a moment pass without thinking of You and Jesus, and all that You have done, are doing, and will do for me Lord. I humbly pray, say thank You, and ask for forgiveness for all of my transgressions— in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Now smile and be a blessing to someone else today. I love you all!!!

Natasha

Breaking Bread For 7.28.21

July 28, 2021Natasha Leave a comment

Scripture

“Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.”

Galatians‬ ‭6:1‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Reflection

If you catch someone in the act of doing wrong, or you’re made aware of the offense after the fact, the best way to help them is in the Spirit of gentleness—the same way God approaches us when we’re at fault. God doesn’t shame us, that’s our amassed guilt consuming us. The second part of this request by Paul comes with a warning to be careful not to be tempted by the same sin that the person got caught up with. Sometimes our gentleness, when not reinforced properly, can lead us to enable a toxic behavior. It can lead us to behaving the exact same way. We can start rationalizing the why and how of a situation. Remember to rationalize is to tell ourselves rational-lies.

Paul wrote this letter to the churches in Galatia. If you recall, Paul was not one of Jesus’ disciples that served while Jesus was alive in human form. Paul had been a die-hard persecutor of those who followed Jesus. Paul was so deep in his studies and practice of Judaism that he became a religious zealot. He was a religious extremist. He had far-surpassed the extremes of others [Galatians 1:14]. He believed that Jesus and those who followed him were committing sins against God and the traditions of generations-past.

Paul was trying to destroy everything Jesus created. He was trying to destroy what would be called the church of God. All he knew was the Judaism he knew. He only knew what he was taught by his family and religious teachers. He couldn’t conceive that the Jewish guy named Yeshua (Jesus) was the Messiah the Jewish people had been praying and begging God for for hundreds of years. Paul believed Jesus and his followers to be blasphemers and agents of Satan. In Paul’s loyalty to a self-appointed mission to right the perceived wrongs, he didn’t know that the people he was attacking were the people called by God to right the wrongs of Paul and others behaving like him.

But how did God and Jesus deal with Paul? Did God torture him? Did He send Paul to a fiery pit? Did He torment him with plagues? No. God approached Paul with grace and gentleness. God revealed Jesus in Paul. Paul was visited by Jesus in a revelation. Jesus didn’t ridicule and shame Paul. He instead revealed the Truth and called on Paul to lead a new charge that was truly focused on God’s mission and plans.

What did the people in various towns (that were members of the churches of Judea) say and do when they heard that the persecutor they had heard about was now a preacher of the faith he tried to destroy? They didn’t turn into an angry mob and attack him. They didn’t throw him in jail or nail him to a cross. They didn’t spread propaganda about him throughout the towns. Nope. They saw a changed heart and they praised God [Gal. 1:23-24]. If a religious zealot’s heart and mind could change for the better, then you know the credit belongs to God.

We’re called to reflect the qualities of God and direct that loving energy towards others, even and especially those who have done wrong and caused harm. Paul shares in his letters that if God can change his heart and life then God can change anyone’s heart. Paul was on the far-end of extremism and God brought him back to center. God rooted Paul in the proper soil. Paul didn’t realize that he and others had perverted Judaism and were making it into something God never wanted. They didn’t have discernment. Their judgment was clouded. God would now use Paul and others to try to make right those wrongs. Paul devoted his life to doing that.

Think about today’s Christian church and those who call themselves Christian. Think about the revisionists who want to mistranslate and reinterpret the Bible, and the history of that era, to align to their agenda. Think about the extremists who have no qualms about persecuting and killing others, and claiming to do so in the Name of Jesus. Pray that God touches their hearts and they yield to His ways. Pray that your heart is willing to reach out in the Spirit of gentleness. Pray for discernment and strength to not give in to the sins of others you’re trying to reach. Make sure that while you’re standing up against hate and ignorance that you too don’t get consumed and controlled by that energy.

Prayer

Thank You Father for peace, harmony, love, family and good friendships that surround me. I understand that in order to receive fully I must give fully. I pray for a heart that forgives quickly and that the Spirit of gentleness pours out of me to bless others. I ask to be forgiven by others as quickly. I pray that I willingly embrace the reformed Paul’s of this world as easily as the churches of Judea embraced him when he went to Syria and Cilicia. I pray for discernment and strength to not fall for the temptations I stand against.
Father, I thank You for life, and another day to Praise and Worship You. In Jesus’ Name I pray to You and thank You for answered prayers. Amen.

I love you all in Christ!

Natasha

Breaking Bread For 7.27.21

July 27, 2021Natasha Leave a comment

Scripture

“Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.”

Acts 13:38

Reflection

There’s a few ways to look at forgiveness:

Forgive if you hope to be forgiven.
Forgive to release dead weight
It shows the same grace and mercy God shows us.

How can we ask God for something we won’t freely do? Our forgiveness doesn’t mean we think someone was right, it means we release the bond the offense holds on us. It means that through grace or mercy, we let go and leave all of the details to God. Imagine being enslaved by your unwillingness to forgive. Now visualize those shackles falling off the moment you choose forgiveness.

We can choose to be enslaved by the circumstances or we can choose the freedom that comes from letting go. We should strive to forgive immediately after we have been wronged, so we can stop carrying around the burden. We have enough to deal with and our own sins haunting us, consider lightening your load by choosing to release someone else’s dead weight. Let’s work on it.

What do you think?

Prayer

Father, as I grow and mature I am learning to forgive more, as I know that through my forgiveness of others I demonstrate the grace and mercy You show me. I also believe that You smile upon me with approval. I can’t make someone forgive me, I can’t make someone forgive themselves, and I can’t make someone see the importance of forgiveness and how it impacts their life.
I just pray that You always see my heart and keep it warmed and softened by Your love. I pray for the strength and courage to overcome the temptation to lash out, hold grudges, and move slow to forgiveness. Father, mold me to forgive instantly after the transgression against me, as I believe You forgive me instantly after I have sinned and repented. I don’t want to carry around any more mess so I want to release that stress. In the Name of Your Son, the ultimate servant-leader, I pray. Amen.

Lovingly,

Natasha

Breaking Bread For 7.26.21

July 26, 2021Natasha Leave a comment

Scripture

Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.

1 Corinthians 4:2

Reflection

To whom much is given, much is required. It’s time to step up, walk the walk, and get the job done. Can you be trusted with what you have been given? Every blessing in the form of a gift, talent, skill, opportunity, and solution—only comes from God. So only God, not man, can rightfully judge you. We’re so busy trying to please and gain acceptance from the creations when we need to focus our attention on the Creator.

Prayer

Father, I know that I must walk the walk, put some weight behind the words I profess. Daily, through how I love my life and strengthen my relationship with You, I’m to prove my love, devotion, commitment and faith to You. It is not for man, but for You that I must prove myself. Thank You for creating opportunities for me Lord. Thank You for trusting and believing in me. Now I must prove that I’m trustworthy and a good steward of the blessings—while overcoming fear along the way. With You by my side, as You always are, I know that I can do anything. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.

Love always,

Natasha

Have You Added the Seek Him Book Series to Your Toolbox?

July 25, 2021Natasha Leave a comment

In October 2020, I rolled out Seek Him, Volume 1: Testing Your Spiritual Comfort Zone. Its companion workbook is Seek Him: Workbook 1. They cover months one to four on a journey to testing your spiritual comfort zone, seeing where you are versus where you want to be—and so much more.

June 2021 led to the release of Seek Him, Volume 2: Going Beyond Your Spiritual Comfort Zone. The companion workbook is Seek Him: Workbook 2. This set picks up where the first set left off. It covers months five through eight. By this stage you should know the boundary lines of your comfort zone. You should know what comes easy and what you resist most. Now it’s time to go beyond that zone. It’s time to lovingly push yourself past what you deem acceptable, and take yourself to the next level in your relationship with God and self.

What have you been called to do? Can you do it if you keep binding yourself to the past, to your limitations and fears, to what you think you can’t do? Can you do it if you aren’t obedient to God? You should consider pulling back those layers and getting deep within to see in what ways you’re holding yourself back. You should consider adding the Seek Him book series to your toolbox.

Volume 3 is coming this Fall, unfolding the remaining four months of a year filled with learning, expressing, and living your truth. I hope you will join me on this Seek Him journey—whether your first step begins this month or later this year, having your tools nearby and ready means you are prepared to do the work. Let’s do this!

Love,

Natasha

Breaking Bread For 7.23.21

July 23, 2021Natasha Leave a comment

Scripture

“The vision of the evenings and mornings that has been given you is true, but seal up the vision, for it concerns the distant future.”

Daniel 8:26

Reflection

Sometimes we receive visions, premonitions, messages delivered in dreams, and we aren’t sure their interpretation, purpose, or relevance. Some of us are quick to dismiss them as casual dreams that the mind manufactured from commingled messages gathered from numerous sources. While some of us believe that the messages have meaning and we desperately seek out the answers through our own means and methods. Then there are some people who turn to God and ask Him the meaning, relevance, and how best to proceed.

Sometimes the messages we receive are a look into the past, present, near future, or distance future. But no matter what, we aren’t to lean into our own understanding—we’re to rely upon God [Proverbs 3:5-6].

Sometimes we’re too focused on what other people have or what they’re doing. We get competitive, jealous, or envious.

Stay in your lane focused on you and what you’re supposed to do. If you’re busy looking over in someone else’s lane, you’re bound to crash. If you’re busy stressing over whether someone’s going to cross into or over your lane, don’t—let God handle that. If you’re living in fear that someone’s going to take what’s yours, remember that it’s not yours it’s God’s—and our Father-Mother will handle that also. Just live your life today and for today.

Prayer

Father, I pray to keep my eyes and mind focused on today and what You have planned for me to do, experience, and express—not on what tomorrow could or could not bring, and not on what did or didn’t happen in the past. I just want to stay in my lane, on the path You have carved out especially for me, and give my all every second of today. In Jesus’ Name I pray to You Father. Amen.

Love you all!

Natasha

Breaking Bread For 7.22.21

July 22, 2021Natasha Leave a comment

Scripture

The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.

Psalm 103:8

Reflection

We come off all holier than thou but fall short by lightyears. We’re in the spiritual image and likeness of God, yet we are consumed by our flesh. We claim we want to be more like Jesus, but we must be speaking about the Spanish guy who lives down the street, because we couldn’t possibly be speaking about Yeshua (his Hebrew name). We couldn’t be speaking about the Son of God.

We can’t possibly want to be more like Jesus when we have the mindset that “It’s all about me, my feelings, my wants and needs, my desires, my body, my house, my car, my material possessions, my sexuality, my sensuality, my…my…my…my”. Jesus was about the “we” and the “us”, and about serving and representing God, our Heavenly Father-Mother. He sacrificed everything for his people and for us.

Jesus could have gone off and started slapping, punching, and kicking his disciples whenever they got out of line, disrespected him, and even when they betrayed him. He could have gone off and started tearing up things when the Jews tried to control when he healed the sick, wounded, and diseased. He could have slapped or punched the first soldier who walked up to him to take him into custody for his crucifixion. But he didn’t.

Yes, he knew he was disrespected, betrayed, and treated worse than a stray, rabid dog; but he chose not to curse them, he chose dignity over revenge. Yes, Jesus was hurt; yes he cried, but revenge was not in his heart or on his mind. So why should it be on ours?

If we’re to be more like Jesus then we need to stay prayed up, rested, and ready to spread God’s love and Word around the world to anyone willing to receive it. We should smile more, even when someone’s frowning at us. We should laugh more because it soothes the soul. We should dance more because it’s a way of rejoicing and praising God through movement. We should take care of our health and our bodies because they are gifts from God, and we only have them temporarily.

Let’s talk real talk— if we aren’t taking care of ourselves then we can’t possibly do the work God has planned for us.

We need to stop living as victims and start living as ambassadors for Christ. We need to start forgiving more because we want forgiveness; and if we can’t give we can’t receive. We need to stop being so self-absorbed about what did, didn’t, has, hasn’t, is, or isn’t happening in our lives—that’s living in the past or in the future, but it definitely isn’t living in the present.

We need to start living as though we’re glad to be alive, and grateful that God wakes us and protects us each day. We should be grateful each day for our family and friends, and for the things we take for granted, like the ability to blink our eyes, swallow, and breathe.

These past few years I have learned a great deal about myself, how I deal with pain, rejection, and betrayal; and how hypocritical I can be in my judgment of others. I had to put myself in check, HARD, and although it was a painful realization, it was one that I’m glad I discovered now, and not before taking my last human breath. I didn’t like what I saw in myself and I declared I would be quick to change for the better.

Let’s start anew beginning today, right now this very moment. What happened yesterday or yesteryear has happened. Let it remain there. Give it a funeral with flowers and then sprint back to present day. What could happen tomorrow isn’t relevant. Stay focused on the now. We can only reasonably work in the now. The sun is only shining in the now. Let those rays shine bright on you.

Life is too short to be drowned by misery. Live in the Light. Live in the gift of today. Live in the presence of God. Live as God does, with love, compassion, and grace.

Push out the negativity and let in God’s gentle Light. I’m ready, are you?

Prayer

Father, I want to be more like You. I want to be more like Your son Yeshua. I want to show compassion and grace always. I want to be slow to anger, and filled with love. I want to learn to forgive instantly, and not keep track of those who wronged me and their indiscretions. I want to be more patient and understanding. I want to stop being so quick to place blame because I am not blameless. I want to leave my judgments to Your discretion, as being a judge is not my role and purpose in life. I want to live my life as You see fit. In Your son Yeshua’s Name I pray. Amen.

I love you all!

Natasha

Breaking Bread For 7.20.21

July 20, 2021Natasha Leave a comment

Scripture

Relieve the troubles of my heart and free me from my anguish. Look on my affliction and my distress and take away all my sins….Guard my life and rescue me; do not let me be put to shame, for I take refuge in you. May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope, lord, is in you.

Psalm 25:17-18, 20-21

Reflection

We all backslide from time to time—that’s what keeps us from truly demonstrating our perfectness in and of God, and it separates us from leading beautifully spiritual lives in complete peace and harmony. Our character is a key component. How do we live our lives? How do we treat ourselves and others? How do we speak to and about ourselves and other people? What kind of relationship do we have with God? Is it genuine or conditional?

What does it mean to you to live with integrity?

What responsibilities do you think comes with being a person of integrity?

To be upright, you must live your life as a good steward of your thoughts and of the blessings you receive. Seeds may appear in your mind but you determine whether they are planted, watered, take root, and grow. Your thoughts aren’t to control you, you are to control your thoughts. You’re to cast away lies with truth and defer to God when you know something is over your level of comprehension or ability.

Through uprightness, the words that come out of your mouth must be said in love and respect, with grace and dignity—first to God and then to His creations. Your actions must be aligned with your thoughts and words. So God should not see recklessness, carelessness, and abandonment in your actions.

It is not man that saves, heals, protects, or uplifts. It is God. It is through and by God that man can do great things. Stop substituting and falling short.

If you truly invest your hope in Him and choose a life of integrity and uprightness, ask God to realign you, to lift you up out of your current situation, and place you into the realm of His joy—accepting with that all of the responsibilities expected of you.

Ask and you shall receive.

Hold on to hope!

Prayer

Father forgive me, help me, cleanse me, heal me, hold me, comfort me, protect me, uplift me—save me from myself, save me from those who would do me harm, save me from harming others. Free me from my fears, turn me away from the negative influence of others; rescue me from my ego and pride. My hope is in You. Please realign me and teach me to master my thoughts, help me to untangle my bad habits, to replace them with what is acceptable to You. In Your son Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.

Love Always,

Natasha

Breaking Bread For 7.19.21

July 19, 2021Natasha Leave a comment

Scripture

For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess.

Deuteronomy 30:16 NIV

Reflection

God is ever-present. He’s always speaking to us, showing us the Truth and the way, and protecting us from ourselves and others. We must take that step forward and never look back. We must learn to obey—always—even when we don’t understand, even when the fear inside feels overwhelming, even when the circumstances that surrounds us seems insurmountable. This is our continued struggle. Each day is a test. But we are designed to succeed.

Prayer

Father, I am trying. You know this. You know my heart. Thank You for loving me even as I struggle with getting out of my own way, and living as You command. I love You. I need You. I’m grateful for our relationship, our connection, Your presence, and Your constant love. Amen.

Love always,

Natasha

Breaking Bread For 7.16.21

July 16, 2021Natasha Leave a comment

Scripture

I am glad I can have complete confidence in you.

2 Corinthians 7:16

Reflection

This is a strong declaration that we read in the above verse. Do you have complete confidence in God? Do you trust 100% that He has a solution to every single one of your problems? Not just a few or some of your problems, but all of them? He has an opportunity for every obstacle that surfaces in your life. Do you believe that He can make a way out of no way? Do you believe that there are no substitutes for Him? That’s because there is no other force that can replicate what He does or mirror Him. Do you trust Him enough to obey without question, hesitancy, or pushback?

Let’s see what we’re made of!

Prayer

Father, I believe in You. I know Your love, Your works, and Your character. I trust in that. I am confident You will make a way when I think all is impossible. I know that I’ve struggled with trusting you fully and it shows in my disobedience. The only way to have the confidence, to demonstrate my trust, is to boldly walk when You say and wherever You say. You have never harmed me, led me astray, or abandoned me—so I need to stop living my life as though You have, and start living it as a testimony to Your greatness. In Your son, Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Love,

Natasha

Breaking Bread For 7.15.21

July 15, 2021Natasha Leave a comment

Scripture

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!”

John 20:19

Reflection

There is always a calm before the storm, whether it be a physical storm or one that is spiritual; and even during the storm you should find comfort in knowing that God and Jesus are there with you. There may be days when you feel so overwhelmed that it’s difficult to breathe, to function, to think—those are the moments you need to pray for peace in your heart, mind, spirit, and soul; peace in your home and work place; peace in your personal life and in your career.

Peace in Hebrew is “shalom”. With shalom we have comfort, support, harmony, wholeness, completeness, and more. Whether shalom between two people or internal shalom that one person embraces, it’s the same energy. Shalom is also used to represent God, for is God not all of the descriptives used for peace (shalom)? So whether you choose the initial thought of peace being with you or the bolder and more pointed understanding of “God be with you”, your embrace has the same results.

When you’re going through a rough time, keep going and just pray a little more intently—not with fear but by conviction. God bless you all and may He keep You encircled in His grace.

Prayer

From this day and beyond, I declare that I will not be consumed by fear. Father, I know You are here with me—helping, watching, waiting, and directing. I may not see the solution to my problem right at this very moment, but I trust that my eyes and mind will connect and see clearly the blessing that You have waiting for me. Father, fill me with the peace Your son Jesus lived, and shared with others. Show me the way Father. I will obediently follow. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Love,

Natasha

Breaking Bread For 7.14.21

July 14, 2021Natasha Leave a comment

Scripture

“Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the lord.”

Leviticus 19:18

Reflection

Some could argue that the person we seek revenge against or are holding a grudge against is not “my people” because they aren’t the same family line, ethnicity, or religion. But remember what God told the Israelites early on, anyone that lived amongst them was to be accepted and treated as a neighbor. The same was true anytime they traveled to a land inhabited by someone else, when God said that the people were neighbors, that is how they were to treat them—as friend not foe.

Which interestingly enough, what’s the rest of the sentence say in verse 18? “…but love your neighbor as yourself” which means that those we engage with, interact with, live near—we are to love as we love ourselves. Love them through their faults and ignorance. Love them flaws and all. Love them like you want to be loved, even when you aren’t being loving.

How does the verse wrap up? “I am the Lord”. That is making it clear, God’s the LORD, not you. He is the Ruler, the Judge, the Determiner, the Terminator, the beginning and the end. He makes light and dark. He allows the enemy to exist. That’s how powerful, all-knowing, and ever-present He is. God is not clueless. He doesn’t sleep or take vacations.

God sees them just as He sees you. Don’t think He doesn’t. Don’t think that you have to be His eyes and ears. You aren’t His consigliere. This isn’t The Godfather folks! Stop trying so hard to be hard. Stop trying to be gangster. You’re not. You’re soft and circumstances prove it every time you break down, let down your shield, and do stupid stuff. There’s strength is self-control. There’s strength in the ability to control your mind in a way that it doesn’t control you, that your emotions don’t rule you, that your feelings are not the most important factor determining your actions.

It’s easy to get caught up nowadays with the tests that roll out daily on social media. It’s easy to fall for the bait of salaciousness, vileness, and ignorance. But while we’re outraged by the commentary and propaganda, how are we engaging? Are we stepping over the mess or splashing around in it, soaking up the toxic sludge?

While you’re obsessed about what someone said and did to you or someone else, and wondering if God paid attention and is paying attention, please know that He’s looking at your heart too, not just theirs. So if you let down your shield and stoop to get ugly and ratchet with someone else, God sees and hears all. The same mouth you praise Him, you curse others. We all need to work on that. I know I can admit that my mouth can cut with wickedness, and that’s because I let my shield down, and rather than operate out of strength I act out of weakness. I let pain speak for me when I should be stepping back to let God’s Light shine through.

There is a greater expectation and standard for those who call themselves a title and that title is affiliated with God. If you call yourself His servant, ambassador, prophet, or whatever—the bar is set high for you. Even stating, “I am a child of God” declares that you know who you are, you are declaring allegiance to Him, yet the questions that come next include:

How are you living your life?
How are you speaking and behaving each day?
Are you representing God or yourself?
Are you representing God or the gods you have substituted for Him?
Are you representing Him or His opponent, the enemy we call Satan, Lucifer, the Devil?

A lot of us have things twisted. God is the Untangler. We better get it together. Especially those of us walking around claiming titles of importance. With title comes great responsibility. You can’t say you didn’t know. It was outlined in bold. No fine print. If you’re going to claim it then be it. Stop the double-talk. Stop the two-faced behavior. Stop the hypocrisy. Stop trying to blur the lines to make things convenient for you. You accepted and took on a title. Be accountable. But make sure you also stay in your lane. Leave God’s matters in God’s Hands. You can barely handle what’s before you, why do you keep trying to take on matters that only He can reconcile?

Keep your shield up, your eyes and heart locked on God, and steady those emotions.

Let God handle the dirty work!

Prayer

Father, I pray for the discernment to see and know the traps of the world, and the clarity and wisdom to walk around or over them. Every day I claim a title, a place of importance, declaring a special relationship with You, but how I live my life says everything there is to know about how I view and treat You in our relationship.
If I don’t obey You then where does my allegiance lie? If I can’t control my emotions then how can I be trusted with sensitive matters where self-control is needed? If I can’t handle little then there’s no way I can handle much.
I pray for awareness to see the information that is being relayed in moments of fear, frustration, pain, and anger. Help me to distinguish between my receptors and feelings, and Your words and commands. Help me to be present in my mind so that I may be better in tuned with Yours. I don’t want to keep being a hypocrite, Father. Mold that mess out of me. In Your son Jesus’ Name I pray to You. Amen.

Love always,

Natasha

Breaking Bread For 7.13.21

July 13, 2021Natasha Leave a comment

Scripture

They also failed to show any loyalty to the family of Jerub-Baal (that is, Gideon) in spite of all the good things he had done for them.

Judges 8:35

Reflection

Gideon did a lot of great things for the Israelites, but soon after he passed away, they stopped showing his family any loyalty and they slid back to their old ways of thinking and living. They began worshipping another god, dismissing and forgetting the God that rescued them time and time again.

That’s what backsliders do. Something changes in their life and rather than look at that the setback or disappointment as something to learn from and then move forward, they instead sacrifice the entire landscape. It’s like destroying an entire house because one window broke or one door fell off the hinges.

The Israelites showed their character, their lack of loyalty, their unwillingness to be faithful, and their faded gratitude. This is another example of conditional love.

We will always be dealt a lousy hand of cards in life. We can’t always get the winning hand. Stuff happens. It’s how we deal with the loss, with the stuff, that speaks volumes about us and how we see our relationship with God. Our character isn’t just defined in the good seasons. It’s also tested and defined in the rough seasons. We aren’t supposed to be faithful to God because of a particular place, person, or object that we associate with Him. We’re supposed to be faithful to Him because He’s never stopped being faithful to us. We’re to always remember Him because He’s always remembered us. We’re to love Him because every single day He shows His love for us. He loved us before we knew life.

When you get clobbered or feel worn down, that’s the time to ramp up your praise for Him. Praise Him through the storm. Praise Him through the heartbreak.

Pray for discernment. Pray for the truth. Pray for strength. Pray for wisdom. Pray for peace. Pray for freedom from the grips of fear and pain. Then let go and let God.

Prayer

Father, I praise You, first and foremost because of Who You are and because You are All-in-All. I am me because of You. No human, object, or place defines or encompasses what I have with You. There are no substitutes, only counterfeits. What I have with You is special and I hope that I never diminish the value of our relationship through my speech or actions. There are no other gods, beings, or energies that I want to be aligned with. I just want You.
I thank You for blessing me with examples of great servant-leaders, ambassadors, and followers to learn about and learn from. I thank You for each person You bring in my life, whether for a season or a lifetime, I know there is always a reason. Thank You for loving and caring for me. I love You always.

Lovingly,

Natasha

Breaking Bread For 7.9.21

July 9, 2021Natasha Leave a comment

Scripture

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV

Reflection

If we are not lifting each other up in praise we are either letting people fall, or we’re pushing them down.

It doesn’t matter what someone else does or says, do not lower yourself to their level and standards—but rise higher beyond their reach and declare to God your commitment to serve respectfully as His ambassador—and then do exactly that.

When you rise above situations you can easily remove yourself, and walk away with dignity and grace—leaving even your adversary standing with their dignity unharmed by you.

We must consistently and passionately praise our loved ones so that even when times get tough and they are drowning in doubt, your praise can be the life raft that helps to save them and see Jesus’s strong hand. We gain nothing by complaining that our loved ones are causing us emotional strain, for Jesus never gave up on his family or his disciples—even when he knew one would betray him and more than one would deny being his follower.

Remember with family, friend or foe it’s not about them, but it’s all about you and how you speak, think, and behave. Let’s rise up and be the ambassadors we are called to be.

Share your testimony of rising above negativity or fear by posting a comment to today’s post. You will see a comment tab beneath this post that will allow you to post comments. I and we would love to hear your story.

Prayer

Father, I pray that as You are molding me, that You continue to mold my thoughts and speech. Stop me before I speak or do harm. Warm my heart and fill it to the brim so that I’m always looking for solutions, not overwhelmed by problems, and constantly lifting others up regardless of their behavior.
Let me always share the love Jesus shared, even when he was putting people in their place—he did so with love. Let me handle every situation with grace, remove myself from drama, rebuke the lies and ignorance that attempts to betray me, and let me repeat these steps effortlessly each and every day. I give You all the glory. I love You Father. Amen.

Love,

Natasha

Breaking Bread For 7.8.21

July 8, 2021Natasha Leave a comment

Scripture

The Lord approves of those who are good, but he condemns those who plan wickedness.

Proverbs 12:2 NLT

Reflection

You are not responsible for others actions or lack thereof, but you are responsible for yourself, what you do, how you behave, and how you speak to yourself and others.

You have a choice to rise above situations or lower yourself to sling mud like a wild animal. You have a choice to do the right thing or give into the enemy’s plan. You have a choice to help others and be an asset, or you can be a liability through your selfishness, self-centeredness, and pride. You can use your intelligence for the greater good or to plant and cultivate the seeds of evil.

When you plan to do harm either through action or inaction, you are working as a servant of the enemy, not for God.

You have a choice. That’s the beauty and blessing of being God’s creation. We can choose. We also must deal with the consequences of our choices. God nor the enemy is responsible for our choices. You make choices out of fear or faith, selfishness or selflessness. Take ownership.

Prayer

Father, protect me from myself when I turn inwards and don’t reflect Your goodness. Protect me from those moments when I don’t speak up but should, and as a result I am hurt. Protect me from others who plot and plan against me. Protect Your other children so that they do no harm to others and receive no harm in return.
Prepare and protect those coming into this world through birth, and prepare and protect those leaving this world to go to the next level of existence. Let us all see, gravitate towards, and choose to embrace and reflect Your Light rather than dig our heads inside holes of darkness.
Father, forgive me for my sins, forgive those who have sinned against me, and help me to forgive them and myself. Knowing that You make possible the impossible, I say thank You. Amen.

Love,

Natasha

Breaking Bread For 7.7.21

July 7, 2021Natasha Leave a comment

Scripture

“Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.”

“Does Job fear God for nothing?” Satan replied. “Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. But now stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face.” The lord said to Satan, “Very well, then, everything he has is in your power, but on the man himself do not lay a finger.” Then Satan went out from the presence of the lord.

One day when Job’s sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house,…a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys were grazing nearby,and the Sabeans attacked and made off with them. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!”…another messenger came and said, “The fire of God fell from the heavens and burned up the sheep and the servants, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!”

… another messenger came and said, “…three raiding parties…swept down on your camels and made off with them… I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” …another messenger came and said, “Your sons and daughters were feasting…suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!”

At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The lord gave and the lord has taken away; may the name of the lord be praised.” In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.

Job 1:8-22

Reflection

Consider Job’s experiences, just in one day, then look at your own—could you walk in Job’s shoes? Could you experience what he did and still never question, doubt, or blame God? Job lost the animals that would provide his family sustenance and keep his land lush and rich; he lost all of his servants except four messengers who came to deliver bad news; each time increasingly more horrific than the last; he lost his sons, daughters, and his brother—all in one day, yet he got on his knees and prayed to God and praised His Holy Name.

That is a testament to true faith, devotion, and dedication to servanthood in God’s Kingdom. I pray to one day have the faith that can withstand whatever life brings my way. Until then, I keep having my demonstrations and learning my lessons.

Prayer

Father, I want to be more like Job. I want to have the faith to know that no matter what happens to me, You will never forsake me or let harm come to me; You will never let me endure more than I can handle. Father, I want the strength to fall down and get up, I want the strength to look at fear directly and rebuke it plainly without hesitation or trembling. I want to stand steadfast in Your word and light, knowing that in You I am always protected and loved. You know me Lord, You know my worth and what I’m made of, show me the way Father. In Your son Jesus’ Name I pray to You this day and always. Amen.

Touch someone’s heart today. Be a blessing to everyone you encounter.

Lovingly,

Natasha

Breaking Bread For 7.6.21

July 6, 2021Natasha Leave a comment

Scripture

Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a person to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble.
It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall. So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves. But whoever has doubts is condemned if they eat, because their eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.

Romans 14:20-23

Reflection

“…and everything that does not come from faith is sin.” How bold is that statement? If we eat food but not based on faith that God would provide, but just in the thinking that it was luck, happenstance, or only because of our labor- we have sinned. If we wish for something better in our life—a new home, a new job/career, a baby, a new car, marriage, a vacation, or financial wealth—yet it is a wish and prayer not based in faith, but rather chance or luck, or that we alone can make it work, then we have sinned.

Whatever we speak, think, do, or consume should have a foundation in faith, and the belief that God will always provide a solution, a way, and a path, and it will always be on time and in abundance. Let’s stop relying on man’s devices, laws, tricks and schemes to gain wealth, happiness, and joy—instead let’s turn to our most faithful Father-Mother to provide what we need and when we need it.

Prayer

Father, of the verses I just read I took from this that anything that does not come from faith is a sin. Whatever done, said, consumed, or thought, which is not derived from faith is deemed a sin in Your eyes. So I pray that my thoughts, actions, deeds, and words are produced through faith not fear; faith not anger; faith not arrogance; faith not envy; faith not greed. I pray that whatever food or drink that I consume that I show thanks for the blessing, having faith that You will always provide sustenance for me each and every day. I thank You for my provisions and shelter. I say these words and stand firmly as a follower and lover of Christ, in Your Name. Amen.

Love always,

Natasha

Breaking Bread For 7.5.21

July 5, 2021Natasha Leave a comment

Scripture

…Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”

Mark 5:36 NIV

Reflection

Fear is information. How we process it depends on how deeply we believe the information to be true. The more we believe that harm may or will come to us, the more intense the feelings. The truth is, fear has no power and authority over God. It only seems to have power and authority over you, because you’re the one fueling it daily. You give it the attention and tells it how important it is to you, and so it grows bigger and seemingly stronger. But it’s all a big, ugly lie. You are being haunted and taunted by a lie. You are losing precious moments because of a lie. Time ticks away while you are consumed and drained away by a lie. You lack joy because you have replaced it with a lie. You are a slave to the lie.

Fear feeds off of you believing the lie to be truth. It controls you because you give it power. Ironically, if you look closely you will see that you hold the key to those shackles.

Choose freedom instead. Choose to break those shackles and live a life of thriving, not just surviving. Carefree breathing in absolute peace and harmony, aligned fully with God—that’s what we could have each day, if only we let go of fear.

We must face our fears and overcome them if we truly want to live. We must rise each day with conviction, purpose, and a plan—and then walk with determination to make things happen each and every day. If we don’t face our fears they will hunt us down and turn our dreams into nightmares, and our nightmares into reality.

What are your fears?

Where are you in your life’s journey at facing down those fears? Are you sick and tired of coming up short in so many areas of your life? Do you know this is only happening because of your lack of faith in God?

Are you ready to take that first step towards stomping on or confidently walking past one of your fears? Then let’s do this!

I want to live a long, loving, joyful, peaceful, healthy, rewarding, successful, wise, and prosperous life—how about you? So let’s open our spiritual eyes, stretch our minds, prepare our hearts, and take that first step today!

Prayer

Father, I have to believe that You will protect me from harm, guide me down the right paths, prepare me for what’s ahead, and always make a way out of no way. I have to believe that with You, I can do all that You have placed on my heart. Storms have no power over You. Debt has no power over You. Diagnoses and prognoses have no power over You.
Father, I’m praying for my release from the trauma caused by fear. I’m praying for the ability to not be consumed by fear, even when facing death. Day by day, please remove the vice grip of fear that I placed upon myself, so that through You, I can replace it with complete faith in You. I pray these things with the deepest of sincerity. Amen.

Love,

Natasha

Breaking Bread For 7.2.21

July 2, 2021Natasha Leave a comment

Scripture

…in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.

Titus 2:7-8 NKJV

Reflection

When you know right you should live right. You should be the same person in church as you are in the streets. You should be the same person you are with strangers as you are with friends and family. The essence of who we are should be unchanged. Our heart should not be questionable. We shouldn’t speak one way yet act another. It should be consistent and irrefutable. Naysayers shouldn’t be able to dispute you and knock you down. Your character should be your character. Not an act but an is.

A great quote shared by Corrie ten Boom, helps to balance us in our confusion and worry about living right :

“Don’t worry about what you do not understand. Worry about what you understand in the Bible but do not live by.”

How deep and moving is that message? Some things we just don’t understand, and for those things we shouldn’t rack our brains trying to figure it out—for God will bring the knowledge in due time. But for those things we do know and understand in the Bible, if we aren’t obeying what God and Jesus instructed then we should be more than alarmed—we should be working aggressively to make things right in our life.

We should be praying to God to release us from our self-inflicted bondage.

We should remove what’s wrong in our lives and replace it with what’s right. Our thoughts, speech, dress, habits, obsession with material possessions, false need for instant gratification, and our issues with honesty and loyalty—should all be purged and replaced by examples we would want Jesus to see and commend.

Each day we can work on ourselves. Each day we can embrace more love and pour into others more love. Each day we can rely less on man and human expectations, and lean more on God—and use Jesus’s example to think, speak, live and do BETTER. Each day we should open up and pour out ourselves to God!

Prayer

Father, I understand that I may be the only example of a Christian or servant of Christ, that some have encountered, I may be the only Bible they have ever heard, and I never want to set a bad example that will turn potential followers away.
Let my thoughts, speech, and actions be that of a dignified and loving ambassador—faithfully representing Your Kingdom. Mold me Father. In Your Name I pray. Amen.

Love,

Natasha

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