Breaking Bread For 2.28.23

February 28, 2023Natasha Leave a comment

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Scripture

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full”

John 10:10

Reflection

The enemy, the father of lies, the one I call “it” is the master deceiver, con artist, and crook. What “it” presents will rarely seem dubious, dark, and sinister, but instead will look like light, it will resemble that which your mind and heart desires. “It’s” waiting on you to fall for the spiritual clickbait, the phishing and spear phishing, the ransom ware, Trojan attack. “It’s” betting on your inability to discern truth from lies, fact from fiction, real from fake, a great counterfeit from the authentic original.

“It’s” betting on your fleshly desires to outweigh and overrule your spiritual discipline. “It’s” lying in wait for you to cave in to the pressure of temptation, of FOMO (fear of missing out), and hoping that envy and jealousy can kick in and cause enough havoc that you run desperately to the trap.

That’s why our relationship with God can’t be a passive one, a conditional arrangement, something you fall back on when you run out of options; one you turn to only when you’re asking for something. The enemy has one ultimate goal, one mission—to steal, kill, and destroy every relationship that God has—one day at a time, one soul at a time. That’s why you must be in agreement with God, aligned with Him, suited up for your daily battles, and trusting in Him to take care of you and all that you love, as He masterfully takes on the spiritual war.

Jesus came to say, “Hey folks this is a bigger threat than you think it is…the enemy is truly a soul snatcher…soldiers mount up!” The enemy has an army and is fueled by envy, jealousy, and hate of all that we are and all that God created us to be. Keep acting like this is a game that you get to keep playing by pressing the reset button. The enemy has no power except that which you give, and you give it by being lazy, shiftless, defiant and disobedient to God. The farther you are from God, the closer you are to enemy lines.

Ask God to equip you for life’s battles. Ask God to protect you from all enemies, of the spirit and of the flesh. Ask God to allow you to see the magnitude of your relationship with Him, and the abilities He has blessed you with to uplift yourself and others in greatness while also overcoming fear, temptation, and evil.

Learn to see yourself as God sees you, then you will speak, think, act, and live accordingly.

Prayer

Father, thank You for showing me that I have all that I need in and through You, and that Jesus is the guide to You. Any other source of supposed positive abundance is a fraud. Love, light, life, grace, freedom, respect, dignity, care, protection, and wealth can only come from You Lord.

Turn away my enemy, both perceived and actual. Shut down all attempts by others to deceive and harm me. Weaken those who would scheme to destroy what I’m working with You to build in Your Name.

Strengthen me LORD so that I can rise each day and give glory and honor to You in my testimony. Help me to see, in all ways, where I can be of help to others. Help me to always see and discern the truth. To You I give the glory. Amen.

And with that family, I pray that you are blessed, that you see and embrace your blessings, and that you are a blessing to others.

Loving you always,

Natasha

Music: Climb by Shane Ivers; Quiescent In Time by Shane Ivers – https://www.silvermansound.com

Breaking Bread For 2.27.23

February 27, 2023Natasha Leave a comment

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Scripture

All the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be.
Psalm 139:16

Reflection

David realized the power, presence, and purpose-driven nature of God. He realized that God knew him fully even before he was conceived and formed in the womb. He realized that God spoke of him long before David came to be. David realized that God had a plan and purpose for him that were bigger and bolder than anything he could ever imagine. With this understanding comes responsibility to do his part, be obedient and discerning, and don’t screw things up on his end—so that God doesn’t have to waste time fixing David’s mess.

If you read and study your Bible, then you know that David reached a point in his life where his title, rank, and fame got to his head. He went from the humble young man slaying Goliath, to an adulterer and murderer. He made a lot of messy situations, and many of us would question why God would choose him, forgive him, and redeem him. That’s our biggest problem, we forget our role and we swerve out of our lane. We’ve grown entitled to think that we can judge and determine who’s righteous and worthy of saving. Only God can see our hearts and all that’s within them.

Even David’s lust of the flesh could be reconciled by God. For God knew that David’s heart wasn’t evil. Yes, he had given into temptation but he hadn’t converted to Team Satan. God dealt justly with folks that were on the other team. God had a plan and it required David to be part of that plan, and through God’s grace, mercy, patience, and correction, we see the evolution of David— the realignment of David.

Just like we saw God do the same thing with Adam (the first sinner), Cain (killed his brother and then lied to God about it), Lamech (killed a man for hurting him and a boy for bruising him), and Abraham (the scandal with Hagar, and then the “she’s my sister” scandal that happened twice with Sarai/Sarah). Let’s not forget Isaac did the exact same thing his father Abraham did. Then we saw how Jacob lied and tricked his brother Esau and his father Isaac, to get Esau’s birthright and blessings.

These are just some of the examples of men in the Bible who God demonstrated patience, grace, mercy, and loving correction. I can rattle off examples of women too, like Eve, Sarai/Sarah, Hagar, Rebekah, Rachel, Leah, and more. All of these women let jealousy, envy, pride, and fear cause chaos in their lives. They all chose to fall into Satan’s trap one way or another. But God loved, forgave, and blessed them.

God wasn’t making up the plans as He went along. When He started anew with Noah’s family on the ark, God already had a vision for a people, for the world, for His creations. He knew the struggles, traps, and dumb decisions that would be made. He was determined to keep His covenants, His promises to individuals and to nations. He is determined to keep His promises made to you, if you will let Him.

When you dig into the Bible and study the history, cultures, customs, traditions, and languages, you get a better sense of what was going on and why they were being tested by God and tempted by Satan. You can see where, how, and why God is reconciling the world influenced by Satan to be realigned with God’s Kingdom. God has a vision of Heaven and Earth merged together as one, but humans keep getting in the way of that vision materializing in present-day.

When you dig deep into the Bible you can see the tie-ins and parallels to today. You can also see yourself in some of the stories. Can you see those moments in your life of fear, pride, envy, jealousy, greed, lust, refusing to forgive, deception, grief, depression, and lies? We read of God’s forgiveness of people that many of us wouldn’t forgive, which should help us to see how differently we see things in comparison to God. We’re focused on one thing while He’s focused on something else. We’re focused on the minor while He’s focused on the major. We can only see in front of us while He can see everything and everyone—past, present, and future.

Also, what many of us fail to see is that just as God forgave David, Jacob, Isaac, and others—God will and has forgiven YOU and me! It’s up to you to forgive yourself. It’s up to you to forgive others who have wronged you. We create the twisted madness that enslaves us in a constant state of lack, anger, depression, and chaos. We blame Satan. But Satan didn’t make us choose that as our reality. We did that all by ourselves. We choose to hold grudges, not forgive, be prideful, cheat, steal, deceive, abuse, and keep the cycle going strong. We choose to enslave and oppress people through systemic racism, sexism, classism, and other isms. We choose to hate and create division through that hate.

We choose to be the modern Sadducees and Pharisees. We choose to keep the curse of Adam and Eve present in our lives each and every day. As long as we sin the curse remains. We choose lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and pride of life. We can choose to do the opposite. We can choose to accept responsibility for our wrongdoing and sins, ask for forgiveness (and forgive ourselves), repent, atone, and realign fully with God.

Just like David and the examples of people before and after him.

Today is a blessing, a gift from God, known by Him long before our minds can fathom. How will YOU choose to spend the moments of this day?

Prayer

Father God, today I humbly come to You giving You thanks for all Your goodness and faithfulness in my life. I trust that Your plans for me are good, and I choose to turn the page of the past by choosing Your way which means to be present in the day-to-day, and hopeful for the future. I embrace the role You have chosen for me and I accept the responsibility that comes with my position. I want to break free from sin, do my part to end this generational curse, and live my best life as designed by You. I praise You for what You did, what You have done, and what You will do. In Jesus’ Name I pray to You. Amen.

And with that family, I pray that you are blessed, that you see and embrace your blessings, and that you are a blessing to others.

Music: Climb by Shane Ivers; Quiescent In Time by Shane Ivers – https://www.silvermansound.com

Breaking Bread For 2.26.23

February 26, 2023Natasha Leave a comment

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Scripture

Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.

Proverbs 31:11

Reflection

Consider a relationship where there is full trust, confidence, mutual respect, and total satisfaction without a perception of lack.

Consider a relationship where your passion for your spouse is so pure and intense that there is never a desire to seek comfort from another person outside of your relationship—for you both are satisfied and full each and every day. You’re so satisfied that you would never think about or entertain the suggestion of cheating on your spouse, because that would feel like cheating on your best friend, like cheating on God.

Consider a relationship where your spouse is your partner, your complementary equal, and rather than thinking that this person must meet all of your needs to complete you, you’re both satisfied because individually and collectively you already know that you’re complete in God. What you’re seeking in this relationship is a partnership that glorifies God and the marriage you have with Him.

Is it possible to have a relationship like this?

Yes, it is. Once we stop being selfish, self-centered, self-absorbed, self-deprecating, driven by fear—and instead, start putting God first, asking for Him to keep His hand over your relationship. When you both come to Him for His guidance and counsel, and obediently follow His lead, then you will find a realignment to God’s original plan for marriage. As I share in my book Seek Him, Volume 1: Testing Your Spiritual Comfort Zone, Proverbs 31 shows us how to be a virtuous person in our human relationships and how to be an honorable and virtuous bride of God. Imagine that!

The prayer below is not just for single folks. This prayer can be recited by married people who want to ask God for direction and even an intervention. Maybe you are a divorcée or a widow(er) and you’re visualizing a potential future partner. Maybe you think that remarriage isn’t in God’s plan for you. Well how will you know if you don’t speak to Him about it. You might need to modify the prayer, include statements or even questions for God. Have a conversation with Him to gain clarity and to state the desires of your heart. You may be thinking something isn’t possible, is too late to happen for you, while God is simply waiting for you to imagine more for your life, to take in His vision and dream the boldness and abundance He wants for you. Maybe God has been waiting for you to let the past be peacefully buried, with forgiveness and hope, so that you can have a new life with someone who has been molded for you and you for them. Let your heart guide you through the prayer below. Afterwards, take several moments in silence to meditate on your petition, remember God’s promises, and feel His presence.

Prayer

Father, I pray that Your grace blesses me with a trusting and loving heart that is drawn to a trusting and loving relationship where there is full confidence in our ability, through Your care and guidance — and that we are confident in our fidelity as we walk in this union with You. I pray for a relationship where neither of us perceive lack, because we not only are actively invested in our union but we also know that all of our needs are met by You. Where we are deficient, You fill in those gaps. Let us both see, feel, experience, and appreciate this authentic love. Let us work passionately to build, strengthen, reinforce, protect, and fight for it. Let us understand and be bound by Your vision for our relationship, with the full comprehension that outsiders have no place interfering in what You brought together. Let us appreciate our partnership and stand firm in our conviction that we not only represent each other but we represent You. Our union should be treated as intimately as we treat our relationship with You, because You are in us and we are of You. Let us never take our relationship as a couple and our relationship with You for granted, for they are intertwined and require all three of us to protect, enrich, and nourish it. I want to be the spouse who instills confidence and the one who is filled with confidence, lacking nothing and pouring into my spouse so that they don’t feel lack. I pray for these things in Your Son, Jesus’ Name. Amen.

And with that family, I pray that you are blessed, that you see and embrace your blessings, and that you are a blessing to others.

I love you all!

Natasha

Music: Climb by Shane Ivers; Quiescent In Time by Shane Ivers – https://www.silvermansound.com

Breaking Bread For 2.25.23

February 25, 2023Natasha Leave a comment

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Scripture

To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.

Proverbs 8:13

Reflection

I’m going to start at the end of line 13 because it’s something that people distort, and that is the word perverse. I’ve heard countless times of narrowly focused people who determine that perverse speech only means curse words and vulgarities, such as kinky sex acts, for instance. The word perverse means awkward, illogical, unreasonable. It’s being deliberate and obstinate in one’s defiance to speak or behave in an appropriate way.

Think of the ways people can speak illogically and unreasonably about God, Jesus, religion, spirituality, our humanity, the creation of life, etc. We could deliberately choose to say, “There is no God, I am my own god” and for those of us who believe the opposite, we would see that speech as perverse. We can pervert (which means distort or corrupt) the facts and the truth. So can you see why the writer would hate perverse speech?

Now let’s consider the rest of line 13…

Pride and arrogance are two things that many of us struggle with, and of that many, most don’t realize that they carry these boulders of burden. We quickly surmise that pride is the satisfaction of accomplishing or possessing things, qualities, etc. We can also have pride in others. We can be proud of the achievements others have made.

This is not the pride that is detested in the verse shared today. No, the pride here is the one where you’re too darn stubborn or embarrassed or insecure or emotionally drained to ask for help when you know you need it. Or when you won’t admit that you don’t know something or how to do something. You won’t ask the questions because in your mind you think the person will think your question is stupid or look at you in judgment because you should have the answers, and so you choose instead to search high and low by yourself rather than asking.

It’s like going to a library and avoiding the librarian and the card or computer index for answers. Instead you search book by book, row by row, looking for the one book you need. I’ve allowed pride to derail, stagnate, and disrupt my world too many times. I’ve struggled because of pride. The enemy uses pride to lie to you and convince you of all of the things I just mentioned. What you feel and process in your thoughts become the words you utter, then declare, then turn into action.

No different than the tool of arrogance that the enemy uses as a hammer to define you in “its” image. Arrogance voices “I know”. Arrogance says “I don’t need anyone’s help. I’m smarter and more capable of everyone I know”. Arrogance declares “There’s no one in the world doing what I’m doing, the way I’m doing it, and by the standards I’m doing it”. The enemy uses arrogance to convince you to think, believe, speak, and live out your life in the lie that you’re self-made, achieving all that you have all by yourself, everything you have is through your efforts.

Arrogance never gives credit to God, and even when there’s a semblance of credit, your efforts and power far surpass that which you have credited God for. It’s like saying, “God blessed me because I _____”. Ummm God blessed you because He’s God; because He wanted to. He doesn’t need your permission or a checklist to determine when, where, or how to bless you. In that case, we would be able to manipulate and control Him. You breathe because He says so. You have because He makes it possible. You think by His authority.

God places people, things, and other resources at your disposal, but an arrogant person will swear they found or created these things and opportunities on their own. When you separate yourself from Him, you align yourself with the enemy. There’s no third party candidate. Don’t let the enemy grab ahold of your mind and make you into a fool. That’s what happens when we choose to be prideful and/or arrogant.

You have choices in life. You can choose to do right or wrong; cheat or be faithful; be abusive or be loving; be controlling or supportive; be honorable or dishonorable; dignified or act like a complete idiot; curse at someone or choose other words to express your disappointment or anger; lash out in anger or walk away in love; be prideful and suffer, or open and receptive; steal things or earn what you want; gossip or refrain from such chatter; be arrogant or give glory to God for all that we have…we all have a choice.

No one and nothing is forcing us to make a decision in life. We choose the words and actions we engage in each day. You can’t get away with the excuse, “The devil made me do it” because although you are always under constant attack by “it”, the decisions you make are solely yours, as are the repercussions. Don’t be like Adam and blame the serpent, Eve, and God for the choices that he made. Be responsible and accountable.

So what choices will you make today?

Prayer

Father, thank You for this day, another day to express my gratitude and joy. Father, I want to be the idea You created me to be. I want to walk with the sense of dignity that comes from doing right, living right, speaking and acting in love, and placing You as my first priority.

I rebuke evil, pride, arrogance, infidelity, greed, lack, and other sinful ways. When I face these traps, Father, warm my heart but turn my head—so that I may lovingly walk away. In Jesus’ Name I pray to You and praise You. Amen.

And with that family, I pray that you are blessed, that you see and embrace your blessings, and that you are a blessing to others.

Love,

Natasha

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Music: Climb by Shane Ivers; Quiescent In Time by Shane Ivers – https://www.silvermansound.com

Breaking Bread For 2.24.23

February 24, 2023Natasha Leave a comment

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Scripture

“…to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.”

Acts 26:18

Reflection

Family, we must pray for discernment to always recognize God’s ways, presence, and Voice. Let’s look at some ways to distinguish God from satan. Even sugar-coated, the enemy’s plan is never to benefit you. If the vision is self-consuming, self-absorbed, and truly only about you and your personal gain and pleasure, then that can’t be God’s influence upon you.

Let me put things bluntly so that we’re on the same page.

Cheating on your spouse (or significant other) emotionally, mentally, or sexually is not of God. You can rationalize and tell those rational-lies to yourself all day long. The truth is, satan is in those details.

Marrying for money, prestige, influence, and/or power is not of God. That is satan perverting marriage.

Providing false testimony and bearing false witness is not of God. That is satan. Lying on your applications, contracts, resumes, profiles, tax returns, disclosure forms—is not under the guidance of God. Trying to get over on folks is satan’s scheme, not God’s way. Verbally, mentally, emotionally, sexually, financially, and/or physically abusing someone is not of God. That is the way of satan. Knowingly living beyond your means, buying things that you know you can’t afford and can lead to great debt, is not of God. That is satan tempting you to eventually become broke and broken.

Not paying employees fair living wages and providing a dignified benefits package is not of God. That is satan convincing you that you’re the master and that those wages are yours to control. My friends, that generated revenue is God’s money that you have been charged with to steward. Keep letting your employees struggle while you thrive and see how the Master Accountant reconciles those books!

Here’s some other examples to consider…

Laziness and shiftlessness, with a huge dollop of entitlement is not of God. That is satan all day and every day. Whining and complaining, and not taking responsibility or being accountable is not of God. That is satan. Living in constant fear, misery, and pain is not of God. That is satan working on your mind in triple-time, and you have given him full access to use your mind as a playground, a circus, an amusement park.

That is the enemy working against you so that you can turn from God, giving your power to the flesh, to worldly perversions of truth and righteousness, to the father of lies—until “it” becomes your god.

I prefer to not give the enemy a name, for to give it a name gives it a sense of rightful purpose and power. So calling satan“it” or the “enemy” (in lowercase) rebukes any influence that it would claim to have in my life. In the examples above I used the name “satan” (lowercase) and I’m stressing this, to help you connect on a more sensitive and passionate level with the intensity and desperation that “it” has to mentally sway and get you to destroy yourself—for “it” lacks the power and authority to do so.

Understand that the attack is mental. The attack is through your thoughts, with a goal to get those thoughts to be words of power, and then actions magnifying that power. Whether thoughts of lust, anger, revenge, or fear, it’s all coming to and attacking your mind. Which if not protected, can be penetrated. No different than giving up the power and allowing someone to hypnotize you. You leave your mind totally exposed to be manipulated. That is what “it” does.

Those thoughts can turn a healthy person into a person consumed by fear of sickness, and eventually you surrender to the lie and become consumed by illness, giving it so much power that you tune out God’s Voice and presence. The sickness becomes a substitute. The sickness becomes your god.

We must fight to protect and nurture our mind so that it’s always aligned with God’s Mind. So when we have thoughts of lust for someone not our spouse or significant other, you must rebuke that energy and understand you are being attacked. The same is true when we think of physically or emotionally hurting someone, we are being attacked by a dark presence that wants to be our puppet master. That initial hesitation to not do something is God touching you and reminding you that you have the power to say no to “it”, and instead walk upright like and with Jesus. God gives us the choice to choose Him or the enemy.

What choice will you make?

Prayer

Father, I pray for those who are blinded by pain, fear, and rage. I pray for those who are so consumed with what’s going wrong with and in their lives that they can’t seem to appreciate all that is great and wondrous in their lives. I pray that You strengthen them that they might be strong enough to fight the grip of the enemy, so that they can begin to forgive themselves and forgive others.

Father, fill me with the strength and vision to see past those who trespass against me, so that I can spend my time sharing Your loving Light with those who need it most. I appreciate all that You have done for me and all that You provide. I pray that Your children grow to see their cup overflowing and never empty or less than ideal. I pray for this wisdom also, even in days that appear cloudy, let me always remember that after those days the clouds always move away, to allow the sun to shine brightly.

Your son Jesus shared and shares so much, he gave and sacrificed the greatest of things to prove to us the nothingness of pain, fear, sickness, disease, and death. This existence isn’t our end, but merely our beginning; we should all be striving for what’s next to come in Your Kingdom. So mold us Father so that we can be present and prepared for eternal life beyond this limited existence. Help us to become better followers, servants, and ambassadors. In Your Name and in Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.

And with that family, I pray that you are blessed, that you see and embrace your blessings, and that you are a blessing to others.

Lovingly your sister in Christ,

Natasha

Music: Climb by Shane Ivers; Quiescent In Time by Shane Ivers – https://www.silvermansound.com

Breaking Bread For 2.23.23

February 23, 2023Natasha Leave a comment

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Scripture

For we live by faith, not by sight.

2 Corinthians 5:7

Reflection

Let’s discuss FAITH right now. Not fear, not doubt, not anger, not confusion, not cynicism…just faith. Faith that God is protecting us and is there for us and our loved ones always. Faith, as in supporting God’s plan and purpose for our lives. Comparing His flawless track record with humankind’s joke of a record, and without question choosing to roll with Him than gamble on man. Yeah, that faith!

The faith that is activated when we walk where God says, where He guides us, and we’re not busy trying to tell Him a different way or ask Him repeatedly, “But where are we going? I’ve never gone this way before. Are you sure this is the way you want me to go? Isn’t there an easier or better way? Is it taking this long because I’m being punished?”

Faith in what He says is what motivates us, not just that which we see. Because the truth is, some of us take WAY longer to see what God has already done for us. That’s why many of us skip by or walk right past opportunities and don’t realize it for months or years later, and then we’re emotionally and verbally attacking ourselves for our ignorance.

Faith isn’t passive. It’s active. It is our acknowledgment and the energy invested in that acknowledgment that we believe something to be true even if our flesh hasn’t registered it as reality or truth. You have faith that the sun will rise and set each day. You even have faith in stoplights activating properly, even if some are timed to trigger at slower rates—you still trust and believe they will do their job. You trust that man programmed and serviced them properly. But here’s the crazy thing—the sun, humans, and those stoplights are God’s creations.

You trust and believe in the creations but then have doubts about the Creator, as though with all of the things on His plate, that He could become exhausted and absentminded and forget what He promised, forget to watch over you, forget to do what He’s done since the moment He decided to create an idea. Our Father never sleeps or slumbers, or makes mistakes, has second thoughts, or reneges on His promises.

The enemy planted seeds of doubt and we unknowingly water those seeds when we give in to the doubt, and the more power that we give fear the more that seed grows and sprouts into weeds—that will choke us off. Don’t fall for that trap. Don’t believe those lies the enemy tells.

It’s also why God has to oftentimes disrupt things in our world and bring forward something so great, that we can’t deny it’s His works and not man’s. When you’re brought down to your knees and then lifted above your circumstances, you have to acknowledge that the uplift and restoration wasn’t your doing, that was and is God. That bold act sure does something to doubt and fear, doesn’t it?

Our God of today is no different from God of the past. And in the past, most people didn’t realize that they could have a relationship with Him, speak with Him and listen for His voice. Today, thanks to Yeshua (best known as Jesus in English-speaking lands), we know differently and can live differently—embracing our relationship with God, and choosing each day to walk with Him in partnership. We are His children. Let us live accordingly. Declare with your words and demonstrate through your actions.

Prayer

Father, my faith is truly being tested. I am tested in my belief that You are here, protecting, watching, healing, helping, waiting, directing, and leading me. I am tested in my belief that You are taking care of me and my needs, and those people that I love and cherish the most. I am tested to question my declaration of commitment to You and our relationship.

Those contradicting voices of abandonment, aloneness, inadequacy, incompetence, discouragement, and worthlessness attack me. But I know why. The enemy doesn’t want me to be in alignment with You. The enemy doesn’t want me to know, speak, and live my Truth.

Father, I know that I react to the flesh and daily I navigate this world by my physical senses, but I also know that it’s not what I see that matters; that is not what faith requires—it’s just the knowing, believing, and trusting in You and in our relationship. It’s the unknowns in life that require me to believe in You, Your grace and power, and the promises that You made.

I turn all things and circumstances over to You Father. I choose to follow Your lead, Your voice, and Your ways. I don’t know where I’m going but I trust You, so I walk and I tell the enemy to get behind me and stay silent. I stand in agreement with You, in the Name of Your Son, Yeshua. Amen.

And with that family, I pray that you are blessed, that you see and embrace your blessings, and that you are a blessing to others.

Lovingly,

Natasha

Music: Climb by Shane Ivers; Quiescent In Time by Shane Ivers – https://www.silvermansound.com

Breaking Bread For 2.22.23

February 22, 2023Natasha Leave a comment

Audio Option

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Scripture

But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.

1 Corinthians 12:24-26

Reflection

I’m going to approach these two lines in two ways:

FIRST APPROACH…

This letter to the church of Corinth was expressing the ways in which they were to see themselves as a part of the body of Christ, without division amongst them, without division between them and the other parts (churches and congregations) of the body. The understanding that there should be equal concern and care for each other and for other people who represent other parts of the body. Because if one part suffers the entire body does. If one part is honored then every part is to rejoice.

But what we tend to find, then and even now, is that we not only have infighting between ourselves and other parts, but we’re even fighting with our own part.

Imagine your heart fighting itself.

Imagine one lung fighting itself.

We already know the damage caused when a part is attacked. When a germ runs amuck and a part tries desperately to fight back, there can be great damage to that part. And to other parts, impacting the entire body. But what if there wasn’t an external culprit that attacked? What if the heart (or the lung) just started fighting itself?

Look at the disruption one part causes to itself and to the entire body. Now add to it the chaos that comes when one part attacks or refuses to help another part. What if the heart just said, “Screw it, I’m not helping the lung”? Well since the heart pumps blood and performs other awesome things each day, the lung would not be the only part to suffer. The entire body would.

We don’t realize how much we are interconnected and our interdependence upon each other. We can cause a domino effect of pain and chaos, or one of joy and stability. Consider your impact on the world and not just how the world impacts you. Stop fighting other parts (people) because they think differently or don’t agree with you. Stop attacking what you fear or can’t master.

SECOND APPROACH

What you neglect to care for today, may be gone or damaged tomorrow. Take the time to honor your entire body every single day. Stick out your tongue, blink your eyes, wiggle your fingers and toes, and smile. Look in the mirror and flash those pearly whites (even if you only have 12 left) and say, “Thank You Father”.

Rotate your head in every direction and inhale. Stretch to the heavens and exhale. Stretch to the ground God made, and smile. Stretch as you turn your waist to the east and the west, and feel your body move.

If you’re able, take a brisk walk or jog; cycle or jump rope for at least 30 minutes a few times per week. Nourish your body with clean, whole, organic foods and drinks. Show God how grateful you are to have this incredible vessel we call a body. Show God how honored and humble you are that He gave you life. Then rejoice!

Two approaches, same meaning. I hope it blessed you in some way.

Prayer

Father, thank You for my spiritual and physical body. Thank You for making me a connected part of the body of Christ. When I neglect any area I have neglected the whole. This is no different than when I partially commit to You; I am not getting the full return on my investment.

Father, I don’t want to neglect what You have blessed me with. I don’t want to have a conditional relationship with You, Lord. I don’t want to be partially committed to You. I don’t want to randomly take care of my body, or passively engage within the body of Christ. I want to have a healthy relationship with my body, and with Your children, not taking either for granted, and most importantly—not taking You for granted.

So, I Thank You Father for my recommitment, realignment, and reengagement. I love You. Amen.

Embrace this incredible day!

And with that family, I pray that you are blessed, that you see and embrace your blessings, and that you are a blessing to others.

I love you!

Natasha

Music: Climb by Shane Ivers; Quiescent In Time by Shane Ivers – https://www.silvermansound.com

Breaking Bread For 2.10.23

February 10, 2023Natasha Leave a comment

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Scripture

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

Colossians 4:2

Reflection

Prayer should not be casual (like you’re checking a box), nor should it be for show, but rather purposeful and authentic, as your dedication to taking this spiritual walk with our Father and His son. Prayer is another sign of your devotion to God, Jesus, and the Kingdom that you say you are an ambassador of and for—and that you are helping to build.

Prayer is intimate. It’s our time with God, peeling back our layers— and in this safe space, being our most vulnerable and exposed. It’s time to close the door on the world and just tune in to Him.

How will you know what He wants you to do each day, who He wants you to meet or help, and how He wants to expose you to knowledge and wisdom? How else will you know if you’re on the right path, doing the task correctly, or have successfully completed an assignment? How else will you know which option to choose if you’re overthinking something? Or be able to discern truth from lies and fact from fiction? How else will you withstand the poking, prodding, nagging, teasing, tricks, traps, and lies that Satan and its crew aim at you?

Take several moments throughout your day to pray, reflect, show and express thanks and appreciation, and give back to our Heavenly Father. Don’t just use prayer as a time to express a form of conditional love, where you are only asking for something and only thankful when you receive His blessings. It’s not transactional. That’s what we get in and from this world. With God, it’s different. Or at least it should be.

If you’re keeping a tally of your answered prayers and only speaking with Him when you want something in, of, or to combat this world, then you have made it transactional. You’re treating Him like everyone else in your life. He wants and deserves more from you. Don’t you think the One who created you and gives you breath each day deserves more?

Give more. Be more.

Be intentional during the most intimate moments of your life—those conversations with Him, as they are absolutely priceless.

Prayer

Father, throughout each day I want to stop and pray to You, to give thanks to You, and to connect with You. I don’t want to get busy in my busyness that I don’t spend quality alone time with You.

In my prayers I deepen my understanding of my purpose and Your guidance over me. Through my prayers my eyes are opened wider and my ears are more alert, I am able to discern more, because through Your patience and care I have been exposed to Your truths—and the more I believe, the more I receive.

I don’t want to neglect You and our relationship. I Thank You Father for all that I am, all that You’re molding me to be, and all that You have planned for me to do while glorifying You. There’s no better relationship, partnership, than what I share with You. I love You Father. Amen.

And with that family, I pray that you are blessed, that you see and embrace your blessings, and that you are a blessing to others.

Give yourself a hug from me. I love you!

Natasha

Music: Climb by Shane Ivers; Quiescent In Time by Shane Ivers – https://www.silvermansound.com

Breaking Bread For 2.9.23

February 9, 2023Natasha Leave a comment

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Scripture

She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.

Proverbs 31:25

Reflection

You are truly whole and complete when you get to the point where you are fearless, doubtless, and fully confident in God’s ability to see you through anything and everything that the future throws your way.

Awesome, isn’t it?

Think about never fearing losing your wealth, home, car, or anything you “worked hard to earn” —when we’re honest with ourselves, we know that means any and everything that God gave you. Wouldn’t that be an amazing feeling and experience?

Pray for that deepened, more intimate relationship with God, where your trust in Him is strengthened and stands up to the tests and temptations. See your strength, courage, and every other positive trait, characteristic, and behavior as being from Him.

When you see how much He loves you, by how little He expects from you yet how much He gives even when that love isn’t returned, imagine how your relationship would be if you gave Him all of you—and you stopped rationing yourself to Him like you’re waiting for a better suitor. He is the best. There is no greater than He. He’s waiting for you. He has so much more to give you. Bigger, better, bolder. He’s waiting for you to choose Him.

You have to believe it, let go, and lean on Him.

Prayer

Father, thank You for the strength and wisdom that guides me daily. Thank You for encircling me with love. With You, I am clothed in strength and dignity; able to raise my head and walk upright, tall, and confident. My belief in You and Your greatness builds my faith in You and in myself.

Let me laugh at whatever the future may bring knowing that no matter what, You will be right there guiding and protecting me.

Father, I pray to be as virtuous as the woman depicted in this proverb. I want all that You have to offer and I want to be all that You have envisioned and created me to be. In Your Name I pray. Amen.

And with that family, I pray that you are blessed, that you see and embrace your blessings, and that you are a blessing to others.

Love,

Natasha

Music: Climb by Shane Ivers; Quiescent In Time by Shane Ivers – https://www.silvermansound.com

Breaking Bread For 2.8.23

February 8, 2023Natasha 2 Comments

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Scripture

As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.

1 Peter 2:16 (KJV)

Reflection

We are free people given the right to make decisions in our lives. We can either choose a life of dishonesty, deceit, maliciousness, and hate, or we can choose to live in God’s loving Light.

It’s not Satan’s fault if we choose his ways over God’s. It was and is always our choice. Just like it’s our choice to repent, atone, and never repeat the act again. We choose to be in alignment with God or not. Be accountable for your decisions; that’s something Adam and Eve failed to do, and look at us now—still struggling with the same issue.

Just know that whenever we choose the ways of Satan, we are always enslaved. There is no freedom or peace there. Ever. Don’t be fooled by the tricks and lies. It’s a con game designed by a being that was created long before humans and one who has studied and mastered us, knowing that we know little about him. He knows your desires and weaknesses.

Don’t be tricked. When in doubt, ask God. Consult with Him first and always. Freedom and peace only come from walking with God.

Prayer

Father, thank You for freeing my ancestors and thank You for freeing me every time I allow myself to be shackled to fear and doubt, and to circumstances.

Father, thank You for freeing my mind and heart that I might have discernment to see the truth in the enemy’s plots and plans; discernment to see clearly the truth that some people may try to hide; and a warmed heart that I might love Your children even when they don’t express love in return. And in this freedom, I know that my mind and heart are always to be focused on You first—waiting for Your guidance. Show me the way.

In Your Name I pray. Amen.

And with that family, I pray that you are blessed, that you see and embrace your blessings, and that you are a blessing to others.

I love you!

Natasha

Music: Climb by Shane Ivers; Quiescent In Time by Shane Ivers – https://www.silvermansound.com

Breaking Bread For 2.7.23

February 7, 2023Natasha Leave a comment

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Scripture

Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-14

Reflection

Every day we must smile and say thank you when a fond memory of a loved one pops into our mind. Don’t call it coincidence—that’s God. Don’t call it freakish when you can sense that person’s presence, maybe even smell their scent, yet when you look around, no one is there—that’s God sharing them with you once more.

No one truly knows how the spiritual realm works. We don’t truly know if our loved ones rest in a peaceful sleep or if they walk about in a different (and restricted) plane and are assigned various tasks by God and the angels, or if they’re allowed to go between planes, entering our realm and walking amongst us from time to time. We don’t know. We hope that wherever they are and whatever they are doing, they are in peace, free from pain, grief, and sorrow. We want the best for them. We love them.

One thing we can hold near and dear to our hearts is that when we do think of them or sense their presence, these moments serve as reminders that our loved ones are always with us and a part of us. Those feelings of their presence are their Spiritual hugs of love. Embrace them and thank God for the opportunity. Don’t turn that joyful experience into one overshadowed by pain and despair. Don’t rain on that beautiful blessed moment. Instead, say “Thank you. I love you,” and be present in that peace.

And also, make sure that you are spending quality time with the loved ones that you have here in the flesh. Don’t spend so much time dreaming and reminiscing about the past that you allow the present to slip by. Give your loved ones flowers while they are still here, where you can hug, call, and visit with them. They shouldn’t receive the bulk of their flowers at their gravesite. You and they can’t appreciate them there.

Prayer

God I want to thank You for teaching me early on that even though our body, as a shell, will one day no longer function, we continue to live with You and Your son on another level of existence; and when our loved ones pass we may not see them in our daily lives but they are with us in Spirit, and one day we will be reunited.

Father, even though I sometimes mourn the passing of a loved one, and miss them dearly, You comfort me by allowing me to remember them and the moments I shared with them; showing me that through You and in me they are truly alive. If they weren’t, the memories would be wiped clean. Thank You Father. Amen.

And with that family, I pray that you are blessed, that you see and embrace your blessings, and that you are a blessing to others.

Love always,

Natasha

Music: Climb by Shane Ivers; Quiescent In Time by Shane Ivers – https://www.silvermansound.com

Breaking Bread For 2.6.23

February 6, 2023Natasha Leave a comment

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Let’s revisit yesterday’s Bible passage.

Scripture

The last enemy to be destroyed is death.

1 Corinthians 15:26

Reflection

Yesterday, I shared how I believe we leave this level of existence to move forward to another level. Although our bodies no longer function here, we continue to live on elsewhere. Jesus proved that death is unreal, and we should embrace the reality of eternal life with the Father and Son.

I get it; death is scary

I completely understand fearing the transition from life as we know it. I empathize with the fear of human death, no longer being in our bodies, sharing precious moments with loved ones, and enjoying favorite pastimes. I totally get it. I fear it too. I want to live in this body for as long as possible, into my 100s.

Only God knows my last day here, the last breath that I will take. The same is true for you.

So, why do we squander precious moments being consumed by lack, fear, loss, anger, and depression? Why do we choose to not take that adventure, knowing tomorrow could be our last day here? Why do we delay leaving our mark in this world? Why do we choose not to love fully when we know we will miss that person when either of us is gone? Why do we work so much and so hard if we grow more and more unhappy? Why do we make the decisions that we know will lead to spiritual, mental, and physical prisons?

If we fear death so much, then why aren’t we fully embracing life?

Your Fear Fuels The Enemy

The enemy loves it when you let life pass you by. It loves when you waste days feeling hopeless, bitter, or cynical. It laughs when your life is lopsided. When you choose work over family, having an affair over your family, or choosing drugs and alcohol over your life—and yes, even your family.

When you choose anything over living fully the life gifted to you, you dishonor God and your relationship with Him. This pleases the enemy. The enemy knows the truth about life and death and knows that the day will come when your reality will be no more, and you will have regrets through your transition. It will giggle with delight in your sobbing regrets. Because it was your choice to live the life you did. It was your choice to chase excess than live in just enough. It was your choice to obey God or give in to the enemy’s temptations. We choose the bulk of the experiences that we have.

Excluding external influences, what happens to us is our doing. No one forced you to eat artery-clogging junk food. No one forced you to cheat on your spouse. No one forced you to get the bigger house and extra cars that you struggle to pay for each month. No one forced you to work extra long hours each week, keeping you away from your family and the life you dream about. You can’t blame any of this on the devil. We make the choices—towards salvation or destruction.

If You Already Know The Truth

If you’re blessed enough to know the falsehood of death, and the enemy’s goals, then embrace fully your assignment in this human existence. Care for and strengthen the body you were given, and protect your mind from negative influences—while strengthening it with knowledge and wisdom. Protect your time and how you invest it. Protect God’s creatures and the land He made; you are called to be a steward, not a consumer. And lastly, bless others as you have been blessed—even if you don’t agree with them. God didn’t say you had to agree. He told us to love others as we love ourselves. Since we don’t want harm to come to us, don’t harm others. And when you do, remedy it, atone, and do no more harm. Learn to forgive quickly, as you hope God forgives you. It helps you to live in God’s peace instead of wallowing in the enemy’s snare. In doing so, may you always strive to glorify God. The richness of your life, invested in this way, helps to remove and replace the fear of dying with the joy of living. Death dies, and life is magnified.

Prayer

Father, help us to live fully so that we stop fearing the lie called death. Help us to stop making excuses and start moving through action. Help us see and embrace the truth so we can stop existing in these lies perpetuated by the enemy. I thank You, Father, for the past, present, and future blessings. To You, I give glory and praise. Amen.

And with that family, I pray that you are blessed, that you see and embrace your blessings, and that you are a blessing to others.

Love,

Natasha

Music: Climb by Shane Ivers; Quiescent In Time by Shane Ivers – https://www.silvermansound.com

Breaking Bread For 2.5.23

February 5, 2023Natasha Leave a comment

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Scripture

The last enemy to be destroyed is death.

1 Corinthians 15:26

Reflection

We leave this level of existence to move forward to another level of existence. At that time, we shed these shells or “tents” (as an ancient Hebrew reference) and understand clearly that although our bodies will no longer function here, we continue to live elsewhere. Jesus proved that death is unreal in the physical sense but is absolutely present in the spiritual sense. We are walking around as zombies, dead to the Truth. Death comes from sin. Sin breaks our connection and destroys our relationship with God. Adam and Eve brought sin and death to humankind, and we fight daily to resist the temptations that lead to sin and, ultimately, death. When we choose to latch on to sin and evil, our branch begins to die, and we are cut off from God.

Maybe that is why people preach and teach passionately about the existence of Hell because an eternity disconnected and separated from God is absolutely Hell in every possible sense of the concept. That isn’t what God wants. He wants us to be strong in His strength, confident in His Allness, and connected to His Tree forever. He wants us to truly experience life. What we have here on Earth, in its present state, is not life; it is existence in a battle that will lead to war. We have to choose a side and stick to our choice. Our choice determines where our souls will journey. Our choice determines whether God and Jesus will look into our eyes and say, “I never knew you,” or if they say, “Welcome, faithful servant.” Peel back the layers and see who you are and to Whom you belong. Seek Him for clarification on your calling and assignment. Don’t allow the enemy to deceive and confuse you. Be clear-minded in God. Embrace the reality of eternal life with the Father and Son.

Prayer

Father, thank You for sending Your son to remind us that only through You is there Life and because of You there is no death. Jesus proved this in his healings of those dying, the resurrection of the dead, and in his own resurrection. I pray for guidance on the spiritual death that I face in sin. I don’t want to be disconnected and cut-off from You. I want to be with You forever, serving You however You see fit. You have always been faithful to me and I want to always be faithful to You. Thank you Father for loving me. I love You. I praise You in Jesus’ name. Amen.

And with that family, I pray that you are blessed, that you see and embrace your blessings, and that you are a blessing to others.

Lovingly,

Natasha

Music: Climb by Shane Ivers; Quiescent In Time by Shane Ivers – https://www.silvermansound.com

Breaking Bread For 2.4.23

February 4, 2023Natasha Leave a comment

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Scripture

While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven.

Luke 24:51

Reflection

Imagine those last words before Jesus’ ascension. Imagine the questions, thoughts, and feelings that his disciples had but didn’t ask, speak, or express. Imagine that journey back home, their conversation internally and with each other. I’m sure there were long moments of silence. I can only imagine the contemplation that flurried around them. Verse 52 said that they worshipped Jesus and returned to Jerusalem with joy. Verse 53 says that they stayed continually at the temple praying to God.

Some of us have witnessed people take their last breath and begin that first phase of transition. I don’t know of anyone who has witnessed someone ascend upward. Other than eyewitness testimony of what has been called alien abductions. And if we pause for a moment to think of the descriptions some witnesses made about a ray of light beaming down and the person being lifted from the ground. Wouldn’t it be crazy if people had actually witnessed ascensions? Do we truly think that the last ascended person was Jesus? The Bible only mentions a few and describes fewer. Just something to ponder. A little tangent I threw in as it popped into my mind. Got ya thinking, though, didn’t I?

Now back to my original thought…

We haven’t witnessed ascensions, so we don’t know the thoughts and feelings that come rushing in all at once when you see this take place. For those of us who have seen someone pass away, we can recall the overwhelming energy that flooded us as we processed what it was we were seeing, hearing, and feeling. You start to think of the shoulda and woulda that you could have done with that person. Guilt and shame start playing patty cake in your heart. For other people, they are filled with joy and celebrate this person’s life and their promotion from God to bigger and better.

Don’t you think that’s what the disciples experienced? Remember, they were hiding out in fear of persecution of being captured and crucified too, and then Mary comes and says Jesus has risen (which they ignored), and then Jesus returns (walking straight through the door, mind you), and he blows their doubting minds. Then to add more dramatic twists, it’s not like they got to spend months or years with him before he ascended. Nope. The timing of that exit left its mark. It was impactful. It serves as a reminder, in different ways, for everyone who considers it. Watching him ascend made true believers out of those who still had some lingering doubts.

Our time here in this body is limited. Give all that you can each day. “Leave it on the mat,” as the saying goes, so that you’re not walking around with doubt and regret and being suffocated by shame. And be intentional with your relationships because you don’t know if you will be first to exit stage right or someone you know. Are you sure you want to risk engaging in mindless chatter on social media when you could be spending quality time with a loved one, mentor, teacher, or fellow ambassador for Christ?

Something to think about. Just don’t ponder for long. You have work to do.

Remember to be a blessing to others! Who will share stories about you, your life, and your impact on others when you pass away? Who will keep your memory and legacy alive? The people whose lives you positively touched.

Prayer

Father, thank You for my blessings. Thank You for the angels You have sent to protect, guide, and enlighten me. Thank You for my loved ones, those I stay in constant contact with and those I haven’t spoken to in years. For those who have been a blessing to me and allow me to be a blessing to them; and for those who need a blessing, I ask that You allow me to bless them so meaningfully that they glorify You. Your son Jesus blessed us, ascended, and we honor him as the wayshower to You. In his Name and Yours I humbly pray. Amen.

And with that family, I pray that you are blessed, that you see and embrace your blessings, and that you are a blessing to others.

I love you!

Natasha

Music: Climb by Shane Ivers; Quiescent In Time by Shane Ivers – https://www.silvermansound.com

Breaking Bread For 2.3.23

February 3, 2023Natasha Leave a comment

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Scripture

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

2 Peter 1:10-11

Reflection

Look to God for your purpose, calling, and election— confirming His plan; then live to fulfill these expectations as the LORD has called you to do. We have all been called to do certain things in life. It’s up to us to listen, act, and do our best to serve our Heavenly Father and, as He directs us, to serve His children.

When we march for His cause and walk on His chosen path, we’re in perfect alignment with Him and don’t lose our footing. It’s when we choose to live independently of Him, separated from His direction, refusing an intimate relationship with Him— do we find that we will always stumble, fall on our face, and do so repeatedly.

Prayer

Father, let me first start by saying thank you LORD for all that You do, have done, and will do. Father, this is the time for me to confirm my calling and election— let me stand firm in the knowledge and wisdom of Your plan for me. I want to serve You fully, purposely, and purposefully. I want to do right by You; I want to live the life of honor that best reflects You. Never do I want You disappointed in me Father. In Your Name I pray. Amen.

And with that family, I pray that you are blessed, that you see and embrace your blessings, and that you are a blessing to others.

Love,

Natasha

Music: Climb by Shane Ivers; Quiescent In Time by Shane Ivers – https://www.silvermansound.com

Breaking Bread For 2.2.23

February 2, 2023Natasha Leave a comment

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Scripture

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Reflection

We have a role in this world during our limited time here, and that is to work daily to reflect and glorify God, walk like Jesus, and bless the least of our Father’s children. We can only do this fully when we stay spiritually, physically, mentally, and emotionally in shape. We must walk the walk, so we aren’t disqualified from receiving the prize of that eternal crown.

Get in shape. Stay in shape. Do your part so God can freely do His. Do you think He likes having to keep waiting on you, watching your blessings sitting there waiting on you, consistently re-directing your steps, and constantly sending messengers to help you? He does it because He loves you. Our defiance breaks His heart, but He never stops believing in us, even when we don’t believe in Him or believe that He will keep His promises. Let that sit and marinate in your heart and mind.

Our body is our temple, but it belongs to God, something that He has loaned to us. It wasn’t created on an assembly line. It was custom-made, designed by His spiritual Hands, to reflect outward all that He embedded inward. If we don’t take care of our bodies, then we’re telling Him that we don’t respect, value, appreciate, or want them or Him.

Our mind is connected to His, and when we don’t keep it sharp, focused, and free from the shackles of negativity, we’re telling God that we don’t choose to keep that clear connection with Him. We’re also saying that we doubt who and what we are; we doubt the power and authority that we possess.

Our spiritual essence is the purest reflection of our Heavenly Father. If we darken it through over-exposure to negativity, fear, doubt, hate, and an embraced sinful lifestyle, then we are rejecting God and telling Him we don’t want to be transformed into His original plan. We are settling for mediocrity and giving in to the enemy’s plot against us. Our defiance tells God that we can do things without Him and that we don’t need Him or His blessings. And then, when we blunder, as we always do, and run to Him crying for help, we reveal that our relationship with Him is conditional and one-sided. We also make clear that we do need Him and are too foolish to surrender and be secure in Him.

God is pure, and what He wants from us is the purest and most rewarding relationship imaginable. Why we keep thinking we can get better elsewhere, or on our own is just plain stupid.

Our emotions allow us to be most vulnerable and transparent as God intends. Negative emotions, however, block us from fully feeling God’s presence and the power that we possess as His children. By walking around with a cloud of sadness over our heads or flames of rage surrounding us, we become consumed by those feelings, blinded by the lies, and, in turn, reject God’s essence from filling us with peace and joy.

We must be in alignment with Him, tuned in and connected. Not distracted. Not overly focused on the temporal, but wholly invested in the eternal.

Think about it and then make a decision you can commit to fully. Every step that you take toward God, He’s taking a much larger step toward you.

Prayer

Father, I want to be spiritually, physically, mentally, and emotionally in shape. I want to always be my best inside and out, and I know that this is only possible by and through Your will and grace, and through my commitment of trust, faith, and action.

So I want to step forward and fully commit and begin doing my part so that as You continue doing Your part, You are more inclined to bless me in the ways that will allow me to claim the prize in my journey. This isn’t to be a one-sided relationship. What we have is to be a marriage, a partnership, doing this together for Your glory and victory, and my perfect realignment with You. In Your Name I praise and pray. Amen.

And with that family, I pray that you are blessed, that you see and embrace your blessings, and that you are a blessing to others.

Music: Climb by Shane Ivers; Quiescent In Time by Shane Ivers – https://www.silvermansound.com

Breaking Bread For 2.1.23

February 1, 2023Natasha Leave a comment

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Scripture

When everything was hopeless, Abraham believed anyway, deciding to live not on the basis of what he saw he couldn’t do but on what God said he would do.

Romans 4:18

Reflection

Let us focus on what God tells us and shows us, not on what we think we know or what the enemy tries to convince us or on what the flesh sees and feels, but on what the spirit knows. Let’s not lean on our limited understanding but instead lean on God’s Truth. We can overcome all things through Him. Be confident, strong, and courageous in Him.

In what ways are you like Abraham?

In what ways aren’t you?

How do you think God sees you? Have you ever asked Him? Have you ever prayed to Him to reveal how He sees you so that you can better appreciate who and what you are and how valuable you are to Him? Why not try it, especially when you’re believing the lies the enemy tells you about being worthless, insignificant, not enough, washed up, a has been, and that your best days are behind you. Those are lies. Turn to the Truth. Take a moment with God and listen to what He says you will do, be, and have.

Prayer

Father, I want to believe regardless of what is going on in my life. I want to trust and have faith in You and Your plans, without question, doubt, or hesitancy. I want to trust in You against all odds. I want to remove the words “can’t” and “impossible” from my vocabulary and from my thinking. I want to grab ahold of my fears and slap them into submission. When the enemy pops off at the mouth I want to silence them through my allegiance to You. I know that demons and wicked spirits plot but I also know that nothing and no one can derail Your plans, so I walk with You. Fill me Father. Realign and mold me to Your way. Amen.

And with that family, I pray that you are blessed, that you see and embrace your blessings, and that you are a blessing to others.

I love you!

Natasha

Music: Climb by Shane Ivers; Quiescent In Time by Shane Ivers – https://www.silvermansound.com

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Let me put things bluntly so that we’re on the same page.

Here’s some other examples to consider…

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FIRST APPROACH…

SECOND APPROACH

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