DailyDevotionals – Breaking Bread With Natasha

Breaking Bread For 6.7.24

Today’s Theme: How Would You Rate Yourself as a Representative of Christ?

Audio Option

Please click on the audio player below to listen to today’s message. You can fast-forward past the intro and get straight to the message by clicking the play button, and then the 30-second fast-forward button on the audio player. Thank you!

https://www.spreaker.com/episode/breaking-bread-for-june-7–60242100

Scripture

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

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

Romans 2:19-23

Reflection

What if someone never read the Bible and never went to church but only had you to rely on to show them how a “Christian,” a believer, a disciple of Christ, should be, should act, should speak, and should think? What would be their experience? How would you rate yourself as a representative of Jesus Christ if given a scale of 1-7? (1 =poor example, 7=awesome example)

If someone secretly videotaped you for several weeks or months, what would that tape show about you and how you live, speak, treat yourself, and treat others? How much are you aligned with the life Jesus lived for us to model?

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

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

Do you say that people can control their urges and avoid addiction, yet you just have to consume or partake in something regularly to feel a sense of normalcy? Sexual addiction (on every level) is just as intoxicating and destructive as alcohol addiction, drug addiction, or gambling addiction. And let me add that sugar is the most addictive substance we can consume. Just throwing some things out there. So be mindful of your judgment of others.

When we play with fire, we will always get burned.

Pray to God to show you the truth about yourself and your relationship with Him, then pray for the strength and courage to acknowledge your ways and your disconnect from Him, then do your part to realign with Him and live like His honorable and dignified child.

I’m praying each day for a strengthened and fortified relationship with Him, for a changed heart and life— the way God intends— so I can represent and reflect the love, light, joy, honor, and purity that is in and of Him. I want my life to be God-centered and focused—how about you? We sin because we don’t trust and believe in Him to provide what we desire when we desire it. We sin because our relationship with Him is self-centered and focused and not as a partnership where we trust Him to lead and provide.

Let’s be the example we want to see in the world, not the example of the world we cave to under pressure. We can do this. We can. Don’t let the enemy convince you otherwise.

Prayer

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

Place the mirror before me Father. Let me see my true self. Let me see the areas that need correction and improvement, where I’m disconnected and not in agreement with You, and where my trust is not present. There is no greater and more important relationship than with You, and if I’m not glorifying You then I’m not truly serving You. I want to be a trusting and trustworthy disciple. Let’s work together to strengthen and heal our relationship. I love You Father and I only want to do right in Your Sight. 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.

Love,

Natasha

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

Breaking Bread For 5.23.24

Today’s Theme: Be Comforted By God’s Competence

Audio Option

Please click on the audio player below to listen to today’s message. You can fast-forward past the intro and get straight to the message by clicking the play button and then the 30-second fast-forward button on the audio player. Thank you!

https://www.spreaker.com/episode/breaking-bread-for-may-23–59440991

Scripture

Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. He comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 HCSB

Reflection

No matter what happens in your life, God can help see you it through, heal your wounds, and push you up the mountainside and up out of the valley. God can erase your tears and fears, remove the pain, and restore your joy. You must open up and let Him in. You must walk holding the hand of our Savior, Jesus Christ—following his lead every step of the way. Whenever you get overwhelmed and forget, just stop and pray—and you will remember!

Prayer

Father, I know that there will always be tests, challenges, setbacks and failures in life. I accept these things as necessary steps to make me greater, stronger, wiser, more courageous and even more compassionate. The more I overcome, the more I am molded and aligned with You.

I accept my role on this planet and in Your Kingdom, and through both joy and sorrow I gladly, and humbly, will do my part. I know that I can always turn to You, seek comfort in You, and direction from Your son Jesus. Thank You Father!

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 5.22.24

Today’s Theme: We Don’t Have Time to Be Sidetracked

Audio Option

https://www.spreaker.com/episode/breaking-bread-for-may-22–59440985

Scripture

Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.

Proverbs 4:25-27

Reflection

No matter what happens in life, we must not allow ourselves to be sidetracked. The enemy is the master of the sidetrack. The creator of the con. The ultimate of accusers. We must discipline ourselves to rebuke and walk away from the sidetrack, con, and accusations.

When you know your identity, purpose, mission, and goals, then you become conditioned to speak Truth to the lies and declare who and what you are and to Whom you belong. You are not a puppet of Satan. You are not dispensable. You are a child of the Most High, God above all gods, beings, and creations. And you were created to walk boldly as His reflection, His beloved.

God has a plan for each of us, and we must do our part to reach the goals ahead. We don’t have time to look back and ponder. We don’t have time to contemplate if the direction is the right way; we must go where God points us. Trust Him. Follow and obey.

Be trustworthy, and then trusting Him comes without hesitation. Be someone worthy to follow, and then following Him comes without question. Don’t give the enemy the power to sidetrack you into second-guessing God and your relationship with Him. See and identify the traps and then walk around them.

Prayer

Father, please guide my thoughts, words, heart, and feet. I will work each day to follow and obey. 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 5.21.24

Today’s Theme: Don’t Give to the Enemy What He Can’t Take or Make.

Audio Option

https://www.spreaker.com/episode/breaking-bread-for-may-21–59440980

Scripture

Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

Romans 5:3-5

Reflection

Through uphill battles and downhill falls, we persevere, grow, and develop our character with a restored sense of hope that tomorrow will be better and that after this storm will come the rainbow and the beautiful rays of God’s Light shining brightly. Never lose faith and hope that God will always see you through life’s issues, failed relationships, economic downturns, personal hangups, and moments of fear and frustration. Praise Him. Thank Him. Sing and dance as though you don’t have a care in the world—because you know that God is taking care of you and your needs, even if you can’t see the solution—know it’s there.

Those who struggle with this concept, understanding, and Truth, probably will or won’t admit that they also struggle with fully embracing their relationship with God, building and strengthening the intimacy that He wants to have with each of His children. When we fail to commit to Him, we tend to think that He is also not committed to us. We think that our dismissive ways are a reflection of how He sees and relates to us. That is a lie the enemy keeps on loop in your mind. Rebuke it. Know the Truth, speak it, live it, and be free in it. For what God wants for you, the enemy can’t and never will be able to provide or even counterfeit.

In this fight for our souls, the friction is intense, but with perseverance, our character is formed, and hope is restored, renewed, and reinforced. Don’t give to the enemy that which he can’t take or make.

Prayer

Father, I praise Your Name through good times and in bad because I know that through life’s trials and tribulations I grow stronger, wiser, and closer to You, Father. I know that every time I fall and get up, every time I face a setback, my perseverance is helping to build my character as Your ambassador; and every day that I rise to see the sun I know that I am truly blessed. So I 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.

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

Breaking Bread For 5.20.24

Today’s Theme: Peeling Back the Layers of Our Hypocrisy, Ignorance, and Immaturity

Audio Option

https://www.spreaker.com/episode/breaking-bread-for-may-20–59440987

Scripture

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.

But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.

James 1:22-26

Reflection

If our walk with God was intended to be easy, then everyone would be able to do it effortlessly and we wouldn’t have trauma in our lives, and Jesus would never have been placed in the position to atone for our sins and sacrifice his human existence to prove an eternal spiritual existence. If our walk was to be easy, then even Jesus’ demonstration through his life would have been made easy.

The world around us is filled with goodness that oftentimes gets manipulated and coerced into following the darkest of ways—but the foundation and roots are still governed by God, who is merely waiting for the world to make a decision and commitment to walk in His Light, by His ways. As you make your journey through life, you will be tempted to stray from your path. You will be tempted to return to old habits that plagued your life. You must decide which life you want to lead.

I’m not telling you to change your life like a light switch because as quickly as you attempt to turn one way, you will quickly be tempted and give in to resuming your old lifestyle. Every day we must work and strive to be better people. Every day we must work to give up bad habits. Everything in life can’t be dropped cold turkey without a great deal of pain and frustration, and if we could easily handle pain and frustration, then we would never have adopted the negative habits, to begin with!

If you are accustomed to cussing folks out and calling people out of their names in your private life, but in your public life, you act like the sweetest angel ever created—sometimes going so far as to pretend as though you don’t cuss people out and call them out of their names—guess what? You are a liar, and you are first telling the biggest lie to yourself.

We all have flaws, and none of us are perfect. Look at your flaws and decide what you can and will begin to change about yourself beginning today. Then each day, work at turning that negative into a positive, turning pain into strength, and fear and hate to love.

When I was a senior in high school, my father always said to me, “Cussing is what a person does when they can’t intelligently convey what they are trying to say.” Many of us would opt to cuss than take the time to find another way to verbalize what we are thinking and how we feel. It didn’t mean my dad didn’t use profanity. It doesn’t mean that I don’t. But can we find other words to describe our joy, pain, frustration, and anger? Sure, we can. But will we make that conscious effort?

Are you willing to try to find alternative ways to express yourself?

Watch what you invest, ingest, and digest into your life, and decide what you can remove immediately or gradually. Do you enjoy watching a certain type of movie, playing a certain type of video game, indulging in certain “private” acts of pleasure, or listening to certain genres of music, but you know you may or may not admit to it publicly, at church, or to your beloved grandmother? Seems hypocritical, doesn’t it?

Only if you profess to be living some high and mighty way while knowing you’re not. If you love horror and gore movies, don’t act like you only watch the Hallmark channel. If you’re into playing violent video games, don’t pretend to be playing something more appropriate for a small child. It doesn’t make you evil for enjoying violent entertainment. Lying about it simply makes you a liar. God already knows what you do, so telling humans something different means you’re more concerned about their judgment and opinion of you than His.

If you’re concerned with the things you do privately and want to change in some way, then work to do something about it but don’t be a fraud in the process. We’re all works in progress, in a process that takes time.

Just “keep it real” while God is molding you; if not, life only gets harder, more difficult, and more frustrating, and you will find yourself trying to avoid the pain and difficulty—which is only going to lead you down paths of more deception. We have to be comfortable in the pain and discomfort, understanding it’s temporary. Masking it and numbing it with counterfeit alternatives pulls us farther from God.

Let’s be responsible and accountable. Pick a lane, and don’t straddle or swerve across them—if you do, expect to get a ticket for lane violations!

Prayer

Father, every day I pray to you countless times as the hours pass and my blessings shine over my mounting trials and tribulations. The closer I get to You, Lord, the more challenging life seems to become at times because the way of the world is beginning to now seem different to me, and I am seeing my life through a different lens.

As these changes are taking place, the “enemy” keeps trying to convince me to stay as my old self, to hang with those people who aren’t good stewards and ambassadors for Your Kingdom; and there is pressure to behave, think, and speak in a way that is not loving and Christ-like.

As I move to focus my eyes, heart, and life more on You I am being tempted and tested by outside forces to live a double life, one that shines brightly as Your representative on some days, or during certain periods of the day, and the other life that stays hidden away where I can secretly indulge in my old “ways” of living. Father this battle for my soul can only be won when I let go, surrender, and let You have all of me.

When I question why certain things seem to happen to me at the oddest and most inconvenient of times, why bad situations seem to blindside me, and why I’m tempted by outside forces to invest my time and energy into other things and other people instead of You, I know that it is because it is a test of my commitment and devotion to You. I want my relationship with You to be unshakable and unquestionable. I love You, Father. Amen.

Well, family, I hope this message has helped you as it has helped me. I will continue to pray for your peace, joy, and safety each day and hope that you, too, pray for me. 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 5.19.24

Today’s Theme: The Recklessness of Uncontrolled Anger

Audio Option

https://www.spreaker.com/episode/breaking-bread-for-may-19–59440977

Scripture

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.

James 1:19-20

Reflection

A child of God should be strengthened in His Word and by the example of His son Jesus Christ. We should have the discernment to see, hear, feel, and know when things are wrong and not of God. We should have the discernment to see, hear, feel, and know when we are being moved toward darkness.

We should be disciplined enough to turn away from darkness and not give in to anger and rage. Pray for the strength to be more loving even when others aren’t (being) loving to you. As the old adage goes, “If you have nothing good to say, then say nothing at all.” We should practice this daily so as not to fall into the enemy’s trap.

The enemy wants you to be caught up in chaos and confusion. Don’t give in to that foolishness. Turn the mess over to God. I struggle with this as I’m quick to want to put someone in their place, but that’s not my role or assignment. The moment my words are fueled by anger, I’ve lost, and the enemy has won. I’m now not right in Truth, even if I may be right in fact.

Let that absorb in your mind and heart.

Prayer

Father, help me to listen more intently and purposely. Open my eyes to see the things I overlook, and help me to clearly discern what’s before me. I pray that I stop to think before I speak so that only loving words come from my mouth. I hope that I turn to You so that my emotions don’t bubble out of control, and grow to anger and rage.

Father, I know that anger is not a by-product of Your love and Light. It is in weakness that a person turns to anger and violence to address their concerns and issues. It is a weak person that lashes out verbally or physically. I want to be strong in You. Touch my heart so that I can align in all ways to 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 5.18.24

Today’s Theme: How We Treat Sinners and Enemies Is A Reflection of Our Relationship With God.

Audio Option

https://www.spreaker.com/episode/breaking-bread-for-may-18–59440994

Scripture

“If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that.

And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full.

But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”

Luke 6:32-36

Reflection

You must walk the path that God directs, not looking for a short-cut or smoother way. That means showing mercy to others even when it is easier to turn away. Lend or give money even if you don’t expect repayment. Love those who say they hate you. Love those who are determined to destroy you, ruin your reputation, take what you have, or make you feel less than who and what you are as God’s child. You don’t have to be buddy-buddy and affectionate to love someone. We can love in spite of their ignorance and inner ugliness because we know that God loves them. He counters hate with love.

Love is accepting their limitations, not trying to browbeat them for it.

Yes, I love those who hate, fear, loathe, and detest me. I love those who call me ugly while they spend thousands and thousands of dollars to look like me. I love those who say vile words about me because I know the truth is they actually fear and envy me, thinking I have or will have something that they think should only belong to them.

I live rent-free in their minds because they are obsessed with me and what I represent. Why else would they invest so much time, money, and effort trying to disrespect, dehumanize, discredit, devalue, and destroy me? It’s because, in their darkness, they see my Light. In their lack, they see my excess. They see God in me, and it repulses them. They listen to and conform to the lies that the enemy tells them, even when they think they are following and honoring the God of Jesus, Moses, Noah, Abraham, Esther, Mary, Debra, and others from our ancient past.

I see the god and gods they’re blindly or blatantly worshipping, and I forgive them for their stupidity. So, no, I don’t like what they say and do, but I love them despite their ways. I love them because I know they’re sick from the contamination of lies they have spent most, if not all, of their lives, digesting and believing. I know that they are plagued by a generational curse that haunts them. They are exhausted, and it shows on their faces and through their actions. That’s why I show them grace and mercy.

I love them because I know that the energy they pour out is weak and miserable, and the only Source of healing for them is God. The only salvation they have is God. So, I love them because I want them to see and embrace His Light. I want them to see the counterfeit for what it is and run instead to God. I don’t need their acceptance or apology. They need to do right by God. He is their Judge. He determines what happens to their souls.

I desire their realignment in God. I can only want that if I love them. I know who I am and to Whom I belong. I’m not trying to be like them, I’m trying to be like Him. I know my strength, power, and identity comes from Him. They are the confused ones. They are the lost ones. So out of love, I pray for their spirits and souls. It is all about God and about our role and purpose as ambassadors in Christ, building God’s Kingdom. It has nothing to do with your image, ego, pride, self-esteem, self-worth, bottom line, or personal brand. Be the Light you claim to be. Pray for your enemy. Touch a stranger’s life today, even with a simple act of kindness, and watch the ripple effect of God’s love spread.

Prayer

Father, daily I am working to be a better person in every way, in every situation, and to every person regardless of how they look, what they believe, or how they treat me. Father, it’s because of the value and importance of the heart that I strive to be better and do better. It’s not about them it’s about what’s in my heart. It’s about my relationship with You and strengthening our bond. I don’t want to disappoint You. I don’t want to disappoint myself.

I understand the importance of pouring Your goodness into a world plagued by Your opposite. Every day You pour into me and I want to pay it forward to all of Your children. I hope that we may grow in Your love, to love and help others, show grace and mercy, and reflect Your Light. Father, help me to grow closer to You and stand tall in Your confidence. I love 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 5.17.24

Today’s Theme: You Keep Judging and Condemning. Whew, Aren’t You Tired Yet?

Audio Option

https://www.spreaker.com/episode/breaking-bread-for-may-17–59440976

Scripture

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”

Luke 6:37

Reflection

We spend so much time butting into other people’s lives and personal business that we fail to realize that we are stepping outside of the boundaries God set for us. We are in no position to say who sins more or less, who is going to heaven or hell, or who is evil or good. We’re supposed to be living our lives focused on being better people, better stewards, and loving everyone despite our differences.

While you’re screaming about someone going to hell, just remember to mentally prepare yourself to join them. Heck, you might be on their welcoming committee. Or you might find yourself sold out, and they aren’t sitting there in misery with you. Either way, a dumb look will be planted on your face!

We spend so much time holding grudges and carrying around the burden of our ego and pride that we never consider how freeing it would be if we only stopped and forgave those who wronged us. Unhinge that dead weight!

Forgive. Let go. Stop judging. Stop condemning people to a fate you would never wish on a loved one. Stop being ugly. Start living and start loving. Start allowing God to be your God, and then you can let go of pain, fear, anger, and shame as your gods.

Prayer

Father, I pray for a warmed heart to forgive those who have intentionally and unintentionally hurt me. I pray that my heart be filled with peace to not judge or condemn other people.

Father, my role in Your Kingdom is to be a good steward and ambassador, not serve as judge, jury, dictator, or ruler over Your children. It is not my place to say who is keeping or breaking Your commandments, or who is fulfilling their duties as Your ambassadors. You are the only Judge and I apologize for all of the times I have crossed the lines and forgot my place and position. Touch my heart Lord. In Your Name I pray. Amen.

I pray that you are blessed, that you see and embrace your blessings, and that you are a blessing to others. Have an amazing day. I love you all—friends, family, associates—those near, those far, those traveling, and those that I only know through these Breaking Bread messages.

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

Breaking Bread For 5.16.24

Today’s Theme: The Bold and Beautiful Truth About Our Relationship With God, Our Father.

Audio Option

https://www.spreaker.com/episode/breaking-bread-for-may-16–59440983

Scripture

“I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart.”

Jeremiah 1:5 NLT

Reflection

What God has intended for you, He doesn’t have intended for someone else. What is yours is yours, and what is theirs is theirs. What’s meant for you will be yours.

We need to stop hating and start celebrating. Give people their “props” for all that they have and all of their blessings. Stop disrespecting God by making comments that infer or directly state that His child didn’t earn or deserve their blessings.

God’s relationship with them is unique, and you have absolutely no clue what’s going on over there, just like they have no clue what your relationship with God is like or what He has planned for you.

Focus more on Him and less on you. Focus more on Him and less on what others have. Focus on Him.

Recite these words until they are your own:

“I WILL embrace my God-given uniqueness and celebrate the distinctions He has placed in others.”

Prayer

Father, there is no one who knows me like You. There is no source, human, being, spirit—nothing, that knows and understands me like You. You know my heart, no one else does. You made me like no other. I want to strengthen my relationship with You, Father. I want to embrace what I have with You. I love 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 10.11.23

Today’s Theme: We Are Free, You Just Have to Open Your Eyes and Heart and See!

Audio Option

https://www.spreaker.com/user/10502405/breaking-bread-for-october-11

Scripture

Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again.

Exodus 14:13

Reflection

The bondage of today will be freedom tomorrow as long as you turn your cares, worries, and fears over to the Lord to handle. What is rightfully yours will be yours, and you can never lose what is rightfully yours. What is meant to be, God will bring to fruition without your persuasion, manipulation, or bargaining.

Let Him handle the people who attempt to stunt your growth, control you, or harm you. He can touch and change their hearts or remove them from your space and place.

Look at your current situation and if it needs improvement, even drastically, know that God has it handled, and it was taken care of long before you became aware of the circumstances. His ways are not ours, His patience exceeds anything we could try to emulate, and His reality is what we would experience if only we removed these blinders and trusted Him more than we fear what mortal mind says.

Everything we need in life God has already provided, we just need to believe, first, then see and embrace our blessings as they are delivered before us. He has given us the power, authority, and ability to create our freedom — not just what we keep shackling ourselves to. We enslave ourselves yet cry out. We are free beloved. When will we realize that what is around us is a lie and that the truth and freedom is one choice, one action, one statement away?

How long? Not long.

Not long, before you and I are delivered from these shackles of fear, shame, pain, guilt, sorrow, and frustration. Not long indeed. For God has already worked things out for us. We just have to open our eyes and look through the lens of faith to see clearly that we are already free!

Lovingly, I share this message with you. I hope that something I said has touched your heart, opened your eyes, and shed light on your today and tomorrow. We must let go of thinking about yesterday and what woulda, coulda, and shoulda happened had we done this or that. We must let go of the past and what someone did or didn’t do to us, and live in the present of what God is providing for us today, so that we might have a brighter and bolder future.

We are free my brothers and sisters. We are free!

Prayer

Father, today I pray for deliverance from fear, shame, pain, resentment, negativity, and all other things that would bind me to lies. I want to be comforted in You when I encounter rejection, betrayal, ignorance, lies, and deceit. Help me to quickly see and cling to Your Truth, and declare it boldly.

Father, free me from the grip of those who use me for their own personal gain. Free me from those who take me for granted. Open my eyes Lord so that I can discern and fully embrace what’s before me. I want to be restored to my rightful place. I want to stand tall in who and what I am, fully aware of my identity, and rejecting the falsehood of this world’s machinations.

I am Your child, Your creation, carrying Your power and presence, with all of the abilities that You have gifted me, and I will not shrink, cower, be confined, or enslaved. I am You and You are me, and nothing and no one will separate me from You. In Your Name I pray 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.

I love you. Take care!

Natasha

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

Breaking Bread For 10.4.23

Today’s Theme: God’s Gifts and Plans For You Are Yours

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https://www.spreaker.com/user/10502405/breaking-bread-for-october-4

Scripture

“For God’s gifts and his call can never be withdrawn”

Romans 11:29 NLT

Reflection

Years ago, my friend Kenya forwarded a message to me that said, “When God created you, He deposited seeds of greatness inside of you.” And with this knowledge, consider the endless possibilities that are brought forth by God’s gifts. We are filled with greatness and the brilliance to bring about positive change in our lives and the lives of our fellow brothers and sisters around the world. It’s the tree analogy that I’ve spoken about through this blog and in my Seek Him book series.

God doesn’t play mind games. He doesn’t mock. He doesn’t do take-backs. Those are the methods of the enemy. God doesn’t give us gifts and then take them back. Our gifts weaken, wither, and die because we choose to misuse, abuse, or not use them. Just like our muscles, if we don’t properly use our gifts, they atrophy and die. That’s not God’s doing. That’s on us.

We don’t all have the same gifts, yet we’re so busy looking at what someone else has we feel deprived, and we don’t nurture our own gifts. We’re too caught up in the limitations of the flesh that we don’t see the endless opportunities of the Spirit. Let go of your fears and concerns, and hold on to your hope, faith, and love. Live with gratitude, and then you won’t have any space to live any other way. Be the tree that God planted!

Prayer

Father, You have made me in Your image and likeness, a spiritual being, facing the complexities and nuances of this world while inhabiting a body of flesh. As long as I remember who I am, what I am, and that I am Yours, then I won’t ever lose sight of what I’m called to do and how I’m supposed to live.

I don’t want to waste and squander the gifts You have given me. Help me to live with daily gratitude, not focused on lack but on abundance. I want to be firmly rooted in You as Your tree. I thank You for Your love and care. 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

Today’s Theme: How Would You Rate Yourself as a Representative of Christ?

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Today’s Theme: Be Comforted By God’s Competence

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Today’s Theme: We Don’t Have Time to Be Sidetracked

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Today’s Theme: Don’t Give to the Enemy What He Can’t Take or Make.

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Today’s Theme: Peeling Back the Layers of Our Hypocrisy, Ignorance, and Immaturity

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Today’s Theme: The Recklessness of Uncontrolled Anger

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Today’s Theme: How We Treat Sinners and Enemies Is A Reflection of Our Relationship With God.

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Today’s Theme: You Keep Judging and Condemning. Whew, Aren’t You Tired Yet?

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Today’s Theme: The Bold and Beautiful Truth About Our Relationship With God, Our Father.

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Today’s Theme: We Are Free, You Just Have to Open Your Eyes and Heart and See!

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Today’s Theme: God’s Gifts and Plans For You Are Yours

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