Category: reflection

Peace On Earth

If my people who are called by name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14)

The word that stands out to me more than anything at the moment is: “IF”. If my people will humble themselves, seek, pray, and turn. This requires some heartfelt repentance here. This means there is going to be some deliverance, healing, restoration and going home. Most importantly a right relationship with the Lord.

We have got to be a people that acknowledges our weaknesses and submits to God’s authority. Take time to talk to God asking for his intervention. Desiring His presence and will, not just asking for His blessings. We need to stay in an active place of repentance, we have to consciously make a decision to stop sinning and start being obedient. We as parents don’t just keep blessing our children when they are doing the wrong thing, we make them earn it through respecting our authority over them, God does the same thing. We are trying raise obedient children and so is God.

God’s Promise, (“Then”) That’s when we receive the promise of His grace over judgment “when” His people return to Him. I know this promise was made to the ancient nation of Israel, but the principles apply to believers today to. God’s ultimate desire is restoration and forgiveness rather than permanent punishment. If we can do that we can have peace on earth.

Remember “IF” & “When” two very important words. If and when we will do it His way.

Moving Forward

I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. (Psalm 139:14)

If I am being held back from accomplishing anything, it is because of the battle between fear and faith. I know I have in the past and sometimes still find myself shrinking back in the present just not nearly as much as I use to, limiting my own self by doubting instead of trusting His calling. Because I have always had the people pleasing syndrome, spirit of perfectionism, I have allowed fear and insecurity to hold me back. Fear, failure, judgment, or even the unknown have been reasons for holding me back from stepping into my true identity. I spent a lot of time with the Lord trying to figure out how to move past this. Through much prayer and surrender God blessed me with a new boldness, one that makes me say now “YES I CAN” and “YES I WILL,” I’m not scared. If God called me to it, well he will obviously equip me to achieve the task. I’m moving forward, not backward. I am focused on my future, what’s ahead of me. God has been doing a new thing in me and I am not hiding who the new me is He is creating.

If God is calling you into something new, a new purpose, or bolder version of yourself, He promises He will be your strength. You just need to replace your internal doubts by renewing your mind with what Scripture says about your value and your purpose. Remember we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Eph. 2:10) Let your light shine, people need to see it, this is how we encourage others to move out of their fears and doubts, and move into their call, their purpose in life.

Moving Forward With Purpose and Taking People With me

Authenticity

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect (Romans 12:2)

An authentic U.S. flag must strictly adhere to the standards outlined in the U.S. Flag Code. Such as the Colors: Red, White and Blue. Specific shades are “White” “Old Glory Red” and “Old Glory Blue”. Variations (such as black-and-white or altering colors) are not legally considered authentic versions of the U.S. flag. The Elements: There are thirteen alternating horizontal stripes (7 red, 6 white) representing the original colonies, and a blue canton containing 50 white stars representing the current 50 states. The Union: The 50 stars are arranged in nine alternating rows of six and five stars, staggered horizontally and vertically. There are federal laws requiring purchased or displayed American flags be clearly labeled with their country of origin. The FMAA LAbel: Flag Manufacturers Association of America certified seal, guaranteeing they are made entirely in the U.S. by U.S. labor. And then of course there is the Material Integrity: Genuine outdoor flags are typically crafted from durable, weather-resistant materials like heavyweight nylon, spun polyester, or cotton, built to withstand sun and UV damage.

There is a biblically authentic way of living. It means first seeing our self as who God created us to be, walking in truth, and reflecting Christ in our daily life. It’s surrendering our identity, desires and purposes for Him, allowing His love and grace to shape every aspect of our life.

Who am I in Christ? The world likes to define our identity by success, the way we look, our achievements or lack of, but God defines us by His love and purpose. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold the new has come. (2 Cor. 5:17) There we have our root of identity, it’s in Christ, being born again. Authentically made new by Him.

Jesus also calls us to be truthful in our words, actions, and relationships. People of integrity, not pretending to be someone we are not. We are to live boldly regarding our faith. Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven (Matt. 5:16). We are to be seeking God’s approval not man’s. Galatians 1:10, “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.

Jesus is the perfect example of authenticity. We need to stay connected to Jesus on a daily basis so that we can live a genuine life of authenticity through spending time in His Word, prayer, and worshipping Him. Remember He is the vine and we are the branches and we cannot do anything without Him, (John 15:5).

Like the flag here is the standard for living authentically in Jesus, embracing His truth, walking in love, standing firm in our faith, living as the person God created us to be, glorifying Him and inspiring others to seek His truth. Be bold, be real, and let your life reflect Christ.

Be Authentic

Just Trust Me

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matt. 6:21)

This verse explains that giving up what you treasure is the ultimate way to align your heart and your trust with God. I know it can be hard to surrender or give up things that we deeply cherish. But when we do we are showing God that he is our priority over any earthly treasure we have.

Jesus taught that trusting him requires surrendering fear, relying on God rather than our self, and believing in his promises. He tells us that faith brings us peace during difficult times and assures us the believers of his constant presence and provision.

This here is the #1 foundational scripture calling for complete reliance on God rather than our own human logic, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your path” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Trust is the antidote to fear, “when I am afraid, I put my trust in you” (Ps. 56:3). “Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat? or “What shall we drink?’ …your heavenly Father knows that you need them all” ( Matt. 6:31-32) Again, TRUST! Trust is a huge thing for me. I have trusted so many people in my life and I’ve lived a long life and in all honesty, everyone of them have let me down in some way or another. I don’t say that to be mean or as to point fingers or wrong doings, I say that because we are imperfect. They couldn’t keep their word or in some cases simply made the choice not to. Though we fail in this area can I tell you, God doesn’t. God is not a man that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good? (Numbers 23:19) If he said it, it is. You can trust him completely. God is entirely distinct from human beings because He is completely truthful, faithful, and unchanging. We humans often lie, break promises, or change our minds, God’s character guarantees that every word He speaks will absolutely come to pass. So, don’t be afraid to give things over to Jesus when he asks for them.

This week I handed over a 6 year ministry that I loved, trusting God to do a new thing, not just a new thing, but His will. When we trust like that we are giving Him something to work with. We are surrendering to His perfect will for us.

Loving Him …is Trusting Him

Pick Up Your Cross And Follow Me

And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If any would come after me. let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (Mark 8:34)

For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it. For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? For what can a man give in return for his soul? For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” And he said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God after it has come with power” (Mark 8:35-38, 9:1)

The cost of discipleship includes being able to follow Jesus and to confess Him courageously. I wrote a couple days back regarding the attacks I had been receiving due to being courageous or my newfound boldness rather in speaking publicly in my blog which breadandwater.blog happens to be reaching people all over the world about Jesus Christ the Son of God. Just because people aren’t beheading me, or imprisoning me for speaking out about Jesus, there are people that don’t agree with me and will say and do things to try to shut me up. That is a type of persecution here in America. Over the past few years I have learned about surrender and that is what it is going to take to pick up your cross; complete surrender to God. It is a daily decision to deny your own selfish desires, put your ego and personal plans to death, (that’s what kind of death he is talking about), then follow Jesus’ teachings no matter the personal cost, that’s obedience. Jesus commands this in the Gospels, it is an absolute requirement for being His disciples, (Matt.16:24), (Mark 8:34) and (Luke 9:23).

Jesus meant that a true follower must be willing to put their old, self-centered life to death in order to live for Christ. Choosing God’s will over our own comfort, reputation, or worldly success. It is a daily willingness to accept the challenges and sacrifices that come with living righteously. It is a willing, active choice of surrender and obedience to God. These are areas I have been trying to exemplify for the past three years. I admit the cross can get pretty heavy at times, but I know the end results of picking it up and carrying it. I have been in another group as an admin. with a lifelong friend of mine for the past 6 years called Encouraging Each Other. I believe the Lord would have me step away from the administration part of that and pour my heart, soul and strength into my Blog. For one, my blog is under the direction of the Holy Spirit, there is an anointing on it and He tells me what to write. Encouraging Each Other can be anything that would lift another person up; such as positive sayings, quotes and testimonies of the wonderful things the Lord has done in people’s lives and I have shared many of those myself and plan to continue to. All of this is absolutely great. Except I believe the direction of my breadandwater blog is going more toward life instruction, growth, relational, and testimonial as well reflecting on the way we are living versus the way God tells us to live and of course the message and the urgency of salvation. I have been blessed to have been an administrator of Encouraging Each Other, one of the greatest parts of it for me, was welcoming new members into the group. I love seeing all the people that enjoy this group and how much it has grown. But, now it is time for me to pick up my cross and follow Jesus to where he is calling me. It has taken me forever to learn Surrender and Obedience and one day I want to hear well done good and faithful servant. As much as I want to see where he is leading me right now.

Now don’t hear what I am not saying as a Pastor I know once, actually many times would say. I am not asking y’all to leave Encouraging Each Other, matter of fact I am not leaving, but I won’t be admin. anymore, nor will I be posting my Blog on there anymore after today, but I will post words of encouragement when I have them and I will definitely be reading yours. I would like to ask any of you who have not already subscribed to my Blog if you find it of interest please do go ahead and subscribe. You will receive an email every time I post by subscribing. Or feel free to just pop in from time to time. I love all of you who are supporting me by reading now, y’all are the best and we are still family. And keep on Encouraging Each Other.

Friends

A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. (Proverbs 18:24)

Do you have a friend that will stick by you even in your worst times? That’s the kind of friend this scripture is talking about. Proverbs 18:23-19:4, talks about friends & companions. How some, the majority rather only stay close by as long as your fortune is good; in bad times, they disappear. I’ve experienced both as I am sure you have to. I believe that is just life. Take the good with the bad. Though I am very pleased to say, I do have a few select friends that resemble this verse above, I am blessed.

The Bible describes true friendship as a steadfast, loving covenant. Loyalty, speaking truth in love, and offering mutual support in times of hardship. True friendship is NOT a one-way street. Friends should encourage one another, be uplifting when your down, helping us keep our character in tact, when we are losing our whole mind and about to make a huge mistake. Boy, the times I can thank a friend for that one. A loyal friend will love you at all times, no facade needed, they know you and they love you, that simple. They stand by you and have your back when others are attacking you from behind. They are there no matter what the season is that you are in. Of course I personally have not experienced this one, but I hear it on the news a lot, the friend that will lay down his life for you. Give it up to our men and women in blue that every day go out and put their lives on the line for each of us. That is the ultimate example of friendship, laying down one’s life for others, as modeled by Jesus Himself. John 15:13, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” We have a friend in Jesus, unlike any other friend out there. The Apostle Paul in Galatians 2:20 talks about his personal relationship with Christ Jesus, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. You can have that same relationship that Paul speaks of by saying this simple prayer.

I believe that you Jesus died on the cross for me and rose from the dead. I ask you right now to come into my life and to forgive me of my sins. Help me Lord to live a life pleasing to you. Thank you Jesus, for laying down your life for mine. Amen

I have a friend in Jesus! Now you do to.

Know Your Enemy

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)

According to the Bible, an enemy is defined as anyone or anything that is hostile, opposes God, or seeks harm, There are three groups: Spiritual Adversaries: Satan (the devil) and his demons they are the ultimate spiritual enemies of God and humanity, acting as the accuser and tempter. Those Who Oppose God: Anyone who actively rejects God’s ways, disobeys His commands, or aligns themselves with the corruption of “the world.” Persecutors and Oppressors: this is on a personal level, anyone who hates, curses, persecutes, or seeks to harm you. It also includes those that act with malice, deceit, or unprovoked hostility.

This particular blog is very personal because I have been under attack. God has revealed to me who my enemy is and why he’s trying to take me out. I feel very compelled to share on this topic because including myself, many people have no idea who they’re battling when attacks come on them. I’m just going to let you know right off the back who my enemy is and then I’ll elaborate on the why. The devil and his demons. I did not understand in the beginning what was happening, because the attacks were coming from family members and those closest to me. My heart was breaking into thousands of little pieces and mind was about to explode trying to figure out what on earth was happening to me and why. It was when I was at my lowest, darkest, can’t go on another moment like this, that God spoke to me revealing who it was that was behind the attacks and why. First I want to say, from the moment God knit me in my mother’s womb there has been a call on my life, one that has taken me all my life to try to understand and God is still revealing things to me currently. I’ve done several things in my life that I know God has called me to, each of them has brought about some type of persecution, whether in personal relationships, health, finances to points of wanting to end my very own life. You would think that it should come as a no-brainer at this point that I would know without a shadow of a doubt who and why the attack this time. The devil is clever. He is the father of lies, he is a deceiver, his only purpose is to kill, steal and destroy and he was definitely working over-time in my life here of late. Now the why. Three months ago I started this blog, I didn’t put a lot of thought into the ministry end of it. I knew what the subject matter was going to be focused on, but I also saw it as a way of channeling my thoughts and life experiences more than anything. God had other plans for my blog. About 30 days into it I started feeling drawn to sharing the saving grace of Jesus BOLDLY. I was already speaking Jesus for a very long time to people, but God had been adding to my call and currently boldness was one of those things. I began praying with many different strangers in very different kinds of places. I was testifying and praying outwardly unlike any other way I had done before. For example taking a microphone from a band member at a community function to get peoples attention to pray over a particular person, completely under the direction of the Holy Spirit. I would never have done something like this on my own, I absolutely do not like to talk into a microphone. Also, just for the record I did not like just jump up on the stage and take the mic from him, I waited until the opportunity came where I could ask to speak. There are many more examples, but back to the blog. I began ending several blogs with a prayer to receive Jesus as Lord and Savior. These blogs go all around the world. I see people from so many countries reading these that I can’t even pronounce some of these places and unless someone shares with me I don’t know who all is receiving this gift of salvation, but God does. God showed me that I have entered into the devil’s territory and he is using anything and everyone he can to cause me to stop. I almost fell for it, until God revealed that to me. See Satan doesn’t know me like God knows me, because God created me, He created me for such a time as this. Through Him I can do what God has called me to and no devil in hell can stop me. To God be ALL the glory!

Know your enemy.

Little Holy Ghost Jr.

“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)

I’m gonna start this right off with … GUILTY! I am SOoo guilty of trying to play Holy Ghost Jr with God, as if He needs my help …EVER! I know I am suppose to rely on God totally, trusting in his ways and his timing, let him carry my burden when I am overwhelmed, but I just think he might need my help once in awhile. Sadly mistaken, because he doesn’t. He absolutely knows what he is doing and it is perfect, if I will just stay out of the way. When he talks about Him being the vine and me being the branch, that means I am to stay connected to Christ not the other way around. It’s also not trying to carry the load that only the vine can carry. Being connected and being a Jr. are not the same. Matter of fact there is no such thing. All we do is complicate things for ourselves by getting in his way. I like to think of it as when I am working in the house, say cooking, and my husband says he will do the dishes afterwards. Now I am probably gonna hear it over this one, but just being a little honest here. I have my way of cleaning up the kitchen and it is not even close to the way my husband does it. In his defense he doesn’t ever say, “Hey let me clean the kitchen for you,” instead he says, “I’ll do the dishes.” You see in my thinking, if I am going to do dishes I am going to clean the entire kitchen, stove, countertops, maybe wipe down the fridge, a couple appliances, clean the sink afterwards you see where I’m going with this. When he does the dishes that is exactly what he is going to do, dishes. Here is another scripture for you, or me; “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” Isaiah 55:8-9. How about this one; “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths” Proverbs 3:5-6.

The positive part of this is, I don’t have to rely on my own strength, ways or power to do the things. He tells me I can do all things (through Him) who strengthens me (Phil. 4:13). See He is not asking for my help, instead He is asking me to rely on Him, it is through Him that I will be able to do all things, not with Him. In Isaiah 40:29: “He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.” And lastly, 1 Peter 5:7: “Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” I am guilty of getting in God’s way at times, but I also know I cannot do anything on my own without seeking Him first if I want it to turn out good or right. I’m not talking about the dishes, or cooking or doing the laundry, mowing the grass, those things. I am talking about the issues of life, the ones that require a BIG God and a little me. Less of me and MORE of Him. Another bad habit I once had, I say once because this one I am actually getting much better at. I am now releasing things over to God and letting him keep them. I am being more intentional and focused on staying out of his way. I have lived the role of playing Holy Ghost Jr and that’s all that was, playing. My life is no game, I am taking it seriously these days and I am taking God and His Word seriously. So if you are one that thinks God needs your help, I can assure you, He doesn’t. All he needs from you and I is to trust Him.

Let God be God

Regret

“Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it on my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil.3:13-14)

Paul could not get the past out of his mind, but he refused to let his past keep him from his progress toward his goal. He wanted to forget his self-righteous past (vv.4-7). He indicates that it was an ongoing process. His goal was to have his eyes so fixed on Jesus that all he could see was the prize, the victory. He wasn’t working for his salvation but rather for a reward. When we get right with Jesus there is a reward that no man can achieve on his own. We need to leave our past in the past. Too many people including myself are or have been walking around fully clothed in regrets. Maybe there was an outcome that didn’t turn out the way you expected and then suddenly you find yourself in regret, because it was caused by your decision or action. Maybe you regret actions you never took that you should have, that is one I tend to fall into these days. Sometimes I think about something good I could have done and didn’t. Regret leads to self-blame and even guilt. We need to be more like Paul, forgetting those past mistakes, move forward, quit allowing regrets to keep us from going for the prize that God has set before us. I realize in this scripture the prize is Jesus Christ, but God also has earthly prizes if I may say, blessings he wants to bestow upon us, if we will keep our eyes on Him. Shame and regret rob us from our blessings. January 1 of this year I made a commitment to stand on this one word “Intentional.” Well can I say, I haven’t been as faithful as I intended to be to that word in a couple areas of my life. See I set a pretty big goal for myself, I wanted to be intentional about EVERY area in my life. When I began to realize I wasn’t doing very well at it guilt, shame and regret for setting such a standard for myself set in. Fortunately, God allows for repentance and do-overs. He allows us to leave our failures in the past and press-on toward the prize. For me I hold myself to a higher standard than some, so it takes me a minute to get back in the race, but I have determination and I will persevere. Paul’s life was purposeful and he was constant. I have learned many things from Paul over the years, I’ve seen myself as the old Paul and the new Paul. My goal now is to remain steadfast, no regrets, just pressing on. I would also like to give credit to a dear friend of ours from our home Church in Texas for drawing this picture and gifting it to us 30 years ago, thank you Dori.

Half-Minded Living

And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? (Matthew 6:27)

Max Lucado is one of my all time favorite authors. I love to read his books and listen to him teach, he just seems to speak my language. I don’t get rid of books I have read very often, mainly because I write in them, I take notes on things that really stick out to me and later I go back and re-read them. Well, this is one of those books, I’m about to share something he said about worry. He used two words; “whaddifs” and” howells.” Here are a couple examples of what those two words look like in a sentence. “Whaddif it rains at my wedding?” Whaddif after all my dieting, they learn that lettuce is fattening and chocolate isn’t?” “Howell I know when to discipline my kids?” “Howell we pay for our baby’s tuition?” Like I said he uses my language. Worry really does empty us of tomorrow’s strength. Worry divides the mind. The biblical word for worry (merimnao) is a compound of two Greek words, merizo (“to divide”) and nous (“the mind”). Anxiety splits our energy between today’s priorities and tomorrow’s problems. Part of our mind is on the now and the rest of it is on the not yet. That’s half-minded living.

Let’s look at it from another aspect, what else does worry cause? Worry of itself is not a disease, but it causes diseases. High blood pressure, heart trouble, migraine headaches, thyroid malfunctions and a whole slew of stomach disorders. Worry has NEVER brightened a day, solved a problem, or cured a disease, yet here’s your transparency moment with Deb …GUILTY on all accounts of worry. I know one of my biggest health issues comes from just that worrying and your probably thinking, “If you know that why are you doing it?” Good question, I’m still asking myself that to. This is just another area of life I am trying to hand over to Jesus, laying it at His feet and letting Him carry the burden. It takes practice, like anything we are trying to learn in life, practice is required. I can’t think of anything I have done in life that was a true accomplishment the very first time I tried. Thank God, that He is patient. He wants us free of anything that is keeping us from living our best life. Worry doesn’t have to be one of those things hindering my best life or yours, keep surrendering it until one day victory is yours/mine. By the way the photo in the blog hangs on my bedroom wall, I see it everyday, multiple times. I love how God is constantly ministering to me while writing these blogs. Time with Him is so rewarding, I am learning and receiving so much while sharing with y’all. To God be all the glory.