Jan 4th 13 Posted by Natalie Nichols

Seeking God First

Of all your priorities for the coming year, is seeking God your first? Is it your most important goal? Are you planning toward it, setting aside a specific time to seek God first above all else? “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33 This is an excellent time to consider committing to a season of prayer and fasting... read more

Dec 31st 12 Posted by Natalie Nichols

Top Ten Fasting Posts of 2012

As we prepare to begin the year with prayer and fasting, it might inspire us to read the fasting content that most inspired people throughout the past year. Some of the most-read fasting posts this past year were: 1. The Ezra Fast (January 27, 2010) This was last year’s #1 post, and it remained in the #1 slot as the most-read fasting post of 2012. When we are facing a financial crisis, a problem, a... read more

Jan 30th 12 Posted by Natalie Nichols

The Fasting Archives

Each fasting post written this year contains a bulleted list of that day’s fasting post from previous years. (For example, the Fasting Day 1 post contains a bulleted list of links to previous years’ Fasting Day 1 posts.) However, in order to provide easier access to the fasting archives, I have listed below all of the fasting posts to date. 2012 Pre-Fast Posts Setting the Course for 2012 Top... read more

Jan 27th 12 Posted by Natalie Nichols

Fasting Day 21: Why Does God Reward Fasting?

Why does God respond to fasting? Why does He reward us when we fast? Throughout the pages of the Bible, it is quite evident that He does. Jesus promised he would reward fasting: “When you fast…your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you” (Matthew 6:17-18). What is the answer to the question? The following six points explain. 1. A Harmful Answer Does God reward fasting because... read more

Jan 26th 12 Posted by Natalie Nichols

Fasting Day 20: Keeping It a Part of Your Lifestyle

There is only one more day left of Pursuit 21. Before we conclude the fast and resume normal eating, I’d like to ask you to prayerfully consider how you will keep fasting a part of your lifestyle in the coming year. Being Intentional For most of us, if we hadn’t been intentional and decided last year that we were going to begin a fast in January of this year, we never would have done it. I... read more

Jan 25th 12 Posted by Natalie Nichols

Fasting Day 19: Faith, Bravery, and the God Who is Able

From Natalie: This is a guest post by Scott Brodie. Although Scott had ALS, he didn’t let it stop him. He typed this post with his toes! Scott’s faith and perseverance continue to challenge and inspire me daily. You can watch my interview with him here. You can also read his blog and follow his wife Glennis on Facebook. When I think of healing and bravery in the midst of certain death, no... read more

Jan 24th 12 Posted by Natalie Nichols

Fasting Day 18: Fasting for Healing

This is a guest post by Melinda Malloy. You can read more about Melinda below. Have you felt overwhelmed, discouraged, or hopeless due to sickness or some other type of physical pain or suffering? Maybe doctors have given you a diagnosis that weighs heavily on your heart. Have you considered that fasting and praying for healing is God’s will? “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to break... read more

Jan 23rd 12 Posted by Natalie Nichols

Fasting Day 17: Back Into the Arms of Our Beloved

From Natalie: This is a guest post by Linda Johnson. Linda is the founder and teacher of Sister Circle I.N.C. (In the Name of Christ) ministries where she leads a monthly Bible study. You can read her blog and follow her on Facebook. A few days ago my husband and I were babysitting a sweet, yet energetic nine month old baby girl. As I was standing in the kitchen, I glanced into the living room and saw my... read more

Jan 22nd 12 Posted by Natalie Nichols

Fasting Day 16: Fasting Is… (Fasting Is, Part 3)

Fasting is one of the most powerful spiritual weapons believers can utilize. Below is a list of twenty-five quick definitions for fasting. Fasting is… 1. Fasting is telling God: “I want You more than food.” “I’ve got to have You! I will dispense with everything else. But You? You are an indispensable necessity to me.“ “I will be satisfied with nothing less than you!... read more

Jan 21st 12 Posted by Natalie Nichols

Fasting Day 15: Fasting Is Waiting (Fasting Is, Part Two)

Fasting is waiting — waiting on God. When King Jehoshaphat proclaimed a fast for all Judah, he prayed “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you” (2 Chron. 20:12). In a similar way, fasting is saying, “I wait on you, Lord. My only hope is in you.” Hope and Expectation in God Alone Fasting expresses confidence in nothing around us except God Himself. When we fast, we shift our... read more