Jan 17th 10 Posted by Natalie Nichols

Fasting Day 3: The Primary Purpose of Fasting

What is the primary purpose of fasting? The primary purpose of fasting is self-humbling. Fasting is a scriptural means chosen by God for us to humble ourselves before Him. Throughout the Bible God required His people to humble themselves before Him. “Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:4). “Humble yourselves, therefore, under... read more

Jan 16th 10 Posted by Natalie Nichols

Fasting Day 2: Except…

In Matthew 17, a loving dad approaches Jesus bringing his son who suffered from seizures. The seizures would frequently cause him to fall into the fire or water. This father had brought his son to the disciples, but they could not heal him (even though Jesus had previously given them the power to cast out demons.) Jesus rebuked the demon; it came out of the boy and he was healed from that moment. The... read more

Jan 15th 10 Posted by Natalie Nichols

Fasting Day 1: Seeking First

Today is the first day of Pursuit 21 — twenty-one days of fasting and prayer. Last night we officially launched Pursuit21 at our monthly women’s event called Passionate Pursuit. I was surprised by the number of women who came hungry to know more about fasting. In the moments before the event began, someone asked me, “What is the reason for fasting? What does it accomplish... read more

Jan 6th 10 Posted by Natalie Nichols

An Invitation to Pursuit 21

Dear Friend, Can you believe that another year is already here? Perhaps you have deep longings for the coming year—things you want God to do in your life, a loved one’s life…or your business or ministry. There is something you can do in this first month of the year that will set the course for what God does in your life all year long– something that will bring you closer to God and... read more

Dec 29th 09 Posted by Natalie Nichols

Giving God the First

Several years ago I began giving God the first twenty-one days of the year through prayer and fasting. Scripture exhorts us in Matthew 6:33 to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness…and then everything else will be given to us. Perhaps you have goals, desires, dreams and resolutions for the New Year.  Maybe you have already begun submitting your requests to God for the things you’d like to see... read more

Dec 28th 09 Posted by Natalie Nichols

Lord, Teach Us to Fast

Today, as I pray and prepare for January’s upcoming fast, I am posting a portion of a previous blog pertaining to fasting: In Matthew chapter six, as Jesus is teaching the disciples about the kingdom of Heaven — its laws and conduct — He mentions the word “when” three very significant times. Not If, But When 1.       ” When you give…” (v. 2). 2.       “When you pray…” (v.... read more