Jan 14th 15 Posted by Natalie Nichols

Fasting Day 3: Five Dangers of Fasting

There are many benefits of fasting. But there are also dangers associated with fasting, and we need to be aware of them. Five dangers of fasting are: 1. Bodily Harm The Absolute Fast is a fast where you eliminate all food and water. Fasting in this way can be a dangerous area physically and can lead to extreme consequences. God made the body so that it has to have water—you cannot go longer than... read more

Jan 13th 15 Posted by Natalie Nichols

My Favorite Books on Fasting

You may have noticed that in the fasting archives I often quote from books about fasting. A book or two might be cited in a post here and there, but I’ve never compiled a list of the books . . . until now. I purposely chose to publish this list on the second day of the fast so that if you feel led to read one of the books, you’ll have time to obtain a copy and read it during your fast. My... read more

Jan 12th 15 Posted by Natalie Nichols

Fasting Day 1: Five Essential Questions As You Begin

Today is the first day of Pursuit 21 — twenty-one days of prayer and fasting. I can hardly wait to hear the testimonies that are going to come from this 21-day pursuit! This is the sixth annual Pursuit 21. And each year for the past five years fasters have shared incredible stories of how their lives were changed when God moved in response to their fasting and prayer. If we want our fast to lead to... read more

May 20th 14 Posted by Natalie Nichols

“The God of What’s Left” by Jentezen Franklin

Has life taken something from you recently? Jentezen Franklin shares a message that will encourage you and give you hope! Have you lost: your job? desperately needed income — perhaps due to unexpected expenses? a spouse — from divorce, or death, or illness? a loved one? your future — perhaps due to drug addiction or foolish decisions? Using multiple examples from the Bible, Jentezen... read more

May 15th 14 Posted by Natalie Nichols

God Still Clothes the Lilies: The Complete Series

God Still Clothes the Lilies is a fifteen-part teaching series. For ease in locating a post, I have included links to all fifteen below: God Still Clothes the Lilies: 10 Lessons for Seasons of Uncertainty (Part 1) God Still Clothes the Lilies, Lesson 1: Rest in God’s Sovereign Rule God Still Clothes the Lilies, Lesson 2: View Your Needs from Heaven’s Higher Perspective God Still Clothes the Lilies,... read more

May 14th 14 Posted by Natalie Nichols

Lilies, Bonus Lesson: Tell God How You Feel (Part 2)

Are you angry in the midst of your disappointment and pain? Are you telling God how you feel? Or are you sweeping your true feelings under a rug, painting on a big smile—superficially declaring everything is all right because God is in control? As the previous post stated, there are psalms of darkness (almost as many as there are psalms of praise and thanks) in which the psalmists express their... read more

May 12th 14 Posted by Natalie Nichols

Lilies, Bonus Lesson: Tell God How You Feel (Part 1)

In your pain and disappointment, are you telling God how you really feel? Or do you believe it would be improper to do so—perhaps because your emotions include feelings of frustration and anger at God? Bonus Lesson: Tell God How You Feel Have you ever stopped to think that the psalmists talked to God in their dark night of the soul—and when they did, they were real with God? The psalmists... read more

May 6th 14 Posted by Natalie Nichols

God Still Clothes the Lilies, Lesson 10: Reflect on God’s Past Goodness

Are you facing an overwhelming problem? Have you given up hope that things will ever improve? This a perfect time to reflect on the ways God has been good to you in the past. Lesson #10: Reflect on God’s Past Goodness and Expect a Repeat Why is it so vital that we choose to recall instances of God’s faithfulness in our past? Like David recalling the victories God had given him over the lion and... read more

Apr 30th 14 Posted by Natalie Nichols

National Day of Prayer (Part Two): United With One Voice

“So that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 15:6 Today, May 1st, is the National Day of Prayer. Below are the theme, scripture, and prayer for this year’s observance—as well a link to the page where you can watch it live. National Day of Prayer Theme and Scripture The theme for the National Day of Prayer this year is One Voice,... read more

Apr 30th 14 Posted by Natalie Nichols

National Day of Prayer (Part One): 5 Reasons to Pray

Today is the National Day of Prayer. Why is it vital that we observe this special day and agree with others in prayer? There are multiple reasons, but today I’d like to consider five: 1. We Are One Nation Under God The National Day of Prayer website features “Still…Under God,” an article by John Bornschein, the Task Force Vice Chairman. Regarding the history of the phrase... read more