Jan 17th 14 Posted by Natalie Nichols

When You Fast and Pray …

Angela Morgan (Pursuit 21 guest blogger and friend) posted something on Facebook a while back and it was so profound I took a picture of it: That’s right! The Bible doesn’t mention Jesus being tempted when He was feeding the 5,000 … or when he was healing the sick … or when He was walking on water. No, Satan tempted Jesus when He was fasting and praying. What’s my point? 1.... read more

Jan 16th 14 Posted by Natalie Nichols

Praise You, Jesus: Alphabet of Praise (Part 2)

The previous post began an alphabet of praise to Jesus for who He is. This is the continuation of the alphabet beginning with the letter N. Alphabet of Praise, Part 2 Name above all names Your name is perfume poured out The nail-pierced hand holding mine My nourishment My need-meeter Absolutely necessary and absolutely enough Never-failing My nothing-is-impossible God Only Son of the Father The only true... read more

Jan 15th 14 Posted by Natalie Nichols

Praise You, Jesus: Alphabet of Praise (Part 1)

Engaging in a Biblical fast involves more than abstaining from food. We must combine our abstention with prayer and time in God’s word. Otherwise we’re merely on a diet. So as you’re fasting, make time to pray and internalize God’s word. This post is intended to encourage you and serve as a tool in both areas. Prayer Begins with Praise Praise is a vital part of prayer. In fact, when we... read more

Jan 14th 14 Posted by Natalie Nichols

Begin Your Prayers With Praise

When the disciples asked Jesus how to pray, he gave them a model prayer. Today this prayer is often referred to as the Lord’s Prayer. It gives us an outline for talking to God in prayer. Jesus began His prayer by saying: “Our Father in heaven, we honor your holy name” (Matthew 6:9, TLB). He began His prayer with praise.  We connect with God in prayer when we begin by praising Him.... read more

Jan 12th 14 Posted by Natalie Nichols

Shifting Your Focus

Perhaps you’re fasting to enlist the Holy Spirit’s help with a specific problem. The problem and your concern over it may have motivated you to fast, but as you fast, focus on the size and greatness of your God, not the size of your problem. Shift your focus from your problem to your mighty, promise-keeping, holy God! This is what happened when Jehoshaphat declared a fast in... read more

Jan 12th 14 Posted by Natalie Nichols

Fasting Day 1: Welcome

Today is the first day of Pursuit 21. If you’re fasting with us, I’d like to welcome you. I’m excited that you’ve decided to enter a life-changing season of fasting and prayer! Fasting is a principle that God intended for everyone to be able to enjoy. It’s not a punishment; it’s a privilege! By making fasting a way of life, you will get closer to God and grow in your spiritual walk... read more

Jan 9th 14 Posted by Natalie Nichols

When You Fast

When was the last time you entered into a Biblical fast? Do you believe a Christian should fast only on rare occasions  … if ever at all?  When … Not If After Jesus called his disciples, He gave them their first public teaching in the Sermon on the Mount. In it He explained to them the kingdom of God — its laws and life. He provided the pattern by which each of us is to live as a child of... read more

Jun 12th 13 Posted by Natalie Nichols

Thankfulness (7): Scriptures About Giving Thanks

Below are thirty-one scripture passages about giving God thanks — that’s one for every day of the month! I challenge you to take one passage a day, personalize it, and turn it into a prayer. For example: 1 Chronicles 16:34 could be prayed: “I give You thanks, Lord, for You are good; Your steadfast love endures forever!” Psalm 9:1-2 could be prayed: “I give thanks to You,... read more

Jun 10th 13 Posted by Natalie Nichols

Eight Steps to Thankfulness, Part 2 (Thankfulness #6)

In part one of this post, I listed the first four of eight steps we can take that will lead us to a thankful attitude. This is the continuation of that list, beginning with step number five: 5. Help others. Give your life away. Stop focusing on your puny problems and discontentment. Start focusing on helping others. Jesus said the more you give your life away, the more you find it. The more unselfish you... read more

Jun 7th 13 Posted by Natalie Nichols

Eight Steps to Thankfulness, Part 1 (Thankfulness, # 5)

There are eight steps we can take that will lead us to a thankful attitude. The following are the first four steps. 1. Determine to Give Thanks in All Things Thank God for the simple things. Thank Him for clean water. For your sense of touch, sight, hearing, smell, taste. For legs that walk and arms that move. For hands to feed yourself. For the beautiful and awe-inspiring creation He has given you to... read more