Jan 15th 13 Posted by Natalie Nichols

Fasting Day 8: Gaining Thirst

Maybe you read yesterday’s post and it made you frustrated because your thirst for God hasn’t increased on your fast. Your desire for Him and His word hasn’t changed at all. If this is you, I encourage you to pray God’s word on this matter. (I’ve compiled a page of scriptures and prayers for you.) Why Pray God’s Word? There are three reasons to pray God’s word: 1.... read more

Jan 14th 13 Posted by Natalie Nichols

Fasting Day 7: Drinking Straight-up Living Water

I have a friend who has a strong dislike for drinking water. She has to force herself to drink it. And even then she has to have lemon in it to cover up the taste. We Christians sometimes feel about God’s Living Water like my friend feels about drinking water. We flat don’t want it. Time spent with God and His Word doesn’t seem to hold a candle to entertainment, work, friends, sports,... read more

Jan 13th 13 Posted by Natalie Nichols

Fasting Day 6: The Living Water

This is a guest post by Angela Morgan. Please see below for more about Angela. The Lord spoke to me so clearly today! I stay amazed at Him! All I can say is WOW! God knows that I am such a visual learner…and simple minded at times.. Today I was awakened by His presence. He spoke to me and led me into the kitchen. He had me get a glass from the cabinet and place it in the empty sink under the... read more

Jan 12th 13 Posted by Natalie Nichols

Fasting Day 5: Six Encouraging Reminders

  Over the years that I’ve been fasting, I’ve encountered the following six issues. These vital reminders are not only encouraging, they can determine whether or not you are successful in keeping your fast, whether it’s a joyful or joyless experience, and whether or not your fasting is effective. If you’re like me, you’ve no doubt had thoughts of quitting by now. The... read more

Jan 12th 13 Posted by Natalie Nichols

Fasting Day 4: Quotes About Fasting

Sometimes a quote or excerpt from someone can impact us more than volumes of books on a topic. So I thought I would share a few quotes in the event they inspire you as you fast. Elmer Towns “It’s important to note that religious practices such as fasting are less important than doing God’s will. As Micah 6:8 points out, what the Lord truly requires of us is devotion to Himself: “To do justly,... read more

Jan 10th 13 Posted by Natalie Nichols

Fasting Day 3: How Fasting Works

Fasting helps a Christian to receive direction and power from the Holy Spirit. In Shaping History Through Fasting and Prayer, Derek Prince gives two ways in which fasting accomplishes this. 1. Fasting is a form of mourning. In a sense, fasting is a form of mourning. Emotionally, none of us enjoys or welcomes mourning, just as physically, our bodies don’t enjoy or welcome fasting. But there are times... read more

Jan 9th 13 Posted by Natalie Nichols

Fasting Day 2: The Secret Teller

Did you know that your Heavenly Father wants to tell you His secrets? Angela Morgan (Pursuit 21 guest post author), recently reminded me of this through one of her posts on Facebook. The promise of God to those who draw near to Him has been fresh on her heart…and mine too. This is what Angela shared: ___________________________________________________________ God Wants to Tell You His Secrets Did... read more

Jan 9th 13 Posted by Natalie Nichols

Fasting Day 1: Drawing Near

Fasting is drawing near to God. It’s body-talk expressing our hunger for Him. “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8). Biblical, New Testament fasting is the bowing of the knee to God. It is a submitting of the body, the flesh, the will, the heart – the seat of your appetites – to God. It is the bowing of your everything before God and submitting to Him. When I’m... read more

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

Jan 1st 13 Posted by Natalie Nichols

Three Ways You’re Making a Difference

Thank you for all you’ve done to make a difference in people’s lives throughout the year…and this week! Let me explain… Did you know that when you support Shades of Grace through your faithful prayers and gifts, you’re not only supporting this ministry and our outreach to hurting people around the world, you’re supporting other ministries too? I’d like to take a... read more