Jan 8th 12 Posted by Natalie Nichols

Fasting Day 2: The Principle of Fasting

What is fasting? Is it really worth the sacrifice? Let’s break it down and see why the reward outweighs the investment. Fasting Defined: Fasting is setting aside some form of physical gratification, for a period of time, in order to achieve a greater spiritual goal. When we fast, the idea is to invest in prayer the time we would have invested satisfying our appetites. Fasting usually involves doing... read more

Jan 7th 12 Posted by Natalie Nichols

Fasting Day 1: A Moment of Worship

Friday afternoon, I went for a walk to pray for Pursuit 21 and everyone participating. As one particular song began playing on my iPod, God gave me perspective: HIMSELF! Heaven and earth seemed to become one as I became captivated by the strength, and power, and wisdom, and beauty, and might of the Lord God Almighty! I didn’t care what passersby thought – I couldn’t help but raise my hands in... read more

Jan 6th 12 Posted by Natalie Nichols

Welcome to Pursuit 21!

Welcome to Pursuit 21! I’m excited that you have decided to take the next step in your spiritual walk through the life-changing principal of fasting! 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 like never... read more

Jan 1st 12 Posted by Natalie Nichols

Are You Ready to Begin Your Fast?

You’ve made your commitment to fast. Now what? In a previous post, I detailed six vital steps to take before you begin your fast. They are: Approach Your Fast with a Positive Attitude of Faith Determine Your Motives Determine Your Objective Make Your Commitment Find a Fasting Partner, if Possible Determine to Minister to God I’ll not re-examine these steps here. (You may refer to “How... read more

Dec 21st 11 Posted by Natalie Nichols

Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus

As we celebrate Jesus’ birth, I’m overwhelmed by the thought that He willfully turned away from ecstasy in order to take on flesh. … That He walked away from ultimate happiness that we might share in His holiness. The Bible describes God as “the blessed God” (1 Timothy 1:11). One translation says God is “the blissful God.” The word “blessed” here... read more

Dec 14th 11 Posted by Natalie Nichols

Top Ten Fasting Posts of 2011

As we prepare to begin next year with prayer and fasting, it might inspire us to read the fasting content that most inspired people during the past year. The ten fasting posts most visited this year are: The Ezra Fast Breaking Bondage: The Disciples’ Fast Breaking Negative Emotional Habits Targeting Decisions: The St. Paul Fast Where is the Glory Health and Healing: The Daniel Fast Call for the... read more

Dec 11th 11 Posted by Natalie Nichols

Setting the Course for 2012

Do you have deep longings for 2012 — things you want God to do in your life, a loved one’s life…on your job or in your ministry? Would you like to live in the center of God’s will with a  greater hunger for Him? There is something you can do next month that will set the course for what God does in your life throughout 2012 — something that will bring you closer to God and release His... read more

Dec 8th 11 Posted by Natalie Nichols

Finding a Quiet Hour to Connect With Heaven

If you were totally honest about your prayer life, would you say that it is difficult for you to spend much time alone with God but you pray continually throughout the day? This is probably true of most believers. But is one form of prayer better than the other? Can we walk in all that God intends for us if we neglect one form or the other? I recently watched a question and answer panel about the life of... read more

Dec 4th 11 Posted by Natalie Nichols

The Sublime Side of Suffering: Three Lessons Gleaned While Waiting in Line

Waiting in line at a local Glenn Beck book signing, we struck up a conversation. She was there with her mom. I was there with mine. We each held our place in line while our mothers went to find seating in the bookstore in which to rest and endure the long wait. With only two seats in the entire bookstore, which were naturally unavailable, they quickly returned. At first we discussed small things –... read more

Nov 22nd 11 Posted by Natalie Nichols

Daily Thanksgiving: A Sacrifice of Praise

Do you want to be near to God—aware of His presence? As we draw near to Him, there is one thing we are instructed to do: enter His gates with thanksgiving! “Enter his gates with thanksgiving    and his courts with praise;    give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;    his faithfulness continues through all generations.” Psalm... read more