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

Nov 3rd 11 Posted by Natalie Nichols

Finding Peace

Are you stressed and anxious? Do you feel overwhelmed by worry? God promises you peace! A few weeks ago, I was really struggling with anxious thoughts. Circumstances beyond my control left me riddled with stress. It was as if someone had pulled the rug out from underneath me. My future seemed completely uncertain. I wasn’t aware of any blatant thoughts of worry, but my stomach felt like it was in... read more

Oct 31st 11 Posted by Natalie Nichols

Come Up and Wait

Do you find yourself rushing through your prayers — rattling off a list of requests without pausing to hear God’s reply? The LORD said to Moses, “Come up to me on the mountain and wait there…” (Exodus 24:12). And Wait There God called Moses to come into His presence…and wait.  Moses obeyed. “Then Moses went up on the mountain, and the cloud covered the... read more

Oct 20th 11 Posted by Natalie Nichols

The Beauty of Nothing

Are you consumed by your problems? Do you constantly long for more – more fulfillment in your vocation, more possessions, more success in life? Prepare to have all your ingratitude fall away in the wake of this recording. Richard Wurmbrand (founder of Voice of the Martyrs) shares his story of being jailed fourteen years by the communists. He shares a specific facet of his testimony which was the... read more

Oct 18th 11 Posted by Natalie Nichols

That I Might Grow

Would you like to grow in spiritual maturity? Do you want more faith, more love, more Christlikeness and grace? Don’t be surprised by the trials and afflictions through which these things might come. John Newton is probably best known for his hymn “Amazing Grace.” The hymn we all know by heart was just another hymn to him, as he tried to write a new hymn every week. He might be surprised to learn... read more

Oct 11th 11 Posted by Natalie Nichols

Think You’re Not Called to Full Time Ministry?

Do you think you’re too busy to pray? Feel like you don’t have time for anything more than a whispered prayer of desperation on your way to work?  No matter how busy or what your occupation, you are called to “Full Time Ministry” unto God, as this audio message by David Wilkerson so powerfully states. Full Time Ministry David... read more

Sep 11th 11 Posted by Natalie Nichols

A Nation Mourns: What is God’s Comfort for Grief

Today, on the anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, America mourns the loss of 2,974 people who died in the attacks, as well those who died in the subsequent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. As a nation, our hearts are heavy with grief. Much of America, (myself included) did not personally know a victim of 9/11. But as we’ve read accounts or watched footage about that awful day and those... read more

Aug 3rd 11 Posted by Natalie Nichols

Gov. Rick Perry and The Response: The Merits, Precedents and Arguments Against

Gov. Rick Perry initiated a day of prayer and fasting called The Response: a call to prayer for a nation in crisis. It will take place this Saturday at Reliant Stadium in Houston. We here at Shades of Grace have long advocated prayer for our nation – and special days when we assemble together in prayer and fasting for America. We support Gov. Perry and his courage to call for such a day this... read more

Feb 22nd 11 Posted by Natalie Nichols

Your Faith: The Enemy’s #1 Target

It is vital that we live by faith. The enemy of your soul knows this and daily pulls out all the stops to attempt to keep you from living by faith. The following are ten reasons why your faith is Satan’s number one target in your life. 1. Faith is how you perform the works of God. In John chapter 6, people asked Jesus what they could do to do the works God requires: “28 Then they asked him,... read more