Jan 23rd 10 Posted by Natalie Nichols

Fasting Day 9: More Than Food

Fasting, praying and scripture go hand in hand. Job said: “I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food” (Job 23:12). Without prayer and time in the Word, we are merely on a diet. And if that’s the case, Weight Watchers or Jenny Craig would be a whole lot easier! So I encourage you to set time apart to meditate on the Word and to pray. Are you fasting for greater... read more

Jan 22nd 10 Posted by Natalie Nichols

Fasting Day 8: God Fills the Hungry

As I knelt to pray yesterday, I opened my Bible to the Psalms. I planned to begin my prayer time with a passage of praise. My Bible fell open to Psalm 107, so I thought I would quickly glance before turning away. I was awed by what I read, especially given this fasting season! I believe it will be a word of encouragement to you today: Psalm 107:8-9 8 Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing... read more

Jan 21st 10 Posted by Natalie Nichols

Fasts Proclaimed by American Government Leaders

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. — 2 Chronicles 7:14 The Assembly of Virginia The Assembly of Virginia passed a resolution on June 1, 1774 as a day of fasting, humiliation, and prayer. In May, 1774, the British Parliament ordered... read more

Jan 21st 10 Posted by Natalie Nichols

Fasting Day 7: Where is the Glory? (The Samuel Fast)

The 1859 revival is attributed to three things — three things, incidentally, that you and I are demonstrating today in the Concert of Prayer: Interdenominational unity – believers prayed at the nearest churches. Prayer – The revival came not through preaching, but through believers united in prayer, regardless of denominational affiliation. Laity – It began as a movement among... read more

Jan 20th 10 Posted by Natalie Nichols

Fasting Day 6: On the Attack

Are you discouraged in your fast? Do things seem to be getting worse instead of better? You are not alone—Samuel and the Israelites had a similar experience while they gathered together in a fast. If you don’t yet know the end of this story, I think you’ll be encouraged. What God did for them, He will do for you. God called Samuel as a young boy to lead Israel. Before he became a man, Israel... read more

Jan 19th 10 Posted by Natalie Nichols

Fasting Day 5: New Anointing

We are humbling ourselves and drawing near to God through fasting. What can we expect in return? Scripture is full of men and women of God who fasted. The results of fasting are numerous!  Today I have one result in particular on my heart. In Mark chapter two, Jesus is questioned as to why His disciples weren’t fasting. John’s disciples were fasting. The Pharisees were fasting. They... read more

Jan 18th 10 Posted by Natalie Nichols

Fasting Day 4: Outer Discipline, Inner Result, Eternal Reward

What is the power that makes the Christian life possible? Does it come from going to church? Does it come from reading the Bible more…or giving to the needy? The Power The power that makes the Christian life possible is the Holy Spirit. There is no other power that can enable us to live the life God requires of us as Christians. We cannot do it in our own strength. We can only live as God requires... read more

Jan 17th 10 Posted by Natalie Nichols

Fasting Day 3: The Primary Purpose of Fasting

What is the primary purpose of fasting? The primary purpose of fasting is self-humbling. Fasting is a scriptural means chosen by God for us to humble ourselves before Him. Throughout the Bible God required His people to humble themselves before Him. “Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:4). “Humble yourselves, therefore, under... read more

Jan 16th 10 Posted by Natalie Nichols

Fasting Day 2: Except…

In Matthew 17, a loving dad approaches Jesus bringing his son who suffered from seizures. The seizures would frequently cause him to fall into the fire or water. This father had brought his son to the disciples, but they could not heal him (even though Jesus had previously given them the power to cast out demons.) Jesus rebuked the demon; it came out of the boy and he was healed from that moment. The... read more

Jan 15th 10 Posted by Natalie Nichols

Fasting Day 1: Seeking First

Today is the first day of Pursuit 21 — twenty-one days of fasting and prayer. Last night we officially launched Pursuit21 at our monthly women’s event called Passionate Pursuit. I was surprised by the number of women who came hungry to know more about fasting. In the moments before the event began, someone asked me, “What is the reason for fasting? What does it accomplish... read more