November 2009 – Shades of Grace | Natalie Nichols- Shades of Grace | Natalie Nichols
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Thanksgiving: The Oldest American Holiday

This morning I read an excellent article by the Christian Law Association outlining the history of Thanksgiving. Not only does it provide an excellent history of the holiday, but it also presents yet further evidence of the centrality of God in our nation’s history. I have placed the article below. You can also download a PDF of the Legal Alert newsletter in which it appears. Thanksgiving is the... read more

Historic Thanksgiving Day Proclamations

“I do…issue this my proclamation, hereby appointing Thursday…a day of public and solemn Thanksgiving and prayer to Almighty God, earnestly recommending to all the good people …to set apart the said day for those purposes” – Thomas Jefferson November 11, 1779   A 1777 Thanksgiving Proclamation, issued by the Continental Congress:   The committee appointed to prepare... read more

A Reason to Give Thanks, Even in Hard Times

This Thanksgiving Day, amid financial hardships, tragedies, and crises so prevalent in our nation and around the world, we tend to be preoccupied by all of the negative and challenging circumstances of our lives. As this thought crossed my mind today, the Holy Spirit brought a simple verse to mind: “Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the LORD has been good to you” (Psalm 116:7). No doubt you... read more

How Do I Pray for Lost Loved Ones?

In today’s concert of prayer, the Holy Spirit is leading me to pray for those who do not know Jesus Christ. For a moving, real-life illustration of the need for your prayer and witness, see My surprise Visitor — I believe this post will motivate you in your prayer for the lost. One of the most helpful, encouraging personal accounts of prayer for lost souls is found in The 2959 Plan by Peter Lord.... read more

My Surprise Visitor

I was pleasantly surprised today when a young lady came by my house.   We met two years ago, September 5, 2007, under grim circumstances.  The first thing I heard was her voice, screaming in the night…  The following story recounts that life-changing evening: As the flames crept closer and closer all she could do was scream … It was a Wednesday night I will never forget – because it changed... read more

God Promised: Do I Still Pray About It?

The Holy Spirit woke me last Friday with Acts 9, the story of Saul’s conversion. As He opened the scriptures, I was struck by new things in this familiar story. Among them a principle the Lord has been driving home to me lately—that God-given promises and visions require prayer. Even when we respond in faith, confessing, believing, expecting God to act—prayer is still vital. As we pray in... read more
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