April 2014 – Shades of Grace | Natalie Nichols- Shades of Grace | Natalie Nichols
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National Day of Prayer (Part Two): United With One Voice

“So that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 15:6 Today, May 1st, is the National Day of Prayer. Below are the theme, scripture, and prayer for this year’s observance—as well a link to the page where you can watch it live. National Day of Prayer Theme and Scripture The theme for the National Day of Prayer this year is One Voice,... read more

National Day of Prayer (Part One): 5 Reasons to Pray

Today is the National Day of Prayer. Why is it vital that we observe this special day and agree with others in prayer? There are multiple reasons, but today I’d like to consider five: 1. We Are One Nation Under God The National Day of Prayer website features “Still…Under God,” an article by John Bornschein, the Task Force Vice Chairman. Regarding the history of the phrase... read more

3 Results of Your Worship: God Still Clothes the Lilies, Lesson 9 (Part Two)

Are you dealing with an overwhelming problem? Or facing an uncertain future? You may not feel like worshiping God, but it will make a big difference if you do! Part One of this lesson emphasized the necessity of offering God a sacrifice of praise. I don’t know about you, but I needed this encouragement. My attitude of gratitude and posture of praise too often become captives of my circumstances. And... read more

Give Thanks and Praise, Even in This (Part One): God Still Clothes the Lilies, Lesson 9

Do you constantly dwell on the negative circumstances of your life? Are you so focused on yourself and your problems that you can’t see what God is doing in and around you? Do you often feel hopeless and despondent? Lesson nine is vital for everyone facing life’s challenges. (And Type-A, perfectionist, negative-prone people like me need this lesson plastered on our walls as a continual... read more

Focus on God, Not Your Problems: God Still Clothes the Lilies, Lesson 8

Are you overwhelmed by a problem? Perhaps many problems? I am. And they can consume my thoughts and obscure my view of God. That’s why I’m reminding myself of today’s lesson: Lesson #8: Focus on God, Not Your Problems Do you remember the model prayer that Jesus prayed, the prayer we often call the Lord’s prayer? You probably memorized it as a child: “Our Father in... read more

Easter Inspiration, Part 2: Sermons, Videos, Music, & Articles

  The sermons, videos, music, and articles that are inspiring me this Easter: Sermons Videos Music Articles   Videos: Sermons David Wilkerson: Jesus, the Lamb of God This message is for those who are on a search for peace and hope but you are experiencing emptiness and guilt because of the sin in your life. Maybe you are trying to figure out a way to “get to” God and pay Him back for all... read more

Easter Inspiration, Part 1: From the Archives

If you aren’t on social media, you might have missed these articles from the archives I’ve posted there. The message in each of these articles has meant a lot to me—and is perfect for Easter—so I thought I’d share a few excerpts with you today. The Resurrected Life The Confrontational Language of the Cross The Fellowship of the Cross: The Deepest Secret of Pentecost The... read more

Interruptions: Indications God is Determining Your Steps

There has been an interruption in the God Still Clothes the Lilies series. As I mentioned in the first post, one of the challenges in this season of my life is being a caregiver for a family member who is experiencing illness. As a result, the past two weeks have involved out of town travel for related medical visits. In the midst of this, the website crashed for twenty-four hours. Consequently, I... read more

Receive God’s Enabling: God Still Clothes the Lilies, Lesson 7

Are you facing something in life that is more than you can handle? Are you finding it hard to endure—to survive, much less thrive—as you wait on God? Lesson #7: Receive God’s Powerful Enabling While waiting on God to act, we need His enabling. That’s part of the purpose in the delay—to teach us to live in His sufficiency. It’s in these overwhelming seasons that we... read more
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