Jan 10th 13 Posted by Natalie Nichols

Fasting Day 3: How Fasting Works

Fasting helps a Christian to receive direction and power from the Holy Spirit. In Shaping History Through Fasting and Prayer, Derek Prince gives two ways in which fasting accomplishes this. 1. Fasting is a form of mourning. In a sense, fasting is a form of mourning. Emotionally, none of us enjoys or welcomes mourning, just as physically, our bodies don’t enjoy or welcome fasting. But there are times... read more

Jan 9th 13 Posted by Natalie Nichols

Fasting Day 2: The Secret Teller

Did you know that your Heavenly Father wants to tell you His secrets? Angela Morgan (Pursuit 21 guest post author), recently reminded me of this through one of her posts on Facebook. The promise of God to those who draw near to Him has been fresh on her heart…and mine too. This is what Angela shared: ___________________________________________________________ God Wants to Tell You His Secrets Did... read more

Jan 9th 13 Posted by Natalie Nichols

Fasting Day 1: Drawing Near

Fasting is drawing near to God. It’s body-talk expressing our hunger for Him. “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8). Biblical, New Testament fasting is the bowing of the knee to God. It is a submitting of the body, the flesh, the will, the heart – the seat of your appetites – to God. It is the bowing of your everything before God and submitting to Him. When I’m... read more

Jan 4th 13 Posted by Natalie Nichols

Seeking God First

Of all your priorities for the coming year, is seeking God your first? Is it your most important goal? Are you planning toward it, setting aside a specific time to seek God first above all else? “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33 This is an excellent time to consider committing to a season of prayer and fasting... read more

Jan 4th 13 Posted by Natalie Nichols

Warriors on the Front Lines: Hobby Lobby, Civil Disobedience, & Obamacare

How do you define freedom of religion? Is it solely the freedom to worship on Sunday, or is it the freedom to live out your faith? In other words, is religious liberty just what you do in church on a Sunday morning, or does it include what you do during the week at your job? Ken Klukowski recently wrote a moving, informative article on this topic: Hobby Lobby Defies Obama Administration with Civil... read more

Jan 1st 13 Posted by Natalie Nichols

Three Ways You’re Making a Difference

Thank you for all you’ve done to make a difference in people’s lives throughout the year…and this week! Let me explain… Did you know that when you support Shades of Grace through your faithful prayers and gifts, you’re not only supporting this ministry and our outreach to hurting people around the world, you’re supporting other ministries too? I’d like to take a... read more

Dec 31st 12 Posted by Natalie Nichols

Top Ten General Posts of 2012

Now that we’ve taken a look at the most-read fasting posts of the past year, I’ve compiled a list of the most-read non-fasting posts. The topics range from Americana to Prayer to Overcoming Adversity. Some of the most-read posts this past year were: 1.  Is America a Christian Nation? More Quotes From Our Founders (May 5, 2010) Take a look at these statements from America’s founders.  Our... read more

Dec 31st 12 Posted by Natalie Nichols

Top Ten Fasting Posts of 2012

As we prepare to begin the year with prayer and fasting, it might inspire us to read the fasting content that most inspired people throughout the past year. Some of the most-read fasting posts this past year were: 1. The Ezra Fast (January 27, 2010) This was last year’s #1 post, and it remained in the #1 slot as the most-read fasting post of 2012. When we are facing a financial crisis, a problem, a... read more

Dec 24th 12 Posted by Natalie Nichols

Augustine on the Incarnation

Man’s maker was made man, that He, Ruler of the stars, might nurse at His mother’s breast; that the Bread might hunger, the Fountain thirst, the Light sleep, the Way be tired on its journey; that the Truth might be accused of false witness, the Teacher be beaten with whips, the Foundation be suspended on wood; that Strength might grow weak; that the Healer might be wounded; that Life might... read more

Dec 23rd 12 Posted by Natalie Nichols

Merry Christmas!

What a joy it is to celebrate with you the birth of Jesus, the Word of God who became flesh and made His dwelling among us! As we celebrate His life, we also celebrate the greatest gift ever offered to mankind . . . the gift of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ who came to save His people from their sins. Did you know that we have the privilege of partaking in eternal life now? We don’t... read more