Jan 15th 11 Posted by Natalie Nichols

Fasting Day 2: Dethroning King Stomach

If you’re like me, you wrestled with your appetite on day one of your fast. We’ve just come out of the holidays, used to splurging and eating without discipline. But we must not let our stomach be the ruler and king of our lives. We must dethrone it! [i] Just take a look at what has happened under the rule of “King Stomach,” as Jentezen Franklin accurately terms it in his book Fasting. Examine... read more

Jan 13th 11 Posted by Natalie Nichols

Fasting Day 1: Washing and Preparing for a New Season

Fasting is a time of emptying – a time of washing and cleansing. The body is emptied of food and cleansed of toxins and poisons. Our lives are emptied of entertainment and normal routine. Fasting is also a time of preparation for new anointing. “But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face…and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” – Mt... read more

Jan 11th 11 Posted by Natalie Nichols

How Should I Prepare for a Fast?

There are six steps to preparing for a Christian fast: 1. Approach Your Fast With a Positive Attitude of Faith. Have the attitude that says, “It is God’s will for me to fast, and God will bless me when I fast according to His will.” By faith we can expect a reward. God will reward us in fasting if we seek Him in the right way and with the right motives. Jesus said, “But when you fast, put oil on... read more

Jan 9th 11 Posted by Natalie Nichols

Setting the Course for 2011

The Course: There is something you can do this month that will set the course for what God does in your life throughout 2011 — something that will bring you closer to God and release His wisdom, guidance and blessing in every area of your life. Corporately fasting in January is much the same precept as praying in the morning to establish the will of God for the entire day. If we will pray and seek... read more

Jan 6th 11 Posted by Natalie Nichols

Glancing Back and Gearing Up for What Is Ahead!

I am so excited!  The New Year is here – and we have so much to do to get ready for what I know will be our greatest year of ministry. Looking back over 2010, I am so thankful for all that God accomplished through Shades of Grace. We’ve seen countless lives transformed from the inside-out, thanks to God’s love and grace. Pursuit 21 In January 2010, we launched the first annual Pursuit 21 –... read more

Jan 4th 11 Posted by Natalie Nichols

Overcoming Adversity 101: The Complete Series

Overcoming Adversity 101 is a nine-part series. Because the chronological order of the posts was interrupted, I have included the links to all nine posts below. The Sovereignty of God Do God and Satan alternate shifts? What about accidents? The Long Ranger Is God Good and Loving? A Few Reasons Why A Few More Reasons Why Ten Final Reasons Why Sovereignty vs. Healing Question: Did a particular post... read more

Jan 3rd 11 Posted by Natalie Nichols

Top Posts for 2010

Below are the top blog posts from 2010.  I’d like to take a moment to thank you for reading throughout the past year. There are a lot of blogs to read these days, so I’m thankful when you choose this one.  I’m looking forward to sharing more good content with you in 2011!  I hope you’ll keep reading and joining the conversation through your comments. If you’re a faithful... read more

Dec 31st 10 Posted by Natalie Nichols

Overcoming Adversity 101, Part 9: Sovereignty vs. Healing

This post was originally written as an email message in response to a question submitted online. “I see that in your blog post My Surprise Visitor, you use the term ‘God, in His Sovereignty, allowed…’ Can you help me understand this? A pastor from my former church preached on God’s sovereignty being the reason he had cancer and accepting his fate as Gods will for his life. He... read more

Dec 30th 10 Posted by Natalie Nichols

Overcoming Adversity 101, Part 8: Ten Final Reasons Why

God has loving reasons for allowing our trials. He didn’t let that pain touch you because He lacks love but because He does love you. Suffering: 1. Causes us to know and experience the fact that: God sustains us: “Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens” (Ps. 68:19). He is our way of escape when the load is more than we can bear.  He helps us bear it. (See 1 Cor.... read more

Dec 29th 10 Posted by Natalie Nichols

Overcoming Adversity 101, Part 7: A Few More Reasons Why

God has permitted our specific trials for good, loving and precise reasons. Because He is sovereign and has power over all the circumstance of this life, God has the ability to permit and limit each trial that touches us. He lovingly screens each trial and permits only those that will accomplish His potential for our lives. As each circumstance reaches us, not only has it been permitted by God, He has... read more