 Dear Friend,
Can you believe that another year is already here? Perhaps you have deep longings for 2010--things you want God to do in your life, a loved one's life...or your business or ministry.
There is something you can do in this first month of the year that will set the course for what God does in your life all year long - something that will bring you closer to God and release His wisdom, guidance and blessing in every area of your life.
There is no better way to begin the year than with a Biblical fast. Just as beginning our day with prayer sets the course for the rest of the day and affects anything that might happen, so beginning the year with a fast affects not only our inward relationship with God, but also circumstances and blessing throughout the entire year.
We give God the first of our day, the first of our week and the first of our income. Why not the first of the year? "But seek first his
kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as
well" (Mt. 6:33). When we give God the the first of our year in prayer and fasting...he gives
unto us all year long. During April, May, June...and even into December, we
receive blessings that wouldn't be ours if we hadn't dedicated the first to God
in January with a fast.
Fasting was never meant to be the rare practice that it is today among Christians. After Jesus called his disciples, He gave them their first public
teaching in the Sermon on the Mount. In it He explained to them the
kingdom of God--its laws and life. He provided the pattern by which each of us is to live as a child of God. This pattern mentions three specific responsibilities: giving, praying and fasting.
In this passage Jesus said, "When you give...", "When you pray" and "When you fast." He made it obvious that fasting is to be a regular part of the Christian life. He did not say "if you fast" but "when you fast." We are to give as much focus and priority to fasting as we do to giving and praying
Jesus doesn't expect us, His modern day disciples, to do something He didn't do. If
the Word of God--the One who spoke this world into being--found fasting
necessary in God's economy, then who are we to try to live by any other
standard? Who are we to think that we can attempt to live without it?
In Fasting, Jentezen Franklin asks a poignant question:
"If Jesus could have accomplished all He came to do without fasting, why would He fast?
The Son of God fasted because He knew there were supernatural things
that could only be released that way. How much more should fasting be a
common practice in our lives."[ii]
Jesus said in John 13,"You address me as 'Teacher' and 'Master,' and rightly so. That is what I am...I've laid down a pattern for you. What I've done, you do...If you
understand what I'm telling you, act like it - and live a blessed life."
I want to live a blessed life, don't you? And blessings are released in the supernatural realm when we fast. He gives us wisdom and
insight about His plan for our lives...and the specific actions that will bring
it about. The bondage of sin is broken. Relationships are restored. Heavy
burdens are lifted. Obstacles are surmounted. We experience financial
blessing...supernatural healing...and so much more! An anointing of God's
presence descends upon the entire year!
, I am mailing to personally invite you to join me for Pursuit 21 -- twenty-one days of prayer and fasting, giving God the first of 2010. I believe God wants to do something special in your life that will not occur apart from fasting and prayer. "This kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting" (Mt. 17:21). I encourage you to join me in Pursuit 21, a powerful, unrivaled spiritual launching pad for the new year.
I have already begun praying for you, that you will hear the Holy Spirit's voice as to how He wants you to fast. You may check our website and my blog for more information about the different kinds of fasts...and for teaching and encouragement. I will also be sharing about fasting at the next Passionate Pursuit on January 14th.
Don't panic! You don't have to go without food the entire 21 days...unless you choose. Regardless of whether you have fasted before, I believe the Holy Spirit will enable you to fast in some manner, either partially or in full, (or a combination of both) for these 21 days beginning January 14th. Just begin seeking His will and respond in obedience...trusting that He will give you the ability. And He will!!
Fasting with friends is powerful...and so much easier as well. Just knowing that others are fasting with you is incredibly helpful! That's why I believe this is the perfect opportunity for us to fast together - to reap spiritual benefit and have the support system of fasting with friends.
I am excited for what God has in store for us individually and corporately as we begin 2010 with fasting and prayer! I've already heard from many who have been following my tweets and facebook posts about Pursuit 21! Holy anticipation is in their hearts as we seek God diligently, knowing He will reward openly...all year long!
"...for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He
is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him" Hebrews
11:6 (emphasis added).
Your Sister in Christ,
 P.S.
Natalie Nichols
President,
Shades of Grace Ministries
www.shadesofgrace.org
P.S. Don't forget there is more Pursuit 21 information online - including information about the different types of fasts and helpful tips as well.
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Giving God the First 
Several years ago I began giving God the first twenty-one days of
the year through prayer and fasting. Scripture exhorts us in Matthew
6:33 to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness...and then everything else will be given to us.
Perhaps you have goals, desires, dreams and resolutions for the New
Year. Maybe you have already begun submitting your requests to God for
the things you'd like to see Him do in 2010. Maybe He is asking you to
believe Him for certain results in 2010. Beloved, prayerfully consider giving God the first of your year in prayer and fasting and watch Him give unto you all year long.
Up until a few years ago, I - like so many other Christians - overlooked the significance of fasting. I
believed in giving God the first of my day, the first of my week and
the first of my income, but I was missing a vital element: the first of my year...
To The Top
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Lord, Teach us to Fast 
Today, as I pray and prepare for January's upcoming fast, I am posting a portion of a previous blog pertaining to fasting:
In Matthew chapter six, as Jesus is teaching the disciples about the
kingdom of Heaven - its laws and conduct - He mentions the word "when"
three very significant times.
Not If, But When
1. "When you give..." (v. 2).
2. "When you pray..." (v. 5).
3. "When you fast..." (v. 16).
Notice that He did not say, "if you give," "if you pray," "if you fast". He did not say "if" but "when".
Jesus made it clear that fasting, like praying and giving, is to be a
normal part of Christian life. We all know and believe in the
importance of prayer and giving. But sadly our approach to fasting is
that it is a dispensable thing - merely an option for occasional
implementation, if at all...
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Passionate Pursuit
A Journey Journey to More of Christ
Ladies, come and enjoy coffee and dessert, uplifting music and a
transforming message as Natalie Nichols, founder of Shades of Grace Ministries,
shares an encouraging word for your present need.
Join us as Natalie leads us on a Passionate Pursuit to know Jesus
and the power of God's Word more intimately each day.
Mark Your Calendar!
January
14, 2010 (2nd Thursday) - 6:30 p.m.
Piney Woods Country Club
3001 US 59 S
Nacogdoches,
TX 75964
Worship by Grateful Heart
With beautiful harmonies, humble hearts
and soaring songs, Grateful Heart leads
listeners in sincere and true worship.
 Pursuit 21 with Natalie Nichols.
Have you become complacent about your time with God and His Word? Are your desires dictated by the appetites of your flesh? Do you need a breakthrough in your finances, your relationships, your business? Natalie shares the key to seeing a transformation and supernatural work of God in your life...and your year!
 A Moment in Concert
Throughout the Bible and the history of the
great revivals, concerts of prayer have
preceded a life-changing, revolutionary descent
of God upon the soul of man, the heart of the
church and the life of the community. In this
new segment, we bring our instruments of prayer together for a moment in concert.
Invite Your Friends!
Forward this email to a friend as their invitation. 
Register online or by phone at 936.569.8741.
Registration: $5 online /
$10 at the door
Registration
required for dessert. Registration ends @ 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, January
12, 2010.
Save the Date: February 4, 2010 - 6:30 p.m.
A powerful evening of praise and worship as we close the fast & celebrate God's faithful answers to our prayer and seeking!
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Discover Natalie Nichols
& Shades of Grace Ministries
In the midst of severe
illness caused by undiagnosed Lyme Disease, Natalie Nichols came to rely
on God's Word to comfort and sustain her. Now through Shades of Grace
Ministries, she shares how you and your loved ones can experience God's comfort
and grace through life's trials.
Our
Mission
The core mission of Shades
of Grace Ministries is to lead others to seek and apply the Word of God in
every circumstance of life.
Our Vision
Shades of Grace Ministries
desires to see a world where every Christian walks by faith and stands
upon God's promises as found in His Word.
Watch Natalie's Journey
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In This Issue
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Thursday, January 14, 2010
6:30 p.m.
Piney Woods Country Club
3001 US 59 S
Nacogdoches, TX 75964
Invite Your Friends!
Registration:
$5 online / $10 at the door
Register online or by phone at 936.569.8741
Pre-registration required
for dessert. Pre-register
online by Tuesday,
January 12, 2010, 6:30 p.m. _____________
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Shades of Grace now on YouTube!
Visit our channel
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Visit Passionate
Visit Natalie
on Facebook. ________________
Follow Natalie. ________________ |
TESTIMONIES
I love Passionate
Pursuit! It is like a mini-Women of Faith Conference for me each month.
- Bethany
"Just
this morning I prayed - I was out of faith, gas, or hope. Your message
was my answer from God! It's like I'm just beginning to see who God
really is. This morning I felt like I was standing alone. Now I know
I'm not! Thank you, Jesus."
- P.F.
"I saw your post (Isaiah 58:1, "Like a Trumpet"). It is my desire that God would
develop me into that kind of man. Thanks for your boldness..."
- Kevin
"The
day I heard your testimony was a life-changing day for me. I have never been
the same since! We Christians are in and out of the Word. We don't know
its value. Your testimony
showed me
that the
Word is our only hope."
- Michele
"Because
of this time of prayer and praise I realized that God's standard of holiness
must begin in me -- in the small and big decisions I make every moment."
- Carla
"Although life is still a
struggle for me and my family, I know God is faithful...and your life is living
testimony to that! Thanks for the encouragement - revealed through your life -
that brings endless hope to hurting people. I praise God and know He is behind
it all!!"
- Paula
"I've been a doubting Thomas. I didn't realize until the
message tonight just how much my faith has diminished over time through
disappointing, hurtful circumstances. Tonight, that has changed! God has
breathed fresh life into me and my walk of faith, and I know there is more to
come."
- Valerie
"Just this morning I prayed - I was out of faith, gas, or
hope. Your sermon was my answer from God! It's like I'm just beginning to see
who God really is. This morning I felt like I was standing alone. Now I know
I'm not! Thank you, Jesus."
- P.F.
"I watched the concert of
prayer tonight -- powerful praise and worship! I worshiped God in my living
room along with you...God is calling me to a higher place with him; I must
share the gospel with others -- in the places he gives me, no matter the
cost...Thanks for leading us into his presence."
- Cynthia
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