Set Your Course for 2012!

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Setting the Course for 2012!

Dear Friend,

Do you have deep longings for 2012 -- things you want God to do in your life, a loved one's life...on your job or in your ministry?

There is something you can do this month that will set the course for what God does in your life throughout 2012 -- something that will bring you closer to God and release His wisdom, guidance and blessing in every area of your life.

Setting the Course

There is no better way to begin the year than with a Biblical fast. Just as beginning your 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 your inner relationship with God and sets the course for the rest of the year.

Giving God the First

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" (Matthew 6:33).

Prayer and fasting at the beginning of the year sets a powerful course for God's purposes and blessings to be released in your life all year long!

When we give God the the first of the year in prayer and fasting...He gives to 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.

Taking Prayer to a Higher Level

Are there things you ache for God to do in your life? Maybe you've been praying about them, but it seems there has been no answer.

Fasting takes prayer to a higher level of fulfillment! When you fast, you embark on a spiritual journey that will change your life. Not only are you more likely to get your prayers answered, you will draw closer to God than ever before.

The Reward

Jesus promises to reward those who practice fasting in the right way with the right motives.

"When you fast...your Father who sees what is done

in secret will reward you" (Matthew 6:17-18).

In Matthew chapter six, Jesus mentions three main Christian duties: giving, praying and fasting. Most Christians accept without question that it's our responsibility to give and to pray. But it is equally our responsibility to fast.

Just as God promised to reward those who give and pray, He has guaranteed a reward to those who fast!

The Invitation

I would like to personally invite you to join me for Pursuit 21 - a 21-day fast January 8 through 28. 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).

You might like to visit our website for helpful information about the different kinds of fasts...and for tips, teaching and encouragement.

I'm excited about what God has in store for us as we begin the year with fasting and prayer! Join me in the pursuit and let's experience God's promised reward.

"He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him" (Hebrews 11:6).

In His Grace,

Natalie Nichols

President,

Shades of Grace Ministries

www.shadesofgrace.org

P.S. Please take a moment to let me know that you are participating in Pursuit 21. I want to lift you up in prayer as you fast.

Top Ten Fasting Posts of 2011

As we prepare to begin next year with prayer and fasting, it might inspire us to peruse the fasting content that most inspired people during the past year.

The ten fasting posts
most visited during 2011 are:

To The Top

Fasting Testimonies

"Our church is fasting later this year, but I felt led to fast with Pursuit 21 for three days - fasting the first day with juice only. Increased income has been one of my husband's and my greatest needs. When my husband took his current job, his salary was decreased. As a result, we have gone into debt. This was one of my chief reasons for fasting.

I can't wait to tell you what happened! The first day I began my fast, my husband went to pick up his paycheck...and discovered he'd been given a raise! So much of a raise that he took a picture of the check and sent it to me in a text message!! This means we'll no longer need credit to cover our monthly expenses! We won't be going further into debt! Then, on top of that, the woman whose children I watch called and said she needs me several days a week instead of one! Because of my husband's raise, all of my income can now go toward paying off our debt - and that income is now more than what it was! Praise the Lord! He surpassed my highest expectations - and on the first day of my fast!"

- S.R.

"I couldn't wait to tell you about my fast! It's all finally clicked for me about fasting. A few days ago, I was praying about a specific need and even though I was already fasting, I felt strongly led to fast the next day with juice only. I called a friend and begged her to pray for me because I was sure I would fail the next day by only drinking juice. Well the Lord was with me through it all - and not only did I succeed through Him alone, He...

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Fasting Tips
and Links

As you prepare for Pursuit 21, check out the helpful tips and links below:

Tips:

Prayerfully determine the type and length of fast to which you will commit.
Prayerfully determine your objective. Why will you be fasting? For spiritual renewal, healing or financial provision? For freedom from bondage and addiction?
Utilize the Pursuit 21 fasting contract to record the type of fast to which you will commit and to list your causes for fasting. This step is helpful in moving from merely thinking about your fast to being committed to it.
Consider subscribing to Natalie's blog in order to receive inspirational posts during your fast.

Links:

To The Top

In This Issue

Setting the Course
for 2012

Top Ten Fasting Posts

Fasting Testimonies

Fasting Tips and Links

Discover Shades of Grace Ministries

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