The Power & Purpose Of Damascus

ALL WHO HEARD HIM WERE AMAZED.  "Isn't this the same man who caused such devastation among Jesus' followers in Jerusalem?" they asked. "And didn't he come here to arrest them and take them in chains to the leading priests?" — Acts 9:21 NLT

OBSERVATION:  I cannot imagine how scary it must have been to have the new Paul show up to Christian events.  They must have looked at him in fear as they heard him praising God. Could they really trust him?  Isn’t this the man who was FAMOUS for killing and persecuting Christians?  Is this God or is this man trying to trick us?  As they saw that Saul had truly experienced TRANSFORMATION on that Damascus road...JESUS CHRIST was lifted up and exalted among the people.  It was less about the man and more about the power of the blood that had been shed on the cross.

PERSONAL APPLICATION:  What area/areas in my life would give God all the glory after encountering a Damascus Road Transformation?  Not just the big ones, but what habitual, consistent, persistent, little things do I do over and over and over that take the focus from Christ and instead point eyes back to me and my lack of faith or growth?

“Search me O God and know my heart.  Test me and know my thoughts.  POINT OUT ANYTHING IN ME THAT OFFENDS YOU.”  

—Psalm 139:23-24

TEMPORARY BLINDNESS

“Saul picked himself up off the ground, but when he opened his eyes he was blind So his companions led him by the hand to Damascus.  He remained there blind for three days and did not eat or drink. Instantly something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized.” — Acts 9:8-9,18 NLT

Three words spoke personally to my heart:

1-BLIND:  God knew that Paul was so fixated on the things around him that the only way to get him to see things differently was to have him fast from focusing on the tangible.  His sight of this world became a distraction.  

Saul’s blindness allowed God to reset his perspective.

2-SCALES:  I imagine scales to be like cataracts.  The things of this world  have made my vision cloudy and they dull down my eternal perspective.  Those scales keep me from seeing clearly.  As Saul fasted scales fell from his eyes and he REGAINED HIS SIGHT. 

Fasting (aka: temporary blindness) removes the scales so I can see a crisper eternal perspective

3-COMPANIONS:  I need sisters who love Jesus and love His Word!  I need them to walk with me.  We point each other back to the cross.  Isolation causes annihilation!  

We're Better Together!

I'm so thankful that I am not at the beginning of this journey.  God has been doing spiritual heart surgery for awhile now.  This struggle has purpose.  It's created intimacy with the Lord as I cry out and wait on Him.  There has been Holy Spirit change in my life...God has given me a desire to choose better, but what still needs work is how much I choose and when I choose it, and for what purpose.  Food was never created to satisfy my soul.  

I have to be temporarily uncomfortable so that God can permanently transform my mind...behavior will follow.

I love how God answers prayers.  Scott and I had been talking about doing a Whole30 reset diet, and as I was seeking the Lord for His will, I came to this story of Saul becoming Paul.  It spoke intimately and personally to my heart. 

Daughter, the only way to permanently remove love for anything besides me is to fast from it.  Saul had to be temporarily blinded to the tangible things around him so that God could reset his heart to see the unseen.  

"So we focus not on what is seen, but what is unseen.  For what is seen is temporary, but what is UNSEEN IS ETERNAL" -- II Corinthians 4:20

“A Whole New You”— Ladies Christmas Event!

A WHOLE NEW YOU

“Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?  I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” — Isaiah 43:19

Our evening was filled with lots of laughter, precious fellowship, heartfelt tears, and eternal equipping.  

Our purpose was to come together for an evening of looking back and remembering all that God has done, is doing, and to have a time to prepare our hearts for what He is GOING TO DO! 

“Man makes His plans; but God determines his steps”

The Lord  moved mightily and gifted our servant team with the amazing God-given talents of Holliday. She has quickly become a valued team leader and cherished friend. 

Our beautiful Erika honored the Lord with her heart of worship.  She led us to the throne of grace again and again.

Leslie P and Phyllis B did a great job choreographing and playing piano of our opening skit.

Oh how I adore our servant Elves who served so beautifully and selflessly❤️

Every attendee received a beautiful 2018 journal to take notes from the speakers and to take into the new year.

We were blessed by having our yummy goodies catered by Cassandra Abel "the food coordinator" with 4th Street Caribbean Cafe.

And of course...we cannot forget our amazing photographer.  Thank you Jessica Lauren for these outstanding memories you’ve captured for us.  

I must take a moment to thank our Guest SPEAKERS

Brenda Baird shared how Essential Oils have helped her family regain health and how she now takes joy in helping others discover and uncover how to help themselves.  For those who would like more information you can contact Brenda at: doTerra Oils by Brenda

“Those who cling to worthless idols turn away from God’s love for them.”  Jonah 2:8

Brandice Lardner shared her testimony of eating disorders to finding freedom in the Lord and how that led to becoming a certified nutrition and fitness coach.  She talked about the power of God’s Word and many of us walked away with Jonah 2:8 ringing through our hearts.  You can continue your health journey by subscribing to her FREE blog:  Grace-Filled Plate

“With God all things are possible” Matthew 19:26

Melisa Diaz shared an incredible testimony of how God radically saved her life and then saved her marriage that in the world’s eyes was already over because she was officially divorced.  She shared tips to help all of us be purposeful in loving our husbands.  She spoke to the hearts of our widows and the powerful voice they have in encouraging younger women in their journey AND she spoke to young women on how to look for a Godly husband.  Here is a professionally put together 7 minute video that shares this remarkable testimony.  

VIDEO TESTIMONY

Thank you to all of our door prize contributors!  

Please visit them and support their businesses when looking for products they carry. 

Jordan Rothwell with Lipsense: Brenda Baird doTerra Oils:  Lipsense

Judith & Kit with organic Kumbucha: Kumbucha

Roshanda Smith with Shonda Sparkle $5 Jewelry: Shonda Sparkle $5 Jewelry

Brandice Lardner Fitness Journal:  Grace Filled Plate

PICTURES FROM OUR EVENING

“You, beloved, are worth so much more than a whole flock of sparrows.  God knows everything about you; even the number of hairs on your head.”  Matthew 10:30