I apologize for the length of time between our last blog update and this one. One of the things I've realized of late is my inability to properly manage my time.
Our time in Gainesville has been a time of rich fellowship, deep healing, and intense personal growth. One of the people the Lord has used in that process is a precious saintly little lady named Jacqueline Walker. Jacquie is a true gift to the church. She radiates joy, love, light, peace, compassion, and gentleness. The power that comes out of this little lady is like the power contained in a stick of dynamite. When she prays it's like "Bam", the devil is running scared. In our meeting yesterday she turned to me and asked me a question that exposed a truth that I have been consistently beating myself up about for years. She asked "Does it seem like time seems to be always slipping away on you?". This question came out of nowhere and hit me right between the eyes. Yes. It seems like there are never enough hours in the day, and even when there are, important things that need to be done are often pushed aside in favour of other less important things that seem to crowd them out. She then suggested that this may have demonic ties that go back into my past and are given power through the lies I've believed about myself, the vows I've made, and even generational demonic influence. After a time of prayer it became clear that this was indeed the case and the Lord was able to minister to me powerfully and we were able to sever the ties and break the power of the things that were "helping" me to lose track of my time.
Another interesting experience we had yesterday occurred when we were hanging out with "The Bishop" in his office before soaking prayer. Shayne had been sharing some of the hurts and wounds she's been working through in her healing and Ron asked her, "If those hurts and wounds represent holes in you, then what do you look like?" After praying about it for a moment Shayne responded that she felt like God was showing her, in the spirit, that she was full of holes. Ron said "Ya, like swiss cheese". Ron then began to pray and the image of Shayne "full of holes" began to change. The holes were still there, however they were now filled with Jesus, and each hole now radiated with beauty. Our deepest hurts and woundings don't have to stay as hidden secrets that fester with pain, if we let Jesus he will come and restore each hole so that we may radiate His beauty. Ron shared a beautiful thought, those of us that have many holes and have suffered much pain can take joy in that each hole can be filled by him, and when you have many holes, that can be a lot of Jesus. With that also comes all the different fruits and gifts of His Spirit. Imagine what a healed church could do for a hurting world. It is so important that we all pursue as much healing as possible, as soon as we are able to do so.
What types of things do you keep within reach when you settle down into your couch to watch your favourite show? : The remote, a drink, some snacks, your phone, maybe the laptop, your fluffy excuse for a dog. I love that feeling when your in the zone, and everything you could possibly need for the next hour or two is right there within reach. That's how I've been trying to live my life lately. Intentionally being mindful that everything I need to live this life to the full is right there within reach at all times. The Kingdom of Heaven is right at hand, right within reach, and every time I need some affirmation, some peace, some wisdom, some love all I have to do is reach out and take it. We have not, because we ask not. I was reflecting a couple days ago with a friend on my need for Gods love and affirmation. Wondering why I need it so badly and so often and wondering why I never seem to have enough to satisfy. He helped me see this truth in a way that was so simple I was arrested by the implications on the church if we could really get ahold of this. Everything we need to fill all our spiritual, and emotional needs is right there within reach at all times.
The last couple days I've been reaching out in faith dozens of times daily. Asking my heavenly father to reveal his love to me over and over. It has been amazingly peaceful and refreshing. If you feel like you need a touch from the Lord, reach and out and touch Him. He's right there within reach. You have His ear at all times. Ask and you shall receive. Bask in His love, His pleasure for you.
Thanks for journeying with us,
The Schafer's
