Sunday, November 23, 2014

What Does It Look Like To Be The Body Of Christ?


In this blog:  Being the body of Christ -  Loving Others!
Update

Last week we all met together for the first time. The purpose – to grow in the ability to hear God’s voice better.   To equip those in the Church to be “naturally supernatural” (a term coined by Gary Best of Vineyard Canada). 

We call our group N.A.R.D.  We asked those in the group what they thought it meant and several shared some good answers.  But, here’s what we have it to mean. 

Let’s look at the Scripture passage in John 12:3-5 Then Mary took a pound of fragrant oil – pure and expensive nard, anointed Jesus’ feet and wiped His feet with her hair.  So the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. 

The Lord was deeply touched by Mary’s unselfish, extravagant heartfelt and sacrificial expression of devotion and profound love. Many bible commentators deem this act as the utmost example of what God desires in believers. 

The nard oil was "pure, genuine."

As believers who are made in the image of Christ, shouldn’t we strive to be more like Jesus?  Mary’s consistent devotion to Jesus is a great example for us.

As the night continued, we began to lay more of the foundation for our ministry, any ministry.  All ministry that we do we want to be saturated in love.   Whoever we minister to, we want them to feel more loved than before we first met them or prayed for them.   Our heart is to provide a safe environment to learn and grow in the gifts as well as minister to those in need. 

After the teaching time, we went into a time of worship.  Preparing our hearts, getting synced with God’s heart.    One song we sang was Multiply Your Love by Andy Park.  One of my favorites!  http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3D16TwRGkMrcc&sa=U&ei=G8hwVNSSNIOrgwTZag&ved=0CBUQtwIwAA&sig2=29SOCGoPbq_vQ8hPupxXmw&usg=AFQjCNFh6n-1FAfk1eILtXfR4u5XPqv0-w

After worship, we entered into a time of ministry.  This part was cool.  There was a lady who had recently lost a companion of 15 years.  No one knew her grief but Ken and I.   The lady sitting next to me whispered that she felt some deep despair for this lady and asked if she could pray for her.  Before she spoke, another person said that he had a Bible verse for this same lady.  So we stopped to pray for this lady who was grieving her loss.  She was deeply touched by this.  She shared with me later that she was so amazed at how many picked up on her pain and how much she needed those words of encouragement.   This is a great example of how God works when we tune our hearts into His and step out in faith.  This is faith in ACTION!  This is LOVE.

Often God will speak to us with pictures or visions.  That night God gave both Ken & I a picture and a word of knowledge for everyone in the group.  Several had made comments that it was exactly what they needed – whether confirmation, encouragement or a seed of hope!  Yea God!!  Before the night began many of the folks didn’t know each other, but when the meeting came to an end and the fellowship started, it was like they had known each other for years! 

When we tune our hearts to God and reach out to those in need, God shows up  in wonderful ways!

Update

As you can see, we launched our home group!  We are excited!  God is bringing people... so much, we may have to tear down walls or add on (ha - it's a rental).  

My health is still very much in need of many miracles and I appreciate your prayers!  
Please pray for provision - for God to open a door for Ken to work, if it be His will.
We are still praying, believing & contending for the "retreat property".  

How can we pray for you?  We are so blessed by the many God is allowing us to intercede for!  
If you are interested in having Ken and I come teach and minister to your church or small group, we would love to hear from you.

If you have been blessed by this ministry or feel led to support what God is doing through us - financially, below are a few options.  Your generosity and your prayer support is greatly appreciated and needed as we continue to walk in faith and God's calling. 

God Bless YOU -
Ken & Michele Cole
http://www.wantinsight.com
michele@wantinsight.com, ken@wantinsight.com

Tax deductible donations can be made by visiting:
1. https://www.hhmin.org/make_donation_projects.php, select Ministry Projects, then use drop down box Ken & Michele Cole - Want InSight?
2. Or you can donate through my medical account, select Medical Projects, then Michele Cole.  
(any donations made through HH is anonymous..so if you want us to know, please let us know).
3. Non tax deductible donations can be made directly to us by:
 Paypal - www.paypal.com  (michele@wantinsight.com) 




Monday, November 10, 2014

Crushed but not destroyed!


In this blog
Crushed but not destroyed!
Update


2 Corinthians 4:8-10
We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair.  We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies.

When I first was saved in 2002, I made a deal with God (not something I recommend, ha).  I told him that if He healed me of migraines, (I have had migraines since 1984) I'd speak in front of a crowd the size of Chief's stadium.  If you knew me then or even now, you would know that I am terrified to speak in front of any size group.  Not much after that "deal", He told me to start practicing because He was going to heal me.  

The Lord gave me this Scripture.  It was something I clinged to and still do......



Malachai 4:2-3 But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture.  On the day when I act, you will tread upon the wicked as if they were dust under your feet,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.
A few years ago, while I was in bed crying out to Him for healing, the Lord came to me in an open vision.  Jesus was kneeling next to my bed, His hands outstretched to heaven, tears running down His face.  He was interceding to the Father on my behalf.  I heard Him (not audibly) say "Father, enough is enough."   I again thought surely healing was coming soon. Not! 

Since then, I had another experience, I was in my quiet time and I was literally begging God - asking Him what did I have to do in order to get my healing.  Was there unconfessed sin, any unforgiveness, anything that I needed to do or take?  I have been to every doctor, every natural holistic practitoner, tried every rx or natural supplement to no avail.    In His still small voice, He said "There is nothing you can do Michele.  It is in My timing and for My glory. I will give you the grace you need until that time."   This was later confirmed at a conference I attended.  The speaker was getting words of knowledge for several folks and as he prayed for them, they were healed instantly (not confirmed by dr yet but their symptoms disappeared).  He then turned towards me and said, "you, come up here, please."  Everyone in the place knew me and knew all the issues I deal with and was literally leaping for joy as they too knew this was the night that God was going to heal me.  When I got up to the front (very uncomfortable but was willing to do anything for my healing).... the speaker said "odd, I don't have any revelation for you except, the Lord is saying there is nothing you can do.  You have the faith to be made well."  And then he prayed a blessing over me and I sat back down.   I cannot tell you how much hurt and disappointment I was experiencing.  I was crushed, beaten down, hopeless and falling into deep despair once again.   
Another time, I asked Him specifically if when He said I would be healed, would that be while I was living or when He took me home?  And over the course of 3 days, He gave me this Scripture (once to me personally and 3 more times through friends who had no idea).  
 
Psalm 27:13-14 Yet I am confident, I will see the Lord's goodness while I am here in the land of the living.  Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes wait patiently for the Lord. (emphasis mine)


Not long ago, I just for giggles wrote out a list of all my physical ailments, diseases, pain, etc and the list was well over 30.  I was dumbfounded and overwhelmed. 

I am thankful for many friends who let me vent and who speak comfort and encouragement to me.... they help me overcome all the naysayers who say I don't have faith, or I need to speak more scriptures over myself or  I need to quit talking about my issues.  I'm sorry if that offends you, but I am just plain weary and just need DIVINE INTERVENTION.   We humans can say the worst things to those who just need to be LOVED and COMFORTED.  

God calls us to LOVE one another, not judge them.  


So why do I share all this with you now......I don't know for sure other than I sensed the Lord said to and He gave me this verse.  I don't know that I can say I'm "glad" to boast about my weaknesses... but I do want the power of Christ to work through me..... to bring healing and hope to others!



2 Corinthians 12:9 
Each time He said, "My grace is all you need.  My power works best in weakness."  So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.  

Many of you pray for me all the time and don't need to be prompted.... but I'm desperate for the healing I believe the Lord has promised me in this lifetime.  His grace may be sufficient as I continue to walk with Him....but I know with my healing comes so much more I can do for His Kingdom!  I am extremely limited both physically and mentally to do much at this time.   I get tired of asking for prayer and being a burden, but feel the Lord is keeping me humble.  

I haven't been sleeping much more than 2-3 hours on average a night...so I have plenty of time to pray and intercede for others.  I want to reciprocate if you have any prayer needs!   I do pray as the Lord leads, but if there is anything specific, please let me know!  


Thank YOU for all who are praying and sharing that you are and sharing what you hear.  Our arms are weary, our faith is wobbly, but we continue to persevere.  It is because of YOU that we are able to stand!!!  We pray MEGA BLESSINGS back to you....100 fold return!  

We appreciate you and BLESS your ongoing support.  

If you have been blessed by this ministry or feel led to support what God is doing through us - financially, below are a few options.  Your generosity and your prayer support is greatly appreciated and needed as we continue to walk in faith and God's calling. 

God Bless YOU -
Ken & Michele Cole
http://www.wantinsight.com
michele@wantinsight.com, ken@wantinsight.com

Tax deductible donations can be made by visiting:
1. https://www.hhmin.org/make_donation_projects.php, select Ministry Projects, then use drop down box Ken & Michele Cole - Want InSight?
2. Or you can donate through my medical account, select Medical Projects, then Michele Cole.  
(any donations made through HH is anonymous..so if you want us to know, please let us know).
3. Non tax deductible donations can be made directly to us by:
 Paypal - www.paypal.com  (michele@wantinsight.com)