Thursday, October 19, 2017

Take Courage! 3 Steps to Persevere!

Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the LORD!   Psalm 31:24 

What are you facing today?  Is there a prolonged trial you are going through that doesn't see an end in sight?  

So many people are clinging to their hope in Jesus right now.  Many are in intense trials, long suffering, hope deferred on many levels and hanging on by a thread.  What do you do in times like this?  

Tuesday we got a call from the lady who has been so kind in storing our personal belongings for the past 3 years in her basement.  She told us that she had a mold test done and that there is mold, mold, mold in her basement and EVERYTHING must go!  She wants it out asap - like within a week!  Yikes!  This news put my mind in overdrive on what options we have or DON'T know about yet.  We have no place to go with this stuff other than storage or sell!  But how do we clean every single thing, throw out what we have to and sell or store within a week or so.  Not only are we hedged in on every side, the fire keeps getting hotter and the intensity more severe.  

Needless to say I didn't get to sleep Tuesday night - it was literally 6am-8am on Wednesday I finally got some sleep.   Before I fell asleep the Lord brought to mind this song again.  Earlier in the year a friend sent it to me and it really brought peace.  Music is like that!  It can really change the atmosphere and turn your emotions and thoughts into who the Lord is and what He will do!  

Kristen DiMarco
Take Courage 
Listen to it here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r49V9QcYheQ

Slow down, take time
"Breathe in," He said
He'd reveal what's to come
The thoughts in His mind
Always higher than mine
He'll reveal all to come

So take courage, my heart
Stay steadfast, my soul
He's in the waiting
He's in the waiting
And hold onto your hope
As your triumph unfolds
He's never failing
He's never failing

Sing praise, my soul
Find strength in joy
Let His words lead you on
Do not forget
His great faithfulness
He'll finish all He's begun

So take courage, my heart
Stay steadfast, my soul
He's in the waiting
He's in the waiting
And hold onto your hope
As your triumph unfolds
He's never failing
He's never failing

And You who hold the stars
Who call them each by name
Will surely keep Your promise to me
That I will rise in Your victory

So take courage, my heart
Stay steadfast, my soul
He's in the waiting
He's in the waiting
And hold onto your hope
Watch your triumph unfold
He's never failing
He's never failing

So take courage, my heart
Stay steadfast, my soul
He's in the waiting
He's in the waiting
And hold onto your hope
Watch your triumph unfold
He's never failing
He's never failing

He's in the waiting
He's in the waiting
He's in the waiting



When I finally fell asleep Wednesday am, I had a dream.  It was similar to a dream I had before we had to move from the last home to the one we were in.  That dream was that there was fire in the ditch and around the entire perimeter of the yard/house.   Ken felt the Lord gave him an interpretation that though there was a definite need to move and get out of that house, we had time because the fire wasn't at the house yet.  Within a day or two our landlord had sold the house out from underneath us and we had to move asap.   

Well, the dream I had Wednesday was that Ken had just left for work.  Canyon, our dog, had to go out, so I let him outside.  I heard a bunch of noice and commotion but was too sleepy to worry about it.  I hear someone yelling in the front yard and then a fireman was pounding on the front door.  I went to the door and he said - ma'am you need to get out asap.  There is fire surrounding your whole neighborhood and even the entire area/town.  I immediately went to get changed out of my pajama's and started grabbing my purse, our laptops and was wondering what else I had to get that was important - and of course Canyon.  I woke up.   My sense was that the Lord gave me a similar dream so I could relate and understand that He is in this new circumstance we are having to deal with. I sense the firefighter was the Lord and that He would knock on our door and give us instructions.  And I believe me thinking to myself what else do I need that is important was clearly a sign to go through our things once again (remember we did this in March and got rid of 75-85% of all of it) and see what else we can give up.  

After I woke up, and feeling like the Lord gave me the interpretation I was reading my devotional Streams in the Desert.  Well actually, somebody had posted it on Facebook and I read it there first. 

Impressions – Streams in the Desert 10/19

God does give us impressions, but not that we should act on them as impressions. If the impression be from God, He will Himself give sufficient evidence to establish it beyond the possibility of a doubt.
How beautiful is the story of Jeremiah, of the impression that came to him respecting the purchase of the field of Anathoth. But Jeremiah did not act upon this impression until after the following day, when his uncle’s son came to him and brought him external evidence by making a proposal for the purchase. Then Jeremiah said: “I knew this was the word of the Lord.”
He waited until God seconded the impression by a providence, and then he acted in full view of the open facts, which could bring conviction unto others as well as to himself. God wants us to act according to His mind. We are not to ignore the Shepherd’s personal voice but, like Paul and his companions at Troas, we are to listen to all the voices that speak and “gather” from all the circumstances, as they did, the full mind of the Lord. –Dr. Simpson
“Where God’s finger points, there God’s hand will make the way.”
Do not say in thine heart what thou wilt or wilt not do, but wait upon God until He makes known His way. So long as that way is hidden it is clear that there is no need of action, and that He accounts Himself responsible for all the results of keeping thee where thou art. –Selected
“For God through ways we have not known,
Will lead His own.”
This really spoke to me because I feel both having to get our stuff out and the dream were impressions that something is definitely changing.  For the past 48 hours I have racked my brain, talked to the storage facility here, talked with friends about potential options and I still have NO answers on what we could or can do about this.  

What I do know from our history with the Lord - is that when He opens the door, it's swift and sudden.  And even though there might be work to do with the shift, it's non-striving, and much easier than us trying to figure it out.  Our hope is in Him.  Our peace is that He is leading us and will show us the way!  

When I went to do devotions on Wednesday morning, I began to read 10/18 an it was not the one I just wrote above nor the one posted.  That one was actually 10/19's.  I think God wanted me to see it because it was further instruction to "wait" on HIm.   However, reading the actual 10/18 one - spoke to me for this season and I believe for ALL OF YOU who have been going through hard times, this one will speak to you as well.

Delayed

When the sun went down, Abram fell sound asleep, and great terror overwhelmed him. Then the Lord said to Abram, “Know for certain that your descendants will be strangers in a foreign country. They will be enslaved and oppressed for four hundred years. But I will execute judgment on the nation that they will serve. Afterward they will come out with many possessions.—Gen 15:12-14 NET
An assured part of God’s pledged blessing to us is delay and suffering. A delay in Abram’s own lifetime that seemed to put God’s pledge beyond fulfillment was followed by seemingly unendurable delay of Abram’s descendants. But it was only a delay: they “came out with great substance.” The pledge was redeemed.
God is going to test me with delays; and with the delays will come suffering, but through it all stands God’s pledge: His new covenant with me in Christ, and His inviolable promise of every lesser blessing that I need. The delay and the suffering are part of the promised blessing; let me praise Him for them today; and let me wait on the Lord and be of good courage and He will strengthen my heart. —C. G. Trumbull
Unanswered yet the prayer your lips have pleaded
In agony of heart these many years?
Does faith begin to fail? Is hope departing?
And think you all in vain those falling tears?
Say not the Father hath not heard your prayer;
You shall have your desire sometime, somewhere.
Unanswered yet? Nay do not say ungranted;
Perhaps your work is not yet wholly done.
The work began when first your prayer was uttered,
And God will finish what He has begun.
If you will keep the incense burning there,
His glory you shall see sometime, somewhere.
Unanswered yet? Faith cannot be unanswered,
Her feet are firmly planted on the Rock;
Amid the wildest storms she stands undaunted,
Nor quails before the loudest thunder shock.
She knows Omnipotence has heard her prayer,
And cries, “It shall be done”—sometime, somewhere.
—Miss Ophelia G. Browning

and having done all, to stand firm. Ephesians 6:13b


Here is what I believe we are to do and what you can do to continue persevering:

1.  Keep your focus on the Lord -not on your circumstances.
2.  Stand firm - take courage!  He's in the wait 
3.  Remind yourself often - God is faithful to bring forth the promises He has spoken to you!

"Perseverance is continually realigning your heart with the leadership of Christ in the face of pressure". Mike Bickle


Prayer Requests:

Please be in prayer for Ken's father.  He went into the hospital earlier this week with a blood infection and then had tests for his heart as well.  They were concerned his heart valves were infected - but thankfully not.  He had heart valve surgery previously.  He will get out the hospital Thursday 5 days but have to do daily I.V. outpatient antibiotics still.  He just had his 84th birthday.  

Ken - to find the needed strength for this task.  Also that God would provide additional work (after this task is done) to meet our monthly financial needs.  
Michele - for energy and ability to help Ken w/o any mold effects. I have huge issues w/mold.  Ongoing prayer for complete healing to manifest and to be able to sleep!!!! 
Canyon - He is definitely getting weaker daily.  We know it's soon.  Please pray for grace and peace and to know the perfect time.  
Ministry - that God would open the doors and provide all that's needed to step into destiny.



Thank YOU so much for your ongoing support, prayers, love and care for us and our ministry.  We are honored to be able to pray for those who reach out to us.  Please let me know if you have any prayer needs.  

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. 

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

Tax deductible & non tax deductible donations can be made: 
1.  Checks made payable to Sonlit Fields, PO Box 371, El Dorado Springs, MO 64744 or if you prefer anonymous giving - you can give through our Donor Fund 

2.  Non tax deductible donations can be made directly to us by:  THIS IS THE FASTEST WAY TO GET MONEY TO US FOR DAILY USE. 
 Paypal - www.paypal.com  (michele@wantinsight.com) 

3. Donor Fund - Contact National Christian Foundation - Ken & Michele Cole - Want InSight Fund -   Tax deductible 
    7171 W. 95th Street, Suite 501
Overland Park, KS 66212
    Phone: 913.310.0279

    Fax: 913.227.0254     www.nationalchristian.com 

Vision
God has given us a vision to build a retreat property along with ministry equipping center.  
The retreat portion of our ministry is to provide a safe place for pastors, lay leaders & other ministry folks to come and be refreshed & encouraged through prophetic ministry (if wanted).  We will offer private cabins with kitchens & full bathrooms, and plenty of places to roam on the property to get quiet with the Lord. 
We will offer other specialty retreats - marriage, healing, prophetic teaching & activating people into the world & health and wellness retreats and more.  

The Lord has graced us with the desire to come alongside the Church - to bring healing, deliverance & freedom to new/newer believers.  We are not wanting to replace their church, but better help them be ready to serve in their church. 
In our community building - we will eventually have a 24/7 prayer room, healing & prophetic rooms and a place for community worship services for those on the property.  

Our passion is to minister to a lost & hurting world.   To equip the saints to do the same and to be a blessing to our community and surrounding areas.  Our hopes are that we can pour out God's love in a mighty way to bring more and more souls into the Kingdom, get them discipled, called into their purpose & destiny and released to do God's business!!!!  We also have a passion to give generously to help those in need and to help others launch into their God given destinies.  


Friday, October 13, 2017

Hedged in?

Go at once to Zarephath in the region of Sidon and stay there. I have directed a widow there to supply you with food. 1 King 17:9


Have you ever come to a place in your walk with the Lord where you don't know what way to step?  Feeling hedged in and trapped?  

Helpless?  Hopeless?  Discouraged? Trapped? Hedged in? Stuck? These are a few of the terms that describe where I am at lately. (and Ken too sometimes)   I can go on and say thankful, blessed, loved, encouraged and more because we are.... but for the sake of where my heart is right this moment, it's more on the first set of adjectives.  I'm stuck.  I cannot shake these feelings no matter how hard I try.  I have isolated myself intentionally - no Facebook, limited response to text and email (so if you tried contacting me and I didn't respond, this is why).   I've been wanting to only hear God's voice.  No outside or other voices to distract or sway.  

I'm not looking for a pity party - I'm just being transparent.  We have been believing and contending for years for promises God has spoken to us.  I know we are not the only ones. There are many I've personally spoken to and am hearing similar journeys.  So, what's this all about?  God where are you?  What are you doing, Lord?  


Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time
we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9

The brook has dried up here.  Ken has been looking for work and even I have - but NO doors are opening!  The painting gig has stopped completely. I don't think it's asking much for God to open the door for a $20-30k a year income if we are to stay put for a while longer.  Really?  We have learned to live off very little.  Poverty limits are $16,240 for 2 people.  We make just over 1/2 that.  We are thankful for what God has allowed us to earn and He has been faithful to make the numbers work?  I can't figure that out.  

God knows our need and we are so appreciative He sends beautiful people to bring us food.  Bags of fresh kale, beets, radish, eggs and cilantro.  Isn't this a wonderful sight to see!  I am truly thankful for all God is doing despite how it looks to us.  

I had no idea when I first got saved that when I prayed Lord, I want world overcoming faith, that we would have this incredibly hard walk of faith.  I was and am naive obviously.  

Back in January, we felt God gave us a pretty clear word on what was next for us.....and backed it up with probably at least 100 or more confirmations and they are still coming.  We have knocked on the doors of this but nothing has opened there either.  We would like to scout the land He is showing us and would probably have more success in finding work/rental if we did.....but until Canyon, our dog passes, that's not an option either.  He is still plugging along, showing more signs of weakness but not quite at the place of saying it's time.  

We feel so hedged in.  Stuck.  We know God has more for us than this.  We have done all and continue to do what we've heard God ask of us  We are not trying to be discontent with our surroundings or even circumstances.  We just are dying on the vine!  Well, maybe not dying, well maybe....  life just feels it's been sucked out of us.   

We have had several tell us we should come back to KC.   We hear you.  We've applied at several jobs but no doors opening there and we would be in a higher rent situation moving there.  We don't feel God telling us to go back to our Egypt.  We do feel God is saying stay the course, hold fast and He will not fail us.   That's what we are clinging to.  

Our desire is to walk in the fullness of what He is calling us to do.  We want to get the retreat property up and running and start ministering and equipping all He brings to us.  That brings us joy and life!  That would be fulfilling!   (The vision listed at end of this blog)
Our plans are big!  If they weren't it wouldn't be God!  Only God can make this happen!

"If God is your partner, make your plans BIG!" - D.L. Moody

So, what's next?  We really don't know.  We will keep trying to find sufficient work/income.  We will continue to press into the Lord and seek His will.  We will do our best to trust Him for provision and strength to continue this race.  We will continue to praise Him and believe He is good and He is sovereign.  


Psalm 20[a]For the director of music. A psalm of David.
1 May the Lord answer you when you are in distress;
may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.
2 May he send you help from the sanctuary
and grant you support from Zion.
3 May he remember all your sacrifices
and accept your burnt offerings.[b]
4 May he give you the desire of your heart
and make all your plans succeed.
5 May we shout for joy over your victory
and lift up our banners in the name of our God.

May the Lord grant all your requests.

6 Now this I know:
The Lord gives victory to his anointed.
He answers him from his heavenly sanctuary
with the victorious power of his right hand.
7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.
8 They are brought to their knees and fall,
but we rise up and stand firm.
9 Lord, give victory to the king!
Answer us when we call!


If you would, please pray for our faith not to fail.  For God to send arm holder uppers.  Is that a good phrase? 

Blessings to you and your families!   



Thank YOU so much for your ongoing support, love and care for us and our ministry.  We are honored to be able to pray for those who reach out to us.  Please let me know if you have any prayer needs.  

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. 

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

Tax deductible & non tax deductible donations can be made: 
1.  Checks made payable to Sonlit Fields, PO Box 371, El Dorado Springs, MO 64744 or if you prefer anonymous giving - you can give through our Donor Fund 

2.  Non tax deductible donations can be made directly to us by:  THIS IS THE FASTEST WAY TO GET MONEY TO US FOR DAILY USE. 
 Paypal - www.paypal.com  (michele@wantinsight.com) 

3. Donor Fund - Contact National Christian Foundation - Ken & Michele Cole - Want InSight Fund -   Tax deductible 
    7171 W. 95th Street, Suite 501
Overland Park, KS 66212
    Phone: 913.310.0279

    Fax: 913.227.0254     www.nationalchristian.com 

Vision
God has given us a vision to build a retreat property along with ministry equipping center.  
The retreat portion of our ministry is to provide a safe place for pastors, lay leaders & other ministry folks to come and be refreshed & encouraged through prophetic ministry (if wanted).  We will offer private cabins with kitchens & full bathrooms, and plenty of places to roam on the property to get quiet with the Lord. 
We will offer other specialty retreats - marriage, healing, prophetic teaching & activating people into the world & health and wellness retreats and more.  

The Lord has graced us with the desire to come alongside the Church - to bring healing, deliverance & freedom to new/newer believers.  We are not wanting to replace their church, but better help them be ready to serve in their church. 
In our community building - we will eventually have a 24/7 prayer room, healing & prophetic rooms and a place for community worship services for those on the property.  

Our passion is to minister to a lost & hurting world.   To equip the saints to do the same and to be a blessing to our community and surrounding areas.  Our hopes are that we can pour out God's love in a mighty way to bring more and more souls into the Kingdom, get them discipled, called into their purpose & destiny and released to do God's business!!!!  We also have a passion to give generously to help those in need and to help others launch into their God given destinies.