Tell My People to Prepare......Their Hearts

Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:13 

As I was sitting here this morning, I asked the Lord what was on His heart.  What did He want His people to hear today.  And I heard "tell my people to prepare....their hearts."  

Well, that's a loaded statement.  Who am I Lord to answer that question?  And He says.... wisdom from above will lead you and guide you.  

Who knows that our world we live in is in very tumultuous times?  What news can we trust? What can we hear or read that is truth and not biased and leading opinions?  

One of my favorite quotes is this by Abraham Lincoln - "Don't believe everything you read on the internet"     Ok....I'm pretty sure he didn't really say this - but just making a point.  LOL!! 

How can we prepare our hearts?  What does that look like? How can we know truth from lies or truth from half truths?  How can we know which direction God wants us to go?  

I can only look to the Scriptures to find these answers - here are a few I found: 

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. John 10:27 

Your ears will hear a word behind you, “This is the way, walk in it,” whenever you turn to the right or to the left. Isaiah 30:21 

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.  James 1:5 

Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.  Jeremiah 33:3 (Ken's life verse) 

When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.  John 16:13 

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.  Psalm 32:8 

There are so many nuggets of wisdom in the Word of God that give us assurance that God leads us, that He is directing our steps and that we know His voice.   

We often second guess ourselves.  We ask is this God's will.  If it's in His Word or doesn't contradict His word, it is most likely Him.   

The most important thing we can do now TO PREPARE OUR HEARTS is to truly be committed to reading, studying and applying His Word in our lives.   The more we fill ourselves with His Truth, the more we will be confident in knowing what God is saying to us.  We will find ourselves in peace in the midst of trials and tribulation.   We will find provision in the midst of lack.  We will find strength and encouragement in the midst of uncertainty.    

The next would be to committed to a home group/fellowship.  The Church is great and I'm not discounting what that can do for us......but it is in the smaller home groups that we become real. We are more likely to be authentic and transparent which enables us to grow and become more like Christ.   

We also need to be "practicing" hearing God's voice.  It's easy to discount what we hear as our voice, or easily the voice of the enemy (John 10:10) but how do we practice hearing God's voice...  first and foremost it means get in the Word.  His voice will become second nature.  The other that I learned early on - if you have an intersecting thought.  Imagine with me you're going about your day and someone's name pops in your head.  Ask the Lord why? Ask the Lord how He wants you to pray?  Ask the Lord if you should reach out to them and just let them know you're thinking of them and praying for them.  Being on the receiving end of that is encouraging at least.    Here's a recent example of that.  Yesterday morning I was sitting with the Lord and this couple (who I do not know) who lives in Mexico came to mind.  (they are friends of friends our home group).   I began to pray as I felt a spirit of death on the husband.  I felt he was in a very dark place and he wasn't safe.  I reached out to my friend and she told me that he had attempted suicide and was in the hospital.  I told her what I had sensed and added a few other things I heard.  She said it was spot on.   

God wants us to know His voice.  He wants us to be so deeply in love with Him that we will do whatever He says to do.  We must be obedient and we must ACT on whatever it is.  Sometimes that will be for our own protection and safety and other times it will be for others.  We need to be able to encourage the body of Christ in these tumultuous times.  We need to be sober and alert.  We need to know that He will give us the grace we need to accomplish all He asks.   

Are you willing?  Are you willing to look different & act different than the world?  Are you willing to do whatever He says without question?  

I am!!  I'm all in.  I won't say it's easy, but it's rewarding and He is faithful!  

What is He asking of you today?  Will you do it?  

Here's a little excerpt from David Jeremiah:

Never forget, prophecy is practical!

God lets us in on His plans for the future so we can establish our plans for today. His promises should shape our priorities and sustain our spirits. Billy Graham said, “When the ‘evil day’ comes, we do not have to be dependent upon the circumstances around us, but rather on the resources of God.”

Christians are not normal people. They are extraordinary people living with supernatural power in a downward-spiraling world. We are on a mission to help others and to spread gospel hope. There’s a glorious work for you to do.

We can no longer operate with confusion or complacency. The last days are accelerating, and to me it’s exhilarating. Let’s stand as never before with biblical, Spirit-inspired determination, committed to serve Christ with all our hearts, whether by life or by death.

This I know with all my mind and believe with all my heart: time is short. Our Lord’s words are unflagging and unfailing. They must shape our priorities and energize our plans. As we study our Lord’s great sermon, every word of it underscores our mission. Every syllable establishes our glorious priorities as we await His impending return—that blessed hope—and as we say, Amen! Even so, come Lord Jesus!"

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. James 1:22

Prayer & Praise - 

I've said it before but I'll say it again- I am soooooooo THANKFUL for God shifting us into this new rental home.  God has provide so faithfully to provide things we need - refrigerator, 2 couches, blinds for doors & windows, buffet, 3 ceiling fans, carpet for the garage.... wow!!!

Pray for Ken's back please- He is doing some better but still is hurting when he sits down.  He pulled a muscle a couple weeks ago working.   Pray for endurance for him.  

Pray for me please - sleep & pain.   Someday I will share of God's goodness of healing but until that time, I need the ability to endure.  

Pray for provision please- we are still navigating double rent and utilities.  Doing all we can to keep costs down so no surprises (hopefully).   Groceries here are ridiculous.  We try to make it up to Missoula (an hour away) to shop at Winco where its much more affordable but with a gas over $4 here - we have to have a pretty big list to make it worth the trip.  Pray for my Thrive Life business to grow and more opportunity to share it.  michelecole.thrivelife.com  

Please pray for my neighbors - two opportunities so far to share the gospel.  Pray it's received! 

Please let me know how I can pray for you.  I am thankful for those who reach out with prayer requests.   

Hugs, love and prayers.

Ken & Michele Cole 

michele@wantinsight.com

michelecole.thrivelife.com - quality freeze dried food - simple to use, quality, non GMO, nutritious & delicious.  

Here are ways you can give if you feel led:

1.  Non tax deductible donations can be made to:

     Ken & Michele Cole, 103 Geneva Ave, Hamilton, MT 59840  (preferable as the options below will tax us) 

     This is the only way currently we can use funds for our personal needs at this time.  or through 

Paypal - paypal.me/micheleacole 

Venmo- @Michele-Cole-20

Cashapp - cash.app/$micheleacole2019     

2.  Tax deductible options:

     Checks payable to Sonlit Fields, 103 Geneva Ave, Hamilton, MT 59840

     This goes into our ministry account to be used for outreach and saving towards our vision.

     Donor Fund - The Signatry - Ken & Michele Cole - listed under Want InSight Fund.

     7171 W 95th Street, Suite 501, Overland Park, KS 66212

     Phone 913 310 0279

     www.thesignatry,com

     This is an option to keep gifts anonymous - again for outreach and savings toward our vision.

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.  

 

What do Cupcakes Have to do with it?

It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going. Hebrews 11:8

Have you ever woke up in a state of panic?  Has the recent news thrown a curve ball at you?  Is there something causing you some angst? 

Panic defintion - sudden uncontrollable fear or anxiety, often causing wildly unthinking behavior. 

O Lord, pay attention and act.  Delay not, for your own sake, O my God Daniel 9:19 ESV

At 4 am last night, I woke up from a sound sleep and was immediately in a state of panic.  

Wild thoughts and overthinking came out of nowhere.  Fear & panic set in.  Questions, questions and more questions came through my mind.  

What if - we couldn't get everything sold before we move? 

What if - the movers charged more than they have estimated?

What if - God didn't open a door for a place to live in new location?

What if - our SUV wouldn't make it or it broke down along the way?

What if - God doesn't heal me or my symptoms worsened?

What if - this is our last time to see Ken's parents other family and friends in KC?

What if - this Corona Virus keeps us from moving/traveling because of quarantines?

What if - God doesn't provide for our vision once we get to new location?

What if - well, I could go on an on with what flooded my thoughts.....

For those of you who like to plan, have a plan, follow a plan, the unknown can be overwhelming.  Maybe even frightening.  For those who go with the flow, this can be more like an adventure.  Maybe you can guess which one I am and which one Ken is?  

I had a dream a couple weeks ago.  I was with a friend and we were at a food truck that sold cupcakes.  I asked the guy for a cupcake and he said there wasn't enough because he was doing a big event and he hurried away.  Another employee, came up to me and my friend and handed me a miniature cupcake with lots of icing on top.  I licked some of the frosting off and handed it to my friend.  She ate the rest.  Then the employee handed another miniature cupcake to my friend.  She then licked the icing off and handed me the rest to eat.  We had 3 cupcakes total.   When I woke up, I sat with the Lord and asked for an interpretation.  What looked like not enough cupcakes, was how I am feeling - not enough help, not enough provision, not enough energy, etc.  He said the icing is a sweet reward that you will receive as you take little bites at a time.  Each bite is a step closer to the destination I have for you.  Stay focused on what little things you can do each day so that you don't become overwhelmed.  The "three" cupcakes represents that things are coming into divine fulfillment and completion.   

How many of us want to bite off more than we can chew?  How many of us want to get from Point A to Point B as fast as we can? How many of us project into our tomorrows instead of staying present.  You can see that in what's going on around the world.  People are reacting in fear and panic because the media is hyping things up.  Isn't that just like the enemy - to overplay his hand?  

The Lord said to me 4 years ago, give away all you want replaced.  I would love to give away 95% of what we have left.  On one hand, it's just that simple.  On the other hand, we are trying to be prudent and sell so we can have the funds to move and hopefully some left over to live at new location.  It's been a ping pong match in my head for weeks.  So, until we hear clearly, we proceed as we know -sell.... and then in the end, will donate what's left.  All I know I've heard for certain, is "Little steps lead to BIG DESTINATIONS." 

All that to say, there is so many reasons life gives us to step into panic, have anxiety or fear over circumstances out of our control.  What we can control, is how we respond? How we react?  Will we choose faith in God or give into fear, the tactic of the enemy to keep us from faith.  

By Tricia White - Yesterday morning during prayer I saw a woman in labor. She pushed to exhaustion. She began to tell the nurses and those around her she couldn’t continue. I sense there are so many that has pushed and pressed to a point of exhaustion. You feel the pressure of the promise on the inside of you but where has your strength gone? Today you shall receive supernatural strength and grace to give birth. Your promise shall come to full term. You shall give birth in Jesus mighty name! God gave Sarah strength to conceive and you shall receive power to give birth!  

“By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, 

since she considered him faithful who had promised.” Heb 11:11 

What we feed our mind and thoughts will dominate us.  We need to feed our faith with the Word of God!  What does God say about your circumstances?  What has God promised you? Get in the Word!   STAY IN FAITH and trust God!!

Similar Prayer points:
Today we booked our movers and had to put a large deposit down in faith!! 

1. Ken is wanting to finish job well.  I think that he will.  They are sure going to miss him.  
2. Me - I am still having intense pain which limits what I can do or how long I can work.  Please be in agreement for complete healing! It's very wearing on me. Contend for me, my God and Lord Psalm 35:23
3. Please pray for divine helpers.  
4. We are believing God for provision for a new SUV.  As we were burning tax papers & financials from the 1980's...and beyond I sat in the car and watched our car smoke under the hood, burning oil!  Ugh! 
5. We are still looking for work - have made multiple applications and have been for the past 3 years- but most jobs there are minimum wage and part time (like here)   We are finding that many places are not hiring now due to the virus scare.. and usually only hire once you are there. 
6. We are still looking for a place to rent/land there (where, we have a general idea but no specific town).   All rentals we can connect to from a distance require verifiable income to even consider us.  And they all require 2 months security deposit, plus first and last months rent & key deposits!  Crazy!!   We have reached out to a number of semi-connections there asking them to keep eyes peeled - and we are believing God HE will open a door.    THERE IS ONE place we spoke to a private owner of - and it may be a good fit...  rent is 2x here (which is the best we've seen) but space much much smaller than what we have... so need to hear God on this and have the provision to make the decision.  
7. We are contending for the promises God has spoken to us - to fund the vision - so we can just step into Destiny - as we move into our Promise Land.  
8. Our PLAN is to be moving Mid-April.  We hope to have a farewell open house in KC sometime the week of April 11th-  ???  Maybe that weekend following.  
9. Counting down we are less than 3 weeks out! 

Thank YOU again for your love, prayer and support!!!  Thank you for believing in us and walking with us on our journey!!   Love ya's!

Ken & Michele Cole

...God's love and your prayers keeps me going.....

michele@wantinsight.com

Here are ways you can give if you feel led:

1.  Non tax deductible donations can be made to:

     Ken & Michele Cole, PO Box 371, El Dorado Springs, MO 64744.

     This is the only way currently we can use funds for our personal needs at this time.  or through PayPal.Me/micheleacole.  We also have Venmo & CashApp

2.  Tax deductible options:

     Checks payable to Sonlit Fields, PO Box 371, El Dorado Springs, MO 64744

     This goes into our ministry account to be used for outreach and saving towards our vision.

     Donor Fund - The Signatry - Ken & Michele Cole - listed under Want InSight Fund.

     7171 W 95th Street, Suite 501, Overland Park, KS 66212

     Phone 913 310 0279

     www.thesignatry,com

     This is an option to keep gifts anonymous - again for outreach and savings toward our vision.

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.  

Jesus Your My Only Hope

Poem
Written in the wee hours of 12/16/19.

I used to write poetry when I was younger....and then it stopped.
This morning, as I was deciding to get up or just lay in bed...the Lord put this  in my thoughts and then felt led to journal it.....and now post it.  This is the first poem I've written in many decades.

I wrote this for the many family, friends and acquaintances, who  are desperate for God's touch. My heart is burdened by the many saints that are in tremendous pain, health issues and suffering. For me it's been 35 years. Compassion and empathy run deep. Intercession for others has been a major part of my life for all of you who needs Jesus to touch you. My prayers is that today will be that day. Today will be a new day - the beginning of freedom from all you have had to endure.
May God's love overwhelm you and overtake the pain, the sickness in your body!! 

12/16/19

Jesus Your My Only Hope! 

Taking steps and yet..
Hedged in, can’t move forward, can’t move backward
Like a caged bird….with a broken wing. Trapped!
I want to fly but the storm is strong
and then but for a moment a spark of hope
and then the winds from the storm knock me down
They are too strong for me to stay afloat long
The embers need fuel
Hope is waning once again
Will this life be all I know
The promises are there, yet in this lifetime?
Will I ever know?
I keep hearing soon
But a day is like a thousand years
How much pain can one endure
How much sickness, clinging to his hem
How many sleepless nights
Don’t ask, you might just have to find out
Is this the life that’s been promised or just an imagination
Is it faith or wishful thinking
It’s been said I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living
How old will I be
How much longer must I wait
I barely enough to get through this moment
Let alone another day, week or year
So many faithful praying saints
Yet some giving up, tired too.
But He is faithful to bring new.
God’s grace sustains me - more like carries me anymore
He says His grace is enough and yet
I’d prefer to be moving on
Home is where my heart is
Unless He sparks my hope and fulfills the longings and desires He has placed there..
But do I long anymore? Is there any point?
God’s Word doesn’t fail
His promises are true
His love is never ending
Hurry Lord to my rescue
I’m weary. I can’t go on another minute
Without You breathing life into me once again
Take the enemy out with one loud Roar!
Do it Lord, for Your glory!
Your Word brings life
Your Truth doesn’t fail
Your Faithful
Your Loving
Your Kind
You are Compassionate
Have mercy on Your children
Bring me through as it will glorify Your name.
Say the word and I shall be healed
Jesus your my only hope!

So after I wrote this - I stopped and spent some time just listening to God.  I asked Him for a Scripture that would bring comfort...  Here's what He gave me.

God’s Constant Love

Psalm 107 TPT 

107 Let everyone give all their praise and thanks to the Lord!
Here’s why—he’s better than anyone could ever imagine.
Yes, he’s always loving and kind, and his faithful love never ends.
2–3 So, go ahead—let everyone know it!
Tell the world how he broke through
and delivered you from the power of darkness and
has gathered us together from all over the world.
He has set us free to be his very own!
4 Some of us once wandered in the wilderness like desert nomads,
with no true direction or dwelling place.
5 Starving, thirsting, staggering,
we became desperate and filled with despair.
6 Then we cried out, “Lord, help us! Rescue us!” And he did!
7 He led us right into a place of safety and abundance,
a suitable city to dwell in.
8 So lift your hands and thank God for his marvelous kindness
and for all his miracles of mercy for those he loves.
9 How he satisfies the souls of thirsty ones
and fills the hungry with all that is good!
10 Some of us once sat in darkness,
living in the dark shadows of death.
We were prisoners to our pain, chained to our regrets.
11 For we rebelled against God’s word
and rejected the wise counsel of God Most High.
12 So he humbled us through our circumstances,
watching us as we stumbled, with no one there to pick us back up.
Our own pain became our punishment.
13 Then we cried out, “Lord, help us! Rescue us!” And he did!
14 His light broke through the darkness and
he led us out in freedom from death’s dark shadow
and snapped every one of our chains.
15 So lift your hands and give thanks to God for his marvelous kindness
and for his miracles of mercy for those he loves!
16 For he smashed through heavy prison doors and
shattered the steel bars that held us back, just to set us free!
17 Some of us were such fools, bringing on ourselves
sorrow and suffering all because of our sins.
18 Sick and feeble, unable to stand the sight of food,
we drew near to the gates of death.
19 Then we cried out, “Lord, help us! Rescue us!” And he did!
20 God spoke the words “Be healed,” and we were healed,
delivered from death’s door!
21 So lift your hands and give thanks to God for his marvelous kindness
and for his miracles of mercy for those he loves!
22 Bring your praise as an offering and your thanks as a sacrifice
as you sing your story of miracles with a joyful song.
23 Some of us set sail upon the sea to faraway ports,
transporting our goods from ship to shore.
24 We were witnesses of God’s power out in the ocean deep;
we saw breathtaking wonders upon the high seas.
25 When God spoke he stirred up a storm,
lifting high the waves with hurricane winds.
26–27 Ships were tossed by swelling sea, rising to the sky,
then dropping down to the depths,
reeling like drunkards, spinning like tops,
everyone at their wits’ end until even sailors despaired of life,
cringing in terror.
28 Then we cried out, “Lord, help us! Rescue us!” And he did!
29 God stilled the storm, calmed the waves,
and he hushed the hurricane winds to only a whisper.
30 We were so relieved, so glad as he guided us
safely to harbor in a quiet haven.
31 So lift your hands and give thanks to God for his marvelous kindness
and for his miracles of mercy for those he loves!
32 Let’s exalt him on high and lift up our praises in public;
let all the people and the leaders of the nation know
how great and wonderful is Yahweh, our God!
33 Whenever he chooses he can dry up a river
and turn the land into a desert.
34 Or he can take a fruitful land and make it into a saltwater swamp,
all because of the wickedness of those who dwell there.
35 But he also can turn a barren wilderness into an oasis with water!
He can make springs flow into desert lands
36 and turn them into fertile valleys so that cities spring up,
and he gives it all to those who are hungry.
37 They can plant their fields and vineyards there
and reap a bumper crop and gather a fruitful harvest.
38 God will bless them and cause them to multiply and prosper.
39 But others will become poor,
humbled because of their oppression, tyranny, and sorrows.
40 For God pours contempt upon their arrogant abuse of power,
heaping scorn upon their princes,
and makes them wander among ruins.
41 But he raises up the poor and lowly with his favor,
giving them a safe place to live where no one can touch them.
God will grant them a large family and bless them!
42 The lovers of God will rejoice when they see this.
Good men are glad when the evil ones are silenced.
43 If you are truly wise, you’ll learn from what I’ve told you.
It’s time for you to consider these profound lessons
of God’s great love and mercy!

Ken & Michele Cole
...faith keeps me going.....
michele@wantinsight.com

Here are two ways you can give:

1.  Non tax deductible donations can be made to:

     Ken & Michele Cole, PO Box 371, El Dorado Springs, MO 64744.

     This is the only way currently we can use funds for our personal needs at this time.  or through PayPal.Me/micheleacole

2.  Tax deductible options:

     Checks payable to Sonlit Fields, PO Box 371, El Dorado Springs, MO 64744

     This goes into our ministry account to be used for outreach and saving towards our vision.

     Donor Fund - The Signatry - Ken & Michele Cole - listed under Want InSight Fund.

     7171 W 95th Street, Suite 501, Overland Park, KS 66212

     Phone 913 310 0279

     www.thesignatry,com

     This is an option to keep gifts anonymous - again for outreach and savings toward our vision.

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.