Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Draw Near

The most recent discussion on Right To R.E.A.L Love Radio is titled "The RIGHT Way to Pursue a Woman". Jay, Isaiah, and Jamie really paint an accurate picture of God's purpose for men, women, and relationships. While listening I thought about a blog post I wrote back in 2011. Enjoy!

I used to love watching Dukes of Hazard when I was younger. My favorite character was Rosco P. Coltrane. It tickled my soul when he would shout that he was in “hot pursuit” and the chase would be on. As I grew older and became interested in dating I lost interest for Sheriff Coltrane’s type of pursuit. Isn’t it every woman’s desire to be pursued? It’s one of the things that makes us feel desirable and pretty. Lately, I’ve noticed that I am being pursued by God. That’s right. I am being pursued by God and I like it.

Last month I was telling one of my best friends about a situation that I had been dealing with. As I talked about the issue God revealed to me that I still harbored ill feelings towards the person who wronged me. I looked at my friend and said, “I don’t think I have forgiven them. If so I would not keep bringing it up.” I went on to say that I was owed an apology in order for things to ever be right again. Those were my feelings and I was going to stick to them no matter what. I felt justified because I was not angry with the individual and did not want payback. All I wanted was an apology. Was that too much to ask for? My friend and I got into the car and I turned on the radio in search of a good sermon. I found one! It was about forgiveness and coming to realization that it is not for the other person but for you and that an apology may never be received. I looked at my friend and said, “I think God is speaking to me.” Her jaw dropped.

For the past month I’ve noticed God has been pursuing me through my car radio. He knows that I spend 6 hours of my day riding in my car. It’s as if he wants to be sure I receive his Word. When I listen to the sermons on the radio they all seem to relate to whatever I am struggling with in my life. When it first started happening I thought it was a coincidence. But I had to remember there are no coincidences nor accidents with God. These sermons were purposeful communication from The Father to me. I realized this one afternoon as I was finishing up my work day. There was yet another sermon just for me. It was then God spoke to my heart, “I am pursuing you and I will never stop.“ I was overwhelmed and began to cry. I thought, who I am that God would actually take the time to chase after me. Out of all of the people He has created, the Most High is concerned with what is going on in my life at this very moment. I felt desired, loved, and treasured. Now whenever I get into the car and God has a sermon for me (which is 3 out of 5 days) I smile and say “God’s on the radio again.” And I ride with Him all day.

Have you ever thought about what it is like to be pursued by the Lord? He wants your attention and will show up in the most unlikely places to get it. James 4:8 tells us to draw near to God and He will draw near to us.

Saturday, October 3, 2015

Prosperity...It's Not What You Think


Last weekend Hosanna Hospice Consultants, LLC had the blessed opportunity to provide services for the first time. It was an unexpected call but then again it wasn't. When I woke up I was physically tired. It was a long work week. I started talking to God, I told Him that I was tired but I didn't want to spend the whole day in bed. I wanted to get out and do something but not just any ole thing. Shortly thereafter I received a call asking me to come out and support a family whose father was dying. Death was imminent and they were alone. It was surely something to do and I couldn't wait.

Once there I was able to help the family along the emotional journey as their father, whom they called "the best dad in the world", transitioned into eternal life. With God I was able to give them the comfort of knowing it was alright for them to leave his bedside while I sit with him so he did not die alone. It had been years since I last provided end of life support and it felt good to back.

A few days after this experience I was listening to Jay Mayo and Sly Young on Right To Real Love Radio. In the episode "Recommit To God" Sly gave his definition of prosperity and I surely shouted with joy when I heard it. He said prosperity was being able to get a man to open up and show vulnerability in front of his peers. I was truly blown away when Sly said that was a prosperous moment for him. I couldn't help but think that's exactly how I feel while helping families whose loved ones are dying. For so long prosperity meant a world of wealth and good health for me and mine. Since God has given me the blessing of Hosanna it means so much more.

I listened to the Sly's episode again. You can hear in his voice how thankful he is and how intentional he is about living his life to the fullest. He truly desires to give and because of this I am so thankful Sly did not take his life. We need more selfless people like him in this world. We need more people who are going to make a difference and think outside of themselves.

What's your definition of prosperity? Is it all about you and yours? Well, it's not. It's about what you are allowing God to do through you. How is your life advancing God's kingdom? I would like to invite you to check out the show. It is truly an amazing discussion. Sly's openness and appreciation for life are felt in every word he speaks.  Please click the link and be sure to show Jay and Sly some R.E.A.L love.