Devotionals for the Heart: Why we should ask God for a heart like His

A Heart to See as God Sees
A devotional by Monique M. Anderson

“For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” –1 Samuel 16:7 (NKJV)

One day, the Lord spoke to me through a friend of mine.

She approached me randomly while volunteering at church and said, “God wants you to tell Him what you want.” Completely puzzled, I replied, “Huh?” She repeated herself. I stood there in silence, momentarily processing the question.

I feel like this is the “million-dollar question” that we all wish God would ask us. If we had time to practice, we could provide Him with a long list of things. However, when you are not expecting it, it can be daunting to think of everything you want on the spot. Nonetheless, slowly, each desire started to come to mind one by one: what I wanted for myself, my future, my family, my finances, business, ministry, etc. Once I got going, tears started to flow as I thought about the more in-depth things I wanted—certain loved ones to come to know Jesus Christ and give their life to Him, for other loved ones to be delivered or healed.

Once I was done listing everything in my heart, my friend continued to deliver God’s message to me. The Lord told her he would grant me the desires of my heart under one condition: I had to see His people’s hearts the way He did. These are the same people I continually pray for but find challenging to minister to. I had to find a way to see their hearts how God sees them so that I can reach them.

God was giving me a conditional promise. If I did not keep up my end of the bargain, God would not deliver on His. There was just one problem: It was hard for me to see good hearts in challenging people. Particularly in people whose behaviors and actions do not align with a good heart. How could I see what I could not see?

One day, while praying for one of these seemingly difficult people. I started to ask God to help me. I asked Him to help me see this person’s true heart, and not what they portray. It wasn’t easy at first. I did not understand how this would work. Then the Holy Spirit stepped in, and I found myself praying the Word of God over them.

I started to declare Psalm 51:10 (NKJV) by saying, “Create in them a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit.” I also prayed Jeremiah 24:7 (NKJV) by saying, “Give them a heart to know you, Lord, and they will be your child, and you will be their God, and they will return to you with their whole heart.” Finally, I prayed Ezekiel 36:26 (NKJV) by saying, “Give them a new heart, Lord, and put a new spirit within them. Take out their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh.”

On and on I went, praying God’s truth over the lies of their character and calling those things that were not as if they were. I spoke about what I wanted to see and what God already sees. I continued this daily until I started to see them the way God does. I began to see the actual pain behind their ugly behavior. I started to see the true intent of their ungodly actions. It was genius. It made it easier to show compassion for those who are challenging to love and minister to.

I don’t know who you are called to help, but not everyone you are sent to will be an easy case. Whether a family member or a stranger, we are all called to help God’s people, especially the challenging ones. We can’t run from them or hide from the assignment. We must tend to those in need. Therefore, I encourage you to pray for what you want to see for your loved one. Pray God’s truth over them so that while you wait on the Lord to change them internally, you can already begin to see what God saw all along.

Let’s Pray: Father God, I thank You for the call. Although challenging, I thank You for equipping me for the task. Thank You for showing me the heart of your people so that I can better serve them and tend to their spiritual needs. Thank You for showing me how to be as compassionate as your Son Jesus Christ. Continue to guide me and teach me to walk in Your ways. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “A Heart Like Yours” by CeCe Winans. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Give Me Your Eyes” by Brandon Heath. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Monique M. Anderson is a writer, creator, wife, and bonus mom. She was born and raised in Mount Vernon, NY, where she still resides. She released her always present yet hidden talent of writing to the masses in June 2019.  

Monique always felt like God was chasing after her but was never ready to surrender. Finally, she reached a point in her life when things started going left, and she no longer felt in control. At this point, she was ready to hand over the reins to God. After forming her relationship with God, she always felt compelled to share the revelation’s that His Word gave her. She felt The Holy Spirit prompting her to write but was afraid of what people might think. So, her writing started in her journal. The journal turned into a book and the book into a blog.

Her obedience provided more opportunities. In late 2021, Monique became a partner with the notable YouVersion Bible App as a Content Creator. With her first Bible plan debuting in December of 2021, she will continue to provide content for the app as long as God allows her to.

In 2021, God revealed her prophetic gift and how He wants her to use it. Monique always felt compelled to pray for others but had no idea God would use her in this way. Through this gift as a prophetic intercessor, she’s not just writing about what God can do but showing what God can do.

Since God has shown her who He created her to be, she now feels it is her life’s work to help those taking their first steps in their walk with Jesus Christ. She is doing so through her blog, prayer, and soon-to-be-published works. She is excited to extend her reach to YouTube, podcasts, and speaking engagements soon.

Her blog is the stepping stone to fulfilling the vision God gave to her: “Sharing God’s revelations so we can all better reflect his image and fulfill His purpose.”

~*~
Connect with Monique:
Website: www.yourstrulymoe.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourstruly__moe/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Yours-Truly-Moe-140255684101423

Devotionals for the Heart: Following God's will and trusting His timing

Aligning God’s Will with His Timing
A devotional by Monique M. Anderson

Then Jesus said to them, “My time has not yet come, but your time is always ready.”

–John 7:6 (NKJV)

In John 7:6, Jesus Christ’s brothers urge him to prove he is the Messiah by revealing himself in Judea at the Feast of Tabernacles. They wanted him to show up in a grand way to make himself known to the public. However, Jesus knew the Jews sought to kill Him and did not want to walk into Judea.

According to the Blue Letter Bible, time in Greek is “Kairos”. It means due measure. It represents a suitable or seasonable time, the right time, and a limited period of time. Kairos refers to waiting for the right opportunity or moment to reveal itself. Kairos is not a form of time that is counted or calculated. It is knowing when the circumstances are most suitable to take action.

Afterward, in John 7:10, Christ’s brothers leave him to attend the feast. Shortly after, Jesus also makes his way to the feast in secret. He did not make the grand entrance His brothers wanted him to. However, once He arrived, He went into the temple to teach.

I wondered why Jesus initially turned down the invitation to participate in the feast, then decided to attend in secret, only to make himself known in the temple by teaching, knowing that this would gather a crowd.

I soon realized that God’s will was not for Jesus to make a grand entrance. The opportune time (kairos) was not to be bold and grand in his arrival but to be bold and grand in his teaching. Christ’s teachings were a part of God’s will. He was not to be known for His controversy but as the son of God, Rabbi, and Savior.

In John 7:30 (NKJV), the Bible says, “Therefore they sought to take Him; but no one laid a hand on Him, because His hour had not yet come.”

I noticed that the author used the word “hour” instead of “time” in this verse. Hour is “ora” in Greek, and according to the Blue Letter Bible, it means a certain definite time or season fixed by natural law and returning with the revolving year. Other definitions are “the daytime (bounded by the rising and setting of the sun)” hour, in this text, refers to the Chronos time, which is a specific amount of time or time of day.

Although the kairos (opportunity) was there, the Jews could not lay a hand on Jesus because it was not yet chronos (time). Some things may be God’s will but not yet His time.

Do you find yourself looking to pursue God’s will, but nothing seems to be working out? You’ve tried to set up the meeting, make the phone call, or send the email, but something constantly blocks it. It may be the right opportunity, not the right time or the right time but the wrong opportunity.

God’s will is in complete alignment with His timing. If the two don’t seem to be coming together, you may need to step back and ask, "What must I do first?"

Jesus still had work to do on earth before His death. The Jews could not capture Him then because He still had to forgive an adulterer woman, give a blind man sight, and raise the dead. What do you have left to do for God’s will and time align in your life?

Your arrival when starting to pursue God’s will may not be grand. You may not get noticed the moment you enter the door if God intends that for you. However, when you enter in secret and stand in your rightful place doing the work you came to do, people will notice your impact. That will be the right opportunity to fulfill God’s will as your Heavenly Father who knows best.

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, I pray that you align me perfectly with your will and timing. Please give me the wisdom to know the right time and appropriate opportunity to fulfill your will for my life. Keep me in step with you, Lord. Holy Spirit, I patiently wait for your guidance and prompting. In Jesus’s name, I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “In His Time” by Maranatha! Music. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Monique M. Anderson is a writer, creator, wife, and bonus mom. She was born and raised in Mount Vernon, NY, where she still resides. She released her always present yet hidden talent of writing to the masses in June 2019. 

Monique always felt like God was chasing after her but was never ready to surrender. Finally, she reached a point in her life when things started going left, and she no longer felt in control. At this point, she was ready to hand over the reins to God. After forming her relationship with God, she always felt compelled to share the revelation’s that His Word gave her. She felt The Holy Spirit prompting her to write but was afraid of what people might think. So, her writing started in her journal. The journal turned into a book and the book into a blog.

Her obedience provided more opportunities. In late 2021, Monique became a partner with the notable YouVersion Bible App as a Content Creator. With her first Bible plan debuting in December of 2021, she will continue to provide content for the app as long as God allows her to.

In 2021, God revealed her prophetic gift and how He wants her to use it. Monique always felt compelled to pray for others but had no idea God would use her in this way. Through this gift as a prophetic intercessor, she’s not just writing about what God can do but showing what God can do.

Since God has shown her who He created her to be, she now feels it is her life’s work to help those taking their first steps in their walk with Jesus Christ. She is doing so through her blog, prayer, and soon-to-be-published works. She is excited to extend her reach to YouTube, podcasts, and speaking engagements soon.

Her blog is the stepping stone to fulfilling the vision God gave to her: “Sharing God’s revelations so we can all better reflect his image and fulfill His purpose.”

~*~
Connect with Monique:
Website: www.yourstrulymoe.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourstruly__moe/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Yours-Truly-Moe-140255684101423

Devotionals for the Heart: How to have faith in God and trust Him

Trusting God's Process
A devotional by Monique M. Anderson

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." 

–Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV)

Before this season, no one could question my trust in God.

I would undeniably tell you, “I trust God.”

I could provide you with a list of past ways He came through for me. I could give you all the many names He has that prove His character: Jehovah Jireh (provider), Jehovah Nissi (banner), Jehovah Gibbor (mighty), Jehovah Rapha (healer), etc.

I thought there was no area of my life where I did not completely give God my all and fully surrender. I never thought I doubted Him nor feared whether or not He would come through. On the contrary, I was confident and sure of who my God was and what He could do in every situation in my life.

That is until it came to helping my teen through her growing pains. Of course, as parents, we want to protect our children from experiencing any pain or difficulty. It is our instinct to protect them. However, God has been showing me that His process for her healing will have trouble and some pain. This reality has been hard for me to process and give God full reign over her.

In this season of her healing, I realized I had not fully surrendered her to Him. I was not trusting her in His hands. I was not trusting the process she would have to go through for His will to be done. For the first time, I realized I had a gray area with God.

Anytime it looked like things were getting worse, I would question Him. I would question His tactics and reasoning. I knew He was there, but why does it look like this? One day, while I was journaling my feelings to God, He led me to Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV), “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”

I have heard this scripture numerous times and referenced it often. However, this time it was different. The Holy Spirit led me to study it a bit deeper and not just look at the surface of the words. I decided to look up the word “trust” and was shocked at its meaning. The word trust in this scripture means to “lie helpless facedown” (according to the Enduring Word Commentary) or “to throw one down upon his face; lie extended on the ground” (according to the Blue Letter Bible). Bible Hub gives a depiction of being “a helpless infant”.

These definitions provided me with a visual of what trusting God looks like. It made me ask myself questions like these: Am I fully trusting God? Have I lied on my face helplessly in front of Him? Have I been as helpless as an infant? I considered an infant and how they cannot do anything independently. Someone has to do everything for them, even hold up their head. They must depend on someone to feed them, change them, and bathe them. Therefore, they are entirely in the care of someone else.

This is an example of how God needs us to trust Him. He needs us to remain entirely in His care. We need to allow Him to take care of all the needs we cannot take care of ourselves. We need to lay helpless in front of Him. We need to relinquish whatever control we think we have and let Him feed us, change us, and wash us clean. I realized this season with my stepdaughter is not just for her but also for me. Not only is God working on changing her heart, but mine as well.

Going deeper, I looked up the word “understanding” and found it means not to lean on your intellect and insight. We can't depend on what we think we know. Our intelligence, although given to us by God, cannot compare to His. Whatever we think we understand about a situation, our level of intelligence can never grasp what God is truly doing. We cannot lean on what we think we know or understand, or see. We could never comprehend what God does in the midst of our circumstance that we don't see. This is when we lay flat on our faces and let God be God.

In addition, we must acknowledge Him in all our ways by inviting Him into every area of our lives. Invite Him into every decision, even the most mundane things. Even in something we don't think requires God's approval and guidance, from the things we want to purchase online to where we want to go on our next vacation. Inviting Him into every space of our lives allows Him to direct our paths.

Once God revealed that I wasn't trusting Him with everything, I realized I had some work to do. First, I had to repent for my unbelief, fear, and rebellion. Also, I had to trust the process for my stepdaughter's healing. I had to rely on the bad days as well as the good. I had to trust Him when she would stumble or fall. I have to trust Him when things look like there is no improvement. I have to allow the pain and the struggle because endurance and character are built through the pain and struggle. She must go through God's process, and I must trust that.

I trust she will come out on the other side, beaming God's glory. I have to believe that she will come out looking just like Jesus Christ.

This is not easy. This is something that I have to work on daily. First, I wake up praising God for His new grace and mercies that are new every morning. Then I die to my own flesh and understanding, lay helpless at His feet, and give her to Him daily. It is work, but I am strengthened when I lay my burdens at my Heavenly Father's feet.

Whatever your struggle to hand over to God entirely, I encourage you to be as helpless as an infant with your Heavenly Father. Let Him hold up your head through whatever trial you face this season. Bring Him into every thought and every decision. Then and only then will He be able to direct your path.

Let's Pray: Father God, I lay at your feet. I lay helpless, face down, knowing nothing. I let go of my own understanding and intellect to receive Your wisdom. Father, please hold my head up during this trying time. I need Your embrace and comfort, and strength. Father, I trust you now. I truly trust you now. Forgive me for only giving you parts of me. I relinquish all to you now. Do whatever you need to do. Whatever you want, Lord, I present to you. I thank you in advance for who I will become after this storm passes. I am grateful that I will look more like you, and I will be able to testify of your goodness. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “God Will Work It Out" by Maverick City. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Monique M. Anderson is a writer, creator, wife, and bonus mom. She was born and raised in Mount Vernon, NY, where she still resides. She released her always present yet hidden talent of writing to the masses in June 2019. 

Monique always felt like God was chasing after her but was never ready to surrender. Finally, she reached a point in her life when things started going left, and she no longer felt in control. At this point, she was ready to hand over the reins to God. After forming her relationship with God, she always felt compelled to share the revelation’s that His Word gave her. She felt The Holy Spirit prompting her to write but was afraid of what people might think. So, her writing started in her journal. The journal turned into a book and the book into a blog.

Her obedience provided more opportunities. In late 2021, Monique became a partner with the notable YouVersion Bible App as a Content Creator. With her first Bible plan debuting in December of 2021, she will continue to provide content for the app as long as God allows her to.

In 2021, God revealed her prophetic gift and how He wants her to use it. Monique always felt compelled to pray for others but had no idea God would use her in this way. Through this gift as a prophetic intercessor, she’s not just writing about what God can do but showing what God can do.

Since God has shown her who He created her to be, she now feels it is her life’s work to help those taking their first steps in their walk with Jesus Christ. She is doing so through her blog, prayer, and soon-to-be-published works. She is excited to extend her reach to YouTube, podcasts, and speaking engagements soon.

Her blog is the stepping stone to fulfilling the vision God gave to her: “Sharing God’s revelations so we can all better reflect his image and fulfill His purpose.”

~*~
Connect with Monique:
Website: www.yourstrulymoe.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Yours-Truly-Moe-140255684101423

Devotionals for the Heart: Why We Need to Remember Our True Source

The Brook Cherith Season
A devotional by Monique M. Anderson

“Get away from here and turn eastward, and hide by the Brook Cherith, which flows into the Jordan.”—1 Kings 17:3 (NKJV)

I was finally in a good rhythm.

I had a monthly theme for all my blogs and newsletters. My social media posts were created and scheduled a month in advance, correlating with the theme. I had finally gotten a handle on creating reels consistently and effortlessly. They were reaching thousands on social media every week. My email subscribers were growing, and my followers were increasing. The words God had given me to teach and edify His people were reaching and stretching to countries worldwide, and I knew this was only the beginning. Just as the momentum was building, God told me to, “Stop. Get away and hide.”

We find the prophet Elijah in the same predicament in this verse in 1 Kings 17:3. He was starting his ministry. God had just instructed Elijah to give a word of the Lord to King Ahab, announcing there would be no rain in the land. Giving this word was his first assignment, then God said, “get away from here” and “hide.”

I wonder if Elijah asked the same questions I did. Such as: “But God, we’re just getting started.” “You’ve given me so many assignments to complete, and they’ve only just begun. So why am I stopping now?”

I was confused and felt lost. I didn’t quite know how to obey this command. How do I keep still? How do I not do the work God gave me to do? I sometimes felt worthless if I didn’t have “work” to do. However, when the Holy Spirit led me to this scripture, I realized why Elijah needed to be alone at the brook and why God brought me here.

During Elijah’s time at the brook, God sent ravens to feed him. God placed him in a situation where he had to rely on God and God alone to provide for him. God sometimes needs to separate us, even from the work we do for Him, so we can remember our true source. At some point, God needs to bring all of us to a place where we have no choice but to walk by faith and not by sight.

Although my workflow was structured and in order, this order was not God’s order. It was not God’s structure. Therefore, He had to tear it down. I thought I was on my way up, but God brought me back to the valley for an important reason and lesson.

The Brook Cherith season is a time of strengthening your devotion and dependence on God. It is a training and building-up season for the next season to come. After Elijah spent three years in a season of isolation, (1 Kings 18:1) he then went from the brook to the mountaintop. In the next chapter, he performed a prophetic miracle on Mount Carmel by bringing down fire from Heaven (1 Kings 18:38-39). This sign and wonder showed the idolatrous nation of Israel who the one and only true God is.

Throughout the Bible, you will see examples of the valley experience before the mountaintop miracles. For example, Joseph was imprisoned before he made it to the palace, God hid David in caves before he became king, and Moses was hidden in the wilderness before he led the people out of Egypt.

We all need a season alone with God to prepare us for our greater assignment. The next level God was leading these heroes required Him to do inner work in them first. First, He will need to build your character and discipline. Next, He trains you in obedience and reliance on Him. Finally, He shows us that nothing we do or accomplish can succeed without Him.

We cannot manipulate this season and try to rush ourselves through it. It would be like giving birth to a baby before it is fully developed; complications and abnormalities will occur. If God has you in this season, as He has me, don’t look at it as idle time. This time is valuable. It is a time to be molded, sculpted, and pruned by God Almighty. It is time He chooses to allocate to you exclusively. We should feel privileged because God wants us all to himself. He is even willing to put aside His work to do some work in you.

All the work you’ve been doing for Him was valuable for that season. However, what He needs you to do next will make another version of yourself you have not yet met. Only He knows who you need to become for your fire on Mount Carmel moment.

I’ve learned to be grateful for this time. I no longer try to fight against what He wants to bring forth. I no longer want to rush through the process because I might lose followers or subscribers. Instead, I am allowing myself to be groomed by Him, which feels great!

According to the Blue Letter Bible app, the word "Cherith" means "cutting, to cut away, or separation". That is the purpose of this time; to cut out what is not needed. After the cutting, all that is left is you and God. I appreciate this hidden season and all the things He is cutting away that no one else can see. He is cleaning me up for my big premiere. Therefore, I will praise and thank Him for the Brook Cherith season.

Let’s Pray: Father God, I thank You for the Brook Cherith. I thank You for a season of isolation to be with You alone. Thank You for Your desire to be with me in this way. Forgive me for wanting to rush through this precious time. Forgive me for putting my structure before yours. I am yours now. Have Your way in my life. Continue to prepare me for the next season. May Your will be done and not my own. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Just the Beginning” by The Kurt Carr Singers. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Monique M. Anderson is a writer, creator, wife, and bonus mom. She was born and raised in Mount Vernon, NY, where she still resides. She released her always present yet hidden talent of writing to the masses in June 2019.

Monique always felt like God was chasing after her but was never ready to surrender. Finally, she reached a point in her life when things started going left, and she no longer felt in control. At this point, she was ready to hand over the reins to God. After forming her relationship with God, she always felt compelled to share the revelation’s that His word gave her. She felt the Holy Spirit prompting her to write but was afraid of what people might think. So, her writing started in her journal. The journal turned into a book and the book into a blog.

Her obedience provided more opportunities. In late 2021, Monique became a partner with the notable YouVersion Bible App as a Content Creator. Her first Bible plan debuted in December 2021. She will continue to provide content for the app as long as God allows her to.

Also in 2021, God revealed her prophetic gift and how He wants her to use it. Monique always felt compelled to pray for others but had no idea God would use her in this way. Through this gift as a prophetic intercessor, she’s not just writing about what God can do but showing what God can do.

Since God has shown her who He created her to be, she now feels it is her life’s work to help those taking their first steps in their walk with Christ. She is doing so through her blog, prayer, and soon-to-be-published works. She is excited to extend her reach to YouTube, podcasts, and speaking engagements soon.

Her blog is the stepping stone to fulfilling the vision God gave to her: “Sharing God’s revelations so we can all better reflect his image and fulfill His purpose.”

~*~
Connect with Monique:
Website: www.yourstrulymoe.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourstruly__moe/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Yours-Truly-Moe-140255684101423

Devotionals for the Heart: Why we need to rely on God's Holy Spirit

Relying on Flesh Instead of the Spirit
A devotional by Monique M. Anderson

“I say, then, walk by the Spirit and you will certainly not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit desires what is against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you don't do what you want.” –Galatians 5:16-17 (CSB)

This was the second time she told me. It took two mentions before I listened and moved on the word God told her to say to me. My close friend told me months prior that God wanted me to attend her church. I had visited her church several times over the years and never felt a pull to join. Therefore, hearing this didn't excite me. I didn't “feel” led.

After the second time, I sought God for myself. I said, “Lord, if you truly want me to attend this church, please tell me for yourself.” Hours later I found myself on the church's YouTube channel watching a sermon series. I don't remember what led me to it. However, I would receive my confirmation here.

The series was called "Time to Make a Change". It’s about transforming into who God wants you to be. Before watching these sermons, God told me I was in a training season to prepare me for what He wants me to do for His Kingdom. I had no idea joining this church was a part of that call from God.

The Holy Spirit fire hit me while I watched part two of the series. Something the pastor said shot through me like lightning. I started speaking in my heavenly language and heard God say, "This is where you will continue your training."

The tears and the tongues would not stop flowing. God has spoken. What else could I do but obey? So, I started attending my friend’s church.

When I started my walk with Jesus Christ years ago, the Lord told me He wanted me to disciple new believers. Back then, I didn't even know what the word “disciple” meant. It would be years before that work would begin.

After a few months of attending the new church, I started to waver. Lord, where is my training? I didn't see it nor “feel” it. I stood in the middle of service one day, questioning the Holy Spirit-filled confirmation I had months prior.

The following week, I received the answers I was seeking. The church announced they needed volunteers to join the prayer team to disciple newly saved believers. I almost fell off my chair. I thought about the question God asked me years prior, “Will you disciple new believers?” I thought about my Holy Spirit-filled confirmation, “You will continue your training here.”

It all started coming together. Everything fuzzy and out of focus was beginning to come into focus. This is where I would train to disciple those who had just given their life to Christ. To think I almost missed it because I didn't “feel” it.

I was looking for things to feel right to affirm what my friend said. I was looking for my flesh to confirm what the Spirit was doing. We often look for a feeling to verify whether or not we've made the right decision or are heading in the right direction. However, when situations are spirit-led and filled, we cannot look to our flesh to confirm anything.

When the Holy Spirit guides you into something new, it may not feel right or make sense to you. For example, I was looking for a new church home, and because I had visited this church several times and it never “felt” right, it didn't make sense to me that it would be a place for me to join. I didn’t realize at the time that’s where God was calling me to be.

I allowed a feeling to lead me to disobedience. It took my friend two times to get me to heed God's instructions. Delayed obedience is still disobedience.

Coming to this church didn't feel right. It didn't make sense. I had tried it out before, so what would be different this time? Well, this time, I am in a different life season. I am in a season where it is “time to make a change”.

The scripture above describes the tension between the flesh and the spirit perfectly. They are both constantly at odds. I encourage you to seek God's confirmation if you feel that your flesh is telling you one thing but the Holy Spirit is telling you another.

We cannot rely on our feelings when God tries to do something new. Believing the feeling can lead you to disobedience. Instead, seek God, repent, then obey.

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, forgive us for believing our feelings more than the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Forgive us for seeking confirmation outside of You and Your will. Father God, we desire You and You alone for direction and all of the instructions we need as we journey through this life. You are our only reliable source! We thank You, and we love You, Lord. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

Monique M. Anderson is a writer, creator, wife, and bonus mom. She was born and raised in Mount Vernon, NY, where she still resides. She released her always present yet hidden talent of writing to the masses in June 2019.

Monique always felt like God was chasing after her but was never ready to surrender. Finally, she reached a point in her life when things started going left, and she no longer felt in control. At this point, she was ready to hand over the reins to God. After forming her relationship with God, she always felt compelled to share the revelation’s that His word gave her. She felt the Holy Spirit prompting her to write but was afraid of what people might think. So, her writing started in her journal. The journal turned into a book and the book into a blog.

Her obedience provided more opportunities. In late 2021, Monique became a partner with the notable YouVersion Bible App as a Content Creator. With her first Bible plan debuting in December of 2021, she will continue to provide content for the app as long as God allows her to.

In 2021, God revealed her prophetic gift and how He wants her to use it. Monique always felt compelled to pray for others but had no idea God would use her in this way. Through this gift as a prophetic intercessor, she’s not just writing about what God can do but showing what God can do.

Since God has shown her who He created her to be, she now feels it is her life’s work to help those taking their first steps in their walk with Christ. She is doing so through her blog, prayer, and soon-to-be-published works. She is excited to extend her reach to YouTube, podcasts, and speaking engagements soon.

Her blog is the stepping stone to fulfilling the vision God gave to her – “Sharing God’s revelations so we can all better reflect his image and fulfill His purpose.”

~*~
Connect with Monique:
Website: www.yourstrulymoe.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourstruly__moe/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Yours-Truly-Moe-140255684101423

Devotionals for the Heart: Believe

Believe It Before You See It
A devotional by Monique M. Anderson

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” 

–Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV)

There is an old saying, “You've got to see it to believe it.”

These rules, unfortunately, do not apply in the Christian faith. Having faith means believing it before you see it. That is the true definition of faith. According to Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV), “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

According to the KJV Dictionary, one of the definitions of the word substance is "something existing by itself; that which really is or exists." Another definition says, "something real, not imaginary; something solid, not empty."

The definition of the word evidence, also according to the KJV Dictionary, is "that which makes plain and enables the mind to see the truth."

Therefore, when we have faith in something, we tell ourselves what we don't see exists. Consequently, it's about believing God's words no matter how the situation looks. Sometimes that faith is tested with time.

Abram was 75 years old when he first received the promises of God that he would be a father to nations, but it wasn't until he was 100 years old that Isaac was born. So that is 25 years they had to wait for God's Word to manifest.

I am sure in those 25 years, things did not look promising, and it was hard to keep the faith. Finally, Sarah and Abraham grew impatient and took matters into their own hands. Sarah advised Abraham to sleep with their handmaiden Hagar so she could have his baby, and Sarah would take care of him as her own. It is safe to say they failed the faith test. However, God still blessed them with a baby of their own.

Joseph had to look beyond his troubling circumstances and wait on what the Lord showed him. In Genesis 37, Joseph had two dreams that illustrated he would one day reign over his family, and they would bow down to him.

Besides the 13 years it took for this prophecy to be fulfilled, Joseph also had to go through betrayal from his brothers, being lied to by Potiphar's wife, thrown in prison and forgotten.

I'm sure Joseph questioned what he saw in his dreams when he was sold into slavery, thrown in a pit, put in prison, and abandoned. Nothing Joseph went through looked like the promise God showed him.

However, during every trial was God's favor. During difficult seasons, these small doses of favor keep us holding on to our faith. It's seeing small rays of sunshine when you're in the middle of a storm.

What we see will try to deter us from what we believe. That is the enemy's only tactic. He cannot take away the promises of God, but he can take our minds off the promises of God. This is why we must constantly remind ourselves of the God we serve.

We serve a God who “is not a man, that He should lie” (Numbers 23:19 NKJV), we know that “The Lord has done what he planned; he has fulfilled his word” (Lamentations 2:17 NIV), and “He will not leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:8 NKJV).

God is not capable of turning back on His promises. What He said will come to pass. So speak these scriptures back to God and ask Him to put you “in remembrance” (Isaiah 43:26 NKJV). Speak God's truth over your situation when things look grim or your deliverance feels like it's taking too long. This is what keeps you flat-footed and rooted in faith. It's holding on to the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.

Let’s Pray: Father God, we thank You for Your faithfulness. We thank You that what is done in Heaven will surely be done on earth. Holy Spirit, help us keep our eyes on what we do not yet see but believe in our hearts. Keep us rooted in our faith and not in our circumstances. Father, we will keep our eyes on You throughout the difficulties and long-suffering. We patiently wait for Your promises to be fulfilled in our lives. We trust You and love you. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Believe For It (Live)” by CeCe Winans. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Monique M. Anderson is a writer, creator, wife, and bonus mom. She was born and raised in Mount Vernon, NY, where she still resides. She released her always present yet hidden talent of writing to the masses in June 2019. 

Monique always felt like God was chasing after her but was never ready to surrender. Finally, she reached a point in her life when things started going left, and she no longer felt in control. At this point, she was ready to hand over the reins to God. After forming her relationship with God, she always felt compelled to share the revelation’s that His word gave her. She felt the Holy Spirit prompting her to write but was afraid of what people might think. So, her writing started in her journal. The journal turned into a book and the book into a blog.

Her obedience provided more opportunities. In late 2021, Monique became a partner with the notable YouVersion Bible App as a Content Creator. Her first Bible plan debuted in December 2021. She will continue to provide content for the app as long as God allows her to.

Also in 2021, God revealed her prophetic gift and how He wants her to use it. Monique always felt compelled to pray for others but had no idea God would use her in this way. Through this gift as a prophetic intercessor, she’s not just writing about what God can do but showing what God can do.

Since God has shown her who He created her to be, she now feels it is her life’s work to help those taking their first steps in their walk with Christ. She is doing so through her blog, prayer, and soon-to-be-published works. She is excited to extend her reach to YouTube, podcasts, and speaking engagements soon.

Her blog is the stepping stone to fulfilling the vision God gave to her: “Sharing God’s revelations so we can all better reflect his image and fulfill His purpose.”

~*~
Connect with Monique:
Website: www.yourstrulymoe.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourstruly__moe/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Yours-Truly-Moe-140255684101423

Devotionals for the Heart: Here's why we should never be too busy for God

The Only Thing That Matters
A devotional by Monique M. Anderson

"But the Lord said to her, "My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her." –Luke 10:41-42 (NLT)

In this season of my life, I've noticed that I have been consumed with my performance.

I've been consistently asking myself questions like: Am I pleasing God? Did I do this right? Did I do this wrong? What are my next steps? How do I fix this?

I have been keeping myself busy like Martha worrying about how I am performing for God when there is only one thing He cares about: me sitting at His feet and spending time with Him. We think we are pursuing God when we do a bunch of things for Him, however we forget the only thing that concerns Him.

That one thing is simply enjoying His presence and not looking to get anything in return. You don’t always have to come looking for answers or your next steps. If He decides to reveal the details in the moments you spend with Him, that would be a bonus to your intimate time with Him. However, that should not be the goal.

The goal should be to desire the Lord above all things, even above serving Him. I am not saying that you should not serve the Lord because your love for Him allows you to serve. However, you should be before Him, fully attentive when He is before you. Sometimes our obedience to Him is just being free in His presence.

I am learning to allow myself to be free with Him. I have realized that this is the true meaning of full surrender. Not to serve Him with busyness but to serve Him with my submission. In our desire to serve with busyness, we neglect our guests as Martha did here in this verse. When I try to do "things" for Him, I'm not actually spending time with Him and allowing Him to move as He wishes.

I get consumed with the details. I like to see order, structure, and bullet points of what is to come. Without it, I feel out of whack. However, I've realized when I focus too much on figuring out the particulars then I miss the majesty of God. Flowing with Him feels so much better than worrying about the specifics. When you are not looking for all the answers, that's when He provides all the answers. He appreciates it so much more when we allow ourselves to be with Him.

When you are not so concerned with your performance, you will realize that your free-flowing time with God will outperform any task on your list. Jesus said, "There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her."

Mary discovered the one thing. She found the one thing that should be your only concern. She realized the only thing that should keep you occupied and busy. That one thing is a man named Jesus, and once He has found that special place in your heart, He cannot be taken away from you.

Let's Pray: Heavenly Father, forgive us for putting service to You above being with You. Lord, we desire to be present in Your presence. Not to gain anything in return, but to be close to You and be wrapped in The Holy Spirit. Help us focus on this one thing: our intimate time with you. Our time with you, Jesus, is precious and should not be taken for granted. Help us to slow down and appreciate the glory of God. In Jesus's Name, I pray. Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

Monique M. Anderson is a writer, creator, wife, and bonus mom. She was born and raised in Mount Vernon, NY, where she still resides. She released her always present yet hidden talent of writing to the masses in June 2019. 

Monique always felt like God was chasing after her but was never ready to surrender. Finally, she reached a point in her life when things started going left, and she no longer felt in control. At this point, she was ready to hand over the reins to God. After forming her relationship with God, she always felt compelled to share the revelation’s that His word gave her. She felt the Holy Spirit prompting her to write but was afraid of what people might think. So, her writing started in her journal. The journal turned into a book and the book into a blog.

Her obedience provided more opportunities. In late 2021, Monique became a partner with the notable YouVersion Bible App as a Content Creator. With her first Bible plan debuting in December of 2021, she will continue to provide content for the app as long as God allows her to.

In 2021, God revealed her prophetic gift and how He wants her to use it. Monique always felt compelled to pray for others but had no idea God would use her in this way. Through this gift as a prophetic intercessor, she’s not just writing about what God can do but showing what God can do.

Since God has shown her who He created her to be, she now feels it is her life’s work to help those taking their first steps in their walk with Christ. She is doing so through her blog, prayer, and soon-to-be-published works. She is excited to extend her reach to YouTube, podcasts, and speaking engagements soon.

Her blog is the stepping stone to fulfilling the vision God gave to her – “Sharing God’s revelations so we can all better reflect his image and fulfill His purpose.”

~*~
Connect with Monique:
Website: www.yourstrulymoe.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourstruly__moe/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Yours-Truly-Moe-140255684101423

Devotionals for the Heart: Following God's path and staying on track

Get Back on Track
A devotional by Monique M. Anderson

"Jeremiah, say to the people, 'This is what the Lord says: "When people fall down, don't they get up again? When they discover they're on the wrong road, don't they turn back? Then why do these people stay on their self-destructive path? Why do the people of Jerusalem refuse to turn back? They cling tightly to their lies and will not turn around."

— Jeremiah 8:4-5 (NLT)

The car is packed, your essential snacks are in tow, the gas tank is full, and you've just entered the address to your destination into your navigation system. Finally, you are ready to go. You hit the road, and things are running smoothly. Traffic is minimal, and it looks like you will get to your desired destination in good time.

As you're singing along to your favorite tune, you suddenly realize you've missed your turn. The navigation starts to re-route you, but that will take you miles out of the way and add more time to your travels than you would like. So instead of being re-routed, you decide to turn around to get back on track. It saves time and energy from having to be taken entirely out of your way.

If only we made it that simple to get back on track with God when we deviate off course. Like Jeremiah 8:4 (NLT) says, "When they discover they're on the wrong road, don't they turn back? Then why do these people stay on their self-destructive path?" We won't allow ourselves to stay on the wrong path for too long while driving, mainly because we don't want to veer off too far from our intended destination. So why can't we do the same in life?

We will veer from God's path for our life and somehow think we can figure out how to get back on track on our own. Then, instead of just making a U-turn, we decide to re-route ourselves, which takes us farther and farther away from the intended destination and we end up completely lost.

In the first few chapters of the book of Jeremiah, God is casting out His judgment and plans of destruction upon Jerusalem because they turned their back on God and worshipped other idols. All the while, He gives His people plenty of opportunities to turn away from their sins and get back on track, but they refuse. They instead choose to continue down a destructive path.

Sometimes the easiest thing to do instead of being re-routed is to stop and turn around. Why continue down a path of destruction? Why do we always think we know better than God? He is forgiving, loving, and merciful, but somehow, we always want to do our own thing. It is much easier than we think to get back right with God. Just stop, turn around and go back to Him.

Don't let your own desires for life make you too proud to turn back to God. It is never too late. You can avoid a fate of devastation, confusion, and ruin by simply turning around.

Let's Pray: Father God, forgive us for turning away from you, even for a moment. Forgive us for thinking we know a better way than yours. Father, we are stopping today right where we are and turning back. We are making a U-turn and coming back to you in total surrender. We ask for your mercy and forgiveness. We will trust you from here on out to be our forever guide through this journey of life. In Jesus's name we pray. Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

Monique is a writer, wife, and bonus mom to a 14 year old. She just recently unleashed her always present yet hidden talent of writing to the masses. She was born and raised in Mount Vernon, NY where she still resides, and serves on the prayer team of her church The Gathering Harlem. 

Monique always felt like God was chasing after her, but never felt the need to surrender. Until that is when life started veering left, and she no longer wanted to steer so she finally gave Jesus the wheel. After forming her relationship with God she always felt compelled to share the revelation’s that the word gave to her. She always felt the Holy Spirit prompting her to write, but was afraid of what people might think. So her writing started in her journal. The journal turned into a book, and the book into a blog.

Slowly but surely God’s love started to cast out all fear. She started to consistently update her bi- weekly blog yourstrulymoe.com. Her obedience led to further revelation. God revealed to her that he would use her to help others along their walk the same way God helped her along hers. Since Monique did not grow up in church she always felt intimidated by the Christian life. She thought that she would be losing so much of herself, not realizing that she would actually find her TRUE self.

Since God has shown her who he really created her to be, she now feels it is her life’s work to help those that are taking their first baby steps in this walk with Christ. She is doing so through her blog, and soon to be published book. She is excited to extend her reach to podcasts and speaking engagements in the near future.

Her blog is the stepping stone to fulfilling the vision God gave to her – “Sharing God’s revelations so we can all reflect his image and fulfill his purpose.”

~*~
Connect with Monique:
Website: www.yourstrulymoe.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourstruly__moe/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Yours-Truly-Moe-140255684101423