20 Truths To Take Into 2018: Pressing Towards The Mark

Hello beautiful people,
The Lord is doing a new thing right now and as we move into the new year: 2018!! God is moving swiftly on the behalf of His children. This is not the time to quit or give in. The Lord is working on your behalf. Nonetheless, the Lord pressed upon my heart 20 truths that will bless you as you progress through the year of 2018!

1. Forgiveness is an important characteristic to demonstrate when trying to go higher in life. Everything that we commit ourselves to will require a connection/relationship with a person and yourself. Learn to forgive yourself and not be so hard on yourself. But most importantly learn the art of forgiveness towards others so that you can experience freedom in your relationships whether that's your boss or significant other. 

2. Be patient. God's timing is so perfect! At the right moment, things will come together and turn around for you. Realize there is a higher purpose involved in the wait. The bible mentions in Proverbs 16:32 ,'better is a patient man that a man who conquers a city'. ( paraphrased). 

3. Trust God in your trials. It's easy when times get rough to run from God and blame others, yourself, or hold a grudge against God. But I challenge you to release the doubt and understand God has your best interest at heart. He is on the throne, sovereign, and in control of it all. You don't have to worry because God sees it all. He will sustain you,  protect you, and in due time deliver you! 

4. Realize the power of your words.  Proverbs 18:21 says you will reap the fruit of your words. Speak life to your situations and to yourself. You will see supernatural shifts in yourself/situation and become aware of the hope/joy of the Lord rising up in you!

5. When you're frustrated, think about the root of your frustration before talking to anyone else about it.  It's important that you understand why you're feeling the way that you are before allowing someone else to determine those feelings for you. 

6.  Be proactive. Take initiave and concern for your life and wellbeing. Always stay ahead of the game and make sure you know your needs and how to meet them so you can be and achieve all that you can in 2018 (and years to come!!)

7. Worshipping God should be a lifestyle. What you walk through with God Monday -Saturday will pour out in your corporate worship on Sunday, naturally. The foundation and fountain of your worship should be built from your daily walk with Christ than a reservation for special occasions. 

8. Jesus loves you.  Jesus died so you can be free, victorious, and walk in your purpose! So don't let the love, acceptance, rejection,  or lack thereof from others, opportunities ,failures, etc.  determine your value!! You are precious in the sight of God and He has an amazing plan for your life. 

9. Healing is an inside job of the Holy Spirit. People can't heal you. Opportunities, money, food, business (or whatever you run to in order to cope in life) cannot fix what's broken inside, only JESUS. Take your pain to Him and be willing to release whatever wounds you are nursing, so God can perform His master's touch on your heart. 

10. Friends should desire to pursue Christ with you or push you in the direction of your purpose. Who you hang with on a daily basis or who you entertain will determine how far you go in life. It also determines the depth of fulfillment and peace you will have, especially if you are resisting God's will for your life! 

11. Cultivate peace in all areas/aspects of your life ( work/school environments, family/personal/ associate related dynamics, yourself, your past, your future, etc). One of my favorite verses in the bible is seek peace and pursue it! This is a principle that must be lived out so that the blessings God has for you can be released in your life. Strive to be at peace with your enemies, your loved ones, that rude waitress , your daily pursuits/goals, your past, or whatever/whomever so that you don't open the door to the enemy. Forgive yourself! Let go and MOVE ON! How that is lived out may look different in the lives of two individuals, however be Holy Spirit led. But no matter what, pursue peace.

12. Trust God in the delays. I know how it feels to be delayed and the frustration that comes but promise me you will not quit! You will reap your harvest, if you don't faint. Realize the delays are for your benefit and protection. God's goodness is the scent of divine delay. Know God will not withhold anything good from those who do what is right. 

13. Pray without ceasing. The prayers of the righteous are powerful and effective. When you stay in right standing with God(repenting of your sins, forgiving others, living with integrity, loving/obeying God fully/completely), there is nothing that you cannot ask our Savior in Jesus name and He not bring it to pass, if it is in His will. Remember God delights in giving us good gifts! 

14. God knows what's best for you. Therefore seek God before making decisions such as job related ventures, career-related opportunities , relationships, friendships, or anything that you sense that God wants to be intricately involved in. You don't want to pursue something/someone that's not in God's will and risk being led down a destructive path. 

15. Strive to make God a priority in your life. A lot of people like to go to God after the fact or use God as their last resort, but when you truly align your life with God first and foremost everything will come together. God will work all things for your good, allow His blessings to chase you down, and open/close doors no man can shut/open! Plus when you have God at the center of everything, things will work out better for you and His favor will surround like a shield. 

16. The favor of God is for everybody who obeys God's commands. I say that because everyone will not experience God's favor for the mere fact they don't adhere to His commands or His Spirit. Obeying God opens the door for supernatural favor where wherever you go, you  find favor in the sight of man whether that's in your business/relational/financial/academic dealings or simply wherever you go! However the prerequisite to tap into the abundant favor where you are living it out everyday(a whole other level) requires you to put God at the center. God is not a respecter of persons so what He did for them, He will surely do for you!

17. Value your time. Sometimes we let people, events, worldly preoccupations, our thoughts, (insert your time waster here) exhaust one of our most valuable resource: our time. Be willing to make time for yourself, deny certain requests made of you/engagements, or put time restraints on yourself when it involves the area you waste time in the most. For me, that's social media so I have to abstain from it periodically every now and then. That can be oversleeping, social media, saying yes to too many people, wasting time on trivial matters, etc. If you know the reason you're unproductive is due to wasting time on social media, be willing to sacrifice some of that idle time to get some things done. Having someone hold you accountable in fulfilling this will be helpful as well! 

18. Don't be afraid to say no!! And don't feel bad about it. I've learned the more you say yes to others/commitments/engagements out of habit/fear/or whatever reason you have, the more exhausted, stressed, overworked, and resentful you will become in the long run! Trust me, I've lived this and when I learned the power of no my life became much more peaceful. No one can tell me or commit me to do anything unless I make the decision to agree to the offer. Remember you are a person with a life and with needs. Saying no is a healthy thing and it's okay. Be spirit led in all things of course, but no is not a bad word!

19. Be wise in your actions. Realize every action in response to a person or thing will have a consequence, whether it's good or bad. And others ,whether you believe it or not, are sometimes directly affected by the choices you make or lack thereof. It's never just "All about you" or "Your life". Sometimes the outcomes of your choices/actions/decisions can affect people close to you. Therefore be wise and realize it doesn't hurt to be mindful about your actions and how the outcomes will affect others. 

20. Don't get sidetracked! The devil loves to send distractions in the lives of God's children or deceive us into thinking the so called distractions are harmless, when the opposite is true! Distractions can be old habits, addictions, bad relationships, wayward friendships, destructive self-talk, laziness, social media, or just anything that keeps you unproductive, lax, and unmotivated from your purpose, goals, or your walk in Christ. One of the biggest hindrances can come from others but sometimes it can be from OURSELVES. Make the decision to take the key of your life and close/open doors that need to remain closed/or be opened.  Every now and then take time to examine yourself to see are you HELPING you or HINDERING you.

I pray these tips helped you and you were able to receive something from them! These tips were based off of things I walked through personally and what God taught me through them. Feel free to comment/message me your favorite :) 

God bless you friends and see you in 2018! 

Ken

_____________________________________________________________________

Follow me on Instagram : @oliviabeauty_10 

Add me on Facebook: Kendra Olivia Wilson 

How Do I Pass The Test: Having Joy In The Trials

                Many of you are probably going through various tests and trials that more than likely bring you confusion, discord, and/or strife! (Sigh). But be encouraged beloved that God promises to give us peace, rest, and provision in the midst of the storm. Jesus tells us to take our yoke upon Him and learn from Him because He is gentle and humble in heart, and YOU will find rest for your souls. (Matthew 11:29).  God loves you so much and it's important to remember throughout your tests/trials you face (aka pruning process), God is doing His amazing work in you. He is the potter and we are clay. As the potter and we the clay, He is continuously molding and shaping us into the glorious image of His Son for His palatable glory. Therefore, here are some tips to remember as you're going through your trial:


1. Remember that you CAN pass this test. Paul mentions in 1 Cor 10:13 that "no temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man, but God is faithful, HE will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able.. but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it." I love that God, the author of the universe, loves us so much that HE will give us a way to have victory in these struggles. God will give us a strategy to not give in to the enemy (the way of escape) and He will give us the grace & strength to have joy in our trials as we seek His face. Keep in mind that God promises to never leave you nor forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6). So take heart, you will get through this! YOU shall overcome, my beloved friend <3


2. Remember the real enemy is satan! Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." There are so many things happening in the unseen and the enemy will use things/people to attack your spirit. Let me let you in on something: satan sees your light and he will use anybody(friend, coworker, church member,family member, stranger on the street) and anything( situations or your own thoughts, that's how desperate the devil is) to distract you,make you feel defeated/discouraged,  and even to the point of having pity parties with yourself. We are WORTH so much more and WE are so much BETTER than that! We are a royal priesthood, a chosen generation. In essence, we have to stay girded  in the WORD (God's truth) which will be further emphasized in my next point.

3. Remember in the midst of your trial, it's imperative that you  MEMORIZE VERSES. Memorizing scripture doesn't have to be complicated. It can be as simple as you want it or more elaborate. However it is important you keep at least 1 or 2 verses circulating in your brain stay remain planted in order to combat the enemy's tactics. I love writing verses on note card and putting in my pocket, my bag, or a book I'm reading so that if I randomly touch it, I'll happen to look at it and be encouraged. The enemy is very crafty and he knows your weakness. The enemy knows that if your mom says that one thing, it can send you to fit of anger or if someone flips you off, you'll start cursing them out in your head. James 1:19 encourages us to be quick to listen, slow  to speak, and slow to get angry. If anger is your problem, reciting this verse could help you reduce your anger that builds in your heart. To combat my anger, I remember this verse from James 1:2: " human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires." I feel in my heart that we can control our anger to the point where we don't become angry anymore.Have I ever been angry in the past week? Oh yes! But when  I realize that my anger will profit me nothing and possibly make things worse, I just shut my mouth, silently pray to God , Praise Him that He is going to work it out, and let it go! Is this easy? No! Do I get this right every time? By all means no! But this is the secret God is giving me to tell you all! When I do master this, it works every time God seems to fight my cause. You may think to yourself "that doesn't work for me" but check this out, it's not me doing it, it's the spirit of Christ inside of me giving me the desire & will to obey Him in order to be at peace in my heart. Realizing I'm hurting myself by holding on to the anger when God(Jesus) wants to give me peace gives me even more incentive to release it into HIS hands! He can and will do more for me much better than I could ever do in a thousand lifetimes.

4.  Remember to pray without ceasing! Paul was telling the church of Thessalonica to " rejoice always, PRAY without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. As believers and sons/daughters of Christ, we must stay prayed up! The enemy is prowling around like a roaring lion, seeking whom He may devour ( 1 Peter 5:8). I tell you there's nothing like praying for someone who hurts you to change or the situation to change it, yet the situation or the person may not change right away ( or EVER). You may think " My prayers may never do anything", but think of all the fruit and good stuff God has developed in your heart. I learned my greatest lessons and matured the most through my enemies! They made me who I am and taught me some ugly, nasty things about myself that would not have been revealed had I been surrounded by my like minded sisters and brothers in Christ. Even if the prayer hasn't come intro fruition or the storm hasn't let up, remember God has promised to be with you. He will keep you in perfect peace as you keep your eyes on HIM. As you pray to God, He does His pruning work in you which is why it's so irritating and uncomfortable. However the pruning Jesus is doing inside of you by using the trial is perfecting you into His spotless bride to present you to His Father, without wrinkle or blemish. One of the key purposes' of tests is to conform you into His likeness. Ahh, Isn't that beautiful!? Keep praying because the prayers of a righteous man availeth much! ( James 5:16).

5. Remember this too shall pass! Sometimes we have to remember to be still and know that He is God! ( Psalm 46:10) God will fight your battles and right all your wrongs, just you WAIT on Him and TRUST in our God, THE ETERNAL, THE EVERLASTING! Psalm 30:11 mentions " you have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy." God is not man that He shall lie. He will bless you with peace and give you strength in the storm. As long as you fix your eyes on Jesus (like Peter), the storm will not overtake you and you will walk on water like Jesus! Just like Christy Nockels sings in her song "Revive me",  'give me eyes to see you in the dark.' As we continue to press in,  His Presence will be more accessible to us.

Bonus: God is working everything out for your good! If we serve a faithful God who loves us, why not trust HIM? We have to remember God has our best interest at heart. He would not have allowed you to go through your storm/trial if there wouldn't be any good coming out of it! God's purpose in the trials/tests are 2 things: to refine us into the glorious image of  His Son. (remember we are the clay & He is the potter) and to receive the glory. God will allow your situation to work for your good. He will cause your innocence to radiate like the dawn. God is faithful and just that if you allow HIM to use you , He will make your trial work for your good. Sit back and let the captain do HIS job!

God bless you all! I pray and hope you were encouraged <3


Suggested music to listen to for encouragement that I love :

• Intentional-Travis Greene
• Hold on to me- Elevation Worship
• For a moment- Elevation Worship
• God I look to you-Bethel Worship

Scripture references mentioned: 

• Matthew 11:29
• 1 Corinthians 10:13
• Deuteronomy 31:6
• Ephesians 6:12
• James 1:9
• James 1:2
• 1 Peter 5:8
• James 5:16
• Psalm 46:10
• Psalm 30:11

In Honor of my 22nd Birthday: 22 Things I've Learned This Year :)

                   
1. Walking in forgiveness starts with YOU. Don't expect an apology ( 80% of the time you may never get it), learn to accept that person's flaws(We all have them too), and surrender them constantly/daily at the feet of Jesus.

2. Literally NOTHING and NO ONE can satisfy but God (Jesus), hallelujah!


3. Single season is just as purposeful as a marriage. Your singleness is just as significant as a marriage !


4.The season you're in RIGHT NOW is preparing YOU!


5. It's literally not about you! It's all about God (Jesus)!!! Pride can hinder us so much. Therefore we must lay that down, so God can give us more clarity, wisdom, and the understanding that we need.


6. God's presence is all YOU need.


7.It's okay to vent to God and tell Him how you are feeling. Don't hide your feelings from God because He sees your heart, especially when it's secretly hardened/frustrated towards Him.


8.Hearing the voice of God will change your life. LITERALLY when God begins to speak to you and  you begin hearing him regularly, you will NEVER experience life the same away again, seriously! (In a good way of course)

9.Honor your parents. They may be wrong as two left shoes but respect them. As you respect/honor them God will speak up for your cause. You just sit back and be still. He can move through any heart, nothing is too hard/impossible for HIM, hallelujah!


10.Let God fight your battle. Let God defend you. He will do better and get far better justice than you will ever do! God will not let the wicked continue to get away with wrongdoing.


11. God is intentional! He orchestrates every little thing for His good purposes.


12. God does not withhold good things from those who walk uprightly (Psalm 84:11) . (It took me a while to personally believe/receive this for myself but I have finally accepted it and I have so much more peace now because of it!)


13. Don't keep holding guilt over your head. You're not perfect and You never will be. Jesus was the perfect man. He was God in flesh. Surrender your guilt/shame at the feet of Jesus. Remember through Christ's blood you are washed clean by the blood of the Lamb. THERE IS NO CONDEMNATION TO THOSE IN CHRIST JESUS so don't let the ENEMY hold guilt over your head!


14.The key to seeing change is to start with YOURSELF!!!!


15. The real enemy is satan, not your brother/sister in Christ! We're supposed to love our brothers and sisters in Christ .


16.If you want to see results (stronger faith, following Jesus, losing weight, making a good grade, etc), be consistent !


17. Never give up! The sun will come up! The Sun will shine again. Just Hold on and PRESS On. Even with tears in your eyes and on your needs, FIGHT. Kick satan in the teeth & PRESS ON! SATAN has no power over you!

18. This life is always worth living! No matter how you're feeling, PLEASE I BEG OF YOU, CHOOSE LIFE!


19. God's love is strong enough to overcome any amount or type of hurt or hate you may have experienced! (whether it was from a friend, family member, coworker, boss, stranger, or acquaintance)


20. Pray for your enemies. I PROMISE your heart will soften and change towards them!


21. When people walk out of your life, let them go! If it is meant to be, God will restore the relationship. He will bring you two back together in His perfect timing! God is so strategic in how He does that, it's amazing!  Even romantically, God is the best matchmaker. May you wait upon HIM and TRUST in Him.


22. FIND something you're passionate about ( that literally drives you). Put your all into it & do it to the best of your ability. I promise it will give you the deepest level of joy and satisfaction ever! It bring peace and contentment, even the more as you do it unto Christ!


                                                                  Bonus:

"Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you."  -Matthew 6:33
In other words, when you take care of God's business, He will make sure your needs are taken care of as well. I've seen God do this for me and I tell you He is faithful! He will satisfy the desires of your heart in His timing & He knows what you secretly/deeply long for. He wants to fulfill them but we must put HIS agenda before our own. We must submit this ole stubborn flesh of ours FIRST before God sometimes gives us the promise. A lot of just need to truly SURRENDER it all and LAY it all down at the feet of Jesus.  If you're waiting on God for something or He has promised you something, may you remain encouraged & continue to WAIT upon HIM in faith  <3                                                                    
I hope what I've learned over the course of this year blesses you all!!                                              


-oliviaspeaks