A Blessing in Every Trial

Victoria Boyson:

Yielded to Christ: In Every Trial There is a Blessing

There is an unclean spirit whose sole purpose is 2 convince us that he is God. He comes sounding very much like God and plays on our weaknesses and on our sinful thoughts and desires. It is sent 2 deceive those who have a strong gift of intercession, and it seeks 2 gain access 2 our hearts and minds 2 use our prayers 2 bring harm 2 the Body of Christ. One of its goals is 2 cause our mouths 2 come into agreement with the realms of darkness.

This demon may present himself as a gift of discernment or even a prophetic revelation. It may begin by flattering u and try and convince u that u are one of the few who really hear God's voice and speak for Him. It seeks 2 elevate your opinion of yourself 2 raise u above those who would be your teachers, thereby making u unteachable. These are only a few of the ways this spirit operates.

This demon is known as the religious spirit.
But don't let his name fool u – he is subtle, but destructive. He wants 2 gain access 2 your mouth 2 release Hell's destructive powers on the earth. And he seeks 2 gain access 2 your heart through any areas of your heart and mind that are not yet yielded 2 Christ, or any part of your heart that has been hardened by the presence of cold love.

I have seen this spirit deceive many sincere, godly people and use them 2 divide and destroy the Church. They feel they have been given a "message from God" that others in the Body of Christ are not right spiritually or have "secret sins."

They may have had a disagreement with a church or an individual, but instead of walking in true forgiveness, they become resentful toward them. Instead of praying for them, they begin 2 pray against them, asking God 2 bring judgment on them. They may even feel that they "know" what God's judgment against them will be, and pray according 2 what they feel it should be.

Believing that they are warring against principalities, they war against their brother or sister in the Lord. But in actuality, they are fighting against Christ Himself.

I have heard people say 2 me that "God" has told them that He is going 2 destroy such and such a church, ministry or person. But instead of them being genuinely terrified of that happening and praying against it, I have gotten the sense that they would love nothing better than 2 see that organization or individual destroyed.

Without realizing it, these people have come into agreement with the powers of darkness. Instead of standing in the gap for their brother or sister, they view them as being out of God's reach. They have unconsciously put them in the category of the "unredeemable." They may even feel that these people are standing in God's way of really displaying His power in the Church, and in an attempt 2 "help" God, they pray for their removal.

Instead of believing for God's mercy 2 prevail in their brother's life, they feel that he is not as "spiritual" as he should be, so they determine in their heart that God must want 2 wipe him out. THIS IS NOT THE HEART OF GOD!

Soulish Prayers

Prayers that are prayed outside of God's will and in accordance with the selfish desires of our own hearts are called soulish prayers. And when we pray against others, we cause the powers of darkness 2b released on them. This can cause horrific warfare for them. This is witchcraft, and if we dabble in it, we open up our own lives for these destructive spirits 2 come back on us and wreak havoc in our own lives.

"Do not judge, and u will not be judged. Do not condemn, and u will not be condemned. Forgive and u will be forgiven." Luke 6:37

"...For with the measure you use, it will be measured 2 u." Luke 6:38

It is very dangerous 2 assume that we know God's will for others and then pray for that 2 happen. We may find ourselves fighting against the will of God for their lives. We should always confirm what we feel we have heard in the spirit with the peace of God. If we do not have peace about the word we have received, if it does not come from a heart full of genuine love for our brother, then we should disregard it.

The Religious Spirit

The religious spirit is the same spirit that drove Paul 2 persecute the first Church. As he harassed a small group called the Nazarenes, he honestly felt that he was working for God. He killed and imprisoned hundreds of the followers of Christ and felt right in doing so. He was convinced in his heart that he was fulfilling the will of God.

Paul was positive that he knew what was right and that these Christians were evil. Furthermore, he believed they must be destroyed and felt commissioned by God 2 do so.

But when the Lord revealed Himself 2 Paul on the road 2 Damascus, He showed Paul that he was not fighting for truth, but for the realms of darkness.

What agony Paul must have experienced when he learned the truth of his actions. He did so much want 2 fight for God, and yet he found himself fighting against Him. How he must have agonized over his sin; his grief must have been immeasurable. However, Paul repented and turned from being the greatest persecutor of the early Church 2 being its greatest defender.


We too can turn away from praying for God's punishment 2 come on those we do not approve of, and start praying for God's will and mercy 2b evident in their lives. We can be led by the Spirit of Truth found in God's Word that says, "The wisdom that comes from Heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness" (James 3:17-18).

It is essential that we all seek 2 guard our hearts with the love of God because "love covers over a multitude of sins" (1 Peter 4:8). The Lord has warned us in Matthew 24:12 that the love of many will grow cold because of the increase of lawlessness, "but he who stands firm 2 the end will be saved" (v.13).

The only way of guarding our hearts is for our hearts 2b bound 2 the Lord. Any places in our hearts that are not yielded 2 the Lord are areas of vulnerability 2 the enemy.

We must not pray for others out of a sense of frustration or anger. The greatest and safest prayer we can pray for ourselves and others is "THY will be done!" Not their will or our will, but pray earnestly for God's will 2b accomplished in their life.

God Will Bless You

If u feel u have been the victim of soulish prayers or witchcraft u may at times feel a heaviness or an ominous sense of failure. You may have an increase of strife in your relationships, experience confusion or an overwhelming feeling of self-loathing. But take heart, half the battle is knowing what is attacking u.

Like it or not, u will need 2 pray for those who have prayed against u. Pray that their words against u will be powerless and that they will stop praying out of the will of God. Ask God 2 bless them with His peace, love and mercy.

Above all else, we must forgive them bcoz they really do not realize what they are doing. They are victims of this unclean spirit as much as we are. "We wrestle not against flesh and blood" (Ephesians 6:12), meaning: We do not fight each other, but we "wrestle" satan and his demons. The enemy is our enemy. And we do not wrestle in the natural but in the supernatural realm.

Repent of any unforgiveness u may be harboring against them or others and ask God 2 give u His unconditional love for them. And, if possible, be an encouragement 2 them – it will be very difficult for them 2 continue 2 hate u if u respond 2 them in love. Note: It may take time for the spiritual atmosphere around u to be cleared of all their prayers, so continue 2 cover yourself in prayer often.

Finally, be sure 2 watch how God will bless u through this, bcoz in every trial we face, there is a blessing in it for us if we yield 2 God. If the enemy has targeted u, be encouraged by it bcoz he must know of something very powerful in your future or he wouldn't bother harassing u.

Victoria Boyson
Speaking Life Ministries
Email: victoria@boyson.org

U Have A Double-Portion Inheritance

 Isaiah 61:6–7, NIV
    6And u will be called priests of the Lord... You will feed on the wealth of nations, & in their riches u will boast. 7Instead of their shame My people will receive a double portion… they will inherit a double portion in their land...

You are called “priests of the Lord” because Jesus has cleansed u with His blood and made u kings and priests 2 God. (Revelation 1:5–6) And as priests of the Lord, God says 2 u, “You will feed on the wealth of nations, & in their riches u will boast.” And u will “inherit a double portion in their land”.

This promise came true for a church member who received his double portion while working for one of the top American companies in Singapore. Within a short time, he received two pay increments. And within just two years, he received an unexpected promotion 2 a senior position in the company. It was unexpected bcoz the norm 2 qualify for such a promotion in the company was four years.

He was also named the recipient of a privileged stock award worth a five-figure sum, the net value of which was likely 2 double, judging by the then prevailing bullish stock market. He acknowledged that it was certainly God’s favor bcoz past awardees were a very small number of top management personnel who had made significant contributions 2 the company. And only an even smaller per cent of their worldwide employees had ever received this prestigious award. He was only the second recipient, besides his boss, in the Singapore office 2 receive it.

This church member literally inherited a double portion — two pay increments, a promotion within two years and a stock award which was likely 2 double in value. Indeed, he was feeding on the wealth of the nations & boasting in their riches!

Beloved, believe God when He says that His people will receive a double portion. This double portion includes blessings of favor, fruitfulness, success, riches & health. In fact, the people around u will look at u & your descendants, & acknowledge that u are a people that the Lord has blessed!

Believe That God Is Your Rewarder

Hebrews 11:6 - But without faith it is impossible 2 please Him, for he who comes 2 God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

Most people quote only the first part of Hebrews 11:6 — “without faith it is impossible 2 please Him”. Yet, it goes on 2 say, “for he who comes 2 God must believe that He is, & that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him”. In other words, the faith that pleases God is the kind of faith that believes that God exists & that He is a rewarder.

The Bible also says that “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen”. (Hebrews 11:1) So even in times of difficulty, when we don’t see good things happening in our circumstances, we are 2 believe that God will turn things around & reward us.

God turned things around 4 Ruth, the Moabite widow, when she believed the Lord & made Him her God. (Ruth 1:16) The Bible tells us that she was given a “full reward” by the Lord when she came under His wings 4 refuge. (Ruth 2:12) Not only did He give her protection, He also gave her abundant provision, exceeding favor & a glorious redemption. (Ruth 2:9–17, 3:11, 4:10–13) When Rahab, the harlot of Jericho, heard reports of how the Lord had opened up the Red Sea 4 the children of Israel, she believed that “He is God in heaven above & on earth beneath”. (Joshua 2:9–11) Though Rahab had not personally witnessed the miracles, she believed God & hid the Jewish spies from their pursuers. (Joshua 2:4–6) Because of her faith, she not only did not perish with those who did not believe (Joshua 6:25, Hebrews 11:31), but she was also given a place in the “hall of faith” in Hebrews 11.

God was so pleased with the faith of these two Gentile women that He not only blessed them in their lifetimes, but He also put them into the genealogy of His Son Jesus Christ, the great Redeemer & rewarder. 

Beloved, when u come 2 the Lord with your needs, believe that He is God, & that He is a Rewarder. God has pleasure in this kind of faith. He wants 2b the rewarder of your faith in Him!

It Shall Not Come Near U

Psalm 91:7 - A thousand may fall at your side, and 10,000 at your right hand; but it shall not come near u.

Your doctor or insurance agent may ask u, “Do u have a family history of cancer?” If u say, “Yes,” they will probably tell u that u might get some form of cancer too.

Now, if u are without God, u would probably agree with them and start worrying about your health. But u are not without God! In fact, His Word tells u, “A 1,000 may fall at your side, and 10,000 at your right hand; but it shall not come near u.” Therefore, even if u have a family history of cancer, & your family members have died of cancer, u can have the confidence 2 declare that it will not come near u!

My mother had this attitude. After a thorough medical check-up, the doctor was surprised & told her that she did not have high blood pressure or heart disease, although these two conditions have plagued her father & siblings. You see, my mother had already firmly declared that no deadly, family-related disease would come near her.

Praise God for my mother’s trust in God’s Word bcoz I am the generation after her! In fact, after my mother told me about the results of her check-up, I randomly opened my Bible only 2 read about Rahab the harlot who by faith “did not perish with those who did not believe”. (Hebrews 11:31)

Beloved, God wants u 2 know that even though u are in this world, u are not of this world. You belong 2 Him. You don’t have 2 get caught in dire situations along with the people of the world. Bcoz God is on your side, “He shall deliver u from the snare of the fowler & from the perilous pestilence”. (Psalm 91:3)

Even when it comes 2 generational diseases, u can boldly declare, “That disease stops here!” bcoz u have God and His Word. And when u believe God & His Word, u will see His promises come 2 pass for u — “A 1,000 may fall at your side, and 10,000 at your right hand; but it shall not come near u”!
 

Give God’s Word Priority & C Good Success

Joshua 1:8 -  This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but u shall meditate in it day & night, that u may observe 2 do according 2 all that is written in it. For then u will make your way prosperous, & then u will have good success.

In life, there is good success & bad success. Bad success is the kind of success which robs u of time with your family, friends & church, & destroys your health & relationships. With good success, on the other hand, u see prosperity in every area of your life.

God wants u 2 enjoy good success & the key 2 this lies in what God told Joshua when he took over the reins following the death of his leader Moses — “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but u shall meditate in it day & night, that u may observe 2 do according 2 all that is written in it. For then u will make your way prosperous, & then u will have good success.” Spending time in God’s Word daily will give u godly wisdom, which will make your way prosperous & give u good success.

Look at how Joshua’s life turned out in the end. When Joshua died, “they buried him within the border of his inheritance at Timnath Serah, which is in the mountains of Ephraim, on the north side of Mount Gaash”. (Joshua 24:30) Joshua had a whole mountain for his inheritance! This means that he was prosperous and successful!

It was also said that Israel served the Lord, not idols or other gods, all the days of Joshua’s life. (Joshua 24:31) This means that while Joshua was around, people were impacted for God’s glory.

And at the end of his life, a fulfilled Joshua had this 2 say, “But as for me & my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15) Having your family loving God & serving Him with u is the most important success & greatest prosperity that u can ever have.

Beloved, when God’s Word takes priority in your daily life, not only will your finances be blessed, your ministry & family life will also be blessed!

God Favors U Because He Loves U

1 John 4:19 - We love Him because He first loved us.

Have u ever found yourself receiving such exceeding favor that u wonder why? My friend, it is bcoz God is lavishing His grace — unearned, undeserved, unmerited favor — on u. And He does it bcoz He loves u.

I love reading the Old Testament story of Ruth, a young Moabite widow, bcoz it speaks of God’s amazing grace. The moment Ruth depended on God’s grace or favor, she had full access 2 His blessings. Of all the fields in Bethlehem, His grace led her 2 the field that belonged 2 Boaz, who was not only a wealthy bachelor, but also a relative of her father-in-law. (Ruth 2:3) Boaz was therefore her potential kinsman-redeemer — someone who could redeem her from her plight as a poor & childless widow.

Boaz favored Ruth from the moment he laid eyes on her. Ruth was not even a Jew, yet he cared for her safety by telling her not 2 glean in another field & 2 stay close 2 his young women. He even commanded the young men working for him not 2 touch her & 2 allow her 2 drink the water which they had drawn.

During mealtimes, he sat her beside the reapers although she was just a lowly gleaner who picked up what they had missed or dropped. On top of that, he gave her parched grain, making sure that she ate & was satisfied, & that she had leftovers 2 bring back 2 her mother-in-law. (Ruth 2:1–18).

Ruth simply believed that she would find favor in the field & God placed her at the right place at the right time, so that He could open a big door of blessings 2 her. Do u know that Boaz is a beautiful picture of our Lord Jesus? The Bible says that “He first loved us”. Jesus saw u & loved u first, long b4 u knew Him or loved Him. And He favors whom He loves.

Beloved, there is no need 2 fight or strive 2 qualify for God’s favor & blessings. His favor is all over u bcoz He first loved u. Just trust in His love for u & u will see His favor bringing an abundance of blessings into your life!
 

The Gift Of No Condemnation

John 8:11 - … “Neither do I condemn u; go and sin no more.”

When Jesus was on earth, a woman caught in the act of adultery was brought before Him by the scribes & Pharisees, the religious mafia of His day. They tried 2 trap Him by posing a question that was difficult 2 answer: “Now Moses, in the law, commanded us that such should be stoned. But what do You say?” 

(John 8:5) 

Jesus answered, “He who is without sin among u, let him throw a stone at her first.” (John 8:7) The scribes & Pharisees began 2 leave one by one till none of them were left.

The people in the crowd who wanted 2 condemn the woman could not. But Jesus, the only one in the crowd who truly had the power 2 condemn her, would not. He then asked her, “Woman… Has no one condemned u?” (John 8:10)

He spoke such words of grace 2 her bcoz He loved her. Also, by asking her the question, He was giving her a chance 2 speak words of no condemnation 2 herself — “No one [condemns me], Lord.” (John 8:11) 

Jesus not only spoke words of grace 2 her, He also gave her the gift of no condemnation — “Neither do I condemn u; go & sin no more”. It was when she received the gift of no condemnation that she had the power 2 “go & sin no more”.

Today, u have the gift of no condemnation bcoz the Son of God was condemned 4 all your sins. (Romans 8:1) Today, God cannot condemn u when u sin bcoz He is faithful & just 2 what His Son has done. 

So if the devil tries 2 convince u that God is angry with u when u blow it, just say, “God does not condemn me today bcoz He has already condemned Jesus at the cross 2,000 years ago!” 

Unfortunately, we still hear people saying, “Go & sin no more first, then I won’t condemn u.” Maybe u have been saying this 2 yourself too. But God says, “I don’t condemn u. Go & sin no more.” He gives u the gift of no condemnation, so that u have the strength 2 go & sin no more!

Taken Your Love Break Today?

John 15:9 - “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved u; abide in My love.

In your workplace, u probably take coffee breaks, lunch breaks, tea breaks & definitely toilet breaks. Why not do the same in your spiritual life — take time out 4 breaks, especially love breaks?

What is a love break? It is the time u take 2 enjoy & feed on the love of Jesus 4 u. At any time during the day, wherever u are, find a quiet spot & feed on the love of Jesus. Just sit down & talk 2 Him. Say 2 Him, “Thank You, Jesus, 4 loving me. Nothing is going 2 happen 2 me that You don’t already know about. Jesus, when I could not save myself, You died 4 me. You gave up Your life 4 me. What else will You not do 4 me!”

Such love breaks are typified in the Old Testament by Aaron the high priest & his sons eating the breast of the animal sacrificed. (Leviticus 7:31) The breast of the animal speaks of the love of Jesus. Today, u are a priest 2 God. (Revelation 1:6) So spend time feeding on the love of Jesus 4 u, & see yourself nourished, strengthened & sustained by His love. Jesus is our High Priest today. This means that His food is in loving us. He enjoys loving us & is also “nourished” by His love 4 us.

But do not forget that the breast was roasted by fire (Leviticus 7:35), which speaks of God’s judgment on

Jesus as He hung on the cross bcoz He was carrying our sins. So as u feed on Jesus’ love 4 u, see Him loving u at the cross. When things around u are not going well, do not allow the devil 2 say 2 u, “If God loves u, how come these things are happening 2 u?” My friend, interpret God’s love 4 u based on the cross, not on your present circumstances.

During the day, when u are hard at work, when busyness sets in, when problems pile up or when discouragement comes, just stop everything & take a love break with Jesus! Let Jesus love u. Let yourself enjoy being loved by Him. Lean on His bosom, abide in His love & be nourished by His love 4 u!