Open Heaven 22 August 2019 Thursday Daily Devotional By Pastor E. A. Adeboye
Topic: A Master of Circumstances?
Memorise: “Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.” – James 5:17
Read: Joshua 10:8-14 (KJV)
8 And the LORD said unto Joshua, Fear them not: for I have delivered them into thine hand; there shall not a man of them stand before thee.
9 Joshua therefore came unto them suddenly, and went up from Gilgal all night.
10 And the LORD discomfited them before Israel, and slew them with a great slaughter at Gibeon, and chased them along the way that goeth up to Bethhoron, and smote them to Azekah, and unto Makkedah.
11 And it came to pass, as they fled from before Israel, and were in the going down to Bethhoron, that the LORD cast down great stones from heaven upon them unto Azekah, and they died: they were more which died with hailstones than they whom the children of Israel slew with the sword.
12 Then spake Joshua to the LORD in the day when the LORD delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel, Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon; and thou, Moon, in the valley of Ajalon.
13 And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies. Is not this written in the book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down about a whole day.
14 And there was no day like that before it or after it, that the LORD hearkened unto the voice of a man: for the LORD fought for Israel.
Bible in One Year: 2 Samuel 1-2, Ezekiel 38:1-16
MESSAGE:
A lot of Christians are being buffeted daily by the circumstance of life, even though that is not God’s desire for us. From Joshua’s story in today’s Bible reading, we see that God’s plan for us is for us to live as masters over every circumstance that life throws at us in this world. Circumstances are those factors that determine the course of events around us, and they can be natural or spiritual in nature. To live as a master of circumstance is to exercise authority over events or situations of life and the factors which control them.
The Bible emphasises the fact that God is sovereign over all of creation. In other words, He has absolute authority and control over everything in heaven and earth. Yet, He has delegated a limited degree of control over His creation to mankind. Through this delegated authority, man has gained tremendous knowledge of the universe over time and this has given him a greater level of control over situations and circumstances of life. Without a doubt, man has made giant strides and acquired advanced knowledge in several fields of human endeavour. However, because of these achievements, a greater part of humanity wrongly assumes that they are masters of the universe and are therefore in charge of things. How wrong they are! Daniel 4:35 says,
“And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?”
From this Bible passage, it is clear that God is unquestionably in charge. He does as He pleases in the distribution of His mercy, blessings and favour. He gives strength, makes great, promotes and gives knowledge and wisdom, all at His pleasure. The Lord controls the hearts of kings, and He also controls times and seasons. He deposes kings and installs others in their place. He is the source of every element in creation, the fountain of life and the fountain of goodness from whom all blessings flow. All hail the true Master of the universe, the Redeemer of mankind and the Saviour of the whole world! Our God can empower anyone He likes to become a master of circumstances of life. He gave Joshua the power to control the sum and the moon; He gave His prophets the power to see into the future and control rain from heaven at will; He gave the apostles the power to heal the sick and raise the dead, and He also gave them authority over demonic powers and natural elements of life. This same God is ready to give you power and authority over all circumstances of life today if you are ready to become a willing tool in His hands. Are you ready to surrender your all to Him?
Prayer Point: Father, demonstrate Yourself as the Master of the universe through my life in Jesus’ Name.
Hymn 13: I Am A Victor
1 Yes, I know I am a victor
For the Bible tells me so
God made me more than a conqueror
Much stronger than all my foes
Chorus:
Jesus loves me and I love Him
Together we rule the world
Christ with me I will overcome
By His Blood, His Name, His Word
2 Yes, I know I am a victor
Stronger than demons I am
To Satan I am a terror
I am free, o yes, I am
3 Yes, I know I am a victor
Stronger than lack, poverty
All my needs Jesus provides for
I have life abundantly
4 Yes, I know I am a victor
Barrenness no more indeed
Fruitful is the God I live for
All my dreams shall be fulfilled
5 Yes, I know I am a victor
By His strength I shall succeed
No more loss and no more failure
Glory to glory proceed
6 Yes, I know I am a victor
No more sorrow, no despair
Jesus Christ is my own Succour
Tomorrow is joy and cheer
7 Yes, I know I am a victor
Very soon I’ll reign with Him
His promise is my sure anchor
He’s coming to take me home
8 Jesus loves me and I love Him
We rule this world together
As He is so right now I am
Hear me shout Halleluyah
9 Jesus loves me Halleluyah
Hear me shout Halleluyah
Halleluyah, Halleluyah
Glory be to God on high
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