ODM Daily Inspirational Devotional Messages Bible Verse and Prayers ODM
DCLM Daily Manna
Friday, November 20, 2026
Possessed by Possessions
KEY VERSE
“And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth” (Luke 12:15).
Bible Reading:
Luke 12:13-31 (KJV)
13 And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me.
14 And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you?
15 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.
16 And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:
17 And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?
18 And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.
19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.
20 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?
21 So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.
22 And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on.
23 The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment.
24 Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?
25 And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit?
26 If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest?
27 Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
28 If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?
29 And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.
30 For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.
31 But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.
The story is told of William “Richie” Rich, a billionaire who spent his life acquiring wealth but died alone, paranoid, and friendless. His will sparked bitter lawsuits among relatives who valued his fortune more than his legacy (of which he scarcely had, though). He had everything except peace with God. Jim Elliot, a martyred missionary, wrote in his journal: “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” What a contrast. One hoarded, the other surrendered. One died empty and miserable; the other lives eternally fulfilled.
In today’s text, Christ warns against covetousness and asserts that “a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” He illustrates this with the parable of a man of great earthly fortune, who was full of worldly cares and ambition. He planned to build bigger barns while his soul starved. That night, he died suddenly and miserably. He was possessed and blinded by his possessions. God called him a fool. Christ concludes that “So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” In the same vein, Christ cautions against undue worry and anxiety about the necessities of life, but rather exhorts that everyone should seek God’s kingdom and righteousness. In so doing, God will meet their needs.
Covetousness is not merely desiring more; it is living as if this world is all there is. Today, we find Christians justifying greed as ambition, preachers merchandising the gospel, and believers trading prayer for hustle. Many grow rich in this world, yet remain beggarly before God. Jesus did not condemn ownership, but warned against obsession with material possession. We live in a world where success is measured in square footage, followers, and financial portfolios. The more one owns, the more one is admired, and even envied. Yet, Jesus warns, beware of covetousness! Life is not about possessions. Eternity will not weigh our wardrobes, cars, private jets, or balance sheets.
If you are too busy to pray, too miserly to give, too anxious to trust God or too driven to serve, check your soul’s bank balance. Heaven does not calculate wealth by digits, but by devotion. To the sinner, come. To the saint, beware. The worst poverty is spiritual, and the wealth that blinds you here may bankrupt you forever.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Assets become liabilities when God’s signature is not in them
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR
2 Kings 18-19
COMMENTARY
1. The Deception of Covetousness – Covetousness is not just wanting more; it is living as if this world is all there is. The rich fool in the parable planned for his future on earth but forgot his eternity. He was possessed by his possessions, and his soul starved while his barns overflowed.
2. The Contrast Between Hoarding and Surrender – William “Richie” Rich hoarded his wealth and died alone and miserable. Jim Elliot surrendered his life for the gospel and gained eternal reward. One lived for what he could not keep; the other gave what he could not keep to gain what he could not lose.
3. The Folly of Building Bigger Barns – The rich fool’s mistake was not in being wealthy; it was in being rich toward himself and not toward God. He had much goods but no grace. He had barns but no blessing. He had possessions but no peace.
4. The Call to Seek God’s Kingdom First – Jesus calls us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, trusting that all other things will be added. We are not to be anxious about food, clothing, or shelter. Our Heavenly Father knows our needs and will provide.
5. The DCLM Ministry’s Call to Spiritual Wealth – The Deeper Christian Life Ministry emphasizes the importance of being rich toward God. Pastor Kumuyi teaches that material wealth without spiritual wealth is poverty. The Daily Manna devotional calls readers to examine their hearts and to prioritize eternal treasure over earthly possessions.
About DCLM and Daily Manna
The Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) was founded in 1973 by Pastor Dr. W.F. Kumuyi. From a small Bible study of 15 students in Lagos, it has grown into a global ministry with churches across Nigeria, Africa, and beyond. The ministry emphasizes holiness, prayer, Bible study, and spiritual wealth.
DCLM Daily Manna is a daily devotional written by Pastor Kumuyi. Each edition provides Scripture reading, exposition, and practical application to guide believers in their daily walk with God. The devotional consistently calls readers to seek first the kingdom of God.
Prayer Reflection
Lord, deliver me from the spirit of covetousness. Help me to see that my life does not consist in the abundance of things I possess. Teach me to be rich toward You. Give me a generous heart and a focus on eternal treasure. May I seek Your kingdom first in all things. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
