ODM Daily Inspirational Devotional Messages Bible Verse and Prayers ODM
DCLM Daily Manna
Friday, October 23, 2026
TOPIC: Find Yourself First
KEY VERSE
“And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written,…The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised” (Luke 4:17,18).
Bible Reading:
Luke 4:14-22 (KJV)
14 And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about.
15 And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all.
16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.
17 And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written,
18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,
19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.
20 And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him.
21 And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.
22 And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph’s son?
MESSAGE
In 1820, a young man named John Adams (not the US President, but an unlettered farmer in rural England) wandered into a chapel on a rainy Sunday. The preacher read from Isaiah chapter 61. Something struck deep within Adams as he heard, “He hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted…” Tears flowed as he whispered, “That’s me. That’s my story.” That day, John Adams found himself in Scripture and discovered his Redeemer.
Our passage shows that Christ, the incarnate Word, searched the written Word. He did not launch into instruction or rebuke; He first found Himself. In verse 18, He read, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me…” and heaven confirmed His earthly mission in that sacred moment. Before teaching others, He embraced the Word that spoke directly to His calling, identity, and anointing.
Beloved, if the Holy Son of God searched the Scriptures to find Himself, how dare we skim them only to find lessons for others? Too many of us study the Word only for the purpose of addressing others’ faults; yet fail to let it pierce our souls first. We underline verses to preach, highlight warnings to counsel others, and memorise lines to prove a point but do we ever pause and ask, “Lord, is this me?” Just as John Adams found himself in the Word, we must read the Word to hear what the Lord has for us.
The Scriptures are not just a manual for ministry; they are a mirror for the man. A hammer for the hard-hearted preacher. A balm for the weary saint. In every gospel you hear, every sermon you preach, first find yourself. Are you the brokenhearted? The captive? The blind? The bruised? If yes, then He is sent to you.
Today, before you teach, instruct, or even pray for others, return to the synagogue of your soul. Take the Book. Open the place. Find yourself. And let heaven affirm anew: “This day is this scripture fulfilled in thy hearing.”
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Let the word of God find you first before others
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR
Proverbs 7-8
COMMENTARY
1. Christ Found Himself in Scripture – Jesus, the incarnate Word, opened the Scriptures and found Himself in Isaiah’s prophecy. He didn’t just read it as ancient text; He recognized it as His own calling and mission. Before He ministered to others, He allowed the Word to define who He was.
2. The Mirror of the Word – The Scriptures are not just a manual for ministry but a mirror for the soul. We must read the Word to see ourselves first—our brokenness, our need, our identity in Christ. Only then can we effectively minister to others.
3. The Danger of Reading Only for Others – Many believers read the Bible only to find lessons for others—to correct, counsel, or preach. But if we don’t let the Word pierce our own hearts first, we become hypocritical and powerless. We must pause and ask, “Lord, is this me?”
4. Finding Your Story in God’s Story – Just as John Adams found himself in Isaiah 61, we must find ourselves in Scripture. Are you the brokenhearted? The captive? The blind? The bruised? If so, the Word is for you. Let it heal, deliver, and restore you.
5. The DCLM Ministry’s Call to Personal Application – The Deeper Christian Life Ministry emphasizes the importance of personal application of Scripture. Pastor Kumuyi teaches that the Word must first transform the preacher before it can transform the congregation. The Daily Manna devotional calls readers to let the Word find them first.
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 personal application of Scripture.
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 let the Word transform them first.
Prayer Reflection
Lord, help me to find myself in Your Word before I try to teach others. Let the Scriptures be a mirror to my soul. Show me where I am broken, captive, blind, or bruised. Heal me, deliver me, and restore me. Then use me to minister to others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
