DCLM Daily Manna
Friday, September 4, 2026
A Reputation for Truth

KEY VERSE
“Remove from me the way of lying: and grant me thy law graciously. I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments have I laid before me” (Psalm 119:29,30).
Bible Reading:
Psalm 119:25-32 (KJV)
25 My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken thou me according to thy word.
26 I have declared my ways, and thou heardest me: teach me thy statutes.
27 Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works.
28 My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word.
29 Remove from me the way of lying: and grant me thy law graciously.
30 I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments have I laid before me.
31 I have stuck unto thy testimonies: O LORD, put me not to shame.
32 I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart.
MESSAGE
At a county fair, a distinctively dressed Quaker offered a horse for sale. A non-Quaker farmer asked its price, and since Quakers had a reputation for fair dealing, he bought the horse without hesitation. The farmer got the horse home, only to discover it was lazy and ill-tempered, so he took it back to the fair the next day. There he confronted the Quaker. “Thou hast no complaint against me,” said the Quaker. “Had thou asked me about the horse, I would have told thee truthfully the problems, but thou didst not ask.” “That’s okay,” replied the farmer, “I don’t want you to take the horse back. I want you to try to sell him to someone else.”
Heaven-bound believers are not allowed to be like the Quaker in the above story. Believers must have a reputation for telling the truth. Our Bible text portrays the believer as someone who abhors lying and chooses the way of truth deliberately. There is no middle ground of neutrality between truth and falsehood. If you are not in the way of truth, then definitely you are in the way of error. Men do not just drop into the right way by chance; they must choose it and continue therein or else wander away from it. Also highlighted in the text is the fact that there is a practical way of holiness which we must diligently follow, in spite of the odds we might face.
As believers in Christ, we must live up to divine expectation. Interestingly, the Spirit of God in us will not lead us in the way of error and falsehood. So, we must be careful not to learn sinful habits of joking with lies and deceit. The devil does not consider lies as jokes because he is a liar and the author of it.
Choosing the way of truth begins with a salvation experience and continues with abiding in Christ, His word and fellowship with fellow believers. Each of us must have the purpose of mind like Daniel to follow the way of truth, speak the truth and stand for the truth always.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Truth transforms, prevails and blesses
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR
Leviticus 12-14
COMMENTARY
1. Truth Is a Deliberate Choice – The psalmist declares, “I have chosen the way of truth.” Truth is not accidental; it is a conscious decision. Every believer must deliberately commit to speaking and living the truth. There is no neutral ground—we are either walking in truth or in error.
2. Abhorring Lying – The devotional emphasizes that believers must abhor lying. The psalmist prays, “Remove from me the way of lying.” This is not just a request but a posture of the heart. Lying is contrary to the nature of God, who is the God of truth (Deuteronomy 32:4). Even “little white lies” or jokes built on deceit are offensive to Him.
3. The Spirit Leads in Truth – The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth (John 16:13). He will not lead us into error or falsehood. When we walk in the Spirit, we will naturally be people of truth. However, we must be careful not to learn sinful habits or compromise our integrity.
4. Truth Begins with Salvation – Choosing the way of truth begins with salvation—acknowledging Jesus as the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6). It continues through abiding in Christ, His Word, and fellowship with believers. Truth is not just a principle; it is a Person.
5. The DCLM Ministry’s Call to Integrity – The Deeper Christian Life Ministry emphasizes the importance of truthfulness and integrity. Pastor Kumuyi teaches that believers must be people of their word, reflecting the character of God. The Daily Manna devotional calls readers to examine their lives and ensure they have a reputation for truth.
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 integrity in all aspects of life.
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 live lives of truth and integrity.
Prayer Reflection
Lord, remove from me the way of lying. Help me to choose the way of truth deliberately and consistently. Let the Spirit of truth guide my words and actions. May I have a reputation for honesty and integrity, reflecting Your character to the world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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