ODM Daily Inspirational Devotional Messages Bible Verse and Prayers ODM
DCLM Daily Manna
Monday, October 12, 2026
The Privilege of Choice
KEY VERSE
“Then shall there enter into the gates of this city kings and princes sitting upon the throne of David, riding in chariots and on horses, they, and their princes, the men of Judah, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem: and this city shall remain for ever” (Jeremiah 17:25).
Bible Reading:
Jeremiah 17:19-27 (KJV)
19 Thus said the LORD unto me; Go and stand in the gate of the children of the people, whereby the kings of Judah come in, and by the which they go out, and in all the gates of Jerusalem;
20 And say unto them, Hear ye the word of the LORD, ye kings of Judah, and all Judah, and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, that enter in by these gates:
21 Thus saith the LORD; Take heed to yourselves, and bear no burden on the sabbath day, nor bring it in by the gates of Jerusalem;
22 Neither carry forth a burden out of your houses on the sabbath day, neither do ye any work, but hallow ye the sabbath day, as I commanded your fathers.
23 But they obeyed not, neither inclined their ear, but made their neck stiff, that they might not hear, nor receive instruction.
24 And it shall come to pass, if ye diligently hearken unto me, saith the LORD, to bring in no burden through the gates of this city on the sabbath day, but hallow the sabbath day, to do no work therein;
25 Then shall there enter into the gates of this city kings and princes sitting upon the throne of David, riding in chariots and on horses, they, and their princes, the men of Judah, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem: and this city shall remain for ever.
26 And they shall come from the cities of Judah, and from the places about Jerusalem, and from the land of Benjamin, and from the plain, and from the mountains, and from the south, bringing burnt offerings, and sacrifices, and meat offerings, and incense, and bringing sacrifices of praise, unto the house of the LORD.
27 But if ye will not hearken unto me to hallow the sabbath day, and not to bear a burden, even entering in at the gates of Jerusalem on the sabbath day; then will I kindle a fire in the gates thereof, and it shall devour the palaces of Jerusalem, and it shall not be quenched.
MESSAGE
You may not have come across the term “Hobson’s choice”. It describes a situation of free choice in which only one option is offered, and one may refuse to take that option. In this case, the choice is between taking the option and not taking it. This term originated from Thomas Hobson (1544–1630), a livery stable owner at Cambridge, England, who, in order to rotate the use of his horses, offered customers the choice of either taking the horse in the stall nearest the door or taking none at all.
Fortunately, God does not deal with us on a Hobson’s choice basis. Usually, He gives us freedom to choose between options. Consider how, in today’s text, He condescended to rehearse the laws relating to the observance of the Sabbath to rebellious Judah, who were already exposed to destruction. Here, God still set two options before them.
If they would return to the Lord and keep the Sabbath holy, the pending calamities would be averted, and they would be blessed with a continued succession of princes on the throne of David. On the other hand, if they rebelled still and continued to violate the Sabbath, the Lord promised to “kindle a fire in the gates thereof, and it shall devour the palaces of Jerusalem, and it shall not be quenched”. The latch was entirely on their side. Although some religious opinions argue otherwise, God’s word uniformly teaches that man is a free moral agent capable of making such important choices as turning to or turning away from God.
Today, the Lord still gives us the freedom to obey Him or act otherwise. But it must be noted that each choice carries a consequence. God is not willing that any should perish. But how damnable they are that reject the entreaties, grace and counsel of God. “But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil…” (Romans 2:8,9). You truly have a choice.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
The choices we make attract prices or prizes
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR
Luke 23-24
COMMENTARY
1. God Gives Us Freedom to Choose – Unlike Hobson’s choice, God offers us genuine options. He sets before us life and death, blessing and cursing (Deuteronomy 30:19). He does not force us to obey Him. He gives us the freedom to choose, but He also warns us of the consequences of our choices.
2. The Choice Before Judah – God set two options before Judah: obedience and blessing, or rebellion and destruction. If they would keep the Sabbath holy, they would be blessed with continued prosperity and security. If they continued in rebellion, they would face fire and destruction. The choice was theirs.
3. The Consequences of Choice – Every choice carries a consequence. Obedience brings blessing; disobedience brings judgment. God is not willing that any should perish, but He will not force anyone to obey. Those who reject His grace and counsel face indignation and wrath.
4. The Call to Choose Wisely – The devotional calls us to choose wisely. The choices we make attract prices or prizes. We must not take God’s grace for granted or presume upon His mercy. Today is the day to choose obedience and life.
5. The DCLM Ministry’s Call to Obedience – The Deeper Christian Life Ministry emphasizes the importance of making godly choices. Pastor Kumuyi teaches that believers must choose to obey God and keep His commandments. The Daily Manna devotional calls readers to choose life and blessing by obeying God.
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 making godly choices.
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 choose obedience and life.
Prayer Reflection
Lord, thank You for the privilege of choice. Help me to choose wisely. Give me the wisdom to obey You and keep Your commandments. I choose life and blessing today. Keep me from the path of rebellion and destruction. May my choices honor You and bring glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
