ODM Daily Inspirational Devotional Messages Bible Verse and Prayers ODM
DCLM Daily Manna
Monday, September 14, 2026
Humility in Greatness
KEY VERSE
“He shall cry unto me, Thou art my father, my God, and the rock of my salvation” (Psalm 89:26).
Bible Reading:
Psalm 89:25-27 (KJV)
25 I will set his hand also in the sea, and his right hand in the rivers.
26 He shall cry unto me, Thou art my father, my God, and the rock of my salvation.
27 Also I will make him my firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth.
MESSAGE
Emperor Gaius Caesar Augustus Germanicus, also called Caligula, actively promoted his own worship during his brief reign as Roman emperor from AD 37 until his assassination in AD 41. He famously demanded and received adoration as a living god. He was quoted as saying, “Remember that I have the right to do anything to anybody”. He humiliated his senators by making them run behind his litter or forcing them to fight for his amusement.
Unlike Emperor Caligula, David knew his limits as Israel’s king. The Lord promised to make him “higher than the kings of the earth” in our text, yet he constantly prayed to God in humility. “He shall cry unto me, Thou art my father, my God, and the rock of my salvation”. This virtue of constantly depending on God and ascribing greatness and supremacy to Him was what preserved King David on the throne, despite several attempts on his life.
Humility comes from the heart. It is a product of grace through heart circumcision. It manifests the virtue of self-abasement and resentment for the praises of men. Unlike popular thinking, where the rich and powerful are said to be inherently proud while the poor and weak are supposedly meek and humble, the state of the heart is the determining factor, and not the richness or emptiness of the pockets. We have seen poor people and even beggars, whose character and boisterous nature are repulsive. And conversely, we have seen people of power and influence maintain such a commodious attitude that draws everyone to them.
God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble. Like David, we are bound to remember our little beginnings, no matter what heights we may have attained in life presently. We must, in humility, acknowledge God and ascribe all greatness to Him alone. And if, for any reason, our talents, knowledge and achievements in life inadvertently draw unwarranted attention to us, we should politely insist that God is behind it all. We should avoid big names that kill a puppy. We must reject all adulation and hide ourselves behind the cross whenever the world attempts to deify us.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
The heart is the factory where our attitudes are manufactured
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR
Numbers 14-15
COMMENTARY
1. The Contrast Between Pride and Humility – Caligula demanded worship and treated people cruelly, while David, though promised greatness, remained humble before God. The difference was not in their power or position but in their hearts. True humility is a matter of the heart, not circumstance.
2. David’s Posture of Dependence – Despite being promised a throne higher than all the kings of the earth, David cried out to God as his Father, his God, and the rock of his salvation. He never forgot that his strength and position came from God. This dependence preserved him through many trials.
3. Humility Is a Product of Grace – The devotional reminds us that humility comes from a circumcised heart—a work of grace. It is not something we manufacture through willpower but something God produces in us as we submit to Him. Pride resists God’s grace; humility receives it.
4. The Danger of Adulation – When people praise us, there is a temptation to accept the glory that belongs to God. The devotional warns against this. We must reject adulation and hide behind the cross, giving God all the glory for our achievements and talents.
5. The DCLM Ministry’s Call to Humility – The Deeper Christian Life Ministry emphasizes humility as a core Christian virtue. Pastor Kumuyi teaches that leaders and believers alike must remember their beginnings and ascribe all greatness to God. The Daily Manna devotional calls readers to cultivate humble hearts.
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 humility before God.
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 walk humbly with God.
Prayer Reflection
Lord, keep me humble in every season of life. Forgive me for any pride or desire for human praise. Help me to remember that all I have comes from You. I ascribe all greatness to You alone. May I hide behind the cross and give You the glory in all things. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
