ODM Daily Inspirational Devotional Messages Bible Verse and Prayers ODM
DCLM Daily Manna – Obeying God
KEY VERSE
“Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, with all the remnant of the people, obeyed the voice of the LORD their God, and the words of Haggai the prophet, as the LORD their God had sent him, and the people did fear before the LORD” (Haggai 1:12).
Bible Reading:
Haggai 1:12-15 (KJV)
12 Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, with all the remnant of the people, obeyed the voice of the LORD their God, and the words of Haggai the prophet, as the LORD their God had sent him, and the people did fear before the LORD.
13 Then spake Haggai the LORD’s messenger in the LORD’s message unto the people, saying, I am with you, saith the LORD.
14 And the LORD stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people; and they came and did work in the house of the LORD of hosts, their God,
15 In the four and twentieth day of the sixth month, in the second year of Darius the king.
MESSAGE
Bede Griffiths, a British Catholic priest, dramatically defined obedience in a way that best explains why the returning offspring of Abraham began to enjoy the withheld blessings of Jehovah after hearkening to His charge. Griffiths said pithily, “Obedience is detachment from the self. An elastic meaning of the priest’s statement is that when you obey an order, you are deliberately freeing yourself from your own opinion, reason, will, intention, and deciding to go the way of the order.”
That was exactly what the homecoming exiles from captivity did as they set their feet on their beloved Jerusalem. The Lord had asked them through His servants to rehabilitate His temple. But they were interested in fixing their dilapidated houses first. They did not detach themselves from their will and way. That amounted to alienation from God. Therefore, they were denied His blessings. But they repented and distanced themselves from their self-will and way. Thus, God restored fellowship with His people. He said, “I am with you.” The people were blessed with the needed resources to do the assignment the Lord gave them when they obeyed Him.
Adam and Eve’s disobedience in the Garden of Eden has brought disastrous and untold hardship upon man. Rejecting the way of God is still the bane of humanity. His laws on marriage are being disregarded. His word is misinterpreted by ministers to suit pecuniary pursuits. The Church is accommodating strange doctrines. However, those who take delight in disobeying God’s word will incur His wrath except they repent.
However, Christ, the last Adam, has shown us the everlasting benefits of heeding the Father’s instructions. “And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:8). Our Lord forsook His own will and comfort to die for our sins as desired by the Father. Now, He is highly exalted on the right hand side of God in heaven. To enjoy God’s abiding presence and other promised blessings here and hereafter, obedience to God is necessary. Those who disobey Him risk losing His presence.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Our love for God is measured by the extent of our obedience to Him
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR
John 13-15
COMMENTARY
1. Obedience as Detachment from Self – Bede Griffiths defined obedience as “detachment from the self.” This captures the essence of true obedience: setting aside our own opinions, reason, and will to follow God’s way. The Israelites in Haggai’s day had prioritized their own houses over God’s temple. It was only when they detached from self-will that God’s blessings returned.
2. The Cost of Disobedience – The returned exiles experienced drought and lack because they had neglected God’s house. Disobedience always carries a cost. When we put our interests above God’s, we place ourselves outside His provision and protection. God’s blessings are tied to obedience.
3. The Restoration of Fellowship – When the people repented and obeyed, God immediately responded: “I am with you.” Obedience restores fellowship with God. It opens the door for His presence, provision, and guidance. The people were stirred up by God to work on the temple, and the resources followed.
4. Christ’s Perfect Obedience – Jesus demonstrated perfect obedience, humbling Himself even to death on the cross. His obedience brought salvation to the world and resulted in His exaltation. As believers, we are called to follow His example, submitting our will to the Father’s.
5. The DCLM Ministry’s Emphasis on Obedience – The Deeper Christian Life Ministry teaches that obedience to God’s Word is the hallmark of true Christianity. Pastor Kumuyi emphasizes that love for God is demonstrated through keeping His commandments. The Daily Manna devotional calls readers to examine their lives and ensure they are walking in obedience.
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 obedience to God’s Word.
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 obey God’s voice and follow His commands.
Prayer Reflection
Lord, help me to detach from my own will and obey Your voice. Forgive me for any area where I have prioritized my interests above Yours. Restore my fellowship with You and pour out Your blessings on my life. May my obedience be a reflection of my love for You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
