ODM Daily Inspirational Devotional Messages Bible Verse and Prayers ODM
DCLM Daily Manna – Seeking Jesus Rightly
KEY VERSE
“Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed” (John 6:27).
Bible Reading:
John 6:24-34 (KJV)
24 When the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, neither his disciples, they also took shipping, and came to Capernaum, seeking for Jesus.
25 And when they had found him on the other side of the sea, they said unto him, Rabbi, when camest thou hither?
26 Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.
27 Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.
28 Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?
29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.
30 They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work?
31 Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat.
32 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven.
33 For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.
34 Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread.
MESSAGE
Happiness is a lifetime pursuit, but sadly, it is rarely sought rightly. Youths seek it in alcohol, drugs or pornography and end up in self destruction. Adults seek it in marriage, money, mansions but end up in unfathomable failure, frustration and great pain. As Solomon makes clear in Ecclesiastes, any earthly thing that you seek to satisfy the inner void is like chasing soap bubbles. You catch one only to have it burst in your hand.
Our text opens with a narrative about seekers of Jesus. Seeking Jesus is a good thing, but it is not enough. What you seek Him for is more important. The sinner must seek Him for salvation, recognising he is spiritually bankrupt without His gift of salvation. Sadly, the crowd in our text sought Jesus for temporal gratification, not eternal salvation! Jesus saw their motive for seeking Him and punctured their search with a scathing, incisive, yet profoundly true remark: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled”.
The Bible is clear that our ultimate source of happiness and pleasure is God. David wrote, “In thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore”. Jesus told the disciples: “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full”. We will find fullness of joy and pleasures forever when we seek the Lord rightly.
Beloved, never seek the Lord for superficial motives. They are a mirage; bubbles that never last. Beyond the bread (healing, deliverance, prosperity and miracles) that Christ gives, seek Him who is the Bread of Life, the Bread from heaven. Be discreet to shun dispensing your life energy on labouring for perishable material things that will never satisfy the imperishable soul. “Wherefore spend your money for that which is not bread and your labour for that which satisfieth not?” (Isaiah 55:2). He still saves as many as would come to Him for salvation and restores backsliders who truly repent. God does not despise genuine hunger and thirst for righteousness. “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.”
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
It is self-cheating to seek the Lord only for material or temporary blessings
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR
Esther 1-5
COMMENTARY
1. Seeking Jesus Is Not Enough – The crowd sought Jesus, but their motives were wrong. They followed Him because He filled their stomachs, not because they recognized Him as the Bread of Life. Seeking Jesus is good, but the reason behind the seeking matters. He must be sought for salvation, not just for temporal benefits.
2. The Pursuit of Happiness – The devotional highlights how people seek happiness in the wrong places: youth in drugs and pleasure; adults in wealth and relationships. These pursuits end in frustration because nothing temporal can satisfy the soul. Only God offers lasting joy.
3. The True Bread from Heaven – Jesus contrasts the bread that perishes with the bread that endures to everlasting life. He is the true Bread from heaven, who gives life to the world. We must labour not for what fades but for what lasts—eternal life and a relationship with Christ.
4. Seeking Jesus for the Right Motive – The devotional challenges believers to examine their motives. Are we seeking God only for healing, prosperity, and miracles? Or are we seeking Him for who He is—the source of life and satisfaction? We must hunger and thirst for righteousness, not just material blessings.
5. The DCLM Ministry’s Call to Seek Christ First – The Deeper Christian Life Ministry emphasizes that believers must seek Christ above all else. Pastor Kumuyi teaches that while God meets our needs, our primary pursuit must be Him. The Daily Manna devotional calls readers to examine their hearts and seek the Lord rightly.
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 seeking Christ for who He is.
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 examine their motives and seek the Lord rightly.
Prayer Reflection
Lord, forgive me for the times I have sought You only for what You can give me. Help me to hunger and thirst for righteousness and to seek You for who You are. Teach me to labour not for what perishes but for what endures to eternal life. May my joy be found in Your presence alone. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
