ODM Daily Inspirational Devotional Messages Bible Verse and Prayers ODM
DCLM Daily Manna – Underestimating Sin’s Deadliness
Thursday, August 20, 2026
KEY VERSE
“And Joshua rent his clothes, and fell to the earth upon his face before the ark of the LORD until the eventide, he and the elders of Israel, and put dust upon their heads” (Joshua 7:6).
Bible Reading:
Joshua 7:1-6 (KJV)
1 But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing: for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took of the accursed thing: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against the children of Israel.
2 And Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is beside Bethaven, on the east side of Bethel, and spake unto them, saying, Go up and view the country. And the men went up and viewed Ai.
3 And they returned to Joshua, and said unto him, Let not all the people go up; but let about two or three thousand men go up and smite Ai; and make not all the people to labour thither; for they are but few.
4 So there went up thither of the people about three thousand men: and they fled before the men of Ai.
5 And the men of Ai smote of them about thirty and six men: for they chased them from before the gate even unto Shebarim, and smote them in the going down: wherefore the hearts of the people melted, and became as water.
6 And Joshua rent his clothes, and fell to the earth upon his face before the ark of the LORD until the eventide, he and the elders of Israel, and put dust upon their heads.
MESSAGE
When COVID-19 ran rampant early in 2020, no one could imagine that it would, under twenty-four months, send more than 7.5 million souls to an unprepared eternity while casualties from related causes would be close to 15 million. In its trail were socioeconomic disasters, unemployment, poverty, depression and pervasive suicide. The root cause of the high mortality was the earlier attempts to cover its tracks. An even more dangerous disease – sin – is on the sprawl in our world. It, too, is impossible to keep under wraps because many people do not recognise its deadliness.
Our text unfolds the folly and tragic story of Achan, his sin and the consequences. Against God’s command, he had taken some of the spoils from Jericho. And worse was his attempt to cover up the sin by hiding the stolen spoil under the earth in his tent. The consequence of this was the humiliating, ignominious defeat of Israel at Ai, the death of thirtysix valiant men, and the sombre, ominous shadow of failure cast over the camp of God’s chosen people. This disaster in battle, on the path of Joshua, led to humiliation, self-examination, prayer and faith, and finally to victory.
Joshua embarked on an awfully painful search and recovery. This is the gist of our text. The magnified leader is now mortified, but he refrained from maligning God. Self-emptied, self-humiliated and broken, Joshua’s primary concerns were twofold: loss of innocent Israelites and the tender regard for the honour of God’s name. He wailed: “O Lord, what wilt thou do unto thy great name?” He conceded both justice and wisdom to God. Neither did he blame the spies he sent out for furnishing the nation with supposedly inaccurate security reports. Nor did he castigate the soldiers who were defeated in battle for cowardice. Joshua did not underestimate the deadliness of sin. He wisely resorted to the only window left, namely, mercy, as a solution to the present crisis.
The only option you have when ensnared in sin is a broken and contrite heart. Confession of sins, self-examination, and genuine repentance void of any excuse or alibi, coupled with a commitment to do restitution wherever it is needful, are the indispensable steps to be saved or restored to fellowship and favour with the Lord.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Confessing sin is good, but forsaking sin is much better
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR
Daniel 1-2
COMMENTARY
1. The Hidden Nature of Sin – Achan’s sin was committed in secret, but it was not hidden from God. He took what was devoted to destruction and buried it in his tent. Sin often seems hidden, but God sees all. What we cover in secret will eventually be exposed. The deadly nature of sin is that it always has consequences, whether visible or not.
2. The Ripple Effect of Sin – One man’s sin brought defeat to the entire nation. Thirty-six soldiers died, and the hearts of the people melted in fear. This demonstrates that sin is never private. Our disobedience affects others—our families, our church, and our community. We cannot sin in isolation.
3. Joshua’s Response to Sin – Joshua did not make excuses or blame others. He fell on his face before God, mourned, and sought the Lord. He was more concerned about God’s honor than his own reputation. This is the proper response to sin: humility, prayer, and a desperate search for God’s mercy.
4. The Path to Restoration – The devotional outlines the steps to restoration: confession, self-examination, genuine repentance without excuses, and restitution where necessary. A broken and contrite heart is what God seeks. Confession alone is not enough; we must forsake sin and make right what we have wronged.
5. The DCLM Ministry’s Call to Holiness – The Deeper Christian Life Ministry emphasizes the seriousness of sin and the need for holiness. Pastor Kumuyi teaches that believers must examine their lives and root out every hidden sin. The Daily Manna devotional calls readers to take sin seriously and to pursue genuine repentance.
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 the seriousness of sin.
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 hearts and root out sin.
Prayer Reflection
Lord, search my heart and reveal any hidden sin. Forgive me for underestimating the deadliness of sin. Help me to be like Joshua—humble, prayerful, and desperate for Your mercy. I confess my sins and turn away from them. Restore me to fellowship and favor with You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
