DCLM Daily Manna – Preparation for Enduring Possessions

Wednesday, August 26, 2026

KEY VERSE
“And they answered Joshua, saying, All that thou commandest us we will do, and whithersoever thou sendest us, we will go” (Joshua 1:16).

Bible Reading:
Joshua 1:11-18 (KJV)

11 Pass through the host, and command the people, saying, Prepare you victuals; for within three days ye shall pass over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land, which the LORD your God giveth you to possess it.
12 And to the Reubenites, and to the Gadites, and to half the tribe of Manasseh, spake Joshua, saying,
13 Remember the word which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, saying, The LORD your God hath given you rest, and hath given you this land.
14 Your wives, your little ones, and your cattle, shall remain in the land which Moses gave you on this side Jordan; but ye shall pass before your brethren armed, all the mighty men of valour, and help them;
15 Until the LORD have given your brethren rest, as he hath given you, and they also have possessed the land which the LORD your God giveth them: then ye shall return unto the land of your possession, and enjoy it, which Moses the LORD’s servant gave you on this side Jordan toward the sunrising.
16 And they answered Joshua, saying, All that thou commandest us we will do, and whithersoever thou sendest us, we will go.
17 According as we hearkened unto Moses in all things, so will we hearken unto thee: only the LORD thy God be with thee, as he was with Moses.
18 Whosoever he be that doth rebel against thy commandment, and will not hearken unto thy words in all that thou commandest him, he shall be put to death: only be strong and of a good courage.

MESSAGE

C. Reuben Anderson, an American, told a story of an engineer who was confined to bed because his lower limbs were paralysed from a serious accident. Because of his reputation for great skill, he was asked to design and prepare the blueprints for a great suspension bridge. After many months, his plans were completed and placed in the hands of those who were to be in charge of the bridge’s construction. After a considerable period, the construction was completed. The engineer was brought on his bed to the scene of the beautiful bridge spanning the wide river. As he watched for the first time as cars sped over the bridge, and as he looked at the blueprints which he held in his hands, tears began to fill his eyes, and he cried out, “It’s just like the plan; it’s just like the plan.” Undoubtedly, the sense of accomplishment brought tears of joy to the eyes of the intelligent and fulfilled engineer. His good works serve humanity! What a lesson! We must live to add value to lives.

Today’s passage centres on the preparation of Israel to go in and possess the Promised Land under the able leadership of Joshua, the son of Nun, the commander of the army of Israel after the death of Moses. This time, they were on the verge of entering Canaan. Strategically, he told the army to prepare, and he reminded the three tribes: Reuben, Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh of their promise to Moses that they would cross the River Jordan and fight alongside the nine and a half tribes until they possessed their inheritance before returning to settle on the east side of Jordan. The tribal leaders affirmed their commitment and promised to follow Joshua as they followed Moses, irrespective of the challenges ahead.

The salient lessons here include the unity among the tribes, cooperation with the leader, and Joshua’s uncompromising, indefatigable leadership style that gave Israel the edge. As a result, the nation won battles, conquered adversaries, and possessed the Promised Land.

Families, churches, societies and nations that desire victory in life’s battles and challenges must follow the same pattern. Beyond earthly victories and possessions, there is an enduring possession in heaven for the saints of God. Our Lord Jesus Christ has gone to prepare a place for all who make themselves ready and willing to follow Him unconditionally.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
A walk with God is the surest way of victory in all battles

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR
Habakkuk 1-3

COMMENTARY

1. Preparation Is Essential – Before Israel could possess the Promised Land, they had to prepare. Joshua commanded them to prepare provisions because they would cross the Jordan in three days. Preparation is a key principle for every believer. We cannot expect to receive God’s promises without preparing our hearts, minds, and lives to receive them.

2. Unity and Cooperation – The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh had already received their inheritance on the east side of the Jordan, but they did not abandon their brothers. They fought alongside the other tribes until everyone possessed their inheritance. This is a model for the body of Christ: we are called to support one another until all have received what God has promised.

3. Commitment to Leadership – The tribal leaders affirmed their commitment to Joshua, promising to obey him as they had obeyed Moses. They recognized that God was with Joshua and that his leadership was divinely appointed. Faithful followers submit to godly leadership and work together for the common good.

4. Enduring Possessions in Heaven – The devotional points beyond the earthly Promised Land to an enduring possession in heaven. Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us (John 14:2-3). Our ultimate inheritance is not earthly land but eternal life and fellowship with God. This hope should shape how we live and prioritize our lives.

5. The DCLM Ministry’s Call to Follow Unconditionally – The Deeper Christian Life Ministry emphasizes that believers must follow Christ without reservation. Pastor Kumuyi teaches that victory comes through obedience and unity. The Daily Manna devotional calls readers to prepare their hearts, cooperate with fellow believers, and follow God’s appointed leaders.

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 preparation for eternal inheritance.

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 prepare for the battles ahead and the inheritance to come.

Prayer Reflection
Lord, help me to prepare my heart for the battles and blessings ahead. Give me a spirit of unity with fellow believers and a commitment to follow godly leadership. I look beyond earthly possessions to the enduring inheritance You have prepared for me. Help me to walk with You and fight the good fight of faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.