DCLM Daily Manna 23 October 2026 Devotional by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi

TOPIC: Find Yourself First.

KEY VERSE: “And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written,…The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised” (Luke 4:17,18).

TEXT: Luke 4:14-22 (KJV)

14 And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about.

15 And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all.

16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.

17 And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written,

18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,

19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.

20 And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him.

21 And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.

22 And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph’s son?

Today’s MESSAGE:

In 1820, a young man named John Adams (not the US President, but an unlettered farmer in rural England) wandered into a chapel on a rainy Sunday. The preacher read from Isaiah chapter 61. Something struck deep within Adams as he heard, “He hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted…” Tears flowed as he whispered, “That’s me. That’s my story.” That day, John Adams found himself in Scripture and discovered his Redeemer.

Our passage shows that Christ, the incarnate Word, searched the written Word. He did not launch into instruction or rebuke; He first found Himself. In verse 18, He read, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me…” and heaven confirmed His earthly mission in that sacred moment. Before teaching others, He embraced the Word that spoke directly to His calling, identity, and anointing.

Beloved, if the Holy Son of God searched the Scriptures to find Himself, how dare we skim them only to find lessons for others? Too many of us study the Word only for the purpose of addressing others’ faults; yet fail to let it pierce our souls first. We underline verses to preach, highlight warnings to counsel others, and memorise lines to prove a point but do we ever pause and ask, “Lord, is this me?” Just as John Adams found himself in the Word, we must read the Word to hear what the Lord has for us.God-centered merchandise

The Scriptures are not just a manual for ministry; they are a mirror for the man. A hammer for the hard-hearted preacher. A balm for the weary saint. In every gospel you hear, every sermon you preach, first find yourself. Are you the brokenhearted? The captive? The blind? The bruised? If yes, then He is sent to you.

Today, before you teach, instruct, or even pray for others, return to the synagogue of your soul. Take the Book. Open the place. Find yourself. And let heaven affirm anew: “This day is this scripture fulfilled in thy hearing.”

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Let the word of God find you first before others.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR
Proverbs 7-8

Deeper Life Daily Manna For Today 2025 was written by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.