DCLM Daily Manna 26 August 2025 Devotional by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — Cost Of Discipleship

TOPIC: Cost Of Discipleship (DCLM Daily Manna 26 August 2025)

KEY VERSE: “They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service” (John 16:2).

TEXT: John 16:1-6 (KJV)

1 These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended.

2 They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.

3 And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.

4 But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you.

5 But now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou?

6 But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart.

DCLM Daily Manna For Today MESSAGE:

Christian discipleship is a decision to walk in Christ’s ways, steadily and firmly, and then find that the way integrates all our interests, passions and gifts, our human needs, and eternal aspirations. It is the way of life we were created for. Discipleship entails total submission to Christ as Lord, a readiness to bear His reproaches, and a willingness to suffer to advance His glory.

Many professing believers perceive discipleship as a means of achieving selfish ends. They profess to be Jesus’s followers for goodies but shrink and casually deny Him when the going gets tough. Only those who graciously suffer with Him will reign eternally with Him. Today’s passage presages the cost of discipleship. Christ’s earthly ministry was getting to a close. Since He knew all things, He had to forewarn His disciples of the possible opposition and persecution they would face from religious fanatics after His departure. They might be ostracised from the synagogues and even killed on the pretext of service to God. He did not want them to be surprised at what would happen; therefore, He forewarned them.

Some Christians ignore that the cross precedes the crown and that trials are forerunners of trophies. As such, they easily get discouraged, and contemplate a return to the world. If Christ, the Author and Finisher of our faith, had His sumptuous share of oppositions, persecutions, and rejections by envious religious leaders of His time, as well as a betrayal by one of His confidants, it is no strange thing if God’s will is that we undergo the light afflictions that may come our way as a result of our commitment to our Master.

The fourth stanza of Bart Millard’s hymn, Stand up! Stand up for Jesus, aptly captures the ideal disciples’ posture amid the hordes of challenges:
“Stand up! Stand up for Jesus! The strife will not be long:
This day the noise of battle, The next the victor’s song;
To him that overcometh, A crown of life shall be;
He with the King of glory Shall reign eternally.”

Only those who overcome the temptation to sin, slide back, and return to the world will reign with Christ. The laurels are meant for overcomers, never for those who back out. Our hands are laid on the plough; there is no looking back. His grace will sustain you.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Only overcomers will wear the crown.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR
Psalms 36-38

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.