Daily Bible Reading “Parable of the Ten Virgins” (Matthew 25:1-13)

Posted on March 21, 2024 by Deborah H. Bateman

Parable of the Ten Virgins

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Matthew 25:1-13. In this Scripture, Jesus tells the parable of the ten virgins. He said the kingdom of heaven is like ten virgins, who took their lamps, and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were wise, and five were foolish.

The foolish virgins took their lamps, but took no oil with them. The wise virgin came prepared with oil in their vessels for their lamps.

While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. At midnight a cry came saying, “Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.”

All the virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. The foolish virgins said to the wise virgins, give us of your oil; because our lamps have gone out.

But the wise virgings answered, saying, No; because there may not be enough for both of us. They told the foolish virgins to go to the people who sell oil, and buy some for themselves.

While the foolish virgins went to buy oil, the bridegroom came. The wise virgins who were ready went with him to the marriage. Once they all entered the door was shut.

Later the foolish virgins came, crying out for the Lord to open the door. But he answered them saying, “Verily I say unto you, I know you not.”

In verse 13 we are reminded to keep watch because we do not know the day or hour when the Son of man will come. Are you prepared to meet Him?

Daily Bible Reading:

Matthew 25:1-13

1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.
2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.
3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:
4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.
6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.
7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.
8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.
9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.
10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.
11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.
12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.
13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

Things to think about:

What was the difference in the wise virgins and the foolish ones?
What were the virgins waiting for?

Do you consider yourself to be like the wise virgins or the foolish ones?
What should we be watching and waiting for?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for this story of the virgins. Help us to be prepared like the wise virgins when you return and not like the foolish ones who were not prepared. Forgive of us all the ways we fail You and help us to do Your will. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.- Matthew 25:13

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– This is an excerpt from The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ. Click the link to get your copy now!

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Featured Book:

The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ
by Deborah H. Bateman

About the book:

The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ is a Daily Bible Reading Study by Deborah H. Bateman, which takes you through the life of Jesus Christ. The book of Matthew is the first book in the New Testament of the Bible. It begins with the genealogy of Jesus Christ and His birth.

The Book of Matthew also goes into Jesus’ ministry on earth, including the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus’ parables, and Jesus’ final days, including His death, burial, and resurrection. The book concludes with the great commission.

The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ includes fifty-seven daily devotionals which contain a brief commentary, the Daily Bible Reading Scripture, a few questions to think about, and a prayer of the day. It is a great book for individual daily devotions or a group Bible study.

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Deborah

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Daily Bible Reading “Parable of the Wedding Feast” (Matthew 22:1-22)

Posted on March 14, 2024 by Deborah H. Bateman

Parable of the Wedding Feast

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Matthew 22:1-22. In this Scripture, Jesus tells a parable saying the kingdom of heaven is like a king who made a marriage for his son. He sent his servants to gather the people who were invited to the marriage and they wouldn’t come. He sent out more servants telling the people the wedding feast was ready, but they still wouldn’t come, then he took his servants and slew them. This made the king angry so he sent his armies to destroy them and burned up their city.

He tells his servants that the wedding feast is ready, but the ones who were invited weren’t worthy, so “Go into the street, and ask anybody you see to come.” The servants went into the streets and gathered as many as they could so the wedding was full of guests.

When the king saw the guests there was one man who didn’t have wedding garments on, and the king asked him how he got in without his wedding garments? Back in this day and time, the wedding garments were provided by the person giving the wedding. The man was speechless. The king had his servants bind his hands and feet and cast him into outer darkness. Then he says, “Many are called, but few are chosen.” This is a picture of those who are lost without God.

The father is a picture of God. The son is a picture of Jesus. The wedding guests are a picture of Israel. They were the first ones to be invited, but they rejected Jesus. Romans 1:16 says, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” Everyone is invited, but not everyone will accept the invitation to come to the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Pharisees tried to trick Jesus by asking Him if it was lawful to pay taxes. Jesus tells them to render to Caesar what was Caesar’s and to God what is God’s. Have you given your life to God? He wants you to give your heart and life to Him.

Daily Bible Reading:

Matthew 22:1-22

1 And Jesus answered and spake unto them again by parables, and said,
2 The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son,
3 And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come.
4 Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage.
5 But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise:
6 And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them.
7 But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city.
8 Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy.
9 Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage.
10 So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests.
11 And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment:
12 And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless.
13 Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
14 For many are called, but few are chosen.
15 Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk.
16 And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men.
17 Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?
18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?
19 Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny.
20 And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription?
21 They say unto him, Caesar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.
22 When they had heard these words, they marvelled, and left him, and went their way.

Things to think about:

Who is invited to the wedding feast?

Who will attend?

Who won’t attend? Why?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You that You are preparing the wedding feast for us today. We pray You will help those who haven’t accepted Christ as their Savior yet that they’ll accept Him as Savior and come to know You. Help us to do what is right in all things, render to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s. In Jesus’ name, we pray. We love You, LORD. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage …

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for his son, And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come. – Matthew 22:2-3

The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ

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PS. Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Please come back again tomorrow and invite your friends and family to join us for Bible Study.

Featured Book:

The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ
by Deborah H. Bateman

About the book:

Go to: Amazon

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Deborah

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Daily Bible Reading “Know the Love of Christ” (Ephesians 3:13-21)

Posted on February 21, 2024 by Deborah H. Bateman

Know the Love of Christ

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Ephesians 3:13-21. In this Scripture Paul told the Ephesians not to be discouraged because he was in prison, as it was for their honor and glory that he was suffering. Would you be discouraged if your leader was in prison?

Paul says, “For this cause I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the creator of everything in heaven and earth.” This shows Paul’s humility and his reverence for God.

Paul’s desire for the church members was that God would give them inner strength by His Spirit through the riches of His glory. Paul hoped that Christ would dwell in their hearts by faith as they put their trust in Him. Paul wanted them to be rooted and grounded in love. His prayer for them was that they would be able to understand, as all Christians should, how high, how wide, how long, and how deep God’s love is for us. He also desired that they would know the love of Christ, which passes all knowledge and be filled with the fullness of God.

Paul gives glory to God who is able to do more than we could ever imagine by His power that is at work in us. His desire was that God be given glory in the church forever through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Paul didn’t try to take glory or honor for anything he did. He made sure that whatever he did he gave the glory to God and to Jesus Christ. Paul realized that without God he was nothing, and he could do nothing without the power of God living in him. Paul loved the Ephesians, but he knew that God loved them even more and he wanted them to understand and know the love of God.

I love this Scripture. As you read it, Paul’s prayer is also my prayer for you. Read the Scripture as if Paul were talking to you. I pray that it will help you to understand and know how deep, how wide, how long, and how high God’s love is for you. May you always give God all the honor, glory, and praise for all He has done.

Daily Bible Reading:

Ephesians 3:13-21

13 Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.

14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,

16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;

17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,

18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;

19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

Things to think about:

What are some ways we can find strength for our “inner selves” through Christ?

What are some ways we can know the love of God?

In what ways have you experienced the immeasurable love of God?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this Scripture in the book of Ephesians where Paul is praising and glorifying You. Help us to get a glimpse into how much You love us. We give You praise, honor, and glory for all You have done for us and for the wonderful plan that You had for us from the beginning of time. We love You, LORD. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might …

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be filled with all the fulness of God.

– Ephesians 3:19

Featured Book:

The Book of Ephesians: Paul’s Letter to the Church at Ephesus

by Deborah H. Bateman

The Book of Ephesians: Paul’s Letter to the Church at Ephesus is a Daily Bible Reading Study by Deborah H. Bateman. It is a study of the book of Ephesians from the New Testament of the Bible. Ephesians is one of the Apostle Paul’s letters, which was written to the church at Ephesus.

In the book of Ephesians Paul reminds us that we are chosen of God. He encourages us to walk in unity in the church. He talks about our various relationships including our relationship with Christ, with each other, the husband-wife relationship and others. He also exhorts us to put on the full armor of God so that we are clothed for battle against the enemy.

The Book of Ephesians: Paul’s Letter to the Church at Ephesus consists of twelve lessons, which can be used for an individual daily Bible study or a group Bible study. Each lesson consists of a brief commentary, the Daily Bible Reading Scripture, a few questions for contemplation called, “Things to think about,” and a prayer for the day.

For those of you interested in Bible journaling, may I suggest you pick your favorite Bible verse from each lesson and journal about it. This will be a great reminder of the lessons you learn as you read and study this book.

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Do you have a dream?

Posted on December 28, 2023 by Deborah H. Bateman

And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: – Acts 2:17

I have a dream, do you? Many people have dreams, not only old men. They have dreams of different things. I believe many dreams are God given. Having a dream gives your life a sense of purpose.

You may have had a dream your whole life, a strong desire to be or do something special. Some people have many dreams.

Maybe your dream is to be successful in some way. Some may want to be a professional athlete, an actress or actor, a best-selling author, a doctor, nurse, or lawyer.

Some may have dreams of finding that special person to share your life with, having a family, or buying a home.

Some may want to build a business, or to become financially secure. There are endless things that people can build dreams around.

Some people’s dreams may be to change the world in some way, while other people’s dreams are personal.

Some dreams may take a short time to accomplish, while some may take years, or even a life time to see them come to fruition.

Some may start a movement, invent a product or service, or do something renowned to change the whole world and the way we live in the world.

Having a dream and seeing it come to pass can take a lot of hard work, determination, and passion. Just having a dream is not enough; you have to be willing to do what it takes to make it happen.

You may have to set goals to reach steps along the way to see your dreams come true. You may have to take some classes or other special training to learn to do the things you need to do to see your dream fulfilled.

Many times there will be opposition. You have to work through the opposition to see your dreams come to pass. Sometimes you may have to hang on for the ride, while other times it may seem like smooth sailing.

Whatever your dream is, dream big and do what it takes to make it happen.

May all your dreams come true,

Deborah

Daily Bible Reading “Christmas Traditions” (Matthew 2:1-11)

Posted on December 19, 2023 by Deborah H. Bateman

Christmas Traditions

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Matthew 2:1-11. I find it interesting to see what other people do as some of their family Christmas traditions. What are some of your Christmas Traditions? In this post, I am going to share some of my family’s Christmas traditions and a family favorite recipe that we fix every year during the Christmas holidays.

Christmas is a time when we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Probably at the top of the list as one of our favorite family Christmas traditions over the years has been being involved in our church’s Christmas drama that was called, “This Man Called Jesus,” and was performed for twenty-five years at the church.

My husband, children, grandchildren all played parts in the drama throughout the years. There are many people in our community and throughout the world who attended the drama and some came back every year to see it as part of their family traditions. The drama is no longer done at our church, but has become a community project that my family is still involved in. It is now called “Jesus Is His Name.”

At home, we decorate our tree and home in a festive manner as I am sure a lot of you do as well. It is always a fun family time of putting up the tree and getting the house ready for the Christmas holidays.

This year we started a new Christmas tradition of giving the children and grandchildren an ornament that they could keep and hang on their tree in the future as something to remember us by. I also wrote them a Christmas letter introducing the new tradition and reminding them to always celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.

When our children were growing up we always opened presents on Christmas morning, but now that they are grown and have children of their own, we open our presents on Christmas Eve. That way they are able to celebrate Christmas with their children on Christmas morning. We also have a nice Christmas dinner as part of our Christmas celebration. Over the past several years we have gone to our daughter’s house to have breakfast with her and watch her children open their presents. Then, we may drop by and visit other relatives and friends in the area.

We also have a big family party usually after Christmas with all of my extended family. Our house was the meeting place after my parents went to be with the Lord. Now that we have outgrown our house we started meeting at a community center. My brother, sisters, and their children and grandchildren all gather together for a meal and fellowship. Everybody brings finger foods, appetizers, or a covered dish and we all enjoy another day of celebrating together. Each family group represented at the party has their picture taken in front of the Christmas tree. We usually have about thirty or thirty-five people for this day of celebration. Of course that number continues to grow as the family grows.

We have special treats that we cook only during the holiday season. Over the years I have taught my daughters and now my grandchildren how to cook. One of our favorite things to make every year is Peanut Butter Balls. I only fix these during the holidays, so it gives my family something to look forward to. One of my granddaughters asked me if we could make them in the summer, and I told her she would have to wait until Christmas. I will share that recipe with you at the end of this post.

The wise men gave gifts at the birth of Jesus. Maybe this is where we developed the tradition of exchanging gifts.

Daily Bible Reading:

Matthew 2:1-11

1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,
6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

Things to think about:

What are your family traditions?
Which of your family traditions do you feel honor Jesus’ birth?
Are there any of your family traditions that does not honor the birth of Jesus?
How can we make our family traditions more about celebrating the birth of Jesus and less commercialized?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for this Scripture where the wise men’s visit at the birth of Jesus is recorded. Help us as we go through the holiday season to always remember the true meaning of Christmas. Help us to center our celebrations around the birth of Christ. Help us to honor You in all that we do. Thank You for giving the precious gift of Your Son, Jesus, to be born into this world in order to save us from our sins. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

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Featured Book:

The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ
by Deborah H. Bateman

About the book:

Go to: Amazon
Get your copy now!

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This is a recipe my family usually makes every year for Christmas. However, I haven’t gotten around to it yet this year. I usually make three or four recipes, so we can have plenty for all our Christmas gatherings.

Peanut Butter Balls

1 lb. confectioners sugar

2 sticks margarine or butter, melted

1 cup crushed graham crackers (I run mine through the salad shooter w/ the grate blade)

1 cup peanut butter-you can use crunchy or creamy whichever you prefer, I prefer crunchy, but the grandchildren prefer creamy.

1 tsp vanilla

Melt butter, stir in peanut butter until melted, add sugar, vanilla, and graham crackers crumbs. The mixture will be very thick. Form into balls. Melt 6 oz. chocolate chips with 1/4 bar paraffin wax over low heat in double boiler. Use a toothpick or spoon to dip balls into chocolate. Put on wax paper until set.

* Each recipe will make about 100 bite-size Peanut Butter Balls.

I like to mix the chocolate chips, using some semi-sweet and some milk chocolate.

You can do only milk chocolate, or only semi-sweet, or half of each, or I prefer 3 semi-sweet to 1 milk chocolate.

If you would like to see some of our other family favorite recipes please stop by my blog called Recipe for Life at: http://www.deborah-bateman.blogspot.com

May God bless you and your family throughout the holiday season and through the next year.

Happy holidays,

Deborah