Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 2 Chronicles 7:14. The Bible says, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”
With the state our country and the world are in today, we need to take this verse seriously. We need to pray for our country, its leaders, and the world as a whole every day.
God loves us and He wants the best for us, but when we disregard His Word, we put ourselves and others in danger. If all Christians would repent and turn back to God we may see a big change in our country and in the world.
If we would put forth more effort to share the Gospel so more people would come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior it could make a great difference in the world.
Sometimes, as believers, we become content with the fact that we are heaven bound, and forget about the rest of the world which is lost and on their way to eternal damnation.
Think about what you, as a born again Christian, can do to make a difference in the world. Let’s band together and make a commitment to pray for our country and for the entire world every day.
Daily Bible Reading:
2 Chronicles 7:14
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
Things to think about:
Who is this promise made to?
What does this verse say we should do to receive this promise?
What does God say He will do, if we do our part?
Prayer of the Day:
Dear Heavenly Father,
We thank You for this promise from Your Word. Help us to take note of it and abide by it. Help us to humble ourselves, and pray, and seek Your face on a daily basis. Help us to turn from our wicked ways. Please forgive us of our sins and heal our nation. Help us to do our part to share the Gospel with the people around us and throughout the world. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
PS. Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Come back again tomorrow. Please invite your friends and family to join us for Bible Study.
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Christians Response to Government is a Daily Bible Reading Study by Deborah H. Bateman. It is Book 32 in the Daily Bible Reading Series. Deborah wrote this book in response to the events surrounding the 2016 United States Presidential election. This book was born as she searched her own heart to try to determine how to respond in this election. She searched the Scriptures to see what God had to say about what our response as Christians should be to government and decided to share what she discovered with you. Hopefully this book enlightens you and helps you to know how to respond in a godly way to the powers that be. Remember to check out the other books in the Daily Bible Reading Series by Deborah H. Bateman.
Christians Response to Government contains ten Daily Bible Reading Lessons. Each lesson contains a brief commentary by the author, the Daily Bible Reading Scriptures, a few questions for contemplation and discussion, which the author calls “Things to think about,” and a Prayer of the Day.
Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Proverbs 14:15-35. The verse we are focusing on in this passage of Scripture is verse 34, “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.”
Before we get into this verse let’s look at the rest of the Scripture.
The simple person believes every word: but the prudent person looks well to their success.
A wise person fears, and departs from evil: but the fool rages, and is confident.
Those who are easily angered deal foolishly: and a person of wicked devices is hated.
A simple person inherits folly: but the prudent person is crowned with knowledge.
The evil bow before the good; and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
The poor person is hated even by their own neighbor: but the rich have many friends. Is it because of their money that the wealthy have many friends or is it because of the way they treat others?
Those who despise their neighbor sins: but happy are those who have mercy on the poor.
Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth will come to those who devise good.
In all labor there is profit: but the talk of the lips leads to poverty.
The crown of the wise is their riches: but the foolishness of fools is folly.
A true witness delivers souls: but a deceitful witness speaks lies.
In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.
The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
In the multitude of people is the king’s honor: but in the want of people is the destruction of the prince.
He that is slow to wrath has great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalts folly.
A sound heart is the life of the body: but envy decays the bones.
Those who oppress the poor reproach their Maker: but those who honor Him have mercy on the poor.
The wicked is driven away in their wickedness: but the righteous have hope in their death.
Wisdom rests in the heart of those who have understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known.
Righteousness exalts a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.
The king shows favor toward a wise servant: but his wrath is against those who cause shame.
Many times people believe that when they sin or do something wrong they are not hurting anyone else, but themselves. That is usually not true, more often than not, the bad decisions we make hurt the people we love the most. This Scripture goes as far to say that sin can affect an entire nation. When a nation turns against God they are more likely to reap the wrath of God instead of His blessings.
On the other hand, if we live good godly lives those closest to us reap the benefits of our obedience. When we, as a nation, obey God and make right choices our righteousness elevates our nation. It can cause God’s blessings to be upon us.
As believers, we have a responsibility to pray for our nation. We are reminded of our responsibility in 2 Chronicles 7:14 which says, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”
Daily Bible Reading:
Proverbs 14:15-35
15 The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.
16 A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.
17 He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.
18 The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
19 The evil bow before the good; and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
20 The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many friends.
21 He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.
22 Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.
23 In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.
24 The crown of the wise is their riches: but the foolishness of fools is folly.
25 A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies.
26 In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.
27 The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
28 In the multitude of people is the king’s honour: but in the want of people is the destruction of the prince.
29 He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.
30 A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.
31 He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.
32 The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death.
33 Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known.
34 Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.
35 The king’s favour is toward a wise servant: but his wrath is against him that causeth shame.
Things to think about:
What does righteousness do for a nation?
What does sin do for a nation?
What are the attributes of the righteous mentioned in this Scripture?
What are the attributes of the wicked or foolish mentioned in this Scripture?
What can we do as believers to help heal our nation and bring it back to God?
Prayer of the Day:
Dear Heavenly Father,
As we read this Scripture in the book of Proverbs we see that righteousness can heal a nation, but sin can destroy a nation. Help us to humble ourselves, pray and seek your face. Help our nation to turn back to You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Daily Bible Verse:
Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.
Christian Music Video: “God Bless America” ~ Martina McBride
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.
God is Love is a Daily Bible Reading Study by Deborah H. Bateman. It contains 19 daily devotionals on Scriptures about love from the Bible: including God’s love for us, the love relationship between a husband and wife, love and honoring our parents, and much more.
This devotional would be great for either a personal daily devotions or group Bible studies, including small groups, and Sunday school classes. Each devotional contains a brief commentary by the author, the daily Bible Scripture, a prayer of the day, and several questions for personal reflection or group discussion.
In God is Love, Deborah strives to show you not only what love is, but that love comes from God, as well as the love of God surpasses all imagination. Her goal for you as you read this book is that you would realize how much God loves you.
Benefits of reading God is Love
• You will learn what love is
• You will learn about different kinds of love
• You will learn how much God loves you
• You will learn of the sacrifice made by God because of His love for you
Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Romans 13:1-7. In this Scripture, the Apostle Paul writes to the people about the importance of being in subjection to those who are in authority over us. He reminds us that all those who are in power are ordained by God. That may be hard for some of us to believe.
Not everybody who God allows to be in power is to bless us. Sometimes God puts people in a position of authority over us to judge us.
If you go back and read chapter twelve, you will see that this message comes right after Paul reminds the people that they are to live at peace with everybody, if at all possible. He reminds them that they were not to seek vengeance because that was left up to the Lord to repay.
When we resist the powers that be, we resist the ordinance of God. Those who go against those in authority will find themselves in trouble.
Those who are in authority in government are not there to punish those who do good, but are there to enforce the laws of the land and dole out punishment to those who disobey the laws.
We don’t have to be afraid of those who are in power over us as long as we do what is right. However, if we disobey the laws of the land then we are subject to the wrath that they have the power to execute.
Those who are in authority are ministers of God, so we are subject to them. We are to pay tribute to them and honor them because of their position, even if we don’t agree with everything they say or do.
Remember, Paul and the people of his day were under the rule of the Roman Empire. It was not a democratic government and was not friendly to Christians, but Paul still recognized its authority.
Jesus, during His reign here on earth, suffered under the authority of Pontius Pilate, who was one of the worst rulers of their day. Paul was persecuted under the direction of Nero, who was the worst Roman emperor who ever ruled. But, they both recognized the authority of the government and were subject to them.
Some of the Christians during Paul’s day questioned whether they should be subject to the government rule or only be subject to God. Paul lets them know that they were not only subject to the laws of God, but also to the laws of the land.
As long as those in authority over us do not demand we do something that is against the laws of God, we are to be in subjection to them. As believers, we should be some of the best law-abiding citizens a country could have. We should be honest, pay our dues, and honor those in positions of authority.
Most of all, we should lift our political leaders up to God in prayer. We should ask Him to help them make good decisions for the people. We should ask Him to lead, guide, and direct them in their positions of authority.
Daily Bible Reading:
Romans 13:1-7
1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.
7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
Things to think about:
Why does Paul say we are to be subject to those who rule over us?
Who should fear those in authority in the government?
As Christians how should we respond to those who are in authority?
What can we do to support those who are in government positions?
Prayer of the Day:
Dear Heavenly Father,
We thank You for this Scripture where Paul reminds us of our position as Christians toward those in authority over us. Help us to be respectful, to obey the laws of the land, and be good examples of exemplary citizens. Help us to honor You in all that we do. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Have you read the book? If not, click on the link above to get your copy.
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PS. Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Come back again tomorrow. Please invite your friends and family to join us for Bible Study.
Christians Response to Government is a Daily Bible Reading Study by Deborah H. Bateman. It is Book 32 in the Daily Bible Reading Series. Deborah wrote this book in response to the events surrounding the 2016 United States Presidential election. This book was born as she searched her own heart to try to determine how to respond in this election. She searched the Scriptures to see what God had to say about what our response as Christians should be to government and decided to share what she discovered with you. Hopefully this book enlightens you and helps you to know how to respond in a godly way to the powers that be. Remember to check out the other books in the Daily Bible Reading Series by Deborah H. Bateman.
Christians Response to Government contains ten Daily Bible Reading Lessons. Each lesson contains a brief commentary by the author, the Daily Bible Reading Scriptures, a few questions for contemplation and discussion, which the author calls “Things to think about,” and a Prayer of the Day.
Today’s Daily Bible Reading 1 Thessalonians 4:11-18. In this portion of the letter, Paul exhorts the Thessalonians to live a quiet life, mind their own business, and work with their hands as he taught them. Why do you think Paul tells them that? He tells them it’s in this way they can walk in honesty before those who aren’t yet Christians. Paul’s desire for the Thessalonians was that they lack nothing.
Paul didn’t want them to be ignorant about those who sleep. What does Paul mean by that statement? He didn’t want them to be concerned about the Christians who died before Jesus’ return. Paul tells them not to be sorrowful, like those who have no hope. As Christians, if a loved one who is a Christian passes away, we have the hope of seeing them again in heaven. Those who aren’t Christians don’t have that hope. He says if we believe Jesus died and rose again; likewise, God will bring those who are dead in Christ back with Him when He comes.
Paul says, “For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”
Paul tells them to comfort one another with these words. That promise is something for the Christian to hold on to and to be comforted by. Knowing that, in the end, Jesus will come back and gather His children. Those who are dead in Christ will rise first, and meet those Christians who are still living in the air along with Jesus. We’ll all go to live in heaven for eternity with Christ in the presence of God. I hope you find comfort in these words.
Daily Bible Reading:
1 Thessalonians 4:11-18
11 And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;
12 That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.
13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
Things to think about:
What did Paul advise the Thessalonians?
What did Paul tell us about those who have gone on before us?
How are you comforted by the words of Paul in this Scripture?
Prayer of the Day:
Dear Heavenly Father,
We thank You for this Scripture in the book of 1 Thessalonians. We see where Paul tells the Thessalonians to live quiet lives, minding their own business and working with their hands. Help us to live in that way, also. Paul tells them they don’t have to worry about the Christians who have gone on before them. Help us to have that same hope of seeing them again. Help us to look forward to the coming of Lord and comfort one another with the hope that we have through Christ. In Jesus’ precious name, we pray. Amen.
of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
The Book of 1 Thessalonians: Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians is a Daily Bible Reading Study of the book of 1 Thessalonians by Deborah H. Bateman. The Book of 1 Thessalonians is from the New Testament of the Bible. It’s a letter from Paul, Silas, and Timothy to the church of the Thessalonians.
Paul established the church of Thessalonica on his second missionary journey. It was known throughout the land that the Thessalonians had great faith in God and in the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul loved the Thessalonians. He had a great concern for the Thessalonians and desired to see them again. But, since Paul couldn’t go see them he sent Timothy to encourage them in the faith.
The Book of 1 Thessalonians: Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonianscontains eight Bible lessons which can be used for personal of group Bible studies. Each lesson contains a brief commentary by the author, the Daily Bible Reading Scripture, several questions for contemplation or discussion, and a prayer to go along with the lesson. Our desire is that this book will help you to have a better understanding of Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians.
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.
Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 1 Thessalonians 4:1-10. Paul exhorted the Thessalonians to follow his example of how they should walk before God. Paul reminds them of the commandments which he taught them. Does it make you wonder why Paul is reminding them about what they were taught?
Paul was happy the Thessalonians continued to serve the Lord after he left. He wanted them to continue to grow in the Lord. As long as we live, it is a continual process of learning and growing to become more like God in our actions by showing love for others, and in our lives by living in a holy manner. We won’t obtain perfection this side of eternity. It’s a continuous journey.
He tells the Thessalonians it is God’s will that they abstain from fornication. Obviously, there was a problem with this since Paul brought it up. He reminds them that they should keep their bodies sanctified and honorable before God. Paul tells them that they’re not to follow the examples of the Gentiles who don’t know God. As Christians, we’re not to live like the rest of the world; those who don’t know God. We should strive to live clean and holy lives before God.
This Scripture tells us that when we commit fornication, not only do we sin against God, we also sin against our own body. First Corinthians 6:18-20, “Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”
In Leviticus 18, God explains explicitly that the nakedness of a person is only for their spouse. Our nakedness isn’t to be shared with anyone else, nor should it be taken by anyone else. Why do you think this was so important to God? Why is this sin so prevalent in our world today? Why don’t we value God’s ways of doing things? Is it because of the sin in our lives?
Paul reminds them that they’re not to take advantage of one another. He tells them God is the one who will make right the wrongs. Paul reminds them that God didn’t call us to be unclean vessels, but to be holy. He tells them if they despise their brother, it isn’t their brother they despise, but God, who gave us His Holy Spirit.
Paul tells them that they don’t need him to write to them concerning brotherly love because they’ve been taught to love one another by God. Even though they’re good at showing brotherly love toward others, Paul encourages them to increase in their love even more.
Daily Bible Reading:
1 Thessalonians 4:1-10
1 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.
2 For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.
3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:
4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;
5 Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:
6 That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.
7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.
8 He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.
9 But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.
10 And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more;
Things to think about:
What is Paul’s concern for the Thessalonians in this Scripture?
How can we use this Scripture in our own lives?
How is God leading you to His holiness?
What are some ways that we can show love to fellow believers?
Prayer of the Day:
Dear Heavenly Father,
We thank You for this Scripture in the book of 1 Thessalonians. In reading Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians we realize how we all fall short of living up to Your standards. Please forgive us as a nation, as Your children, and as individuals. Help us to learn to live more godly lives. Help us to love one another in the way You intended us to. Help us to honor our bodies as Your holy temple. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
The Book of 1 Thessalonians: Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians is a Daily Bible Reading Study of the book of 1 Thessalonians by Deborah H. Bateman. The Book of 1 Thessalonians is from the New Testament of the Bible. It’s a letter from Paul, Silas, and Timothy to the church of the Thessalonians.
Paul established the church of Thessalonica on his second missionary journey. It was known throughout the land that the Thessalonians had great faith in God and in the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul loved the Thessalonians. He had a great concern for the Thessalonians and desired to see them again. But, since Paul couldn’t go see them he sent Timothy to encourage them in the faith.
The Book of 1 Thessalonians: Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonianscontains eight Bible lessons which can be used for personal of group Bible studies. Each lesson contains a brief commentary by the author, the Daily Bible Reading Scripture, several questions for contemplation or discussion, and a prayer to go along with the lesson. Our desire is that this book will help you to have a better understanding of Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians.
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.
A Call to Pray for our Nation
Christians Response to Government is a Daily Bible Reading Study by Deborah H. Bateman. It is Book 32 in the Daily Bible Reading Series. Deborah wrote this book in response to the events surrounding the 2016 United States Presidential election. This book was born as she searched her own heart to try to determine how to respond in this election. She searched the Scriptures to see what God had to say about what our response as Christians should be to government and decided to share what she discovered with you. Hopefully this book enlightens you and helps you to know how to respond in a godly way to the powers that be. Remember to check out the other books in the Daily Bible Reading Series by Deborah H. Bateman.
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