Daily Bible Reading “Mary Did You Know” (Matthew 1:18-25)

Posted on December 21, 2023 by Deborah H. Bateman

Mary Did You Know

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Matthew 1:18-25. Have you ever considered the real meaning of Christmas? It is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. While we do all kinds of things during the holiday season to celebrate, such as buying gifts, decorating our houses, decorating trees, going to parties, and having family celebrations, our focus should be on the real reason for the season.

In the previous study we looked at the genealogy of Jesus Christ. In this lesson, we go back to the beginning, when it was first discovered that Jesus Christ was going to be born into this world through a miracle of God.

Matthew starts telling about the birth of Jesus in Matthew 1:18. Mary was a virgin, chosen by God, to be the mother of Jesus. It was a miraculous birth, because Mary was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Think about how Mary must have felt when she found out she was expecting a child, but had never had a physical relationship with a man. Mary was engaged to Joseph, who was a just man. At first, he thought he should put her away privately and not make a public example of her.

But the angel of the Lord came to Joseph in a dream and confirmed that Mary had conceived of the Holy Ghost. He told Joseph that Mary was going to have a son and they should call him JESUS. Can you imagine how Joseph must have felt when he woke from that dream?

The angel also told Joseph that Jesus would save His people from their sins. This was the purpose of Jesus’ birth; from the beginning God brought Jesus into the human race to be the Savior of the world. He used Mary as an instrument to allow Jesus to be born as a human, so He could live in this world and ultimately so He could be the sacrifice for our sins.

Daily Bible Reading:

Matthew 1:18-25

18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:
25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

Things to think about:

Can you imagine how Mary felt when she found out she was expecting a baby?

Can you imagine how Joseph felt when he found out his fiancée Mary was going to have a baby even though they didn’t have a physical relationship?

Think about the miracle God performed when He caused Mary to be expectant of the Holy Ghost.

Do you celebrate Christmas as the birth of Jesus Christ?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this account from Matthew about the virgin birth of Your Son, Jesus. Thank You for sending Him to the earth to be our Savior. When we celebrate the Christmas season, help us to keep our focus on the true reason for the season. We love You, LORD. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and

Click To Tweet

they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

– Matthew 1:23

This is an excerpt from The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ by Deborah H. Bateman

Christian Music: Mary Did You Know ~ Reba McEntire

PS. Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Come back again tomorrow. We will share an excerpt from The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ in honor of the celebration of Jesus’ birth for Christmas.

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.

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

Click Here to Subscribe to Deborah H. Bateman author site to receive

Daily Bible Reading Lessons in your inbox.

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

Recipe for Life

Daily Bible Reading “Genealogy of Jesus Christ” (Matthew 1:1-17)

Posted on December 20, 2023 by Deborah H. Bateman

Genealogy of Jesus Christ

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Matthew 1:1-17. This is a study of the book of Matthew and his account of the life of Jesus Christ. In today’s Bible Study, we’ll look at the Scripture from Matthew 1:1-17. In this Scripture, we’ll find the genealogy of Jesus Christ. Often times we skip these Scriptures when we see them in the Bible, but it is important that we know the genealogy of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

As you read through these Scriptures look at some of the names you recognize from other parts of the Bible. Most of us remember Abraham, who was a faithful follower of God in the Old Testament. This promise was made to Abraham in Genesis 12:3: “And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.”How about Isaac, Jacob, and Judas? Then we get into some names that may not be as familiar to us.

Notice in this scripture that Boaz, Ruth, and their son, Obed, are mentioned. We also see King David who was the son of Jesse, Obed’s son. We see Solomon mentioned. Then we go back into some names that are not as popular and we may not even recognize some of them, until we come to Jacob, whose son was Joseph, the husband of Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ. This was Jesus’ legal blood line through Joseph, not His blood line through His mother, Mary.

Take note of the fact that there were four women mentioned in this genealogy. Most of the time you won’t see women mentioned when genealogy is listed. However, when you look at the backgrounds of these women, you will find the grace of God evident through their lives.

In Matthew 1:17, we are told, “So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations.” Do you wonder what the significance of three sets of fourteen generations was?

Daily Bible Reading:

Matthew 1:1-17

1 The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.

2 Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren;

3 And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram;

4 And Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab begat Naasson; and Naasson begat Salmon;

5 And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse;

6 And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her [that had been the wife] of Urias;

7 And Solomon begat Roboam; and Roboam begat Abia; and Abia begat Asa;

8 And Asa begat Josaphat; and Josaphat begat Joram; and Joram begat Ozias;

9 And Ozias begat Joatham; and Joatham begat Achaz; and Achaz begat Ezekias;

10 And Ezekias begat Manasses; and Manasses begat Amon; and Amon begat Josias;

11 And Josias begat Jechonias and his brethren, about the time they were carried away to Babylon:

12 And after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel; and Salathiel begat Zorobabel;

13 And Zorobabel begat Abiud; and Abiud begat Eliakim; and Eliakim begat Azor;

14 And Azor begat Sadoc; and Sadoc begat Achim; and Achim begat Eliud;

15 And Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat Matthan; and Matthan begat Jacob;

16 And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.

17 So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations.

Things to think about:

What names listed in the genealogy of Jesus Christ do you recognize?

What names do you not recognize?

Why are some names more familiar to us than others?

Take a couple of the names you don’t recognize and look them up to see who they are and what their story was.

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for this Scripture in the Bible that gives us the genealogy of Your Son, Jesus Christ. We thank You for allowing Him to come into this world to be the Savior of the world, so we might be forgiven from our sins. Help us to honor Him with our lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ. – Matthew 1:16

Click To Tweet

This is an excerpt from The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ by Deborah H. Bateman

Christian Music Video: Life of Christ slideshow
(This video doesn’t allow embedding, but I thought it was worth sharing. So, please click on the link to view it. Thanks)

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. We will continue to share excerpts for the from The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ in honor of the celebration of Jesus’ birth for Christmas.

Featured Book:

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

About the book:

Go to: http://bookShow.me/B00C1JGJMQ
Get your copy now!

Click Here to Subscribe to Deborah H. Bateman author site to receive Daily Bible Reading Lessons in your inbox.

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

Recipe for Life

Like Deborah H. Bateman on Facebook

Daily Bible Reading “Jesus is the Reason for the Season” Matthew 2:11

Posted on December 17, 2023 by Deborah H. Bateman

Jesus is the Reason for the Season

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Matthew 2:11. It’s that time of year again, the time when we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

I don’t know about you, but as for me, by this time of the holiday season I have about worn myself out. How did we get caught up in the hustle and bustle of it all?

We spend weeks or even months getting ready for the big day. We decorate our houses with Christmas trees, nativity scenes, wreaths, garlands, angels, and other Christmas decorations.

We go all over town looking for the perfect gifts for our loved ones. Then, we wrap all the gifts and place them under the tree and wait for the day when we get to open all the gifts we have purchased and prepared for our loved ones.

We spend hours planning, shopping, and cooking our family’s favorite Christmas goodies and meals.

We do all this and wear ourselves out to the point of exhaustion.

During the holiday season, do we really take the time that we should to reflect on the real reason for the Christmas season?

It is Jesus’ birth we are celebrating. How do you suppose He would like us to celebrate His birthday?

Do you think He would enjoy us spending time with Him?

I know on my birthday I enjoy my friends and family spending time with me acknowledging the celebration of my birthday, don’t you?

In Matthew 2:11 we learn that the wise men traveled to see baby Jesus. When they found Jesus, we are told that they bowed down and worshiped Him. They brought gifts to Him of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The celebration wasn’t about the wise men, or Joseph and Mary. It was focused solely on Jesus.

What are some ways that we can worship Jesus during the Christmas holiday season? We might attend church worship services, Christian Christmas programs, listen to Christian Christmas songs, or read the Christmas story from the Bible and reflect on the glory, majesty, and precious gift of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

How do you plan to worship Jesus during the Christmas holiday season?

Daily Bible Reading:

Matthew 2:11

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:

In what ways do you worship Jesus during the Christmas holidays?
What are some ways that we can teach our children and grandchildren the true meaning of Christmas?
How can we focus more on Him and not as much on the other things that we have made Christmas about?
What are some ways we can share the love of Jesus with others during the Christmas season?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for Your son, Jesus Christ. Thank You for sending Him to this world to be born of a virgin and to die on the cross for our sins. Help us during this Christmas season to focus more on celebrating His birth and less on all the other traditions that we have during this holiday season. Forgive us of the ways that we have made this time of year more about us and what we want and less about Him. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Christmas Music Video:

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.

Featured Book:

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

About the book:

Go to: Amazon
Get your copy now!

Click Here to Subscribe to Deborah H. Bateman author site to receive

Daily Bible Reading Lessons in your inbox.

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

Recipe for Life

Like Deborah H. Bateman on Facebook

Daily Bible Reading “Thanksgiving – Give Thanks to God in Everything” (Philippians 4: 4-9)

Posted on November 22, 2023 by Deborah H. Bateman

Thanksgiving –

Give Thanks to God in Everything

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Philippians 4: 4-9. Paul tells the members of the church of Philippi (a city in Greece) to rejoice in the Lord always. He tells them not to worry, but through prayer with thanksgiving let their request be known to God. Then, the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will keep their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Paul tells them to give thanks in everything. This is hard to do in the natural man, because when trouble comes our way the first thing we ask is why God, why me? God wants us to trust Him and praise Him no matter what the circumstances of our lives. The only way this is possible is through the Holy Spirit living in us.

That doesn’t mean we might not be sad or concerned about our circumstances. But, we can still praise God for who He is and for His Son, and the gift of salvation that He offered us. God loves you. He knows what is going on in your life and He cares about you.

Paul says not to worry, but pray and give thanks to God and the peace of God will keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Then, in verse 8 he tells them to think on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, and praise. This is good advice for us today. It is hard to be negative if we are praying, praising God, and thinking on good things.

As you spend time with your family for the Thanksgiving holiday, keep these things in mind and make a point to thank God for your family and for all that He has provided for you. May God bless you and your family and may you have a Happy Thanksgiving.

Daily Bible Reading:

Philippians 4: 4-9

4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

Things to think about:

How can we keep our thoughts in check?

What are some ways we can communicate our concerns to God?

What are some things we can always be thankful for no matter what is going on in our lives?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We rejoice in You, Lord. Help us not to worry about things, but to come to You with prayer and thanksgiving. Help us to keep our minds on things that are good and know You are in control, no matter what is going on in our lives. We love You, LORD In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

–Excerpt from “Give Thanks” by Deborah H. Bateman and Friends

Christian Music Video: In Everything(Give Him Thanks)

PS. Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Come back again tomorrow. Invite your friends to join us in our Bible Study.

Featured Book:

Give Thanks

By Deborah H. Bateman and Friends

About the book:

Give Thanks is a Daily Bible Reading Study by Deborah H. Bateman and Friends. Give Thanks contains 21 daily Bible lessons that remind us to have an attitude of gratitude.

Each lesson contains a brief commentary, coordinating Scriptures, a few questions for contemplation or discussion, and a prayer for the day. Give Thanks is a great Bible study for individual or group Bible studies.

Four of Deborah’s friends contributed to the book and one of her friends contributed pictures of nature to remind us to be thankful for God’s creation. May God bless you as you read this book and remember all the things you have to be grateful for and to “Give Thanks” with a grateful heart.

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

Click Here to Subscribe to Deborah H. Bateman to receive
Daily Bible Reading Lessons in your inbox.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

Christian Daily Resources

Bible Verse Tweet

Recipe for Life

Daily Bible Reading “Give Thanks to God for the People in Your Life” (Romans 16:1-5)

Posted on November 21, 2023 by Deborah H. Bateman

Give Thanks to God for the People in your Life

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Romans 16:1-5. Paul wrote this letter, to the Romans from Corinth and sent it by Phebe, who was a servant of the church at Cenchrea. What does Paul mean by saying that Phebe was a servant of the church?

Paul is sending a recommendation for Phebe. Sometimes in life, we need other people to intervene for us. We may need them to intercede with God and pray for us or to recommend us to other people. Paul knew Phebe and he knew about her dedication to Christ and the church.

Paul requests they accept her and support her in whatever she needs. In this Scripture, Paul gave thanks for Priscilla and Aquila, who he called his helpers in Christ Jesus. He says they stuck out their necks for him.

Throughout the next ten verses of the chapter, Paul goes through a whole list of people for whom he was thankful. Get out your Bible and look at it.

Many times in life we wouldn’t be where we are had it not been for the people God placed in our lives to help us along the way. Sometimes God gives you a job to do that is so big, you not only need His help, but the help of others to get it done. We need to remember to give God thanks always for the people He places in our lives.

The people God has placed in my life have really blessed me. He has placed so many people in my life who are willing to take their time and resources to help me.

It has been such a blessing for me to see how He has taken the relationships that I have made over the past few years with Christian friends on the Internet and used them to support me. I am humbled and grateful for each one of them and for each one of you.

When is the last time you stopped and took the time to think about the people God has placed in your life and gave Him glory and praise for them? Think about it: your mother, father, sisters, brothers, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, wife or husband, children, grandchildren, friends, fellow church members, business acquaintances, the servers in restaurants, the people who work in the stores you frequent, and many more.

The list goes on and on and sometimes, we take it all for granted. What if that person was no longer in your life? Wouldn’t there be a void?

Instead of taking everybody for granted and thinking they’ll always be there for us we need to take time to stop and thank the Lord for them and let them know how much we love and appreciate them. Don’t wait — tomorrow may be too late. Let them know today and let God know how much you appreciate all the people He has placed in your life.

Having an attitude of gratitude towards the people in your life not only shows them you care, it makes them want to be there for you. It’ll make you a happier person if you are thankful and appreciative of the people in your life.

People will enjoy being around you and will want to please you because you make them feel appreciated. Spending time thanking God for the people in your life will make Him know you are grateful as well.

Daily Bible Reading:

Romans 16:1-5

1 I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:

2 That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.

3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:

4 Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.

5 Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.

Things to think about:

In what ways do you give God thanks for the people in your life?

What are some things we can do to help us not take people for granted?

Make a list of all the people God has placed in your life whom you are thankful for and keep adding to the list as God places more people in your life.

Tell at least one person each day how much you love and appreciate him or her.

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for all the people You placed in our lives. We thank You for our families, our friends, our church families, and our acquaintances. So many times we take them all for granted, forgive us and help us to love and appreciate them and to give thanks to You for them. You bless and enrich our lives by the people You place in our lives. We want to take time today to say thank You, LORD. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

-Excerpt from “Give Thanks” by Deborah H. Bateman and Friends

Christian Music Video: “Thank You Lord”

As you listen to this video use it as a means of praise and thanks to God. Say a prayer to Him and thank Him for all the people He has placed in your life.

PS. Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Come back again tomorrow and invite someone to join you. We’ll see what the LORD shows us we should be thankful for next.

Featured Book:

Give Thanks

by Deborah H. Bateman and Friends

About the book:

Give Thanks is a Daily Bible Reading Study by Deborah H. Bateman and Friends. Give Thanks contains 21 daily Bible lessons that remind us to have an attitude of gratitude.

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

Click Here to Subscribe to Deborah H. Bateman to receive
Daily Bible Reading Lessons in your inbox.

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

Christian Daily Resources

Bible Verse Tweet

Recipe for Life