Daily Bible Reading “Great is the LORD” (Psalm 48:1-14)

Posted on July 17, 2025 by Deborah H. Bateman

Great is the LORD

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Psalm 48:1-14. Psalm 48 is a song for the sons of Korah, the temple musicians. The psalmist talks about how great the LORD is. He is to be greatly praised in the city of God, a reference to Jerusalem that is on His holy mountain, Mt. Zion.

Jerusalem is God’s chosen city. The city is beautiful. It is the city of the LORD. God is known as a refuge in her palaces. The other pagan kings who passed by saw this, were troubled, and ran away. Fear took hold of them like a woman in labor. God broke the ships of Tarshish with an east wind. Biblical scholars believe this Scripture is speaking of the last days.

Zechariah 12:9 says, “And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.”

Psalm 122:6 reminds us, “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.”

God will establish it forever. Mt. Zion will rejoice. The daughters of Judah will be glad because of God’s judgement. The Psalmist proclaims, “God is our God, He will be our guide as long as we live.”

Many times the enemy comes against God’s people, but God turns the tides on them and they are defeated. As long as we have God on our side, we will be victorious. Have you made God the LORD of your life?

Daily Bible Reading:

Psalm 48:1-14

1[[A Song [and] Psalm for the sons of Korah.]] Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness.
2 Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King.
3 God is known in her palaces for a refuge.
4 For, lo, the kings were assembled, they passed by together.
5 They saw it, and so they marvelled; they were troubled, and hasted away.
6 Fear took hold upon them there, and pain, as of a woman in travail.
7 Thou breakest the ships of Tarshish with an east wind.
8 As we have heard, so have we seen in the city of the LORD of hosts, in the city of our God: God will establish it for ever. Selah.
9 We have thought of thy lovingkindness, O God, in the midst of thy temple.
10 According to thy name, O God, so is thy praise unto the ends of the earth: thy right hand is full of righteousness.
11 Let mount Zion rejoice, let the daughters of Judah be glad, because of thy judgments.
12 Walk about Zion, and go round about her: tell the towers thereof.
13 Mark ye well her bulwarks, consider her palaces; that ye may tell it to the generation following.
14 For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death.

Things to think about:

Do you think of God as being great and deserving of our praise?
Have you chosen to follow God by accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?
Did you realize there was a promise for those who pray for the peace of Jerusalem? What is the promise?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for this Scripture in Psalm 48. We thank You that we can rejoice because You are our God. We pray for the peace of Jerusalem. We pray Your will be done on this earth as it is in heaven. Help us to share the Gospel with the world. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness. – Psalm 48:1

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Featured Book:

The Book of Psalms:
Part 2 Chapters 31-60
by Deborah H. Bateman

About the book:

The Book of Psalms: Part 2 Chapters 31-60 by Deborah H. Bateman is 27th book in the Daily Bible Reading Series. The book of Psalms contains 150 chapters. Deborah divided The Book of Psalms into five books to make it easier to read and study. Each book will contain approximately thirty chapters from the book of Psalms.

Psalm 119 will not be included in The Book of Psalms since Deborah has already published a book about it called: Psalm 119: Thy Word is a Lamp unto My Feet. The book of Psalms is one of Deborah’s favorite books of the Bible. It is a great book to read if you’re ever feeling down or need to renew your relationship with Christ. King David went through a lot of tough times in his lifetime, but he loved God and trusted God to protect him from his enemies.

The book of Psalms was written by various people. About half of it was attributed to King David, whether they were written by David or for David is questioned by some biblical scholars. Some of the Psalms were written by Asaph and some say they were written for the sons of Korah and even Moses and Solomon were writers of the Psalms. The Psalms consists of poetry that was primarily meant to be used as songs of praise to the Lord.

The Book of Psalms: Part 2 Chapters 31-60 contains thirty-five Daily Bible Reading Lessons. Each lesson contains a brief commentary by the author, the Daily Bible Reading Scriptures, a few questions for contemplation or discussion, and a prayer of the day. It is a great Bible study for individuals or group studies.

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Deborah

Recipe for Life

Daily Bible Reading “Praise God” (Psalm 47:1-9)

Posted on July 16, 2025 by Deborah H. Bateman

Praise God

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Psalm 47:1-9. You will notice a lot of the Psalms start saying, “to the Chief Musician.” They were meant to be songs of praise and worship. This psalm begins by saying, “O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph.” We need to learn how to praise God, exalt Him and worship Him. How do you praise and worship God?

The Scripture reflects on the time when the Lord comes back to set up His kingdom. It reminds us He is the great king over the whole earth. As believers, we will spend eternity with Him, worshiping and praising Him forever. So, we need to get used to doing it now.

The Bible tells us, “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. Wherefore comfort one another with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18).

So many times, as Christians, we take God for granted. We don’t give Him the honor and place of importance He deserves in our lives. He will come again to rule and reign on the earth, so we need to be ready for His appearance.

There are many ways of honoring and praising God for who He is and what He has done in our lives. We can praise Him through songs and worship. Many people worship Him by going to church. There are holidays set aside that are meant for times of honoring God, such as Easter and Christmas. No doubt even these celebrations which are meant to bring honor to God are sometimes not celebrated in a way that brings honor and glory to God. Let’s find ways to worship and praise God in our everyday lives that brings honor and glory to His name.

Daily Bible Reading:

Psalm 47: 1-9

1 [[To the Chief Musician, A Psalm for the sons of Korah.]] O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph.
2 For the LORD most high is terrible; he is a great King over all the earth.
3 He shall subdue the people under us, and the nations under our feet.
4 He shall choose our inheritance for us, the excellency of Jacob whom he loved. Selah.
5 God is gone up with a shout, the LORD with the sound of a trumpet.
6 Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises unto our King, sing praises.
7 For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding.
8 God reigneth over the heathen: God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness.
9 The princes of the people are gathered together, even the people of the God of Abraham: for the shields of the earth belong unto God: he is greatly exalted.

Things to think about:

How can we honor God as the king of our lives?
Are you listening for the sound of the trump of God?
How can we get ready for His return?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for this Scripture in the book of Psalms. We thank You that You inspired these Scriptures in the Bible to let us know Your plans for us. We praise You for who You are. You are the king of the whole earth. You are holy and deserve our praises. Help us, dear God, to honor, praise and worship You in a way that glorifies Your name. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph. – Psalm 47:1

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Christian Music Video: Every Praise – Hezekiah Walker

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 Psalms:
Part 2 Chapters 31-60
by Deborah H. Bateman

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Have a blessed day,

Deborah

Recipe for Life

Daily Bible Reading “God’s Favor” (Psalm 44:1-26)

Posted on July 13, 2025 by Deborah H. Bateman

God’s Favor

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Psalm 44:1-26. Psalm 44 is to the Chief Musician, for the sons of Korah. The psalmist says they heard from their fathers how God helped them to defeat the enemy and drive them out of the land. They didn’t do it of their own accord but by the favor of God. Have you ever been in a position where you knew it was God’s favor that gave you victory? Have you ever asked God to give you His favor in a situation?

When we look at this Scripture and we look at other Scriptures in the Bible we see how God’s favor on people’s lives changed the outcome. We can look back on our lives and see things that happened in our lives that were devastating, but somehow God brought us through them. Somehow He turned around what the enemy meant for evil in our lives and caused a good outcome. God uses these triumphs for His honor and glory to further His kingdom.

God’s favor can change the circumstances and help us defeat the enemy who seeks to destroy us. The Bible tells us the enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy, but Christ came that we might have a full, abundant, overflowing life. Don’t let the enemy steal your joy. We can’t fight the enemy with our own strength. We have to turn that battle over to the LORD. Then, let God fill your life with His presence, His favor, His grace, His mercy, and His love.

Daily Bible Reading:

Psalm 44:1-26

1 [[To the Chief Musician for the sons of Korah, Maschil.]] We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us, what work thou didst in their days, in the times of old.
2 How thou didst drive out the heathen with thy hand, and plantedst them; how thou didst afflict the people, and cast them out.
3 For they got not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them: but thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, because thou hadst a favour unto them.
4 Thou art my King, O God: command deliverances for Jacob.
5 Through thee will we push down our enemies: through thy name will we tread them under that rise up against us.
6 For I will not trust in my bow, neither shall my sword save me.
7 But thou hast saved us from our enemies, and hast put them to shame that hated us.
8 In God we boast all the day long, and praise thy name for ever. Selah.
9 But thou hast cast off, and put us to shame; and goest not forth with our armies.
10 Thou makest us to turn back from the enemy: and they which hate us spoil for themselves.
11 Thou hast given us like sheep appointed for meat; and hast scattered us among the heathen.
12 Thou sellest thy people for nought, and dost not increase thy wealth by their price.
13 Thou makest us a reproach to our neighbours, a scorn and a derision to them that are round about us.
14 Thou makest us a byword among the heathen, a shaking of the head among the people.
15 My confusion is continually before me, and the shame of my face hath covered me,
16 For the voice of him that reproacheth and blasphemeth; by reason of the enemy and avenger.
17 All this is come upon us; yet have we not forgotten thee, neither have we dealt falsely in thy covenant.
18 Our heart is not turned back, neither have our steps declined from thy way;
19Though thou hast sore broken us in the place of dragons, and covered us with the shadow of death.
20 If we have forgotten the name of our God, or stretched out our hands to a strange god;
21 Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart.
22 Yea, for thy sake are we killed all the day long; we are counted as sheep for the slaughter.
23 Awake, why sleepest thou, O Lord? arise, cast us not off for ever.
24 Wherefore hidest thou thy face, and forgettest our affliction and our oppression?
25 For our soul is bowed down to the dust: our belly cleaveth unto the earth.
26 Arise for our help, and redeem us for thy mercies’ sake.

Things to think about:

Do you sense the favor of God on your life?
Can you look back in your life and see where God made a difference?
How can you use those experiences to move your faith forward knowing if God helped you in the past He will help you with whatever is going on in your life now? Turn it all over to Him.

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this Scripture in the book of Psalms. Help us to seek Your face and turn to You for deliverance. Help us to keep serving You and loving You no matter the circumstances of life. Give us favor and help us to win the battle over the enemy. Redeem us for Your sake and help us to give You honor and glory. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

Bible Verse to Journal or Memorize: In God we boast all the day long, and praise thy name for ever. Selah. – Psalm 44:8

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PS. We 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 Psalms:
Part 2 Chapters 31-60
by Deborah H. Bateman

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Have a blessed day,

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Recipe for Life

Daily Bible Reading “Hope in God” (Psalm 43:1-5)

Posted on July 8, 2025 by Deborah H. Bateman

Hope in God

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Psalm 43:1-5. The psalmist begs God to judge him, to plead his case against the enemy and deliver him. He declares that God is his strength or refuge and asks God why He has rejected him. Have you ever felt like God has deserted you? Have you ever wondered if God heard your prayers?

The psalmist asks God to shine His light and truth on him and to lead him to God’s dwelling place. God is his joy. He says he will praise God with his harp. Have you ever felt discouraged or depressed due to your circumstances? The psalmist reminds himself and us to have hope in God and praise Him. He proclaims that God is his helper. When we praise God it blesses Him and lifts our spirits as well.

I can tell you from personal experience that if somehow you can stop focusing on your situations and put your focus on God and praise Him, He will encourage you and help you get through your situation. As long as you focus on your problems you will be defeated, but when you switch your focus to God your circumstances have to take a back seat. God is bigger than all of our circumstances.

Sometimes our circumstances may be devastating. We may be worrying about the future. If we spend time praying and asking God to turn the situation around, we may be delighted with the results. When we take our focus from our circumstances and put our focus, trust, and faith in God, He will see us through the situation. Have you put your hope in God?

Daily Bible Reading:

Psalm 43:1-5

1 Judge me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation: O deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man.
2 For thou art the God of my strength: why dost thou cast me off? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?
3 O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles.
4Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God.
5 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.

Things to think about:

How many times have you been distressed because of your circumstances?
What happens when you refocus and put your eyes on God?
How many times has God helped you to get through a difficult situation?
If you are going through a difficult time now put your focus on God and He will help you get through it.

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for this Scripture in the book of Psalms. We thank You that no matter what we are going through, with Your help we can make it. Help us to put our faith, trust, and hope in You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God. – Psalm 43:5

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Excerpt from The Book of Psalms: Part 2 Chapters 31-60

Christian Music Video: “All My Hope” – Hillsong

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 Psalms:
Part 2 Chapters 31-60
by Deborah H. Bateman

About the book:

Go to: Amazon
Get your copy now!

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Have a blessed day,

Deborah

Recipe for Life

Daily Bible Reading “What is True Freedom” (John 8:23-36)

Posted on July 3, 2025 by Deborah H. Bateman

What Is True Freedom

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from John 8. Today, as we study the Bible and get ready to celebrate the 4th of July we are going to talk about what it truly means to be free.

I’m thankful that I live in the United States and I’m thankful for all the people who have fought and sacrificed so much to give us the freedom we have. Today we’re going to talk about another kind of freedom, and what it truly means to be free.

The Scripture we’re going to look at today is from John 8. In this Scripture, Jesus is speaking in the temple. The Pharisees were questioning Him because they didn’t believe He was the Son of God. Jesus tells them they’re from below, but He is from above, you’re of this world, but I’m not of this world. He explains to them they’ll die in their sins if they don’t believe He is the Son of God.

The Pharisees asked Jesus, Who are you? Jesus told them He was the same as He had been trying to tell them from the beginning. In other words, he was trying to tell them that he already told them who He was. Jesus said He had many things to tell them. He also warned them that He would have to judge them. Jesus told them His Father was true and the things He was telling them He learned from the Father. They didn’t understand that the message He was telling them came from God the Father.

Jesus says to them when you have lifted up the Son of man, then you will know that I am He and that I don’t do anything for myself, but I only do what my Father has instructed me to do. He was trying to tell them that when they lifted Him up on the cross, then they would know He was the Son of man and He did what He did in obedience to God the Father. Jesus states that the Father hadn’t left Him alone.

When He spoke these words many believed in Him. Jesus talks to the Jews who believed on Him telling them if they abide in His Word continually, they will be His disciples. Jesus declares, you will know the truth and the truth will make you free.

The Jewish people respond to Jesus telling Him that they were born of Abraham’s seed and were never in bondage. They didn’t understand how He could make them free. Jesus explains to them whoever commits sin is a servant of sin, and the servant won’t abide forever, but the Son abides forever. Therefore, if you believe in the Son and He makes you free from your sin, then you’ll be free indeed. Now that is true freedom.

I am grateful to live in a free nation, but no matter what country you live in, if you accept Jesus Christ as your Savior, you can be free from your sins and free from the judgment of sin. The freedom of not having to worry about your sin and where you will spend eternity is the best freedom of all.

Daily Bible Reading:

John 8:1-2, 23-36

1 Jesus went unto the mount of Olives.

2 And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.

23 And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world.
24 I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.
25 Then said they unto him, Who art thou? And Jesus saith unto them, Even the same that I said unto you from the beginning.
26 I have many things to say and to judge of you: but he that sent me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard of him.
27 They understood not that he spake to them of the Father.
28 Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.
29 And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.
30 As he spake these words, many believed on him.
31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
33 They answered him, We be Abraham’s seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?
34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.
35 And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever.
36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

Things to think about:

What does it mean to be free?

What is the ultimate freedom?

Have you been set free from your sin?
If so, leave a comment testifying of this freedom.

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You that in this Scripture in Romans 8, where we are reminded if the Son sets you free, then you will be free indeed. We thank You for Your Son, Jesus Christ, which You sent from heaven into this world, and for the sacrifice He made on the cross so we can be free from our sins. We pray You would speak to the hearts of those who don’t know this freedom from sin and help them to accept Him today. Thank you for all those who have fought and sacrificed here in the United States to give us the freedom we have today. Bless them for their service to this country. In Jesus’ precious name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. – John 8:36

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