Daily Bible Reading “Bless the LORD” (Psalm 115:1-18)

Bless the LORD

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Psalm 115:1-18. In Psalm 115 the Psalmist gives glory to the LORD for His mercy and truth. He asks, why the heathen say, “Where is their God now?” Have you ever been asked that question? Well, this is the perfect answer for the question from verse three, “Our God is in the heavens: He has done whatever He has pleased.” God is in the same place He has been forever.

The Psalmist goes on to talk about the idols of the heathen. He tells us their idols are made by man’s hands from silver and gold. They have mouths, but can’t speak: eyes, but can’t see. They have ears, but can’t hear: they have noses, but can’t smell. They have hands that can’t hold anything, feet that can’t walk; neither can they speak from their throats. Those that make them and trust in them are the same.

Then, the Psalmist calls out to Israel, the house of Aaron, and those who fear the LORD to trust in the LORD, because He is their help and shield. He reminds us that the LORD is mindful of us and will bless us and our children.

The Psalmist declares that those who believe in the LORD, the creator of the heavens and the earth, will be blessed and we will bless and praise the holy name of the LORD forever.

 

Daily Bible Reading:

Psalm 115:1-18

1 Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth’s sake.
2 Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is now their God?
3 But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.
4 Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands.
5 They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not:
6 They have ears, but they hear not: noses have they, but they smell not:
7 They have hands, but they handle not: feet have they, but they walk not: neither speak they through their throat.
8 They that make them are like unto them; so is every one that trusteth in them.
9 O Israel, trust thou in the LORD: he is their help and their shield.
10 O house of Aaron, trust in the LORD: he is their help and their shield.
11 Ye that fear the LORD, trust in the LORD: he is their help and their shield.
12 The LORD hath been mindful of us: he will bless us; he will bless the house of Israel; he will bless the house of Aaron.
13 He will bless them that fear the LORD, both small and great.
14 The LORD shall increase you more and more, you and your children.
15 Ye are blessed of the LORD which made heaven and earth.
16 The heaven, even the heavens, are the LORD’S: but the earth hath he given to the children of men.
17 The dead praise not the LORD, neither any that go down into silence.
18 But we will bless the LORD from this time forth and for evermore. Praise the LORD.

 

Things to think about:

  • What does this Scripture say about the idols of the heathen?
  • In what ways do you trust in the LORD?
  • What does the Scripture say about those who trust in the LORD?
  • How do you praise and worship the LORD?

 

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this Scripture in Psalm 115 where the Psalmist warns us about man-made idols of silver and gold. He reminds us that You bless those who trust in You. Help us to always put our trust in You and never worship any other god. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

 

Daily Bible Verse:

This is an excerpt from The Book of Psalms: Part 4 Chapters 91-118

Click the link above to get your copy now!

 

Christian 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 Psalms: Part 4 Chapters 91-118
by Deborah H. Bateman

About the book:

The Book of Psalms: Part 4 Chapters 91-118 by Deborah H. Bateman is the 29th 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 contains approximately thirty chapters from the book of Psalms.

Psalm 119 has already been published in a book 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 4 Chapters 91-118 contains thirty-six 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.

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

Recipe for Life

Daily Bible Reading “Bless the LORD, O My Soul” (Psalm 103:1-22)

Bless the LORD, O My Soul

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Psalm 103:1-22. When is the last time you stopped and thought about the LORD and all the benefits He has bestowed upon you? This is a Psalm of David in which his whole purpose of writing is to remind us to bless the LORD. What does it mean to “bless” the LORD? It means to exalt Him, lift Him up, and honor Him as God. All believers can do this, not only priests or pastors. When we worship and praise the LORD it blesses Him. David blesses the holy name of the LORD.

David reminds us of all of the benefits of the LORD. He reminds us that the LORD forgives our sins and heals our diseases. God made Himself known to Moses and demonstrated His wondrous works to the children of Israel. God is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and thankfully so, or He would have taken us out a long time ago. He has removed our sins as far as the east is from the west.

We are like the grass that withers away, but the LORD is eternal. His mercy is from everlasting to everlasting. He is the alpha and the omega, the beginning and the end. God has prepared a place in heaven for those who believe. David calls out for everything and everyone to bless the LORD. He ends the Psalm like he started it saying, “Bless the LORD, O my soul.”

Take some time today to think about all the things you have for which to bless the LORD. You can bless Him by giving Him thanks and praise for who He is and for His many blessings in your life. You could read this Scripture or other Scriptures out loud to the LORD and declare His goodness and mercy to Him. Don’t you enjoy hearing people say good things about you? What makes you think that the LORD wouldn’t enjoy hearing you acknowledge Him?

 

Daily Bible Reading:

Psalm 103:1-22

1 [[A Psalm of David.]] Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
6 The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.
7 He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel.
8 The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.
9 He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever.
10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
11 For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.
12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
13 Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.
14 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.
15 As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.
16 For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.
17 But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children’s children;
18 To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them.
19 The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.
20 Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.
21 Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.
22 Bless the LORD, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the LORD, O my soul.

 

Things to think about:

  • What are some things for which we can bless the LORD?
  • Have you accepted God’s forgiveness for your sins?
  • Look around you and think of all the blessings the LORD has bestowed upon you. List them here and thank Him for them.

 

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this Scripture in Psalm 103 in which David reminds us to bless You. LORD, we bless Your holy name. You are merciful and loving. You are forgiving and kind. You have made a way for us to have forgiveness of our sins, if we only believe. You are the creator, You are our provider, You are our protector. We love You, LORD. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

 

Daily Bible Verse:

 

This is an excerpt from The Book of Psalms: Part 4 Chapters 91-118

Click the link above to get your copy now!

 

Christian Music Video: 10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)

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 4 Chapters 91-118
by Deborah H. Bateman

About the book:

The Book of Psalms: Part 4 Chapters 91-118 by Deborah H. Bateman is 29th 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 contains approximately thirty chapters from the book of Psalms.

Psalm 119 has already been published in a book 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 4 Chapters 91-118 contains thirty-six 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.

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

Recipe for Life

Daily Bible Reading “Bless the LORD” (Psalm 134:1-3)

Bless the LORD

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Psalm 134:1-3. Psalm 134 is another of the songs of degrees that the children of Israel sang on their journey to Jerusalem. The Psalmist encourages us, as servants of the LORD, to bless the LORD. He exalts us to lift our hands and praise the LORD. He reminds us that this is the LORD who created the heaven and earth. The people were on their way to Zion to worship the LORD. They sang praises to Him along the way.

As I read all these Psalms of the songs of degrees, I think of all the times when I was growing up that we would take road trips, and we would sing in the car. I can remember certain songs that we would start singing almost every time we traveled for any distance.

One of my Daddy’s favorite songs was “I Saw the Light.” Sometime during our trip that song would no doubt come up and we would all start singing along with him. If I hear that song today tears will fill my eyes as I remember some of the good times we had growing up and miss the fellowship of my parents.

Don’t you think if we treasure the fellowship that we have with one another that the LORD treasures the fellowship He has with us? When we spend time blessing Him through songs of praise and worship it not only blesses Him, it blesses us in our Spirit and it blesses those around us. There were a lot of other songs of praise that we sang as well. What are some of your favorite songs of praise that you enjoy singing to the LORD?

 

Daily Bible Reading:

Psalm 134:1-3

1 [[A Song of degrees.]] Behold, bless ye the LORD, all ye servants of the LORD, which by night stand in the house of the LORD.
2 Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the LORD.
3 The LORD that made heaven and earth bless thee out of Zion.

 

Things to think about:

  • Do you enjoy singing praises to the LORD? If so, why?
  • In what ways do you enjoy worshiping God in your church?
  • In what ways do you praise God for His creation?
  • How does it bless your soul when you sing praises to God?

 

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for this Scripture in Psalm 134. Even though the chapter is short the Psalmist reminds us to bless You. Help us to take time out of our busy schedules to spend time in praise and worship of You. Help us to give thanks and blessing to You for all You have done for us. Help us not to take You and Your work for granted. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

 

Daily Bible Verse:

stand in the house of the LORD.

– Psalm 134:1

This is an excerpt from The Book of Psalms: Part 5 Chapters 120-150.

Click the link above to get your copy now!

 

For the study of Psalm 119 see my book: Psalm 119: Thy Word is a Lamp unto My Feet.

 

Christian Music Video: Bless the Lord – Matt Redman

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:

psalms_part_5-25The Book of Psalms: Part 5 Chapters 120-150
By Deborah H. Bateman

About the book:

The Book of Psalms: Part 5 Chapters 120-150 by Deborah H. Bateman is 30th 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 contains approximately thirty chapters from the book of Psalms.

Psalm 119 was published in a book 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.

This part of the book of Psalms contains fifteen of the Songs of degrees. They were the songs or chants that the people of Israel sang as they journeyed to Jerusalem. It also contains some of the Psalms of David.

The Book of Psalms: Part 5 Chapters 120-150 contains thirty-eight 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.

Go to Amazon

Get your copy now!

 

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

 

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

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Daily Bible Reading “Celebrating God’s Blessings” (Ezra 3:8-13)

Ezra 3 celebrating God's blessingsCelebrating God’s Blessings

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Ezra 3:8-13. Our next lesson fast forwards in time to mid spring, April and May of 536. The second month of the second year finds the Israelites ready to build the house of the LORD.

Zerubbabel, Jeshua, the priests and Levites appointed men from the tribe of Levi who were 20 years old and older to oversee the work on the Temple of God. They gathered the workmen, and the builders laid the foundation.

When the foundation was completed, the Israelites had a victory celebration. The priests dressed in their ceremonial garments took their places. They blew their trumpets, while the sons of Asaph, originally appointed as musicians by King David, added their cymbals to the celebration.  Everyone worshipped and praised the LORD.

Zechariah 4:10 says, “For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they are the eyes of the LORD, which run to and fro through the whole earth.”

They were praising God because He is good and His mercy endures forever toward Israel. With shouts and praises to the LORD, the people rejoiced that the foundation of the Temple of God was completed. There were mixed emotions during the celebration, though, because some of the older men who remembered the first temple were saddened. They remembered the glory of Solomon’s Temple, even though more than fifty years had passed since its destruction. The noise of the people’s celebration was so great it was hard to discern between the shouts of joy and the expressions of sadness. The Bible tells us that the noise was heard from far away.

Isn’t it funny how people can attend the same event and experience different emotions? Sometimes significant events can bring about mixed feelings, just like this one did for the children of Israel. Certain things may trigger emotions from our past and cause sadness or joy.
The celebration reminds us that we need to thank God along the way for each success He gives us. The Israelites were thanking God that the foundation of the Temple of God was built, even though the whole temple was not yet completed. Similarly, God is not through with us yet. Like the temple, we are a work in progress, and need to celebrate the victories He gives us along the way.

 

Daily Bible Reading:

Ezra 3:8-13

8 Now in the second year of their coming unto the house of God at Jerusalem, in the second month, began Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and the remnant of their brethren the priests and the Levites, and all they that were come out of the captivity unto Jerusalem; and appointed the Levites, from twenty years old and upward, to set forward the work of the house of the LORD.

9 Then stood Jeshua with his sons and his brethren, Kadmiel and his sons, the sons of Judah, together, to set forward the workmen in the house of God: the sons of Henadad, with their sons and their brethren the Levites.

10 And when the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD, they set the priests in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites the sons of Asaph with cymbals, to praise the LORD, after the ordinance of David king of Israel.

11 And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the LORD; because he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid.

12 But many of the priests and Levites and chief of the fathers, who were ancient men, that had seen the first house, when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes, wept with a loud voice; and many shouted aloud for joy:

13 So that the people could not discern the noise of the shout of joy from the noise of the weeping of the people: for the people shouted with a loud shout, and the noise was heard afar off.

 

Things to think about:

  • What do you thank God for through praise and worship?
  • How do you celebrate the victories of God in your life?
  • What are some ways we can celebrate God?

 

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the glimpse of Your people celebrating the victory You gave them when the foundation of the Temple of God was completed in Jerusalem. Help us to celebrate the victories You give us in our lives by worshiping and praising You. Help us to rejoice with those who are happy, and show Your compassion by crying with those who are sad. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

This is an excerpt from: The Book of Ezra: A Story of Provision and Protection

 

Christian Music Video: 10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord) – Matt Redman

 

Featured Book: Have you read:

The Book of Ezra 25The Book of Ezra: A Story of Provision and Protection

by Deborah H. Bateman

About the Book:

The Book of Ezra: A Story of Provision and Protection by Deborah H. Bateman is a Daily Bible Reading Study of the book of Ezra. The book of Ezra is found in the Old Testament of the Bible. After seventy years of Babylonian captivity God commissions King Cyrus to write a decree allowing the Jewish people to return home for the purpose of building the second temple at Jerusalem.

God is faithful to provide all their needs and protect them on their journey and throughout the process of the building of the temple despite the opposition and their own disobedience.

Each lesson consists of a brief commentary by the author, the Daily Bible Reading Scripture, a few questions for contemplation or discussion, and a prayer of the day. The Book of Ezra: A Story of Provision and Protection is a great Bible study for personal or group Bible study.

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.

Go to: http://amazon.com/dp/B0094XSHMC

Get your copy now!

 

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

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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.

If you haven’t already, be sure to subscribe to Deborah H. Bateman to receive the Daily Bible Reading Lessons in your inbox.

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 the Bible along with us.