Daily Bible Reading “The Narrow Gate” (Matthew 7:13-29)

Posted on January 7, 2025 by Deborah H. Bateman

The Narrow Gate

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Matthew 7:13-29. In this Scripture, Jesus says, “Wide is the gate to destruction, but narrow is the gate that leads to life, therefore few will find it.” Which path are you on?

He tells us to beware of false prophets. Jesus goes on to compare people with trees, saying a good tree produces good fruit and an evil tree produces evil fruit. You can test people by the fruit they bear. Jesus tells us not everybody who professes to call Him Lord will enter into heaven.

Jesus compares a wise man who builds his house on a solid rock and a foolish one who builds his house on sand. When the rain or storms of life come, which one stands? Of course, the one who builds his house on the solid rock. Read this Scripture and determine where you stand with God.

Daily Bible Reading:

Matthew 7:13-29

13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.
28 And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:
29 For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

Things to think about:

Are you going through the wide gate or the narrow gate?
Is your life built on the solid foundation of Jesus Christ?
Have you made sure of your salvation?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this Scripture where Jesus speaks to the people. Help us find the narrow gate that leads to life eternal. Help us be like the trees that bring forth good fruit and the man who builds his house on the rock. You are the rock, LORD. Help us to do what You teach us in Your word. We love You, LORD. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and …

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few there be that find it.

– Matthew 7:14

– This is an excerpt from The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ

Christian Music Video: Narrow Road – Hillsong

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

Featured Book:

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

About the book:

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

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

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

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Daily Bible Reading “A-S-K” (Matthew 7:1-12)

Posted on January 6, 2025 by Deborah H. Bateman

A-S-K

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Matthew 7:1-12. In this Scripture, Jesus tells us not to judge one another, so we won’t be judged. We really have no right to judge someone else, because we have all sinned and come short of the glory of God. We have all made mistakes. We have all made bad decisions.

In Matthew 7:7-12, Jesus tells us to ask and it shall be given to you. Then He compares our kids asking us for something to us asking our heavenly Father for something. He says if we know how to give good gifts to our children, how much more our heavenly Father should know how to give good gifts to us, as we are His children.

The Bible says we have not because we ask not. Have you ever thought about the word ASK? Look at Matthew 7:7-8, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” Let’s look at an acrostic of the word ASK.

A-Ask-It shall be given you
S-Seek-Ye shall find
K-Knock-It shall be opened unto you

We just need to ASK: not only for the things we need, but we need to think about the gift of salvation that God gives us through His Son. We need to ask for forgiveness; if we ask, we’ll receive salvation. Seek: we need to seek the Lord; if we seek Him, we’ll find Him. Knock: we need to pray and knock on the door until it is opened to us.

Daily Bible Reading:

Matthew 7:1-12

1 Judge not, that ye be not judged.
2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?
5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.
6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.
7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
9 Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?
10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?
11 If ye Then being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.

Things to think about:

Should we judge others?
Should we ask God for the things we need?
Should we seek God?
Have you knocked on the door of salvation until it was opened for you?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this Scripture that tells us to ask You for our needs. Our greatest need is for salvation. You answered that need by sending Your Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for our sins. All we have to do is ask You for forgiveness and accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior. We thank You for the gift of salvation. Help us not to judge one another and to be forgiving of one another. We love You, Lord. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: – Matthew 7:7

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– This is an excerpt from The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ

Christian Music Video: “Mighty to Save” – Hillsong

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

Featured Book:

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

About the book:

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.

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

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Daily Bible Reading “The LORD is Righteous” (Psalm 129:1-8)

Posted on December 18, 2024 by Deborah H. Bateman

The LORD is Righteous

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Psalm 129:1-8. Psalm 129 is another of the song of degrees, which was sung or chanted while on the way to Jerusalem. The people of Israel went to Jerusalem three times a year for Passover, Pentecost, and tabernacles. They would go as families. The Psalmist starts this Psalm saying that many times Israel has been afflicted, but the enemy wasn’t able to prevail against Israel.

Israel had other countries come against them, but God is faithful, He protected them against their enemies. The Psalmist acknowledges that the enemy plowed through Zion, but says those who hate Zion have been put to shame.

He declares that the enemies withered like the grass on the rooftop that withers before it grows up. Can you picture that in your mind? The enemies who come against Zion are struck down before they get started good. The children of Israel knew they had enemies, but they trusted God to watch over them and protect them from their enemies.

The Psalmist says neither do they say “The blessing of the LORD be upon you: we bless you in the name of the LORD.” There are those who may rise up against Israel and against Christians, but the LORD will prevail in the end. Israel is His promised land and He will guard it like a shepherd guards His sheep.

These songs of ascents are great motivation and encouragement songs. They were almost like the chants in the army to keep the soldiers marching in stride. They helped keep the people moving forward toward their destination.

Daily Bible Reading:

Psalm 129:1-8

1 [[A Song of degrees.]] Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth, may Israel now say:
2 Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth: yet they have not prevailed against me.
3 The plowers plowed upon my back: they made long their furrows.
4 The LORD is righteous: he hath cut asunder the cords of the wicked.
5 Let them all be confounded and turned back that hate Zion.
6 Let them be as the grass upon the housetops, which withereth afore it groweth up:
7 Wherewith the mower filleth not his hand; nor he that bindeth sheaves his bosom.
8 Neither do they which go by say, The blessing of the LORD be upon you: we bless you in the name of the LORD.

Things to think about:

Why are some people enemies with Israel?
In what ways do you count the LORD as righteous and faithful to His children?
In what ways do you bless others in the name of the LORD?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for this Scripture in Psalm 129 where the Psalmist reminds us of Your loyalty to Israel and to Your children. LORD, we pray for the peace of Israel. We pray for Your protective hand over them. Help us to treasure Your righteousness toward Your children. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

The LORD is righteous: he hath cut asunder the cords of the wicked. – Psalm 129:4

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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:

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 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.

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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 “Blessed are Those Who Fear the LORD” (Psalm 128:1-6)

Posted on December 17, 2024 by Deborah H. Bateman

Blessed are Those Who Fear the LORD

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Psalm 128:1-6. Psalm 128 is another one of the Songs of degrees that the children of Israel sang on their journey to Jerusalem. The Psalmist starts by saying, “Blessed are those who fear the LORD, and walk in His ways.” They will eat the labor of their hands. They will be happy and it will be well with them.

Their wives will be like a fruitful vine on the side of their house. The LORD will bless the man and his wife who fear Him to be fruitful and multiply, having children to teach to love and fear the LORD. Their children will be like olive plants around their table.

One of the most rewarding places for family fellowship is around the table. I love when I cook a nice meal and have my family gathered around the table for dinner and fellowship with one another. Sometimes we may sit there for an hour or so after dinner and talk with each other. I really enjoy that special time together.

In this Psalm it talks about those who fear the LORD. This is not speaking of being afraid of God, but respecting and honoring Him as we would our earthly father. Those who respect the LORD will be blessed. The LORD will bless them from Zion and they will see the good of Jerusalem all their days. They will see the blessings of the LORD in their lives. They will live to see their children’s children, and peace in Jerusalem. What a great promise to be able to live to see your grandchildren and be able to see peace in Jerusalem, which sometimes looks like it may be when Jesus returns.

This Psalm is a promise that those who love, honor, and respect the LORD will be blessed. Some of their blessings include the blessing of family. The LORD will bless those who seek Him and walk in His ways.

Daily Bible Reading:

Psalm 128:1-6

1 [[A Song of degrees.]] Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways.
2 For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee.
3 Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table.
4 Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the LORD.
5 The LORD shall bless thee out of Zion: and thou shalt see the good of Jerusalem all the days of thy life.
6 Yea, thou shalt see thy children’s children, and peace upon Israel.

Things to think about:

In what ways do you fear the LORD?
How do you walk in the ways of the LORD?
In what ways do you think of your family as a blessing from the LORD?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for this Scripture in Psalm 128 where the Psalmist reminds us that those who fear You and walk in Your ways will be blessed. We thank You for the blessing of our families. Help us to seek Your face and walk in Your ways. Help us to respect, revere, and fear You. Help us to know You and have a personal relationship with You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

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: Psalm 128

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 5 Chapters 120-150
By Deborah H. Bateman

About the book:

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: 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 “Unless the LORD Builds the House” (Psalm 127:1-5)

Posted on December 16, 2024 by Deborah H. Bateman

Unless the LORD Builds the House

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Psalm 127:1-5. Psalm 127 is a Song of degrees for Solomon. The Psalmist starts by saying, “Except the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain that build it: unless the LORD keeps the city, the watchman walks in vain.” If the LORD is not protecting the city, all the watchmen in the world can’t keep the city safe. When God is on our side we can be victorious in whatever duties we are given.

The Psalmist reminds us it is vain for us to wake up early and sit up late and to eat the bread of sorrows because He gives His beloved rest. Does this sound familiar? Have you ever found yourself working really hard, staying up late and getting up early, almost to the point of exhaustion? I sure have. It reminds me that we can work ourselves to death, but if the LORD isn’t in what we are doing, it’s all in vain.

If we can find rest in the LORD and trust Him to work on our behalf, to give us favor, we don’t have to overwork ourselves. That doesn’t mean we can be lazy and expect Him to take care of everything for us, but we can have peace and joy in Him while we work. I have to remind myself to do everything in moderation. We can do something good, but get it out of perspective and it becomes something bad or at least not good for us.

The Psalmist reminds us that children are a heritage of the LORD. The fruit of the womb is God’s reward. Children are a blessing from the LORD. The Psalmist declares that the man whose house is full of children is happy.

The Psalmist ends the Psalm by saying, “They are not ashamed, but they speak with the enemies at the gate.” If we rest in the LORD and put our complete faith and trust in Him we will be happy, not ashamed. We’ll be able to share with others the goodness of the LORD in our lives.

Daily Bible Reading:

Psalm 127:1-5

1 [[A Song of degrees for Solomon.]] Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.
2 It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.
3 Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
4 As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.
5 Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.

Things to think about:

Have you ever found yourself trying to do things in your own strength? If so, when?
How often do you seek the LORD for His input in your life?
In what ways do you count children as a heritage from the LORD?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this Scripture in Psalm 127 where the Psalmist reminds us to find rest in You. Help us LORD as we go about our daily lives, not to work in vain, but to seek Your face, Your help, and Your favor in whatever we do. Thank You for the children You have given us; help us to treasure them as a gift from You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except …

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the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.

– Psalm 127:1

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:

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 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 the 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 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.

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

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Recipe for Life