Daily Bible Reading “Jesus Discusses Divorce” (Matthew 19:1-12)

Posted on March 6, 2024 by Deborah H. Bateman

Jesus Discusses Divorce

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Matthew 19:1-12. In this Scripture, Jesus is at the coasts of Judea, beyond Jordan. The multitudes followed Him, and He healed them. The Pharisees came and tempted Him, asking if it was lawful for a man to put away his wife for any reason? Back in Biblical times, they had several different ideas about when divorce was permitted. Why would they have conflicting ideas about this subject?

We still have these concerns in our society today. Jesus tells them the ideal was for a man and woman to become one flesh and what God joined, no man could put asunder. We often hear this in the vows people make when they get married. Then they asked Jesus why Moses commanded to give a writing of divorcement and to put the wife away? You can find the Scripture for the Law of Moses in Deuteronomy 24 if you would like to read it. Jesus said Moses allowed this because of the hardness of their hearts, but from the beginning, it was not so.

Jesus goes on to explain what happens when people divorce and says it can cause adultery. There are repercussions of divorce, for the couple and the family. If at all possible it is preferred for you to save your marriage. Sometimes it isn’t possible if the couple can’t reconcile their differences.

They ask Jesus, “Wouldn’t it be better for people to stay single?” Jesus tells them not all people can live single lives. There are people who refrain from marriage to serve God. Marriage is a covenant and isn’t meant to be taken lightly. A lot of people think from the beginning, “If it doesn’t work out we can get a divorce.” Marriage shouldn’t be entered into with that attitude. Marriage isn’t easy, but there are great rewards for having a family and a partner for life.

Daily Bible Reading:

Matthew 19:1-12

1 And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these sayings, he departed from Galilee, and came into the coasts of Judaea beyond Jordan;
2 And great multitudes followed him; and he healed them there.
3 The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?
4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,
5 And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?
6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
7 They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away?
8 He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so.
9 And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.
10 His disciples say unto him, If the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry.
11 But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given.
12 For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother’s womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it.

Things to think about:

Why does Jesus say it is best not to divorce?

Why does Jesus say Moses made provisions for divorce?

Why did Jesus say it isn’t possible for some to live the single life?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this Scripture where Jesus tells Your perspective on marriage and divorce. Help those of us who are married to be committed to our marriage relationship. For those of us who aren’t married, help us to do Your will concerning these issues. Help us to be committed to You and Your work. In Jesus’ name, we pray. We love You, LORD. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, …

Click To Tweet

Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause? – Matthew 19:3

The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ

Get your copy now!

Christian Video: Broken Together – Casting Crowns

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.

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 “God Does Not Give Us the Spirit of Fear” (2 Timothy 1:7)

Posted on February 26, 2024 by Deborah H. Bateman

God Does Not Give Us the Spirit of Fear

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 2 Timothy 1:7. Second Timothy 1:7 reminds us, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”

Have you ever been afraid of something? What is your greatest fear? Has there ever been a time in your life that you were crippled by fear?

I had a time like that in my life when I was overcome with fear about the future. As Christians, we shouldn’t have that problem. But when we take our eyes off of God and put them on our circumstances it is easy to be overcome by fear.

I was a corporate employee for more than twenty-two years. When I found out I was going to lose my job due to a surplus situation I became fearful. The enemy tried to tell me we were not going to make it. My salary was about half of our household income at the time. Even though I had been a Christian for many years I let this fear overtake me for a while. Finally, with the Lord’s help, I began to quote this Scripture where Paul reminds Timothy it is not God who gives us the spirit of fear. God gives us the spirit of power, love, and a sound mind.

As I began to use this Scripture and others from the Bible to reassure myself that God was in control and any doubt or fear I had was not from Him, I gradually overcame the fear in my life through applying God’s Word. I learned to trust God and realized He could provide for me in any way He chose. You see, I had been trusting in my strength and my power to make a living and provide for myself. I had to put my trust in God completely.

Have you ever had a circumstance like this in your life? When the enemy tries to make you afraid, remind yourself of this Scripture. He’ll try to do anything he can to defeat you and bring you down. You can’t let him win; you have to proclaim the promises in God’s Word. Quote this Scripture to yourself over and over until you get it in your spirit.

God doesn’t give you the spirit of fear. If you are fearful, that fear comes from the enemy. Remind yourself the spirit that comes from God is of power, love, and a sound mind. God empowers you through His love.

Things to think about:

What are you afraid of right now? What often makes you feel afraid?

Who gives us the spirit of fear?

What kind of things does God’s Spirit give us?

Who should we trust?
How can we overcome fear?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear God,

Thank You for this Scripture which reminds us that You don’t make us afraid. Help us to have feelings of love, power, and good thoughts. Forgive us for letting the enemy try to make us fearful. Help us to claim the promises of Your Word. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.– 2 Timothy 1:7

Click To Tweet

–Excerpt from God Is Love ~ Deborah H. Bateman

Christian Music Video:

Featured Book:

God Is Love

by Deborah H. Bateman

About the book:

God is Love is a Daily Bible Reading Study by Deborah H. Bateman. It contains 19 daily devotionals on Scriptures about love from the Bible: including God’s love for us, the love relationship between a husband and wife, love and honoring our parents, and much more.

This devotional would be great for either a personal daily devotions or group Bible studies, including small groups, and Sunday school classes. Each devotional contains a brief commentary by the author, the daily Bible Scripture, a prayer of the day, and several questions for personal reflection or group discussion.

In God is Love, Deborah strives to show you not only what love is, but that love comes from God, as well as the love of God surpasses all imagination. Her goal for you as you read this book is that you would realize how much God loves you.

Benefits of reading God is Love
• You will learn what love is
• You will learn about different kinds of love
• You will learn how much God loves you
• You will learn of the sacrifice made by God because of His love for you

Available on Amazon

Get your copy now!

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

Recipe for Life

Like Deborah H. Bateman on Facebook

Daily Bible Reading “All Things Work Together for Good” (Romans 8:28-31)

Posted on February 22, 2024 by Deborah H. Bateman

All Things Work Together for Good

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Romans 8:28-31. This is one of my favorite passages of Scripture. I love the promise in Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” He doesn’t say “some things” He says “all things work together for good to those who love God, and are called according to His purpose.” This is what I call my life verse. It is a verse from the Bible I have treasured as long as I can remember.

Those who He called He justified, and glorified. If you have been called as a child of God He has justified you and glorified you. You are a new creature in Christ Jesus. The Bible tells us “old things are passed away and all things become new.” When you become a Christian you put the old sinful life behind you and take on the new life of being renewed in Christ.

If God is for us who can be against us? This is something we need to remind ourselves of constantly. Even if someone is against us in this life, how much does it really matter in the scheme of eternal things?

Daily Bible Reading:

Romans 8:28-31

28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

Things to think about:

Have you been called by God?

What does verse twenty-eight promise? How does that promise matter in your life?

If God is for us who can be against us?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear God,

We thank You that we can be sure that all things work together for good to those who love You. We thank You for Your Son who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. Help us to stand on Your promises. Help us to know in our hearts “if God is for us who can be against us.” In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to …

Click To Tweet

them who are the called according to his purpose.

– Romans 8:28

–Excerpt from God Is Love ~ Deborah H. Bateman

Christian Music Video:

Featured Book:

God Is Love

by Deborah H. Bateman

About the book:

Available on Amazon

Get your copy now!

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

Recipe for Life

Like Deborah H. Bateman on Facebook

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.

Daily Bible Reading “Go Work in my Vineyard” (Matthew 20:1-16)

Posted on March 12, 2023 by Deborah H. Bateman

Go Work in my Vineyard

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Matthew 20:1-16. In this Scripture, Jesus says the kingdom of heaven is like this story about a man who went out to hire people to work in his vineyard. He made an agreement with the laborers to work for a penny a day (which was considered a day’s wages during that time). Can you imagine working for a penny a day?

The man went out again at the third, sixth, ninth, and eleventh hours (9 a.m., noon, 3 p.m., and 5 p.m.) and found others standing in the marketplace and told them to go work in his vineyard and he would pay them whatever was right.

At the end of the day, the vineyard owner calls to his steward and tells him to call the laborers and give them their hire, beginning with the last ones he hired to the first ones he hired. All of the men received a penny.

When the steward got to the first man, he complained because he thought he should receive more, but the owner of the vineyard told him that he received what they agreed upon. The owner tells him he has done him no wrong: “Is your eye evil, because I am good? The last shall be first and the first shall be last; many are called, few are chosen.”

Every soul is precious to God, whether they have been saved for twenty years or two days. Everyone who is saved will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. What if God gave us what we deserved?

The Bible says the harvest is plenteous, but the laborers are few. Has God called you to work in His vineyard? What can you do? What can you contribute? If you are not sure, ask God to show you how He can use you to further His kingdom.

Daily Bible Reading:

Matthew 20:1-16

1 For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard.
2 And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard.
3 And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace,
4 And said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way.
5 Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise.
6 And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle?
7 They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.
8 So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first.
9 And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny.
10 But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny.
11 And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house,
12 Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day.
13 But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny?
14 Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee.
15 Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?
16 So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.

Things to think about:

How is Jesus pictured in this Scripture?

Do you find it strange that those who were hired last were paid the same as those who were hired first?

Of what is this Scripture representative?

What does the Scripture mean when it says, “The last will be first and the first will be last?”

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this Scripture which lets us know that every soul is precious to You. We thank You that You are not a respecter of persons, but You love us all equally. Help us to be more like You and not be looking at what everybody else is doing, but only be concerned with our relationship with You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. We love You, LORD. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard. – Matthew 20:1

The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ

Get your copy now!

Christian Video: The Parable of the Laborers

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:

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 “Thou Art Worthy” (Revelation 5:1-14)

Posted on March 7, 2023 by Deborah H. Bateman

Thou Art Worthy

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Revelation 5:1-14. :
I don’t claim to know everything about the prophesy of the Bible, but there is something in this Scripture I wanted to share with you since we have been talking about praising God and the Lord, Jesus Christ.

John is describing a scene that he saw. He says he sees Him who sits on the throne which is believed to be God with a book that is sealed with seven seals. He hears an angel proclaiming, “Who is worthy to open the book?” No one is found worthy, which makes John cry, but an elder tells John to behold the Lion of Judah who is worthy to open the book.

Jesus is referred to as the Lion of Judah, the Messiah, and the lamb that was slain. The lion is a symbol of His strength, boldness, and courageous. As the lion is the king of all the beasts, Jesus is the king of kings. The lion also represents His vigilance. In the Old Testament Jesus was also known as the son of David and the root of David, since He was from David’s blood line.

Read the Scripture and look at the way people worshipped and praise Jesus. This is what I wanted you to see from this Scripture. How can we use this example to worship and praise Him? The Bible tells us that the day will come when every knee will bow and worship Him, but we don’t want to wait until then. How can we worship Him daily? Does this Scripture help you to see that He deserves our worship and praise?

In the book of Esther the Jewish people set up a special day called PURIM to celebrate their victory through God. Are there any special days or ways in your family that you celebrate God for who He is and what He has done in your life? It is important that we teach our children to praise and worship God through our example. How can we better honor both God and Jesus Christ through praise and worship?

Daily Bible Reading:

Revelation 5: 1-14

1 And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.
2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?
3 And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.
4 And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.
5 And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.
6 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.
7 And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.
8 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.
9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;
12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.
13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.
14 And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.

Things to think about:

What did you learn from this lesson about worshiping and praising God and the Lord, Jesus Christ?
Have you accepted Jesus as the sacrifice for your sins?
Can you see yourself in this scene?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for this Scripture, where we see how the people worshiped You and Your Son. Help us to learn from this example. Thank You for Your Son, who was sacrificed for our sins. Help us to honor Him and praise Him, for He is worthy. In Jesus’ precious name, we pray. Amen.

Excerpt from: PURIM Celebration: 28 Daily Devotionals by Deborah H. Bateman and Friends

Another book by Deborah concerning Purim

The Book of Esther: A Story of Love and Favor

The Jewish people celebrated Purim this week.

Free Ebook Giveaway thru Thursday

Get your copy now!

Featured Book:

PURIM Celebration: 28 Daily Devotionals

by Deborah H. Bateman

About the book:

PURIM Celebration: 28 Daily Devotionals is a Daily Bible Reading Study Book by Deborah H. Bateman and friends. It is a compilation of 28 Daily Devotionals by Deborah and fourteen of her author and writer friends.

Purim is a holiday that was started back in the days of Queen Esther and is still celebrated today. Deborah took the letters of PURIM and created categories for the contributors to write about:

• P=Praise
• U=Un-forgiveness or Forgiveness
• R=Relationships
• I=Inspirational
• M=Marriage

One of the traditions of Purim is giving gifts to the poor. In light of that tradition we have decided that a portion of the proceeds of this book will go to charity.

PURIM Celebration was originally created as part of Deborah’s Book Launch for her book: The Book of Esther: A Story of Love and Favor which was published in 2012.

PURIM Celebration includes devotionals from: Mary Pacheco, Penny Zeller, Katherine Harms, Dave Moore, Marlo Schalesky, Judith Robl, Lynn Dove, Buffy Crabtree, Deborah McCarragher, Shawn Lamb, Serge Roux-Levrat, Lily Brenner, Heidi Faith, and Lisa Buffaloe. The book is edited by Lisa Lickel, one of my friends in the John 3:16 Networking Group.

Some of the contributors are from the John 3:16 Network Marketing group Deborah belongs to. Some of the writers are from a coaching program that Deborah participates in. One of the authors is from the Palmetto Christian Writer’s Network Deborah is a member of. The rest of the writers and authors are friends Deborah has made over the past few years online.

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.

Christian Music Video:

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.

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

Recipe for Life