Daily Bible Reading “I Am the Door” (John 10:1-10)

Posted on April 5, 2022 by Deborah H. Bateman

I Am the Door

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from John 1:1-10.

“I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture” (John 10:9).

In this Scripture, Jesus tells a parable saying He is the door and those who enter by Him will be saved. He declares that those who don’t enter by the door into the sheepfold are thieves and robbers. Those who enter by the door are the shepherds of the sheep. The sheep hear the voice of their shepherd. He calls his sheep by name and leads them.

The sheep follow their shepherd because they know his voice. They won’t follow strangers because they don’t recognize their voices. In fact, they will flee from strangers. In verse seven Jesus tells them, “I am the door of the sheep.” He says all those who came before Him were thieves and robbers. The sheep didn’t hear them because they didn’t know their voices.

Jesus warns them saying that the thief comes to kill, steal and destroy. Then, He comforts them by saying, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” We are to beware of the thief and listen for the voice of Jesus who calls us to enter the door to eternal life.

Daily Bible Reading:

John 10:1-10

1 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.
2 But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.
3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.
5 And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.
6 This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them.
7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.
8 All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.
9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

Things to think about:

What is a door’s purpose?

How does the Shepherd lead His sheep?

How do sheep react to strangers?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for this Scripture where we learn that Jesus is the door of the sheep. Help the sheep to hear His voice and follow Him. Help us not to listen to any other voice but His. Help us to have the abundant life that Jesus died to give us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. – John 10:9

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Featured Book:

I AM: Jesus, the Son of God

By Deborah H. Bateman

About the Book:

Jesus asks his disciples the question, “Who do men say that I am?” Then, through different metaphors, He describes who He is.

In I AM: Jesus, the Son of God, Deborah H. Bateman shares biblical illustrations on each of these topics and includes the reason God sent Jesus to the world. This book will help you more fully grasp who Jesus is and His purpose in your life.

I AM: Jesus, the Son of God is the thirty-third book in the Daily Bible Reading Series. The book contains ten Daily Bible Reading lessons. Each lesson consists of a brief commentary by the author, the Daily Bible Reading Scripture, a few questions for consideration or discussion, a prayer, and a Bible Verse to journal or memorize. This book is great as a personal devotional or a group Bible Study. Get your copy today. You will be glad you did.

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Deborah

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Daily Bible Reading “The Reason behind Praise” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

Posted on November 16, 2021 by Deborah H. Bateman

The Reason behind Praise

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is by my friend, Amanda Beth. I recently pulled out the journal I have been writing in since 2002. As I was flipping through it, I noticed on every page I wrote about some trial I was going through at the time. Recalling some of the trials brought me to tears, and I wanted to go back and tell myself, “Look ahead! Stop worrying! It works out on the next page! God got me through it!”

If we could write down our problems today and then flip the page ahead and write down: “It all worked out. God got me through it.” How much more would we find ourselves praising God instead of worrying?

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

-1 Thessalonians 5:18

I used to wonder why God tells us to praise Him. I remember thinking, “Does God say that because He needs our praises?” But I knew in my heart that wasn’t the reason. I knew it had to be for our benefit.

God eventually revealed to me why He desires our praises. Years ago, I created an online Praise Report Group where people could come and share how God was working in their lives. When I wasn’t seeing God work in my life, it often encouraged me to see Him work in the lives of others. I knew God was not partial to anyone, so it helped me keep the faith, believing He would work in my life as well. So I created the Praise Report Group to bring encouragement to others.

The site started out well, but then slowly came down to only me posting. During that time of praise, I noticed there was a significant difference in my life. Another woman who had shared her praises during that time expressed the same thing. She felt more joyful when she lifted her heart in praise.

We often wait to praise God until something good happens in our lives, when we should be praising Him before it happens. Praise keeps us looking expectantly to God instead of focusing on our problems.

“I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High” (Psalm 9:1-2).

I believe praise shows God that we trust Him. When we trust Him, we won’t be stressed out trying to solve our problems on our own. Philippians 4:6 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

We tend to share with God our prayer requests more often than our praises. Jesus said in Matthew 6:9-10 this is how we should pray, beginning with: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

We are also told in Psalm 100:4 to: “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to HIM and praise HIS name.”

Our prayers seem to mostly be, “Father, help ME … give ME … provide for ME … what about ME ….” I had a revelation of this at a church play one year. In one scene, all the individuals on the stage were crying out to God at the same time, each separately sharing his own troubles. Being in the front row, after about a minute of listening to their moans, it started to get overwhelming and I thought, “My gosh! Is that how we sound to You, Lord?”

If I had created a prayer request group, I don’t think it would have ended like my Praise Report Group did. We are gladly willing to share our requests, but not as willing to share our praises.

With Thanksgiving coming up, we often think about what we are thankful for. What if we challenge ourselves to be thankful the other 364 days a year?

I believe we would see our lives dramatically change for the better. We would be content and enjoying our lives, instead of depressed and worried all the time. In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus told us not to worry about our lives. He said in verse 33, “Seek first HIS kingdom and HIS righteousness, and ALL these things will be given to you as well.”

If we spent our days praising God and seeking Him we would find our needs being met. When I am filled with praise and enjoying God, my faith grows and I start trusting Him to provide for my needs. Praise strengthens our faith, which opens the door in our hearts to receive what Jesus died to give us.

“For no matter how many promises God has made, they are Yes in Christ. And so through Him the Amen is spoken by us to the glory of God” (2 Corinthians 1:20).

Everything God has promised in His Word has been given to us through Christ. So when a situation comes up, we should praise God that He has already provided the solution through Jesus.

The solution may not always be what we think it should be, but it will be what we need. In my journal, all my trials didn’t necessarily work out on the next page the way I wanted them to. They did, however, work out for my benefit. I may not have seen the good right away, but looking back now, I can see how God used those trials to teach and equip me for His calling on my life.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

I want to challenge you today to flip the page. Fill your heart and lips with praise that God has already provided the solution to every situation you will ever face. Thank Him every day. Be filled with praise. And watch and see your life change as God works everything out for your benefit.

Things to think about:

How can we stand on the promises of God to see us through?
How does praising God help our attitude?
How does looking back in our life to how God has worked things out encourage us for the future?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We praise You that You work our trials out for our good. We praise You that You provide for all our needs. And You never leave us. Help us to remember this as we praise You 365 days a year. You are more than worthy of our praises. We praise You in Jesus’ precious name, Amen.

Bible Verse to Journal or Memorize:

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. – 1 Thessalonians 5:18

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This devotional was contributed by my friend Amanda Beth

Scripture in this devotional is from the NIV version of the Bible.

“Give Thanks” by Deborah H. Bateman and Friends

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Featured Book:

Give Thanks

by Deborah H. Bateman and Friends

About the book:

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

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

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

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Deborah

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Daily Bible Reading “A Call to Pray for our Nation” (2 Chronicles 7:14)

Posted on October 30, 2019 by Deborah H. Bateman

A Call to Pray for our Nation

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 2 Chronicles 7:14. The Bible says, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

With the state our country and the world are in today, we need to take this verse seriously. We need to pray for our country, its leaders, and the world as a whole every day.

God loves us and He wants the best for us, but when we disregard His Word, we put ourselves and others in danger. If all Christians would repent and turn back to God we may see a big change in our country and in the world.

If we would put forth more effort to share the Gospel so more people would come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior it could make a great difference in the world.

Sometimes, as believers, we become content with the fact that we are heaven bound, and forget about the rest of the world which is lost and on their way to eternal damnation.

Think about what you, as a born again Christian, can do to make a difference in the world. Let’s band together and make a commitment to pray for our country and for the entire world every day.

Daily Bible Reading:

2 Chronicles 7:14

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Things to think about:

Who is this promise made to?
What does this verse say we should do to receive this promise?
What does God say He will do, if we do our part?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for this promise from Your Word. Help us to take note of it and abide by it. Help us to humble ourselves, and pray, and seek Your face on a daily basis. Help us to turn from our wicked ways. Please forgive us of our sins and heal our nation. Help us to do our part to share the Gospel with the people around us and throughout the world. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Excerpt from Christians Response to Government

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Featured Book: Have you read:

Christians Response to Government is a Daily Bible Reading Study by Deborah H. Bateman. It is Book 32 in the Daily Bible Reading Series. Deborah wrote this book in response to the events surrounding the 2016 United States Presidential election. This book was born as she searched her own heart to try to determine how to respond in this election. She searched the Scriptures to see what God had to say about what our response as Christians should be to government and decided to share what she discovered with you. Hopefully this book enlightens you and helps you to know how to respond in a godly way to the powers that be. Remember to check out the other books in the Daily Bible Reading Series by Deborah H. Bateman.

Christians Response to Government contains ten Daily Bible Reading Lessons. Each lesson contains a brief commentary by the author, the Daily Bible Reading Scriptures, a few questions for contemplation and discussion, which the author calls “Things to think about,” and a Prayer of the Day.

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Deborah

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Daily Bible Reading “Christians Response to Government” (Romans 13:1-7)

Posted on October 28, 2019 by Deborah H. Bateman

Christians Response to Government

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Romans 13:1-7. In this Scripture, the Apostle Paul writes to the people about the importance of being in subjection to those who are in authority over us. He reminds us that all those who are in power are ordained by God. That may be hard for some of us to believe.

Not everybody who God allows to be in power is to bless us. Sometimes God puts people in a position of authority over us to judge us.

If you go back and read chapter twelve, you will see that this message comes right after Paul reminds the people that they are to live at peace with everybody, if at all possible. He reminds them that they were not to seek vengeance because that was left up to the Lord to repay.

When we resist the powers that be, we resist the ordinance of God. Those who go against those in authority will find themselves in trouble.

Those who are in authority in government are not there to punish those who do good, but are there to enforce the laws of the land and dole out punishment to those who disobey the laws.

We don’t have to be afraid of those who are in power over us as long as we do what is right. However, if we disobey the laws of the land then we are subject to the wrath that they have the power to execute.

Those who are in authority are ministers of God, so we are subject to them. We are to pay tribute to them and honor them because of their position, even if we don’t agree with everything they say or do.

Remember, Paul and the people of his day were under the rule of the Roman Empire. It was not a democratic government and was not friendly to Christians, but Paul still recognized its authority.

Jesus, during His reign here on earth, suffered under the authority of Pontius Pilate, who was one of the worst rulers of their day. Paul was persecuted under the direction of Nero, who was the worst Roman emperor who ever ruled. But, they both recognized the authority of the government and were subject to them.

Some of the Christians during Paul’s day questioned whether they should be subject to the government rule or only be subject to God. Paul lets them know that they were not only subject to the laws of God, but also to the laws of the land.

As long as those in authority over us do not demand we do something that is against the laws of God, we are to be in subjection to them. As believers, we should be some of the best law-abiding citizens a country could have. We should be honest, pay our dues, and honor those in positions of authority.

Most of all, we should lift our political leaders up to God in prayer. We should ask Him to help them make good decisions for the people. We should ask Him to lead, guide, and direct them in their positions of authority.

Daily Bible Reading:

Romans 13:1-7

1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:

4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.

5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.

6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.

7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

Things to think about:

Why does Paul say we are to be subject to those who rule over us?
Who should fear those in authority in the government?
As Christians how should we respond to those who are in authority?

What can we do to support those who are in government positions?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for this Scripture where Paul reminds us of our position as Christians toward those in authority over us. Help us to be respectful, to obey the laws of the land, and be good examples of exemplary citizens. Help us to honor You in all that we do. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God:…

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the powers that be are ordained of God.

– Romans 13:1

This is an excerpt from Christians Response to Government.

Have you read the book? If not, click on the link above to get your copy.

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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:

Christians Response to Government

by Deborah H. Bateman

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Have a blessed day,

Deborah

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Daily Bible Reading “Avoid Foolish Questions” (Titus 3:9-15)

Posted on October 27, 2019 by Deborah H. Bateman

Avoid Foolish Questions

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Titus 3:9-15. Paul tells Titus to avoid stupid questions, discussions concerning ancestry, and controversy about the law, because they are not beneficial, in fact, they are useless. Why do you think Paul told Titus this?

Paul didn’t want Titus wasting his time on these things, but wanted him to simply preach and teach the Word of God. Paul instructs Titus that once he has warned a man twice about not doing these things, and he refuses to stop, then the person was to be rejected. Paul tells Titus these people aren’t stable. They are sinners who’ll condemn themselves.

Paul advises Titus that he is going to send Artemas or Tychicus to help him. He wants Titus to come to Nicopolis, a city in modern-day Greece, or Macedonia, on the Mediterranean Sea, to visit him, because that is where he will be spending the winter. Paul wanted Titus to bring Zenas, the lawyer and Apollos with him, so they wouldn’t be lacking anything. Paul makes sure that the church members know it is their responsibility to take care of those in the ministry. He reminds Titus to teach the people to continue to do good deeds for essential needs so they can be fruitful.

Paul ends the letter by telling Titus that everyone with him says hello. He tells Titus to tell those who love them in the faith hello. Then, Paul says, “Grace be with you all”. Amen. This letter was written to Titus, who was ordained as the first bishop of the church of the Cretians. Paul wrote it from Nicopolis in Macedonia.

Daily Bible Reading:

Titus 3:9-15

9 But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.

10 A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;

11 Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.

12 When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, be diligent to come unto me to Nicopolis: for I have determined there to winter.

13 Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them.

14 And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.

15 All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen. [The following was added by editors of the KJV: It was written to Titus, ordained the first bishop of the church of the Cretians, from Nicopolis of Macedonia.]

Things to think about:

What did Paul tell Titus to avoid?

What did Paul tell Titus to do with people who didn’t want to listen?

Do you know anybody that likes to argue about useless things?

How should we handle these people?
How can we encourage people in tough ministry situations?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this Scripture in the book of Titus. Paul reminds Titus not to get into useless disputes with people. Help us not to waste our time doing this either. Paul wanted Titus to stick to teaching the Word. Help us to do this as well. We ask Lord that You lead, guide, and direct in our lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Reading:

But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings …

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about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.

– Titus 3:9

Featured Book:

The Book of Titus: Paul’s Letter to Titus is a Daily Bible Reading study by Deborah H. Bateman. Titus is considered to be one of the Pastoral Epistles. Paul wrote these letters to help instruct the leaders of the churches how to handle certain situations and how to properly establish the churches of his day. The book of Titus is found in the New Testament of the Bible right after 2 Timothy.

The Book of Titus: Paul’s Letter to Titus contains six Daily Bible Reading lessons. Included in each lesson is a brief commentary, the Daily Bible Reading Scripture, a few questions for contemplation or discussion which Deborah calls: “Things to think about,” and a prayer to go along with the study. This Bible study is great for personal or group studies.

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.

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Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Come back again tomorrow. Invite your friends and family members to join us.

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

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