Daily Bible Reading “Mary Did You Know” (Matthew 1:18-25)

Posted on December 23, 2024 by Deborah H. Bateman

Mary Did You Know

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Matthew 1:18-25. Have you ever considered the real meaning of Christmas? It is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. While we do all kinds of things during the holiday season to celebrate, such as buying gifts, decorating our houses, decorating trees, going to parties, and having family celebrations, our focus should be on the real reason for the season.

In the previous study we looked at the genealogy of Jesus Christ. In this lesson, we go back to the beginning, when it was first discovered that Jesus Christ was going to be born into this world through a miracle of God.

Matthew starts telling about the birth of Jesus in Matthew 1:18. Mary was a virgin, chosen by God, to be the mother of Jesus. It was a miraculous birth, because Mary was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Think about how Mary must have felt when she found out she was expecting a child, but had never had a physical relationship with a man. Mary was engaged to Joseph, who was a just man. At first, he thought he should put her away privately and not make a public example of her.

But the angel of the Lord came to Joseph in a dream and confirmed that Mary had conceived of the Holy Ghost. He told Joseph that Mary was going to have a son and they should call him JESUS. Can you imagine how Joseph must have felt when he woke from that dream?

The angel also told Joseph that Jesus would save His people from their sins. This was the purpose of Jesus’ birth; from the beginning God brought Jesus into the human race to be the Savior of the world. He used Mary as an instrument to allow Jesus to be born as a human, so He could live in this world and ultimately so He could be the sacrifice for our sins.

Daily Bible Reading:

Matthew 1:18-25

18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:
25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

Things to think about:

Can you imagine how Mary felt when she found out she was expecting a baby?

Can you imagine how Joseph felt when he found out his fiancée Mary was going to have a baby even though they didn’t have a physical relationship?

Think about the miracle God performed when He caused Mary to be expectant of the Holy Ghost.

Do you celebrate Christmas as the birth of Jesus Christ?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this account from Matthew about the virgin birth of Your Son, Jesus. Thank You for sending Him to the earth to be our Savior. When we celebrate the Christmas season, help us to keep our focus on the true reason for the season. We love You, LORD. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and

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they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

– Matthew 1:23

This is an excerpt from The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ by Deborah H. Bateman

Christian Music: Mary Did You Know ~ Reba McEntire

PS. Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Come back again tomorrow. We will share an excerpt from The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ in honor of the celebration of Jesus’ birth for Christmas.

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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Have a blessed day,

Deborah

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Daily Bible Reading “Genealogy of Jesus Christ” (Matthew 1:1-17)

Posted on December 22, 2024 by Deborah H. Bateman

Genealogy of Jesus Christ

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Matthew 1:1-17. This is a study of the book of Matthew and his account of the life of Jesus Christ. In today’s Bible Study, we’ll look at the Scripture from Matthew 1:1-17. In this Scripture, we’ll find the genealogy of Jesus Christ. Often times we skip these Scriptures when we see them in the Bible, but it is important that we know the genealogy of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

As you read through these Scriptures look at some of the names you recognize from other parts of the Bible. Most of us remember Abraham, who was a faithful follower of God in the Old Testament. This promise was made to Abraham in Genesis 12:3: “And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.”How about Isaac, Jacob, and Judas? Then we get into some names that may not be as familiar to us.

Notice in this scripture that Boaz, Ruth, and their son, Obed, are mentioned. We also see King David who was the son of Jesse, Obed’s son. We see Solomon mentioned. Then we go back into some names that are not as popular and we may not even recognize some of them, until we come to Jacob, whose son was Joseph, the husband of Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ. This was Jesus’ legal blood line through Joseph, not His blood line through His mother, Mary.

Take note of the fact that there were four women mentioned in this genealogy. Most of the time you won’t see women mentioned when genealogy is listed. However, when you look at the backgrounds of these women, you will find the grace of God evident through their lives.

In Matthew 1:17, we are told, “So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations.” Do you wonder what the significance of three sets of fourteen generations was?

Daily Bible Reading:

Matthew 1:1-17

1 The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.

2 Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren;

3 And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram;

4 And Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab begat Naasson; and Naasson begat Salmon;

5 And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse;

6 And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her [that had been the wife] of Urias;

7 And Solomon begat Roboam; and Roboam begat Abia; and Abia begat Asa;

8 And Asa begat Josaphat; and Josaphat begat Joram; and Joram begat Ozias;

9 And Ozias begat Joatham; and Joatham begat Achaz; and Achaz begat Ezekias;

10 And Ezekias begat Manasses; and Manasses begat Amon; and Amon begat Josias;

11 And Josias begat Jechonias and his brethren, about the time they were carried away to Babylon:

12 And after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel; and Salathiel begat Zorobabel;

13 And Zorobabel begat Abiud; and Abiud begat Eliakim; and Eliakim begat Azor;

14 And Azor begat Sadoc; and Sadoc begat Achim; and Achim begat Eliud;

15 And Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat Matthan; and Matthan begat Jacob;

16 And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.

17 So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations.

Things to think about:

What names listed in the genealogy of Jesus Christ do you recognize?

What names do you not recognize?

Why are some names more familiar to us than others?

Take a couple of the names you don’t recognize and look them up to see who they are and what their story was.

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for this Scripture in the Bible that gives us the genealogy of Your Son, Jesus Christ. We thank You for allowing Him to come into this world to be the Savior of the world, so we might be forgiven from our sins. Help us to honor Him with our lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ. – Matthew 1:16

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This is an excerpt from The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ by Deborah H. Bateman

Christian Music Video: Life of Christ slideshow
(This video doesn’t allow embedding, but I thought it was worth sharing. So, please click on the link to view it. Thanks)

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. We will continue to share excerpts for the from The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ in honor of the celebration of Jesus’ birth for Christmas.

Featured Book:

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

About the book:

Go to: http://bookShow.me/B00C1JGJMQ
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

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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
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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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