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my Father only.

– Matthew 24:36

– This is an excerpt from The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ. Click the link to get your copy now!

Suggested Bible Verse for Journaling, Scripture Memorization, and Sharing

But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. – Matthew 24:36

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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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Deborah

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Daily Bible Reading “Paul Warns the Galatians” (Galatians 1:7-12)

Posted on April 9, 2025 by Deborah H. Bateman

Paul Warns the Galatians

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Galatians 1:7-12. In this Scripture, we see Paul’s concern for the people was legitimate. What was Paul concerned about in the previous lesson? Let’s look at the Scripture in verse six and seven to see if we can find out why Paul was concerned. “I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another, there are some that trouble you, and pervert the gospel of Christ.”

Someone had brought “another gospel” to the Galatians. It was a perversion of the real gospel of Christ. He tells them that these people will cause trouble. They are trying to get the people of Galatia to believe something other than the true gospel which Paul preached to them.

The gospel of Christ may be hard for some people to believe, that Jesus came to earth as a man. He suffered and died in a gruesome way for our sins. He rose again on the third day. It may hurt some people’s pride to know that they need a Savior. The fact that salvation is a gift of God and not something we can do for ourselves is hard for some people to accept. Have you accepted God’s precious gift of salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ?

Paul tells them that if he, or anybody else – even an angel – preaches any other gospel to them except the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ let them be cursed. Paul not only says this once, but twice. He shows his allegiance to the gospel of Christ.

Paul also talked to the Corinthians about this in 1Corinthians 15:1 when he said, “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures…”

Paul tells the people that he is not trying to please men, but God, because if he tries to please men, how can he be a servant of Christ? He tells them that the gospel he preached to them wasn’t of man, but he received the gospel by the revelation of Jesus Christ. Why would someone want to pervert the gospel of Christ?

In the next lesson we will see how Paul proves to the people that his message was from God.

Daily Bible Reading:

Galatians 1:7-12

7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.

8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.

9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

10 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

11 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.

12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Things to think about:

What was Paul’s concern in this Scripture?
Where did Paul say he received the gospel that he taught the Galatians?
Have you put your faith and trust in Jesus Christ?
What do you consider to be the gospel truth in your life?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this Scripture in the book of Galatians where we see that Paul addressed the Galatians concerning their belief in “another gospel.” Help us to study the Bible so we will know when someone is telling us the true gospel. Give us strength as we live in this world to share your gospel with others. In Jesus’ precious name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet …

The Book of Galatians: Paul’s Letter to the Churches of Galatia

pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

– Galatians 1:10

– This is an excerpt from my book:

Click the link above to get your copy now!

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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:

The Book of Galatians: Paul’s Letter to the Churches of Galatia

By Deborah H. Bateman

The Book of Galatians: Paul’s Letter to the Churches of Galatia is a Daily Bible Reading Study of the book of Galatians. The book of Galatians is in the New Testament and is one of Paul’s letters. He wrote this letter to the churches of Galatia.

Paul is concerned that the people of Galatia are being taught something different than the true gospel, which he taught them earlier. Paul goes to great lengths to make sure they understand the difference between living under the law and living under the grace of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The Book of Galatians: Paul’s Letter to the Churches of Galatia contains sixteen Daily Bible Reading lessons. Each lesson consists of a brief commentary, the Daily Bible Reading Scripture, a few questions for contemplation called, “Things to think about,” and a prayer for the day. This book is great to use for both personal Bible study and group Bible 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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Have a blessed day,

Deborah

Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. – Philippians 4:11

Daily Bible Reading “Be Content in Christ” (Philippians 4:10-23)

Posted on April 7, 2025 by Deborah H. Bateman

Be Content in Christ

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Philippians 4:10-23. We see in Paul’s letter to the Philippians that Paul was rejoicing because the Philippians cared for him. What did Paul mean when he said they lacked opportunity? The Philippians lost touch with Paul for two years, while he was in prison. They didn’t know where he was. Once they heard that Paul was in prison in Rome they reconnected with him.

Paul says he learned that whatever state he was in to be content. Paul knew what it meant to be full and he knew how it felt to be hungry. He had times in his life of having plenty and times of lack. He learned through it all to be content in Christ.

This is a lesson we all need to learn from Paul. It is easy to be content when things are going right in our lives. It is much harder to be content when life is difficult. We need to learn to trust God enough to be content no matter what our circumstances are.

Sometimes God puts us in difficult circumstances so we can learn to trust Him more. If life was always easy we would think we could do everything on our own. Sometimes it is in the difficult times that we learn to be dependent on God. We learn not to do things in our own strength. We learn that we can do all things through Christ, who strengthens us.

Two of my favorite verses are in this passage. The first one is Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” This is a verse that has given me strength from time to time in my life. I have quoted it over and over in difficult times and it has strengthened me to endure the battles of this life.

The next one is Philippians 4:19: “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” This verse I have claimed during times of doubt and concern about the future and it has comforted me and calmed my spirit knowing I could trust God to supply all of my needs.

Paul thanks the Philippians for their support of his ministry. The Philippians were the only ones who supported Paul financially in the beginning of his ministry. Paul was thankful that the Philippians cared for him. He was also happy that they were going to be blessed because of their fruitful giving to God’s work.

Paul thanks the Philippians for the offerings that they sent to him by Epaphroditus. He says it was well pleasing to God. Paul trusted God to supply all his needs. Paul also trusted God to supply the needs of the Philippians according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Paul gave God the glory for everything.

Paul closes this letter by sending a salutation to every saint. He wanted to acknowledge them all and thank them for everything they did for him. Paul tells the Philippians that all the brethren and saints with him salute them also, especially those of the house of Caesar. Paul ends the letter by saying, “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.”

Daily Bible Reading:

Philippians 4:10-23

10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.

11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

14 Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.

15 Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.

16 For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.

17 Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.

18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.

19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

20 Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

21 Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you.

22 All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar’s household.

23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. [[[The following was added by editors of the KJV: To the Philippians written from Rome, by Epaphroditus.]]]

Things to think about:

In what ways do you depend on God to meet your needs?

In what ways do you lean on God for strength?

In what ways have you become content in Christ?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for this Scripture in the book of Philippians. We see that Paul says he has learned to be content with his life no matter the circumstances. Help us to be content in Christ. Paul was thankful for the Philippians and their contribution to his ministry. Help us to be thankful for the people You bring into our lives to help support us and lift us up to You in prayer. Paul trusted You to supply all of his needs. Help us to have the same kind of faith and trust in You as Paul did. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

The Book of Philippians: Paul’s Letter to Philippi

Featured Book:

by Deborah H. Bateman

The Book of Philippians: Paul’s Letter to Philippi is a Daily Bible Reading study of the book of Philippians by Deborah H. Bateman. The book of Philippians is from the New Testament of the Bible and is one of the Apostle Paul’s letters. In the book of Philippians Paul encourages the saints at Philippi to be strong in their faith, to stand fast in the Lord, and to be content in Christ.

Paul loved the Philippians and it shows in his writing to them. Paul knew that they loved him as well. The Philippians showed their love for Paul by supporting his ministry.

Paul would never forget the Philippians because of the way they cared for him when he ministered to them. They would always have a special place in his heart.

Paul wanted the best for the Philippians. He wanted to make sure they never let anybody steer them in the wrong direction. He wanted them to stay on course and do the things he had taught them whether he was with them or not.

The Book of Philippians: Paul’s Letter to Philippi contains ten Daily Bible Reading lessons. Each lesson consists of a brief commentary, the Daily Bible Reading Scripture, several questions for contemplation or discussion, and a prayer for the day to go along with the lesson. This is a great Bible study for individual daily devotions or for a group Bible study.

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

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

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

Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. – Philippians 4:4

Daily Bible Reading “Stand Fast in the Lord” (Philippians 4:1-9)

Posted on April 6, 2025 by Deborah H. Bateman

Stand Fast in the Lord

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Philippians 4:1-9. Paul exhorts the Philippians to stand fast in the Lord. What do you think Paul meant by that statement? Paul exhorts the Philippians to stand fast in the Lord because of the promise of the resurrection in the previous verse.

You will notice in Paul’s words how he addressed the Philippians. You can tell Paul really cared for them. He called them brethren, dearly beloved, and longed for, my joy and crown. Paul’s love and admiration for the Philippians shines through in the words of his letter.

Paul exhorts Euodias and Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. It seems as though these two women had a dispute and Paul wanted them to reconcile. He asks his yokefellow to help these women who labored with him in the gospel. Paul says those who labored with him in the Lord, their names will be written in the book of life.

Paul reminds them to rejoice in the Lord always. He tells them to let their self-control be known to all men. Paul tells them to not be suspicious of anything, but let their needs be known to God through prayer. Only then would the peace of God rule in their hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Verse eight is one of my favorite verses. Paul says, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” If we would think about this verse, our attitudes and speech would be more acceptable to God. Every time you start to have a negative thought think about this verse, and if your thoughts don’t match up to this verse, then cast them away.

Paul reminds them to do the things that he has taught them and the peace of God will rule in their hearts. If we would learn to be like-minded in Christ, as Paul exhorts these women to be, there would be fewer disagreements. If we can learn that the things of this world aren’t nearly as important as our relationship to Christ, our relationship with others would be better.

When we remember to think on the good things of God, our attitudes will be much more pleasing to God. If we can learn to do the things that we’ve been taught in the Scriptures, the peace of God will rule in our hearts and minds.

Daily Bible Reading:

Philippians 4:1-9

1 Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.

2 I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.

3 And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.

4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.

5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

Things to think about:

What was Paul’s concern in this Scripture?

What are the things that Paul instructs us to think about in this Scripture?

What are some ways we can stand fast in the Lord?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this Scripture in the book of Philippians. Paul exhorts the Philippians to be like-minded. Help us to be like-minded. He encourages them to rejoice in the Lord. Help us to rejoice in You always. He tells them to pray to You for their needs. Help us to turn to You in prayer when we have needs or problems with which we need help. Paul tells them to think on good things. Help us to set our minds on the good things of God so we might experience Your peace in our lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

The Book of Philippians: Paul’s Letter to Philippi

Featured Book:

by Deborah H. Bateman

Paul loved the Philippians and it shows in his writing to them. Paul knew that they loved him as well. The Philippians showed their love for Paul by supporting his ministry.

Paul would never forget the Philippians because of the way they cared for him when he ministered to them. They would always have a special place in his heart.

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

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

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

I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 3:14

Daily Bible Reading “The High Calling of God” (Philippians 3:12-21)

Posted on April 3, 2025 by Deborah H. Bateman

The High Calling of God

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Philippians 3:12-21. We see in this Scripture where Paul shows his humility by saying that it isn’t as though he had already attained. What does Paul mean by that statement? Paul didn’t think of himself as being better than others or as having arrived. He knew he wasn’t perfect and he would never be perfect in this life. He was forgiven because of his salvation, but he was still striving to be what God would have him be. We’re all a work in progress. No matter how long you’ve been a Christian, there is still work to be done.

Paul says he forgets the things that are behind him and reaches forward to the things that are before him. Paul states, “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” That is good advice for all of us. We can’t change what is behind us by worrying about it. We only have a chance to make the future better by living in the present moment and doing God’s will now. Paul knew he had a call on his life from God. He wanted to do whatever God wanted him to do.

Paul exhorts the mature Christians to have this same thought process. He wanted them to be like-minded. Paul urged them to walk in unity. Paul tells them that if they don’t have this same mindset then it is up to God. He will deal with them to change their minds. Paul wasn’t depending on himself to make them see the truth.

Paul set the example by following Christ. Even though Paul wasn’t perfect, which none of us are, he was a good example for the Philippians to follow. Paul also tells them to look at other leaders in their midst who set good examples and follow them.

Paul warns them again that there are those who are enemies of the cross of Christ. These people are bound for destruction. They’re only concerned about earthly things. Their only concern was to please themselves. Don’t let them lead you down the wrong path. Paul didn’t want these people to divide the believers.

As Christians our citizenship is in heaven. Our conversation should be about heaven. Our focus is on our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Only He can take these sinful bodies that we live in and change them into glorious heavenly bodies like His. This is only possible because God is omnipotent. Only He could cause this transformation.

Daily Bible Reading:

Philippians 3:12-21

12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.

16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.

17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.

18 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:

19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)

20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:

21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue.

Things to think about:

What did Paul mean when he said he hadn’t attained?

Of what did Paul warn the Philippians?

How can we press forward with Christ?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for this Scripture in the book of Philippians. We see that even Paul Knew he hadn’t arrived. He was still striving to be and do what You wanted of him. Help us to realize that we still haven’t arrived either. You are still working on all of us to transform us into new creatures in Christ. Help us to be on guard against those who would mislead us, just as Paul warned the Philippians. Thank You that You have the power to change these old sinful bodies of ours into new heavenly bodies. We love You, Lord. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

The Book of Philippians: Paul’s Letter to Philippi

Featured Book:

by Deborah H. Bateman

Paul loved the Philippians and it shows in his writing to them. Paul knew that they loved him as well. The Philippians showed their love for Paul by supporting his ministry.

Paul would never forget the Philippians because of the way they cared for him when he ministered to them. They would always have a special place in his heart.

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

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

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