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Daily Bible Reading “Party of Parties” (Esther 1:1-9)

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Esther - King Xerxes of PersiaParty of Parties

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Esther 1:1-9. The Book of Esther takes place during the reign of King Ahasuerus, who historians believe was also called Xerxes. For simplicity’s sake we will call him Xerxes (Zerk-sez), because it is easier to pronounce and spell. He was king over the land located between India and Ethiopia, which included over 127 provinces around 500 BC. This is considered to be the Persian Empire, or modern-day Iran. The king’s palace was in Shushan, which is also known as Shusha.

This book starts off with a great feast which took place in the third year of King Xerxes’ reign. This was a party of parties, all the powers that be from both Persia and Media and their servants were attending the party. It was a party where Xerxes was going to entertain these dignitaries for 180 days. He wanted to show off all the riches of his glorious kingdom and the honor of his excellent majesty. Can you imagine having a party that lasted 180 days? Think about the expense of such a party. How about having to feed these people for this long? Can you even imagine attending a party that lasted for 180 days? Think about it: 180 days is almost six months.

When this time had passed he made a special feast for all the people in Shushan the palace. This feast was held in the court of the garden at the king’s palace. This was a beautiful decorated garden with tapestries of white, green, and blue hung by fine linen and purple cords attached to silver rings. There were pillars of marble and the couches were gold and silver. The floor of the courtyard was made of marble which was red, blue, white, and black. It sounds absolutely beautiful. What a lovely setting for a feast.

They served the finest royal wine at this feast. Each person had his own unique golden goblets. They were allowed to drink as much wine as they wanted. The men and women were not allowed to socialize with one another back in this time and culture. So, Queen Vashti also made a feast for the women in the royal house of King Xerxes.

Basically this Scripture sets the scene for us, so we can glimpse into royal life in the king’s palace. In the next lesson we will see how the plot thickens and how Esther is brought into the story of the Book of Esther, which was named after her.

 

Daily Bible Reading:

Esther 1:1-9

1 Now it came to pass in the days of Ahasuerus, (this is Ahasuerus which reigned, from India even unto Ethiopia, over an hundred and seven and twenty provinces:
2 That in those days, when the king Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which was in Shushan the palace,
3 In the third year of his reign, he made a feast unto all his princes and his servants; the power of Persia and Media, the nobles and princes of the provinces, being before him:
4 When he shewed the riches of his glorious kingdom and the honour of his excellent majesty many days, even an hundred and fourscore days.
5 And when these days were expired, the king made a feast unto all the people that were present in Shushan the palace, both unto great and small, seven days, in the court of the garden of the king’s palace;
6 Where were white, green, and blue, hangings, fastened with cords of fine linen and purple to silver rings and pillars of marble: the beds were of gold and silver, upon a pavement of red, and blue, and white, and black, marble.
7 And they gave them drink in vessels of gold, (the vessels being diverse one from another,) and royal wine in abundance, according to the state of the king.
8 And the drinking was according to the law; none did compel: for so the king had appointed to all the officers of his house, that they should do according to every man’s pleasure.
9 Also Vashti the queen made a feast for the women in the royal house which belonged to king Ahasuerus.

 

Things to think about:

  • What is the most elaborate party you have ever been to?
  • How long did this party last?
  • Can you imagine going to a feast at the king’s palace?

 

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we study The Book of Esther, help us to see where You fit into the picture. Help us to look at our own lives and see where You fit into our lives as well. We know You have a plan for all of us and even when we don’t know what the plan is, You are making a way for us. Help us to trust You completely. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

This is an excerpt from The Book of Esther: A Story of Love and Favor

If you haven’t already read the book be sure to get your copy now. We will only be sharing a few lessons from the book on this blog.

 

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.

Featured Book:

"The Book of Esther: A Story of Love and Favor" By: Deborah H. Bateman

The Book of Esther: A Story of Love and Favor

by Deborah H. Bateman

About the book:

The Book of Esther: A Story of Love and Favor by Deborah H. Bateman is a Daily Bible Reading study of the book of Esther from the Old Testament of the Bible. In the book of Esther, Esther was adopted by her cousin Mordecai. In a series of events and through fasting, prayer and God’s favor Esther was placed in a position to save the Jewish people. Esther was adopted by her cousin Mordecai, who told her maybe she was born for such a time as this.

God puts us all in circumstances where He can use us to further His kingdom and give Him glory, if we are willing and obedient. Esther found her purpose for life. Like Esther you were born for such a time as this.

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Have a blessed day,

Deborah

Recipe for Life

Daily Bible Reading “This Baby was Jesus” (Matthew 1:18-25)

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Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Matthew 1:18-25. Since it is Christmas I thought it only fitting to talk about the real meaning of Christmas, a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. While we do all the things we do during this holiday season to celebrate, let’s keep our focus on what the real reason for the season is. It is not about decorating the tree, shopping and wrapping presents, family gatherings, baking goodies, or anything else that we do to celebrate, it is all about HIM!

Let’s 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. The Scripture we will look at is from Matthew 1:18-25. Matthew tells about the birth of Jesus.

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. She never had a physical relationship with a man. Mary was engaged to Joseph, who was a just man. At first, Joseph thought he should put her away privately so as not to 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, Mary was going to have a son and they should call him JESUS. Can you imagine how Joseph must have felt when he had that dream? He was engaged to a woman who was expecting a baby that was not his. Then, he had this dream saying it was conceived of the Holy Ghost. How was he going to explain this to his family and friends?

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 allowed JESUS to be born as a human in order to become the Savior of the world. He used Mary, as an instrument through which Jesus was born, so He could live a sinless life in this world and ultimately so He could be the sacrifice for our sins. Think about the responsibility that Mary and Joseph must have felt. God chose them, they didn’t volunteer.

This baby was different from any other baby that had ever been born into this world. He was the Son of God. He was the Savior of the world. He would grow up and be crucified on the cross. As we celebrate Christmas let’s remember the true meaning of Christmas and celebrate the one whose birthday we honor.

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 fiancé’ Mary was going to have a baby even though they had not had 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 birthday 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. As we celebrate Christmas, help us to keep our focus on the true reason for the season. We love You, LORD. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen

 

Christian Music: This Baby by Steven Curtis Chapman

 

Featured Book:

Matthew

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: http://amazon.com/dp/B00C1JGJMQ
Get your copy now!

 

Subscribe to Deborah H. Bateman author site to receive

Daily Bible Reading Lessons in your inbox.

 

Merry Christmas! May God bless you and your family during this holiday season.

 

Merry Christmas,

Deborah

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Recipe for Life

PS. Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

 

Daily Bible Reading “I Am the Way” (John 14:6)

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I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from John 14:6. “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).

In this Scripture, Jesus is talking to the disciples and trying to explain to them that He is the only way to salvation. Because of our sinful nature, there is no other way for us to have fellowship with the Father, but through accepting Jesus as our Savior.

God sent Jesus into this world to prepare a way for us. He died on the cross so we could be saved from our sins and have eternal life. Some people may try other ways to get to heaven, but Jesus is the only way. Even sadder is the fact that some people don’t believe there is a heaven. There are no other choices but heaven and hell when we die; salvation or damnation. Which do you choose?

We can’t be good enough or do enough good deeds to deserve forgiveness. We can only be forgiven for our sins by receiving Jesus as our Savior. He took the wrath of our sins when He died on the cross. There is no other person who can open the doorway to heaven for us.

Jesus was God’s messenger. God sent Him into the world to live and die. He was the sacrifice for our sins. He went to heaven after His death to intercede with the Father for us and to prepare a place for us so when we die we can spend eternity with Him and God the Father.

We can’t pray to anyone else to receive the forgiveness only He can give. It’s like traveling down a one-way street. There is only one way to go. He is the way. He is the truth. He is the only way for us to receive eternal life.

 

Things to think about:

  • What are some of the ways that people try to earn their way to heaven?
  • What are some of the other “gods” that people think can usher them into heaven?
  • Since Jesus is the only way, have you made things right with Him in your heart?

 

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for providing the way for us through Your Son, Jesus. Thank You for this Scripture that reminds us that He is the way, the truth and the life. Help those who don’t know Him yet as their personal Savior to find their way to Him. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

 

Daily Bible Verse:

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.– John 14:6

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Excerpt from I AM: Jesus, the Son of God

Click the link above to get your copy now!

 

Christian Music Video: “I Am”

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

 

 

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.

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

 

Have a blessed day,

Deborah
 
 

Daily Bible Reading “I Am the Good Shepherd” (John 10:11-16)

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I Am the Good Shepherd

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from John 10:11-16.

“I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep” (John 10:11).

In this Scripture, Jesus refers to himself as the good shepherd who gives his life for the sheep. He compares himself to a hireling, one who is hired to work in the field and tend the sheep. He states that when a wolf comes to try to attack the sheep a hireling will not defend the sheep, but will flee and the wolf will catch the sheep.

The hireling will flee, because he doesn’t care for the sheep. Jesus, on the other hand, as the good shepherd, knows His sheep and they know Him. He cares for the sheep and watches over them and protects them.

Jesus declares that the Father knows Him and He knows the Father. He says He lays down His life for the sheep. He says He has more sheep which are not of this fold, but He will call them and they will hear His voice and come to Him. There will be one fold and one shepherd.

 

Daily Bible Reading:

John 10:11-16

11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

12 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.

13 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.

14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.

15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.

16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.

 

Things to think about:

  • Why does Jesus call Himself the Good Shepherd?
  • How does Jesus compare to a hired hand?
  • What does Jesus say about the Father?

 

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for this Scripture where Jesus declares that He is the Good Shepherd. Thank You for sending Him into this world. Thank You for using Him to lead, guide and direct us. Thank You that He watches over us and protects us from the enemy. Help us to honor Him as the Good Shepherd. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

 

Daily Bible Verse:

I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. – John 10:11

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Christian Music Video: The Great Shepherd

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

 

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.

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

 

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

 

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

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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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Christian Music Video: “I am the Door”

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

 

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.

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

 

Have a blessed day,

Deborah