Daily Bible Reading “Christmas Overload” (Luke 10:38-42)

Christmas Overload

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Luke 10:38-42. I love Christmas and all the things we do to celebrate Christmas. It is one of my favorite times of year. I enjoy decorating. I like buying gifts for those I love and wrapping them up in pretty paper, decorating them with ribbons and bows and putting them under the tree. I love the excitement of the holiday season. I love watching my children and grandchildren open their presents and waiting to see their reaction. I love fixing a good meal, special goodies, and dessert for my family and seeing them enjoy it.

I love celebrating Jesus’ birth and my love for Him. Sometimes I feel like all the other things we do at Christmas takes precedence over the true meaning of Christmas. The business of the season sometimes causes us to put other, more important things, on the back burner, due to lack of time. This scenario reminds me of the Mary and Martha story in the Bible where Martha is busy running around doing things to prepare for Jesus’ visit while Mary sits at Jesus’ feet enjoying spending time with Him.

We may think that Martha is the industrious one and Mary is being lazy, but Jesus says that Mary chose the more important thing. How often are we busy doing things that are not necessarily the most important thing?

By the time Christmas is over I am usually exhausted from doing all the things that we call Christmas traditions. I have been so busy preparing for Christmas that I have worn myself out. I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels this way. Do you ever feel like you’re the one doing everything, while someone else is enjoying the holiday season?

How can we change this syndrome and make it more enjoyable and relaxing for all of us? Maybe if we start earlier and spread the things we need to do over a longer period of time it wouldn’t be so stressful. Maybe we could get most of what has to do done earlier we could really enjoy the Christmas season. Then, we may be able to spend more time with friends and family and reflecting on Jesus and the love that God showed toward us when He sent Jesus to be born as our Savior. Wouldn’t that be better than working ourselves to death right up to the last-minute?

 

Daily Bible Reading:

Luke 10:38-42

38 Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.

39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word.

40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.

41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:

42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

 

Things to think about:

  • How do you feel after Christmas? Are you tired and exhausted or are you refreshed and excited?
  • Have you ever thought maybe we try to do too much for the holidays?
  • What can you do in the future to change how you feel during the Christmas holidays and after Christmas?
  • Are you like Mary or are you more of a Martha?

 

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we reflect on the Christmas season and our response to it, help us to do as Mary and choose the good part. Help us to realize the changes we need to make in order not to overwhelm or exhaust ourselves from all the activity that we have made part of our Christmas celebration. Help us to spend more time reflecting on Jesus and the love that God shared with us by sending Him to earth to become our Savior. Help us to show our love and gratitude for all You have done for us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

 

Daily Bible Verse:

troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.  – Luke 10:41-42

 

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PS. Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Come back again tomorrow. We will continue to study God’s Word together.

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.

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

 

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

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PS. I will be taking some time off this week for the holidays. My husband is on vacation and my grandchildren are out of school, so I’m taking some time off so we can have some family time and I can get some  rest. Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Daily Bible Reading “The LORD is Righteous” (Psalm 129:1-8)

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:

 

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:

psalms_part_5-25The 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.

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 “Blessed are Those Who Fear the LORD” (Psalm 128:1-6)

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:

psalms_part_5-25The 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 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 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.

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)

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:

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:

psalms_part_5-25The 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.

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.

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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Daily Bible Reading “They That Sow in Tears Shall Reap in Joy” (Psalm 126:1-6)

They That Sow in Tears Shall Reap in Joy

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Psalm 126:1-6. Psalm 126 is another of the songs of degrees. This Psalm is about when the children of Israel were released from captivity and were able to go back to Jerusalem. The Jewish people had been in captivity for seventy years. Some of them had never been to Jerusalem. They had only heard stories about it from their parents and grandparents. All the younger generations knew was the captivity that they were born into. For them, they were leaving everything that was familiar to them to go to Jerusalem. For the older people, they were returning to their homeland. Can you imagine all the emotions the people must have felt as they traveled to Jerusalem?

All the younger generations knew was the captivity that they were born into. For them, they were leaving everything that was familiar to them to go to Jerusalem.

For the older people, they were returning to their homeland. Can you imagine all the emotions the people must have felt as they traveled to Jerusalem?

The Psalmist tells us they were filled with laughter and were singing praises to the LORD. They were glad to be released from captivity. No doubt they had spent many days of sorrow while being captives, but now that they were free, they were able to rejoice

No doubt they had spent many days of sorrow while being captives, but now that they were free, they were able to rejoice because of the goodness of God. God spared their lives at the hand of the enemy. Now He was bringing them home.

What a great promise in verse five, “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.” As Christians, we may go through times of sorrow, but we can be assured that God will see us through those times. We will be able to rejoice in Him again.

Psalm 30:5 tells us, “For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.”

If you are going through a time of trouble in your life, hold on, morning is coming. You will find joy again. You will see God’s favor at work in your life. Keep the faith. Keep believing that God will see you through. We are promised in this Scripture that joy will come in the morning.

 

Daily Bible Reading:

Psalm 126:1-6

1 [[A Song of degrees.]] When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.
2 Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them.
3 The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.
4 Turn again our captivity, O LORD, as the streams in the south.
5 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

 

Things to think about:

  • Have you ever lived far away from home?
  • Can you imagine what it would be like to be in captivity for seventy years?
  • Have you ever gone through a time of great sorrow in your life? If so, when?
  • How were you able to find joy again through the LORD after the time of trouble?

 

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this Scripture in Psalm 126 where the Psalmist reminds us that joy comes in the morning. Help us to hold on to that promise when we are going through troubled times. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

 

Daily Bible Verse:

 

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:

psalms_part_5-25The 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.

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.

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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