Daily Bible Reading “God’s Favor” (Psalm 44:1-26) PURIM Celebration

Posted on March 6, 2023 by Deborah H. Bateman

God’s Favor

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Psalm 44:1-26. The Psalmist says they heard from their fathers how God helped them to defeat the enemy and drive them out of the land. They didn’t do it on their own accord, but by the favor of God. Have you ever been in a position where you knew it was God’s favor that gave you victory?

When we look at this Scripture and we look at other Scriptures in the Bible, we see how God’s favor on people’s lives changed the outcome. We can look back and see things that happened in our lives that were devastating, but somehow God brought us through them. Somehow He took what the enemy meant for evil in our life and turned it to good. God used it for His honor and glory to further His kingdom.

In the book of Esther it was God’s favor that changed the circumstances of the death sentence for the Jewish people and helped them to defeat the enemy who sought to destroy them. The Bible tells us the enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy, but Christ came that we might have life to the fullest; abundant, and overflowing. Don’t let the enemy steal your joy in life. We can’t fight him with our own strength. Let God fill your life with His presence, His favor, His grace, His mercy and His love.

Daily Bible Reading:

Psalm 44:1-26

1 [[To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, Maschil.]] We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us, [what] work thou didst in their days, in the times of old.

2 How thou didst drive out the heathen with thy hand, and plantedst them; how thou didst afflict the people, and cast them out.

3 For they got not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them: but thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, because thou hadst a favour unto them.

4 Thou art my King, O God: command deliverances for Jacob.

5 Through thee will we push down our enemies: through thy name will we tread them under that rise up against us.

6 For I will not trust in my bow, neither shall my sword save me.

7 But thou hast saved us from our enemies, and hast put them to shame that hated us.

8 In God we boast all the day long, and praise thy name for ever. Selah.

9 But thou hast cast off, and put us to shame; and goest not forth with our armies.

10 Thou makest us to turn back from the enemy: and they which hate us spoil for themselves.

11 Thou hast given us like sheep appointed for meat; and hast scattered us among the heathen.

12 Thou sellest thy people for nought, and dost not increase thy wealth by their price.

13 Thou makest us a reproach to our neighbours, a scorn and a derision to them that are round about us.

14 Thou makest us a byword among the heathen, a shaking of the head among the people.

15 My confusion is continually before me, and the shame of my face hath covered me,

16 For the voice of him that reproacheth and blasphemeth; by reason of the enemy and avenger.

17 All this is come upon us; yet have we not forgotten thee, neither have we dealt falsely in thy covenant.

18 Our heart is not turned back, neither have our steps declined from thy way;

19Though thou hast sore broken us in the place of dragons, and covered us with the shadow of death.

20 If we have forgotten the name of our God, or stretched out our hands to a strange god;

21 Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart.

22 Yea, for thy sake are we killed all the day long; we are counted as sheep for the slaughter.

23 Awake, why sleepest thou, O Lord? arise, cast us not off for ever.

24 Wherefore hidest thou thy face, and forgettest our affliction and our oppression?

25 For our soul is bowed down to the dust: our belly cleaveth unto the earth.

26 Arise for our help, and redeem us for thy mercies’ sake.

Things to think about:

Do you have the favor of God on your life?

Can you look back in your life and see where God made a difference in your life?

How can you use those experiences to move your faith forward knowing if God helped you in the past He will help you with whatever is going on in your life now? Turn it all over to Him.

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this Scripture in the book of Psalms. Help us to seek Your face and turn to You for deliverance. Help us to keep serving You and loving You no matter what the circumstances of life are. Give us favor and help us to win the battle over the enemy. Redeem us for Your sake and help us to give You honor and glory. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Excerpt from: PURIM Celebration: 28 Daily Devotionals by Deborah H. Bateman and Friends

If you haven’t read the story of Esther and learned what she had to do with Purim check out my book:

The Book of Esther: A Story of Love and Favor

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PURIM Celebration: 28 Daily Devotionals

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Featured Book:

PURIM Celebration: 28 Daily Devotionals

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About the book:

PURIM Celebration: 28 Daily Devotionals is a Daily Bible Reading Study Book by Deborah H. Bateman and friends. It is a compilation of 28 Daily Devotionals by Deborah and fourteen of her author and writer friends.

Purim is a holiday that was started back in the days of Queen Esther and is still celebrated today. Deborah took the letters of PURIM and created categories for the contributors to write about:

• P=Praise
• U=Un-forgiveness or Forgiveness
• R=Relationships
• I=Inspirational
• M=Marriage

One of the traditions of Purim is giving gifts to the poor. In light of that tradition we have decided that a portion of the proceeds of this book will go to charity.

PURIM Celebration was created as part of Deborah’s Book Launch for her book: The Book of Esther: A Story of Love and Favor which was published in 2012.

PURIM Celebration includes devotionals from: Mary Pacheco, Penny Zeller, Katherine Harms, Dave Moore, Marlo Schalesky, Judith Robl, Lynn Dove, Buffy Crabtree, Deborah McCarragher, Shawn Lamb, Serge Roux-Levrat, Lily Brenner, Heidi Faith, and Lisa Buffaloe. The book is edited by Lisa Lickel, one of my friends in the John 3:16 Networking Group.

Some of the contributors are from the John 3:16 Network Marketing group Deborah belongs to. Some of the writers are from a coaching program that Deborah participates in. One of the authors is from the Palmetto Christian Writer’s Network Deborah is a member of. The rest of the writers and authors are friends Deborah has made over the past few years online.

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Deborah

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Daily Bible Reading “A Virtuous Woman Is Honorable” (Proverbs 31:20-25)

Posted on May 7, 2020 by Deborah H. Bateman

A Virtuous Woman Is Honorable

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Proverbs 31:20-25. At the end of this lesson you can enter for a chance to win a copy of a Proverbs 31 watercolor picture by Maria Watercolor or a copy of the eBook Proverbs 31: Who Can Find a Virtuous Woman by Deborah H. Bateman.

We will continue to look at what it means to be a virtuous woman. In this portion of Scripture it says, she gives to the poor and needy. She is a generous person, who helps those less fortunate than herself. In what ways can we help the poor?

She doesn’t worry about the weather because she has prepared her family with appropriate clothing for the season. She clothes herself and her family in the best clothing she can afford. Some women still sew and make clothes for their family. Personally, I can sew some, but I don’t know if I would want to wear what I make.

The Scripture says her husband is known in the gates, which may be partly because of his wife’s influence. She has supported him and helped make a good reputation for him. I am amazed at the talent of some women. They can make anything. They can take something someone puts in the trash and make it new again.

I am crafty to a point, but not as industrious as some women who will get out their paint brush and paint anything. Some women are even good at using tools, which I personally haven’t mastered. I think my husband is afraid I will hurt myself because he isn’t willing to share his tools so much.

I love Proverbs 31:25, which says, “Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.” She finds the strength to do the things she needs to do. She treats others with honor and in return is honored herself. She not only honors her husband and her family, but she honors God in everything she does. How can we be women of strength and honor? We can only do it with God’s help.

Daily Bible Reading:

Proverbs 31: 20-25

20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

Things to think about:

Are you generous to the poor and needy?
Do you have a heart of compassion toward others?
Do you try to make sure all of your family’s needs are met?
Do you honor your husband and your family by the way you serve them?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this Scripture in the book of Proverbs, which tells us what a virtuous woman is. Help us to be this kind of woman, who serves her family, her community, and most of all, serves You. Help us to be strong and honorable like the woman in this passage of Scripture. Help us to be generous and give to the poor and needy. Help us to be the women of God You would have us to be. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. – Proverbs 31:20

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This is an excerpt from Proverbs 31: Who Can Find a Virtuous Woman

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Deborah

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Daily Bible Reading “Comfort One Another” (1 Thessalonians 4:11-18)

Posted on October 9, 2019 by Deborah H. Bateman

Comfort One Another

Today’s Daily Bible Reading 1 Thessalonians 4:11-18. In this portion of the letter, Paul exhorts the Thessalonians to live a quiet life, mind their own business, and work with their hands as he taught them. Why do you think Paul tells them that? He tells them it’s in this way they can walk in honesty before those who aren’t yet Christians. Paul’s desire for the Thessalonians was that they lack nothing.

Paul didn’t want them to be ignorant about those who sleep. What does Paul mean by that statement? He didn’t want them to be concerned about the Christians who died before Jesus’ return. Paul tells them not to be sorrowful, like those who have no hope. As Christians, if a loved one who is a Christian passes away, we have the hope of seeing them again in heaven. Those who aren’t Christians don’t have that hope. He says if we believe Jesus died and rose again; likewise, God will bring those who are dead in Christ back with Him when He comes.

Paul says, “For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”

Paul tells them to comfort one another with these words. That promise is something for the Christian to hold on to and to be comforted by. Knowing that, in the end, Jesus will come back and gather His children. Those who are dead in Christ will rise first, and meet those Christians who are still living in the air along with Jesus. We’ll all go to live in heaven for eternity with Christ in the presence of God. I hope you find comfort in these words.

Daily Bible Reading:

1 Thessalonians 4:11-18

11 And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;

12 That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.

13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.

14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.

16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

Things to think about:

What did Paul advise the Thessalonians?

What did Paul tell us about those who have gone on before us?

How are you comforted by the words of Paul in this Scripture?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for this Scripture in the book of 1 Thessalonians. We see where Paul tells the Thessalonians to live quiet lives, minding their own business and working with their hands. Help us to live in that way, also. Paul tells them they don’t have to worry about the Christians who have gone on before them. Help us to have that same hope of seeing them again. Help us to look forward to the coming of Lord and comfort one another with the hope that we have through Christ. In Jesus’ precious name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice …

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of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

– 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18

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The Book of 1 Thessalonians: Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians

by Deborah H. Bateman

The Book of 1 Thessalonians: Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians is a Daily Bible Reading Study of the book of 1 Thessalonians by Deborah H. Bateman. The Book of 1 Thessalonians is from the New Testament of the Bible. It’s a letter from Paul, Silas, and Timothy to the church of the Thessalonians.

Paul established the church of Thessalonica on his second missionary journey. It was known throughout the land that the Thessalonians had great faith in God and in the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul loved the Thessalonians. He had a great concern for the Thessalonians and desired to see them again. But, since Paul couldn’t go see them he sent Timothy to encourage them in the faith.

The Book of 1 Thessalonians: Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians contains eight Bible lessons which can be used for personal of group Bible studies. Each lesson contains a brief commentary by the author, the Daily Bible Reading Scripture, several questions for contemplation or discussion, and a prayer to go along with the lesson. Our desire is that this book will help you to have a better understanding of Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians.

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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Daily Bible Reading “God’s Call to Holiness” (1 Thessalonians 4:1-10)

Posted on October 8, 2019 by Deborah H. Bateman

God’s Call to Holiness

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 1 Thessalonians 4:1-10. Paul exhorted the Thessalonians to follow his example of how they should walk before God. Paul reminds them of the commandments which he taught them. Does it make you wonder why Paul is reminding them about what they were taught?

Paul was happy the Thessalonians continued to serve the Lord after he left. He wanted them to continue to grow in the Lord. As long as we live, it is a continual process of learning and growing to become more like God in our actions by showing love for others, and in our lives by living in a holy manner. We won’t obtain perfection this side of eternity. It’s a continuous journey.

He tells the Thessalonians it is God’s will that they abstain from fornication. Obviously, there was a problem with this since Paul brought it up. He reminds them that they should keep their bodies sanctified and honorable before God. Paul tells them that they’re not to follow the examples of the Gentiles who don’t know God. As Christians, we’re not to live like the rest of the world; those who don’t know God. We should strive to live clean and holy lives before God.

This Scripture tells us that when we commit fornication, not only do we sin against God, we also sin against our own body. First Corinthians 6:18-20, “Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”

In Leviticus 18, God explains explicitly that the nakedness of a person is only for their spouse. Our nakedness isn’t to be shared with anyone else, nor should it be taken by anyone else. Why do you think this was so important to God? Why is this sin so prevalent in our world today? Why don’t we value God’s ways of doing things? Is it because of the sin in our lives?

Paul reminds them that they’re not to take advantage of one another. He tells them God is the one who will make right the wrongs. Paul reminds them that God didn’t call us to be unclean vessels, but to be holy. He tells them if they despise their brother, it isn’t their brother they despise, but God, who gave us His Holy Spirit.

Paul tells them that they don’t need him to write to them concerning brotherly love because they’ve been taught to love one another by God. Even though they’re good at showing brotherly love toward others, Paul encourages them to increase in their love even more.

Daily Bible Reading:

1 Thessalonians 4:1-10

1 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.

2 For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.

3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:

4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;

5 Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:

6 That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.

7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.

8 He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.

9 But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.

10 And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more;

Things to think about:

What is Paul’s concern for the Thessalonians in this Scripture?

How can we use this Scripture in our own lives?

How is God leading you to His holiness?

What are some ways that we can show love to fellow believers?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for this Scripture in the book of 1 Thessalonians. In reading Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians we realize how we all fall short of living up to Your standards. Please forgive us as a nation, as Your children, and as individuals. Help us to learn to live more godly lives. Help us to love one another in the way You intended us to. Help us to honor our bodies as Your holy temple. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. – 1 Thessalonians 4:7

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The Book of 1 Thessalonians: Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians

by Deborah H. Bateman

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Daily Bible Reading “Perfecting your Faith” (1 Thessalonians 3:1-13)

Posted on October 7, 2019 by Deborah H. Bateman

Perfecting your Faith

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 1 Thessalonians 3:1-13. Paul writes in his letter to the Thessalonians that he couldn’t stand it any longer, not knowing how they were doing on their faith journey. Therefore, he sent Timothy to establish and reassure them in their faith. This meant that Paul would be alone in Athens, but he was willing to make the sacrifice for the sake of the Thessalonians. Why do you think Paul was willing to make such sacrifices for them?

Paul didn’t want the Thessalonians to be discouraged in their faith because of their current circumstances. He had told them when he was there that they would suffer persecution and they had. Paul didn’t want the work they’d done there previously to be in vain.

We all go through trials and tribulations in our lives. If we don’t have a firm foundation of our faith, sometimes these trials can cause us to lose faith. Paul had tribulations, Jesus was tempted, and we will suffer trials. Don’t let any trouble that comes your way cause you to lose faith and trust in God. He loves you, and in spite of what the circumstances say, He wants the best for you. You are His beloved child.

This Scripture in Acts indicates that Paul was distressed because of his concern for the Thessalonians. Acts 18:5 says, “And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.” Once Timothy returned from his visit to the Thessalonians and gave Paul a good report of their faith and charity, Paul was comforted.

Paul thanked God for the Thessalonians; they made Paul joyful because of their stand for God. He longed to see them so much that he prayed night and day that God might allow him to go back and minister to them.

Paul wanted to help them perfect their faith. He asked God to direct his way back to spend time with them. His desire for the Thessalonians was that they would grow in their love for others as much as he loved them. Paul’s aspiration for them was they would be established in their faith and faultless in godliness before God at the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Daily Bible Reading:

1 Thessalonians 3:1-13

1 Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone;

2 And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith:

3 That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.

4 For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know.

5 For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.

6 But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you:

7 Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith:

8 For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.

9 For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;

10 Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?

11 Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you.

12 And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:

13 To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.

Things to think about:

Why did Paul send Timothy to visit the Thessalonians?

What was Paul’s concern for the Thessalonians?

How can we perfect our faith?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for this Scripture in the book of 1 Thessalonians. We see Paul’s great love and concern for the Thessalonians. Help us to have that kind of love and concern for the people we lead to You. We see the Thessalonians’ great faith and love for others and for Paul and his ministry. Help us to be supportive of others who are spreading the gospel. Help us all to be rooted and grounded in our faith so when trouble comes we won’t be shaken. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy …

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wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God; Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?

– 1 Thessalonians 3:9-10

Featured Book:

The Book of 1 Thessalonians: Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians

by Deborah H. Bateman

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