Daily Bible Reading “The Good Shepherd Divides His Sheep” (Matthew 25:31-46)

Posted on April 15, 2025 by Deborah H. Bateman

The Good Shepherd Divides His Sheep

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Matthew 25:31-46. In this Scripture, Jesus is talking to the disciples and tells them that when the Son of Man comes, and the angels with Him, He’ll sit on the throne of His glory. All the nations will be before Him and He’ll divide them as a shepherd divides His sheep from the goats. He’ll put the sheep on His right hand and the goats on His left hand. Are you a sheep or a goat?

All the nations will be before Him and He’ll divide them as a shepherd divides His sheep from the goats. He’ll put the sheep on His right hand and the goats on His left hand. Are you a sheep or a goat?

To the sheep, who are on His right hand, He’ll say: “Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was hungry, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.”

The righteous ones asked when they saw Him, and did all those things, and He told them: “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”

He said to the ones on the left side, “Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: For I was hungry, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.”

They asked Him when they saw him and didn’t do these things. He told them, “Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. Therefore, you will go into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

This is a harsh reality, but, we need to realize one day this is truly going to happen. Are you prepared? Do you know if you will be on the right hand or the left? Have you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior? If not, I pray you will do so before it is too late.

Daily Bible Reading:

Matthew 25:31-46

31 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:
32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:
33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.
34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?
38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?
39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
42 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:
43 I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.
44 Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?
45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.
46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

Things to think about:

Are you prepared to meet the Master?
What does Jesus say to the sheep?
What does Jesus say to the goats?
Do you have compassion for others who are in need?
Ask God to help you to see the need of others and to respond to their needs.

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Help us as we read this Scripture, to know in our hearts whether we are the sheep or the goats. We want to spend eternity with You in heaven. I pray for the ones who haven’t accepted You yet, that You would draw them to Yourself before it is eternally too late. In Jesus’ name, we pray. We love You, LORD. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of …

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my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

– Matthew 25:34

– This is an excerpt from The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ.

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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: Have you read:

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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Daily Bible Reading “Parable of the Talents” (Matthew 25:14-30)

Posted on April 14, 2025 by Deborah H. Bateman

Parable of the Talents

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Matthew 25:14-30. In this Scripture, Jesus is telling the disciples another parable about the kingdom of heaven. He says it is like a man who was traveling to a far country.

The man called his servants and gave them his goods to keep until he returned. He gave each one of them according to their ability. One he gave five talents, one two, and one he gave one talent. What do you think the servants did with their talents while the man was gone?

A talent was made of silver and each one weighed fifty to eighty pounds. When the man returned he found the man who had five talents doubled his, the one who had two talents doubled his, but, the one who had only one talent buried his talent in the ground. Why do you think he buried it in the ground?

He said he was afraid, so instead of taking what his lord gave him and trying to make more with it, he hid it in the ground. Isn’t it funny how we let fear cripple us?

The man was happy with the ones who doubled their talents and told them he would give them more. But the one who buried his displeased the lord.

So, the Lord told his servants to take his talent from him and give it to the one who had ten talents. Then he wanted them to cast the unprofitable servant into outer darkness.

Remember, this is a parable about the kingdom of heaven. Jesus went away and He is coming back someday. He left each one of His servants with talents and we’ll all be accountable to Him for how we use those talents. Everything we have He provided and every gift we have He gave us. So, we need to make sure we are using our money, our time, and our talents in a way that will honor Him when He returns.

Daily Bible Reading:

Matthew 25:14-30

14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.
15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.
16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.
17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.
18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money.
19 After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.
20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.
21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
22 He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.
23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
24 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:
25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.
26 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:
27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.
28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.
29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.
30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Things to think about:

Which of the men were most responsible with their talents?
Which of the men were least responsible with their talents?
What did the man do with the one who was least responsible?
How are you using the talents God has given you for Him?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we read this parable of the talents, help us examine ourselves and see how we are using what You have given to us. Help us to use what you have provided for us wisely, so at Jesus’ return, He’ll be pleased with us. Help us to not be hearers of the Word only, but doers of the Word, as well. In Jesus’ name, we pray. We love You, LORD, Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast …

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been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

– Matthew 25:21

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

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Daily Bible Reading “Nobody Knows the Hour of His Coming” (Matthew 24:36-51)

Posted on April 13, 2025 by Deborah H. Bateman

Nobody Knows the Hour of His Coming

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Matthew 24:36-51. In this Scripture, Jesus tells them no man, not even the angels in heaven knows when He’ll come again. He says, only His Father in heaven knows when He’ll return.

Jesus tells them it will be the same as when Noah was building the ark: people were going about their normal daily activities with no idea when the flood was coming.

Jesus reminds us to watch for Him since we don’t know when He is coming. Jesus tells them stories of examples where people were caught unaware because they weren’t watching for Him.

Galatians 6:9 says, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” This is the same thing Jesus is trying to warn us about in this Scripture.

Daily Bible Reading:

Matthew 24:36-51

36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
37 But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,
39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
40 Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
41 Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.
43 But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.
44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.
45 Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?
46 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.
47 Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods.
48 But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming;
49 And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken;
50 The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of,
51 And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Things to think about:

Are you watching for the coming of the Lord?
Are you ready for Jesus’ coming?
Who does Jesus say knows the time of His coming?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Please help us to always be watching for Your coming, so we won’t be caught unaware. Thank You for this Scripture that tells us to be on the watch. We love You, Lord. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but …

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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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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.

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

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Daily Bible Reading “Armor of God” (Ephesians 6:13-24)

Posted on March 24, 2025 by Deborah H. Bateman

Armor of God

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Ephesians 6:13-24. We read in this Scripture where Paul talks about putting on the “whole armor of God” so we will be able to stand against the evil of the world we live in.

Paul says to have your “loins girt with truth,” which means to speak the truth. John 1:17 reminds us, “For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” John 4:24 says, “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”

Paul instructs us to cover our body with the breastplate of righteousness. Matthew 6:33 tells us, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

Paul reminds us to cover our feet with “shoes of the preparation” of the gospel of peace. Romans 10:15 says, “And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!”

Paul instructs us to carry the “shield of faith” with us so we can block the fiery darts of evil. Romans 10:17 reminds us, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

Paul says we should take the “helmet of salvation.” Romans 10:10 says, “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”

First Thessalonians 5:8, tells us, “But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.”

Paul instructs us to take the “Sword of the Spirit,” which is the Bible. Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

Can you picture a soldier, ready for battle? That is how prepared we need to be. Put on the full armor of God so we can stand against the evil of this world.

Paul tells us to “pray in the spirit continually for all the saints and be watchful over them.” He instructs us to have an active prayer life. Matthew 26:41 warns us to “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Paul asked the Ephesians to pray for him that he would be bold in preaching the gospel. He tells them to ask God to give him the words to say. We, as Christians, need to pray for our pastors. We also need to pray for fellow Christians and church members. We need to support one another. This is one place the enemy loves to try to attack and we need to stand together for the Lord.

Paul says that he is sending them Tychicus, who is a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord. Paul sent him to inform the Ephesians of what is going on. Paul wanted Tychicus to comfort and encourage the hearts of the Christians at Ephesus. Paul ends the letter by wishing them grace and peace from God and Jesus Christ, to all those who love the Lord.

Daily Bible Reading:

Ephesians 6:13-24

13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,

20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

21 But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things:

22 Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts.

23 Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

24 Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.

Things to think about:

What are the parts of the armor of God that Paul mentions in this Scripture?
What are some ways we can arm ourselves?

Have you put on the whole armor of God?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this Scripture in the book of Ephesians where Paul reminds us to put on the whole armor of God. Help us to prepare ourselves, so we can stand for You. Help us to pray continually and lift each other up in prayer. Give us the strength we need to stand against the evil of today. In Jesus’ name, we pray. We love You, LORD. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

– Ephesians 6:13

Featured Book:

The Book of Ephesians: Paul’s Letter to the Church at Ephesus

by Deborah H. Bateman

The Book of Ephesians: Paul’s Letter to the Church at Ephesus is a Daily Bible Reading Study by Deborah H. Bateman. It is a study of the book of Ephesians from the New Testament of the Bible. Ephesians is one of the Apostle Paul’s letters, which was written to the church at Ephesus.

In the book of Ephesians Paul reminds us that we are chosen of God. He encourages us to walk in unity in the church. He talks about our various relationships including our relationship with Christ, with each other, the husband-wife relationship and others. He also exhorts us to put on the full armor of God so that we are clothed for battle against the enemy.

The Book of Ephesians: Paul’s Letter to the Church at Ephesus consists of twelve lessons, which can be used for an individual daily Bible study or a group Bible study. 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.

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 “Relationships” (Ephesians 6:1-12)

Posted on March 23, 2025 by Deborah H. Bateman

Relationships

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Ephesians 6:1-12. In this Scripture Paul talks about some of our other relationships. The first relationship he talks about is how we should honor our father and mother. This is the first, of the Ten Commandments, which had a promise attached to it. The promise is that it may be well with you, and you might live long on the earth.

Deuteronomy 5:16 says, “Honour thy father and thy mother, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee; that thy days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with thee, in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.”

What do you think it means to honor your parents? Maybe to love, obey, respect and cherish them. This Scripture tells us we should obey our parents as their children because it is right. I don’t think we are only supposed to honor our parents when we are children, but all the days of our lives.

Both of my parents have already gone to be with the Lord. If you are fortunate enough to still have your parents around, make sure to show them the honor and respect they deserve. After all, if it wasn’t for them you wouldn’t be here.

Paul gives direction to fathers that they shouldn’t provoke their children to anger by their treatment. They are to bring their children up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Paul talks about servants being obedient to their masters. He says they should try to please them all the time and not just when the masters are watching. They are to work as servants of Christ, pleasing the Lord. We know that God will reward us for every good thing we do whether we are bonded or free. In today’s world we might look at this as employees. When we do our jobs to the best of our ability it not only honors our bosses, it honors God.

Paul tells masters to treat their slaves in the same way. We all have the same Master in heaven. God doesn’t show favoritism, but treats everyone equally. We can use this same example today with the employer-employee relationship.

Paul encourages us to be strong in the Lord, putting on the whole armor of God, that we will be able to stand against all the tricks of the devil. We need to stay in God’s Word and know what it says so we will be able to stand up to the enemy. In this world, we don’t fight against each other. We have to fight against rulers of darkness, powers, and evil spirits in the unseen world.

Daily Bible Reading:

Ephesians 6:1-12

1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.

2 Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;

3 That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.

4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

5 Servants, be obedient to them that are [your] masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;

6 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;

7 With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:

8 Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.

9 And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Things to think about:

As adults, how can we still honor our parents?

How can we honor those who have authority over us?

What does Paul mean when he says to put on the whole armor of God?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for this Scripture in the book of Ephesians where Paul reminds us how we should conduct ourselves in our relationships to others. Help us to always honor our fathers and mothers no matter how old we are or how old they are. We see in this Scripture how You have set up certain lines of authority in our lives.

Help us to respect those who have authority over us. Help us to do that as if we are honoring You by our actions toward them. Help us to study Your Word so we will be strong and fully armored and able to stand against the evil of this world. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;…

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That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.

– Ephesians 6:2-3

Featured Book:

The Book of Ephesians: Paul’s Letter to the Church at Ephesus

by Deborah H. Bateman

Go to: Amazon

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Have a blessed day,