Daily Bible Reading “Be Hopeful” (Jeremiah 17:7)

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Be Hopeful

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Jeremiah 17:7 and many more.

“Blessed is the man (person) that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is” (Jeremiah 17:7).

What does the word “hope” mean? When I think of the word hope I think of wishing for something, trusting in something, putting my confidence in something, anticipating something, or having faith in something.

We can put our hope in many things. Some people put their hope in their job, business, or money. Some may put their hope in their friends or family. The problem with putting our hope in earthly things is they are all bound to let us down at some point in time. The only hope that is eternal is our hope in God and the Lord, Jesus Christ.

There are so many Bible verses in the Bible with the word “hope” in them I had a hard time choosing and eliminating them. I hope that these verses will encourage you and increase your hope in God and the Lord, Jesus Christ. Many of the verses are from the book of Psalms. King David, who wrote a lot of the Psalms, talks a lot about his hope in the LORD.

I also found a lot of the verses about hope to be in the letters from the Apostle Paul who encouraged the people to put their hope in the Lord, Jesus Christ.

Psalm 16:9 – Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.

Psalm 22:9 – But thou art he that took me out of the womb: thou didst make me hope when I was upon my mother’s breasts.

Psalm 31:24 – Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.

Psalm 33:18-22 – Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy; To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine. Our soul waiteth for the LORD: he is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name. Let thy mercy, O LORD, be upon us, according as we hope in thee.

Psalm 38:15 – For in thee, O LORD, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God.

Psalm 39:7 – And now, Lord, what wait I for? my hope is in thee.

Psalm 42:11 – Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.

Psalm 71:5 – For thou art my hope, O Lord GOD: thou art my trust from my youth.

Psalm 71:14 – But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more.

Psalm 78:7 – That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments:

Psalm 119:49 – ZAIN. Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope.

Psalm 119:81 – CAPH. My soul fainteth for thy salvation: but I hope in thy word.

Psalm 119:114 – Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.

Psalm 119:116 – Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope.

Psalm 130:5 – I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.

Psalm 130:7 – Let Israel hope in the LORD: for with the LORD there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption.

Psalm 147:11 – The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.

Proverbs 10:28 – The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish.

Proverbs 13:12 – Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.

Lamentations 3:24-26 – The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.

Romans 5:1-2 – Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Romans 8:24 – For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?

Romans 15:13 – Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

First Corinthians 13:13 – And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

Galatians 5:5 – For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.

Ephesians 4:4-6 – There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

First Thessalonians 4:13-14 – 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. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

First Thessalonians 5:8-10 – 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. For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.

Titus 2:13-14 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

Titus 3:7 – That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Hebrews 3:6 – But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.

Hebrews 6:11 – And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:

Hebrews 6:18-20 – That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

Hebrews 7:19 – For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.

First Peter 1:3-5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

1Pe 1:13 – Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

1Pe 1:21 – Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.

First Peter 3:15-16 – But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.

First John 3:2-3 – Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

 

Things to think about:

  • What are some reasons we can have hope in God and Jesus Christ?
  • Which of these verses about “hope” are your favorites?
  • Do you think with this many verses about “hope” you can find some words of encouragement?

 

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for all these Scriptures that remind us of the hope that we can have in You and in Jesus Christ. Help us not to put our hope in earthly things, but to base our hope for today and for the future on You and Your Word. Remind us of these Scriptures when we lose hope and strengthen us in our faith through Your Word. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

 

Bible Verse for Journaling and Memorization:

Blessed is the man (person) that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.

– Jeremiah 17:7

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Featured Book:

Samuel 1-25

The Book of 1 Samuel: Prophets, Priests, and Kings

by Deborah H. Bateman

About the Book:

The Book of 1 Samuel: Prophets, Priests, and Kings by Deborah H. Bateman is a Daily Bible Reading Study of the book of 1 Samuel. This is the 31st book in the Daily Bible Reading Series. The book of 1 Samuel is found in the Old Testament of the Bible.

The Book of 1 Samuel not only discusses the life and call of Samuel as prophet but also includes events that happened during his lifetime. The people of Israel insisted on having a king and even though Samuel tried to warn them of the dangers of appointing a king, they insisted. So God chose Saul to be their king. A good portion of the book includes the events during the reign of King Saul including the ongoing rivalry between King Saul and David.

The Book of 1 Samuel: Prophets, Priests, and Kings contains 71 Daily Bible Reading Lessons. Each lesson consists of a commentary by the author, the Daily Bible Reading Scripture, a few questions for contemplation or discussion, and a prayer to go along with the lesson. This Bible study is great as a personal daily devotional or a group Bible study.

For those of you interested in Bible journaling, 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.

Go to: http://amazon.com/dp/B01H1B7DSM

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Daily Bible Reading “Be Content” (Philippians 4:11)

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Be Content

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Philippians 4:11.

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

What does it mean to be content? Some words that remind me of what it means to be content are satisfied, pleased, or happy.

In chapter four of Paul’s letter to the Philippians, Paul was rejoicing because the Philippians cared enough for him to help support him financially.

The Philippians lost touch with Paul for two years, while he was in prison for sharing the Gospel. They didn’t know where he was. Once they heard that Paul was in prison in Rome they reconnected with him and continued supporting him.

It is important for people in ministry to have people who support their work both through prayer and financial support. When people dedicate their lives to serving God and sharing the Gospel, many times the financial support they get from those who care for them is the only means they have of caring for their own personal needs and the needs of the ministry.

Paul had learned whatever state he was in to be content. Paul knew what it felt like to be satisfied and he knew how it felt to be hungry. There were times in his life when he had plenty and times when he was in lack. He learned through it all to be content in Christ.

This is a lesson we can learn from Paul. It is easy to be content when things are going good in our lives and we have everything we want and need. It is much harder to be content when life is difficult and we are in want or lack the essentials. We need to learn to trust God enough to be content no matter what our circumstances.

Sometimes when we’re having difficulty we learn to trust God more. If life was always easy we would think we didn’t need God and that we could do everything by ourselves. Sometimes in the difficult times we learn to become more dependent on God. We learn we can’t always do things in our own strength, but we can do all things through Christ, who strengthens us.

That reminds me of one of my favorite Scriptures, which is also from this chapter, Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” This verse has given me strength from time to time in my life. I have quoted this Scripture over and over during difficult times and it helped me to get through some of the battles of life.

Another one of my favorite Scriptures is Philippians 4:19: “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus” I remember claiming this verse when I lost my job. I was concerned about the future and it comforted me and soothed my spirit. It reminded me that I could trust God to supply all of my needs. When we know that we can trust God we can be content.

The writer of the book of Hebrews, which some believe may have been the Apostle Paul as well, reminds us not to be greedy or covet things we don’t have, but to be content with what we have. In Hebrews 13:5-6, he says,  ”Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.”

 

Things to think about:

  • In what ways do you depend on God to meet your needs?
  • In what ways do you lean on God for strength?
  • In what ways have you become content in Christ?

 

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

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

 

Bible Verse for Journaling and Memorization:

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

– Philippians 4:11

Have you read: The Book of Philippians: Paul’s Letter to Philippi

 

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

 

Featured Book:

Philippians - 25The Book of Philippians: Paul’s Letter to Philippi

by Deborah H. Bateman

About the Book:

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Go to: http://bookShow.me/B00INHXUWM

Get your copy now!

 

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Deborah

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Daily Bible Reading “Be Like-minded” (Philippians 2:2)

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Be Likeminded

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Philippians 2.

“Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind” (Philippians 2:2).

In Philippians 2 Paul talks to the church of Philippi about being like-minded. What does it mean to be like-minded?

Some of the phrases that might be the same as to be like-minded are:

  • Be in unison
  • Be in harmony
  • Be compatible
  • Be of one mind
  • Be in one accord
  • Be in agreement with one another
  • Have a singleness of mind and purpose
  • Be joined together
  • Have a singleness of heart
  • Be one in spirit and mind
  • Share the same feelings
  • Be on the same wave length
  • Focus on the same goal
  • Unite in spirit
  • Be intent on one purpose

In this Scripture Paul explains to the people how important it is for them to be united as one body in Christ. He reminds them of the humility of Jesus, who took on the body of a man and was crucified on the cross for our sins. He encourages them to let the mind of Christ be in them.

He tells them to do all things without grumbling and arguing so that we might be lights in the midst of this dark and perverse world. If we don’t shine our lights in the darkness, who will?

Jesus reminded us of this in Matthew 5:16 when He said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

The enemy will do everything he can to try to destroy the body of Christ by trying to divide and conquer us. He will to ruin our testimony by having us bicker and argue or disagree. He will use anything he can to get our minds and focus off of what we should be doing and cause division among believers. He knows he can discourage us by causing us to have disagreements with one another.

I don’t like arguing and fussing with people. There are some subjects that are best left alone. Some things can be a touchy subject for a lot of people, especially religion and politics. I don’t try to force my opinion about either one on other people.

Even though I write and teach about the Bible, I know not everybody is going to agree wholeheartedly with me. I realize that some things are personal and everybody has to make their own decisions about them. I can tell them what I believe and what the Bible says, but in the end it is up to them to decide what they want to believe.

We all have our own opinions about some things and everybody is entitled to their opinion. Why can’t we agree to disagree with one another? We should not feel intimidated by other people because we happen not to agree with them. But, some people will try to make you feel ignorant if you don’t agree with them, like their opinion is the only one that matters.

Even God, when He created us gave us a free will, the right to make our own choices. Some people try to cause division. We especially need to be on guard against this in the church and even in our own families. The enemy will take the smallest things and blow them out of proportion in order to cause strife and division among us.

If I have questions about certain things I try to discuss it or talk it over with my husband or daughters in private. I know that even if we disagree they won’t stop loving me because we have a different opinion. The best thing we can do, as believers, is pray and ask God to show us the right thing to do.

Jesus warned us in John 10:10, “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.”

Do we want to live, as believers, letting the enemy rob us of our joy, peace, and unity with one another, or do we want to live the abundant life that Jesus died to give us? Let’s strive to be like-minded and live in one accord with one another. After all, if we are basing our opinions on the Bible we should all be of the same mind.

 

Daily Bible Reading:

Philippians 2:1-16

1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,

2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:

15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

 

Things to think about:

  • How does this Scripture say that we, as believers, should treat one another?
  • What does it mean to be like-minded?
  • What does it mean to be in one accord?
  • How should we act?
  • After reading this Scripture, is there any area you need to repent of or ask God for help?

 

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for this Scripture where Paul reminds us to be likeminded and live in one accord with one another. Help us to strive to do so. Forgive us of the times that we have not been in unity with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Help us not to let little things cause division among us and keep us from doing what we are supposed to be doing for You. Forgive us, LORD and help us to be what You would have us to be. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

 

Bible Verse for Journaling of Memorization:

Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

– Philippians 2:2

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

 

Featured Book:

Philippians - 25The Book of Philippians: Paul’s Letter to Philippi

by Deborah H. Bateman

About the Book:

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

 

Subscribe to Deborah H. Bateman to receive
Daily Bible Reading Lessons in your inbox
at: http://DeborahHBateman.com/subscribe

 

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

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Daily Bible Reading “Be Thankful” (Psalm 100:4)

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Be Thankful

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Psalm 100:4 and many other Scriptures.

“Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name” (Psalm 100:4).

What are some words that remind you of what it means to be thankful? Some of the words I think of are grateful, appreciative, gratitude, and give thanks. We may use the words thanks or thank you to show we are thankful for something.

We have so much for which to be thankful. Think of all the things in our daily lives for which we can be thankful such as our family, homes, food, clothing, etc. One of the things we can be thankful for is this big beautiful world we live in that God created. I love to look around and see how many things I can find for which to give thanks. If we made a practice of doing that every day we would find we have a much more thankful attitude. What are some things for which you are thankful?

This Scripture reminds us that praise and giving of thanks are the keys that unlock the door for us to enter into the presence of God. When we pray these are two of the things we should do before we ever ask God for our needs. He blesses us in so many ways. We have so much for which to thank Him. He wants to know that we appreciate everything he does for us. Doesn’t it make you feel good when someone thanks you for doing something for them?

Having an attitude of gratitude can help your overall well-being. When we are grateful for the things we have we are blessed even more.

There are so many Scriptures in the Bible about giving thanks to the LORD I had a hard time eliminating them and deciding which ones to share on this post.

2 Samuel 22:50 – Therefore I will give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and I will sing praises unto thy name.

There are a lot of verses in the book of Psalms about giving thanks to the LORD. I have included a few of them.

Psalm 18:49 – Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name.

Psalm 30:12 – To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.

Psalm 35:18 – I will give thee thanks in the great congregation: I will praise thee among much people.

Psalm 97:12 – Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.

Psalm 105:1 – O give thanks unto the LORD; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people.

Psalm 119:62 – At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments.

Psalm 136:26 – O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Psalm 140:13 – Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name: the upright shall dwell in thy presence.

Even Jesus gives us the example of being thankful when He gives thanks to God in Mark 14:23 – And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them: and they all drank of it.

Ephesians 5:20 – Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

Paul thanks God for the people of Colosse in Colossians 1:3, “We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you.” Are you thankful for the people in your life? Do you let them know you’re thankful for them?

This Scripture reminds us to give thanks for everything 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

This Scripture reminds us to pray and give thanks for all men including those who are in authority. First Timothy 2:1-2, “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.”

Hebrews 13:15 – By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

Revelation 11:17 – Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned.

I shared all these verses with you to show the wide range of things we have for which to be thankful. I hope this has helped to remind you to be thankful for everything.

 

 Things to think about:

  • What does it mean to be thankful?
  • What are some things for which we can be thankful?
  • How does it make you feel when someone shows they appreciate what you do for them?
  • What are some ways we can show our thanks to God?

 

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for these Scriptures which remind us that we have so much for which to be thankful. Help us to show our gratitude to You for all You have done for us. Help us to show our appreciation to others for things they do for us. Help us to live a life of gratitude, being grateful and thankful for everything. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

 

Bible Verse to Journal or Memorize:

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

– Psalm 100:4

If you would like to know more about being thankful check out my book Give Thanks.

 

Christian Music Video:

 

PS. Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Come back again tomorrow. Invite your friends to join us in our Bible Study.

 

Featured Book:

Give Thanks - 25

Give Thanks

by Deborah H. Bateman and Friends

About the book:

Give Thanks is a Daily Bible Reading Study by Deborah H. Bateman and Friends. Give Thanks contains 21 daily Bible lessons that remind us to have an attitude of gratitude.

Each lesson contains a brief commentary, coordinating Scriptures, a few questions for contemplation or discussion, and a prayer for the day. Give Thanks is a great Bible study for individual or group Bible studies.

Four of Deborah’s friends contributed to the book and one of her friends contributed pictures of nature to remind us to be thankful for God’s creation. May God bless you as you read this book and remember all the things you have to be grateful for and to “Give Thanks” with a grateful heart.

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Daily Bible Reading “The Reason behind Praise” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

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The Reason behind Praise

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is by my friend, Amanda Beth. I recently pulled out the journal I have been writing in since 2002. As I was flipping through it, I noticed on every page I wrote about some trial I was going through at the time. Recalling some of the trials brought me to tears, and I wanted to go back and tell myself, “Look ahead! Stop worrying! It works out on the next page! God got me through it!”

If we could write down our problems today and then flip the page ahead and write down: “It all worked out. God got me through it.” How much more would we find ourselves praising God instead of worrying?

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

-1 Thessalonians 5:18

I used to wonder why God tells us to praise Him. I remember thinking, “Does God say that because He needs our praises?” But I knew in my heart that wasn’t the reason. I knew it had to be for our benefit.

God eventually revealed to me why He desires our praises. Years ago, I created an online Praise Report Group where people could come and share how God was working in their lives. When I wasn’t seeing God work in my life, it often encouraged me to see Him work in the lives of others. I knew God was not partial to anyone, so it helped me keep the faith, believing He would work in my life as well. So I created the Praise Report Group to bring encouragement to others.

The site started out well, but then slowly came down to only me posting. During that time of praise, I noticed there was a significant difference in my life. Another woman who had shared her praises during that time expressed the same thing. She felt more joyful when she lifted her heart in praise.

We often wait to praise God until something good happens in our lives, when we should be praising Him before it happens. Praise keeps us looking expectantly to God instead of focusing on our problems.

“I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High” (Psalm 9:1-2).

I believe praise shows God that we trust Him. When we trust Him, we won’t be stressed out trying to solve our problems on our own. Philippians 4:6 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

We tend to share with God our prayer requests more often than our praises. Jesus said in Matthew 6:9-10 this is how we should pray, beginning with: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

We are also told in Psalm 100:4 to: “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to HIM and praise HIS name.”

Our prayers seem to mostly be, “Father, help ME … give ME … provide for ME … what about ME ….” I had a revelation of this at a church play one year. In one scene, all the individuals on the stage were crying out to God at the same time, each separately sharing his own troubles. Being in the front row, after about a minute of listening to their moans, it started to get overwhelming and I thought, “My gosh! Is that how we sound to You, Lord?”

If I had created a prayer request group, I don’t think it would have ended like my Praise Report Group did. We are gladly willing to share our requests, but not as willing to share our praises.

With Thanksgiving coming up, we often think about what we are thankful for. What if we challenge ourselves to be thankful the other 364 days a year?

I believe we would see our lives dramatically change for the better. We would be content and enjoying our lives, instead of depressed and worried all the time. In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus told us not to worry about our lives. He said in verse 33, “Seek first HIS kingdom and HIS righteousness, and ALL these things will be given to you as well.”

If we spent our days praising God and seeking Him we would find our needs being met. When I am filled with praise and enjoying God, my faith grows and I start trusting Him to provide for my needs. Praise strengthens our faith, which opens the door in our hearts to receive what Jesus died to give us.

“For no matter how many promises God has made, they are Yes in Christ. And so through Him the Amen is spoken by us to the glory of God” (2 Corinthians 1:20).

Everything God has promised in His Word has been given to us through Christ. So when a situation comes up, we should praise God that He has already provided the solution through Jesus.

The solution may not always be what we think it should be, but it will be what we need. In my journal, all my trials didn’t necessarily work out on the next page the way I wanted them to. They did, however, work out for my benefit. I may not have seen the good right away, but looking back now, I can see how God used those trials to teach and equip me for His calling on my life.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

I want to challenge you today to flip the page. Fill your heart and lips with praise that God has already provided the solution to every situation you will ever face. Thank Him every day. Be filled with praise. And watch and see your life change as God works everything out for your benefit.

 

Things to think about:

  • How can we stand on the promises of God to see us through?
  • How does praising God help our attitude?
  • How does looking back in our life to how God has worked things out encourage us for the future?

 

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We praise You that You work our trials out for our good. We praise You that You provide for all our needs.  And You never leave us. Help us to remember this as we praise You 365 days a year. You are more than worthy of our praises. We praise You in Jesus’ precious name, Amen.

 

Bible Verse to Journal or Memorize:

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. – 1 Thessalonians 5:18

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This devotional was contributed by my friend Amanda Beth

Scripture in this devotional is from the NIV version of the Bible.

“Give Thanks” by Deborah H. Bateman and Friends

 

PS. Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Come back again tomorrow. Invite your friends to join us in our Bible Study.

 

Featured Book:

Give Thanks - 25

Give Thanks

by Deborah H. Bateman and Friends

About the book:

Give Thanks is a Daily Bible Reading Study by Deborah H. Bateman and Friends. Give Thanks contains 21 Daily Bible Reading lessons that remind us to have an attitude of gratitude.

Each lesson contains a brief commentary, coordinating Scriptures, a few questions for contemplation or discussion, and a prayer for the day. Give Thanks is a great Bible study for individual or group Bible studies.

Four of Deborah’s friends contributed to the book and one of her friends contributed pictures of nature to remind us to be thankful for God’s creation. May God bless you as you read this book and remember all the things you have to be grateful for and to “Give Thanks” with a grateful heart.

Go to: http://tinyurl.com/k6ex5xn

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Have a blessed day,

Deborah

Recipe for Life