Have you started setting your GOALS for next year?
What GOALS would you like to accomplish?
How will you accomplish your GOALS?
I like to set GOALS at the end or beginning of each year for things I would like to accomplish during the year. Then, I like to develop a plan to help me reach my GOALS.
Do you set GOALS at the end or beginning of the year or make New Year’s Resolutions for the coming year?
One of the things I believe can help you reach your GOALS is to write them down.
This is not a formula that will make your goals magically come to pass. You still have to do the work that it takes to make the goals happen.
Writing your goals down is the first step in accomplishing your goals. It helps you to focus on the goals. It also helps give you the drive that you need to accomplish your goals.
I am offering a Goal Setting Course. The first lesson in the course is called “Write the Vision; Make it Plain.”
I would like to offer you a FREE copy of that lesson “Write the Vision, Make it Plain” to help you get started thinking about setting your GOALS for the year.
Enter your name and email address here to get the free copy of “Write the Vision, Make it Plain.”
Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 2 Chronicles 7:14. The Bible says, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”
With the state our country and the world are in today, we need to take this verse seriously. We need to pray for our country, its leaders, and the world as a whole every day.
God loves us and He wants the best for us, but when we disregard His Word, we put ourselves and others in danger. If all Christians would repent and turn back to God we may see a big change in our country and in the world.
If we would put forth more effort to share the Gospel so more people would come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior it could make a great difference in the world.
Sometimes, as believers, we become content with the fact that we are heaven bound, and forget about the rest of the world which is lost and on their way to eternal damnation.
Think about what you, as a born again Christian, can do to make a difference in the world. Let’s band together and make a commitment to pray for our country and for the entire world every day.
Daily Bible Reading:
2 Chronicles 7:14
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
Things to think about:
Who is this promise made to?
What does this verse say we should do to receive this promise?
What does God say He will do, if we do our part?
Prayer of the Day:
Dear Heavenly Father,
We thank You for this promise from Your Word. Help us to take note of it and abide by it. Help us to humble ourselves, and pray, and seek Your face on a daily basis. Help us to turn from our wicked ways. Please forgive us of our sins and heal our nation. Help us to do our part to share the Gospel with the people around us and throughout the world. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
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.
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Christians Response to Government is a Daily Bible Reading Study by Deborah H. Bateman. It is Book 32 in the Daily Bible Reading Series. Deborah wrote this book in response to the events surrounding the 2016 United States Presidential election. This book was born as she searched her own heart to try to determine how to respond in this election. She searched the Scriptures to see what God had to say about what our response as Christians should be to government and decided to share what she discovered with you. Hopefully this book enlightens you and helps you to know how to respond in a godly way to the powers that be. Remember to check out the other books in the Daily Bible Reading Series by Deborah H. Bateman.
Christians Response to Government contains ten Daily Bible Reading Lessons. Each lesson contains a brief commentary by the author, the Daily Bible Reading Scriptures, a few questions for contemplation and discussion, which the author calls “Things to think about,” and a Prayer of the Day.
Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Proverbs 14:15-35. The verse we are focusing on in this passage of Scripture is verse 34, “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.”
Before we get into this verse let’s look at the rest of the Scripture.
The simple person believes every word: but the prudent person looks well to their success.
A wise person fears, and departs from evil: but the fool rages, and is confident.
Those who are easily angered deal foolishly: and a person of wicked devices is hated.
A simple person inherits folly: but the prudent person is crowned with knowledge.
The evil bow before the good; and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
The poor person is hated even by their own neighbor: but the rich have many friends. Is it because of their money that the wealthy have many friends or is it because of the way they treat others?
Those who despise their neighbor sins: but happy are those who have mercy on the poor.
Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth will come to those who devise good.
In all labor there is profit: but the talk of the lips leads to poverty.
The crown of the wise is their riches: but the foolishness of fools is folly.
A true witness delivers souls: but a deceitful witness speaks lies.
In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.
The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
In the multitude of people is the king’s honor: but in the want of people is the destruction of the prince.
He that is slow to wrath has great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalts folly.
A sound heart is the life of the body: but envy decays the bones.
Those who oppress the poor reproach their Maker: but those who honor Him have mercy on the poor.
The wicked is driven away in their wickedness: but the righteous have hope in their death.
Wisdom rests in the heart of those who have understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known.
Righteousness exalts a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.
The king shows favor toward a wise servant: but his wrath is against those who cause shame.
Many times people believe that when they sin or do something wrong they are not hurting anyone else, but themselves. That is usually not true, more often than not, the bad decisions we make hurt the people we love the most. This Scripture goes as far to say that sin can affect an entire nation. When a nation turns against God they are more likely to reap the wrath of God instead of His blessings.
On the other hand, if we live good godly lives those closest to us reap the benefits of our obedience. When we, as a nation, obey God and make right choices our righteousness elevates our nation. It can cause God’s blessings to be upon us.
As believers, we have a responsibility to pray for our nation. We are reminded of our responsibility in 2 Chronicles 7:14 which says, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”
Daily Bible Reading:
Proverbs 14:15-35
15 The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.
16 A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.
17 He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.
18 The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
19 The evil bow before the good; and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
20 The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many friends.
21 He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.
22 Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.
23 In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.
24 The crown of the wise is their riches: but the foolishness of fools is folly.
25 A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies.
26 In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.
27 The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
28 In the multitude of people is the king’s honour: but in the want of people is the destruction of the prince.
29 He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.
30 A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.
31 He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.
32 The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death.
33 Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known.
34 Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.
35 The king’s favour is toward a wise servant: but his wrath is against him that causeth shame.
Things to think about:
What does righteousness do for a nation?
What does sin do for a nation?
What are the attributes of the righteous mentioned in this Scripture?
What are the attributes of the wicked or foolish mentioned in this Scripture?
What can we do as believers to help heal our nation and bring it back to God?
Prayer of the Day:
Dear Heavenly Father,
As we read this Scripture in the book of Proverbs we see that righteousness can heal a nation, but sin can destroy a nation. Help us to humble ourselves, pray and seek your face. Help our nation to turn back to You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Daily Bible Verse:
Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.
Christian Music Video: “God Bless America” ~ Martina McBride
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.
God is Love is a Daily Bible Reading Study by Deborah H. Bateman. It contains 19 daily devotionals on Scriptures about love from the Bible: including God’s love for us, the love relationship between a husband and wife, love and honoring our parents, and much more.
This devotional would be great for either a personal daily devotions or group Bible studies, including small groups, and Sunday school classes. Each devotional contains a brief commentary by the author, the daily Bible Scripture, a prayer of the day, and several questions for personal reflection or group discussion.
In God is Love, Deborah strives to show you not only what love is, but that love comes from God, as well as the love of God surpasses all imagination. Her goal for you as you read this book is that you would realize how much God loves you.
Benefits of reading God is Love
• You will learn what love is
• You will learn about different kinds of love
• You will learn how much God loves you
• You will learn of the sacrifice made by God because of His love for you
Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Romans 13:1-7. In this Scripture, the Apostle Paul writes to the people about the importance of being in subjection to those who are in authority over us. He reminds us that all those who are in power are ordained by God. That may be hard for some of us to believe.
Not everybody who God allows to be in power is to bless us. Sometimes God puts people in a position of authority over us to judge us.
If you go back and read chapter twelve, you will see that this message comes right after Paul reminds the people that they are to live at peace with everybody, if at all possible. He reminds them that they were not to seek vengeance because that was left up to the Lord to repay.
When we resist the powers that be, we resist the ordinance of God. Those who go against those in authority will find themselves in trouble.
Those who are in authority in government are not there to punish those who do good, but are there to enforce the laws of the land and dole out punishment to those who disobey the laws.
We don’t have to be afraid of those who are in power over us as long as we do what is right. However, if we disobey the laws of the land then we are subject to the wrath that they have the power to execute.
Those who are in authority are ministers of God, so we are subject to them. We are to pay tribute to them and honor them because of their position, even if we don’t agree with everything they say or do.
Remember, Paul and the people of his day were under the rule of the Roman Empire. It was not a democratic government and was not friendly to Christians, but Paul still recognized its authority.
Jesus, during His reign here on earth, suffered under the authority of Pontius Pilate, who was one of the worst rulers of their day. Paul was persecuted under the direction of Nero, who was the worst Roman emperor who ever ruled. But, they both recognized the authority of the government and were subject to them.
Some of the Christians during Paul’s day questioned whether they should be subject to the government rule or only be subject to God. Paul lets them know that they were not only subject to the laws of God, but also to the laws of the land.
As long as those in authority over us do not demand we do something that is against the laws of God, we are to be in subjection to them. As believers, we should be some of the best law-abiding citizens a country could have. We should be honest, pay our dues, and honor those in positions of authority.
Most of all, we should lift our political leaders up to God in prayer. We should ask Him to help them make good decisions for the people. We should ask Him to lead, guide, and direct them in their positions of authority.
Daily Bible Reading:
Romans 13:1-7
1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.
7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
Things to think about:
Why does Paul say we are to be subject to those who rule over us?
Who should fear those in authority in the government?
As Christians how should we respond to those who are in authority?
What can we do to support those who are in government positions?
Prayer of the Day:
Dear Heavenly Father,
We thank You for this Scripture where Paul reminds us of our position as Christians toward those in authority over us. Help us to be respectful, to obey the laws of the land, and be good examples of exemplary citizens. Help us to honor You in all that we do. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Have you read the book? If not, click on the link above to get your copy.
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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.
Christians Response to Government is a Daily Bible Reading Study by Deborah H. Bateman. It is Book 32 in the Daily Bible Reading Series. Deborah wrote this book in response to the events surrounding the 2016 United States Presidential election. This book was born as she searched her own heart to try to determine how to respond in this election. She searched the Scriptures to see what God had to say about what our response as Christians should be to government and decided to share what she discovered with you. Hopefully this book enlightens you and helps you to know how to respond in a godly way to the powers that be. Remember to check out the other books in the Daily Bible Reading Series by Deborah H. Bateman.
Christians Response to Government contains ten Daily Bible Reading Lessons. Each lesson contains a brief commentary by the author, the Daily Bible Reading Scriptures, a few questions for contemplation and discussion, which the author calls “Things to think about,” and a Prayer of the Day.
Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 2 Thessalonians 3:1-18. Paul asks the Thessalonians to pray for them that the Word of the Lord will spread and glorify God among others, as it had with them. God promised in Isaiah 55:11 that His Word would not return void. Paul asked them to pray also that God would deliver them from the wicked. Paul reminds them that not all men are of faith as they were. Do you know why Paul would make that statement?
Paul declares the Lord is faithful. Paul trusts God to take care of them. Paul encourages the Thessalonians, telling them that the Lord would establish them and keep them from evil. Paul says we have faith in the Lord concerning them that they will do the things Paul and his friends taught them. Paul tells the Thessalonians that the Lord will fill their hearts with the love of God and give them the patience they needed while waiting for Christ’ return. Paul commands them to remove themselves from their brethren who are rebellious, those who don’t walk in the ways they were taught, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Paul reminds them that they were taught how to live Godly lives. They are to follow Paul’s example of living righteously. Paul and his fellow laborers worked night and day so they would be able to provide for themselves. Paul made tents for a living. They didn’t want to be a burden on anybody. Gradually the churches began to pay pastors for their services. Paul and his friends did this so that they could set a good example before the Thessalonians. It was Paul’s belief that if a man didn’t work, he didn’t deserve to eat.
Paul tells them that he knows that there are some of their brothers who won’t work, but are busy getting into trouble and tending to other people’s business. Paul exhorts the Thessalonians to let them know that they need to work and provide their own food to eat.
Paul encourages the Thessalonians not to grow weary in doing well. Paul tells them that if there is any man who doesn’t want to obey the words of this letter, to separate from him, so he might be ashamed of his actions. Paul’s motive was to bring the unruly people to repentance. He reminds them not to treat the unruly like an enemy, but to reprimand them as a brother.
Paul says, “May the Lord of peace give you peace always and be with you all.” Paul tells them that he wrote this letter with his own hand, which is a token of every letter he writes. He ends the letter by saying, “The grace of the Lord be with you all.” According to the editors of the KJV of the Bible this epistle was written from Athens.
Daily Bible Reading:
2 Thessalonians 3:1-18
1 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:
2 And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.
3 But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.
4 And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you.
5 And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.
6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.
7 For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;
8 Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:
9 Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.
10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
11 For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.
12 Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.
13 But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.
14 And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.
15 Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.
16 Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.
17 The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write.
18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. [[The following was added by editors of the KJV: The second [epistle to the Thessalonians was written from Athens.]]]
Things to think about:
How often do you pray for your spiritual leaders?
What other ways can we support our spiritual leaders?
How can we deal with unruly people?
Prayer of the Day:
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for this Scripture in the book of 2 Thessalonians. Paul exhorts the Thessalonians to work and live Godly lives. Help us to do Your will. He tells them how to deal with those who are unruly among them. Give us wisdom in dealing with those we come in contact with who aren’t living right before You. May the grace and peace of God be with us all. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
In the book of 2 Thessalonians, Paul encourages the Thessalonians to glorify the Lord, to stand fast, and to not grow weary in well doing. He also talks about the Second Coming of the Lord.
The Book of 2 Thessalonians: Paul’s Second Letter to the Thessalonianscontains four Daily Bible Reading lessons. Each lesson contains a brief commentary by the author, the Daily Bible Reading Scripture, a few questions for contemplation or discussion, and a prayer of the day. This is a great study for an individual or 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.
Goal Setting God’s Way
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