Daily Bible Reading “What is True Freedom” (John 8:23-36)

Posted on July 3, 2024 by Deborah H. Bateman

What Is True Freedom

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from John 8. Today, as we study the Bible and get ready to celebrate the 4th of July we are going to talk about what it truly means to be free.

I’m thankful that I live in the United States and I’m thankful for all the people who have fought and sacrificed so much to give us the freedom we have. Today we’re going to talk about another kind of freedom, and what it truly means to be free.

The Scripture we’re going to look at today is from John 8. In this Scripture, Jesus is speaking in the temple. The Pharisees were questioning Him because they didn’t believe He was the Son of God. Jesus tells them they’re from below, but He is from above, you’re of this world, but I’m not of this world. He explains to them they’ll die in their sins if they don’t believe He is the Son of God.

The Pharisees asked Jesus, Who are you? Jesus told them He was the same as He had been trying to tell them from the beginning. In other words, he was trying to tell them that he already told them who He was. Jesus said He had many things to tell them. He also warned them that He would have to judge them. Jesus told them His Father was true and the things He was telling them He learned from the Father. They didn’t understand that the message He was telling them came from God the Father.

Jesus says to them when you have lifted up the Son of man, then you will know that I am He and that I don’t do anything for myself, but I only do what my Father has instructed me to do. He was trying to tell them that when they lifted Him up on the cross, then they would know He was the Son of man and He did what He did in obedience to God the Father. Jesus states that the Father hadn’t left Him alone.

When He spoke these words many believed in Him. Jesus talks to the Jews who believed on Him telling them if they abide in His Word continually, they will be His disciples. Jesus declares, you will know the truth and the truth will make you free.

The Jewish people respond to Jesus telling Him that they were born of Abraham’s seed and were never in bondage. They didn’t understand how He could make them free. Jesus explains to them whoever commits sin is a servant of sin, and the servant won’t abide forever, but the Son abides forever. Therefore, if you believe in the Son and He makes you free from your sin, then you’ll be free indeed. Now that is true freedom.

I am grateful to live in a free nation, but no matter what country you live in, if you accept Jesus Christ as your Savior, you can be free from your sins and free from the judgment of sin. The freedom of not having to worry about your sin and where you will spend eternity is the best freedom of all.

Daily Bible Reading:

John 8:1-2, 23-36

1 Jesus went unto the mount of Olives.

2 And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.

23 And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world.
24 I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.
25 Then said they unto him, Who art thou? And Jesus saith unto them, Even the same that I said unto you from the beginning.
26 I have many things to say and to judge of you: but he that sent me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard of him.
27 They understood not that he spake to them of the Father.
28 Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.
29 And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.
30 As he spake these words, many believed on him.
31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
33 They answered him, We be Abraham’s seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?
34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.
35 And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever.
36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

Things to think about:

What does it mean to be free?

What is the ultimate freedom?

Have you been set free from your sin?
If so, leave a comment testifying of this freedom.

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You that in this Scripture in Romans 8, where we are reminded if the Son sets you free, then you will be free indeed. We thank You for Your Son, Jesus Christ, which You sent from heaven into this world, and for the sacrifice He made on the cross so we can be free from our sins. We pray You would speak to the hearts of those who don’t know this freedom from sin and help them to accept Him today. Thank you for all those who have fought and sacrificed here in the United States to give us the freedom we have today. Bless them for their service to this country. In Jesus’ precious name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. – John 8:36

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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:

The Book of Psalms:
Part 2 Chapters 31-60
by Deborah H. Bateman

About the book:

The Book of Psalms: Part 2 Chapters 31-60 by Deborah H. Bateman is 27th book in the Daily Bible Reading Series. The book of Psalms contains 150 chapters. Deborah divided The Book of Psalms into five books to make it easier to read and study. Each book will contain approximately thirty chapters from the book of Psalms.

Psalm 119 will not be included in The Book of Psalms since Deborah has already published a book about it called: Psalm 119: Thy Word is a Lamp unto My Feet. The book of Psalms is one of Deborah’s favorite books of the Bible. It is a great book to read if you’re ever feeling down or need to renew your relationship with Christ. King David went through a lot of tough times in his lifetime, but he loved God and trusted God to protect him from his enemies.

The book of Psalms was written by various people. About half of it was attributed to King David, whether they were written by David or for David is questioned by some biblical scholars. Some of the Psalms were written by Asaph and some say they were written for the sons of Korah and even Moses and Solomon were writers of the Psalms. The Psalms consists of poetry that was primarily meant to be used as songs of praise to the Lord.

The Book of Psalms: Part 2 Chapters 31-60 contains thirty-five Daily Bible Reading Lessons. Each lesson contains a brief commentary by the author, the Daily Bible Reading Scriptures, a few questions for contemplation or discussion, and a prayer of the day. It is a great Bible study for individuals or group studies.

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Deborah

Recipe for Life

Daily Bible Reading “God is My Rock and My Salvation” (Psalm 62:1-12)

Posted on July 2, 2024 by Deborah H. Bateman

God is My Rock and My Salvation

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Psalm 62:1-12. Psalm 62 is a Psalm of David to the Chief Musician. David says his soul waits on God, from Him comes his salvation.

David declares that God is the rock of his strength. God is his salvation. God is his glory. God is his refuge, and his defense, therefore he will not be moved.

David says his soul waits on the LORD because his expectation is from Him. David encourages us to put our trust in God at all times. He tells us to pour our hearts out to God. He reminds us that God is our refuge.

David warns us about trusting in our wealth. He tells us that power belongs to God. David reminds us that God is a merciful God and rewards every man according to his work.

When I used to work in the corporate world I trusted more in my job to supply my needs than God. When I lost my job, I learned to trust God more to supply my needs. I learned that God could supply my needs any way He chooses. For the most part, he has used my husband to supply my needs since that time. I had to learn to accept that as God’s provision for me. In what ways does God supply your needs?

Daily Bible Reading:

Psalm 62:1-12

1 [[To the chief Musician, to Jeduthun, A Psalm of David.]] Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation.
2 He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved.
3 How long will ye imagine mischief against a man? ye shall be slain all of you: as a bowing wall shall ye be, and as a tottering fence.
4 They only consult to cast him down from his excellency: they delight in lies: they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah.
5 My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him.
6 He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved.
7 In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.
8 Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.
9 Surely men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie: to be laid in the balance, they are altogether lighter than vanity.
10 Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart upon them.
11 God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God.
12 Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his work.

Things to think about:

In what ways is God your refuge and your defense?
How can we learn to trust in God at all times?
Have you accepted God as your rock and your salvation as David did? If so, describe your experience.

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for this Scripture in Psalm 62. You are our rock and our salvation. You are our refuge and our defense. You are a merciful God and You love us. Help us to trust in You at all times. Help us to pour our hearts out to You in prayer knowing that You will hear and answer our prayers. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. – Psalm 62:7

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This is an excerpt from The Book of Psalms: Part 3 Chapters 61-90

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Christian Music Video: God Is My Rock My Salvation

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:

The Book of Psalms:
Part 3 Chapters 61-90
by Deborah H. Bateman

About the book:

The Book of Psalms:Part 3 Chapters 61-90 by Deborah H. Bateman is 28th book in the Daily Bible Reading Series. The book of Psalms contains 150 chapters. Deborah divided The Book of Psalms into five books to make it easier to read and study. Each book contains approximately thirty chapters from the book of Psalms.

Psalm 119 will not be included in The Book of Psalms since Deborah has already published a book about it called: Psalm 119: Thy Word is a Lamp unto My Feet.

The book of Psalms is one of Deborah’s favorite books of the Bible. It is a great book to read if you’re ever feeling down or need to renew your relationship with Christ. King David went through a lot of tough times in his lifetime, but he loved God and trusted God to protect him from his enemies.

The Book of Psalms: Part 3 Chapters 61-90 contains fifty Daily Bible Reading Lessons. Each lesson contains a brief commentary by the author, the Daily Bible Reading Scriptures, a few questions for contemplation or discussion, and a prayer of the day. It is a great Bible study for individuals or group studies.

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

Click Here to Subscribe to Deborah H. Bateman to receive
Daily Bible Reading Lessons in your inbox.

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

Recipe for Life

Daily Bible Reading “Lead Me to the Rock” (Psalm 61:1-8)

Posted on July 1, 2024 by Deborah H. Bateman

Lead Me to the Rock

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Psalm 61:1-8. Psalm 61 is a Psalm of David to the Chief Musician. David cries out to God to hear his prayer. David says when his heart is overwhelmed he will cry out to God to lead him to the rock. What do you do when your heart is overwhelmed?

What are some words that you would use to describe the word “rock”? A rock is a solid mass. A large rock may be called a boulder. Smaller rocks may be considered as stones. Some rocks may be sharp and in biblical times may have been used to make weapons. In the Scriptures, the word “rock” may be a reference to the strength, to deity, to God, the mighty one.

Figuratively speaking the word “rock” may symbolize a refuge. As we think of all the meanings of the word “rock” and compare them to God we can visualize God as being our rock, our strength, a large boulder to lean or rest upon.

Deuteronomy 32:4 describes God as the Rock, “He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.”

First Samuel 2:2 tells us that there is no rock like our God. “There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God.”

David spoke of the LORD as his rock when God delivered him from his enemies in 2 Samuel 22:2-3, “And he said, The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence.”

David declares that God is his shelter, his strong tower from the enemy. He proclaims that he will abide in God’s tabernacle, and be safe under the wings of God.

David knows that God has heard his prayers and will answer his cry. He trusted God to prolong his life and to give him the heritage of those who fear God. David promises to praise God forever and perform his vows daily to God. Do you have a habit of praising and worshiping God on a daily basis?

Daily Bible Reading:

Psalm 61:1-8

1 [[To the chief Musician upon Neginah, [A Psalm] of David.]] Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer.
2 From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
3 For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.
4 I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah.
5 For thou, O God, hast heard my vows: thou hast given me the heritage of those that fear thy name.
6 Thou wilt prolong the king’s life: and his years as many generations.
7 He shall abide before God for ever: O prepare mercy and truth, which may preserve him.
8 So will I sing praise unto thy name for ever, that I may daily perform my vows.

Things to think about:

In what ways do you trust in God’s mercy and truth?
In what ways do you think of God as your rock?
How do you look to God as a shelter from the enemy?
In what ways do you give God praise daily?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for this Scripture in Psalm 61. We see in this Scripture that David had complete faith and trust in You. He trusted in Your mercy and truth to preserve and prolong his life. He set the example for us to praise and worship You daily, no matter what is going on in our lives. Help us to follow the example and praise and worship you as David did. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. – Psalm 61:2

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This is an excerpt from The Book of Psalms: Part 3 Chapters 61-90

Click the link above to get your copy now!

Christian Music Video: Lead Me To The Rock

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:

The Book of Psalms:
Part 3 Chapters 61-90
by Deborah H. Bateman

About the book:

Psalm 119 will not be included in The Book of Psalms since Deborah has already published a book about it called: Psalm 119: Thy Word is a Lamp unto My Feet.

The Book of Psalms: Part 3 Chapters 61-90 contains fifty Daily Bible Reading Lessons. Each lesson contains a brief commentary by the author, the Daily Bible Reading Scriptures, a few questions for contemplation or discussion, and a prayer of the day. It is a great Bible study for individuals or group studies.

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

Click Here to Subscribe to Deborah H. Bateman to receive
Daily Bible Reading Lessons in your inbox.

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

Recipe for Life

Daily Bible Reading “Vain is the Help of Man” (Psalm 60:1-12)

Posted on June 30, 2024 by Deborah H. Bateman

Vain is the Help of Man

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Psalm 60:1-12. Psalm 60 is a Psalm of David to the Chief Musician. It was meant to be played on the Shushaneduth, to the tune of “The Lily of the Covenant.” It was to be used as a teaching tool. This psalm was written when David fought with Aramnaharaim and Aramzobah, and Joab, David’s general, returned and smote twelve thousand Edomites in the valley of salt. The meaning of Joab’s name is “Jehovah is father.” When we make God our father, we can win in any battle that faces us.

David cried out to God, “O God, thou hast cast us off, thou hast scattered us, thou hast been displeased; O turn thyself to us again.” In verses 2-4 David describes what they had been through. It seems like he is describing an earthquake. He then pleads to God to help him win the battle.

Sometimes we put our trust and faith in men and they fail us. David had strong armies of men to fight with, but he knew he needed God to be on his side and give him favor in the midst of the battle. Do you call on God to help you in the battles of life?

Daily Bible Reading:

Psalm 60:1-12

1 [[To the Chief Musician upon Shushaneduth, Michtam of David, to teach; when he strove with Aramnaharaim and with Aramzobah, when Joab returned, and smote of Edom in the valley of salt twelve thousand.]] O God, thou hast cast us off, thou hast scattered us, thou hast been displeased; O turn thyself to us again.
2 Thou hast made the earth to tremble; thou hast broken it: heal the breaches thereof; for it shaketh.
3 Thou hast shewed thy people hard things: thou hast made us to drink the wine of astonishment.
4 Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee, that it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah.
5 That thy beloved may be delivered; save with thy right hand, and hear me.
6 God hath spoken in his holiness; I will rejoice, I will divide Shechem, and mete out the valley of Succoth.
7 Gilead is mine, and Manasseh is mine; Ephraim also is the strength of mine head; Judah is my lawgiver;
8 Moab is my washpot; over Edom will I cast out my shoe: Philistia, triumph thou because of me.
9 Who will bring me into the strong city? who will lead me into Edom?
10 Wilt not thou, O God, which hadst cast us off? and thou, O God, which didst not go out with our armies?
11 Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man.
12 Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.

Things to think about:

In what ways do you lean on God to lead you in life?
Have you ever felt like God turned His back on you? If so, describe the situation.
Was it God who turned His back on you or did you lose fellowship with God?
Why should we repent and ask God to forgive us and return His favor to us?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this Scripture in Psalm 60. Thank You for the example of David who shows us even people who are strong and mighty need Your help. Help us not to put our faith and trust in men, but in You, God. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man. – Psalm 60:11

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Excerpt from The Book of Psalms: Part 2 Chapters 31-60

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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:

The Book of Psalms:
Part 2 Chapters 31-60
by Deborah H. Bateman

About the book:

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

Click Here to Subscribe to Deborah H. Bateman to receive
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Have a blessed day,

Deborah

Recipe for Life

Daily Bible Reading “God is My Defense” (Psalm 59:1-17)

Posted on June 27, 2024 by Deborah H. Bateman

God is My Defense

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Psalm 59:1-17. Psalm 59 is a Psalm of David, to the Chief Musician. It was written during the time when King Saul was having David’s house watched and was seeking to kill him. David became a king, a strong mighty man of God, but he leaned on the LORD as his defense and refuge in his time of trouble. Do you turn to God during times of trouble in your life?

Most of us have never experienced anything like David experienced. David’s enemies were gathered against him and he hadn’t done anything to cause them to seek after him. David cried out to God for help. He says his enemies acted like angry dogs, going about the city telling lies. They reminded him of hungry dogs going about seeking those they could devour. What a description. Do you know anybody like this? I sure hope not, but there are people like this in the world.

During this time of trouble, David praises the LORD and cries out to Him to be his defense and to show him mercy during these trying times. David is solely dependent on God. He knows that God is his only help during this time. Have you ever been in a situation where you knew only God could get you out of it or through it?

Sometimes God is the only answer to your dilemma. He is the only one who can change the situation you’re in. Cry out to God, as David did, and God will hear your cries and defend you against the enemy.

Daily Bible Reading:

Psalm 59:1-17

1 [[To the Chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David; when Saul sent, and they watched the house to kill him.]] Deliver me from mine enemies, O my God: defend me from them that rise up against me.
2 Deliver me from the workers of iniquity, and save me from bloody men.
3 For, lo, they lie in wait for my soul: the mighty are gathered against me; not for my transgression, nor for my sin, O LORD.
4 They run and prepare themselves without my fault: awake to help me, and behold.
5 Thou therefore, O LORD God of hosts, the God of Israel, awake to visit all the heathen: be not merciful to any wicked transgressors. Selah.
6 They return at evening: they make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city.
7 Behold, they belch out with their mouth: swords are in their lips: for who, say they, doth hear?
8 But thou, O LORD, shalt laugh at them; thou shalt have all the heathen in derision.
9 Because of his strength will I wait upon thee: for God is my defence.
10 The God of my mercy shall prevent me: God shall let me see my desire upon mine enemies.
11 Slay them not, lest my people forget: scatter them by thy power; and bring them down, O Lord our shield.
12 For the sin of their mouth and the words of their lips let them even be taken in their pride: and for cursing and lying which they speak.
13 Consume them in wrath, consume them, that they may not be: and let them know that God ruleth in Jacob unto the ends of the earth. Selah.
14 And at evening let them return; and let them make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city.
15 Let them wander up and down for meat, and grudge if they be not satisfied.
16 But I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: for thou hast been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble.
17 Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing: for God is my defence, and the God of my mercy.

Things to think about:

Why should we call on God in times of trouble?
In what ways do you feel that you can depend on God?
In what situations have you trusted God to be your defense?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for this Scripture in Psalm 59. Even though it is hard to read and hear these gruesome details of David’s dilemma, it helps us to see You are always there for us in our time of deepest trouble. We can always call out to You for help and You will hear our cries and defend us against the enemy. You are a merciful God, You love Your children, and You will protect them from the attacks of the enemy. We thank You, dear LORD. Help us to know we can depend on You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing: for God is my defence, and the God of my mercy. – Psalm 59:17

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Excerpt from The Book of Psalms: Part 2 Chapters 31-60

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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.