Category Archives: Daily Bible Reading

Daily Bible Reading “Jesus Died on the Cross” (Matthew 27:33-54)

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Jesus Died on the Cross

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Matthew 27:33-54. As we look at this Scripture, try to imagine you are there. In this Scripture, Jesus was led to Golgotha, a place of a skull, which in Hebrew and Latin is Calvary, to be crucified.

In John’s account of the situation, he says in John 19:25-28, “Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home. After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst.”

They gave Him vinegar to drink mixed with gall and when He tasted it He wouldn’t drink it. John 19:30, states, “When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.”

They crucified Him and cast lots for His garments as it was prophesied in Psalm 22:18, “They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.” They put a sign of accusation up over His head, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS, which was really true. He is the Messiah.

There were two thieves who were crucified with Jesus, one on each side. The people, mocked Him, including the scribes, Pharisees, and elders, saying things like, “You destroyed the temple and built it back in three days, save yourself.” And, “If you are the Son of God come down off the cross,” and “He saved others, but He cannot save Himself.”

Then they said, “If He is the King of Israel, let Him come down off the cross and then we will believe Him.” “He trusted in God, so why won’t He deliver Him?” “He said He was the Son of God.” They accused Jesus and mocked Him, but He truly was the Son of God.

John 19:31-37 tells us:
The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him. But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs: But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe. For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken. And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced.

Can you imagine the agony He must have gone through? He had been hanging there on the cross for six hours. The Scripture says it was dark over all the land from the sixth hour until the ninth hour. In the ninth hour, Jesus cried out, “My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?”

He cried again with a loud voice and then Jesus died, and immediately the veil of the temple was torn in two, and there was an earthquake, and the rocks divided. The graves opened and many bodies of the saints that were dead came out of their graves after His resurrection and went into the city and many people saw them. When they saw all this happen, they said, “Truly this was the Son of God.”

 
Daily Bible Reading:

Matthew 27:33-54
33 And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull,
34 They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink.
35 And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.
36 And sitting down they watched him there;
37 And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
38 Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left.
39 And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads,
40 And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross.
41 Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said,
42 He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him.
43 He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God.
44 The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth.
45 Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour.
46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
47 Some of them that stood there, when they heard that, said, This man calleth for Elias.
48 And straightway one of them ran, and took a spunge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink.
49 The rest said, Let be, let us see whether Elias will come to save him.
50 Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.
51 And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;
52 And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,
53 And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.
54 Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.

Things to think about:

  • Can you imagine being in the crowd that day?
  • How does it make you feel to read how Jesus was treated?
  • Remember, Jesus went through all of this so we could be saved from our sins. Have you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior?

 

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we read these things that happened to Your Son, Jesus, our hearts are broken to see what He went through, so we could be forgiven. Please forgive us of our sins, and help us to live for You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. We love You, Lord.  Amen.

 

Daily Bible Verse:

And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS. – Matthew 27:37

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

Christian Music Video: Were You There When They Crucified My Lord

 

 

 Featured Book:

The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus ChristThe 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 book of Matthew. 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 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 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.

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

 

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

Deborah

Recipe for Life

 

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.

If you haven’t already, subscribe to receive the Daily Bible Reading Lessons in your inbox. We would love to have you join us for our Daily Bible Study.

 

Daily Bible Reading “Jesus was Condemned to Die on the Cross” (Matthew 27:1-32)

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Jesus was Condemned to Die on the Cross

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Matthew 27:1-32. In this Scripture, Jesus was delivered to Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Palestine, by the chief priests and elders, to condemn Him to death. When Judas, who betrayed him, saw Jesus was condemned, he repented and brought the thirty pieces of silver he was given to turn Jesus over,  cast them down in the temple, then left and hanged himself.

The chief priests used the silver to buy the potter’s field, to bury strangers in, which was prophesied by Jeremy the prophet in Zechariah 11:12-13, “And I said unto them, If ye think good, give me my price; and if not, forbear. So they weighed for my price thirty pieces of silver. And the LORD said unto me, Cast it unto the potter: a goodly price that I was prised at of them. And I took the thirty pieces of silver, and cast them to the potter in the house of the LORD.”

When Jesus stood before the governor to answer the accusations against Him, the governor asked Him if He was the King of the Jews. He answered, “Thou sayest,” in agreement with him. Jesus didn’t say anything else as they accused Him.

At the feast the governor was going to release a prisoner, so he asked the people whether he should release Barabbas or Jesus.The people wanted him to release Barabbas and crucify Jesus. He washed his hands and told them he was innocent of the blood of Jesus.

Then the soldiers took Jesus and stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him. They made a crown of thorns and placed it on His head, and gave Him a reed in His right hand.

They bowed down to Jesus and mocked Him saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” They took off the robe and put Jesus’ clothes on Him and took Him to be crucified. On the way, they saw Simon of Cyrene and made him carry the cross. How does it make you feel to know Jesus went through all of this for you?

 

Daily Bible Reading:

Matthew 27:1-32

1  When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death:
2  And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor.
3  Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,
4  Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that.
5  And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.
6  And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood.
7  And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter’s field, to bury strangers in.
8  Wherefore that field was called, The field of blood, unto this day.
9  Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued, whom they of the children of Israel did value;
10 And gave them for the potter’s field, as the Lord appointed me.
11 And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest.
12 And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing.
13 Then said Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee?
14 And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly.
15 Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would.
16 And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas.
17 Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?
18 For he knew that for envy they had delivered him.
19 When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.
20 But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.
21 The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas.
22 Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified.
23 And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified.
24 When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it.
25 Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children.
26 Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.
27 Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers.
28 And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe.
29 And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!
30 And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head.
31 And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him.
32 And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross.

 

Things to think about:

  • What did they do with the thirty pieces of silver Judas returned to them?
  • Who prophesied this would happen?
  • How does it make you feel to read about how they treated Jesus?
  • Have you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior?


Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we read this Scripture about how Jesus was treated, our hearts are broken. Thank You for Your Son, Jesus and for all the sacrifices He made so Your will could be fulfilled. If not for Him, all of us would be condemned to hell. Help us to have a new appreciation for the sacrifice that was made for our sins. In Jesus’ precious name, we pray. We love You, LORD. Amen.

 

Daily Bible Verse:

And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing.

– Matthew 27:12

– Excerpt from: The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ.

Click the link above to get your copy now!

 

Christian Music:

Jesus Messiah

 

Featured Book:

 

The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus ChristThe 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 book of Matthew. 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 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 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.

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

 

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

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

Recipe for Life

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

If you haven’t already, subscribe to receive the Daily Bible Reading Lessons in your inbox at http://DeborahHBateman.com/subscribe.

Daily Bible Reading “Go Work in my Vineyard” (Matthew 20:1-16)

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Go Work in my Vineyard

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Matthew 20:1-16. In this Scripture, Jesus says the kingdom of heaven is like this story about a man who went out to hire people to work in his vineyard. He made an agreement with the laborers to work for a penny a day (which was considered a day’s wages during that time). Can you imagine working for a penny a day?

The man went out again at the third, sixth, ninth, and eleventh hours (9 a.m., noon, 3 p.m., and 5 p.m.) and found others standing in the marketplace and told them to go work in his vineyard and he would pay them whatever was right.

At the end of the day, the vineyard owner calls to his steward and tells him to call the laborers and give them their hire, beginning with the last ones he hired to the first ones he hired. All of the men received a penny.

When the steward got to the first man, he complained because he thought he should receive more, but the owner of the vineyard told him that he received what they agreed upon. The owner tells him he has done him no wrong: “Is your eye evil, because I am good? The last shall be first and the first shall be last; many are called, few are chosen.”

Every soul is precious to God, whether they have been saved for twenty years or two days. Everyone who is saved will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. What if God gave us what we deserved?

The Bible says the harvest is plenteous, but the laborers are few. Has God called you to work in His vineyard? What can you do? What can you contribute? If you are not sure, ask God to show you how He can use you to further His kingdom.

Daily Bible Reading:

Matthew 20:1-16

1 For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard.
2 And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard.
3 And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace,
4 And said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way.
5 Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise.
6 And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle?
7 They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.
8 So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first.
9 And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny.
10 But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny.
11 And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house,
12 Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day.
13 But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny?
14 Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee.
15 Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?
16 So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.

 

Things to think about:

  • How is Jesus pictured in this Scripture?
  • Do you find it strange that those who were hired last were paid the same as those who were hired first?
  • Of what is this Scripture representative?
  • What does the Scripture mean when it says, “The last will be first and the first will be last?”


Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this Scripture which lets us know that every soul is precious to You. We thank You that You are not a respecter of persons, but You love us all equally. Help us to be more like You and not be looking at what everybody else is doing, but only be concerned with our relationship with You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. We love You, LORD. Amen.

 

Daily Bible Verse:

For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard. – Matthew 20:1

The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ

Get your copy now!

 

Christian Video: The Parable of the Laborers


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:

Matthew

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.

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

 

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

 

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

Recipe for Life

Like Deborah H. Bateman on Facebook

 

Daily Bible Reading “God Has Not Given Us the Spirit of Fear” (2 Timothy 1:7)

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2-Timothy-1-7God Has Not Given Us the Spirit of Fear

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 2 Timothy 1:7. Second Timothy 1:7 tells us, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”

Have you ever experienced the spirit of fear? Is there something you are afraid of doing? Do you have a fear of heights? Or, is there something else you are afraid of? The Bible tells us the spirit of fear does not come from God. It is a tactic of the devil to hold us back, to keep us from reaching our God given destiny. You must guard your hearts against the attacks of the enemy.

If you let the spirit of fear overtake you it can cripple you. It can cause you not to perform in the way God wants you to. It can hold you back from accomplishing all God wants you to. Don’t let the spirit of fear keep you from doing what God has for you to do.

In 2 Timothy 1: 7 we are reminded that God gives us a spirit of power, and love and a sound mind. We need to continuously remind ourselves of this. If you come into a time in your life when you feel overwhelmed by the spirit of fear, quote this Scripture to yourself over and over until you overcome the spirit of fear.

In the book of Esther, Esther was put in a position to stand up for the Jews. She must have been afraid to approach the king, knowing it could cost her life, if he wasn’t accepting of her. Esther was wise because she realized she needed God to be on her side, so she spent three days fasting and praying to be sure she was in line with God’s will and had God’s favor on the situation. She also asked others to fast and pray along with her and to come into agreement with her that God’s will would be done.

When Esther went before the king, God gave her courage. It wasn’t an easy thing for her to do, not knowing what the outcome would be. Esther put her life on the line for her people. Who does this remind you of?

Jesus put His life on the cross for us, so we could be saved. Both, Esther and Jesus were used by God to do His will. They both had to surrender their lives to God. Is there something God has asked you to do that you have let fear keep you from doing? Be like Esther and ask God to give you courage and strength to do His will.

Things to think about:

  • Is there anything you are afraid of?
  • Have you turned that fear over to God?
  • How can we remind ourselves that God is not the author of fear?

 

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for this Scripture where we are reminded that You don’t give us the spirit of fear. You give us the spirit of love, power and a sound mind. Help us to remember this. Help us to surrender our lives to Your will. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

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

Another book by Deborah concerning Purim

The Book of Esther: A Story of Love and Favor

This year the Jewish people will celebrate Purim beginning at sunset on Wednesday, the 23rd of March, and the celebration will last through Friday, March 25.

 

Featured Book:

purim(1)-25PURIM Celebration: 28 Daily Devotionals

by Deborah H. Bateman

About the book:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Go to: http://amazon.com/dp/B00B8X1SAE

Get your copy now!

 

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Daily Bible Reading Lessons in your inbox Monday – Friday.

 

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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.

 

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

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Recipe for Life

Daily Bible Reading “I Must Be About My Father’s Business” (Luke 2:42-52)

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jesus as a boy at the templeI Must Be About My

Father’s Business

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Luke 2:42-52. In this Scripture we have a record of a time when Jesus was twelve years old He went to Jerusalem with Joseph and Mary, which was their yearly custom. But, this time was different because when Joseph and Mary left to go back home Jesus failed to come with them. He stayed behind at the temple without His parent’s knowledge.

Mary and Joseph were about a day’s journey away when they looked for Him and He was nowhere to be found. You know they must have been frightened when they couldn’t find Him. Have you ever taken your children shopping or somewhere and looked around and couldn’t find them? If so, you know the fright Jesus’ parents must have felt in their hearts and the pain that must have been in the pit of their stomachs.

They turned around and went back to Jerusalem to search for Him and found Him at the temple. When they found him at the temple they asked Him why he stayed behind and told Him they had been looking for Him and were worried about Him and His safety. Jesus answered them, “How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?” His parents didn’t understand what He was talking about, so they took Him back with them to Nazareth.

Even Jesus knew it was not about Him, but about obeying His Heavenly Father. It was about serving God and obeying His will. We were all created by God for a purpose. Jesus’ purpose was to be the Savior of the world. Jesus knew He needed to be near the Father to learn more and draw strength from the Heavenly Father to fulfill His destiny.

In the book of Esther, Esther was in the king’s palace. She could have wondered why she was there. Was it her beauty that landed her in the king’s palace? Maybe so, but she realized she may have been there for a higher purpose when her relative Mordecai asked her to plead for the life of her people before the king.

She could have ignored Mordecai’s request. She could have been concerned only about her own wellbeing, but she loved Mordecai and cared about the Jewish people.

God had her in the palace for a purpose. He used Esther’s influence with the king to save the Jewish people. Esther realized she had a greater purpose. She was about the Father’s business. God used Esther in a mighty way to save the Jewish people. Esther knew she needed God’s strength and favor to fulfill her destiny.

Are you about the Father’s business? Have you asked Him if there was something He wants you to do? Maybe God has you where you are for a reason, as Esther was in the king’s palace at the appointed time. Maybe there is someone where you work God wants you to witness to.

Pray and ask God to show you His purpose for you and what He wants you to do. Then, when He shows you, obey Him. He may have a greater purpose for you than you can imagine. Follow God’s will and see where He leads you.

 

Daily Bible Reading:

Luke 2:42-52

42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.
43 And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.
44 But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey; and they sought him among [their] kinsfolk and acquaintance.
45 And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.
46 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.
47 And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.
48 And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.
49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?
50 And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.
51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.
52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

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Things to think about:

  • How do you think Mary and Joseph felt when they couldn’t find Jesus?
  • Why was Jesus surprised they were looking for Him?
  • Where was Jesus when they found Him?
  • Why was He there?
  • What did He tell them?
  • Are you about your heavenly Father’s business?

 

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for this Scripture, where we see Jesus saying He was about His Father’s business. We realize He was committed to doing Your will. Help us to be committed to doing Your will, as Jesus was. Show us Your will for our lives and help us to obey and walk in Your will. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

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

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

The Book of Esther: A Story of Love and Favor

The Jewish people will be celebrating Purim this week. Purim 2020 starts Monday evening March 9 and ends on Tuesday evening March 10.

 

Christian Music Video:

 

Featured Book:

PURIM Celebration: 28 Daily Devotionals

by Deborah H. Bateman

About the book:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

 

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.

If you haven’t already, be sure to subscribe to Deborah H. Bateman to receive the Daily Bible Reading Lessons in your inbox.

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 the Bible along with us.

 

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

Recipe for Life