Daily Bible Reading “This Baby was Jesus” (Matthew 1:18-25)

Posted on December 21, 2022 by Deborah H. Bateman

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Matthew 1:18-25. Since it is Christmas I thought it only fitting to talk about the real meaning of Christmas, a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. While we do all the things we do during this holiday season to celebrate, let’s keep our focus on what the real reason for the season is. It is not about decorating the tree, shopping and wrapping presents, family gatherings, baking goodies, or anything else that we do to celebrate, it is all about HIM!

Let’s go back to the beginning, when it was first discovered that Jesus Christ was going to be born into this world through a miracle of God. The Scripture we will look at is from Matthew 1:18-25. Matthew tells about the birth of Jesus.

Mary was a virgin, chosen by God, to be the mother of Jesus. It was a miraculous birth, because Mary was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Think about how Mary must have felt when she found out she was expecting a child. She never had a physical relationship with a man. Mary was engaged to Joseph, who was a just man. At first, Joseph thought he should put her away privately so as not to make a public example of her.

But, the angel of the Lord came to Joseph in a dream and confirmed that Mary had conceived of the Holy Ghost. He told Joseph, Mary was going to have a son and they should call him JESUS. Can you imagine how Joseph must have felt when he had that dream? He was engaged to a woman who was expecting a baby that was not his. Then, he had this dream saying it was conceived of the Holy Ghost. How was he going to explain this to his family and friends?

The angel also told Joseph that JESUS would save his people from their sins. This was the purpose of JESUS’ birth, from the beginning; God allowed JESUS to be born as a human in order to become the Savior of the world. He used Mary, as an instrument through which Jesus was born, so He could live a sinless life in this world and ultimately so He could be the sacrifice for our sins. Think about the responsibility that Mary and Joseph must have felt. God chose them, they didn’t volunteer.

This baby was different from any other baby that had ever been born into this world. He was the Son of God. He was the Savior of the world. He would grow up and be crucified on the cross. As we celebrate Christmas let’s remember the true meaning of Christmas and celebrate the one whose birthday we honor.

Daily Bible Reading:

Matthew 1:18-25

18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just [man], and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:
25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

Things to think about:

Can you imagine how Mary felt when she found out she was expecting a baby?
Can you imagine how Joseph felt when he found out his fiancé’ Mary was going to have a baby even though they had not had a physical relationship?
Think about the miracle God performed when He caused Mary to be expectant of the Holy Ghost.
Do you celebrate Christmas as the birthday of Jesus Christ?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this account from Matthew about the virgin birth of Your Son, JESUS. Thank You for sending Him to the earth to be our Savior. As we celebrate Christmas, help us to keep our focus on the true reason for the season. We love You, LORD. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen

Christian Music: This Baby by Steven Curtis Chapman
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Featured Book:

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

About the book:

The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ is a Daily Bible Reading Study by Deborah H. Bateman, which takes you through the life of Jesus Christ. The book of Matthew is the first book in the New Testament of the Bible. It begins with the genealogy of Jesus Christ and His birth.

The Book of Matthew also goes into Jesus’ ministry on earth, including the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus’ parables, and Jesus’ final days, including His death, burial, and resurrection. The book concludes with the great commission.

The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ includes fifty-seven daily devotionals which contain a brief commentary, the Daily Bible Reading Scripture, a few questions to think about, and a prayer of the day. It is a great book for individual daily devotions or a group Bible study.

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Merry Christmas! May God bless you and your family during this holiday season.

Merry Christmas,

Deborah

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Daily Bible Reading “I Give Thanks To God” (Psalm 139:14)

Posted on November 14, 2022 by Deborah H. Bateman

I Give Thanks To God

Today’s Daily Bible Reading was written by my friend, Lily Brenner.

I will praise Thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are Thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

-Psalm 139:14

In God‘s wisdom, He chose for me to be born into this century and not another. Born to the man and woman He chose for my parents and blessing me with four brothers and four sisters. He watched over me when I was a small child even though I didn’t know of His existence. He sent His angels to guard me against dangers I could not see.

For He shall give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.

-Psalm 91:11-12

I give thanks to God for His love when He saved my soul as a young twelve-year-old girl. God sent His only Son to die so His saving grace could be mine. Throughout the years Jesus has shown the way in the Bible, His footsteps I should follow. “In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:6). I have wandered from the path so straight and narrow only to find He had been with me and guiding me back from my wandering ways.

I have learned from the Bible how to live, forgive, help, and love. Speaking of love, He gave me a wonderful man I’ve been married to for over thirty years now. We have been blessed with two beautiful daughters and they’ve married and have started their families. I give thanks to God. Grandchildren are a deep pleasure and they’re in church every Wednesday and Sunday. I give thanks to God.

When I have been sad, depressed, angry, confused, or hurt by someone’s tongue or hands, I have been comforted by the Holy Spirit. “And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you for ever” (John 14:16). I give thanks to God.

Over the years God has been so kind and generous and any time is a good time to give thanks to God! He loves me unconditionally and wants the best for me, as He does for all His children.

God has been moving in my life for the past several years now in a direction I would never have believed possible. He has me on a path to encourage and inspire others through the internet and social networking sites. He has blessed me to build and maintain a website. I have no formal training to do this, it all comes from the faith He gives me.

“For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith” (Romans 12:3).

My hope and prayer for people when they visit my website is that some will receive Jesus as their Savior, and Christians will be lifted up in such a way that their day is better.

Things to think about:

What are some things in your life for which you can give thanks to God?
Who is the Comforter that God sends to us once we’re saved?
Who does God give us to protect us?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for all Your many blessings in our life. We praise You for the Holy Spirit who You send as our Comforter. Thank You for the angels You have watching over us to protect us. You are a good God who loves us and cares for us in every way. Help us to always be grateful for all that You do for us. We love You, LORD. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

I will praise Thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are Thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. – Psalm 139:14

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This devotional was contributed by my friend Lily Brenner

“Give Thanks” by Deborah H. Bateman and Friends

Christian Music Video: How Great is Our God – Chris Tomlin
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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

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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Have a blessed day,

Deborah

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Daily Bible Reading “Give Thanks to God for Your Faith and Love” (1 Thessalonians 3:1-13)

Posted on November 9, 2022 by Deborah H. Bateman

Give Thanks to God for Your Faith and Love

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 1 Thessalonians 3:1-13. This is part of the letter that Paul wrote to the church at Thessalonica, which today is the second-largest city in Greece. In this chapter, Paul talks about the faith of the people. Paul, Silas, and Timothy had been driven out of Thessalonica and when they could no longer stand not knowing how the people were doing; they sent Timothy back to check on the people there.

Paul had ministered to these people and he had great concern for them that they would continue in the faith and not be tempted by the devil to give up on their beliefs. Paul didn’t want the people to be discouraged because of all the trials they had been through.

Trials in our life help us see what is going on in our hearts. When we are going through trying times, it is a time when we can grow even closer to God, if we allow it. We can learn to depend on God and trust Him to see us through the tough times in life. We can’t comfort others unless we have been through some tough times ourselves.

Paul felt comforted when Timothy came back with a good report from the Thessalonians. Timothy let him know they had kept the faith. Paul said he prayed for them day and night. Paul gives thanks to God for them and the joy he had in knowing they were strong in their faith. They were staying true to the things of God that Paul had taught them.

Daily Bible Reading:

1 Thessalonians 3:1-13

1 Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone;
2 And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith:
3 That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.
4 For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know.
5 For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.
6 But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you:
7 Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith:
8 For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.
9 For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;
10 Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?
11 Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you.
12 And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:
13 To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.

Things to think about:

What would it be like to be persecuted because of your faith?

How can we make our faith known to others?

In what ways can we show charity (love) to other people?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the comfort You give us, especially when we are going through tough times. Help us to keep the faith and know You work all things out for our good and Your glory. Help us to increase in our love for one another, and toward all people. Establish our hearts to be blameless in holiness before You. We love You, LORD. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God; – 1 Thessalonians 3:9

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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:

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 and to be thankful and grateful for everything.

Each lesson contains a brief commentary, Daily Bible Reading 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.

For those of you interested in Bible journaling, may I suggest you pick your favorite Bible verse from each lesson and journal about it. This will be a great reminder of the lessons you learn as you read and study this book.

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Have a blessed day,

Deborah

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Daily Bible Reading “Give Thanks to God for the Victory through Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:51-58)

Posted on November 8, 2022 by Deborah H. Bateman

Give Thanks to God for the Victory through Christ

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 1 Corinthians 15:51-58.

But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. – 1 Corinthians 15:57

First Corinthians 15:51-52 speaks about when the Lord comes back to take us to heaven with Him. When we think of death and being put in the grave, it’s hard to think about even as Christians both for ourselves and for our loved ones. At least when you are a Christian you realize that it’s a temporary situation. We have the hope that God has given us through Jesus Christ. Death is swallowed up in victory. What does that mean?

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 (1 Thessalonians 4:13).

First Corinthians 15:57 reminds us to give thanks to God for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who gives us victory over death. Verse 58 tells us to be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, and reminds us that our labor is not in vain in the Lord. Because we have the assurance of heaven and knowing we’ll be rewarded for our work here on earth we can give thanks to God for the victory we have in Jesus Christ.

Daily Bible Reading:

1 Corinthians 15:51-58

51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

Things to think about:

Do you have hope in Christ? Why or why not?

Do you give thanks to God for the victory we have in Christ?

Think about the great sacrifice Christ made on the cross of our sins. In what ways can we give thanks to Him for the sacrifice He made for us?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We give You thanks for the victory that You have given us through Your Son, Jesus. Thank You for the sacrifice that He made on the cross for our sins, so Your will might be carried out. Help us to know that our labor for You is not in vain. We love You, LORD. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. – 1 Corinthians 15:57

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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:

Give Thanks

by Deborah H. Bateman and Friends

About the book:

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

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

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

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Daily Bible Reading “Give Thanks to the Father” (Colossians 1:1-29)

Posted on November 7, 2022 by Deborah H. Bateman

Give Thanks to the Father

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Colossians 1:1-29.

We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you. – Colossians 1:3

Paul is writing to the church at Colossae. (Colossae was destroyed by an earthquake in the first century AD. The ruins are near the current city of Honaz in Turkey.)

Paul gives thanks to God for them and says he prays for them always. He talks about their faith in Jesus, hope in heaven and love for the saints. Paul prays for them that they will be filled with knowledge, wisdom and spiritual understanding.

What a beautiful model prayer for us. We should pray this prayer for our children, our fellow believers, our family, our friends and especially for ourselves that we might know the will of God. In verses 12 through 22 Paul gives a beautiful picture of Christ.

Daily Bible Reading:

Colossians 1:1-29

1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother,
2 To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,
4 Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints,
5 For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;
6 Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth:
7 As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ;
8 Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit.
9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
11 Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;
12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;
20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled
22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:
23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;
24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church:
25 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;
26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:
27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:
29 Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.

Things to think about:

Have you put your faith in Jesus? Why or why not?

In what ways do you give thanks to God for His blessings?

How does it make you feel when you read Paul’s letter?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the faith, hope and love we have in You. Thank You for the saints through the ages that passed down Your Word to us. Help us to be filled with knowledge of Your will, wisdom and spiritual understanding. Thank You for the redemption that we can have through your Son, Jesus Christ and the forgiveness of our sins. What a wonderful sacrifice He made for us. We love you, LORD. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you. – Colossians 1:3

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