Category Archives: Philippians

Daily Bible Reading “What Are Your Motives?” (Philippians 1:15-20)

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What Are Your Motives?

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Philippians 1:15-20. In this Scripture Paul says he knew that some of those who were preaching Christ were doing it out of envy and strife. What did Paul mean by this? There were those who were using this time that Paul was imprisoned as an opportunity to gain an advantage over him. They were trying to advance themselves.

Some of them were envious of Paul’s ministry. They wanted to add to Paul’s suffering by trying to surpass him in ministry and make him look bad. Paul didn’t care about competing with them. His ministry was about serving God and furthering the gospel of Christ. It wasn’t about making a name for him.

We all need to work together and cooperate to share the gospel. There is enough work for all of us to do. We don’t have any reason to be competing in the work of the Lord. There are a lot of people to reach. We are wasting precious time when we try to compete with one another. We should support one another’s ministry instead of trying to tear each other down to make ourselves look better. We need to pray for each other.

Paul also knew that there were those who preached the gospel as an act of goodwill, truly wanting to further the Gospel of Christ. They preached the gospel out of a love for God and as an extension of Paul’s ministry while he wasn’t available. Paul was happy that the gospel of Christ was being preached. He wasn’t concerned about their motives. Do you rejoice that the gospel of Christ is being preached?

Paul thanked the Philippians for praying for him. He knew God answered their prayers. God gave Paul an ample supply of the Holy Spirit of Christ to comfort and keep him in spite of the circumstances.

Paul knew that God was in control even though the circumstances didn’t look too good at the moment. Paul still fully trusted God. Paul was awaiting his trial before Caesar Nero and he didn’t know what the outcome would be. Paul turned the situation over to God. Paul’s hope and trust in God gave him confidence to know that whether he lived or died Christ would be glorified in his body.

 

Daily Bible Reading:

Philippians 1:15-20

15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:

16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:

17 But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.

18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.

19 For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,

20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.

 

Things to think about:

  • How can we work together to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ?
  • Do you make it a habit to pray for other Christians? What are some things we can pray about on their behalf?
  • How can we support other ministries who preach or teach the gospel?

 

 

 

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this Scripture in the book of Philippians. We see that Paul rejoiced because the gospel of Christ was being preached in spite of his circumstances and others motives. He wasn’t nearly as concerned about himself as he was the furtherance of the gospel. Paul counted on the prayers of the Philippians and the comfort of the Holy Spirit to keep him during this difficult time.

Help us to put aside our selfish desires and focus on spreading the gospel of Christ to this lost and dying world. Help us as Christians to work together to further Your kingdom. Give us the same kind of trust and confidence in You Paul had. We love You, LORD. In Jesus’ precious name, we pray. Amen.

 

Daily Bible Verse:

According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.

– Philippians 1:20

 

Featured Book:

The Book of Philippians: Paul’s Letter to Philippi

by Deborah H. Bateman

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

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

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

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

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

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

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

 

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

 

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

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Daily Bible Reading “I Am Not Ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:9-14)

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I Am Not Ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Philippians 1:9-14. Paul starts this portion of Scripture with his prayer for the Philippians. Paul prays that their love will abound in knowledge and in judgment. The Philippians had a lot of love. They had shown Paul their love by supporting him and his ministry. Paul still prayed that their love would grow. Why do you think Paul would pray for their love to grow when they already had so much love? Do you think we can ever get too much love?

Paul prayed that their love would be founded in knowledge and judgment. He wanted them to approve things that were excellent and be sincere without offense until Christ’s return. Paul’s desire for them was that they would be filled with the fruits of righteousness. This wasn’t something they could do on their own. They could only do this through their relationship with Christ. Bearing such fruit is a sign of God’s work in our lives.

Paul wanted the Philippians to understand that even though he had been arrested and was in prison, God’s work through him still continued. God used Paul’s situation to further the gospel. Don’t you love the way God takes something that the enemy meant for evil and turns it around for HIS glory? Paul’s imprisonment led to many conversions for Christ in the palace and other places as well.

Many of the brethren became bold about preaching the Word of God, without fear. They saw how God used Paul’s imprisonment to further the gospel. They saw that Paul was joyous in spite of his circumstances. Paul wasn’t ashamed of the gospel of Christ. He still proclaimed it even when he was imprisoned. God used this time when Paul was imprisoned to have him write these letters to the churches to encourage and instruct them.

You may not be in what you consider the ideal situation. If you turn it over to God He can use it for His glory. You may be in a job you don’t particularly like. Ask God to use you there to reach someone for His kingdom. You may be in another situation that you aren’t particularly happy about. Turn it over to God and see how He can bless you and use you in spite of the circumstance.

 

Daily Bible Reading:

Philippians 1:9-14

9 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;

10 That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;

11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.

12 But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;

13 So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places;

14 And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

 

Things to think about:

  • What was Paul’s desire for the Philippians?
  • How did God use Paul’s circumstance to further the gospel?
  • Has God used your circumstance to further the gospel of Christ?

 

 Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for this Scripture in the book of Philippians. We see that you used Paul’s situation to further the gospel of Christ. Help us to turn our lives and our situations in life over to You for the advancement of Your kingdom. Help us to rejoice in You in spite of our circumstances. Give us strength and confidence to be bold in sharing the gospel with others. We love you, LORD. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

 

Daily Bible Verse:

And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in …

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knowledge and in all judgment;

– Philippians 1:9

 

Featured Book:

The Book of Philippians: Paul’s Letter to Philippi

by Deborah H. Bateman

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

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

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

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

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

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

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

 

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

 

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

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Daily Bible Reading “Paul’s Letter to Philippi” (Philippians 1:1-8)

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Paul’s Letter to Philippi

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Philippians 1:1-8. This letter to the Philippians is from Paul and Timothy, who identify themselves as the bond servants of Jesus Christ. It is addressed to the saints, who are the Christians, deacons, and bishops, who were the leaders of the church at Philippi. Why was Paul writing a letter to the Philippians?

At this time Paul was under house arrest in Rome, awaiting his trial. This is referred to in: Acts 28:30-31: “And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.” Even though Paul was imprisoned he was still serving the Lord and doing God’s will for his life. It is thought to be about the year 61.

The church at Philippi was started during Paul’s second missionary journey, which is referred to in Acts 16. It was one of the first churches founded in Europe. The Philippians took care of Paul during his stay with them. They also supported him throughout his missionary journeys.

The Philippians sent Epaphroditus to Rome with an offering for Paul. This letter was returned to Philippi with Epaphroditus on his journey back home. The letter to the Philippians was written approximately eleven years after the church at Philippi was established.

Paul starts this letter the same as he does most of his letters saying, “Grace and peace to you, from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.” Paul tells them that he thanks God for every remembrance of them. Paul says he prays for them in every prayer he prays with joy.

Paul was thankful for the fellowship he had with the Christians at Philippi from the first day he met them. I love Philippians 1:6 where Paul says, “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” We too can be confident that the good work which Jesus Christ began in our lives, He will complete.

Paul tells them that he has them in his heart. God can witness his love for them. Have you ever had a Christian friend with whom you bonded with so much that, no matter how many years went by, when you saw them again it was like you never missed a day seeing them? Paul had a heart for the Philippians because of the great love they had shown him. The Philippians supported Paul’s ministry, therefore they shared in the grace God bestowed on Paul.

 

Daily Bible Reading:

Philippians 1:1-8

1 Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:

2 Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,

4 Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,

5 For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;

6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

7 Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.

8 For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.

 

Things to think about:

  • Are you a believer? If so, when did you become a Christian?
  • How do you show that you are thankful for fellow believers?
  • How much time do you spend with other believers?
  • In what ways do you bond with other Christians?

 

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for this Scripture in the book of Philippians. We see Paul had a special bond with the Church at Philippi. The bond he had was because of their relationship with You. Paul started the Church at Philippi and the Philippians supported his ministry. We see that they loved one another in the Lord.

Help us to find fellow Christians who we can bond with to accomplish the work You have called us to do. Thank You for the fellow believers that you bring into our lives to support and encourage us. We ask all these things in the precious name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We love you, LORD. Amen.

 

Daily Bible Verse:

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

– Philippians 1:6

 

Featured Book:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

 

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

 

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

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Recipe for Life

Daily Bible Reading “Think on These Things” (Philippians 4:8)

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Think on These Things

Do you ever have trouble with thinking negative thoughts? I guess we all do from time to time. Some of us may have more trouble with this than others. When we focus on the negative things that are going on in our lives it can bring us down.

In Philippians 4:8 Paul tells the Philippians to think on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, and praise worthy.

This is good advice for us today. It is hard to be negative and have a bad attitude if we are spending our time praying, praising God for His blessings, and thinking on good things.

This is a good Scripture for us to keep close to our hearts and mind to remind us of what we should be thinking about daily. If you have negative thoughts come into your mind, remember this Scripture, quote it to yourself and go through the list of what Paul says we should think about, if it doesn’t measure up, then cast those thoughts aside. This will help you to train yourself to think about good things rather than focusing on negative things.

 

Daily Bible Reading:

Philippians 4:8

8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

 

Things to think about:

  • Do you have trouble keeping a positive attitude?
  • What do you do when you start thinking negatively?
  • How can we retrain our brain to think good thoughts?

 

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this Scripture where Paul reminds the Philippians to think about good things. Help us to use this as our guide. Help us not to have a negative attitude. Help us to be grateful to You for all Your many blessings. Keep a guard over our hearts and minds. Don’t let the enemy use our thoughts to discourage us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

 

Bible Verse to Journal or Memorize:

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. – Philippians 4:8

 

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

 

Featured Book:

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

by Deborah H. Bateman

About the Book:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

 

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

 

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

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Daily Bible Reading “The High Calling of God” (Philippians 3:12-21)

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The High Calling of God

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Philippians 3:12-21. I thought this would be a good lesson for us to consider on New Year’s Day as we plan and look forward to the coming year. We see in this Scripture where Paul shows his humility by saying that it isn’t as though he had already attained. What does Paul mean by that statement? Paul didn’t think of himself as being better than others or as having arrived. He knew he wasn’t perfect and he would never be perfect in this life. He was forgiven because of his salvation, but he was still striving to be what God would have him be. We’re all a work in progress. No matter how long you’ve been a Christian, there is still work to be done.

Paul says he forgets the things that are behind him and reaches forward to the things that are before him. Paul states, “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” That is good advice for all of us. We can’t change what is behind us by worrying about it. We only have a chance to make the future better by living in the present moment and doing God’s will now. Paul knew he had a call on his life from God. He wanted to do whatever God wanted him to do.

Paul exhorts the mature Christians to have this same thought process. He wanted them to be like-minded. Paul urged them to walk in unity. Paul tells them that if they don’t have this same mindset then it is up to God. He will deal with them to change their minds. Paul wasn’t depending on himself to make them see the truth.

Paul set the example by following Christ. Even though Paul wasn’t perfect, which none of us are, he was a good example for the Philippians to follow. Paul also tells them to look at other leaders in their midst who set good examples and follow them.

Paul warns them again that there are those who are enemies of the cross of Christ. These people are bound for destruction. They’re only concerned about earthly things. Their only concern was to please themselves. Don’t let them lead you down the wrong path. Paul didn’t want these people to divide the believers.

As Christians our citizenship is in heaven. Our conversation should be about heaven. Our focus is on our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Only He can take these sinful bodies that we live in and change them into glorious heavenly bodies like His. This is only possible because God is omnipotent. Only He could cause this transformation.

 

Daily Bible Reading:

Philippians 3:12-21

12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.

16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.

17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.

18 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:

19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)

20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:

21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue.

 

Things to think about:

  • What did Paul mean when he said he hadn’t attained?
  • Of what did Paul warn the Philippians?
  • How can we press forward with Christ?

 

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for this Scripture in the book of Philippians. We see that even Paul Knew he hadn’t arrived. He was still striving to be and do what You wanted of him. Help us to realize that we still haven’t arrived either. You are still working on all of us to transform us into new creatures in Christ. Help us to be on guard against those who would mislead us, just as Paul warned the Philippians. Thank You that You have the power to change these old sinful bodies of ours into new heavenly bodies. We love You, Lord. Amen.

 

Bible Verse to Journal or Memorize:

I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 3:14

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

 

Featured Book:

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

by Deborah H. Bateman

About the Book:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

 

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

 

Wishing you a happy and prosperous New Year!

 

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

Christian Daily Resources

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