Daily Bible Reading “The Reason behind Praise” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

Posted on November 16, 2021 by Deborah H. Bateman

The Reason behind Praise

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is by my friend, Amanda Beth. I recently pulled out the journal I have been writing in since 2002. As I was flipping through it, I noticed on every page I wrote about some trial I was going through at the time. Recalling some of the trials brought me to tears, and I wanted to go back and tell myself, “Look ahead! Stop worrying! It works out on the next page! God got me through it!”

If we could write down our problems today and then flip the page ahead and write down: “It all worked out. God got me through it.” How much more would we find ourselves praising God instead of worrying?

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

-1 Thessalonians 5:18

I used to wonder why God tells us to praise Him. I remember thinking, “Does God say that because He needs our praises?” But I knew in my heart that wasn’t the reason. I knew it had to be for our benefit.

God eventually revealed to me why He desires our praises. Years ago, I created an online Praise Report Group where people could come and share how God was working in their lives. When I wasn’t seeing God work in my life, it often encouraged me to see Him work in the lives of others. I knew God was not partial to anyone, so it helped me keep the faith, believing He would work in my life as well. So I created the Praise Report Group to bring encouragement to others.

The site started out well, but then slowly came down to only me posting. During that time of praise, I noticed there was a significant difference in my life. Another woman who had shared her praises during that time expressed the same thing. She felt more joyful when she lifted her heart in praise.

We often wait to praise God until something good happens in our lives, when we should be praising Him before it happens. Praise keeps us looking expectantly to God instead of focusing on our problems.

“I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High” (Psalm 9:1-2).

I believe praise shows God that we trust Him. When we trust Him, we won’t be stressed out trying to solve our problems on our own. Philippians 4:6 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

We tend to share with God our prayer requests more often than our praises. Jesus said in Matthew 6:9-10 this is how we should pray, beginning with: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

We are also told in Psalm 100:4 to: “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to HIM and praise HIS name.”

Our prayers seem to mostly be, “Father, help ME … give ME … provide for ME … what about ME ….” I had a revelation of this at a church play one year. In one scene, all the individuals on the stage were crying out to God at the same time, each separately sharing his own troubles. Being in the front row, after about a minute of listening to their moans, it started to get overwhelming and I thought, “My gosh! Is that how we sound to You, Lord?”

If I had created a prayer request group, I don’t think it would have ended like my Praise Report Group did. We are gladly willing to share our requests, but not as willing to share our praises.

With Thanksgiving coming up, we often think about what we are thankful for. What if we challenge ourselves to be thankful the other 364 days a year?

I believe we would see our lives dramatically change for the better. We would be content and enjoying our lives, instead of depressed and worried all the time. In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus told us not to worry about our lives. He said in verse 33, “Seek first HIS kingdom and HIS righteousness, and ALL these things will be given to you as well.”

If we spent our days praising God and seeking Him we would find our needs being met. When I am filled with praise and enjoying God, my faith grows and I start trusting Him to provide for my needs. Praise strengthens our faith, which opens the door in our hearts to receive what Jesus died to give us.

“For no matter how many promises God has made, they are Yes in Christ. And so through Him the Amen is spoken by us to the glory of God” (2 Corinthians 1:20).

Everything God has promised in His Word has been given to us through Christ. So when a situation comes up, we should praise God that He has already provided the solution through Jesus.

The solution may not always be what we think it should be, but it will be what we need. In my journal, all my trials didn’t necessarily work out on the next page the way I wanted them to. They did, however, work out for my benefit. I may not have seen the good right away, but looking back now, I can see how God used those trials to teach and equip me for His calling on my life.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

I want to challenge you today to flip the page. Fill your heart and lips with praise that God has already provided the solution to every situation you will ever face. Thank Him every day. Be filled with praise. And watch and see your life change as God works everything out for your benefit.

Things to think about:

How can we stand on the promises of God to see us through?
How does praising God help our attitude?
How does looking back in our life to how God has worked things out encourage us for the future?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We praise You that You work our trials out for our good. We praise You that You provide for all our needs. And You never leave us. Help us to remember this as we praise You 365 days a year. You are more than worthy of our praises. We praise You in Jesus’ precious name, Amen.

Bible Verse to Journal or Memorize:

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. – 1 Thessalonians 5:18

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This devotional was contributed by my friend Amanda Beth

Scripture in this devotional is from the NIV version of the Bible.

“Give Thanks” by Deborah H. Bateman and Friends

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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.

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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Deborah

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Daily Bible Reading “A Virtuous Woman Is Honorable” (Proverbs 31:20-25)

Posted on May 7, 2020 by Deborah H. Bateman

A Virtuous Woman Is Honorable

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Proverbs 31:20-25. At the end of this lesson you can enter for a chance to win a copy of a Proverbs 31 watercolor picture by Maria Watercolor or a copy of the eBook Proverbs 31: Who Can Find a Virtuous Woman by Deborah H. Bateman.

We will continue to look at what it means to be a virtuous woman. In this portion of Scripture it says, she gives to the poor and needy. She is a generous person, who helps those less fortunate than herself. In what ways can we help the poor?

She doesn’t worry about the weather because she has prepared her family with appropriate clothing for the season. She clothes herself and her family in the best clothing she can afford. Some women still sew and make clothes for their family. Personally, I can sew some, but I don’t know if I would want to wear what I make.

The Scripture says her husband is known in the gates, which may be partly because of his wife’s influence. She has supported him and helped make a good reputation for him. I am amazed at the talent of some women. They can make anything. They can take something someone puts in the trash and make it new again.

I am crafty to a point, but not as industrious as some women who will get out their paint brush and paint anything. Some women are even good at using tools, which I personally haven’t mastered. I think my husband is afraid I will hurt myself because he isn’t willing to share his tools so much.

I love Proverbs 31:25, which says, “Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.” She finds the strength to do the things she needs to do. She treats others with honor and in return is honored herself. She not only honors her husband and her family, but she honors God in everything she does. How can we be women of strength and honor? We can only do it with God’s help.

Daily Bible Reading:

Proverbs 31: 20-25

20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

Things to think about:

Are you generous to the poor and needy?
Do you have a heart of compassion toward others?
Do you try to make sure all of your family’s needs are met?
Do you honor your husband and your family by the way you serve them?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this Scripture in the book of Proverbs, which tells us what a virtuous woman is. Help us to be this kind of woman, who serves her family, her community, and most of all, serves You. Help us to be strong and honorable like the woman in this passage of Scripture. Help us to be generous and give to the poor and needy. Help us to be the women of God You would have us to be. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. – Proverbs 31:20

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This is an excerpt from Proverbs 31: Who Can Find a Virtuous Woman

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Deborah

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Daily Bible Reading “A Virtuous Woman is Diligent” (Proverbs 31:12-14)

Posted on May 5, 2020 by Deborah H. Bateman

A Virtuous Woman is Diligent

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Proverbs 31:12-14. In these Scriptures we find how valuable women are to our society. Sometimes I know we all feel overworked and underpaid and not appreciated for what we do, but I want to remind you that you are valuable to God, to your family, and to your world. I want to encourage you to use the gifts God has given you to serve Him and to serve those you love.

Proverbs 18:22 tell us, “Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.” In this Scripture it says, “She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.” That is a statement for us, as wives, to live up to, isn’t it? Think about this Scripture the next time your husband makes you upset and remember to ask God to help you be a godly wife.

The Scripture talks about how the virtuous woman works with her hands. Many women are talented in doing crafts, sewing, and other things to enhance their homes. Some women sell the things they make with their hands to help provide income for their families. Women go out and gather food for their family. They may not work in the fields or gardens as the women used to do, but they try to get the best food they can afford for the best price and bring it into their home and prepare it for their family.

Many times mothers are up early, before everyone else in the house, getting ready for the day and preparing meals for her family. My mother was a good cook. Cooking was one of the things she taught me and my siblings as we were growing up. I passed the love of cooking on to my daughters, and now, my grandchildren enjoy learning how to cook and prepare food for the family.

In this fast-paced world we live in today, cooking and preparing meals is one thing that is not as prevalent in our homes, since we all eat out a lot more today than we did in years past. Preparing and having family meals together are some of the best memories I have of my mother. Don’t underestimate your influence on your children in your home. These things may seem trivial to you today, but they are some of the memories your family will have of you long after you are gone.

Being a wife and mother is a hard job, but with God’s help we can lead our family in the way they should go. We can show them the love of Jesus through our love and care for them.

Daily Bible Reading:

Proverbs 31: 12-14

12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
14 She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar.

Things to think about:

What are some of the ways you support your husband?
What are some of the things you like doing with your hands?
In what ways do you serve your family?
In what ways do you serve God?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for this Scripture that tells us about a virtuous woman and how she supports her husband and family. We thank You for all the women in our lives who have cared for us and taught us how to be good wives, mothers, and an asset to our society. Help us to use the talents You have given us to serve others. Help others to appreciate the things we women bring to our world. Give us strength to wear the many hats that we wear in our society today. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. – Proverbs 31:13

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This is an excerpt from Proverbs 31: Who Can Find a Virtuous Woman

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Featured Book:

Proverbs 31: Who Can Find a Virtuous Woman

by Deborah H. Bateman

About the book:

Proverbs 31: Who Can Fina Virtuous Woman is a Daily Bible Reading Study of Proverbs 31 by Deborah H. Bateman. Proverbs 31 is thought to be a letter from Bathsheba to King Solomon, who is called King Lemuel in this Scripture.

In Proverbs 31: Who Can Find a Virtuous Woman Bible Study we consider all the things women do and where they can find strength and wisdom for their lives. This is a six lesson Bible study that would be great for individual or for a small group Bible study.

In this Bible study you will learn what it means to be a virtuous woman and how we can honor God through our service to our families, our community, and to God.

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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Deborah

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Daily Bible Reading “Who Can Find a Virtuous Woman” (Proverbs 31:10-12)

Posted on May 4, 2020 by Deborah H. Bateman

Who Can Find a Virtuous Woman

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Proverbs 31:10-12. In this Scripture, we find what a godly wife and mother looks like. King Lemuel, who biblical scholars believe to be King Solomon, is telling about the advice his mother, who is Bathsheba, gave him about what to look for in a wife. She starts by saying, “Who can find a virtuous woman?” What does it mean to be a virtuous woman? She is a woman who can be trusted. She is dependable. She is faithful. She is strong. She is a woman of character.

This Scripture is talking about finding a wife, but so much of it reminds me of all the hats we as women wear. The Scripture says her price is far above rubies. She is valuable to her husband, her family and her community.

King Lemuel’s mother wanted him to be careful in choosing his wife. She had dedicated him to God and she wanted to try to steer him in the right direction so he could fulfill God’s will in his life.

In Ruth 3:11 Boaz called Ruth a virtuous woman. “And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman.” What does he mean by saying the whole city knows she is a virtuous woman? The people saw how Ruth labored and cared for Naomi, as a single woman, and widow.

How much would it cost if a man had to hire someone for all the jobs his wife does? We will look at this Scripture and compare it to our own lives. Women were created by God to be a helper, an encouragement, and a supporter to her husband. Her husband trusts her completely and she enriches his life.

As we look at the rest of this chapter we will be reminded how versatile women are. There are even a lot of single women and single mothers who have the responsibility of taking care of their children on their own. The single women who are not mothers can help out in their community and with their friends and family to mentor and lead other women and young girls to live virtuous lives. There are also many women who are widows who are virtuous women and can mentor the younger women in their church and family. Whether you are married or not you can be a virtuous woman, who gives God glory through your life.

Daily Bible Reading:

Proverbs 31:10-12

10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

Things to think about:

What is a virtuous woman?
How valuable is she according to this Scripture?
How will she treat her husband?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this Scripture, which reminds us how valuable a virtuous woman is. The Scripture reminds us her husband can trust her and she will do him good all the days of her life. Help us as women to be this kind of woman. Help the men to value their wives the way you intended them to. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. – Proverbs 31:10

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This is an excerpt from Proverbs 31: Who Can Find a Virtuous Woman

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Featured Book:

Proverbs 31: Who Can Find a Virtuous Woman

by Deborah H. Bateman

About the book:

Proverbs 31: Who Can Find a Virtuous Woman is a Daily Bible Reading Study of Proverbs 31 by Deborah H. Bateman. Proverbs 31 is thought to be a letter from Bathsheba to King Solomon, who is called King Lemuel in this Scripture.

In this Bible study you will learn what it means to be a virtuous woman and how we can honor God through our service to our families, our community, and to God.

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

My books are available anywhere you find Amazon, not only in the US. So, if you live somewhere other than the US look for my books on your Amazon by searching for Deborah H. Bateman.

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

Recipe for Life

Like Deborah H. Bateman on Facebook

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.

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

Daily Bible Reading “Comfort One Another” (1 Thessalonians 4:11-18)

Posted on October 9, 2019 by Deborah H. Bateman

Comfort One Another

Today’s Daily Bible Reading 1 Thessalonians 4:11-18. In this portion of the letter, Paul exhorts the Thessalonians to live a quiet life, mind their own business, and work with their hands as he taught them. Why do you think Paul tells them that? He tells them it’s in this way they can walk in honesty before those who aren’t yet Christians. Paul’s desire for the Thessalonians was that they lack nothing.

Paul didn’t want them to be ignorant about those who sleep. What does Paul mean by that statement? He didn’t want them to be concerned about the Christians who died before Jesus’ return. Paul tells them not to be sorrowful, like those who have no hope. As Christians, if a loved one who is a Christian passes away, we have the hope of seeing them again in heaven. Those who aren’t Christians don’t have that hope. He says if we believe Jesus died and rose again; likewise, God will bring those who are dead in Christ back with Him when He comes.

Paul says, “For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”

Paul tells them to comfort one another with these words. That promise is something for the Christian to hold on to and to be comforted by. Knowing that, in the end, Jesus will come back and gather His children. Those who are dead in Christ will rise first, and meet those Christians who are still living in the air along with Jesus. We’ll all go to live in heaven for eternity with Christ in the presence of God. I hope you find comfort in these words.

Daily Bible Reading:

1 Thessalonians 4:11-18

11 And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;

12 That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.

13 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.

14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.

16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

Things to think about:

What did Paul advise the Thessalonians?

What did Paul tell us about those who have gone on before us?

How are you comforted by the words of Paul in this Scripture?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for this Scripture in the book of 1 Thessalonians. We see where Paul tells the Thessalonians to live quiet lives, minding their own business and working with their hands. Help us to live in that way, also. Paul tells them they don’t have to worry about the Christians who have gone on before them. Help us to have that same hope of seeing them again. Help us to look forward to the coming of Lord and comfort one another with the hope that we have through Christ. In Jesus’ precious name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice …

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of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

– 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18

Featured Book:

The Book of 1 Thessalonians: Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians

by Deborah H. Bateman

The Book of 1 Thessalonians: Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians is a Daily Bible Reading Study of the book of 1 Thessalonians by Deborah H. Bateman. The Book of 1 Thessalonians is from the New Testament of the Bible. It’s a letter from Paul, Silas, and Timothy to the church of the Thessalonians.

Paul established the church of Thessalonica on his second missionary journey. It was known throughout the land that the Thessalonians had great faith in God and in the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul loved the Thessalonians. He had a great concern for the Thessalonians and desired to see them again. But, since Paul couldn’t go see them he sent Timothy to encourage them in the faith.

The Book of 1 Thessalonians: Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians contains eight Bible lessons which can be used for personal of group Bible studies. Each lesson contains a brief commentary by the author, the Daily Bible Reading Scripture, several questions for contemplation or discussion, and a prayer to go along with the lesson. Our desire is that this book will help you to have a better understanding of Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians.

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