Daily Bible Reading “Walk Worthy of God” (1 Thessalonians 2:1-12)

Posted on October 3, 2019 by Deborah H. Bateman

Walk Worthy of God

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12. In Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians, he reminds them that they know that his ministry to them wasn’t in vain. Even though Paul was persecuted in Philippi for preaching the gospel, he still preached the gospel boldly to the Thessalonians. How could Paul still preach the gospel like that after such treatment?

Paul’s dedication to preaching the message of salvation wasn’t to please man, but it was in obedience; to please God. Paul didn’t seek glory from the Thessalonians, nor did he want to be a burden to them. He not only preached the gospel to them, he shared his own soul with them. Paul says he was gentle with them and cared for them, just as a nurse cares for her children.

He is reminding the Thessalonians of all of this because there were those who tried to discredit him when he left there in such a hurry. Paul didn’t want to dishonor the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Paul reminds them of how he and Silas labored night and day to preach the gospel to them. They didn’t want to be responsible for the Thessalonians not hearing the truth of the gospel. Paul also reminds them of their behavior, in that they conducted themselves in a holy, just, and blameless manner. Paul tells the Thessalonians that he and Silas encouraged, comforted, and challenged all of them, as a father does his children. Paul’s desire for them was that they would walk worthy before God who called them into His kingdom.

Daily Bible Reading:

1 Thessalonians 2:1-12

1 For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain:

2 But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.

3 For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile:

4 But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.

5 For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:

6 Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.

7 But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:

8 So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.

9 For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.

10 Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe:

11 As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children,

12 That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.

Things to think about:

What was the analogy Paul used to describe his care for the Thessalonians?

What was the challenge Paul gave to the Thessalonians?

How can we walk worthy of God?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for this Scripture in the book of 1 Thessalonians. We thank You for Paul’s example. He walked holy and acceptable before his fellow man that he might share the gospel of Jesus with them. Help us to set the example of Your love and concern for others that we might reach them for Your kingdom. Help us to walk worthy of the calling You have given us. Help us to share the gospel with others. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, …

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as a father doth his children, That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.

– 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12

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.

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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Daily Bible Reading “Faith-Love-Hope” (1 Thessalonians 1:1-10)

Posted on October 2, 2019 by Deborah H. Bateman

Faith-Love-Hope

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10. This letter wasn’t only from Paul, but also from Silvanus, who was known as Silas; and Timotheus, who was known as Timothy. Paul wrote this letter to the church of the Thessalonians. It is believed to be Paul’s first letter thought to have been written around 52 AD from Athens.

Paul starts the letter as he did many of his other letters by offering the blessing of grace and peace to them from God the Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. He tells them that he always thanks God for them and prays for them.

He established the church of Thessalonica on his second missionary journey. Paul tells them that he remembers their work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in Jesus Christ and in God the Father. God didn’t only love the Thessalonians, He chose them.

Paul reminds them that the gospel not only came to them by word, but by power, in the Holy Ghost, and in assurance. Paul and Silas set the example before them. The Thessalonians became followers of Paul and Silas, but more importantly, they became followers of Jesus Christ. They received the Word of the Lord that Paul preached to them with joy through the Holy Ghost.

Paul tells them that they were examples to all those who believed; those who live in Macedonia and Achaia. The word of the Thessalonians’ great faith in God and in Jesus Christ spread all over. Their testimony showed Paul what an influence he and Silas had on the Thessalonians, even though the two of them were only there for a short time. The Thessalonians turned away from serving their idols and turned to serving God. Paul knew of the Thessalonians’ anticipation in waiting for the return of Jesus Christ, who delivered them from wrath.

Daily Bible Reading:

1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

1 Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;

3 Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;

4 Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.

5 For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.

6 And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:

7 So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.

8 For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing.

9 For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;

10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.

Things to think about:

What does faith, hope and love for God through His Son Jesus, mean to you? Have you found it?

What was the testimony of the Thessalonians?

How can we share our testimony with others?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for this Scripture in the book of 1 Thessalonians. We see Paul’s love for the people and their great love and devotion to You. Help us to have the kind of testimony that Paul says the Thessalonians had when he said their faith in God had spread abroad. Give us the kind of faith, love, and hope that they had. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our …

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prayers; Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;

– 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3

Featured Book:

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

by Deborah H. Bateman

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Deborah

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Daily Bible Reading “Redeem the Time” (Colossians 4:1-18)

Posted on October 1, 2019 by Deborah H. Bateman

Redeem the Time

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is fromColossians 4:1-18. The book of Colossians emphasizes that Christ is the head of the church. Paul wrote this letter to the church of Colosse because of his concern for the heresies that were cropping up in that area. Paul didn’t attack the heresies, but he exalted Jesus Christ. Why do you think Paul did it in that way?

In this chapter, Paul started talking to masters, or slave owners, telling them to treat their servants just and fair, remembering that they have a Master in heaven. Paul instructed them to devote themselves to prayer, to be watchful and always thankful for everything.

Paul reminded them to pray specifically. He wanted them to pray that God would open doors for them to preach about the mystery of Christ. The mystery of the gospel is that the gospel of Christ was also for the Gentiles. Paul was in prison for preaching the gospel.

Paul asked them to pray that he might be able to teach and make known this mystery. He exhorted them to walk in wisdom toward the lost so they could redeem the time. Paul reminded them that they should speak with grace, seasoned with salt, so they would know how to answer everyone.

Paul sent Tychicus, his beloved brother and faithful minister, to the Colossians to let them know how they were doing and to encourage them in the Lord. He, along with Onesimus, who was also a faithful and beloved brother, and was one of the Colossians, would let Paul know what is going on with the Colossians.

Aristarchus, who was in prison with Paul, sent his greetings to the Colossians as well. Marcus, who is Barnabas’ cousin, sent his greetings also. Paul encouraged the Colossians to welcome Mark if he came to minister to them. Jesus, whom we call Justus, also sent his greetings. These were Paul’s co-laborers for the kingdom of God, who were a great comfort to Paul.

Epaphras, a servant of Christ, who was one of the Colossians, also sent his greeting to the Colossians. He was always praying for them that they might stand perfect and complete in the will of God. Paul bore witness of his great concern for the Colossians and for those at Laodicea and Hieraplis. Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas also sent their greetings. It sounds like Paul had a whole team of people working with him.

Paul reminded the Colossians to say hello to the brethren at Laodicea and the ones who had church in the home of Nymphas. He told them to make sure they read this letter to the church of Laodicea also. Paul told them to tell Archippus to be sure and carry out the work the Lord had given him to do. Paul ends the letter by saying, “Grace be with you.”

Daily Bible Reading:

Colossians 4:1-18

1 Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.

2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;

3 Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:

4 That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.

6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

7 All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord:

8 Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts;

9 With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here.

10 Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister’s son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him:)

11 And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only [are my] fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me.

12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

13 For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.

14 Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.

15 Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.

16 And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.

17 And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.

18 The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen. [[[The following was added by editors of the KJV: Written from Rome to Colossians by Tychicus and Onesimus.]]]

Things to think about:

What was Paul’s concern for the Colossians in this Scripture?

Who were the partners who Paul named in this passage? What do you know about them?
What lessons have you learned from Paul’s letter to the Colossians?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this Scripture in the book of Colossians. We have learned a lot from this letter Paul wrote to the Colossians. We see in this part of the letter that Paul puts a special emphasis on prayer. Help us to pray without ceasing and to be watchful for Your return. Help us to be thankful for everything You have done for us and given us, especially the gift of salvation. Help us to have wisdom and grace when dealing with those that are lost, that we might win them for Your kingdom. Thank You for the people You send to serve and worship along with us. We love You, LORD. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. – Colossians 4:5

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Daily Bible Reading “Paul Talks about Relationships” (Colossians 3:18-25)

Posted on September 30, 2019 by Deborah H. Bateman

Paul Talks about Relationships

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Colossians 3:18-25. Paul talks about different relationships. He reminds us how we should act in these relationships. He tells wives they are to submit to their husbands. What does Paul mean by that statement?

The idea of submission doesn’t have anything to do with someone being smarter, better, or more talented than the other. It has to do with a God-appointed order of authority.

God doesn’t expect us to submit to an abusive husband. Paul told husbands to love their wives and not be angry towards them. If husbands love their wives like this they wouldn’t have any trouble with the wife submitting to them. Let’s look at this Scripture from Ephesians where Paul was talked about how husbands are to love their wives:

Ephesians 5:25-29:

25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.

29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:

Paul talked to the children, telling them to obey their parents in everything, because it was pleasing to the Lord. He also talked about this in Ephesians 6:2 saying, “Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise.)” Paul warned fathers not to provoke their children to anger so they don’t get discouraged.

Paul instructed the servants to obey their masters in the flesh. Even though we no longer have masters and servants, this means we submit to the people who have authority over us. He says we’re to obey the people we work for, not just when they are watching. We shouldn’t just try to please our employer, but work as unto the Lord.

Paul reminds believers whatever we do; we should do it as unto the Lord. We’re not to work just to please men. We need to work to please God. We know that our rewards come from the Lord, since we serve Him. Paul reminds us that whoever does wrong will reap for the wrong he has done and God is no respecter of persons. In other words, He treats us all equally.

Daily Bible Reading:

Colossians 3:18-25

18 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.

19 Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.

20 Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.

21 Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.

22 Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:

23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

25 But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.

Things to think about:

What do we learn from this Scripture about the husband-wife relationship?

What do we learn from this Scripture about our relationships with our employers?

How are your relationships pleasing to God?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this Scripture that tells us how we should interact with one another. Help us to follow these guidelines. Help us to do what we do as if we were doing it for You. We know that You will reward us for the good we do and will punish us for the wrong we do, since You are our Heavenly Father. We love You, Lord. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. Husbands, …

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love your wives, and be not bitter against them.

– Colossians 3:18-19

Featured Book:

The Book of Colossians: Paul’s Letter to Colosse

by Deborah H. Bateman.

The Book of Colossians: Paul’s Letter to Colosse is a Daily Bible Reading Study by Deborah H. Bateman. This book is a study of the book of Colossians from the Old Testament of the Bible. The Book of Colossians is one of the Apostle Paul’s letters. In this letter Paul acknowledges the people of Colosse for their faith in Jesus Christ, their love of the saints, and their hope in heaven.

Paul encourages the Colossians to walk worthy of the Lord, to put their hope in the gospel, and to let the peace of God rule in their hearts. Paul also discusses with the people of Colosse how to have relationships that are pleasing to God. Paul reminds them of the great sacrifice that the Lord Jesus Christ made for them on the cross and encourages them to redeem the time.

The Book of Colossians: Paul’s Letter to Colosse contains eight Daily Bible Reading lessons, which can be used as a personal or group Bible study. 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 letter to the Colossians and how you can apply his message to your life today.

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Deborah

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Daily Bible Reading “Let the Peace of God Rule in Your Hearts” (Colossians 3:1-17)

Posted on September 29, 2019 by Deborah H. Bateman

Let the Peace of God Rule in Your Hearts

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Colossians 3:1-17. Paul reminded the Colossians that if they were raised with Christ they should set their minds on heavenly things and not the things of this world. What does Paul mean when he says, “If you are raised with Christ?” He is saying if you’re a Christian, you’ve accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior. We were all dead in our sins, but if we have accepted Christ as our Savior we are now alive in Christ.

Paul says to slay your body of its fleshly desires, wickedness, and do away with all filthy communication. In other words, we’re to do away with all the behaviors of the old sinful man. We’re to take on all the attributes of the new spiritual man which is renewed in knowledge after God. We can only do this through our trust and faith in Christ.

Paul tells us to put on the new Christ-like behaviors of: humbleness, meekness, long-suffering, mercy, kindness, and love. He says we should uphold each other and forgive each other as Christ forgave us.

We should let the peace of God rule in our hearts. We’re to study the Word of God so it dwells in us. By studying the Bible we gain wisdom from God. Paul exhorts us to teach and admonish each other with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs singing and worshiping the Lord.

We all need to have an attitude of gratitude for all that the Lord has done for us. I recently did a Bible study on attitudes and one of the things I learned through this study was that we have to replace old bad attitudes with new good attitudes. To change an old bad habit you have to replace it with a new good habit. Paul is trying to tell us this same thing in this Scripture when he tells us to put off the old man and put on the new man.

We can’t do this in our own strength. With God’s help we can strive to do away with the old bad habits and take on the new good attributes of God, through our relationship with Jesus Christ.

Daily Bible Reading:

Colossians 3:1-17

1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
6 For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:
7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.
8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.
9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deed;
10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him.
11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision or uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.
12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
14 And above all, these things put on charity (love), which is the bond of perfectness.
15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

Things to think about:

Why does Paul remind us to do away with the old sinful nature?

What are some of the things we should replace this old nature with in order to walk in the fullness of Christ?

What in your life shows you have been raised with Christ?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for this Scripture in the book of Colossians. Paul reminds us that You make us a new creation when we accept Christ as our Savior. Help us to do away with the old bad habits of the flesh and to take on the new good habits of a spiritual person. Fill our hearts with Your love and help us to express that love to one another. Please help us to be more thankful for all You have done for us. We love You LORD and thank You for the many blessings on our lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called …

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in one body; and be ye thankful.

– Colossians 3:15

Featured Book:

The Book of Colossians: Paul’s Letter to Colosse

by Deborah H. Bateman.

Go to: Amazon

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Subscribe to Deborah H. Bateman to receive
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Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Come back again tomorrow. Invite your friends and family members to join us.