Daily Bible Reading “Stand Fast” (Galatians 5:15)

Posted on March 3, 2025 by Deborah H. Bateman

Stand Fast

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Galatians 5:15. As we continue with Paul’s letter to the Galatians, Paul tells them to stand fast in the liberty and freedom of Christ and warns them not to get entangled with the yoke of bondage. Don’t mistake this freedom of Christ to mean you can go out and do whatever you want. That’s not what it means.

The freedom we have in Christ is freedom from sin. The freedom Christ died for was to cover our sins on the cross so we didn’t have to try to earn our way to God by trying to perfectly follow all the rules and regulations of the Old Testament. Even though Christ died on the cross to free us from sin, a lot of people still live under bondage trying to earn their way to Christ by thinking they are good or by trying to do good things.

Those who live in the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. In Jesus Christ it doesn’t matter whether you are circumcised or not. It is faith that works love. Paul reminds the Galatians that they were running well, and asks who hindered them and caused them not to obey the truth? Paul knew they had been persuaded by someone other than the one who first called them to faith in Christ.

Paul says a little leaven leavens the whole lump. Leaven is yeast, which makes bread rise. You only have to put a little bit of yeast in bread to make the whole batch rise. It’s kind of like saying one bad apple spoils the whole barrel. When you get wrong doctrine, or sin, in a body of believers it will eventually spoil the whole group.

Paul tells them he has confidence in them in the Lord, that they will be like-minded. Paul declares that whoever is trying to influence them otherwise will be judged by God. Paul’s desire was those who were causing this trouble in the churches of Galatia to be cut off from them.

Paul asked them if he was still preaching circumcision or the law, then why was he being persecuted. He reminds them if they were going to follow the law they have to follow the whole law; they can’t just pick and choose what parts they want to follow, in order to feel like they were good enough to get to heaven. If we were justified by the law, we would be fallen from grace. Christ died on the cross to free us from the bondage of living under the law. Why would we want to go back to living under the law, when we can be free?

Paul tells them they have been called to liberty; however, they aren’t to use that liberty to satisfy the flesh. He encourages them to serve one another in love. He says, all the law is fulfilled in this one statement, “Thou shall love thy neighbor as thyself.”

Paul warns them if they fight and devour one another, to be careful that they aren’t consumed of one another. It isn’t good for us to be having disagreements among the body of Christ. We’re to come together in one mind, loving one another, and serving one another as Christ loved us and gave Himself for us.

Daily Bible Reading:

Galatians 5:1-15

1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

2 Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.

3 For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.

4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.

5 For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.

6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.

7 Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?

8 This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you.

9 A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.

10 I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be.

11 And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased.

12 I would they were even cut off which trouble you.

13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only [use] not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

15 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.

Things to think about:

What does it mean to live under the law?
What does it mean to live by grace through faith?
Are you living in the liberty Christ died to give you? If not, why? If so, how?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this Scripture in the book of Galatians where Paul talks to the Galatians about not being influenced by people who are trying to put them back in bondage under the law. Help us to accept the blessing that was given to us through Jesus Christ. Forgive us of the times we’ve tried to earn our way to You, knowing full well we would never be able to. We pray that You would convict the hearts and call those who haven’t already accepted Jesus as their Savior. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and …

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be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

– Galatians 5:1

– This is an excerpt from my book:

The Book of Galatians: Paul’s Letter to the Churches of Galatia

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The Book of Galatians: Paul’s Letter to the Churches of Galatia

By Deborah H. Bateman

The Book of Galatians: Paul’s Letter to the Churches of Galatia is a Daily Bible Reading Study of the book of Galatians. The book of Galatians is in the New Testament and is one of Paul’s letters. He wrote this letter to the churches of Galatia.

Paul is concerned that the people of Galatia are being taught something different than the true gospel, which he taught them earlier. Paul goes to great lengths to make sure they understand the difference between living under the law and living under the grace of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The Book of Galatians: Paul’s Letter to the Churches of Galatia contains sixteen Daily Bible Reading lessons. Each lesson consists of a brief commentary, the Daily Bible Reading Scripture, a few questions for contemplation called, “Things to think about,” and a prayer for the day. This book is great to use for both personal Bible study and 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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Deborah

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Daily Bible Reading “Love One Another Sincerely” (Romans 12:9-21)

Posted on February 12, 2025 by Deborah H. Bateman

Love One Another Sincerely

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Romans 12:9-21. In this Scripture, Paul reminds us to let love be sincere; to hate evil, and to cling to things that are good. Be kind and caring to each other in brotherly love, and to honor one another.

Romans 12:11 tells us not to be lazy in our work, but to have passion for what is good and serving the Lord. We are to be joyful in the hope of the Lord, patient during trials, praying continually. The Scripture says we should help each other when there is a need and be hospitable by inviting each other into our homes.

We are to bless those who persecute us, rejoice with those that rejoice and cry with those who cry. In other words, we are to share life together, when there is an occasion to be happy or sad, we are to share those experiences.

We are not to think ourselves better than others, but to treat everyone equally. Paul tells us to be honest and to live at peace with one another. We are not to try to get revenge for evil that is done to us. Paul reminds us that vengeance belongs to the Lord. The Lord will repay people for their evil doings. It is not our place to try to get revenge. He encourages us to repay evil with good and, by doing so, those who mistreated us will be ashamed of the way they acted.

Daily Bible Reading:

Romans 12:9-21

9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

Things to think about:

What does the Scripture mean when it says to abhor evil?

Why should we not try to repay evil for evil?

How can we overcome evil by doing good?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear God,

Thank You for this Scripture in which Paul tells us how we should treat one another. Help us to follow this example. Help us to share life with one another by celebrating the good things and mourning the bad things. Help us to live at peace with one another. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; – Romans 12:10

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–Excerpt from God Is Love ~ Deborah H. Bateman

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Featured Book:

God Is Love

by Deborah H. Bateman

About the book:

God is Love is a Daily Bible Reading Study by Deborah H. Bateman. It contains 19 daily devotionals on Scriptures about love from the Bible: including God’s love for us, the love relationship between a husband and wife, love and honoring our parents, and much more.

This devotional would be great for either a personal daily devotions or group Bible studies, including small groups, and Sunday school classes. Each devotional contains a brief commentary by the author, the daily Bible Scripture, a prayer of the day, and several questions for personal reflection or group discussion.

In God is Love, Deborah strives to show you not only what love is, but that love comes from God, as well as the love of God surpasses all imagination. Her goal for you as you read this book is that you would realize how much God loves you.

Benefits of reading God is Love
• You will learn what love is
• You will learn about different kinds of love
• You will learn how much God loves you
• You will learn of the sacrifice made by God because of His love for you

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Deborah

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Daily Bible Reading “Beware of False Doctrine” (Matthew 16:1-12)

Posted on January 30, 2025 by Deborah H. Bateman

Beware of False Doctrine

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Matthew 16:1-12. In this Scripture, the Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus, trying to tempt Him, they asked Him for a sign from heaven. Why do you think they asked Jesus for a sign from heaven?

Jesus tells them they can discern the weather, but they can’t discern the signs of the times. He tells them that a wicked and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and the only sign they were getting was the sign of the prophet Jonas. Then Jesus left and went to the other side.

The disciples joined Jesus on the other side. But they had forgotten to take the bread and Jesus tells them to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees. The disciples think He is talking about the fact they didn’t bring any bread. Jesus says to them, “O ye of little faith, do you not remember how we fed the multitudes?”

They finally understood that Jesus wasn’t talking about the fact they forgot the bread, but He was telling them to beware of the doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees. The leaven (yeast) is a picture of false doctrine. This is one of the reasons we need to study our Bible, so we’ll know what true doctrine is and what false doctrine is.

Daily Bible Reading:

Matthew 16:1-12

1 The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven.
2 He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red.
3 And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?
4 A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed.
5 And when his disciples were come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread.
6 Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.
7 And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have taken no bread.
8 Which when Jesus perceived, he said unto them, O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread?
9 Do ye not yet understand, neither remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many baskets ye took up?
10 Neither the seven loaves of the four thousand, and how many baskets ye took up?
11 How is it that ye do not understand that I spake it not to you concerning bread, that ye should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees?
12 Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.

Things to think about:

Why do the Pharisees ask Jesus for a sign?

What does Jesus say about asking for signs?

Have you ever asked God for a sign?

How can we discern if someone is teaching us the truth or not?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this Scripture that tells us there will be people who teach false doctrine. The Bible tells us to know the truth and the truth will make us free. Help us to study the Bible and to know the truth, so we’ll be able to discern whether someone is teaching the truth or not. In Jesus’ name, we pray. We love You, LORD. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but…

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of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.

– Matthew 16:12

The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ

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

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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Daily Bible Reading “Great is Thy Faith” (Matthew 15:21-39)

Posted on January 29, 2025 by Deborah H. Bateman

Great is Thy Faith

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Matthew 15:21-39. In this Scripture, Jesus departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon, which is north of Israel. There was a Canaanite woman who came to Jesus telling Him her daughter was possessed with a devil. But Jesus didn’t answer her. Why did He not acknowledge this woman?

The disciples told Him to send her away because she was crying after them. Jesus told them He was only sent to the lost sheep of Israel. What did He mean by that statement? She was not going to take no for an answer. She knew Jesus was her only hope. She worshiped Him, and begged Him to help her.

Jesus said to her, “It is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it to dogs.” She answered Him, saying, “Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.” Jesus finally acknowledged her, stating that her faith was great and her will would be done.

Then Jesus went by the Sea of Galilee, up into a mountain and sat down. Multitudes of people followed Him there and brought people with all sorts of illnesses and Jesus healed them.

The people had been there with Jesus for three days fasting, and He didn’t want to send them away hungry. So Jesus asked the disciples what they had to give the people to eat. The disciples told Jesus they only had seven loaves of bread and a few fishes.

Jesus instructed the people to sit down. He gave thanks for the food, and gave it to His disciples to distribute to the people. There were four thousand men plus the women and children. When they finished eating, they took up the leftovers and there was seven baskets-full left. Jesus then sent the multitude away and went by ship to the coast of Magdala.

There are two things we can learn from this Scripture. One, is nothing is impossible with God if we turn our problems over to Him and have faith enough to believe He can solve them. The other is, if we bring what we have and present it to God for His use, no matter how small it may seem He can do much more with it than we can even imagine.

Daily Bible Reading:

Matthew 15:21-39

21 Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon.
22 And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil.
23 But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us.
24 But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
25 Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me.
26 But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it to dogs.
27 And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.
28 Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.
29 And Jesus departed from thence, and came nigh unto the sea of Galilee; and went up into a mountain, and sat down there.
30 And great multitudes came unto him, having with them those that were lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others, and cast them down at Jesus’ feet; and he healed them:
31 Insomuch that the multitude wondered, when they saw the dumb to speak, the maimed to be whole, the lame to walk, and the blind to see: and they glorified the God of Israel.
32 Then Jesus called his disciples unto him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way.
33 And his disciples say unto him, Whence should we have so much bread in the wilderness, as to fill so great a multitude?
34 And Jesus saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven, and a few little fishes.
35 And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground.
36 And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.
37 And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets full.
38 And they that did eat were four thousand men, beside women and children.
39 And he sent away the multitude, and took ship, and came into the coasts of Magdala.

Things to think about:

Have you ever been in a situation where you knew God was the only one who could help you, as the Canaanite woman did?

What did you do?

Do you find it amazing how Jesus took the little bit of food that the disciples had and fed so many with it?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this Scripture which tells us about the way Jesus went about healing people and feeding the multitudes. We see through this Scripture that if we have faith enough to believe, there is nothing impossible with God. As we study Your Word and see all the miracles Jesus performed, help our faith and belief to continue to grow in You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. We love You, LORD. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it …

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unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.

– Matthew 15:28

The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ

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Featured Book:

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

About the book:

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Deborah

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Daily Bible Reading “What is the Condition of Your Heart?” (Matthew 15:1-20)

Posted on January 28, 2025 by Deborah H. Bateman

What is the Condition of Your Heart?

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Matthew 15:1-20. In this Scripture, the scribes and Pharisees came to Jesus asking Him why the disciples didn’t wash their hands when they ate. Have you ever noticed how people love to condemn others when they have faults themselves?

Jesus tells the scribes and Pharisees they disobey the commands of God by their traditions. He talks to them about one of the Ten Commandments: Honor your father and mother. He tells them they make the commandment of God to honor your parents of no effect by their traditions.

Jesus reminds them that people honor Him with their mouths, but their hearts are far from Him. The disciples ask Jesus if He offended the scribes and Pharisees. Jesus says that the scribes and Pharisees are like the blind leading the blind. Jesus tells them every plant that His Father has not planted will be rooted up.

He tells them it isn’t what goes in the mouth, but what comes out of the mouth that defiles a man. Jesus explains to the disciples that whatever comes out of the mouth comes from the heart. He says the evil that is in your heart comes out of your mouth and that shows the condition of your heart.

We should all use this Scripture from Psalm 19:14, as a prayer to God concerning the words we speak, “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.” Make it a point to guard the words you speak and see how it changes your life.

Daily Bible Reading:

Matthew 15:1-20

1 Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying,
2 Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.
3 But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?
4 For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.
5 But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me;
6 And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.
7 Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying,
8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
10 And he called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand:
11 Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.
12 Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying?
13 But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.
14 Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.
15 Then answered Peter and said unto him, Declare unto us this parable.
16 And Jesus said, Are ye also yet without understanding?
17 Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught?
18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.
19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:
20 These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.

Things to think about:

What is the condition of your heart?

Have you ever considered that the words you speak come from your heart?

Do you honor God with your heart and life?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this Scripture. Help us to obey Your Word and to speak words of life. Give us the strength we need to live in a way that is pleasing to You. In Jesus name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. – Matthew 15:18

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