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

Posted on February 2, 2026 by Deborah H. Bateman

Give Thanks to God for Your Faith and Love

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

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

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

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

Daily Bible Reading:

1 Thessalonians 3:1-13

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

Things to think about:

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

How can we make our faith known to others?

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

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

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

Daily Bible Verse:

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

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Give Thanks

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About the book:

Give Thanks is a Daily Bible Reading Study by Deborah H. Bateman and Friends. Give Thanks contains 21 Daily Bible Reading lessons that remind us to have an attitude of gratitude and to be thankful and grateful for everything.

Each lesson contains a brief commentary, Daily Bible Reading Scriptures, a few questions for contemplation or discussion, and a prayer for the day. Give Thanks is a great Bible study for individual or group Bible studies.

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

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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Daily Bible Reading “God Is Love” (1 John 4:7-21)

Posted on February 1, 2026 by Deborah H. Bateman

God Is Love

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 1 John 4:7-21. This Scripture talks about how we should love one another because God loves us. If God is in us then we should have love dwelling in us, because God is love.

Love is a fruit of the Spirit and if we are Christians we should have love through the Spirit of God. Those of us who have accepted Jesus as our Savior should have love in our hearts toward one another.

God loves us so much He sent His Son, Jesus, to this world to live and then die on the cross to cover our sins. If we believe and receive Jesus as our Savior, then love dwells in us, because we have the Spirit of God in us.

If you haven’t accepted God, who is love, and He is speaking to you, please seriously consider accepting Him into your heart and life today. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Daily Bible Reading:

1 John 4:7-21

7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.
10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.
12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.
13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.
14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.
15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.
16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.
18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
19 We love him, because he first loved us.
20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?
21 And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.

Things to think about:

Who does the Scripture talk about when it says, “God dwelleth in him, and he in God?”
Why does the Scripture say, “Perfect love casts out fear?”
Why do we love God?
If we are Christians why should we have the love of God in us?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear God,

We thank You that You loved us so much You sent your Son, Jesus, to die for us. Help us to love one another the way You want us to. Help Your love to be perfected in us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. We love You, LORD. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. – 1 John 4:8

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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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Daily Bible Reading “Jesus Walks on the Water” (Matthew 14:22-36)

Posted on January 29, 2026 by Deborah H. Bateman

Jesus Walks on the Water

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Matthew 14:22-36. In this Scripture, Jesus walks on the water. Can you imagine being able to walk on water?

Jesus sent the multitude away and sent His disciples into a ship. He went up the mountain to pray. Just before dawn, the ship the disciples were in was in the middle of the sea, the winds were blowing and the waves were tossing the ship about. In the fourth watch of the night, Jesus went walking on the water out to the ship the disciples were in. When they saw Him they were afraid and thought that He was a spirit walking on the water. Jesus spoke to them to let them know it was Him, so they wouldn’t be afraid.

Peter asked Jesus, “If it is You, let me come on the water to You.” Jesus told him to come, and when Peter was walking on the water to Jesus, he became afraid because the wind was blowing so strongly and the waves were crashing. Because of his fear and unbelief, Peter began to sink and cried out for Jesus to save him. Jesus reached out His hand and grabbed Peter and said to him, “O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?” Does this sound familiar to you? How many times do we let fear keep us from doing what God wants us to do?

When Jesus went into the ship, the wind stopped blowing and the disciples worshiped Jesus, saying, “Thou art the Son of God.” Then they went to Gennesaret and healed those who were stricken with diseases. The Scripture says the people said if they could only touch the hem of Jesus’ garment they believed they would get better, and everyone who touched it was completely healed.

Daily Bible Reading:

Matthew 14:22-36

22 And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.
23 And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.
24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.
25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.
26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.
27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.
28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.
29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
32 And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.
33 Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.
34 And when they were gone over, they came into the land of Gennesaret.
35 And when the men of that place had knowledge of him, they sent out into all that country round about, and brought unto him all that were diseased;
36 And besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole.

Things to think about:

Would you be afraid if you were in a ship in the middle of a storm?

Are you sometimes afraid during the storms of life?

Would you be afraid if you saw Jesus walking on the water to you?

Are you willing to reach out to Him for help?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for this Scripture telling us about Jesus walking on the water. Help us to have the faith we need to do the things You ask us to do. Thank You for this Scripture that tells us how You healed the people who touched the hem of Jesus’ garment. Help us to have faith and belief enough to come to You, so we’ll see the miracles You can perform in our lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray. We love You, LORD. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. – Matthew 14:25

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Featured Book:

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

About the book:

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

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

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

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Daily Bible Reading “Jesus Feeds the Multitude” (Matthew 14:1-21)

Posted on January 28, 2026 by Deborah H. Bateman

Jesus Feeds the Multitude

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Matthew 14:1-21. In this Scripture, Herod thought that Jesus was John the Baptist, raised from the dead. Why did Herod think Jesus was John the Baptist?

Herod had put John the Baptist in prison, then on Herod’s birthday, the daughter of Herodias danced, and pleased Herod, and Herod promised to give her whatever she asked for. She asked for John the Baptist’s head on a charger (a serving tray), which her mother had requested. The king was sorry, but for his oath’s sake, he did as she requested. John the Baptist’s disciples came and buried the body and went to tell Jesus.

When Jesus heard about it He went by ship to the desert. The multitude of people followed Him. His disciples told Him to send them away. Jesus told the disciples to feed the people. They told Jesus they only had five loaves and two fishes. Thus, the story of Jesus’ miracle “The Feeding of the Multitude” comes to life.

He took the five loaves and two fishes, blessed them and they fed all the people and had twelve baskets full left over. They fed five thousand men plus the women and children with five loaves and two fishes. Now, that was a miracle.

This story reminds us we are not the producers, only the distributors. If we bring something to Jesus and He blesses it, it will go further than we can ever do on our own. Whatever you have, give it to Him and see how He blesses it.

Daily Bible Reading:

Matthew 14:1-21

1 At that time Herod the tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus,
2 And said unto his servants, This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead; and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him.
3 For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put him in prison for Herodias’ sake, his brother Philip’s wife.
4 For John said unto him, It is not lawful for thee to have her.
5 And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.
6 But when Herod’s birthday was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herod.
7 Whereupon he promised with an oath to give her whatsoever she would ask.
8 And she, being before instructed of her mother, said, Give me here John Baptist’s head in a charger.
9 And the king was sorry: nevertheless for the oath’s sake, and them which sat with him at meat, he commanded it to be given her.
10 And he sent, and beheaded John in the prison.
11 And his head was brought in a charger, and given to the damsel: and she brought it to her mother.
12 And his disciples came, and took up the body, and buried it, and went and told Jesus.
13 When Jesus heard of it, he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart: and when the people had heard thereof, they followed him on foot out of the cities.
14 And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.
15 And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals.
16 But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat.
17 And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes.
18 He said, Bring them hither to me.
19 And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.
20 And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full.
21 And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children.

Things to think about:

Why did Herod think Jesus was John the Baptist?
How many people could normally eat from five loaves and two fishes?
Do you trust Jesus with what you have?
Have you entrusted Him with your life and soul?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this Scripture that tells us about the feeding of the multitude. It shows us that whatever we have, if we give it to You, You will multiply it and use it to supply our needs and meet the needs of others. We thank You for loving us and taking care of us. Help us to have faith enough to trust You with whatever we have. In Jesus’ name, we pray. We love You, LORD. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and…

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the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.

– Matthew 14:19

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by Deborah H. Bateman

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Go to: Amazon

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Daily Bible Reading “Parables of the Kingdom of Heaven” (Matthew 13:31-58)

Posted on January 27, 2026 by Deborah H. Bateman

Parables of the Kingdom of Heaven

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Matthew 13:31-58. In this Scripture, Jesus is telling more parables about the kingdom of heaven. Have you ever taken time to really look at these parables closely to see what Jesus is saying?

Look at Matthew 13:36-43, the disciples ask Him to explain the parable of the tares of the field, which was given in the Scripture from the previous lesson, and Jesus explains it to them. The one who sows the good seed is the Son of man. The field is the world. The good seed are the children of the kingdom of God. The tares are the children of the wicked one, which were sown by the devil. The harvest is the end of the world. The reapers are the angels.

As you look at the other parables that He talks about in this Scripture, you will see a pattern in the comparisons. The parables seem to say that there will be unbelievers along with believers and there will come a time when they’ll be separated. One group, the children of God, will enter the kingdom of heaven, and the other group, the children of the devil, will be cast into the lake of fire.

Again, Jesus says, “Who has ears to hear let Him hear.” Jesus has been trying to tell the people about the things of God through these parables: some will understand and take heed to what He says, and some won’t listen. Jesus goes on to tell the disciples more parables, which talk about the gathering of His people.

Jesus goes to His own country to share the gospel with them, and the people were offended by Him. They saw Him grow up, they knew His family and they couldn’t understand where He got all His wisdom. This tells us that, as we are trying to share the Word of God, the people we are closest to may not listen or understand what we are trying to do. It may be the people of this world we don’t know personally who will listen and hear what the Word of God has to say to them through us.

As you read these parables and try to understand what Jesus was saying, if you haven’t accepted Him as your Lord and Savior, and He speaks to your heart today, please seriously consider accepting Him. Pray and ask God to forgive you of your sins, cleanse your heart, and accept Jesus as your Savior. If you receive Him as your Lord and Savior today, please contact us to let us know, so we can pray for you. May God bless you all!

Daily Bible Reading:

Matthew 13:31-58

31 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field:
32 Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.
33 Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.
34 All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them:
35 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.
36 Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field.
37 He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man;
38 The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one;
39 The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels.
40 As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world.
41 The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity;
42 And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
43 Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.
44 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.
45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls:
46 Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.
47 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind:
48 Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away.
49 So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just,
50 And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
51 Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea, Lord.
52 Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.
53 And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these parables, he departed thence.
54 And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works?
55 Is not this the carpenter’s son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?
56 And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things?
57 And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house.
58 And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.

Things to think about:

Doesn’t it startle you about how the people who knew Jesus best wouldn’t listen to Him?
Does reading these parables help you to understand better what Jesus is talking about?
Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for these parables that Jesus told about the kingdom of heaven. Help us to understand them, and to take to heart the true meaning of them. Help us as we try to share the gospel with others. Please open their hearts and minds so they might understand that You sent Jesus to die for their sins, so they won’t have to suffer the punishment of hell. In Jesus’ name, we pray. We love You, LORD. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is …

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like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field:

– Matthew 13:31

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