Daily Bible Reading “Go Work in my Vineyard” (Matthew 20:1-16)

Go Work in my Vineyard

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Matthew 20:1-16. In this Scripture, Jesus says the kingdom of heaven is like this story about a man who went out to hire people to work in his vineyard. He made an agreement with the laborers to work for a penny a day (which was considered a day’s wages during that time). Can you imagine working for a penny a day?

The man went out again at the third, sixth, ninth, and eleventh hours (9 a.m., noon, 3 p.m., and 5 p.m.) and found others standing in the marketplace and told them to go work in his vineyard and he would pay them whatever was right.

At the end of the day, the vineyard owner calls to his steward and tells him to call the laborers and give them their hire, beginning with the last ones he hired to the first ones he hired. All of the men received a penny.

When the steward got to the first man, he complained because he thought he should receive more, but the owner of the vineyard told him that he received what they agreed upon. The owner tells him he has done him no wrong: “Is your eye evil, because I am good? The last shall be first and the first shall be last; many are called, few are chosen.”

Every soul is precious to God, whether they have been saved for twenty years or two days. Everyone who is saved will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. What if God gave us what we deserved?

The Bible says the harvest is plenteous, but the laborers are few. Has God called you to work in His vineyard? What can you do? What can you contribute? If you are not sure, ask God to show you how He can use you to further His kingdom.

Daily Bible Reading:

Matthew 20:1-16

1 For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard.
2 And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard.
3 And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace,
4 And said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way.
5 Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise.
6 And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle?
7 They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.
8 So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first.
9 And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny.
10 But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny.
11 And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house,
12 Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day.
13 But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny?
14 Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee.
15 Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?
16 So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.

 

Things to think about:

  • How is Jesus pictured in this Scripture?
  • Do you find it strange that those who were hired last were paid the same as those who were hired first?
  • Of what is this Scripture representative?
  • What does the Scripture mean when it says, “The last will be first and the first will be last?”


Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this Scripture which lets us know that every soul is precious to You. We thank You that You are not a respecter of persons, but You love us all equally. Help us to be more like You and not be looking at what everybody else is doing, but only be concerned with our relationship with You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. We love You, LORD. Amen.

 

Daily Bible Verse:

For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard. – Matthew 20:1

The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ

Get your copy now!

 

Christian Video: The Parable of the Laborers


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:

Matthew

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.

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

 

Click Here to Subscribe to Deborah H. Bateman author site to receive Daily Bible Reading Lessons in your inbox.

 

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

Recipe for Life

Like Deborah H. Bateman on Facebook

 

Daily Bible Reading “Thou Art Worthy” (Revelation 5:1-14)

worthyisthelambThou Art Worthy

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Revelation 5:1-14. :
I don’t claim to know everything about the prophesy of the Bible, but there is something in this Scripture I wanted to share with you since we have been talking about praising God and the Lord, Jesus Christ.

John is describing a scene that he saw. He says he sees Him who sits on the throne which is believed to be God with a book that is sealed with seven seals. He hears an angel proclaiming, “Who is worthy to open the book?” No one is found worthy, which makes John cry, but an elder tells John to behold the Lion of Judah who is worthy to open the book.

Jesus is referred to as the Lion of Judah, the Messiah, and the lamb that was slain. The lion is a symbol of His strength, boldness, and courageous. As the lion is the king of all the beasts, Jesus is the king of kings. The lion also represents His vigilance. In the Old Testament Jesus was also known as the son of David and the root of David, since He was from David’s blood line.

Read the Scripture and look at the way people worshipped and praise Jesus. This is what I wanted you to see from this Scripture. How can we use this example to worship and praise Him? The Bible tells us that the day will come when every knee will bow and worship Him, but we don’t want to wait until then. How can we worship Him daily? Does this Scripture help you to see that He deserves our worship and praise?

In the book of Esther the Jewish people set up a special day called PURIM to celebrate their victory through God. Are there any special days or ways in your family that you celebrate God for who He is and what He has done in your life? It is important that we teach our children to praise and worship God through our example. How can we better honor both God and Jesus Christ through praise and worship?

 

Daily Bible Reading:

Revelation 5: 1-14

1 And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.
2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?
3 And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.
4 And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.
5 And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.
6 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.
7 And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.
8 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.
9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;
12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.
13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.
14 And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.

 

Things to think about:

  • What did you learn from this lesson about worshiping and praising God and the Lord, Jesus Christ?
  • Have you accepted Jesus as the sacrifice for your sins?
  • Can you see yourself in this scene?

 

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for this Scripture, where we see how the people worshiped You and Your Son. Help us to learn from this example. Thank You for Your Son, who was sacrificed for our sins. Help us to honor Him and praise Him, for He is worthy. In Jesus’ precious name, we pray. Amen.

Excerpt from: PURIM Celebration: 28 Daily Devotionals by Deborah H. Bateman and Friends

Another book by Deborah concerning Purim

The Book of Esther: A Story of Love and Favor

 

The Jewish people celebrated Purim this week.

Free Ebook Giveaway thru Thursday

Get your copy now!

 

Featured Book:

purim(1)-25PURIM Celebration: 28 Daily Devotionals

by Deborah H. Bateman

About the book:

PURIM Celebration: 28 Daily Devotionals is a Daily Bible Reading Study Book by Deborah H. Bateman and friends. It is a compilation of 28 Daily Devotionals by Deborah and fourteen of her author and writer friends.

Purim is a holiday that was started back in the days of Queen Esther and is still celebrated today. Deborah took the letters of PURIM and created categories for the contributors to write about:

• P=Praise
• U=Un-forgiveness or Forgiveness
• R=Relationships
• I=Inspirational
• M=Marriage

One of the traditions of Purim is giving gifts to the poor. In light of that tradition we have decided that a portion of the proceeds of this book will go to charity.

PURIM Celebration was originally created as part of Deborah’s Book Launch for her book: The Book of Esther: A Story of Love and Favor which was published in 2012.

PURIM Celebration includes devotionals from: Mary Pacheco, Penny Zeller, Katherine Harms, Dave Moore, Marlo Schalesky, Judith Robl, Lynn Dove, Buffy Crabtree, Deborah McCarragher, Shawn Lamb, Serge Roux-Levrat, Lily Brenner, Heidi Faith, and Lisa Buffaloe. The book is edited by Lisa Lickel, one of my friends in the John 3:16 Networking Group.

Some of the contributors are from the John 3:16 Network Marketing group Deborah belongs to. Some of the writers are from a coaching program that Deborah participates in. One of the authors is from the Palmetto Christian Writer’s Network Deborah is a member of. The rest of the writers and authors are friends Deborah has made over the past few years online.

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

 

Click Here to Subscribe to Deborah H. Bateman author site to receive

Daily Bible Reading Lessons in your inbox.

 

Christian Music Video:

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.

 

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

Recipe for Life

Daily Bible Reading “I Am the Good Shepherd” (John 10:11-16)

I Am the Good Shepherd

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from John 10:11-16.

“I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep” (John 10:11).

In this Scripture, Jesus refers to himself as the good shepherd who gives his life for the sheep. He compares himself to a hireling, one who is hired to work in the field and tend the sheep. He states that when a wolf comes to try to attack the sheep a hireling will not defend the sheep, but will flee and the wolf will catch the sheep.

The hireling will flee, because he doesn’t care for the sheep. Jesus, on the other hand, as the good shepherd, knows His sheep and they know Him. He cares for the sheep and watches over them and protects them.

Jesus declares that the Father knows Him and He knows the Father. He says He lays down His life for the sheep. He says He has more sheep which are not of this fold, but He will call them and they will hear His voice and come to Him. There will be one fold and one shepherd.

 

Daily Bible Reading:

John 10:11-16

11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

12 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.

13 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.

14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.

15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.

16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.

 

Things to think about:

  • Why does Jesus call Himself the Good Shepherd?
  • How does Jesus compare to a hired hand?
  • What does Jesus say about the Father?

 

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for this Scripture where Jesus declares that He is the Good Shepherd. Thank You for sending Him into this world. Thank You for using Him to lead, guide and direct us. Thank You that He watches over us and protects us from the enemy. Help us to honor Him as the Good Shepherd. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

 

Daily Bible Verse:

 

Christian Music Video: The Great Shepherd

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

 

Featured Book:

I AM: Jesus, the Son of God

By Deborah H. Bateman

About the Book:

Jesus asks his disciples the question, “Who do men say that I am?” Then, through different metaphors, He describes who He is.

In I AM: Jesus, the Son of God, Deborah H. Bateman shares biblical illustrations on each of these topics and includes the reason God sent Jesus to the world. This book will help you more fully grasp who Jesus is and His purpose in your life.

I AM: Jesus, the Son of God is the thirty-third book in the Daily Bible Reading Series. The book contains ten Daily Bible Reading lessons. Each lesson consists of a brief commentary by the author, the Daily Bible Reading Scripture, a few questions for consideration or discussion, a prayer, and a Bible Verse to journal or memorize. This book is great as a personal devotional or a group Bible Study. Get your copy today. You will be glad you did.

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

 

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

 

Daily Bible Reading “I Am the Door” (John 10:1-10)

I Am the Door

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from John 1:1-10.

“I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture” (John 10:9).

In this Scripture, Jesus tells a parable saying He is the door and those who enter by Him will be saved. He declares that those who don’t enter by the door into the sheepfold are thieves and robbers. Those who enter by the door are the shepherds of the sheep. The sheep hear the voice of their shepherd. He calls his sheep by name and leads them.

The sheep follow their shepherd because they know his voice. They won’t follow strangers because they don’t recognize their voices. In fact, they will flee from strangers. In verse seven Jesus tells them, “I am the door of the sheep.” He says all those who came before Him were thieves and robbers. The sheep didn’t hear them because they didn’t know their voices.

Jesus warns them saying that the thief comes to kill, steal and destroy. Then, He comforts them by saying, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” We are to beware of the thief and listen for the voice of Jesus who calls us to enter the door to eternal life.

 

Daily Bible Reading:

John 10:1-10

1 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.
2 But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.
3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.
5 And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.
6 This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them.
7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.
8 All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.
9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

 

Things to think about:

  • What is a door’s purpose?
  • How does the Shepherd lead His sheep?
  • How do sheep react to strangers?

 

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for this Scripture where we learn that Jesus is the door of the sheep. Help the sheep to hear His voice and follow Him. Help us not to listen to any other voice but His. Help us to have the abundant life that Jesus died to give us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

 

Daily Bible Verse:

 

Christian Music Video: “I am the Door”

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

 

Featured Book:

I AM: Jesus, the Son of God

By Deborah H. Bateman

About the Book:

Jesus asks his disciples the question, “Who do men say that I am?” Then, through different metaphors, He describes who He is.

In I AM: Jesus, the Son of God, Deborah H. Bateman shares biblical illustrations on each of these topics and includes the reason God sent Jesus to the world. This book will help you more fully grasp who Jesus is and His purpose in your life.

I AM: Jesus, the Son of God is the thirty-third book in the Daily Bible Reading Series. The book contains ten Daily Bible Reading lessons. Each lesson consists of a brief commentary by the author, the Daily Bible Reading Scripture, a few questions for consideration or discussion, a prayer, and a Bible Verse to journal or memorize. This book is great as a personal devotional or a group Bible Study. Get your copy today. You will be glad you did.

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

 

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

 

Daily Bible Reading “I Am the Bread of Life” (John 6:35)

I Am the Bread of Life

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from John 6:35, 6:48-51.

“And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst” (John 6:35).

In this Scripture, Jesus says that He is the bread of life. When we think of bread we think of food or nourishment. We may think about the manna that was sent to the children of Israel in the desert to fulfill their physical needs in the book of Exodus.

Jesus says those who come to Him will never hunger. He’s not speaking in the physical sense but in a spiritual sense. Have you ever felt hungry in your soul? Have you ever felt empty? Have you ever felt that you needed to be filled up? Jesus is the one who can satisfy that longing in our spirits to be filled.

When we take communion we use bread or crackers, usually unleavened bread, to represent the body of Christ. In John 6:51, Jesus says, “I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.”

In this Scripture, Jesus tells us that He is speaking of His body when He says, “I am the bread of life.” He gives us a promise saying those who eat this bread will live forever. He refers to His death on the cross when He says that the bread is His flesh, which He will give for the life of the world.

 

Daily Bible Reading:

John 6:35, 6:48-51

35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.

 

48 I am that bread of life.

49 Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead.

50 This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die.

51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.

 

Things to think about:

  • How does the bread represent the body of Christ?
  • How can we partake of this living bread?
  • What are the results of partaking of the living bread?

 

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for this Scripture where we learn that the bread represents the body of Christ. Thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, into this world to sacrifice His body for our sins. Help us to accept this sacrifice as payment for our sins. Help us to tell others about the beautiful sacrifice that Jesus made for us all. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

 

Daily Bible Verse:

he that believeth on me shall never thirst.

– John 6:35

Excerpt from I AM: Jesus, the Son of God

Christian Music Video: I Am The Bread of Life

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

 

Featured Book:

I AM: Jesus, the Son of God

By Deborah H. Bateman

About the Book:

Jesus asks his disciples the question, “Who do men say that I am?” Then, through different metaphors, He describes who He is.

In I AM: Jesus, the Son of God, Deborah H. Bateman shares biblical illustrations on each of these topics and includes the reason God sent Jesus to the world. This book will help you more fully grasp who Jesus is and His purpose in your life.

I AM: Jesus, the Son of God is the thirty-third book in the Daily Bible Reading Series. The book contains ten Daily Bible Reading lessons. Each lesson consists of a brief commentary by the author, the Daily Bible Reading Scripture, a few questions for consideration or discussion, a prayer, and a Bible Verse to journal or memorize. This book is great as a personal devotional or a group Bible Study. Get your copy today. You will be glad you did.

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

 

Have a blessed day,

Deborah