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Daily Bible Reading “I Am the True Vine” (John 15:1-11)

Posted on April 3, 2018 by Deborah H. Bateman

I Am the True Vine

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from John 15:1-11. “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing” (John 15:5).

In this Scripture Jesus is telling His disciples the parable of the vine. He tells them He is the true vine, and His Father is the husbandman (gardener, vinedresser). Believers are considered to be the “branches.” Branches in Him which don’t bear fruit He cuts off. Branches that bear fruit, He prunes, so they will bear more fruit. There are many references to the word “fruit” in the Bible. As believers we are expected to bear fruit for the Lord.

One of the references to “fruit” is the fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23 says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” This is what we should produce if we are abiding in the vine.

Ephesians 5:9 and 10 says, “For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth; Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. You are clean through the Word I have spoken to you.” This is why it is important for us to study the Bible so we will know the Word. It will purify our hearts and lives so we can produce good fruit.

Jesus says, “Abide in me, and I in you. Just as the branch can’t bear fruit by itself, it must abide in the vine, and so it is for us we have to abide in Him. If you don’t abide in me, you will be like a branch that withers and is cut off and burned in the fire.”

Think of this parable as if you had a vine growing in your yard and there are branches coming off the main vine. As the gardener, you cut off the branches that are dead and prune the branches that are producing fruit so they will produce more fruit.

In this parable, God the Father is the gardener, Jesus is the main vine, and as Christians we are the branches. First Corinthians 3:11 says, “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” In John 15: 7 Jesus says, “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” What do you think the word abide means? Maybe it means to stay close, or continue in Him.

Jesus tells the disciples, His Father will be glorified, and they will bear much fruit; and they will be His disciples. He says, “Just as the Father has loved me, so have I loved you: continue in my love.” He wants us to come to Him, worship Him and pray to Him. Jesus tells them in the same way He loves His Father and keeps His commandments; we too should keep His commandments and abide in His love. He tells them, “These things I have told you, that my joy will remain in you, and that your joy will be full.”

Daily Bible Reading:

John 15:1-11

1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.

2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.

3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.

4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.

7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.

10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.

11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

Things to think about:

What do you do to the dead branches on your vines?

As Christians why should we abide in Jesus?

In this Scripture, who is the gardener?

What does this Scripture say will happen if we don’t bear fruit?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for Your Son, Jesus, who in this parable is the true vine. As Christians we are the branches, thank You that He is our source of strength and provision. Help us to abide in Him so our joy might be full. Help us to produce good fruit. In Jesus’ name, we pray. We love You, LORD. Amen.

Bible Verse for Journaling and Memorization:

I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

– John 15:5

Excerpt from I AM: Jesus, the Son of God

Christian Music: I Am the Vine

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 as well.

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.

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Have a blessed day,

Deborah

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Daily Bible Reading “Think on These Things” (Philippians 4:8)

Posted on January 2, 2018 by Deborah H. Bateman

Think on These Things

Do you ever have trouble with thinking negative thoughts? I guess we all do from time to time. Some of us may have more trouble with this than others. When we focus on the negative things that are going on in our lives it can bring us down.

In Philippians 4:8 Paul tells the Philippians to think on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, and praise worthy.

This is good advice for us today. It is hard to be negative and have a bad attitude if we are spending our time praying, praising God for His blessings, and thinking on good things.

This is a good Scripture for us to keep close to our hearts and mind to remind us of what we should be thinking about daily. If you have negative thoughts come into your mind, remember this Scripture, quote it to yourself and go through the list of what Paul says we should think about, if it doesn’t measure up, then cast those thoughts aside. This will help you to train yourself to think about good things rather than focusing on negative things.

Daily Bible Reading:

Philippians 4:8

8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Things to think about:

Do you have trouble keeping a positive attitude?
What do you do when you start thinking negatively?
How can we retrain our brain to think good thoughts?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this Scripture where Paul reminds the Philippians to think about good things. Help us to use this as our guide. Help us not to have a negative attitude. Help us to be grateful to You for all Your many blessings. Keep a guard over our hearts and minds. Don’t let the enemy use our thoughts to discourage us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Bible Verse to Journal or Memorize:

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. – Philippians 4:8

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

Featured Book:

The Book of Philippians: Paul’s Letter to Philippi

by Deborah H. Bateman

About the Book:

The Book of Philippians: Paul’s Letter to Philippi is a Daily Bible Reading study of the book of Philippians by Deborah H. Bateman. The book of Philippians is from the New Testament of the Bible and is one of the Apostle Paul’s letters. In the book of Philippians Paul encourages the saints at Philippi to be strong in their faith, to stand fast in the Lord, and to be content in Christ.

Paul loved the Philippians and it shows in his writing to them. Paul knew that they loved him as well. The Philippians showed their love for Paul by supporting his ministry.

Paul would never forget the Philippians because of the way they cared for him when he ministered to them. They would always have a special place in his heart.

Paul wanted the best for the Philippians. He wanted to make sure they never let anybody steer them in the wrong direction. He wanted them to stay on course and do the things he had taught them whether he was with them or not.

The Book of Philippians: Paul’s Letter to Philippi contains ten Daily Bible Reading lessons. Each lesson consists of a brief commentary, the Daily Bible Reading Scripture, several questions for contemplation or discussion, and a prayer for the day to go along with the lesson. This is a great Bible study for individual daily devotions or for a group Bible study.

For those of you interested in Bible journaling 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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Get your copy now!

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Have a blessed day,

Deborah

I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 3:14

Daily Bible Reading “The High Calling of God” (Philippians 3:12-21)

Posted on January 1, 2018 by Deborah H. Bateman

The High Calling of God

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Philippians 3:12-21. I thought this would be a good lesson for us to consider on New Year’s Day as we plan and look forward to the coming year. We see in this Scripture where Paul shows his humility by saying that it isn’t as though he had already attained. What does Paul mean by that statement? Paul didn’t think of himself as being better than others or as having arrived. He knew he wasn’t perfect and he would never be perfect in this life. He was forgiven because of his salvation, but he was still striving to be what God would have him be. We’re all a work in progress. No matter how long you’ve been a Christian, there is still work to be done.

Paul says he forgets the things that are behind him and reaches forward to the things that are before him. Paul states, “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” That is good advice for all of us. We can’t change what is behind us by worrying about it. We only have a chance to make the future better by living in the present moment and doing God’s will now. Paul knew he had a call on his life from God. He wanted to do whatever God wanted him to do.

Paul exhorts the mature Christians to have this same thought process. He wanted them to be like-minded. Paul urged them to walk in unity. Paul tells them that if they don’t have this same mindset then it is up to God. He will deal with them to change their minds. Paul wasn’t depending on himself to make them see the truth.

Paul set the example by following Christ. Even though Paul wasn’t perfect, which none of us are, he was a good example for the Philippians to follow. Paul also tells them to look at other leaders in their midst who set good examples and follow them.

Paul warns them again that there are those who are enemies of the cross of Christ. These people are bound for destruction. They’re only concerned about earthly things. Their only concern was to please themselves. Don’t let them lead you down the wrong path. Paul didn’t want these people to divide the believers.

As Christians our citizenship is in heaven. Our conversation should be about heaven. Our focus is on our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Only He can take these sinful bodies that we live in and change them into glorious heavenly bodies like His. This is only possible because God is omnipotent. Only He could cause this transformation.

Daily Bible Reading:

Philippians 3:12-21

12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.

16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.

17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.

18 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:

19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)

20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:

21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue.

Things to think about:

What did Paul mean when he said he hadn’t attained?

Of what did Paul warn the Philippians?

How can we press forward with Christ?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for this Scripture in the book of Philippians. We see that even Paul Knew he hadn’t arrived. He was still striving to be and do what You wanted of him. Help us to realize that we still haven’t arrived either. You are still working on all of us to transform us into new creatures in Christ. Help us to be on guard against those who would mislead us, just as Paul warned the Philippians. Thank You that You have the power to change these old sinful bodies of ours into new heavenly bodies. We love You, Lord. Amen.

Bible Verse to Journal or Memorize:

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Featured Book:

The Book of Philippians: Paul’s Letter to Philippi

by Deborah H. Bateman

About the Book:

Paul loved the Philippians and it shows in his writing to them. Paul knew that they loved him as well. The Philippians showed their love for Paul by supporting his ministry.

Paul would never forget the Philippians because of the way they cared for him when he ministered to them. They would always have a special place in his heart.

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.

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

Subscribe to Deborah H. Bateman to receive
Daily Bible Reading Lessons in your inbox
at: http://DeborahHBateman.com/subscribe

Wishing you a happy and prosperous New Year!

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and …

Daily Bible Reading “I Am Alpha and Omega” (Revelation 1:8)

Posted on October 26, 2017 by Deborah H. Bateman

I Am Alpha and Omega

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Revelation 1:8.

“I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty” (Revelation 1:8).

The alpha and the omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. It means the beginning and the end.

Jesus was from the beginning and He will be with us to the end. Jesus is the second person of the trinity. The trinity consists of God the Father, God the Son, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Jesus is our Lord. He is our Savior. He is our provider. He is our protector.

He knows everything about us. He knows our thoughts. He knows our hurts and our concerns. He knows our successes and our failures. He knows our strengths and our weaknesses. But, He loves us despite our short comings. He is willing to forgive us if we are willing to turn our lives over to Him and accept Him as our Savior.

He “was,” John 1:1 tells us, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:14, “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”

He “is,” Mark 14:62 says, “And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.”

He “is to come,” Acts 1:11 says, “Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.”

Revelation 21:6 tells us, “And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.” Are you thirsty? Are you seeking Him?

Things to think about:

What does alpha mean?
What does omega mean?
What does Jesus mean when He says, “I am the alpha and omega?”

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this Scripture where Jesus says, “I am the alpha and omega.” Help us to honor Him as such. Thank You for the grace You bestowed on us by providing a Savior for us through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us to share that grace and mercy with others. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Bible Verse for Journaling and Memorization:

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which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

– Revelation 1:8

Excerpt from I AM: Jesus, the Son of God

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Christian Music Video: I AM Alpha and Omega

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:

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.

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

Have a blessed day,

Deborah