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the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?

– Matthew 21:42

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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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Have a blessed day,

Deborah

And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing …

Daily Bible Reading “Jesus Curses the Fig Tree” (Matthew 21:18-27)

Posted on March 12, 2024 by Deborah H. Bateman

Jesus Curses the Fig Tree

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Matthew 21:18-27. In this Scripture, Jesus came into the city, and was hungry. He saw a fig tree, but there was no fruit, so Jesus cursed the tree by saying there would be no fruit growing on it forever. Then the fig tree withered away. Why do you think Jesus caused the fig tree to wither? It reminds me of when Jesus is talking about the vine and the branches and He says, if the branch isn’t bearing fruit, cut it off.

The disciples saw it and were amazed. Jesus tells them, “If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.”

Let’s take a look at Mark 11:23: “For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.”

This Scripture basically says the same thing. Then Jesus tells them that whatever you ask in prayer, believing, you shall receive. After reading this Scripture, do you wonder what our problem is; that we don’t ask or we don’t believe?

This reminds me of one of my favorite Scriptures on this matter of asking God and praying to our Heavenly Father for our needs: Matthew 7:7-11

7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
9 Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?
10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?
11 If ye Then being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

When Jesus went to the temple the chief priests and elders asked Him by what authority He did these things. Jesus responded to them with a question instead of answering them directly, Is the baptism of John from heaven or man?” They said they couldn’t say, and Jesus told them neither could He tell them by whose authority He did these things.

Daily Bible Reading:

Matthew 21:18-27

18 Now in the morning as he returned into the city, he hungered.
19 And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away.
20 And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away!
21 Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.
22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.
23 And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?
24 And Jesus answered and said unto them, I also will ask you one thing, which if ye tell me, I in like wise will tell you by what authority I do these things.
25 The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why did ye not then believe him?
26 But if we shall say, Of men; we fear the people; for all hold John as a prophet.
27 And they answered Jesus, and said, We cannot tell. And he said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.

Things to think about:

Do you believe you will receive whatever you ask of God?

Do you ask God to meet your needs?

Can you think of a time in your life when you asked, believed, and received what you asked?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this Scripture that shows us you gave Your Son, Jesus, the authority to perform miracles on earth. Help us to have the faith we need to ask anything we need of You and believe we’ll receive it. In Jesus’ precious name, we pray. We love You, LORD. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away.

– Matthew 21:19

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Christian Video: Hosanna – Hillsong

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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:

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

And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, …

Daily Bible Reading “Hosanna in the Highest” (Matthew 21:1-17)

Posted on March 11, 2024 by Deborah H. Bateman

Hosanna in the Highest

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Matthew 21:1-17. In this Scripture, Jesus and the disciples were going to Jerusalem, and they came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives. Jesus sent two of his disciples to the village to find an ass, a colt, and bring them to Him.

Notice Jesus already knows the donkey and the colt are there, and where to send His disciples to get them. He tells them if anybody asks; tell them the Lord has need of them. This was done, so it would be fulfilled what the prophet had said.

Zechariah 9:9, says “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.”

The disciples did as he had asked them and made them ready and sat Jesus on it. The multitude spread their clothes and cut branches from the trees and placed them along the way, saying, “Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.”

Jesus went to the temple of God, and found people there buying and selling. He became angry, turned over the tables and told them, “My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.” Then the blind and lame came to Him in the temple, and He healed them.

When the scribes and Pharisees saw what Jesus had done and that the children were crying out and praising him, they were upset and asked Jesus, “Do you hear what they are saying?” Jesus answers them, “Have you not read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?”

Don’t you think we could take some pointers from this Scripture about how to praise Jesus?

Daily Bible Reading:

Matthew 21:1-17

1 And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples,
2 Saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me.
3 And if any man say ought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them.
4 All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying,
5 Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass.
6 And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them,
7 And brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they set him thereon.
8 And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way.
9 And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.
10 And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this?
11 And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.
12 And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves,
13 And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.
14 And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple; and he healed them.
15 And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the Son of David; they were sore displeased,
16 And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?
17 And he left them, and went out of the city into Bethany; and he lodged there.

Things to think about:

How did Jesus know where to send the disciples to get the animals He needed?

Why did Jesus turn the tables over in the temple?
Why were the children praising Jesus?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for this Scripture telling us about your Son, Jesus. We see that He foreknew things. We also see how He touched people and healed them. Help us to learn to praise Him, as the people in this Scripture did. Help us to make Your house, the house of prayer and not misuse our churches of today. We love You, LORD. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest. – Matthew 21:9

– This is an excerpt from The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ Get your copy now!

Christian Video: Hosanna – Hillsong

Featured Book:

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

About the book:

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

But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: …

Daily Bible Reading “Come and Follow Me” (Matthew 19:13-30)

Posted on March 7, 2024 by Deborah H. Bateman

Come and Follow Me

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Matthew 19:13-30. The little children were brought to Jesus and the disciples rebuked them. Jesus told them not to forbid the children to come to Him, for such is the kingdom of heaven. What did Jesus mean by this statement? Jesus laid His hands on the children and then departed.

Then a young man came to Jesus and asked Him what he should do to have eternal life. Jesus asks him why he calls Him good. “God is the only one good,” Jesus says, and tells him to keep the commandments and quotes them to him. The young man tells Jesus he has kept all the commandments. Jesus tells him to sell all he has and give it to the poor, and come and follow Him. The Scripture says, “He went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.”

Jesus tells the disciples that it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Then He says, “With man it is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Peter asks Jesus, “What will we receive for following You?” Jesus says they’ll sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. Jesus tells them anyone who has forsaken houses, or land, or family will receive a hundredfold, and will have everlasting life. He says, “Many who are first, will be last and those who are last will be first.” What is keeping you from coming to Jesus?

Thank God for Jesus, who died on the cross for our sins, that we may be able to inherit eternal life. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; it is a gift of God; Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

Daily Bible Reading:

Matthew 19:13-30

13 Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them.
14 But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
15 And he laid his hands on them, and departed thence.
16 And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?
17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.
18 He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,
19 Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
20 The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?
21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.
22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.
23 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.
24 And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
25 When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?
26 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.
27 Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?
28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
29 And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.
30 But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.

Things to think about:

Why would the disciples rebuke the children?

What does Jesus tell them about rebuking the children?

Who does Jesus say is good?

What does Jesus say to the rich young man?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Help us as we read this Scripture to understand what it is You want us to do. Thank You for Your Son, Jesus, who came to this world and died on the cross for our sins, so we might have everlasting life. You knew it would be nearly impossible for us to keep all the commandments and do what was required to inherit the kingdom. Help us, dear Lord. In Jesus’ name, we pray. We love you, LORD. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

for of such is the kingdom of heaven. – Matthew 19:14

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Christian Video: Come and Follow Me

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:

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

The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, …

Daily Bible Reading “Jesus Discusses Divorce” (Matthew 19:1-12)

Posted on March 6, 2024 by Deborah H. Bateman

Jesus Discusses Divorce

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Matthew 19:1-12. In this Scripture, Jesus is at the coasts of Judea, beyond Jordan. The multitudes followed Him, and He healed them. The Pharisees came and tempted Him, asking if it was lawful for a man to put away his wife for any reason? Back in Biblical times, they had several different ideas about when divorce was permitted. Why would they have conflicting ideas about this subject?

We still have these concerns in our society today. Jesus tells them the ideal was for a man and woman to become one flesh and what God joined, no man could put asunder. We often hear this in the vows people make when they get married. Then they asked Jesus why Moses commanded to give a writing of divorcement and to put the wife away? You can find the Scripture for the Law of Moses in Deuteronomy 24 if you would like to read it. Jesus said Moses allowed this because of the hardness of their hearts, but from the beginning, it was not so.

Jesus goes on to explain what happens when people divorce and says it can cause adultery. There are repercussions of divorce, for the couple and the family. If at all possible it is preferred for you to save your marriage. Sometimes it isn’t possible if the couple can’t reconcile their differences.

They ask Jesus, “Wouldn’t it be better for people to stay single?” Jesus tells them not all people can live single lives. There are people who refrain from marriage to serve God. Marriage is a covenant and isn’t meant to be taken lightly. A lot of people think from the beginning, “If it doesn’t work out we can get a divorce.” Marriage shouldn’t be entered into with that attitude. Marriage isn’t easy, but there are great rewards for having a family and a partner for life.

Daily Bible Reading:

Matthew 19:1-12

1 And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these sayings, he departed from Galilee, and came into the coasts of Judaea beyond Jordan;
2 And great multitudes followed him; and he healed them there.
3 The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?
4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,
5 And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?
6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
7 They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away?
8 He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so.
9 And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.
10 His disciples say unto him, If the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry.
11 But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given.
12 For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother’s womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it.

Things to think about:

Why does Jesus say it is best not to divorce?

Why does Jesus say Moses made provisions for divorce?

Why did Jesus say it isn’t possible for some to live the single life?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this Scripture where Jesus tells Your perspective on marriage and divorce. Help those of us who are married to be committed to our marriage relationship. For those of us who aren’t married, help us to do Your will concerning these issues. Help us to be committed to You and Your work. In Jesus’ name, we pray. We love You, LORD. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause? – Matthew 19:3