Daily Bible Reading “Party of Parties” (Esther 1:1-9)

Posted on February 26, 2023 by Deborah H. Bateman

Party of Parties

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Esther 1:1-9. The Book of Esther takes place during the reign of King Ahasuerus, who historians believe was also called Xerxes. For simplicity’s sake we will call him Xerxes (Zerk-sez), because it is easier to pronounce and spell. He was king over the land located between India and Ethiopia, which included over 127 provinces around 500 BC. This is considered to be the Persian Empire, or modern-day Iran. The king’s palace was in Shushan, which is also known as Shusha.

This book starts off with a great feast which took place in the third year of King Xerxes’ reign. This was a party of parties, all the powers that be from both Persia and Media and their servants were attending the party. It was a party where Xerxes was going to entertain these dignitaries for 180 days. He wanted to show off all the riches of his glorious kingdom and the honor of his excellent majesty. Can you imagine having a party that lasted 180 days? Think about the expense of such a party. How about having to feed these people for this long? Can you even imagine attending a party that lasted for 180 days? Think about it: 180 days is almost six months.

When this time had passed he made a special feast for all the people in Shushan the palace. This feast was held in the court of the garden at the king’s palace. This was a beautiful decorated garden with tapestries of white, green, and blue hung by fine linen and purple cords attached to silver rings. There were pillars of marble and the couches were gold and silver. The floor of the courtyard was made of marble which was red, blue, white, and black. It sounds absolutely beautiful. What a lovely setting for a feast.

They served the finest royal wine at this feast. Each person had his own unique golden goblets. They were allowed to drink as much wine as they wanted. The men and women were not allowed to socialize with one another back in this time and culture. So, Queen Vashti also made a feast for the women in the royal house of King Xerxes.

Basically this Scripture sets the scene for us, so we can glimpse into royal life in the king’s palace. In the next lesson we will see how the plot thickens and how Esther is brought into the story of the Book of Esther, which was named after her.

Daily Bible Reading:

Esther 1:1-9

1 Now it came to pass in the days of Ahasuerus, (this is Ahasuerus which reigned, from India even unto Ethiopia, over an hundred and seven and twenty provinces:
2 That in those days, when the king Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which was in Shushan the palace,
3 In the third year of his reign, he made a feast unto all his princes and his servants; the power of Persia and Media, the nobles and princes of the provinces, being before him:
4 When he shewed the riches of his glorious kingdom and the honour of his excellent majesty many days, even an hundred and fourscore days.
5 And when these days were expired, the king made a feast unto all the people that were present in Shushan the palace, both unto great and small, seven days, in the court of the garden of the king’s palace;
6 Where were white, green, and blue, hangings, fastened with cords of fine linen and purple to silver rings and pillars of marble: the beds were of gold and silver, upon a pavement of red, and blue, and white, and black, marble.
7 And they gave them drink in vessels of gold, (the vessels being diverse one from another,) and royal wine in abundance, according to the state of the king.
8 And the drinking was according to the law; none did compel: for so the king had appointed to all the officers of his house, that they should do according to every man’s pleasure.
9 Also Vashti the queen made a feast for the women in the royal house which belonged to king Ahasuerus.

Things to think about:

What is the most elaborate party you have ever been to?
How long did this party last?
Can you imagine going to a feast at the king’s palace?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we study The Book of Esther, help us to see where You fit into the picture. Help us to look at our own lives and see where You fit into our lives as well. We know You have a plan for all of us and even when we don’t know what the plan is, You are making a way for us. Help us to trust You completely. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

This is an excerpt from The Book of Esther: A Story of Love and Favor

If you haven’t already read the book be sure to get your copy now. We will only be sharing a few lessons from the book on this blog.

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.

Featured Book:

The Book of Esther: A Story of Love and Favor

by Deborah H. Bateman

About the book:

The Book of Esther: A Story of Love and Favor by Deborah H. Bateman is a Daily Bible Reading study of the book of Esther from the Old Testament of the Bible. In the book of Esther, Esther was adopted by her cousin Mordecai. In a series of events and through fasting, prayer and God’s favor Esther was placed in a position to save the Jewish people. Esther was adopted by her cousin Mordecai, who told her maybe she was born for such a time as this.

God puts us all in circumstances where He can use us to further His kingdom and give Him glory, if we are willing and obedient. Esther found her purpose for life. Like Esther you were born for such a time as this.

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

Daily Bible Reading “Know the Love of Christ” (Ephesians 3:13-21)

Posted on February 19, 2023 by Deborah H. Bateman

Know the Love of Christ

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Ephesians 3:13-21. In this Scripture, Paul tells the Ephesians not to be discouraged because he was in prison. It was for their honor and glory he was suffering. Would you be discouraged if your leader was in prison?

Paul says, “For this cause I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the creator of everything in heaven and earth.” This shows Paul’s humility and reverence to God.

Paul’s desire for them was that God would give them inner strength by His Spirit through the riches of God’s glory. His prayer was that Christ would dwell in their hearts by faith as they put their trust in Him. He wanted them to be rooted and grounded in love. His prayer for them was that they would be able to understand, as all Christians should, how high, how wide, how long, and how deep is God’s love for us. He also desired that they know the love of Christ, which passes all knowledge, and be filled with the fullness of God.

Paul gives glory to God who is able to do more than we could ever imagine by His power at work in us. He prayed that God be given glory in the church forever through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Paul didn’t try to take glory or honor for anything he did. He made sure whatever he did he gave the glory to God and to Jesus Christ. Paul realized without God he was nothing and he could do nothing without the power of God living in him.

Paul loved the Ephesians, but he knew God loved them even more and he wanted them to understand and know the love of God.

I love this Scripture. As you read this Scripture, this is my prayer for you. I pray God would allow you by the riches of His glory to be strong with His might by His Spirit in your inner man. I pray Christ would dwell in your heart by faith and you would be rooted and grounded in love.

I pray you might be able to comprehend the vastness of Christ’s love for you, even though it surpasses our knowledge. My prayers for you are that you would be filled with the love of God and know in your heart He is able to do much more than we can ask or think, by the power of God that works in us. To God is the glory forever.

Daily Bible Reading:

Ephesians 3:13-21

13 Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.

14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,

16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;

17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,

18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;

19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

Things to think about:

Do you think we can comprehend how much God loves us?

Does reading this Scripture lift your spirit?

Have you experienced the immeasurable love of God?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear God,

Thank You for this Scripture in Ephesians where Paul is praising and glorifying You. Help us get a glimpse into how much You love us. We give You praise, honor, and glory for all You do for us. We thank You for the wonderful plan You had for us from the beginning of time. In Jesus’ name, we pray. We love You, LORD. Amen.

Bible Verse to Journal or Memorize:

And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. – Ephesians 3:19

–Excerpt from God Is Love ~ Deborah H. Bateman

Christian Music Video:

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

Available on Amazon

Get your copy now!

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

Christian Daily Resources

Bible Verse Tweet

Recipe for Life

Like Deborah H. Bateman on Facebook

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.

If you haven’t already, be sure to subscribe to Deborah H. Bateman to receive the Daily Bible Reading Lessons in your inbox.

Daily Bible Reading “The Greatest Gift” (Luke 2:1-14)

Posted on December 23, 2022 by Deborah H. Bateman

The Greatest Gift

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Luke 2:1-14. We have all spent the last several weeks or even months getting ready for the Christmas holiday season.

We have been busy picking out gifts for our loved ones, decorating our houses, and Christmas trees. Many of us have been baking our favorite holiday treats for our family and friends, and getting ready for our Christmas celebrations.

We have been going to parties and wrapping gifts. Amidst all the hustle and bustle of the Christmas holiday season, let’s not forget the true reason for the season. Christmas is supposed to be a holiday to celebrate the greatest gift of all, the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

This Scripture in Luke 2 gives us the details of that glorious day. Joseph and Mary went to Bethlehem to pay their taxes. It was almost time for Mary to deliver baby Jesus. While they were in Bethlehem the time for her to give birth came. The Scripture tells us she delivered her firstborn Son in a stable because there was no room for them in the inn. She wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger.

The shepherds were in the field watching over their sheep at night when the angel of the Lord came to them. The glory of the Lord shined all around them and they were afraid. The angel said to them, “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” Then, the angel informed them that they would find the baby wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger.

All of a sudden, along with the angel was a heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” There was a great celebration on that glorious day.

Daily Bible Reading:

Luke 2:1-14

1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men

As we celebrate the miraculous birth of Jesus on Christmas, remember the greatest gift was not His birth. The greatest gift was the reason for Him coming to earth in the first place. Of course, this gift would not be possible had He not been born.

The gift of salvation that God offers us through the death of His beloved Son on the cross for the remission of our sins is the greatest gift.

The Bible tells us in John 3:16-17, “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. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”

When we give someone a gift, they can make the choice to receive our gift or reject it. In the same way, we have to make the decision whether we want to receive God’s gift of salvation through Jesus Christ or reject it. If we receive it, we can live eternally with God and Jesus. If we reject this precious gift from God there will be eternal consequences.

Things to think about:

What do we celebrate on Christmas?
How does it make you feel to know that you can be forgiven for all your sins?
Have you accepted the gift of salvation? If so, we praise God with you. If not, please consider doing so today.

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we celebrate this Christmas season, we thank You for Your Son, Jesus. We thank You for the greatest gift of all that You offered us when Jesus died on the cross for our sins. Help us not to take this precious gift for granted, but to treasure it. Help those who have not yet accepted this gift to consider doing so today. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Christian Music Video:

PS. Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Come back again tomorrow. We will continue to study God’s Word together.

If you would like to know more about the life of Jesus Christ check out my book: The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ.

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.

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

Christian Daily Resources

Recipe for Life

Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas!

Daily Bible Reading “This Baby was Jesus” (Matthew 1:18-25)

Posted on December 21, 2022 by Deborah H. Bateman

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Matthew 1:18-25. Since it is Christmas I thought it only fitting to talk about the real meaning of Christmas, a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. While we do all the things we do during this holiday season to celebrate, let’s keep our focus on what the real reason for the season is. It is not about decorating the tree, shopping and wrapping presents, family gatherings, baking goodies, or anything else that we do to celebrate, it is all about HIM!

Let’s go back to the beginning, when it was first discovered that Jesus Christ was going to be born into this world through a miracle of God. The Scripture we will look at is from Matthew 1:18-25. Matthew tells about the birth of Jesus.

Mary was a virgin, chosen by God, to be the mother of Jesus. It was a miraculous birth, because Mary was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Think about how Mary must have felt when she found out she was expecting a child. She never had a physical relationship with a man. Mary was engaged to Joseph, who was a just man. At first, Joseph thought he should put her away privately so as not to make a public example of her.

But, the angel of the Lord came to Joseph in a dream and confirmed that Mary had conceived of the Holy Ghost. He told Joseph, Mary was going to have a son and they should call him JESUS. Can you imagine how Joseph must have felt when he had that dream? He was engaged to a woman who was expecting a baby that was not his. Then, he had this dream saying it was conceived of the Holy Ghost. How was he going to explain this to his family and friends?

The angel also told Joseph that JESUS would save his people from their sins. This was the purpose of JESUS’ birth, from the beginning; God allowed JESUS to be born as a human in order to become the Savior of the world. He used Mary, as an instrument through which Jesus was born, so He could live a sinless life in this world and ultimately so He could be the sacrifice for our sins. Think about the responsibility that Mary and Joseph must have felt. God chose them, they didn’t volunteer.

This baby was different from any other baby that had ever been born into this world. He was the Son of God. He was the Savior of the world. He would grow up and be crucified on the cross. As we celebrate Christmas let’s remember the true meaning of Christmas and celebrate the one whose birthday we honor.

Daily Bible Reading:

Matthew 1:18-25

18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just [man], and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:
25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

Things to think about:

Can you imagine how Mary felt when she found out she was expecting a baby?
Can you imagine how Joseph felt when he found out his fiancé’ Mary was going to have a baby even though they had not had a physical relationship?
Think about the miracle God performed when He caused Mary to be expectant of the Holy Ghost.
Do you celebrate Christmas as the birthday of Jesus Christ?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this account from Matthew about the virgin birth of Your Son, JESUS. Thank You for sending Him to the earth to be our Savior. As we celebrate Christmas, help us to keep our focus on the true reason for the season. We love You, LORD. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen

Christian Music: This Baby by Steven Curtis Chapman

Featured Book:

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

About the book:

Go to: http://amazon.com/dp/B00C1JGJMQ
Get your copy now!

Subscribe to Deborah H. Bateman author site to receive

Daily Bible Reading Lessons in your inbox.

Merry Christmas! May God bless you and your family during this holiday season.

Merry Christmas,

Deborah

Christian Daily Resources

Recipe for Life

PS. Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Daily Bible Reading “I Give Thanks To God” (Psalm 139:14)

Posted on November 14, 2022 by Deborah H. Bateman

I Give Thanks To God

Today’s Daily Bible Reading was written by my friend, Lily Brenner.

I will praise Thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are Thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

-Psalm 139:14

In God‘s wisdom, He chose for me to be born into this century and not another. Born to the man and woman He chose for my parents and blessing me with four brothers and four sisters. He watched over me when I was a small child even though I didn’t know of His existence. He sent His angels to guard me against dangers I could not see.

For He shall give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.

-Psalm 91:11-12

I give thanks to God for His love when He saved my soul as a young twelve-year-old girl. God sent His only Son to die so His saving grace could be mine. Throughout the years Jesus has shown the way in the Bible, His footsteps I should follow. “In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:6). I have wandered from the path so straight and narrow only to find He had been with me and guiding me back from my wandering ways.

I have learned from the Bible how to live, forgive, help, and love. Speaking of love, He gave me a wonderful man I’ve been married to for over thirty years now. We have been blessed with two beautiful daughters and they’ve married and have started their families. I give thanks to God. Grandchildren are a deep pleasure and they’re in church every Wednesday and Sunday. I give thanks to God.

When I have been sad, depressed, angry, confused, or hurt by someone’s tongue or hands, I have been comforted by the Holy Spirit. “And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you for ever” (John 14:16). I give thanks to God.

Over the years God has been so kind and generous and any time is a good time to give thanks to God! He loves me unconditionally and wants the best for me, as He does for all His children.

God has been moving in my life for the past several years now in a direction I would never have believed possible. He has me on a path to encourage and inspire others through the internet and social networking sites. He has blessed me to build and maintain a website. I have no formal training to do this, it all comes from the faith He gives me.

“For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith” (Romans 12:3).

My hope and prayer for people when they visit my website is that some will receive Jesus as their Savior, and Christians will be lifted up in such a way that their day is better.

Things to think about:

What are some things in your life for which you can give thanks to God?
Who is the Comforter that God sends to us once we’re saved?
Who does God give us to protect us?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for all Your many blessings in our life. We praise You for the Holy Spirit who You send as our Comforter. Thank You for the angels You have watching over us to protect us. You are a good God who loves us and cares for us in every way. Help us to always be grateful for all that You do for us. We love You, LORD. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

I will praise Thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are Thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. – Psalm 139:14

Click To Tweet

This devotional was contributed by my friend Lily Brenner

“Give Thanks” by Deborah H. Bateman and Friends

Christian Music Video: How Great is Our God – Chris Tomlin

PS. Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Come back again tomorrow. Invite your friends to join us in our Bible Study.

Featured Book:

Give Thanks

by Deborah H. Bateman and Friends

About the book:

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

Each lesson contains a brief commentary, coordinating 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.

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.

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

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

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

Recipe for Life