Daily Bible Reading “The Reason behind Praise” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

Posted on November 16, 2021 by Deborah H. Bateman

The Reason behind Praise

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is by my friend, Amanda Beth. I recently pulled out the journal I have been writing in since 2002. As I was flipping through it, I noticed on every page I wrote about some trial I was going through at the time. Recalling some of the trials brought me to tears, and I wanted to go back and tell myself, “Look ahead! Stop worrying! It works out on the next page! God got me through it!”

If we could write down our problems today and then flip the page ahead and write down: “It all worked out. God got me through it.” How much more would we find ourselves praising God instead of worrying?

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

-1 Thessalonians 5:18

I used to wonder why God tells us to praise Him. I remember thinking, “Does God say that because He needs our praises?” But I knew in my heart that wasn’t the reason. I knew it had to be for our benefit.

God eventually revealed to me why He desires our praises. Years ago, I created an online Praise Report Group where people could come and share how God was working in their lives. When I wasn’t seeing God work in my life, it often encouraged me to see Him work in the lives of others. I knew God was not partial to anyone, so it helped me keep the faith, believing He would work in my life as well. So I created the Praise Report Group to bring encouragement to others.

The site started out well, but then slowly came down to only me posting. During that time of praise, I noticed there was a significant difference in my life. Another woman who had shared her praises during that time expressed the same thing. She felt more joyful when she lifted her heart in praise.

We often wait to praise God until something good happens in our lives, when we should be praising Him before it happens. Praise keeps us looking expectantly to God instead of focusing on our problems.

“I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High” (Psalm 9:1-2).

I believe praise shows God that we trust Him. When we trust Him, we won’t be stressed out trying to solve our problems on our own. Philippians 4:6 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

We tend to share with God our prayer requests more often than our praises. Jesus said in Matthew 6:9-10 this is how we should pray, beginning with: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

We are also told in Psalm 100:4 to: “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to HIM and praise HIS name.”

Our prayers seem to mostly be, “Father, help ME … give ME … provide for ME … what about ME ….” I had a revelation of this at a church play one year. In one scene, all the individuals on the stage were crying out to God at the same time, each separately sharing his own troubles. Being in the front row, after about a minute of listening to their moans, it started to get overwhelming and I thought, “My gosh! Is that how we sound to You, Lord?”

If I had created a prayer request group, I don’t think it would have ended like my Praise Report Group did. We are gladly willing to share our requests, but not as willing to share our praises.

With Thanksgiving coming up, we often think about what we are thankful for. What if we challenge ourselves to be thankful the other 364 days a year?

I believe we would see our lives dramatically change for the better. We would be content and enjoying our lives, instead of depressed and worried all the time. In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus told us not to worry about our lives. He said in verse 33, “Seek first HIS kingdom and HIS righteousness, and ALL these things will be given to you as well.”

If we spent our days praising God and seeking Him we would find our needs being met. When I am filled with praise and enjoying God, my faith grows and I start trusting Him to provide for my needs. Praise strengthens our faith, which opens the door in our hearts to receive what Jesus died to give us.

“For no matter how many promises God has made, they are Yes in Christ. And so through Him the Amen is spoken by us to the glory of God” (2 Corinthians 1:20).

Everything God has promised in His Word has been given to us through Christ. So when a situation comes up, we should praise God that He has already provided the solution through Jesus.

The solution may not always be what we think it should be, but it will be what we need. In my journal, all my trials didn’t necessarily work out on the next page the way I wanted them to. They did, however, work out for my benefit. I may not have seen the good right away, but looking back now, I can see how God used those trials to teach and equip me for His calling on my life.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

I want to challenge you today to flip the page. Fill your heart and lips with praise that God has already provided the solution to every situation you will ever face. Thank Him every day. Be filled with praise. And watch and see your life change as God works everything out for your benefit.

Things to think about:

How can we stand on the promises of God to see us through?
How does praising God help our attitude?
How does looking back in our life to how God has worked things out encourage us for the future?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We praise You that You work our trials out for our good. We praise You that You provide for all our needs. And You never leave us. Help us to remember this as we praise You 365 days a year. You are more than worthy of our praises. We praise You in Jesus’ precious name, Amen.

Bible Verse to Journal or Memorize:

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. – 1 Thessalonians 5:18

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This devotional was contributed by my friend Amanda Beth

Scripture in this devotional is from the NIV version of the Bible.

“Give Thanks” by Deborah H. Bateman and Friends

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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 Reading 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.

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Daily Bible Reading “What Does it Mean to be Free” (Romans 6:12-23)

Posted on July 2, 2020 by Deborah H. Bateman

What Does it Mean to be Free

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Romans 6:12-23. In this Scripture, we are exhorted to not let sin and lust rule in our body, nor let our bodies become instruments of unrighteousness to sin. Instead, we are exhorted to yield ourselves to God as instruments of righteousness.

As Christians, sin won’t have dominion over us, we’re no longer under the law, but we’re under the grace of God. Does that mean we can just sin if we want to? He says, “God forbid.”

The Scripture reminds us that whoever you yield yourselves to as servants and obey, you are his servants? You can yield to sin unto death or to obedience unto righteousness. You were the servants of sin. But, since you have obeyed with your heart the doctrine that was given to you, you have been made free from sin. You have become the servants of righteousness.

First Corinthians 7:22 says, “For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord’s freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ’s servant.”

Like you have yielded yourselves in the past to be servants of uncleanness and wickedness, now yield yourself to be servants of righteousness unto godliness. When you were a servant of sin, you were free from righteousness and the fruit of that sin you are now ashamed of. The end of those things is death. Romans 8:23 tells us, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Now that you’ve been made free from sin, and become children of God, you have the fruit of holiness, and the end is everlasting life. Romans 8:2 says, “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.”

Once we’ve been made free from sin and become servants of Christ, we serve others. First Corinthians 9:19 tells us, “For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.”

After we get saved and baptized into the family of God, we’re all the same in Christ, because we all have the same Spirit living in us. First Corinthians 12:13 says, “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.”

We should learn, as Christians, to all get along as one in Christ Jesus, because when we get to heaven we’ll have to live together forever. The Scripture says there is no difference in us. Galatians 3:28 tells us, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.”

We need to be careful not to turn back to our old ways, but to stand fast in the liberty of the Lord since He has made us free from sin. Sin is a type of bondage, so don’t toy around with it, because it will entrap you. Galatians 5:1 says, “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”

Daily Bible Reading:

Romans 6:12-23

12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.

13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.

14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.

16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.

18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.

20 For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.

21 What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.

22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.

23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Things to think about:

What does it mean to be free?

Have you been set free?
If so, leave a comment and tell us how your life has changed since Jesus Christ set you free.

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for this Scripture where we are reminded of Your wonderful gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ, Your Son. Thank You for making us free from sin. Help us to be servants of righteousness and not turn back to our old sinful ways. Help those who haven’t turned their life over to You to see their need for a Savior. We were all born into sin in this world. So we all have the need for a Savior. Thank You, LORD for meeting that need. We love You, LORD. Amen.

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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 Psalms:
Part 2 Chapters 31-60
by Deborah H. Bateman

About the book:

The Book of Psalms: Part 2 Chapters 31-60 by Deborah H. Bateman is 27th book in the Daily Bible Reading Series. The book of Psalms contains 150 chapters. Deborah divided The Book of Psalms into five books to make it easier to read and study. Each book will contain approximately thirty chapters from the book of Psalms.

Psalm 119 will not be included in The Book of Psalms since Deborah has already published a book about it called: Psalm 119: Thy Word is a Lamp unto My Feet. The book of Psalms is one of Deborah’s favorite books of the Bible. It is a great book to read if you’re ever feeling down or need to renew your relationship with Christ. King David went through a lot of tough times in his lifetime, but he loved God and trusted God to protect him from his enemies.

The book of Psalms was written by various people. About half of it was attributed to King David, whether they were written by David or for David is questioned by some biblical scholars. Some of the Psalms were written by Asaph and some say they were written for the sons of Korah and even Moses and Solomon were writers of the Psalms. The Psalms consists of poetry that was primarily meant to be used as songs of praise to the Lord.

The Book of Psalms: Part 2 Chapters 31-60 contains thirty-five Daily Bible Reading Lessons. Each lesson contains a brief commentary by the author, the Daily Bible Reading Scriptures, a few questions for contemplation or discussion, and a prayer of the day. It is a great Bible study for individuals or group studies.

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Daily Bible Reading “A Virtuous Woman Is Honorable” (Proverbs 31:20-25)

Posted on May 7, 2020 by Deborah H. Bateman

A Virtuous Woman Is Honorable

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Proverbs 31:20-25. At the end of this lesson you can enter for a chance to win a copy of a Proverbs 31 watercolor picture by Maria Watercolor or a copy of the eBook Proverbs 31: Who Can Find a Virtuous Woman by Deborah H. Bateman.

We will continue to look at what it means to be a virtuous woman. In this portion of Scripture it says, she gives to the poor and needy. She is a generous person, who helps those less fortunate than herself. In what ways can we help the poor?

She doesn’t worry about the weather because she has prepared her family with appropriate clothing for the season. She clothes herself and her family in the best clothing she can afford. Some women still sew and make clothes for their family. Personally, I can sew some, but I don’t know if I would want to wear what I make.

The Scripture says her husband is known in the gates, which may be partly because of his wife’s influence. She has supported him and helped make a good reputation for him. I am amazed at the talent of some women. They can make anything. They can take something someone puts in the trash and make it new again.

I am crafty to a point, but not as industrious as some women who will get out their paint brush and paint anything. Some women are even good at using tools, which I personally haven’t mastered. I think my husband is afraid I will hurt myself because he isn’t willing to share his tools so much.

I love Proverbs 31:25, which says, “Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.” She finds the strength to do the things she needs to do. She treats others with honor and in return is honored herself. She not only honors her husband and her family, but she honors God in everything she does. How can we be women of strength and honor? We can only do it with God’s help.

Daily Bible Reading:

Proverbs 31: 20-25

20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

Things to think about:

Are you generous to the poor and needy?
Do you have a heart of compassion toward others?
Do you try to make sure all of your family’s needs are met?
Do you honor your husband and your family by the way you serve them?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this Scripture in the book of Proverbs, which tells us what a virtuous woman is. Help us to be this kind of woman, who serves her family, her community, and most of all, serves You. Help us to be strong and honorable like the woman in this passage of Scripture. Help us to be generous and give to the poor and needy. Help us to be the women of God You would have us to be. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. – Proverbs 31:20

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This is an excerpt from Proverbs 31: Who Can Find a Virtuous Woman

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Deborah

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Daily Bible Reading “A Virtuous Woman is Strong” (Proverbs 31:15-19)

Posted on May 6, 2020 by Deborah H. Bateman

A Virtuous Woman is Strong

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Proverbs 31:15-19. As we study this Scripture, think about your mother and all the hard work she did while raising you. Also, if you are a wife or mother, think about the ways you serve your family and whether you do it from a heart of love or out of obligation.

If you are a husband, remember to thank your wife for all the hard work she does to serve your family. If you are a single woman think of all the ways you can serve your family, your community, and your church.

A wife and mother is always busy; she goes out and buys things for her home and her family such as: food, clothing, and household furnishings. A lot of women today work full time jobs or have businesses of their own and take care of a home and family.

It looks like the woman described in this Scripture also worked hard in buying and selling things to enhance her family’s life. She is a wise woman, she is kind, she is generous, she gives things to help the poor, she serves her family, and she serves God.

This Scripture talks about the woman buying a field and planting her vineyard. She isn’t considered to be weak, but she is strong. She is not only strong physically, but mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, because God is her strength. She makes sure that her merchandise is good. She works long hours, sometimes into the wee hours of the morning, trying to complete everything she has to do.

As women, we serve our family because we love them. If we do it out of a sense of obligation and not with love, we will resent the work we do for our family. Ask God to help you to serve with love. When you serve from a heart of love, things go so much better and are easier because you do it with a joyful spirit. Believe me, I have served my family both ways and it is much easier to do it out of love, otherwise it becomes a chore. Taking care of your family and serving them is a special gift of God.

Most women are planners. If they know an event is coming up, they will go out shopping and get all the necessary items to prepare. Whether it is an upcoming birthday, Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, a special meal, or the everyday needs of her family, she prepares. She works hard and God blesses her for her labor of love.

Daily Bible Reading:

Proverbs 31:15-19

15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

Things to think about:

How do you serve your family?
Do you serve them because you love them?
How do you prepare for your family’s needs?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this Scripture where we see what it means to be a virtuous woman. Help us to be the women of God You would have us to be. Help us to serve our families with love and concern for them. Help us to serve You and do Your will. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. – Proverbs 31:15

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This is an excerpt from Proverbs 31: Who Can Find a

Virtuous Woman

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Featured Book:

Proverbs 31: Who Can Find a Virtuous Woman

by Deborah H. Bateman

About the book:

Proverbs 31: Who Can Find a Virtuous Woman is a Daily Bible Reading Study of Proverbs 31 by Deborah H. Bateman. Proverbs 31 is thought to be a letter from Bathsheba to King Solomon, who is called King Lemuel in this Scripture.

In Proverbs 31: Who Can Find a Virtuous Woman Bible Study we consider all the things women do and where they can find strength and wisdom for their lives. This is a six lesson Bible study that would be great for individual or for a small group Bible study.

In this Bible study you will learn what it means to be a virtuous woman and how we can honor God through our service to our families, our community, and to God.

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.

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Have a blessed day,

Deborah

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Daily Bible Reading “A Virtuous Woman is Diligent” (Proverbs 31:12-14)

Posted on May 5, 2020 by Deborah H. Bateman

A Virtuous Woman is Diligent

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Proverbs 31:12-14. In these Scriptures we find how valuable women are to our society. Sometimes I know we all feel overworked and underpaid and not appreciated for what we do, but I want to remind you that you are valuable to God, to your family, and to your world. I want to encourage you to use the gifts God has given you to serve Him and to serve those you love.

Proverbs 18:22 tell us, “Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.” In this Scripture it says, “She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.” That is a statement for us, as wives, to live up to, isn’t it? Think about this Scripture the next time your husband makes you upset and remember to ask God to help you be a godly wife.

The Scripture talks about how the virtuous woman works with her hands. Many women are talented in doing crafts, sewing, and other things to enhance their homes. Some women sell the things they make with their hands to help provide income for their families. Women go out and gather food for their family. They may not work in the fields or gardens as the women used to do, but they try to get the best food they can afford for the best price and bring it into their home and prepare it for their family.

Many times mothers are up early, before everyone else in the house, getting ready for the day and preparing meals for her family. My mother was a good cook. Cooking was one of the things she taught me and my siblings as we were growing up. I passed the love of cooking on to my daughters, and now, my grandchildren enjoy learning how to cook and prepare food for the family.

In this fast-paced world we live in today, cooking and preparing meals is one thing that is not as prevalent in our homes, since we all eat out a lot more today than we did in years past. Preparing and having family meals together are some of the best memories I have of my mother. Don’t underestimate your influence on your children in your home. These things may seem trivial to you today, but they are some of the memories your family will have of you long after you are gone.

Being a wife and mother is a hard job, but with God’s help we can lead our family in the way they should go. We can show them the love of Jesus through our love and care for them.

Daily Bible Reading:

Proverbs 31: 12-14

12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
14 She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar.

Things to think about:

What are some of the ways you support your husband?
What are some of the things you like doing with your hands?
In what ways do you serve your family?
In what ways do you serve God?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for this Scripture that tells us about a virtuous woman and how she supports her husband and family. We thank You for all the women in our lives who have cared for us and taught us how to be good wives, mothers, and an asset to our society. Help us to use the talents You have given us to serve others. Help others to appreciate the things we women bring to our world. Give us strength to wear the many hats that we wear in our society today. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. – Proverbs 31:13

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This is an excerpt from Proverbs 31: Who Can Find a Virtuous Woman

If you haven’t read the book, click the link above to get your copy now!

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Featured Book:

Proverbs 31: Who Can Find a Virtuous Woman

by Deborah H. Bateman

About the book:

Proverbs 31: Who Can Fina Virtuous Woman is a Daily Bible Reading Study of Proverbs 31 by Deborah H. Bateman. Proverbs 31 is thought to be a letter from Bathsheba to King Solomon, who is called King Lemuel in this Scripture.

In this Bible study you will learn what it means to be a virtuous woman and how we can honor God through our service to our families, our community, and to God.

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

My books are available anywhere you find Amazon, not only in the US. So, if you live somewhere other than the US look for my books on your Amazon by searching for Deborah H. Bateman.

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

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.