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The Book of Colossians: Paul’s Letter to Colosse

every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

– Colossians 1:10

Featured Book:

by Deborah H. Bateman.

The Book of Colossians: Paul’s Letter to Colosse is a Daily Bible Reading Study by Deborah H. Bateman. This book is a study of the book of Colossians from the Old Testament of the Bible. The Book of Colossians is one of the Apostle Paul’s letters. In this letter Paul acknowledges the people of Colosse for their faith in Jesus Christ, their love of the saints, and their hope in heaven.

Paul encourages the Colossians to walk worthy of the Lord, to put their hope in the gospel, and to let the peace of God rule in their hearts. Paul also discusses with the people of Colosse how to have relationships that are pleasing to God. Paul reminds them of the great sacrifice that the Lord Jesus Christ made for them on the cross and encourages them to redeem the time.

The Book of Colossians: Paul’s Letter to Colosse contains eight Daily Bible Reading lessons, which can be used as a personal or group Bible study. Each lesson contains a brief commentary by the author, the Daily Bible Reading Scripture, several questions for contemplation or discussion, and a prayer to go along with the lesson. Our desire is that this book will help you to have a better understanding of Paul’s letter to the Colossians and how you can apply his message to your life today.

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

We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, – Colossians 1:3

Daily Bible Reading “Faith, Hope, Love” (Colossians 1:1-8)

Posted on September 22, 2019 by Deborah H. Bateman

Faith, Hope, Love

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Colossians 1:1-8. In the book of Colossians, Paul, an apostle and Timothy, who Paul considered to be his brother in Christ, are writing a letter to the church of Colosse. Colosse was a small Phrygian city near Laodicea, about a hundred miles from Ephesus, in Asia Minor. This letter was written during the time when Paul was in prison in Rome.

Paul starts the letter like he does most of his letters saying, “Grace and peace be unto you, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Why do you think Paul starts his letters off with this statement? It is a sort of greeting and a blessing.

Paul tells them that he gives thanks to God and Jesus for them and prays for them always. Paul tells them he heard of their faith in Jesus and the love that they have for the saints.

The faith and love they have is because of the hope they have in heaven, since they heard the Word of truth found in the gospel. Paul says, the gospel is bringing forth fruit in the entire world, as it has in them, because they knew the grace of God in truth.

Paul said he learned all these things about the Colossians from Epaphras, Paul’s fellow servant, who was their faithful minister of Christ. Epaphras told Paul about the Colossians great love in the Spirit.

As we’ve been studying these books of Paul’s letters, I have been thinking about the lost art of letter writing. How many of us still write letters to our friends, family members, or fellow believers? I remember enjoying getting a letter in the mail or a card from a friend or family member, but they are fewer and fewer these days. I am guilty of not communicating in this way myself as much as I used to. I used to send out hundreds of Christmas cards, but haven’t done that in the past several years. Do you still like to get a card or letter in the mail? Maybe this would be a great way for us to encourage one another from time to time.

Daily Bible Reading:

Colossians 1:1-8

1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother,

2 To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

3 We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,

4 Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints,

5 For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;

6 Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth:

7 As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ;

8 Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit.

Things to think about:

How could writing letters to fellow believers benefit us as well as them?
In what ways do your actions show you have faith, love, and hope in Christ?

What are some ways we can share our faith, love, and hope in Christ?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for this letter in the book of Colossians that Paul wrote to the church of Colosse. Paul tells them that he heard of their great faith, hope, and love. May we be known by our faith, love, and hope in You. We love You, Lord. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

The Book of Colossians: Paul’s Letter to Colosse

Featured Book:

by Deborah H. Bateman.

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

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

Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Come back again tomorrow. Invite your friends and family members to join us.

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. – Philippians 4:11

Daily Bible Reading “Be Content in Christ” (Philippians 4:10-23)

Posted on September 19, 2019 by Deborah H. Bateman

Be Content in Christ

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Philippians 4:10-23. We see in Paul’s letter to the Philippians that Paul was rejoicing because the Philippians cared for him. What did Paul mean when he said they lacked opportunity? The Philippians lost touch with Paul for two years, while he was in prison. They didn’t know where he was. Once they heard that Paul was in prison in Rome they reconnected with him.

Paul says he learned that whatever state he was in to be content. Paul knew what it meant to be full and he knew how it felt to be hungry. He had times in his life of having plenty and times of lack. He learned through it all to be content in Christ.

This is a lesson we all need to learn from Paul. It is easy to be content when things are going right in our lives. It is much harder to be content when life is difficult. We need to learn to trust God enough to be content no matter what our circumstances are.

Sometimes God puts us in difficult circumstances so we can learn to trust Him more. If life was always easy we would think we could do everything on our own. Sometimes it is in the difficult times that we learn to be dependent on God. We learn not to do things in our own strength. We learn that we can do all things through Christ, who strengthens us.

Two of my favorite verses are in this passage. The first one is Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” This is a verse that has given me strength from time to time in my life. I have quoted it over and over in difficult times and it has strengthened me to endure the battles of this life.

The next one is Philippians 4:19: “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” This verse I have claimed during times of doubt and concern about the future and it has comforted me and calmed my spirit knowing I could trust God to supply all of my needs.

Paul thanks the Philippians for their support of his ministry. The Philippians were the only ones who supported Paul financially in the beginning of his ministry. Paul was thankful that the Philippians cared for him. He was also happy that they were going to be blessed because of their fruitful giving to God’s work.

Paul thanks the Philippians for the offerings that they sent to him by Epaphroditus. He says it was well pleasing to God. Paul trusted God to supply all his needs. Paul also trusted God to supply the needs of the Philippians according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Paul gave God the glory for everything.

Paul closes this letter by sending a salutation to every saint. He wanted to acknowledge them all and thank them for everything they did for him. Paul tells the Philippians that all the brethren and saints with him salute them also, especially those of the house of Caesar. Paul ends the letter by saying, “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.”

Daily Bible Reading:

Philippians 4:10-23

10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.

11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

14 Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.

15 Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.

16 For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.

17 Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.

18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.

19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

20 Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

21 Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you.

22 All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar’s household.

23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. [[[The following was added by editors of the KJV: To the Philippians written from Rome, by Epaphroditus.]]]

Things to think about:

In what ways do you depend on God to meet your needs?

In what ways do you lean on God for strength?

In what ways have you become content in Christ?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for this Scripture in the book of Philippians. We see that Paul says he has learned to be content with his life no matter the circumstances. Help us to be content in Christ. Paul was thankful for the Philippians and their contribution to his ministry. Help us to be thankful for the people You bring into our lives to help support us and lift us up to You in prayer. Paul trusted You to supply all of his needs. Help us to have the same kind of faith and trust in You as Paul did. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

The Book of Philippians: Paul’s Letter to Philippi

Featured Book:

by Deborah H. Bateman

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.

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

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

Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Come back again tomorrow. Invite your friends and family members to join us.

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. – Philippians 4:4

Daily Bible Reading “Stand Fast in the Lord” (Philippians 4:1-9)

Posted on September 18, 2019 by Deborah H. Bateman

Stand Fast in the Lord

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Philippians 4:1-9. Paul exhorts the Philippians to stand fast in the Lord. What do you think Paul meant by that statement? Paul exhorts the Philippians to stand fast in the Lord because of the promise of the resurrection in the previous verse.

You will notice in Paul’s words how he addressed the Philippians. You can tell Paul really cared for them. He called them brethren, dearly beloved, and longed for, my joy and crown. Paul’s love and admiration for the Philippians shines through in the words of his letter.

Paul exhorts Euodias and Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. It seems as though these two women had a dispute and Paul wanted them to reconcile. He asks his yokefellow to help these women who labored with him in the gospel. Paul says those who labored with him in the Lord, their names will be written in the book of life.

Paul reminds them to rejoice in the Lord always. He tells them to let their self-control be known to all men. Paul tells them to not be suspicious of anything, but let their needs be known to God through prayer. Only then would the peace of God rule in their hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Verse eight is one of my favorite verses. Paul says, “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.” If we would think about this verse, our attitudes and speech would be more acceptable to God. Every time you start to have a negative thought think about this verse, and if your thoughts don’t match up to this verse, then cast them away.

Paul reminds them to do the things that he has taught them and the peace of God will rule in their hearts. If we would learn to be like-minded in Christ, as Paul exhorts these women to be, there would be fewer disagreements. If we can learn that the things of this world aren’t nearly as important as our relationship to Christ, our relationship with others would be better.

When we remember to think on the good things of God, our attitudes will be much more pleasing to God. If we can learn to do the things that we’ve been taught in the Scriptures, the peace of God will rule in our hearts and minds.

Daily Bible Reading:

Philippians 4:1-9

1 Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.

2 I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.

3 And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.

4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.

5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

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.

9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

Things to think about:

What was Paul’s concern in this Scripture?

What are the things that Paul instructs us to think about in this Scripture?

What are some ways we can stand fast in the Lord?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this Scripture in the book of Philippians. Paul exhorts the Philippians to be like-minded. Help us to be like-minded. He encourages them to rejoice in the Lord. Help us to rejoice in You always. He tells them to pray to You for their needs. Help us to turn to You in prayer when we have needs or problems with which we need help. Paul tells them to think on good things. Help us to set our minds on the good things of God so we might experience Your peace in our lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

The Book of Philippians: Paul’s Letter to Philippi

Featured Book:

by Deborah H. Bateman

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.

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

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

Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Come back again tomorrow. Invite your friends and family members to join us.

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 September 17, 2019 by Deborah H. Bateman

The High Calling of God

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Philippians 3:12-21. 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.

Daily Bible Verse:

The Book of Philippians: Paul’s Letter to Philippi

Featured Book:

by Deborah H. Bateman

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.

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

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

Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Come back again tomorrow. Invite your friends and family members to join us.

Have a blessed day,

Deborah