Daily Bible Reading “Walk in Love” (Ephesians 5:1-16)

Posted on February 9, 2026 by Deborah H. Bateman

Walk in Love

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Ephesians 5:1-16. Paul continues to exhort us to be followers of God, as “dear children.” What do you think Paul means by that statement? Paul tells us to live a life of love for one another. We are to use Christ for our example. He loved us and died on the cross for our sins as a sacrifice to God that He might please God and do His will.

Paul tells us not to live a life of sexual immorality, impurity, and greediness. He says we should not even let there be a hint of these things in our lives, but to live as saints of God. Paul says we need to be careful of our speech also. He reminds us not to talk about obscene things or tell dirty jokes or talk about foolish things.

Paul says that no one who lives an impure, immoral, and greedy life, which worships the things of this world, will inherit the kingdom of Christ and of God. He warns us not to let anybody deceive us. These sins of disobedience cause the wrath of God to come on those who sin and disobey Him. Paul says we shouldn’t participate with those who do these things either.

Paul reminds us that we were all once in sin. Those of us who have accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior are now children of the light, and need to walk in the light of Christ. We can’t live Holy lives in our own strength. We have to put Jesus at the center of our life and with His help we can live in obedience and conduct ourselves as children of God.

The fruit of the Spirit, which lives in you if you are a Christian, is goodness, righteousness, and truth. We should try to live in a way that is pleasing to the Lord. In order to do that we need to study the Bible so we can learn what God’s will is for our lives. We need to examine our lives to see if we are children of the light.

As Christians we’re not to have anything to do with fruitless evil works, but we should expose them to the light. Paul says it is a shame to even talk about the sinful things that ungodly people do in secret. When the light of Christ shines on these sinful acts it becomes clear how wrong they are. His light makes everything visible. This is why he says, “Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.”

Paul exhorts us to be careful how we live, not as foolish people, but as wise people. He reminds us to make the most of every opportunity that we have to do good because the days are evil.

Daily Bible Reading:

Ephesians 5:1-16

1 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;

2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;

4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.

5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.

7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them.

8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but: walk as children of light:

9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth:)

10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.

11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.

12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.

13 But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.

14 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.

15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,

16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

Things to think about:

What does Paul say the “fruit of the spirit” is?

What does Paul warn us about?

How can we shine the light of Christ into this dark world?

How are you walking in the light of Christ?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this Scripture in the book of Ephesians where Paul exhorts us to live as dear children of God. Help us to live godly lives and not participate in things that are evil. Help us to share Your Word with others that the evil of this world might be exposed to Your light. Help us to use the time we have here on earth to do Your will. Please forgive us of any way we have failed to obey you. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as …

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Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

– Ephesians 5:1-2

Featured Book:

The Book of Ephesians: Paul’s Letter to the Church at Ephesus

by Deborah H. Bateman

The Book of Ephesians: Paul’s Letter to the Church at Ephesus is a Daily Bible Reading Study by Deborah H. Bateman. It is a study of the book of Ephesians from the New Testament of the Bible. Ephesians is one of the Apostle Paul’s letters, which was written to the church at Ephesus.

In the book of Ephesians Paul reminds us that we are chosen of God. He encourages us to walk in unity in the church. He talks about our various relationships including our relationship with Christ, with each other, the husband-wife relationship and others. He also exhorts us to put on the full armor of God so that we are clothed for battle against the enemy.

The Book of Ephesians: Paul’s Letter to the Church at Ephesus consists of twelve lessons, which can be used for an individual daily Bible study or a group Bible study. Each lesson consists of a brief commentary, the Daily Bible Reading Scripture, a few questions for contemplation called, “Things to think about,” and a prayer for the day.

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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Deborah

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Daily Bible Reading “But God Loved Us” (Ephesians 2:1-10)

Posted on February 3, 2026 by Deborah H. Bateman

But God Loved Us

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is fromm Ephesians 2:1-10. Paul starts this chapter by reminding the Ephesians that they were once dead in their sins, but God has made them alive through Christ. What does Paul mean when he says they were dead in their sins? Have you been made alive through Christ?

We all started off in the ways of the world, trying to satisfy the lusts of the flesh, paying more attention to our wants and desires for possessions or experiences that are not necessarily pleasing to God. By nature we are sinful people, because we are born of a sinful nature.

Paul speaks of Satan being the prince and power of the air. This shows his authority even though he is not the ultimate authority. The power of the air speaks of the spiritual realm where both good and evil forces abide. However, we know that the Holy Spirit reigns supreme.

Ephesians 2:4-7 says, “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved); And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.” Paul starts verse four saying “but GOD.” If it wasn’t for God and His Son, Jesus Christ, and the love, grace and mercy He gave us, we would all be on our way to hell today. Thank You, Lord!

The next two verses are some of my favorite: Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” We are saved by grace through faith, not by our works so we have no reason to boast in ourselves, but only in the grace and mercy of God, and the precious gift of His Son, Jesus, who died on the cross to save us from our sins.

Don’t get confused by Ephesians 2:10: For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. We are God’s masterpiece, created in Christ to do good works, not in order to get saved, but because we are saved.

Second Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” Our old sinful nature is changed into a new spiritual nature that desires to do good, which is God’s will for our life.

Daily Bible Reading

Ephesians 2:1-10

1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;

2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved);

6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Things to think about:

Why did God make a way for us?

How are we saved?

What are some ways you can show that you are thankful for God’s love, mercy, and grace?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for the love, mercy, and grace that You gave us through the precious gift of salvation by Your Son, Jesus Christ. We know we were all sinners by nature and without the gift of salvation we would all be on our way to hell. Help us to do the good works You have for us to do. Lord, I pray for those who don’t yet know Your grace, mercy, and love. Speak to their hearts and call them to life through Your Son, Jesus. We love you, LORD. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is …

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the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

– Ephesians 2:8-9

-This is an excerpt from The Book of Ephesians: Paul’s Letter to the Church at Ephesus by Deborah H. Bateman

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Featured Book:

The Book of Ephesians: Paul’s Letter to the Church at Ephesus

by Deborah H. Bateman

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Deborah

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Daily Bible Reading “Jesus Heals the Sick” (Matthew 8:1-17)

Posted on January 12, 2026 by Deborah H. Bateman

Jesus Heals the Sick

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Matthew 8:1-17. After Jesus finished the Sermon on the Mount and came down the mountain, great multitudes of people followed him. They brought people with all sorts of diseases and He healed them.

If you will notice in the Scripture, He touched them and spoke words to them and they were immediately healed. All they had to do was believe that He could do it. How strong is your faith? Do you believe Jesus can heal the sick?

In this Scripture not only does He heal people of different diseases, but He also heals people who are possessed with the devil and He casts the evil spirits from them. Can you imagine the excitement of the crowd as they see this entire situation taking place?

We are reminded in Matthew 8:17 that it was prophesied by Esaias (Isaiah), that Jesus would take up our infirmities and bear our sicknesses. Jesus is the Great Physician, there is nothing from which He can’t heal us. The greatest thing He heals us from is our hearts from sin.

Daily Bible Reading:

Matthew 8:1-17

1 When he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him.
2 And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.
3 And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.
4 And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.
5 And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,
6 And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.
7 And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.
8 The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.
9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
11 And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.
12 But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
13 And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.
14 And when Jesus was come into Peter’s house, he saw his wife’s mother laid, and sick of a fever.
15 And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them.
16 When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick:
17 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.

Things to think about:

Have you ever asked God to heal anyone?
Do you believe He is able to heal people?
Has He healed your heart and life from sin?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You that this Scripture shows us You can heal any sickness we might have. Help us have the faith to believe. Thank You for sending Jesus to heal our hearts from sin. We love You, LORD. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou …

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clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.

– Matthew 8:3

The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ

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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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Daily Bible Reading “LORD, Hear My Prayer” (Psalm 102:1-14)

Posted on December 18, 2025 by Deborah H. Bateman

LORD, Hear My Prayer

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Psalm 102:1-14. Have you ever felt overwhelmed? The Psalmist pours his heart out to the LORD and begs Him to hear his cry. He begs God not to turn His face away in the day of trouble. He wants God to listen to him, hear his prayer, and answer his prayer immediately. Have you ever felt this way? I sure have.

The Psalmist is so distraught that he forgets to eat. He says his days are consumed like smoke and his heart is smitten and withered like grass. His skin cleaves to his bones because of his despair. He is like a pelican in the wilderness and an owl of the desert. He stands watch alone like a sparrow on the rooftop.

His enemies are constantly pursuing him and swearing against him. He has both been lifted up and cast down because of God’s indignation and wrath. He says his days are like a shadow that fades away.

But, the LORD will endure forever and be remembered to all generations. He will arise and have favor on Zion at the set time. His servants take pleasure in the dust of the earth and the stones of the mountains of Zion. What does this mean to us today?

Daily Bible Reading:

Psalm 102:1-14

1 [[A Prayer of the afflicted, when he is overwhelmed, and poureth out his complaint before the LORD.]] Hear my prayer, O LORD, and let my cry come unto thee.
2 Hide not thy face from me in the day when I am in trouble; incline thine ear unto me: in the day when I call answer me speedily.
3 For my days are consumed like smoke, and my bones are burned as an hearth.
4 My heart is smitten, and withered like grass; so that I forget to eat my bread.
5 By reason of the voice of my groaning my bones cleave to my skin.
6 I am like a pelican of the wilderness: I am like an owl of the desert.
7 I watch, and am as a sparrow alone upon the house top.
8 Mine enemies reproach me all the day; and they that are mad against me are sworn against me.
9 For I have eaten ashes like bread, and mingled my drink with weeping,
10 Because of thine indignation and thy wrath: for thou hast lifted me up, and cast me down.
11 My days are like a shadow that declineth; and I am withered like grass.
12 But thou, O LORD, shalt endure for ever; and thy remembrance unto all generations.
13 Thou shalt arise, and have mercy upon Zion: for the time to favour her, yea, the set time, is come.
14 For thy servants take pleasure in her stones, and favour the dust thereof.

Things to think about:

When have you felt desperate for God to hear and answer your prayer?
Name a time when you were so distraught you couldn’t eat.
How many times have you felt alone in your time of trouble?
What are some times in life that we might feel this way?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this Scripture in Psalm 102. We can all relate to the Psalmist who is in deep despair and is crying out for You to hear and answer his prayer. At some time in our lives we have all been there. Help us dear LORD in our times of trouble remember to call on Your name and seek Your deliverance from the attacks of the enemy. Give us strength in this troubled world. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

Hear my prayer, O LORD, and let my cry come unto thee. – Psalm 102:1

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This is an excerpt from The Book of Psalms: Part 4 Chapters 91-118

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

Featured Book:

The Book of Psalms: Part 4 Chapters 91-118
by Deborah H. Bateman

About the book:

The Book of Psalms: Part 4 Chapters 91-118 by Deborah H. Bateman is 29th 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 contains approximately thirty chapters from the book of Psalms.

Psalm 119 has already been published in 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 4 Chapters 91-118 contains thirty-six 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 “We are the Sheep of His Pasture” (Psalm 100:1-5)

Posted on December 17, 2025 by Deborah H. Bateman

We are the Sheep of His Pasture

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Psalm 100:1-5. Psalm 100 is a Psalm of praise. It tells us to make a joyful noise to the LORD. We’re to serve Him with gladness: and come before His presence with singing. When we worship God, it is an act of service to Him for who He is. We praise God and give thanks to Him for what He has done for us.

He is God. He made us. We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. In John 10:14 Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.” He laid His life down for the sheep as a commandment from the heavenly Father. The shepherd protects the sheep from wolves and other outside forces that might try to enter the sheepfold and destroy the sheep.

We are to enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Praise and thanksgiving is an entry way into His gates. It is as if praise unlocks the door to His presence. God pays attention when we praise and thank Him. We are to be thankful to God and bless His holy name. We are reminded that the LORD is good, His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations.

Daily Bible Reading:

Psalm 100:1-5

1 [[A Psalm of praise.]] Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.
2 Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
3 Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
5 For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

Things to think about:

What are some ways you honor the LORD?
In what way do you choose to praise God?
What are some things for which you are thankful to God?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We honor You and praise You because You are good, Your mercy is everlasting, and Your truth endures to all generations. We are Your people. Thank You for Jesus, who laid down His life for our sins. We love You, LORD. Help us to enter into Your gates with thanksgiving, and into Your courts with praise and bless Your holy name. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and …

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not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. – Psalm 100:3

This is an excerpt from The Book of Psalms: Part 4 Chapters 91-118

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