Daily Notes

The daily notes in the tabs below will help you as you make your way through the Bible day by day.

They’re based on the Robert Murray M’Cheyne Bible reading schedule, with a slight variation in line with the YouVersion Bible App.

New Testament and Psalms - 1

1 Thessalonians 5 – Encourage One Another

It’s interesting that such a young church would have Christ’s return as a major theme – a demonstration, perhaps, of the emphasis of Paul’s preaching and of how struck they were at Christ’s resurrection as the first fruits from among the dead. Paul points out to us how Christ’s return affects us now: Since we will be with Christ on that day we are to live as children of light today. He goes on to describe how we do that together: Speaking warnings, comfort and encouragement as people need it; living in patience and forgiveness with everyone; clinging to God in prayer and thanksgiving; staying away from every kind of evil. In this way, we prepare for Christ’s return.

Living Saviour, you have told us not to concern ourselves with dates and times and the good wisdom of this becomes ever clearer as the years pass. Help me, then, to live a life of love and contented prayerfulness, clinging to you and hating sin, ever ready to face you with a blameless heart and life.

Old Testament - 1

1 Kings 22 – Full Disclosure

This is one of those chapters that raises many questions! Why did Ahab send for Micaiah if all he got was bad news? Why did Micaiah say the same as the other prophets to begin with? Was Ahab deceived by God? Micaiah probably knew that Ahab would do whatever he wanted, so that whatever Micaiah said would be ignored. And in fact the full disclosure Micaiah gave about the scene in around the LORD’s throne should have jolted Ahab into a true fear of the LORD. In the end, Ahab’s rejection of the word of the LORD would this time prove fatal following an “accidental” arrow. The contrast with godly Jehoshaphat could hardly be stronger.

Living God, forgive me that even with the full disclosure of your word so clearly laid out in the Bible I still sin in so many ways. Help me to take your word seriously, delighting as much in your instruction as I do in your promises.

New Testament and Psalms - 2

Psalms 108 & 109 – Praises Among the Nations

If you start with Psalm 57:7-11 and add Psalm 60:5-12 you get psalm 108. David’s words of trouble and praise still read well in Book 5 with its general background of exiles returned to Jerusalem. And since Psalm 57:9 (=Psalm 108:3) is quoted in Romans 15:9 about the gospel coming to us Gentiles, it’s no wonder the psalms still speak to us. The strongly-worded petition of Psalm 109:6-15 is also picked up in the New Testament (Acts 1:20) in the context of Judas, the betrayer of the Messiah. Opposition to David, the LORD’s anointed king, echoed down the years to Christ and onto us, his ambassadors. Still the psalms speak to us, though with Christ now victorious we will pray for our enemies.

Lord God, these ancient texts remain ever current, ever vibrant and relevant. Our problems keep repeating in new contexts, yet your faithfulness does not change. Holy Father, as I change through life, keep me coming to you for your unchanging steadfast love.