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.
Old Testament - 1
2 Kings 8 – Kindness and Severity
We see here the gentle kindness of God, as well as his grief over the sin of humanity that results in judgment. The Shunamite woman’s kindness to the prophet in 2 Kings 4 is met here with the LORD’s kindness to her, sovereignly setting up a situation where she would not only be safe from drought but then also receive her livelihood back on her return. Elisha and Hazael were mentioned (with Jehu) in 1 Kings 19 in the context of God’s judgment against Israel. While the king of Aram would not have died from his illness, Hazael ruthlessly killed him and took the throne. What he would do to Israel brought tears to Elisha’s eyes, surely mirroring the pain of God even in just judgment.Righteous Father, it is clear from your word that you delight no more in punishment than you do in the sin that demands it. Forgive my lack of meditation on what it cost for you to punish your Son in my place. Thank you that your particular grace still reaches individuals like me.
New Testament and Psalms - 1
1 Timothy 5 – Devoted and Supported
Two groups of people who are dependent on the church for income are mentioned: Widows and employed teachers/elders. In each case, the church is to be generous but wise, careful not to be taken advantage of. Widows (and widowers) can struggle for money in our society and are even more likely to be starved of company. The church can certainly give time, love, and community. Church leaders have the double honour of both a decent pay and a recognition of their accountability to the Lord. Spurious accusations are to be dismissed, but true failings publicly dealt with for the Lord’s own honour.Lord Jesus, your hands-on care for your church is evident in so many ways in Scripture and I’m encouraged by it. Lord, guard your church leaders and keep them close to you. And help me to take my place as a loving, fellowship-minded member of your body, the church, especially for those who are weak, lonely, or vulnerable in any way.
Old Testament - 2
Daniel 12 – Resurrection Hope
We naturally have many questions of a chapter like this, and it’s notable that so did Daniel (v8). But the LORD tells us all we need to know when we need to know it, knowing that we lack the capacity to know all things. What we do see here is one of the Old Testament’s clearest teachings on the resurrection (v2) and what that will mean for believers like Daniel (v13). The fuller understanding of life beyond the grave came at the resurrection of Christ, and the fuller revelation of this age came when the sealed-up scroll in God’s right hand was opened as Christ’s ascension (Rev. 5:5). We are immeasurably blessed to have the full revelation of God’s word, rejoicing in the resurrection of Jesus, the firstfruits from among the dead (1 Cor. 15:20).Living Saviour, all my hope of life is in you. You alone were worthy to open up the Father’s plan for this age by your death, resurrection, and ascension. How blessed I am to be able to approach you, knowing something of your gracious welcome.
New Testament and Psalms - 2
Psalm 119:49-72 – God Is Good and Does Good
The meditations on God’s word continue. In v49-56 the psalmist describes how he deliberately calls God’s promises and judgments to mind in difficult times, obtaining comfort and hope to go on. In v57-64, he recalls the entanglement of sin and sinners, and how God’s word brought him to repentance and delight in the LORD. Then in v65-72 he recalls how sin led to affliction – and how that is a good work of a good God since it caused the psalmist to turn back to truth. We do well to meditate on the extent to which God’s word has shaped our lives. Are we listening to God truly?Living God, you are gracious to have caused your word to be written down for us so that we can keep coming back to learn from you. I pray for the Spirit’s work to cause me to live by your good word, delighting in you. Forgive me for not reflecting your goodness in all of my life.
You can download our Daily Notes PDFs using the links below.
