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.

Old Testament - 1

Deuteronomy 13 & 14 – One God, One Worship

The third commandment, “Do not misuse the name of the LORD your God (or “Do not take the name of the LORD your God in vain”) is far more reaching than avoiding cheap language. It’s about fidelity to God. If you are a Christian, you are to live like one: Don’t empty your claim to Christ of meaning by a life that is out of step with faith in him. This underpins the drastic action of Deuteronomy 13 in terms of removing all idolatrous compromise from the community. “You are the sons of the LORD your God,” says 14:1, God’s own “special possession.” So all our worship and the response of our whole lives is to be to him alone.

Faithful God, all your promises are true and wonderful. There is life in you and no other. Yet still I fall for the false promises of the short-term world around me. Help me to rejoice in the good things you give without worshipping them in a spirit of dependence.

New Testament and Psalms - 1

Psalms 99-101 – One God, One Saviour

These three psalms combine to display the God of gospel grace. In Psalm 99:1-5 we’re called to exalt God in his awesome holiness, and then v6-9 calls us to praise him for hearing and answering prayer. Psalm 100 calls all the earth to draw near in praise and worship precisely because the LORD (that is, the God of biblical revelation) is God. You can’t know him any other way; Christ is the only way to God. Psalm 101 is too grand for David and properly belongs to Jesus, the risen and reigning Messiah. He governs his kingdom in righteousness, and he alone determines who will enter it.

Heavenly Father, enthroned above the heavens, yet hearing my prayers, you are glorious. You would be just to cast us off, and you are gracious to forgive and to call me into your kingdom. Help me to walk in kingdom righteousness, Lord, and forgive my many sins.

Old Testament - 2

Isaiah 41 – Tell Us the Future

The comfort of Chapter 40 ended with the promise that “those who trust in the LORD will renew their strength” (40:31), and here in v1 “the people” of the world are invited to do the same. In a world subject to Babylonian rule, v2 speaks of another ruler from the end who will bring a new power and reign. Unbelieving nations encourage one another with manmade idols (v5-7), but the LORD’s message to Israel is full of hope. He calls Israel “my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen… my friend” (v8), promising help and restoration to covenant blessing (v8-20). All this is prophecy and the unbelieving nations are invited to state the case for their idols (v21-24). But the LORD not only knows the future, he directs it (v25-29) – and that is real comfort for all who will trust in him.

Living God, while we make plans about this or that for our futures, it is truly comforting to know that my days are in your hands. You are good and you do good, and you work all things for the good of those who love you. Lord, renew my strength today.

New Testament and Psalms - 2

Revelation 11 – Witnesses

It’s a basic Bible principle that truth is to be acknowledged by the testimony of at least two witnesses. The two here are figurative, reminding us of Elijah and Moses (v6), or the Law and the Prophets. The olive trees and lampstands are an image from Zechariah, how the Spirit pours from heaven to God’s people and beyond. The 1,260 days (3½ years) is the time between Jesus’ ascension and return (a figurative number). What does it all mean, in the context of the trumpets? The church is to witness to God, proclaiming his word, empowered by the Holy Spirit, even though most people will reject it and refuse to repent. There’s no let-up – we’re all to witness until Christ comes again.

Holy Spirit of God, you are to be thanked and praised for giving us the Bible. Thank you for moving me to see the truth of the Bible, for convicting me of sin, and for leading me to Jesus. Lord God, forgive me for my inadequate witness, and help me to take my part in your church as an effective witness for you. Help me to witness to someone today.

You can download our Daily Notes PDFs using the links below.