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 7 – Good News
The previous chapter ended with grim scenes inside Samaria, the capital city of Israel, under siege from the Arameans. Now Elisha bursts into the scene with a declaration that seems too good to be true (v1) and indeed the captain can’t believe it. Four diseased and socially excluded men then make the discovery of their lives – the Arameans have fled. We’re told explicitly that this was the LORD’s work (v6). The men realise “Today is a day of good news” (v9) – and good news is for sharing. But the good news of God’s salvation is also judgment against those who oppose him (the Arameans) and who won’t believe him (the captain). The same remains true of the gospel today.Lord Christ, the angels announced good news to mere shepherds at your birth, just as these four men were first to learn good news at Samaria that day. Thank you that the Spirit has brought your good news and salvation to me. Help me, then, to share it with those around me.
New Testament and Psalms - 1
1 Timothy 4 – Train Yourself in Godliness
When is a church not a church? When it is characterised by rules and abstinence rather than faith, hope, love and the nourishment of Christ revealed in his word. Timothy, as pastor, is to train himself in godliness first, feeding daily on the word of God in communion with Christ. He tastes heaven himself as he does so. In that, he becomes an authentic teacher and a living example for the whole church to follow, since we are all to grow in holiness, faith, love, and purity. More, we are all to grow daily closer to Jesus, reflecting and meditating on him, trusting and knowing him. That has promise both for this life and the next.Lord Jesus, thank you for this written word that nourishes me as it reveals you. Keep everyone in our church in true communion with yourself, and keep us from empty legalism as a dead parody of living holiness. Gracious God, I pray for the Spirit’s help to train regularly for godliness, to your glory and honour.
Old Testament - 2
Daniel 11 – King After King
It’s possible to trace through this chapter alongside the history books and identify the various kings and their reigns. While we marvel at the prophecy given to Daniel ahead of time, the actual contents feel remote to us. But we do well to note that no matter how awful each reign was, it did not last forever. The final king from 11:36 to 12:3 is like the “man of lawlessness” who Paul mentions in 2 Thess. 2, suggesting that Daniel’s prophecy reaches even into our own future today. So we expect that reign also to be cut short – this time by Jesus himself at his return. This chapter then becomes important to us: All that God has spoken will come to pass, both the coming of wicked rulers and the final victory of Christ.Messiah Jesus, King of kings, your eternal reign is beyond challenge or question. This encourages me as I see lawlessness in society and still feel it in my own heart. May your kingdom come, not least in my own obedience of faith, subject to you in joy.
New Testament and Psalms - 2
Psalm 119:25-48 – Teach Me, LORD
Like other acrostics in the psalms, Psalm 119 is an extended meditation exploring various facets of one theme, here a kind of A to Z of thoughts about God’s word. So v25-32 reflects on how the word of God can lift us when we’re down and strengthen us when we’re weak. Verses 33-40 meditate on how Scripture turns our eyes from what is passing and sets our heart on the everlasting God. Verse 41-48 ask for salvation to prove the truth of God’s word to others – the psalmist will boldly tell everyone of God’s wonders. Over and over, the psalmist asks for help from God – our goal is not to become Bible students but Christ’s disciples.Lord Jesus, I echo the psalmist’s plea for help. Strengthen me by your promises, Lord. Nourish me and set my heart on you as gloriously revealed. Keep me from idolatry, please. And give me boldness to speak of you as I experience more and more of your steadfast love in my life.
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