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

Revelation 2 – “I know”

Chapters 2 and 3 contain seven letters from Jesus to seven real local churches ordered geographically in a loop starting at Ephesus. Each letter begins with a description of Jesus taken from Chapter 1, and each one ends with promises expanded and clarified later in Revelation. The message to these churches is the heart of the whole book: You’re secure in Christ, so keep witnessing, expect Satanic opposition, and be ready for Christ’s return. Since Christ walks among his churches it’s no surprise that he knows the strengths and weaknesses of each one. He lovingly commends those faithful to him, and also lovingly calls wayward believers to repent and return to him.

Lord Jesus, we might well wonder what you would write to our church. It is humbling and reassuring to know you are involved and active among us. Give me strength to do my part in your church, to remain true to you – free from entangling sins, and witnessing to your goodness and love.

Old Testament - 1

2 Chronicles 11-12 – Serve the LORD

The kingdom’s split into Israel and Judah meant that people generally were forced to decide between true worship of the LORD in Jerusalem and false worship at Bethel and Dan’s golden calves. The priests and Levites (who had no land inheritance) gathered to Rehoboam in Judah (v13-14), further emphasizing the spiritual and political division. What becomes clear in chapter 12, however, is that even having David’s grandson on the throne and a consolidated Levitical priesthood in Jerusalem are not an automatic guarantee of prosperity. The king did not have absolute power; he was subject to the LORD. They discovered that it’s better to serve the LORD than anyone else (v8).

Living God, you know how much I serve idols and gods in my own heart, seeking security and happiness in so many things that will ultimately pass away. Help me not to settle into empty religious habits, but rather to serve you personally, drawing on your strength every day.

New Testament and Psalms - 2

John 1 – The Word

There is an abundance of titles given to Jesus in John 1: Lamb of God, Rabbi, Son of God, King of Israel, Messiah, Son of Man. These are titles ascribed by those first disciples, along with John the Baptist, and they mostly describe who Jesus is in relation to us. The titles “Son of God” and “Word” speak of who Christ is in his own eternal being, independent of Creation, glorious in deity, eternally one with the Father and Spirit. The disciples were dazzled by a glimpse of Christ’s glory – but much, much more was to come. And so it is still for us: We can’t ever stop trying to know more of him.

Eternal Son, for whom and through whom everything was created, Light of the world, Lamb of God, we have barely glimpsed your glory and yet we can see that you shine more brightly than the sun. Thank you for graciously becoming human to save us. Show me yet more of your glory, and help me to live a life worthy of you and pleasing to you.