2021 is almost here!
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105)
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…” (Colossians 3:16)
I’m looking forward to reading God’s word together with you this upcoming year!
The plan we’ve used is the M’Cheyne Bible reading schedule, designed by Robert Murray M’Cheyne (1813–1843), a remarkable young Scottish pastor almost two centuries ago. Reading about four chapters each day, two in the morning and two in the evening, a person can read through the Old Testament once and the New Testament and Psalms twice in the year. The four readings begin at four great beginnings in the Scripture: creation (Genesis), the new beginning after Israel’s exile (Ezra), the beginning of the Gospel (Matthew), and the beginning of the church (Acts). You can learn more about this plan here.
Some readers have divided these readings over two years, covering the morning passages one year and the evening passages the next. For example, this year, reading about two chapters a day, I read all of the NT and Psalms and one-half of the Old Testament (Genesis to 2 Chronicles). This year (2021) I’ll read the NT and Psalms again, and the other half of the Old Testament (Ezra to Malachi).
Beginning in January, I will post two or three times a week on my blog and via this newsletter. My goal is not to post a commentary, but more of a reading guide, seeking to connect what we’re reading with the main themes in the rest of Scripture. It’s like I’m sitting with you in a coffee shop (as I have done for so many years) and answering the questions, “Why is this chapter here? What do I do with it?”
Two online resources I recommend, as well, are the NET Bible with its notes, especially those of Dr. Thomas Constable. I would also suggest you subscribe to The Gospel Coalition’s Read the Bible Newsletter here. Each day there will be an article by D. A. Carson on one of the passages for that day.
And finally here’s the link to a PDF copy of the two-year M’Cheyne reading plan.
May we all be faithful to abide in God’s Word in 2021!
Sandy