At the turn of the year, it is very common for Christians to consider how they will approach reading the Bible. I have no doubt at all that, insofar as we are able, maintaining a regular habit of reading Scripture is – alongside prayer – immensely important for our spiritual growth. Yet, we all may find it difficult at times to maintain a rhythm without losing our way.
For simplicity's sake, I want to commend just one tried and tested approach. In the early 1800s a pastor in Dundee, Scotland, put together a reading plan for his church. His name was Robert Murray M'Cheyne. He died at age 29, but his legacy has been immense not least because of the elegant and accessible reading plan he gave us. It has been used by countless people, including many well known pastors and preachers.
This reading plan takes you through four different Scripture readings each day (or two if you go through it at a slower, two-year pace). The plan will take you through the Old Testament once, and the New Testament and Psalms twice. (To use the plan over two years, you use readings 1 & 2 in year one, and 3 & 4 in year two.)
Don Carson has written two books to help offer comments each day to help you grow in your understanding. Volume 1 offers comments on the first two readings for each day, and Volume 2 comments on readings three and four. This means that, whether you go through the plan over the course of one or two years, Carson's books will be relevant either way. You can read Carson's own explanation here.
Best of all, you don't have to wait for volume 1 to be delivered as both are available to download for free. Here are a few helpful links to get started:
M'Cheyne Reading Plan (you can also access the plan via the ESV app)
For the Love of God, Volume 1 – hard copy and free download
For the Love of God, Volume 2 – hard copy and free download
May the Lord strengthen you in his word this year.