There is nothing to compare with the regular, repeated reading of God’s Word:
“The entrance of thy words giveth light;
it giveth understanding unto the simple”
Psalm 119:130 KJV
“The Bible is the greatest of all books;
to study it is the noblest of all pursuits;
to understand it, the highest of all goals.”
Charles Caldwell Ryrie (1926 – 2016)
Preface to the original, 1978 edition of the Ryrie Study Bible.
Given below is a highly recommended reading plan originated by Robert M’Cheyne (1813 – 1843) that guides one through the entire Bible in a year but twice through the New Testament and the Book of Psalms. This reading Plan was made well-known in the mid-20th Century by the great teacher and scholar Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones during his ministry at Westminster Chapel, London (not to be confused with Westminster CATHEDRAL, which is part of the Church of England). Dr. Lloyd-Jones used the Plan in his own personal study and devotions and likewise encouraged all to whom he ministered. (Many resources of the late Dr. Lloyd-Jones are available at: www.MLJTrusst.org. There are also several resources of his on this website).
The below format of the M’Cheyne reading plan was organized by Ben and Karen Beilhartz (c) 2001, with the direct links to the website BibleGateway.com by the efforts of Ethan Beaver, and is copied from the website Hippocampus Extensions: http://hippocampusextensions.com/mcheyneplan
The blue highlighted chapters are hot links to the BibleGateway website (www.BibleGateway.com) leading directly to the respective reading in the Bible translation of your choosing. By clicking the back arrow you can return to this page and select the next reading for any particular day, and so forth.
In addition to the Bible text itself there is on the BibleGateway site a side panel option available by clicking on a blue panel (on the upper right of the page with the Bible text) with the words “STUDY THIS.” Clicking on the panel opens up five categories of helps, all tied to the text of the Bible passage on the main screen. For example, by clicking on “Study Bibles” and scrolling down you can access a great free resource “The Reformation Study Bible.” For the commitment of $3.99 a month, an incredible wealth of additional resources are available and avoids the ads that otherwise populate your screen.
BibleGateway also has an “app” for smart phones and digital pads. Certain of the translations offered on its app have an audio option. A highly recommended version is the ESV translation read by the beautiful voice of Max McLean. Genesis Chapter 1, for example, Mr. McLean lovingly reads the chapter is just over five minutes. Even better is to listen to the reading as one follows along by reading the text (though not when driving).
CALENDAR FOR READING THROUGH THE WORD OF GOD IN A YEAR
By the late Rev. R. M. M’CHEYNE, M. A.
THE ADVANTAGES
- THE WHOLE BIBLE WILL BE READ THROUGH IN AN ORDERLY MANNER IN THE COURSE OF A YEAR. – The Old Testament once, the New Testament and Psalms twice. I fear many of you never read the whole Bible, and yet it is all equally divine. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction and instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect.” If we pass over some parts of Scripture we will be incomplete Christians.
- TIME WILL NOT BE WASTED IN CHOOSING WHAT PORTIONS TO READ. – Often believers are at a loss to determine towards which part of the mountains of spices they should bend their steps. Here the question will be solved at once in a very simple manner.
- THE PASTOR WILL KNOW IN WHICH PART OF THE PASTURE THE FLOCK ARE FEEDING. – He will thus be enabled to speak more suitably to them on the Sabbath: and both pastor and elders will be able to drop a word of light and comfort in visiting from house to house, which will be more readily responded to.
- THE SWEET BOND OF CHRISTIAN LOVE AND UNITY WILL BE STRENGTHENED. – We shall often be lead to think of those dear brothers and sisters in the Lord, who agree to join with us in reading these portions. We shall oftener be led to agree on earth, touching something we shall ask of God. We shall pray over the same promises, mourn over the same confessions, praise God in the same songs, and be nourished by the same words of eternal life.
DIRECTIONS
- The centre column contains the day of the month. The first two columns contain the chapters to be read in the family. The two last columns contain the portions to be read in secret.
- The head of the family should previously read each chapter for family worship, and mark two or three of the most prominent verses, upon which he may dwell, giving a few explanatory thoughts and asking a few simple questions.
- Frequently the portion named in the calendar for family reading might be read more suitably in secret: in which case the head of the family should intimate that it be read in private, and the chapter for secret reading may be used in the family.
- The portions read, both for family and private readings, would be greatly illuminated if they were preceded by a moment’s silent prayer – “Open Thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Thy law.” (Ps. cxix. 18).
- Let the conversation at the family meals frequently turn upon the chapter read. Thus every meal will be a sacrament, being sanctified by the Word and prayer.
- Let our private reading precede the dawning of the day. Let God’s voice be the first we hear in the morning. Mark two or three of the richest verses, and pray over every line and word of them. Let the marks be neatly done, never so as to abuse a copy of the Bible.
[Links to the Bible Gateway generously added by Ethan Beaver.]
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