For the Love of God, Books 1 & 2
By D A Carson,
Inter-Varsity Press, 400 pages, £14.99
Robert Murray M'Cheyne prepared a scheme for daily Bible reading that would take readers through the New Testament and Psalms twice each year, and through the rest of the Bible once. There are four readings for each day. Originally these readings were described as family
and private
indicating that they were designed for family worship, morning and evening and for private devotions, again morning and evening. Dr D A Carson modified the scheme slightly and has written these two books of devotional material to accompany the readings. The scheme of readings can be seen here. (I have recently learned that Dr Carson is planning another two books. These will give commentry on the two readings for each day which have not been included in the first two books.)
Both books follow the same general layout. A page for each day gives the readings for that day and there follows a comment or reflection based on one of the readings. In book 1 the comment is on one of the first two readings or on a more general theme from the day's passages; in book 2 the comment is generally on the third or fourth of that day's readings. By using the two books in consecutive years the reader can progress through the Bible at a more leisurely pace. The books have a comprehensive scripture index so can be used to look up Dr Carson's commentry on selected passages.
On the flyleaf of the books it states, "these are more that devotional guides; these books will open the bible to anyone who wants to:
• understand Scripture in its context and the larger framework of God's kingdom
• know the God of the Bible
• discover how He works in the world and the lives of those who love Him.
The daily insights here will help you view the Bible for all that it is - as both the inspired history of redemption, and the revelation of God and His character."
These books can be confidently recommended.
Jim Calderwood