A blog to help those struggling with where to start and how to better comprehend the Scriptures.
One question I hear often as a pastor is, "where do I start reading in the Bible?"
Sometimes this question is followed by an admission such as, "I desperately want to read and understand the Bible, but I don’t always know where to begin. Can you tell me where to start reading the Bible?”
The word of God comprises several genres of literature, including historical, poetry, epistle, or letter, and apocalyptic. Each genre reveals truth amid human experiences. We need to learn these truths and apply them to our lives, and we could all stand to be more consistent in our daily intake of scriptures. Yet, knowing where to begin reading in a particular book of the Bible can be daunting for many. You are not alone if you have struggled to understand where to start reading in the Word of God.
However, I want to suggest that where you start reading is often less important than how you approach your reading.
If you don’t have a specific passage or book in focus, you can still be confident that the Holy Spirit is directing you anytime you desire to read the Bible. Although I recommend starting at the beginning of a particular book and reading all the way through, you can confidently open your Bible and begin reading any passage knowing that the Holy Spirit is your guide into all truth. The primary issue is the heart with which you approach the scriptures.
The Bible gives us a few insights into approaching our reading of the Scriptures with the right heart.
Insight # 1: Approach your reading with dependence upon the Holy Spirit.
1 Corinthians 2:10-12 (NIV): "But God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit from God, so we may understand what God has freely given us."
This passage places emphasizes on the fact that it is the Holy Spirit who reveals the truths of God's Word.
Just as we know our secret thoughts, the Holy Spirit helps us understand God's thoughts and intentions as revealed in Scripture. The Holy Spirit enables believers to grasp the deep truths of God's Word, providing illumination and guidance as they study and meditate on Scripture. Thus, reliance on the Holy Spirit is crucial for gaining true insight and understanding from the Bible.
Insight # 2: Approach your reading with a focus on building your relationship with God.
In Proverbs 2:3-5, it says, "Cry out for insight and ask for understanding. Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures. Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God."
When you approach Bible reading as a means of learning about God to build intimacy with him, rather than a religious activity or duty, your reading will take on new meaning. You will not only gain more insights into what you are reading but you will fall in love with the Bible and with God of the Bible.
Insight # 3: Approach your reading with a deep desire to learn.
Acts 17:11: "Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true."
This verse highlights the diligence and eagerness of the Bereans in examining the Scriptures daily. It suggests the importance of regular engagement with the scriptures and the value of reading Scripture with a receptive and eager heart, regardless of the specific passage or book being studied.
Nowadays, there are many Bibles and reading lists to help you stay on course each day. One of my favorites is the One Year Bible, (NIV Tyndale House Publishing), which contains daily reading from the Old and New Testaments. There are also many free downloadable Bible reading lists online. I recommend reading portions of scripture from the Old Testament, the Psalms, and the New Testament daily.
Again, you are not alone if you have struggled with where to start reading in your daily devotions. Knowing where you will read on a given day helps to avoid neglecting your devotional time.
I pray that you will approach your time in God’s word this week with a teachable and hungry heart. I have included a seven-day reading list down below to help you get started.
Until next time…stay strong in the Lord and read your Bible!
Pastor Bob
Seven-Day Bible Reading Plan
"The Bible was not given for our information but for our transformation." - D.L. Moody
Day 1: The Power and Authority of God's Word
o Old Testament: Psalm 119:105-112
o Psalms: Psalm 19:7-11
o New Testament: Hebrews 4:12-13
Day 2: The Nourishment of God's Word
o Old Testament: Deuteronomy 8:3
o Psalms: Psalm 119:97-105
o New Testament: Matthew 4:4
Day 3: The Transformative Power of God's Word
o Old Testament: Psalm 119:49-56
o Psalms: Psalm 119:97-105
o New Testament: Romans 12:2
Day 4: The Guidance of God's Word
o Old Testament: Psalm 119:97-105
o Psalms: Psalm 119:105-112
o New Testament: James 1:22-25
Day 5: The Comfort of God's Word
o Old Testament: Isaiah 40:8
o Psalms: Psalm 119:49-56
o New Testament: 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Day 6: The Assurance of God's Word
o Old Testament: Jeremiah 15:16
o Psalms: Psalm 19:7-11
o New Testament: 1 Peter 1:23-25
Day 7: The Call to Obey God's Word
o Old Testament: Joshua 1:8-9
o Psalms: Psalm 119:97-105
o New Testament: Luke 11:28
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About Pastor Bob Moya
Pastor Bob Moya has served as the lead pastor with his wife Candace at City Chapel in Arlington, Texas for over 22+ years. He is currently wrapping up his dissertation at Regent University and will graduate in the spring of 2024 with a doctorate degree in Spiritual Renewal and Leadership. When not serving at the church, you'll find Bob enjoying a good read at Barnes & Noble, sipping a nitro cold brew or black coffee at Starbucks, or spending time with his family.
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