Do you ever feel unsure about where to begin when it comes to reading the Bible? You’re not alone. Many of us long to experience God in a deeper way but feel overwhelmed by Scripture. Yet, reading the Bible isn’t meant to be frustrating—it’s meant to bring us closer to God. Think of it as your personal invitation to build a daily connection with Him.
What if reading the Bible became something you looked forward to instead of something you felt you “had” to do? Let’s explore how approaching the Bible intentionally can transform your relationship with God and your life. We’ll explore how approaching the Bible intentionally can transform your relationship with God and, ultimately, your life. You can also read more about this topic in the fourth chapter of the Forge discipleship resource Multiplying Movements!
Seeing the Bible as a Daily Invitation
The Bible is not a textbook you must master; it’s more like receiving a personal note from the Creator of the universe who wants a friendship with you. As Jesus says in John 15:15 (NIV), “I no longer call you servants . . . instead, I have called you friends…” Learning God’s Word is about spending time with God, taking in His love, and allowing Him to shape how you live. This relationship thrives on daily interaction.
How Should I Read the Bible?
- Should I read my Bible cover to cover?
Let’s drop the pressure to start perfectly. The idea that you must begin at Genesis and read straight through to Revelation often leads to frustration. The Bible is an inspired library of 66 books—not a novel meant for a single linear read. Your goal is transformation and relationship, not mere completion.
- Should I read it in a different order?
Yes! If you’re unsure where to open your Bible, that’s completely okay. You can absolutely read the Bible in any order, but starting with the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John) will give you a great big picture that can serve as a foundation for everything that comes before and after. These four books contain the essential accounts of Jesus’ life, teachings, and purpose. They are the heart of the Christian faith.
You can also start small, with a few verses rather than whole chapters. It’s far better to read and meditate on a few verses a day than to rush through chapters you don’t understand. As Paul reminds us in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV), “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the servant of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.“
Practical Tools for a Daily Rhythm
- Build Daily Rhythms with God
Love—whether with God or people—is spelled T-I-M-E. Developing a rhythm of reading the Bible daily creates space to grow closer to God. Find the right time: Is it with coffee in hand? During your lunch break? Find what works, and keep it simple—depth is far more impactful than speed, and starting your day with God can set the stage for your whole day.
- Pray About It
Before you start reading, pause and pray a simple prayer, like “Lord, open my heart to what You want to teach me.“ This makes a big difference. Inviting God into your reading time turns it into a conversation, not just an activity.
- Engage Your Heart, Not Just Your Mind
Don’t just “get through” the Bible—let God’s Word get to you. As you read, pause and reflect. Ask questions like: What is God saying? How does this apply to my life today?
Here’s a simple tool to help you engage with the text: Head, Heart, Hands, Feet.
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- Head: What does the passage mean?
- Heart: What does God want to teach me or change in me?
- Hands: What will I do in response?
- Feet: Who can I share this with?
By engaging with the Bible on multiple levels—mentally, emotionally, and practically—it becomes more than words on a page. It becomes a part of you.
FREE GUIDE: Turn your Bible reading into a daily walk. Get the Head, Heart, Hands, Feet workbook.
Starting Strong: Common Questions About Reading the Bible
1 — What is the difference between versions of the Bible?
Bible translations generally fall into three categories, designed to achieve different reading goals:
- Word-for-Word (Formal Equivalence): Aims to translate the original languages that the Bible was written in, like Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic as literally as possible, preserving the original sentence structure. (Examples: KJV, NASB, ESV).
- Thought-for-Thought (Dynamic Equivalence): Focuses on conveying the original meaning or idea of a passage, even if it requires rearranging words. (Examples: NIV, NLT). This is great for clear comprehension and reading flow.
- Paraphrase: Expresses the text in more modern language to convey the intended message but not translate as closely to the original text (Example: The Message). This is best for devotional reading and a fresh perspective.
For most readers, the NLT is an excellent starting place. And, the CSB is a great middle option that balances thought-for-thought with word-for-word. For in-depth study, you may want to consult several different translations of a section of Scripture!
2 — Where’s the best place to read the Bible online?
A great place to read or listen to the Bible online is through the free YouVersion Bible App (also available as a website: Bible.com). It offers:
- Hundreds of free versions and languages.
- The ability to highlight, take notes, and share verses easily.
- Thousands of reading plans to guide you through specific books or topics.
Conclusion: Start Today
The Bible is waiting for you, not as a chore, but as a gift. Open it today—just start. Whether it’s a single verse or an entire story, God will meet you there. Each time you show up and choose to read the Bible, you’re investing in a lifelong friendship with the One who made you, loves you, and has so much to say to you.
For more discipleship training material like this, click here to access Multiplying Movements — a 12-part Video or Book Study Ideal for Bible Studies or 1-on-1 Mentoring.
