Where should I start when reading the Bible?

So you’ve finally decided to give your life to Christ? That is the best decision that you will ever make in your life. Congratulations! You are a new creation when you decide to give your life to Christ no matter your age, no matter the day, no matter the time. When you decide to give your life to Christ one of the things that you should do is begin to get to know him for yourself, yes you need to find a good bible based church but you also need to be in his word for yourself so you can know when the enemy is twisting the truth as he will always try to do. Yes I know the Bible can be intimidating because you don’t exactly know exactly where to start, and then you look up ideas of where to start and there’s so many ways that you can go about reading the Bible. There’s chronological order which I am doing this year, but there is just so many bible reading plans out there to choose from that it can become overwhelming to where you just don’t start at all. I completely understand I’ve been there, but I want to share with you 7 books of the Bible that are great places to start and why I feel they are good places to start.

1. Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John): I recommend these to be the first one that you start with as they give different accounts of our Savior Jesus Christ. It helps you understand in depth why we need a Savior and how he’s the only way for us to be able to have a connection and relationship with our Heavenly Father. Now for me it’s hard for me to tell you which one is my favorite, because I love all 4 for different reasons. Which if you’d like to know I’d share it in another blog. How should you go about reading through the Gospels? That’s a great question, I’m glad you asked 😉. If you are wanting to read through the Gospels you can do so in 30 days, if you read 3 chapters a day. You can also take your time and study through these books and enjoy learning about our Savior and how he died for you, and how you should love him with all your heart. Because he first loved us (1John4:19) A little personal note I’d like to share is that every time I read through the Gospels I tear up. Because of what he endured for us.

2. Proverbs: Now this book of the Bible you know was going to make it in the top 3 for sure. This were the first book I read when I returned back to Christ December 2021. I read a Proverb a day. This book is known for its wisdom in EVERY aspect of your life. From finances, marriage, friendships etc. It’s jammed pack with everything that you need to gain wisdom in your walk of life. We are supposed to to grow and gain wisdom not assume we have all the answers. I usually read Proverbs 4 times a year, I pick a month where there’s 31 days and I read a proverb a day. Those 4 times a year I will read in a different translation every time. In doing so, I gain something new every time that applies to me in that season of time. I highly, highly recommend reading Proverbs and sometimes if you are stuck with what to read or your in between books. Read a Proverb for that day I guarantee it will speak to you and be exactly what you need to hear that day.

3. Ecclesiastes: This book here is what I call the “Reality Check”. When you need to get back in tune with reality and realize what’s important I highly recommend reading Ecclesiastes. Every time I need to regain focus on the real true meaning of life and what is really important, I read this book here. This book also offers wisdom as well, also Solomon talk about the very things that we talk about everyday and make a priority that shouldn’t be a priority. Because what we really should prioritize is a relationship with God.

4. Psalms: Everyone knows and has heard the famous Psalm 23. This is a Psalm that everyone has heard at least once, but the book of Psalms is worth reading because it deals so much with emotions, and how we should express those emotions to and with God. Psalms show how we can bring all our feelings and emotions to God at any time rather you’re on the mountain top or in the darkest valley. It shows keeping him first and expressing ourselves to God and how we should prioritize him. In doing so he will remain and be with us and guide us through those times of darkness. So take all your thoughts, feelings, emotions to the Lord. Sometimes when I am feeling a strong intense emotion I write about it and put it into a Psalm to God and pray to him through what ever it may be. That always lifts me from anything that I may be feeling. Give it a try and let me know how this worked for you in your quiet time with God.

5. Job: When you are wondering why things are happening, and why? This is a GREAT book to turn too. This book helps you to get an understanding of something we all experience from time to time, and that’s pain in suffering. We’ve all experienced times of “ Why me?, Why do I have to always experience pain?” However the book of Job shows the perfect example of how to remain true and continue to praise, and not lose faith, and hope in God during the time of suffering. However Job did bring his feelings and concerns to God which is where we should take ours in the time of suffering.

6. Jonah: I recommend this book to anyone that is running from a calling from God, and those that are angry with God as well. We all have been a Jonah before and we all have or may even currently running from God on something he’s called us to do. I know that I did the same thing with creating this website and space here. This book also how God will shift our path and plans to get us to do what he’s called us to do. Also shows how we can not, well should not get mad when God blesses those that we may be in different of as well.

7. James: I love the book of James it’s like the New Testament version of Proverbs. It lets you know how to practically apply that wisdom as a Christ follower. It talks about the things we should be doing more of such as, being quick to hear, slow to speak. (James 1:19,20) It talks about how we should watch our words a tame the tongue (James 3) and just so much good valuable wisdom. I usually read the book of James sometimes after I go through Proverbs. I also will sometimes read the book when I want to see how to apply some practical wisdom on a particular situation. So I highly do recommend reading this after reading Proverbs, as well as just in general.

   The list of recommendations can go on and on but these are 7 that I would recommend to a new believer as to where to start in their bible. Once again Congratulations, and Blessings to you on your journey with Christ. Also, tell me What book would you recommend to someone, may they be a new or seasoned believer? Thank you for taking the time to read, blessings to you♥️