Question: Dr. Tony, for a long time, I haven’t been diligent about reading the Bible, but I want that to change. Where should I begin to read?
Answer:
The beautiful thing about your question is that it reveals hunger—hunger for God, hunger for truth, hunger for transformation. And here’s the good news: whenever you desire to draw closer to God, it’s because He’s already drawing close to you (James 4:8). Bible reading isn’t just a discipline; it’s a divine invitation into relationship.
The first step is to create a simple plan—set a time, choose a quiet place, and guard that moment like treasure. Life is loud, and distractions are real. A busy schedule can easily crowd out the gentle whisper of God’s voice. But when you carve out sacred space, you’re telling the Lord, “Speak, for Your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:10).
When it comes to where to start, don’t feel pressure to read the Bible like a traditional book from front to back. Scripture isn’t merely a book, it’s a living conversation between heaven and earth (Hebrews 4:12). Many believers find life-giving rhythms by reading portions from both the Old and New Testament.
A great place to begin is the book of Proverbs. With 31 chapters, you can read one each day, receiving Kingdom wisdom for real-life situations. Proverbs is like God’s daily dose of clarity, discernment, and direction.
On the New Testament side, consider starting with the Gospel of Mark. It’s action-packed, straightforward, and gives a powerful overview of Jesus’ ministry. You’ll see the miracles, the message, and the Messiah Himself calling you deeper into the Kingdom of God (Mark 1:14–15).
But let me say this with love: these are just suggestions. The Holy Spirit may nudge you somewhere else depending on what your heart needs in this season. The key is to slow down. Don’t rush. This isn’t about meeting a quota, this is about meeting with Jesus. Before you read, pray for understanding. After you read, sit with it. Meditate on the Word like Psalm 1 encourages, and thank God for what He revealed.
As you do this consistently, the Holy Spirit will awaken a joy for Scripture—peace will increase, direction will become clearer, and your love for God’s Word will grow. Before you know it, reading the Bible will no longer feel like a task…it will feel like life.
