One of my greatest desires is to help people grow in their relationship with God through His Word. But I also know that reading the Bible can sometimes feel overwhelming. Where do I start? How do I understand what I'm reading? How do I stay consistent?
That's why I created this page! Whether you're opening your Bible for the first time or looking to grow deeper in your understanding of Scripture, you'll find simple tools, practical resources, and encouragement to help you along the way.
Remember, the goal isn't just to read the Bible, but to allow the Bible to transform how we live.
Let's keep growing together!
Understand Scripture - Don't just read the Bible. Learn how to understand it.
Reading the Bible is one thing. Understanding what you're reading is another! The good news is that you don't need a theology degree or years of experience to begin understanding God's Word.
The key is learning to slow down, ask good questions, and discover what Scripture is actually saying.
Five simple steps to understanding Scripture:
Pray Before You Read. Ask God to open your heart and help you understand His Word.
Understand the Context. Who wrote this passage? Who was it written to? What was happening at the time?
Look for What Stands Out. Pay attention to repeated words, instructions, promises, and anything that catches your attention.
Discover the Meaning. What was the author communicating to the original audience? What does this reveal about God?
Apply What You Learn. Ask yourself: How should this truth change the way I think, live, or treat others?
The more you practice, the more confident you'll become in understanding and applying God's Word.
BibleProject
Animated videos explaining biblical books, themes, and how to read Scripture. Excellent for beginners and visual learners.
Explore BibleProject
YouVersion Bible App
Free Bible translations, audio Scripture, highlights, reminders, and reading plans people can follow individually or with friends.
Explore YouVersion
Bible Gateway
Helpful for looking up passages, comparing translations, and following structured plans, including chronological and New Testament reading schedules.
Explore Bible Gateway
STEP Bible
An optional advanced resource for people ready to explore original-language words and study passages more deeply.
Explore Step Bible
Still Have Questions?
Whether you're just getting started, struggling to understand a passage, or looking for additional resources, I'd love to help!
Feel free to reach out to me at info@joeysalazar.org, and I'll do my best to answer your questions or point you in the right direction.
Build the Habit - Consistency matters more than how much you read.
Have you ever started a Bible reading plan with excitement, only to fall behind a few days later? You're not alone!
Building a consistent Bible-reading habit doesn't happen overnight. Like any meaningful relationship, growing closer to God requires intentional time together.
But here's something I want to encourage you with: You don't have to read a lot to grow a lot. Start small and stay consistent.
Five simple ways to build the habit:
Start Small. Begin with 5–10 minutes a day. You don't have to read several chapters at once. Focus on understanding what you read.
Choose a Consistent Time. Whether it's first thing in the morning, during lunch, or before bed, find a time that works with your schedule.
Have a Plan. Instead of randomly opening your Bible, follow a reading plan or work through one book at a time.
Remove Distractions. Put your phone away, find a quiet place, and give God your attention.
Give Yourself Grace. If you miss a day, don't give up or feel like you have to start over. Simply pick up where you left off.
Remember: The goal isn't to check a box. The goal is to build a relationship with God and allow His Word to shape your everyday life.
Start where you are, use what you have, and keep showing up.
Where to Start Reading - You don't have to read the Bible from beginning to end to get started.
The Bible is made up of 66 books, written by different authors over thousands of years. With so much to explore, it's normal to wonder, "Where do I even begin?"
Here's the good news: You don't have to start in Genesis and read straight through to Revelation. While every book of the Bible is valuable, some are easier starting points than others.
If you're new to reading the Bible, I encourage you to begin with Jesus. The Gospels introduce us to His life, teachings, miracles, death, and resurrection. From there, you can begin exploring how the rest of Scripture connects to God's bigger story.
Here are five books I'd recommend starting with:
The Gospel of John — Get to Know Jesus
John focuses on who Jesus is and why He came. It's a great starting point for understanding God's love, salvation, and what it means to believe in Jesus.
The Gospel of Mark — Discover How Jesus Lived
Mark is the shortest Gospel and moves quickly through Jesus' ministry. It's a great choice if you're looking for something straightforward and easy to follow.
Psalms — Learn to Connect With God
Psalms is filled with prayers and songs expressing joy, fear, gratitude, frustration, and hope. It reminds us that we can bring every emotion to God.
Proverbs — Find Wisdom for Everyday Life
Proverbs is full of practical wisdom about relationships, decisions, finances, words, and character. It's a great book for learning how to apply biblical principles to daily life.
Acts — See Faith in Action
Acts tells the story of the early Church and how ordinary people, empowered by the Holy Spirit, shared the message of Jesus and lived out their faith.
A Few Tips Before You Begin
Choose a translation you understand. The New International Version (NIV) or New Living Translation (NLT) are great starting points.
Start with one chapter a day. Don't worry about reading large portions. Focus on understanding what you read.
Ask questions. What does this teach me about God? What stands out? How can I apply this to my life?
Don't rush. Some passages will be easier to understand than others. That's okay!
Keep going. You don't have to understand everything on your first read.
Remember: Reading the Bible isn't a race to finish. It's an opportunity to know God, recognize His voice through Scripture, and allow His Word to transform your life.
Start somewhere. Stay curious. Keep growing.
Helpful Resources for Your Bible Reading Journey
The Bible, Simplfied
The Bible, Simplified by Zach Windahl makes the Bible easier to understand by breaking down its overall story and helping readers confidently connect Scripture to everyday life.
Explore The Bible, Simplfied
How to Successfully Read & Study the Bible
How to Successfully Read & Study the Bible by Meri Duarte is a practical, beginner-friendly guide filled with simple Bible study methods, helpful resources, and tips for understanding Scripture and building a consistent reading habit.
