Start

You don’t have to know everything…

…You just have to take the first step.

Welcome

If you’re new…

First of all…

Welcome.

Seriously.

Nobody starts out knowing the Bible.

Every pastor…
Every leader…
Every Christian…

Started exactly where you are.

So don’t worry about having all the answers.

Just keep showing up.

God has a way of meeting people who are willing to take the next step.

WHAT IS THE BIBLE?

📖 It’s One Story

The Bible isn’t a collection of random books.

It’s one incredible story about God’s love for people and His plan to rescue the world through Jesus.

❤️ It’s About Jesus

Every page points to Him.

Some pages point forward.

Some point back.

But the whole story leads to Jesus.

🧭 Your Compass

The Bible doesn’t just fill your head with information.

It gives your life direction.

Want to learn more about the Compass? Read more below in “Where Should I Start”.

WHERE SHOULD I START?

If you’ve never really read the Bible before, don’t start at the beginning.

Don’t start in Genesis.

Don’t start in Revelation.

Start here.

Read the Gospel of John.

Why John?

Because it was written so people would know who Jesus is.

John tells the story of Jesus…who He is, why He came, and why He changes everything. It’s one of the easiest places to begin because it helps you get to know Jesus first.

You don’t have to understand everything the first time you read it. Just keep showing up. God has a way of meeting people who are willing to take the next step.

📱 Read It Online

One of the easiest ways to start is with the YouVersion Bible App.

It was actually one of the very first free apps available when app stores launched, and today millions of people around the world use it every day to read God’s Word.

You can download it for free on your phone or read online from almost anywhere.

📖 But Here’s My Recommendation…

📖 Start with a Bible You Can Touch, See, and…Yes…Write In!

As great as apps are, nothing replaces a real Bible. There’s something special about holding God’s Word in your hands, turning the pages, and watching it become part of your story over time.

Get a Bible you don’t mind using. Carry it with you. Highlight verses that speak to you. Underline words that stand out. Circle phrases that challenge you. Write questions in the margins. Date the pages when God teaches you something new or answers a prayer.

And don’t worry about “messing it up.” A Bible isn’t meant to stay perfectly clean on a shelf. Those notes, highlights, and worn pages become reminders of the journey God has taken you on. Years from now, you’ll be able to look back and see how He was speaking to you every step of the way.

A Bible isn’t meant to stay perfect.

📓 Start a Compass Journal

The second thing I’d recommend is picking up a simple black-and-white composition notebook.  Nothing fancy.  This will become your Compass Journal.

As you read, write down:

💭 Thoughts
❓ Questions
❤️ What stands out
🙏 Prayers
➡️ One thing you’ll do because of what you read

Over time, you’ll begin to see how God has been leading you, even when you didn’t realize it in the moment.

🤝 Need a Bible?
If you don’t own a Bible…Or you can’t afford one…Please tell me.  Seriously.  I’d love to help you get one.  No questions.  No embarrassment.  No strings attached.  Just send me an email, and we’ll make sure you have a Bible you can call your own.

🧭 Try the S.O.A.P. Method

If you’re not sure what to write, use this simple pattern.

📖 Scripture

Read a passage from God’s Word.

Don’t rush.
Ask yourself:

  • What stands out?
  • What surprises me?
  • What does this teach me about God?
  • What does this teach me about people?

Start by reading the passage once.
Then read it again. Sometimes God speaks the loudest the second time.

💭Observation

Take a moment to notice what you just read. Ask yourself:

  • What is happening?
  • What does this tell me about God?
  • What does this tell me about people?
  • Is there a promise, command, or example I should notice?

Don’t rush to find all the answers. Simply pay attention to what stands out and let God begin to speak through His Word.

The goal isn’t to know everything. Ask “What is God showing me today?”

👣 Application

God’s Word wasn’t meant to just fill your mind. It was meant to change your life. Ask yourself:

  • What is one thing I need to do because of what I read?
  • Is there a habit I need to change?
  • Is there someone I need to forgive, encourage, or pray for?
  • What step is Jesus asking me to take today?

Don’t try to change everything at once.

Choose one simple step and take it.

🙏 Prayer

Prayer isn’t about using the right words. It’s about having an honest conversation with God.

Tell Him what you’re thinking.
Tell Him what you’re feeling.
Thank Him for what He’s showing you.
Ask Him to help you live out what you just read.

You don’t have to impress God. You just have to be real. If you’re not sure what to pray, try something like this:

“God, thank You for speaking to me today. Help me understand Your Word, trust You more, and live what I’ve learned. Amen.”

🧭 Compass Point

God isn’t looking for a perfect prayer. He’s inviting you into a real conversation.