• Menu
  • Skip to right header navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary navigation
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Before Header

  • BECOME A MEMBER: >> The Homemaker’s Circle – Just $7.00!! <<

A Virtuous Woman: A Proverbs 31 Ministry

Purpose not Perfection | Faith, Home, & Family

  • The Blog
  • 10 Virtues
  • Abundant Living
  • Family Life
  • At Home
  • The Recipe Box
  • Homemaking Classes
  • Shop
  • The Blog
  • Homemaking Classes
  • Shop
  • 10 Virtues
  • Abundant Living
  • Family Life
  • At Home
  • The Recipe Box
  • The Plan of Salvation
  • Free Quick Start Guide
  • How to Start a Blog
  • Disclosure & Privacy Policies
The Ultimate Guide to Reading the Bible for Beginners @ AVirtuousWoman.org

The Ultimate Guide to Reading the Bible for Beginners

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16,17

This post may contain affiliate links. You can read my disclosure policy here.

If you’re desiring a closer walk with Jesus, reading your Bible on a regular basis will be life changing. Today I’m talking about reading the Bible for beginners or how to get started reading your Bible.

The Ultimate Guide to Reading the Bible for Beginners @ AVirtuousWoman.org

First, before we get into reading the Bible for beginners, I wanted to share a few thoughts I’ve had this week. We’ve been in social isolation at our house for seven weeks now. At first it felt like a big adjustment. I think the first couple weeks were the hardest.

At least for me. I needed to find a new normal.

Since we’ve been home so much more than usual, I’ve found I’m enjoying the slower pace. Life is quiet. Each day presents much the same as before. Like a quiet routine.

I spend more time relaxing. My house is clean. I don’t have the pressure of meeting appointments and keeping a strict schedule. I don’t have to get up at 4 am.

I spend my days puttering around the house doing cozy things.

  • I’ve been planting a garden.
  • I play with our new puppy, Marlowe.
  • I sit and talk to my girls.
  • I sit in the sunshine.
  • We take walks.
  • I work on my writing.
  • I clean the house and cook new recipes.
  • I spend evenings watching sermons from It is Written and sometimes we’ll watch a movie.
Marlowe, our Irish Setter puppy - 8 Weeks old
Marlowe, our Irish Setter puppy – 8 Weeks old

It’s peaceful. It reminds me of this verse:

“Aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands.” 1 Thessalonians 4:11

I don’t expect this to last forever. Soon enough we’ll be back to our normal schedule. And that’s okay too. I do miss the adventures.

But for now, I think I’m going to enjoy this quiet life just a little more.

Reading the Bible for Beginners

Reading the Bible doesn’t have to be overwhelming. And it certainly shouldn’t be something you dread. Sometimes it’s easy to get hung up the idea that you “should” be reading your Bible that you feel guilty for not doing it.

Just remember, there’s no right or wrong way to read your Bible. Every time you open your Bible, God is going to speak to you. It’s His words written there!

The human mind is like a sponge. It soaks up whatever you expose it to. Reading the Word of God will help you think about and dwell on spiritual things.

“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” Joshua 1:8 ESV

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16,17 ESV

The Bible is a big book with a lot of pages. 

    • 66 books in the Bible
    • 1,189 chapters in the Bible

You’ll always learn something when you read God’s Word and you’ll experience new insights and understanding every time you read a passage – even if you’ve read it many times before.

How to Get Started Reading the Bible

If you’re new to reading the Bible, knowing where to start can seem a little overwhelming. However, I want to share a few tips that can make reading the Bible easier for beginners.

  1. Pick a specific book of the Bible that you would like to read. Many people like to read Palms or Proverbs because it’s easier to comprehend and full of encouraging verses. When I first started reading the Bible, I decided to read the shortest books first!
  2. Choose a version of the Bible that’s easy for you to read and understand. As you mature in your Bible studying, you may explore and read many different versions of the Bible. However, it’s important to initially choose a Bible version easy enough to read that you don’t feel discouraged or frustrated.
  3. You don’t have to start at the beginning. Many feel like they have to begin in Genesis (the first book of the Bible) and work their way through to Revelation (the last book of the Bible). However, the best way to read the Bible as a beginner is whatever way inspires you to keep reading.
  4. You don’t have to read a lot at a time. Take it in stride and read a little bit every day. Write down the bit that you read every day. This will help you absorb it a bit better. You can read as little as a few verses or a chapter. If you read three to four chapters a day you can finish reading the entire Bible in one year.
  5. Pray before, after, and during your Bible reading time. God will speak to your heart what He wants to you to understand from the verse. It doesn’t take a seasoned Bible reader or theologian to hear God speak to your heart.

The Ultimate Guide to Reading the Bible for Beginners @ AVirtuousWoman.org

Where to Start Reading if You’re New to the Bible

Psalms and Proverbs are always a great choice to begin reading because they are simple and full of encouraging verses.

It’s usually not hard to comprehend the context and meaning behind these verses and they are beautiful when applied to our lives.

Other great books to start with are Romans and the gospel of John.

  • Romans is a wonderful overview of what living the gospel is all about. Romans answers a lot of questions new Christians might have.
  • John gives a wonderful and concise glance of Jesus and His ministry while here on Earth. This is vital information to new believers.

Should You Read the Bible Every Day?

Yes! I would always encourage you spend even just a few minutes each day in God’s Word. Reading the Bible every day can greatly impact your day for the better. God speaks to us through His Word.

It gives us strength, helps us remember or find our purpose, gives us encouragement, etc. Think about that one person that always makes you feel better. When you feel awful, you go to them and feel so much better. That’s what reading the Bible does on a daily basis. Reading it every day fuels you to take on whatever might come our way.

Reading the Bible doesn’t have to be challenging and once you get started reading the Bible you’ll find it’s not nearly as intimidating as you may have once thought.

How Long Does It Take to Read a Chapter a Day?

It takes around 10 minutes (or less) to read a chapter of the Bible per day. If you’re a slower reader, it could take up to 15-20 minutes. Some chapters are longer than others but, this is the average based on most chapters.

How Long Does It Take to Read the Bible in One Year?

If you read about 3-4 chapters a day, you’ll be able to read the entire Bible in a year. For the average person, this is about 30-40 minutes of reading a day. For some, it might be quicker or a bit slower, depending. Overall, it takes 70 hours and 40 minutes to read the entire Bible, for the average person.

Apps to Help You Read the Bible

The best app I’ve run across is the Bible app. It’s the most downloaded app and for good reason. Not only does it give you multiple options for reading through the Bible in a year, 90 days, 30 days, etc. but it also gives you special devotions. It offers quite a few versions of the Bible and so much more.

Bible.is is my favorite app for listening to the Bible. You can listen to the Bible dramatized which I’ve found makes the stories come alive. This app is also great for listening to the Bible with your whole family.

Audible is another great app option for reading the Bible that you can listen to while you’re doing other tasks. Daily Bible Verse is an app I have enjoyed as well.

Chapters that Cover Specific Doctrines

There are some popular topics that are important for a Bible reading plan for beginners. Below, you will find the specific chapters or verses where you can find ten of the most popular topics to study in the Bible.

  • Creation and the Flood – Genesis Chapters 1-8 cover the creation and the flood.
  • Abraham and the Promise – Genesis Chapters 12-25 tell all about Abraham and his journey through the promise God gave him.
  • Belief in God the Father, Jesus Christ as the Son of God, and the Holy Spirit – 1 John chapter 4, and 5. John chapter 1, 3, and 20. 2 Timothy chapter 1. Ephesians chapter 4. 1 Corinthians chapter 8. Colossians chapter 1.
  • The Ten Commandments – The ten commandments can be found in Exodus chapter 20 or Deuteronomy chapter 5.
  • The Birth of Jesus – This story can be found in Matthew chapter 1 and Luke chapter 2.
  • The Death, Resurrection, and Ascension of Christ – John chapter 7, 14, 16, and 20. Mark chapter 16, and Luke chapter 24.
  • Christ’s Second Coming, the Day of Judgement and Salvation of the Faithful – John chapter 14. 2 Corinthians chapter 5. Ephesians chapter 2.
  • The Fall of Man, Sin, – we’ve all sinned and need a savior – Romans chapter 3.
  • The Everlasting Gospel & How to Be Saved – Romans chapter 10.
  • Becoming a New Creation – 2 Corinthians chapter 5.

Deciding When and Where to Read the Bible

If you want to make reading the Bible a priority in your life, it’s important to decide when and where you will read your Bible. It’s easy when we are just getting started reading the Bible to be excited for a few days and then let the practice of reading the Bible fall by the wayside when life gets hectic.

One way for beginners reading the Bible to not let that happen is to dedicate a specific time and place for reading the Bible. Remember, it takes roughly 28 days for something to become a habit so if you want to making reading the Bible a daily habit, you have to practice it!

Everyone is different and what works for me might not work for you. For instance, you may find that waking up earlier than your family is the easiest way for you to find time to read the Bible.

If you have a newborn or young infant – or even a toddler – you may struggle to wake up any earlier than you already do. That’s okay! Don’t ever think that God forsakes you when you find yourself in the trenches of motherhood.

For most women who do not work outside the home (and often if you do) spending time in prayer and devotion before you get started with the rest of your day will probably work best. But do what works best for you!

related: 5 of the Best Devotions for Moms

Or, if you have a commute in the car each day, listening to a Bible app might be an easy way to get your Bible reading time in each day. You can even pray during your drive – just don’t close your eyes. You can talk to God wherever you are.

Action Steps to Take Today

  1. Choose a Bible version you enjoy reading. You can compare different versions of the Bible here.
  2. Decide which book of the Bible you’d like to start with. Or choose one of my free printable topical Bible reading plans in our Free Resource Library. Just fill out the form below.
  3. Decide what time of the day will work best for you and where you will read your Bible.
  4. Practice reading your Bible for the next 30 days to make it a habit!

Free Printable Gospel of John Reading Plan

Read The Gospel of John in 30 Days | Scripture Reading Plan @ AVirtuousWoman.org

How to Download

Just fill out the form below. You’ll receive and email with the link to download this Bible Reading Plan –  a perfect way to start reading the Bible for beginners – in my Free Resource Library.

Tweet
Share
Pin14
Share
14 Shares

About Melissa Ringstaff

My name is Melissa Ringstaff and I've been blogging here at A Virtuous Woman since 2001. I'm a pastor's wife and homeschooling mom living in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains of Southeastern KY. I believe in finding freedom from perfection and living life with purpose and I want to help you do exactly that.

I'm so glad you've stopped by to visit with me. I hope we can be friends!

You may also enjoy reading these posts:

A Simple Morning Workout Anyone Can Do @ AVirtuousWoman.org

A Simple Morning Workout Anyone Can Do | 8 Simple Exercises

Bible

Good Habits | 5 Habits to Develop Like the Proverbs 31 Woman

10 Virtuous Women in the Bible @ AVirtuousWoman.org

9 Virtuous Women of the Bible

25 Names of Jesus Advent Cards @ AVirtuousWoman.org

25 Names of Jesus | Free Printable Scripture Advent Cards

Teaching Kids to Be More Thankful @ AVirtuousWoman.org

Teaching Children to be More Thankful

Getting in God's Word | Study the Word Worksheets @ AVirtuousWoman.org

Getting in God’s Word | 4 Simple Steps

30 Morning Prayer Prompts | Printable Prayer Prompts @ AVirtuousWoman.org

Morning Prayer Prompts | Free Printable Prayer Prompts

Guard Your Heart Bible Reading Plan | Free Printable @ AVirtuousWoman.org

How to Guard Your Heart + Free Printable Bible Reading Plan

The Four Horsemen of the Apolcalypse Bible Study @ AVirtuousWoman.org

The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse | What is the Meaning?

Increase Our Faith | Proverbs 31 Devotion @ AVirtuousWoman.org

Increase Our Faith | Proverbs 31 Devotions

Printable Prayer Journal @ AVirtuousWoman.org

Printable Prayer Journal | Bible and Prayer Notebook to Download

Free Printable Bible Reading Plans @ AVirtuousWoman.org

Bible Reading Plans for the Proverbs 31 Woman | Free Printable

This post may contain affiliate links. You can read my disclosure policy here.

Join the 7 Day Challenge

Previous Post: « Reset Button + Why You Need a Routine
Next Post: The Second Coming of Christ The Second Coming of Jesus Christ @ AVirtuousWoman.org»

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Free Online Conference

Welcome

Hi There! My name is Melissa Ringstaff and I believe that being a Proverbs 31 Woman isn't about being perfect. Here at A Virtuous Woman you'll find freedom from perfection and the confidence to live your life with purpose.


How to Start Blogging as a Ministry

How to Start Blogging as a Ministry

Footer

How to Study the Bible

  • Bible Study Methods
  • Does the Bible Interpret Itself?
  • Reading the Bible for Beginners
  • How to Start Reading the Bible Daily
  • The SOAP Bible Study Method

Helpful Links

  • The Modern Proverbs 31 Woman
  • The Art of Homemaking
  • From Chaos to Calm: 75 Day Series
  • When You Feel Unlovable
  • Perfection is NOT Required | How to Let Go of Perfectionism

A Simple Guide to Proverbs 31 Explained for Modern Women @ AVirtuouswoman.org

  • The Plan of Salvation
  • Subscribe
  • Resource Library Login
  • How to Start a Blog
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Disclosure & Privacy Policies

Site Footer

Free Proverbs 31 Bible Study Guide for Modern Day Women

Get instant access to my free Bible study guide on the 10 Virtues of the Proverbs 31 Woman.

 

purposenotperfection

Freedom from perfection. 🪁
Live with purpose. ✝️
Proverbs 31 for modern women. 👱‍♀️
Wife + Mama + Homemaker + Kentucky
Life: @melissa.ringstaff

Melissa Ringstaff
Not gonna lie. 2020 was a hard year. And not just Not gonna lie. 2020 was a hard year. And not just because there was a pandemic. Our family has faced many trying times in the past but 2020 gave us some doozies.  I’m looking forward to a new year. The beginning of the new year always feels like a fresh start to me. It feels like HOPE.  But the truth is, whatever heartaches and hardships you and I were facing on Dec. 31 will most likely still be there on Jan. 1.  That’s why it’s hard to keep New Years resolutions. It’s easy to feel motivated for a few days or a couple weeks until we realize life hasn’t really changed and things are still hard.  But if we want to see real change it takes hard work and real effort. It takes showing up every day - even when it’s hard.  Whether that means working on your fractured relationships or setting healthy boundaries or cultivating self disciple... whatever that hard thing is that you need to work on ... it will only get better if you work on it.  We aren’t promised an easy life. But we are promised an “Ever Present Help in times of trouble.” Psalm 46:1  *
*
*
#faithblogger #faithfulness #faithandfamily #bibleverseaday #christianbloggers #dailyverses #christianlife #jesuscalling #shereadstruth#proverbs31women #proverbs31life #10virtues #daughteroftheking #jesuslovesme #womenoffaith #faithquotes #proverbs31
We’re coming into the new year with all the same We’re coming into the new year with all the same problems we had in the last year. And that’s okay! Life doesn’t have to be perfect to still be amazing. Perfectionism is a joy stealer. Let’s determine to enjoy life right now in all its messiness.  I believe you can find freedom from perfection and the confidence to live your life with purpose. #purposenotperfection  #christian #Jesus #love #quotes #quoteslife #quotestoliveby #godisgood #votd #lifequotes #inspirationalquotes #life #motivationalquotes #inspiration #bible #bb #bestoftheday #happiness #wordofgod
🏠 Being a homemaker is such an important role. 🏠 Being a homemaker is such an important role. It’s a ministry to your family and all who enter your home.  But I want you to know: You don’t have to be perfect. ❤️  There’s a fine line between teaching your children to be neat and insisting on perfection. No one can meet that kind of standard and it can be detrimental to the emotional health of your family.  What we want for our homes is to provide a space that is neat and clean enough that your family and friends feel comfortable and well loved.  There is freedom in accepting the fact that you’re not perfect. Not to make excuses for slovenliness - but to give yourself grace.  It’s when we recognize our weakness that we find ourselves reaching out to Jesus to receive the power that comes only from him. As homemakers, when we can find grace for the moment when we accept His Gift.  “But now for a brief moment grace has been shown from the LORD our God, to leave us an escaped remnant and to give us a peg in His holy place, that our God may enlighten our eyes and grant us a little reviving in our bondage. Ezra 9:8  Let His Grace wash over you, cleanse your weary heart. Homemaking isn’t about creating a perfect space. It’s about creating a home where loved ones feel cared for and nurtured. 
*
*
*
#proverbs31 #proverbs31woman #purpose31 #10virtues #homemaking #homemakingministries #happyhomemaking #homemaking101 #cleanhome #cleanheart #fromchaostocalm #housekeeping #cleaningroutine #inspiredhome #makingahome #lovewhereyoudwell #homemaker #homebody #biblicalHomemaking #wearethehomemakers
❤️Your attitude about homemaking matters.⠀
⠀
A homemaker by definition is someone who manages and makes a home. 🏠⠀
⠀
But, anyone can clean and organize a home. ⠀
⠀
☑️ Homemaking is about more than checking off the items on your to do list.⠀
⠀
Learning how to be a homemaker means you learn how to make your home feel like haven of peace and love. You seek out ways to make your home feel inviting. You work at it.⠀
⠀
There is no easy button for homemaking. There are easier, more efficient ways to do chores, but the chores still have to be done. If you live in a house, you will create the need for the house to be tidied every day and cleaned on a regular basis.⠀
⠀
Having the right attitude about homemaking is the first step in learning how to be a homemaker.⠀
⠀
The good news is, even if you’ve been struggling with your homemaking, you can always go to God and ask Him for help. ⠀
⠀
He sees the unseen work of your hands. And He loves you very, very much. He wants to help you succeed. ⠀
*⠀
*⠀
*⠀
* ⠀
⠀
#proverbs31 #proverbs31woman #purpose31 #10virtues #homemaking #homemakingministries #happyhomemaking #homemaking101 #cleanhome #cleanheart #fromchaostocalm #housekeeping #cleaningroutine #inspiredhome #makingahome #lovewhereyoudwell #homemaker #homebody #biblicalHomemaking  #youngwife #housewife
🙏 If you’ve found it difficult to have a regu 🙏 If you’ve found it difficult to have a regular time with Jesus every day, you’re not alone. Lots of busy Christian women struggle to find time for a daily prayer and devotion time. ⠀
⠀
But I still want to encourage you to start your day with God! ⠀
⠀
⏰ If it’s hard to spend 30 minutes in the morning for a quiet time, I want you to remember you can still begin your day with God – even if that means saying a short prayer before your feet hit the floor in the morning.⠀
⠀
✝️ I also want to encourage you to memorize this verse:⠀
⠀
“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you.⠀
Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.” Psalm 143:8 📖⠀
⠀
In the morning you can recite this verse and say a prayer. It doesn’t have to take a long time. Although – if you do have time – you will be greatly blessed by spending more time in prayer and devotion.⠀
⠀
📌 Free Printable Morning Prayer Prompts on the blog today: https://avirtuouswoman.org/morning-prayer-prompts/  #linkinbio ⠀
*⠀
*⠀
*⠀
*⠀
*⠀
#faithblogger #faithfulness #faithandfamily #bibleverseaday #christianbloggers #dailyverses #christianlife #jesuscalling #shereadstruth #Christ #Church #Christian #Jesus #Jesuslover #JesusChrist #JesusisLord #CreatorGod #Devotional #verseoftheday #Love #Faith #biblestudy #God #dailydevotional
🏠 As a homemaker, one of my goals is to be inte 🏠 As a homemaker, one of my goals is to be intentional with how I plan our days. I love any opportunity to create a good memories at home for my family and guests. ⠀⠀
⠀⠀
📌 If you're looking to make this holiday season really special, you need to be intentional. Goodness knows 2020 has had a lot of ups and downs. And maybe you feel like it's been mostly downs. ⠀⠀
⠀⠀
🎄 But the holiday season is a chance to focus on celebrating the life we have right now. Things don't need to be perfect for us to celebrate life right now!!⠀⠀
 ⠀⠀
☑️ Inside the pages of my Purpose 31 holiday planner, you'll find 8 weeks of planning and cleaning all laid out for you. Recipe pages, journaling pages, and more - 120 pages total. ⠀⠀
⠀⠀
✏️ The Purpose 31 Holiday Planner is by far one of the most popular resource I produce each year. ⠀⠀
⠀⠀
Thousands of women have downloaded it over the last four years I've offered it.⠀⠀
 ⠀⠀
So, even though it's early still, you can go ahead and downlaod it. Print it out and then set it up so you're ready to go.⠀⠀
 ⠀⠀
I usually take my holiday planner down to Office Depot and have them spiral bind it with a plastic cover for about $5.00. This year, though, I just bought a new 3 ring binder at Walmart, printed off extra cover pages to slip in the clear sleeve, and created a binder with it. ⠀⠀
⠀
📌📌📌 If you use the planner this year, be sure to share and tag me in your photos! ❤️⠀  Download: https://avirtuouswoman.org/holiday-planner/ #linkinbio
⠀⠀
⠀⠀
#proverbs31 #proverbs31woman #purpose31 #10virtues #homemaking #homemakingministries #happyhomemaking #homemaking101 #cleanhome #cleanheart #fromchaostocalm #housekeeping #cleaningroutine #inspiredhome #makingahome #lovewhereyoudwell #homemaker #homebody #biblicalHomemaking #christmas #holidayplanning #planningaddict #plannercommunity #freeprintables #thanksgiving #christmastree  #plannerobsessed
Load More... Follow Me on Instagram

Copyright © 2021 A Virtuous Woman · All Rights Reserved.

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. I'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Non-necessary

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.