How to Start Reading the Bible for Beginners (and Actually Understand It)

If you’ve ever opened the Bible, stared at the page, and thought…

“What does this even mean?”
“Where do I start?”
“Am I even doing this right?”

You’re not alone.
Millions of people—believers and seekers alike—want to read the Bible, but find it confusing, overwhelming, or even intimidating.

The good news?
God never intended His Word to be a mystery.

🤯 The Problem: Too Many Choices, Not Enough Guidance

Between dozens of translations, thousands of pages, and thousands more opinions on “the right way to read,” it’s easy to get discouraged before you even begin.

You might ask:

• “Do I start in Genesis… or John?”
• “Is the Old Testament still relevant?”
• “What if I don’t understand what I’m reading?”
• “Can I even trust myself to interpret this?”

These are all valid questions.
And HolyJot was created to guide you through them—not around them.

📖 The Bible Is Meant to Be Understood—By You

“The unfolding of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.”
— Psalm 119:130 (NIV)

This verse doesn’t say you need a seminary degree.
It says God’s Word is for you.
To illuminate your path.
To speak to your heart.
To change your life—right where you are.

🖥️ Enter HolyJot: Your Digital Bible Companion

HolyJot’s online Bible (New International Version) at holyjot.com/discover/bible-new-international-version is:

🖱️ Easy to navigate (choose any book, chapter, or verse)

📱 Mobile-friendly (read from your phone or tablet)

✍️ Connected to your journal (so you can reflect in real time)

🤖 Powered by “Faith,” your built-in AI journaling companion who can help explain verses, suggest insights, or guide your prayers

No more flipping through pages, getting lost, or giving up.
HolyJot gives you a Bible reading experience designed for the real you.

🙏 Breath Prayer:

Inhale: “Your Word is for me…”
Exhale: “…and I will not be afraid of it.”

The Best Place to Start Reading the Bible (Hint: It’s Not Genesis)

A lot of beginners make the same mistake:
They open the Bible to page one—Genesis—and try to read it like a novel.

And while Genesis is powerful and foundational, the Bible wasn’t meant to be read in strict chronological order.

Starting at the beginning can leave you confused by genealogies, ancient rituals, or long sections of laws before you’ve even encountered the heart of the Gospel.

❤️ Start With Jesus

If you want to understand the Bible, start with the One it all points to:
Jesus.

The best place for beginners is the Gospel of John.
Here’s why:

• It’s easy to read but theologically rich
• It introduces Jesus as both God and Savior
• It shows you the heart and character of God
• It focuses on belief, purpose, and eternal life

📍 How to Start in John on HolyJot

Go to https://www.holyjot.com/discover/bible-new-international-version/john

Read slowly—just a few verses at a time

Pause and begin writing in the HolyJot journal. 

Ask: “What stands out? What confuses me? What is God showing me?”

Remember, HolyJot is designed to make this seamless:

You can highlight verses

Reflect directly in your journal pane

Ask “Faith,” your AI companion, what a verse means or how to apply it

🗂️ Other Great Starting Points (After John):

• Psalms (for learning how to talk to God)
• Proverbs (for wisdom in daily life)
• Luke (another Gospel, with more historical context)
• Philippians (short, joyful, and encouraging)

But don’t rush.
Start with John, and let that journey anchor your understanding.

“But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.”
— John 20:31 (NIV)

🙏 Breath Prayer:

Inhale: “Help me start well…”
Exhale: “…and see Jesus clearly.”

How to Understand What You’re Reading (Without a Theology Degree)

The Bible isn’t just ancient text—it’s living truth.
But let’s be honest: some verses feel confusing.
That’s why understanding Scripture is not about being a Bible expert—
It’s about learning to read it with a heart that listens and tools that help.

🧠 Tip #1: Don’t Just Read—Ask Questions

Good Bible readers are good question-askers.
After reading a verse or passage, ask:

• “What does this reveal about God?”
• “What’s happening in this passage?”
• “What’s the main point?”
• “Is there a promise, command, or truth to hold onto?”

✍️ Use Your HolyJot Journal to Answer

After reading, open a new HolyJot entry titled with the verse or passage.
Then journal:

• What stood out to you
• What questions you have
• How it connects to your life right now

Don’t worry if you don’t have perfect answers—God meets you in the reflection.

🤖 When You’re Stuck, Ask “Faith”

HolyJot’s built-in journaling companion, Faith, is your personal guide.
You can ask her:

• “What does John 3:16 mean?”
• “Explain Psalm 23 in simple terms.”
• “How do I apply this verse to my anxiety?”

Faith won’t replace the Holy Spirit—but she’ll help illuminate what’s already there, much like a Bible mentor or study guide.

📖 Tip #2: Read Slowly and Repeatedly

Understanding comes with repetition:

• Read the same passage a few times
• Try reading it out loud
• Highlight keywords and phrases
• Use the “Note” function to jot one big takeaway

🔄 Tip #3: Let Scripture Interpret Scripture

If one passage feels confusing, look for others that clarify it.
HolyJot includes cross-reference tools:

• Collect related verses
• Compare how different parts of the Bible talk about the same topic
• Begin to build your own “thematic map” of understanding

“The Holy Spirit… will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”
— John 14:26 (NIV)

You don’t have to figure it all out on your own.
God is with you as your teacher.

🙏 Breath Prayer:

Inhale: “Teach me, Lord…”
Exhale: “…I want to understand You.”

The Power of Reflection — Why Journaling Deepens Bible Understanding

It’s one thing to read the Bible.
It’s another thing to engage with it.

When you take time to reflect on what you read—by writing it down, asking questions, and praying through it—you move from information to transformation.

That’s where journaling becomes your superpower.

🧠 Reading Without Reflecting = Missing the Meaning

Think about it:

• Reading without reflection is like eating without chewing.
• You consume something good—but your body doesn’t digest it.
• In the same way, spiritual digestion happens when you pause, process, and personalize what you’ve read.

This is why HolyJot combines Scripture + journaling in one seamless experience.

✍️ How to Reflect Using HolyJot

After you read a chapter (like John 1), open a journal entry and respond to these 3 prompts:

• What does this say about God’s character?
• What is God saying to me personally?
• What do I feel invited to do or believe today?

This turns your reading from passive to powerful.

🧘‍♀️ Use the “Faith” Companion for Guided Reflection

Stuck on what to write?
Ask Faith to give you:

• A journaling prompt based on the passage
• A sample prayer
• A summary of the main message in plain language

She’s not here to replace your voice—just to help you find it.

🧠 Bible + Journal = Growth You Can See

When you reflect regularly, you’ll start to:

• Notice themes in your life
• Remember more of what you read
• Recognize answered prayers
• See spiritual growth over time
• Feel a real, ongoing relationship with God forming

You’ll move beyond “checking the box” and into a rhythm of real intimacy.

“But the one who looks intently into the perfect law… and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.”
— James 1:25 (NIV)

Reflection leads to transformation.
Journaling is how you hold on to what God is saying.

🙏 Breath Prayer:

Inhale: “Make this personal…”
Exhale: “…write Your Word on my heart.”

What to Do When You Miss a Day (or Lose Motivation)

Let’s be real—you’re going to miss a day. Or several.
Life will get busy. Stress will creep in. Your motivation might drop.

But here’s the beautiful truth about Bible journaling with HolyJot:

God doesn’t keep score.
He simply invites you back—every time—with open arms.

🛑 Guilt is Not From God

If you’ve ever thought:

• “I’ve failed at this again.”
• “I’ll never be consistent enough.”
• “What’s the point if I keep falling behind?”

That’s shame talking, not the Holy Spirit.

God is not asking for perfection.
He’s asking for presence—today.

🔁 Get Back on Track—Gracefully

Here’s what to do when you fall off:

Open HolyJot. Don’t overthink it. Just log in.

Start a new journal entry and title it “Picking Back Up.”

Write honestly:

• “Lord, I’ve been distracted.”
• “I’ve missed our time.”
• “Help me restart with joy, not guilt.”

Open the Book of Psalms or John and read just a few verses.

Reflect, even briefly. That’s enough.

⛪ HolyJot Helps You Restart Without Pressure

There's no checklist to fail.

No "perfect streak" to protect.

Your journal will never shame you for gaps.

In fact, gaps can be some of your most honest journal entries.

The point isn’t perfection.
The point is that you keep coming back.

💬 Need Motivation? Ask “Faith” for Help

If you’re feeling spiritually dry, type into HolyJot’s companion:

“I feel far from God. Help me start again.”

She’ll suggest:

• A short reading
• A simple prayer
• A journaling prompt for restarts

Think of her like a friend who reminds you, “You’ve got this.”

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
— Lamentations 3:22–23 (NIV)

Missed days don’t disqualify you.
They create opportunities for grace.

🙏 Breath Prayer:

Inhale: “Your mercies are new…”
Exhale: “…every morning—even this one.”

Creating a Simple Bible Reading Routine That Works for You

You don’t need to wake up at 5am or read for an hour to be faithful.
In fact, the best Bible reading routine is the one you’ll actually stick with.

With HolyJot, consistency comes from simplicity and connection, not from pressure or perfectionism.

📆 Start Small, Stay Steady

If you’re just beginning, try this rhythm:

Time: 5–15 minutes

Place: Somewhere quiet (bed, couch, car, desk)

Plan: One chapter or even just 5–10 verses

Flow: Read → Reflect → Journal → Pray

You can build from there, but even 10 minutes with God every day will change your heart and mindset.

🕒 Best Times of Day to Read the Bible

It’s not about when—it’s about showing up. But here are some proven ideas:

Morning: Set your tone for the day (try Psalms or Proverbs)

Lunch break: A spiritual reset in the middle of the chaos

Evening wind-down: Reflect before sleep (John, Philippians, or Psalms)

Choose what works for your life—not someone else’s Instagram routine.

🖥️ How HolyJot Helps You Stay on Track

Bookmark your progress so you never lose your place

Use reminders to nudge you back into rhythm

Ask Faith to suggest a passage if you don’t know where to start

Journal daily and see your spiritual growth over time

You don’t have to hustle for holiness.
You just need to keep showing up—with your heart open.

“Blessed is the one… whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on His law day and night.”
— Psalm 1:1–2 (NIV)

You don’t have to read the whole Bible this year.
You just have to return to God—again and again.

🙏 Breath Prayer:

Inhale: “Help me build a rhythm…”
Exhale: “…that draws me close to You.”

Using HolyJot’s Online Bible Tools to Go Deeper in God’s Word

Reading the Bible is powerful—but with the right tools, it becomes even more meaningful.
HolyJot isn’t just an online Bible—it’s your digital faith platform for daily growth.

Let’s explore how to use HolyJot’s built-in tools to take your understanding and intimacy with God deeper.

🔍 1. Navigate With Confidence

At holyjot.com/discover/bible-new-international-version, you can:

• Choose any book, chapter, or verse instantly
• Switch between chapters without losing your place
• Bookmark your progress so you can resume anytime
• Search by topic or keyword (e.g., “peace,” “forgiveness,” “hope”)

This makes exploring God’s Word feel less like guesswork and more like a guided journey.

✍️ 2. Journal While You Read

As you read, you can:

• Click “Add Journal Entry” from within the passage
• Title your entry with the book and verse (e.g., John 1 Reflection)
• Write your thoughts, questions, and prayers immediately—no switching apps
• Revisit your past entries to track growth and spiritual themes

This is where your Bible reading becomes transformation.

🤖 3. Talk to Faith (Your AI Companion)

Faith is built into HolyJot as your always-available spiritual assistant.
Use her to:

• Summarize difficult passages
• Suggest Bible reading plans
• Help with journaling prompts
• Provide encouragement and reflection questions
• Clarify how Scripture applies to your season of life

Example prompt:

“Faith, what does Romans 8:28 really mean for someone who feels like their life is falling apart?”

She won’t replace the Holy Spirit—but she’ll help you pause, reflect, and grow.

🔗 4. Link Your Journal to Scripture

You can tag your journal entries with verses you're studying. This creates a personal commentary over time—where God’s Word meets your real story.

Imagine rereading John 15 months from now and seeing what it meant to you today. That’s the power of a living journal.

“The Word of God is alive and active.”
— Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)

HolyJot helps you experience that truth, not just read about it.

🙏 Breath Prayer:

Inhale: “Take me deeper…”
Exhale: “…into Your living Word.”

Common Mistakes Beginners Make—and How to Avoid Them

Starting your Bible journey is exciting, but it’s easy to fall into traps that leave you frustrated or feeling like you’re “doing it wrong.” The truth is, most beginners stumble in the same places. The key is knowing how to pivot instead of quit.

Let’s walk through the most common mistakes—and how HolyJot helps you avoid them.

❌ Mistake #1: Starting in the Wrong Book

What happens: You begin in Leviticus or Revelation and feel lost, discouraged, or bored.

Fix:
Start in the Gospel of John or Psalms—books that center your heart on Jesus and speak to every season of life.

Use HolyJot’s online Bible to jump straight to:

John → Chapter 1

Psalms → Any chapter (they’re all relatable)

❌ Mistake #2: Trying to Read Too Much at Once

What happens: You aim to read 3 chapters a day, get overwhelmed, and stop altogether.

Fix:
Start small.
Even 5 verses a day can nourish your soul. Let depth replace speed.

HolyJot helps by letting you journal as you go—so you naturally slow down and savor the Word.

❌ Mistake #3: Thinking You Have to Understand Everything

What happens: You hit a confusing passage and feel like you’re not “spiritual enough.”

Fix:
Remember, understanding grows over time. Ask questions. Use HolyJot’s AI companion, Faith, to simplify concepts, give context, or offer insight.

Try:

“Faith, explain Galatians 5:22 to me in simple terms.”

❌ Mistake #4: Comparing Your Journey to Others

What happens: You see someone on Instagram journaling with markers and calligraphy and think, “I’m not doing enough.”

Fix:
This is your journey with God—not a performance.
With HolyJot, your journal is private, sacred, and pressure-free.

What matters is that you show up.

❌ Mistake #5: Giving Up After Missing a Few Days

What happens: You break your streak, feel guilty, and assume it’s not for you.

Fix:
No streak. No shame. Just grace and restart.

Open HolyJot, type “Day 1 again,” and begin anew. God never tires of seeing you return.

“For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again.”
— Proverbs 24:16 (NIV)

🙏 Breath Prayer:

Inhale: “Grace, not guilt…”
Exhale: “…You love me as I grow.”

Building a Bible Study Life That Lasts a Lifetime

Bible study isn't a sprint—it's a lifelong walk with God.
And like any relationship, it deepens with consistency, intention, and love.

Your first goal shouldn’t be to “master the Bible.”
Your first goal should be to know the One who wrote it—and let Him change you from the inside out.

HolyJot was built to make this journey both sustainable and sacred.

🏗️ Build a Foundation, Not Just a Habit

Habits are great—but the Bible isn’t just another productivity goal.
It’s not a checkbox. It’s a conversation with your Creator.

So ask yourself:

• Am I reading to meet God, not just meet a quota?
• Am I letting the Word shape how I live, speak, and love?
• Am I storing truth in my heart, not just on a screen?

HolyJot’s journaling system lets you track spiritual transformation, not just time spent reading.

🧭 Let the Bible Direct Your Life, Not Just Your Devotions

The more you study God’s Word, the more it becomes:

• Your source of wisdom in tough decisions
• Your anchor in anxiety or grief
• Your mirror for self-reflection and growth
• Your fuel for loving others well

As you journal and reflect, you’ll notice patterns. God will begin weaving themes through your days, guiding you, convicting you, and comforting you through Scripture.

🔄 Use HolyJot to Stay Rooted Through Every Season

Whether you’re feeling:

• Spiritually on fire 🔥
• Emotionally numb 🧊
• Totally overwhelmed 🌊
• Or joyfully content ☀️

…HolyJot gives you a place to land every day. To record, reflect, and return to what matters.

📘 Consider Creating Your Own Life Journaling Plan

Using HolyJot, you can build a custom routine like:

Monday → Read a Psalm + Journal gratitude

Wednesday → Study the Gospels

Friday → Reflect on your week and write a prayer

Sunday → Record a sermon takeaway or insight

No rules. Just rhythm.
And rhythm leads to renewal.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
— Psalm 119:105 (NIV)

🙏 Breath Prayer:

Inhale: “Let Your Word guide me…”
Exhale: “…all the days of my life.”

Your First 30 Days — A Beginner’s Bible Reading & Journaling Plan

Starting strong is important—but finishing faithfully is what transforms your life.

To help you build consistency and confidence, here’s a simple 30-day Bible reading and journaling plan using HolyJot. Each day includes:

• A short passage to read from the NIV Bible on HolyJot.com
• A journaling prompt to reflect on
• Optional: Ask Faith for deeper insight or a prayer

You don’t need to do it perfectly—just faithfully.

🗓️ Days 1–7: Who is Jesus? (Start in John)

Day 1: John 1 — Who is the Word, and what does that mean for me?

Day 2: John 3 — What does it mean to be born again?

Day 3: John 4 — How does Jesus speak to broken people?

Day 4: John 5 — What healing do I need right now?

Day 5: John 6 — What am I hungry for spiritually?

Day 6: John 8 — How does Jesus deal with shame?

Day 7: John 10 — Do I recognize the voice of my Shepherd?

🗓️ Days 8–14: Learning to Trust God (Psalms)

Day 8: Psalm 1 — Where am I planted?

Day 9: Psalm 23 — What does it mean to be led by God?

Day 10: Psalm 27 — How do I handle fear?

Day 11: Psalm 34 — What happens when I seek the Lord?

Day 12: Psalm 42 — What do I do when my soul feels downcast?

Day 13: Psalm 46 — Where do I find refuge?

Day 14: Psalm 139 — What does God know about me—and love anyway?

🗓️ Days 15–21: Living a New Life (Romans & Galatians)

Day 15: Romans 5 — What is grace, really?

Day 16: Romans 6 — What does it mean to die to sin?

Day 17: Romans 8 — What is life in the Spirit?

Day 18: Galatians 2 — How do I live by faith, not works?

Day 19: Galatians 5 — What are the fruits of the Spirit in me?

Day 20: Galatians 6 — How do I carry burdens?

Day 21: Review your journal entries — What is God showing me over time?

🗓️ Days 22–30: Walking with Purpose (Philippians & Proverbs)

Day 22: Philippians 1 — How can I live with purpose?

Day 23: Philippians 2 — What does humility look like?

Day 24: Philippians 3 — What am I pressing toward?

Day 25: Philippians 4 — How do I experience God’s peace?

Day 26: Proverbs 3 — What does it mean to trust God fully?

Day 27: Proverbs 4 — What direction is my life headed?

Day 28: Proverbs 16 — How do I commit my plans to the Lord?

Day 29: Reflect on your spiritual growth this month

Day 30: Write a letter to God—what has changed in your heart?

🎯 Final Encouragement

You’ve just built a real habit of hearing from God.

Now imagine:
📖 What if you kept going 60 days… 90… a year?
📝 What would your journal look like after walking with Jesus daily?
💡 What would change in your life?

With HolyJot, you’re not just reading the Bible.
You’re meeting the living God—every single day.

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”
— James 4:8 (NIV)

🙏 Final Breath Prayer:

Inhale: “Thank You for meeting me…”
Exhale: “…again and again in Your Word.”