1. 🌿 Your First Step in the Word

🌿 Reading for Growth

“Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” —John 17:17 (ESV)

You don’t need to be a theologian to begin—you need a heart that’s willing. God’s Word is not a textbook to master, but a living voice to hear. It’s how He speaks, shapes, and sanctifies His people.

📖 Read Your Bible—Even When You Don’t Understand Everything

Think of a child learning to speak. She doesn’t grasp every word her mother says, but she listens, mimics, and grows. That’s how we approach Scripture. We come as children—dependent, eager, and trusting.

A good place to start is with the Gospel of John. Read slowly. Take a chapter, or even just a few verses, and ask yourself:

  • What does this show me about Jesus?
  • What does this reveal about God’s heart toward sinners?
  • How does this confront or comfort me today?

God isn’t waiting for you to “get it all right.” He’s inviting you to draw near and know Him:
“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” —James 4:8

Starting with the Bible doesn’t have to be complicated. You don’t need to read ten chapters a day or understand every detail. Think of it as your first sip of living water—small, refreshing, and life-giving.

When you take one passage and sit with it, you’re not just reading words on a page—you’re meeting with God Himself. Scripture says, “Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation” (1 Peter 2:2). That means starting small is exactly how God designed us to grow.

So where should you begin? Here are a few simple starting points:

🌿 Psalm 23 — a song reminding you that the Lord is your Shepherd who cares for you.
✨ John 1 — a breathtaking introduction to Jesus, the Word who became flesh.
🌊 Mark 4:35–41 — a vivid story where Jesus calms the storm, showing His power and His care.

Pick one. Read slowly. Let the words sink in. You don’t need to rush or finish a certain amount. Just pause, breathe, and pray:

“Lord, help me hear You here.”

That’s your first step. And God delights in it.