NOT THERE: don't start there

So just where should one start if he wanted to read God's Word? If he wanted to become closer to the Lord?

Not Genesis, though it is such an important book. Vital to much of the faith one will or will not have. And I wouldn't suggest delaying the reading of Genesis very long in the study. It's simply not perhaps the best place to start for a seeker.

And, no, certainly I'm not suggesting God shouldn't have started there. I've already made far too many mistakes thinking I was in control; that is, that I knew better than God was was right for my life. But that's for another entry or a hundred.

I've heard some religious leaders suggest beginning a person eager to become more spiritual with the first book of the new Testament, John. What a great book--a great choice.

But following the advice of a Youth Director I know, I'd say the book of Jude in the New Testament. It can be read in 5-7 minutes. Then I'd proffer 1 John, 2 John, and 3 John. For a taste of the Old Testament, I'd say Ezra.

Then I'd suggest John followed by Genesis. By the time one gets to lengthy Genesis, he has read almost 1/11th of the Holy Bible, at least book-wise. With success comes more determination and more enjoyment. As well as understanding.

All kinds of books are available to read the Bible through in one year. But what's the rush? We should all be reading it daily anyhow, so savor rather than miss anything God has to say to us. For example, one doesn't have to go far to ponder. Take The Lord's Prayer--"Our Father..." Not My Father or Father, but Our Father. He's for us all.

Words are important in the Holy Bible. John tells us Jesus is the Word made flesh. That's reason enough to read the Bible and learn from it.