People are intimidated by the Bible for any number of reasons. For some, it’s such a big book that it scares them, and they don’t know where to start. Others think because it’s such an ancient book, spans such a long historical time period, and includes so many themes, that they could never figure it out. So let’s try to simplify it. Think of the Bible as a library of books that includes sixty-six volumes of widely varying length, written over a period of fifteen-hundred years, by more than forty people from all kinds of cultural and educational backgrounds. It’s extraordinarily unique and cohesive in that the words of each book were ‘given by inspiration’, or literally ‘breathed out’ by God. (2 Timothy 3:16 ^NKJV)

Taken together, the books of the Bible tell the story of God’s amazing love for us, culminating at the cross. As Paul wrote to Timothy: ‘You must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.’ (2 Timothy 3:14–15 ^NKJV)

The Bible is principally the story of God’s love for you. So every time you read it, allow it to unfold in your heart as a love letter written to you by God. As you read and meditate on it your fears and worries will be resolved, your questions will be answered, and you’ll find strength and guidance for daily living.