If you have never read the Bible before, let me offer you one piece of advice.

Do not read it the first time trying to understand every detail.

Simply read it for two things. First, try to capture the overarching narrative of the Bible. Don’t get bogged down in the details. When you get caught up in the minutia of the story, you can miss the big picture. Notice how God is working and how he responds to his people.

Second, listen for how the story is touching your life right now. There may be a single line, a verse, or a story that speaks to your very soul. Highlight that and make any notes on the side.

That is not how most people start reading the Bible. Over the past two years, I have led Bible reading groups, and inevitably, in the first few months, they want me to explain every detail. Then we hit the laws and the tabernacle in Exodus and they lose focus. No longer do the details capture their attention, and they lose interest in the overall story. My encouragement is to read, looking for big lessons and the continuing story of God.

You can always go back and pick up the details. That is why you should plan on reading it at least three or four times. Each time is a new experience, and you will see and understand things in a more meaningful way.