Start Here · A Guided Week

The First Seven Days

Seven days into the one story that runs through the whole Bible — each day one short guide, one companion story, one verse, one prayer. About fifteen minutes a day.

In Chinese, one small word — 约 — means both an appointment and a covenant, and it is the Bible’s own name: the Old and New Covenants. These seven days are our small covenant with you. No pace to keep, no bar to clear, nothing to sign up for. Just one honest step a day.

One step a day — about fifteen minutes.

1Day 1Open the Book

Sixty-six books telling one story. Today is not about understanding it all — only about opening page one honestly.

The guideWhat Is the Bible?AlongsideThe CreationPage one of the whole story — light entering darkness.

Today's verse

Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light for my path.

Psalm 119:105

Today's prayer

God — if you are there, I want to know. As I open this book for the first time, open something in me. Give me an honest heart, and light enough for one page. Amen.

2Day 2Act One: The Promise

A good world broke, but God did not walk away. He made a promise that refuses to die — today, watch it set out.

The guideThe Old TestamentAlongsideAbraham's CallThe moment the promise sets out: all families of the earth will be blessed.

Today's verse

In you all the families of the earth will be blessed.

Genesis 12:3

Today's prayer

God, I recognize the broken world in these pages — I live in it. If you have been keeping a promise all this time, keep it for me too. Teach me to wait without losing heart. Amen.

3Day 3Act Two: The Rescuer Arrives

A promise carried for centuries became, one night, the cry of a newborn. History turned.

The guideThe New TestamentAlongsideThe Birth in BethlehemAct Two opens — the rescuer arrives in the least likely place.

Today's verse

The Word became flesh and lived among us, full of grace and truth.

John 1:14

Today's prayer

God, you did not stay far away — you stepped into the story. Step into mine. Where my life feels dark, let this light find me. Amen.

4Day 4The Hinge: Who Is Jesus?

Every page leans toward him. Today, stand at the empty tomb and weigh it for yourself.

The guideWho Is Jesus?AlongsideMary Magdalene Sees the Risen LordThe strongest answer to 'who is Jesus': outside an empty tomb, he calls her by name.

Today's verse

I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.

John 11:25

Today's prayer

Jesus, everyone has an opinion about you. I don't want an opinion — I want to know who you really are. Show me. I am listening. Amen.

5Day 5The Invitation: Come Home

Following Jesus isn't 'becoming a better person.' It's coming home. Today, hear from someone who actually made it home.

The guideWhy Follow Jesus?AlongsideYuan ZhimingA real modern homecoming — from Tiananmen to the cross.

Today's verse

Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:28

Today's prayer

Jesus, you said 'come home.' Part of me wants to run to you, part of me is afraid. Meet me in the doorway. Give me courage for one step toward you. Amen.

6Day 6The Response: Into the Water

When the yes takes shape inside, baptism lives it out where it can be seen. Today, watch Jesus go into the water first.

The guideWhat Is Baptism?AlongsideThe Baptism of JesusJesus himself went into the water — ahead of you.

Today's verse

We were buried with him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also might walk in newness of life.

Romans 6:4

Today's prayer

Lord, you went down into the water for me. If this yes is forming in me, make it visible — in your time, with your people. Amen.

7Day 7The Road Ahead: Know the Enemy

Every story has an enemy — real, limited, already defeated. Know him today; then take the road in victory.

The guideWho Is Satan?AlongsideThe Temptation in the WildernessJesus face-to-face with the enemy — and the victory already won.

Today's verse

He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

1 John 4:4

Today's prayer

Father, the enemy is real, but you are greater. As I finish these seven days, don't let this be an ending. Keep me walking — into your Word, your family, your appointed time. Amen.