This week is brought to you by the letter A, and the word absurd. When I tell people that I have read through the Bible 26 times, their head tilts and their eyes widen. Most are in utter shock, and I'm certain the unspoken questions are “Why?” “How?” and “Are you crazy?”

I am fully aware that it sounds absurd to read through the Word of God more than once. It is clearly a bucket list item, correct? What would be the benefits of circling back to genealogies, priestly guidelines, and temple dimensions over and over again?

It began like that for me, too. A lofty ambition that, as a follower of Jesus, I should accomplish at least one time. And then... I did it again. And again.

During a dark season in my life, reading the Bible consistently and abundantly became a literal lifesaver. Think... 🛟 the actual floating preserver ring tossed to someone overboard. It tethers them to the boat in an emergency. That was God's Word, and I held on for dear life.

[This is my comfort in my affliction, 
For Your word has given me life.
Let Your tender mercies come to me,
that I may live; For Your law is my delight.
Unless Your law had been my delight, 
I would then have perished in my affliction.] 
Psalm 119v50, 77, 92

From Genesis to Revelation, promises penetrated my soul, truth transformed my mind, and hope anchored my restless heart. It was the entire story of Scripture that changed me — not just a verse, not just a story.

The absurdity of it is counter-cultural. A 7-minute daily devotional, the occasional Bible study, and the Sunday sermon are the typical places God's Word takes center stage. That seems reasonable, right?

But what if we did something ridiculous and consumed the Bible like we ate? What if it became the sustenance we needed to survive? What if we lived with an astonishing appetite for His voice? That sounds absurd!

It can happen. In the same way, our bodies condition and then crave nourishment — our soul, mind, and heart feed and then delight on the very breath of God on a page. So much so that we long for more.

I'm currently at the beginning of the Bible plan — From Discipline to Delight: A 119-day Approach to Reading the Entire Bible. Join me! There is no hard-core start date, so there is grace to follow the structure and leave room for freedom. Let us become an absurd people who linger and love the Word of God.

INVITE a friend to join us on the journey — HERE!

grateful —