Thursday, January 1, 2009

**Sticky post*** Do you want to join me?


Do you want to take part in "Operation Actually Read Bible"? Want to set your own goals for Bible reading? You're welcome to join me in my goal of Bible reading. Choose to read the whole Bible, the New Testament, or The New Testament and Psalms & Proverbs, or the gospels. (Or any variation of books you'd like--you might want to focus on Paul's epistles, for example.)

There aren't any "rules" for this challenge necessarily. I don't care which translation of the Bible you use. Or if you choose to read a Bible with the apocrypha. (Or not.) (Though I will stress that if/when we interact with other participants we don't condescend about other people's translation choices. I don't want to get into any of the KJV is the only "real" translation nonsense.) That's really the only rule I have. Respect.

Audio editions of the Bible are okay.

This is a perpetual challenge. No official start/end dates.

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84 comments:

Jenny said...

Thank you this is just what I've been wanting to do. I have read the bible once but need encouragement to do so again. I have a mental block about reading something I've already read. So many new things out there to read but I do want to read this again. I want to read the whole thing. Not sure in what order or just straight through.

Maria said...

I'm in, definitely! I've read the Bible from A-Z, so this time I want to focus on the New Testament... probably the NT + Psalms and Proverbs.

Thanks for hosting this!

Annette said...

Yes, count me in as a challenger!
Thank you!

sally906 said...

G'day - I will join too - will start off committing to Psalms and Proverbs then the New testament. Will see how I go after that :)

Jan in Edmonds said...

Yes -- Becky. I'd like to participate. I belong to a couple bible study groups so this'll be appropriate for me beginning now.

Anonymous said...

I'd like to join since we are coming to the start of a new year. Thanks!

Bellezza said...

Absolutely! Without wanting to sound all prideful, I've read the Bible through since 2000. This year, I just read the New Testament, and I really miss that I didn't reread the whole thing. So, count me in! Talk about a worthy challenge!! Bless you for hosting it, Becky!

Yogi♪♪♪ said...

I'm in. The link to the post where I'll be keeping track is: http://crustygasguy.blogspot.com/2008/12/operation-actually-read-bible.html

Thanks for setting this up.

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

Sign me up. I have a link on my blog to The Daily Audio Bible hosted by Brian Hardin. It is a great community we have there. Judy

CJ said...

I found you via Bellezza and, again thanks to her, I've got a brand new "The One Year Bible" to guide my journey this coming year.

I think this is a great idea and thank yoiu so much for hosting it.

cjh

Sandra said...

I should do this challenge, it's a good reminder. I got to the book of Isaiah last year then was hospitalized and never got back to a systematic reading, although I study the Bible regularly. The cataracts came off this year too and now I'm ready to go. Please count me in. Thank you.

Anonymous said...

Hi Becky- I am back with a link to my progress report. I borrowed your idea and created a ticker and list for my progress.
Thanks for hosting this challenge.

Anonymous said...

Sorry-- here is said link. :)

http://readingtoolate.net/?page_id=12

Becky said...

Amy, thanks for leaving the link! I've created a special sidebar to keep track of these links in case others want to follow your example!

Andromeda Jazmon said...

I'm joining you Becky. I'll use the American Bible Society's Daily Bible Reading,. Thanks for rounding us up!

Robin M said...

Okay, I'm getting off the fence. I really need to do this so I'm in.

I am going to follow a genre's literature style read written up by intothyword.com.

Sunday is gospels, tuesday is laws, etc.etc,etc. I'll post a link to it on my blog when I get the post set up. Thanks for doing this.

Robin

Becky said...

Robin, I'm so glad you decided to join us! I've considered using that plan before but have never made it through the year that way. But it sounds like a cool way to approach it!

Becky

hopeinbrazil said...

Hi Becky, In 2009 I plan to finish Isaiah (I loved your banner verse, by the way!) and then the Pentateuch. Is it okay not to have any plans beyond that so far?

Becky said...

Yes, HopeinBrazil, you can plan as you go and take it one book or one section at a time. You can also adapt your plans/goals as you go.

Anonymous said...

I want to join in. I'm just confused by all the choices of Bible versions. I have the standard KJV, but I'd really like something with lots of footnotes. I'd also like something of a historical accompaniment, something that pinpoints "this is the region where this or that took place." That would greatly expand my reading. Any help appreciated!

Becky said...

Welcome to the challenge, Bluestocking! I'll answer your question in a post if you don't mind.

Right off hand, I'd probably suggest going with the NKJV, the NASB, or the ESV.

As for Bibles with helpful notes, I'd suggest the Nelson Bible (NKJV), the MacArthur Bible (NKJV or NASB), or the ESV Study Bible.

I'll talk more in the post, I promise!

Anonymous said...

I'm really afraid I'll crash and burn...

and I said I wasn't going to do any challenges this year...

but...

count me in.

I'm aiming for cover-to-cover this year.

Soozie4Him said...

I'd like to join you! I just found your blog yesterday and have it saved as a Favorite. I've read through the Bible *completely* twice before - once in 1997 and again in 2000. Since then, I've tried every single year, but have gotten bogged down and have stopped.:-( I really like www.oneyearbibleblog.com and it uses the typical OYB schedule (OT, NT, Psalms and Proverbs each day). I usually get into late February or March and then something comes up that gets me behind and that's it... I have a hard time skipping parts and jumping back in, which is what I *should* do! Having said that, I've enjoyed reading Genesis every single year and I just love it!

I decided that this year I need a new plan - Chronological instead of the OYB plan. So I've printed that out and I started yesterday - hoping to get ahead before the New Year starts! I've always used my NIV Study Bible, and this year I'm going to read a different translation - I just got the ESV Study Bible and I'm going to use that.

Becky, something I'd like you to address is when you're in other Bible Studies (I'm doing a Beth Moore at church - every other week, though, and our small group is studying Isaiah), how do you keep up with year regular Bible readings? I tend to get bogged down and then do it just to check it off the list and I hate having that attitude!

Thanks for your blog, and thanks for the challenge! I look forward to getting to know you better!

Susan
moot96 AT aol dot com

Becky said...

Welcome, Susan!

I know what you mean...I don't follow daily reading plans just for that reason...if I'm lucky...I get to mid-March, early April. But most of the time, I give out even earlier than that. Each day missed it becomes more overwhelming. And using bibles that have the date printed makes me feel even guiltier for being so behind! Which is true even though it's somewhat silly. Guilt just happens and tends to pile up.

I know following a structured plan works for some people, but I know that I need more freedom than that.

I have read Chronologically before--using the NIV Daily REading Bible/Narrated Bible. And I just love, love, loved it. I can't remember if I did that in 1999 or 2000...one of the two.

What I have discovered is that ESV has daily bible reading plans including chronologically. You can sign up several different ways--and I am going to do this via podcast. I'll post about it in the next day or so in case others want to learn more about it.

I'll be reading the ESV study bible too. It was one of my Christmas presents.

Becky said...

Oh, I forgot to answer one half of your question.

As far as 'counting' reading done for Bible Studies (or Sunday School), that is up to individuals. In the past, I haven't really kept up with it--what I'm reading, when I'm reading, etc. But this year I was thinking I'd probably blog about it in just my journaling-where-I-am-type posts. But that is more unofficial-conversational than official.

Here's my post on how individuals *might* want to keep progress of their reading.

Becky said...

Lisa, thanks for pointing out the new blog. I appreciate it! I've added that blog to the links section of the "participants progress" sidebar on the blog.

Jan in Edmonds said...

Becky & participants -- I signed up to read the Bible & decided to do The Daily Bible in chronological order 365 readings (NIV). I did a chart to show which months of the year the different books are read. For exmaple Genesis is read in 1/09 & 2/09; Exodus in 1/09, 2/09 & 3/09; 2 Chronicles - 5/09, 6/09, 7/09, 8/09 & 9/09. I could try to post it if you'd like. I think it's one that you referred to Becky in your recent discussion. Really looking forward to keeping this up all year.

aka Jan in Edmonds

Becky said...

I hope you enjoy that one. I know I did when I did it a few years ago. :) And you can post it if you like, but it's not a requirement. Just updates now and then will suffice :)

Tiffers said...

Becky, I'm so excited to join you! I can't wait until tomorrow. I'm planning to use the http://www.bible-reading.com/bible-plan.html chart.

claire said...

Happy new year! I would love to join! I'm reading KJV and HCSB simultaneously and would like to finish both this year. Thank you for putting up this challenge. It's just what I need. :D

Soozie4Him said...

Okay Becky, I got a jump start on my OARB Challenge a few days ago. I'm reading the ESV Study Bible and I'm doing the chronological plan (which means that I'll be starting Job soon - weird!). I might add the NT too - not sure yet. But for now, I'm on Genesis 9 or so. I'm really enjoying the notes.

I also signed up at Beth Moore's "Living Proof Ministries" blog to memorize 2 scriptures a month. I need to choose my first one for January (we post on the 1st
and 15th of each month which one we want to meditate on/memorize). And I need to keep up with my two Bible Studies.

I'm excited!!!

Thanks, Becky for starting this!

Susan
moot96 AT aol DOT com

sally906 said...

Hi Becky - have set up this challenge on my Christan Blog - please feel free to visit it.

http://sally906christianchatter.blogspot.com/

I will probably not update it daily but will do it at least weekly - or if I have something to say :) Am also going to write reviews of my 'Inspirational' reading as I do it :)

Anonymous said...

This is exactly what I'm looking for. In the past I've raced through the bible and this time I'd like to slow down and really digest the wisdom found in God's Word.

As such, I'm opting to utilize several methods and will primarily use the NASB Inductive Study Bible for my readings. These will be supplemented with Logos and audio recordings as well.

Anonymous said...

Hi.

I'm in. My goal is to finish the NT by the end of the year!

Thanks for hosting this. I will do a post and a badge later in the week!

Sheri

Anonymous said...

Becky: Here's my post!

http://anovelmenagerie.com/ghost/2009/01/06/reading-challenge-operation-actually-read-bible/

P.S. You may want to add Thursday's Thoughts to your weekly challenges sidebar...

Tamara said...

Becky - Thanks for this challenge for 3 reasons. a) I would like to actually read some or part of the bible this year, b)I like that there's no set dates on this challenge, and c)I'd like to join a community of other who want to do this too. I'm going to start with one of my favorites 'James', and then aim for 4 books in the 1st half of the year.

Anonymous said...

I can't believe I'm just now finding this! I'm totally in and can't wait to do the weekly questions and the monthly check-ins. I probably won't be posting about it on A Patchwork of Books, but I'll definitely participate here.

I've read probably all parts of the Bible at one time or another, but never in order from start to finish. I'm doing Genesis to Revelation, by December 31st, along with my daily devotionals, readings, etc. A big task!

Thanks for doing this, it's great work for our Lord! :)

Anonymous said...

This has been a goal of mine for a while so I'm hoping joining the challenge will help me get through. It'll be great tracking progress with other readers.

I chose the NAB translation. Here's the link to my post.

http://fallingstacks.blogspot.com/2009/01/reading-challenge-operation-actually.html

Matthew

Anonymous said...

I want to do this with you all, please. I posted my Bible reading schedule on my site earlier but I didn't know you were all doing this as a group over here.

bethany (dreadlock girl) said...

I am in! Thanks for hosting this :)

bethany (dreadlock girl) said...

I will have posted about it here:
http://exlibrisbb.blogspot.com/2008/04/bs-challenges-2008.html

but either blog is fine for you to link to, as I will probably talk about it much more on my other blog (the one you have linked to already), here is the link to where I posted about it there:
http://bethanyblogs.blogspot.com/2009/01/operation-actually-read-bible.html

Terri B. said...

Fantastic idea! Count me in.

Anonymous said...

Hello, I'd like to join in too!
I'm not sure what I'll be reading though. Usually I read NIV, but I think I'd like to try another translation, maybe even a study bible.
I'll be going from Genesis to Revelation; it's been a while since I've read the whole bible through.

Thanks for creating this project :)

Anonymous said...

I'm in. I've done a pretty good job already this month but I will need the encouragement as the year wears on.

Sherrylinn said...

Well, being the slow poke I am, I'm just now telling you I'm in.

I'll be posting at my main blog

http://cremerfamily.blogspot.com/

I've finally moved the giveaways and reviews to another spot so I can keep my original goal with this one.

God Bless you for keeping us on track!

Mary Moss said...

I have drawn to the Psalms lately, so I'm going set my goal at reading at least one of the Psalms each day as part of my morning prayer time.

I'm so happy I found this site:-)

I'll blog my progress at my main blog: http://divinelydesigned.blogspot.com

wormauld said...

I've just found out about this challenge. Please count me in. I do daily Bible reading but it would be good to read through.

Karen @dixielandcrafts said...

Just found this through Faith, Family, Friends (Tiffany's blog)! I am so in. I also made this my yearly goal. See my post titled "2009 Goals" Looking forward to getting caught up with everyone.

KC @ Lil Momma's Haven

Anonymous said...

Hi Becky,

I've decided to withdraw from the Operation Actually challenge. It's a great challenge. I just feel for personal reasons that I should cut loose and keep this part of my life separate from my blogosphere-self.

Thanks for hosting, and for understanding.

Unknown said...

This is awesome!! Please add me to the Operation actually read the Bible. :)

I'm going to read all the way through the entire bible.

I actually just started reading the Bible about a month ago, and I'm in Deuteronomy right now. :) (I'm reading the NLT)

Pinkkihelmi said...

My goal is to finish both OT and NT before 2010. In OT I am reading Psalms (chapter 1) and in NT 1st Timothy (chapter 2). I'll post my progress every month (on 15th).
I read Finnish Bible but I'll make reading posts in English, too.

Sheltiemama said...

Count me in. I've finished seven books so far, using "The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Bible" as a guide.

AlleluiaLu said...

Thank you for setting this up. I've been wanting to read through the whole Bible for a long time. This should be good for me. Thanks again.

Manda.Jane said...

Count me in! I've been reading a chapter every night since last November, but some support would be wonderful! :)

Pinkkihelmi said...

I'm sorry that I haven't posted earlier but my life has been so busy.
http://pinkkihelmi.blogspot.com/2009/08/sunnuntain-salonki-operation-actually.html

Unknown said...

I'm jumping on board. I'm going to start with the NT. I hoping to finish the whole Bible in a years time. Thanks for hosting this.

Busy Is Reading

Caught Between The Seasons said...

This sounds very good. I would love to take the challenge.

Jennifer @ Quiverfull Family said...

I'm in! Put me down for the entire Bible in a year! I have never read the Bible in it's entirety :).

I'll be posting my updates in this category on my blog:

http://quiverfullfamily.com/category/operation-actually-read-bible/

Using The Daily Bible (NIV) as well!

Thanks for the public accountability spot!

Celee said...

I found you through Quiverfamily and my kids and I are doing the American Bible Society reading plan this year. We read together in the mornings at breakfast. I figure if we have time for breakfast, then we have time to read the Bible together:)

Anonymous said...

I just found you today, but count me in. Actually this fits in very well, with one of my personal goals. I'm starting with Matthew and working through the New Testament first.

AlleluiaLu said...

I'm posting my progress here:

http://bookendcrossing.blogspot.com/2010/01/operation-actually-read-bible-update.html

Thanks for hosting this project. I'm really grateful to have a place to be accountable for my Bible-reading. I'm also happy to be reading the Bible. It's making a difference in my life.

Veggiemomof2 said...

I'm in! I was looking for a challenge like this one.

http://veggiemomof2.blogspot.com/2010/01/operation-read-bible.html

Jan in Edmonds said...

Becky -- I've completed reading the Chronological Bible and have a review on my blog for each book I read as well as for the whole book. What a challenge! thanks so much for hosting it.

Sherrie said...

Hi!
I would love to join in on this challenge. I've read bits and pieces of the bible but never the whole thing. I will be using The Ryrie Study Bible and will be starting in the Old Testament, the Book of Genesis. I have posted about this challenge at my place. Have a great day!

Sherrie
Ladybug Books

AlleluiaLu said...

Hi Becky!

Thanks for hosting this challenge! I Actually Finished my Bible today! Here is my blog post about it. I'm planning to start again tomorrow and I'm going to read the Bible every day of my life because your inspiration enabled me to develop a great habit of reading my Bible every day. Thank you so much and have a great New Year!

http://bookendcrossing.blogspot.com/2010/12/operation-actually-read-bible-update.html

Book Snob Wannabe said...

I am so glad I found this blog and challenge! Count me in!

Lizzie said...

I was so pleased to have found this challenge when I came by to check out your Spring Reading Challenge post. Count me in! I am doing a Bible in 90 Days study with some friends at our women's Bible study and am using my beloved NLT Life Application Study Bible. I blog about it over here. http://readingthrough-lizzie.blogspot.com/

Sunflower Faith said...

This is a really great idea! Definitely would like to join you!

twiga92 said...

I know this is an ongoing/perpetual challenge but I would like to be a participant of this on an ongoing basis. I'm currently reading through the Bible using the Genre Reading Plan (different genre each day of the week). I'm also trying to read through the Bible using different translations and different plans so that it mixes it up a little.

AlleluiaLu said...

I started the Bible over again this December and I'm planning to read through it in 2012. Thanks for hosting this challenge and Have a great New Year!

Judy said...

I really need to join to keep meon track! Ty for hosting this!

Judy said...

I really need to join to keep meon track! Ty for hosting this!

Mandi said...

I just found your blog. I'll join your challenge - I need something to help me stay motivated. Thanks.

Jim Black said...

Sign me up. I am still debating what plan I am following but I want to join in.
Thank you.

Anonymous said...

I'm in. I am just about finished with the OT. Then in the next few months I am going to study more about the OT at Christiancourses.com (they have free courses online). January I plan to start the NT.

Song said...

Hello! I've decided to join for this beginning on Jan 1st 2013 along with your Operation Deepen Faith. HERE'S my link.

Song said...

Hello! I've decided to join for this beginning on Jan 1st 2013 along with your Operation Deepen Faith. HERE'S my link.

thecoolmom said...

I'm starting Jan. 1. I did this last year. I read the entire bible from Valentine's to Easter using the bible reading plan for shirkers and slackers.

Unknown said...

I started on Jan 1, 2013, with a 52 week reading plan to read the entire Bible.
Some parts are interesting, others have my eyes glazing over already.

Veggiemomof2 said...

I'm reading the NIV in Chronological order in 52 wks.

Anonymous said...

I am reading through the Bible this year as I have been doing for quite a few years now. I like to use a One Year or Chronological Bible and vary the versions I use. A chronological reading is very helpful to understanding the historical sequence of events that took place. For those who haven't read all of it before, yes there are some tough parts, but it gets easier each time, and you will always get something new from it.

BrendaC said...

I have read thru the Bible once, thanks to a Goodreads group,but feel like I want to do it again and have decided to do it starting Jan.1 2014. Not sure what version or plan I will use but plan on reading thru it in approx three months. So glad that I found your website.

Yogi♪♪♪ said...

I signed up Nine years ago and finally finished a few days ago. Don't know if I am up to doing it again.