Bible Reading #28

Sunday, July 5, 2026

KJV MacLaren Large Print Reference

Ephesians, Philippians, 

NASB 95 Inductive Bible

Ezekiel 8-16

NASB 1971 Reference Bible

Job 1-7

Monday, July 6, 2026

KJV MacLaren Large Print Reference

Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians

NASB 95 Inductive Bible

Ezekiel 16-24

NASB 1971 Reference Bible

Job 8-15

Tuesday, July 7, 2026

KJV MacLaren Reference Bible

1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon

NASB 1971 Reference Bible

Job 16-29

NASB 95 Inductive Bible

Ezekiel 25-48

NASB 1977 Nelson 522BG

Genesis, Exodus 1-20

Wednesday, July 8, 2026

KJV MacLaren Reference Bible

Hebrews, James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter

NASB 95 Inductive Bible

Daniel, Hosea, Joel

NASB 1971 Reference Bible

Job 30-42

Thursday, July 9, 2026

KJV MacLaren Reference Bible

1 John, 2 John, 3 John, Jude, Revelation

NASB 1971 Reference

Psalms 1-5

NASB 95 Inductive

Amos, Obadiah, Jonah

NASB 2020 Music Bible

Matthew 13-15

Friday, July 10, 2026

KJV New Marked Reference Bible

Genesis 1-3; Joshua 1-2; Psalms 1-2; Matthew 1-2;

NASB 71 Reference Bible

Psalms 6-10

NASB 95 Inductive Bible

Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai

Saturday, July 11, 2026

KJV New Marked Reference Bible

Genesis 4-5; Joshua 3-6; Psalms 3-7; Matthew 2-4

NASB 95 Inductive

Zechariah, Malachi

NASB 1971 Reference Bible

Psalms 11-17

NASB 2020 Music Bible

Matthew 16-21

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

5. KJV MacLaren Large Print Reference Bible

5. KJV (King James Version) MacLaren Large Print Reference (Thomas Nelson). 2021. 1504 pages. [Source: Gift] [5 stars, Bible, King James Bible]

First sentence: In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. 

Start date: April 23, 2026

Finish date: July 9, 2026

I love the King James Bible. I love new King James Bibles. I love old King James Bibles. There are pros and cons to both old and new. This one is decidedly new. It uses comfort print font. It is 10.5 font size. The chapter and verses are in a distinctive blue. The copy I read was imitation or trutone or "leather" like. It was decent. DOUBLE column, not single. Words of Christ in BLACK. The cross references appear at the BOTTOM of the page. There are paragraph headers though it is verse by verse reference edition. This one is not broken into syllables with a pronunciation guide. (Older KJV Bibles often are like this). 

It is relatively light weight. The size of the font makes for a mostly comfortable reading experience. It isn't GIANT print or SUPER GIANT print. 

It would be a good introduction to the King James Bible. It isn't particularly intimidating, it has many of the things you'd expect in a "modern" Bible. It is line-matched. It does lay flat. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Bible reading #27

Sunday June 28, 2026

KJV MacLaren Large Print Reference

Joshua 20-24; Jeremiah 10-14; Romans 1-3

NASB 1971 Reference

2 Kings 8-12;

NASB 95 Inductive Study Bible 

Jeremiah 1-8

Monday, June 29, 2026

KJV MacLaren Large Print Reference

Judges 1-5; Jeremiah 15-19; Romans 4-7;

NASB 1971 Reference

2 Kings 13-25; 1 Chronicles 1-14;

NASB 95 Inductive Study Bible

Jeremiah 9-13 

Tuesday, June 30, 2026

KJV MacLaren Large Print Reference

Judges 6-10; Jeremiah 20-25; Romans 8-11;

NASB 1971 Reference

1 Chronicles 15-29; 2 Chronicles 1-9

NASB 95 Inductive Study Bible 

Jeremiah 14-29; 

Wednesday, July 1, 2026

KJV MacLaren Large Print Reference

Judges 11-21; Jeremiah 26-52; Romans 12-16;

NASB 1971 Reference

2 Chronicles 10-24; 

NASB 95 Inductive Study Bible 

Jeremiah 30-33

NASB 2020 Music Bible

Matthew 1-6, Genesis 1-14;

Thursday, July 2, 2026

KJV MacLaren Large Print Reference

1 Corinthians 1-7; 

NASB 1971 Reference

2 Chronicles 25-36; Ezra;

NASB 95 Inductive Study Bible 

Jeremiah 34-52; 

NKJV Alexander MacLaren Study Bible

2 Samuel 1-5; 1 Corinthians 1-6;

Friday, July 3, 2026

KJV MacLaren Large Print Reference

1 Corinthians 8-16; 2 Corinthians 1-5;

NASB 1971 Reference

Nehemiah

NASB 95 Inductive Study Bible 

Lamentations

NASB 2020 Music Bible

Matthew 10-12

Saturday, July 4, 2026

KJV MacLaren Large Print Reference

2 Corinthians 6-13; Galatians;

NASB 1971 Reference

Esther; 

NASB 95 Inductive Study Bible 

Ezekiel 1-7; 

NKJV Alexander MacLaren Bible

2 Samuel 6-8

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Bible Reading #26

Sunday June 21, 2026

KJV MacLaren Reference 

Deuteronomy 12-14, Isaiah 21-24; John 18-21

Tyndale NT 1534 

Hebrews

NASB 1971 Reference

1 Samuel 16-31

Monday, June 22, 2026

KJV MacLaren Reference

Deuteronomy 15-32; Isaiah 25-39; Acts 1-2;

Tyndale NT 1534

James, Jude, Revelation

NASB 1971 Reference

2 Samuel 1-8

Tuesday, June 23, 2026

KJV MacLaren Reference

Deuteronomy 24-28; Isaiah 40-42; Acts 3-7

NASB 1971 Reference

2 Samuel 9-13

NASB 95 XL

Song of Songs; Isaiah 1-25

Wednesday, June 24, 2026

KJV MacLaren Reference

Deuteronomy 29-34; Isaiah 43-53; Acts 8-12;

NASB 1971 Reference

2 Samuel 14-24

NASB 95 XL

Isaiah 24-39

Thursday, June 25, 2026

KJV MacLaren Reference

Joshua 1-4; Isaiah 54-66; Nahum; Habakkuk; Zephaniah; Acts 13-14;

NASB 1971 Reference

1 Kings 1-11; 

NASB 95XL 

Isaiah 40-45

Friday, June 26, 2026

KJV MacLaren Reference

Joshua 5-9; Jeremiah 1-4; Acts 15-24;

NASB 1971 Reference

1 Kings 12-22

NASB 95 XL

Isaiah 46-59

Saturday, June 27, 2026

KJV MacLaren Reference 

Joshua 10-19; Jeremiah 5-9; Acts 25-28;

NASB 1971 Reference

2 Kings 1-7

NASB 95 XL

Isaiah 60-66

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

16. Lumber Baron's Wife

16. The Lumber Baron's Wife. Lynn Austin. 2026. 368 pages. [Source: Library] [Christian fiction, historical fiction, dual timelines, multiple narrators, three stars]

First sentence: It's long past midnight but I cannot sleep, consumed with worry for my friend.

The Lumber Baron's Wife has THREE narrators. (Is that too many narrators???) Hannah and Kate narrate the "past" timeline in the novel. Hannah is the doctor's wife. (His name is John). They've lost their children to disease, they were exposed through her husband's work. They are newly moving to Michigan. Kate is the lumber baron's wife. (His name is Henry). He is old. She is young. She isn't just younger than him. She is different in every way imaginable. Everyone thinks it would be a good idea if Hannah "coaches" her in behavior. The longer Kate and Henry are married, the more frustrated he gets with his wife. Meanwhile, Hannah barely tolerates John because she blames him for the death of their children. The "present" timeline in the novel is narrated by Ashley. Her husband is David. He is a conservationist? environmentalist? Something to do with trees and nature and wild things. She loves museum work. He "insists" they move to Michigan. She leaves her happy, happy job so he can have his happy, happy job. Which might be completely and absolutely okay if he gave any proof of being a decent human being. (He does not.) Because we're thrown into the middle of this troubled, tension-filled marriage, there's not much reason for me to like him. She wants to restore the lumber baron's mansion--that is join the community effort. He wants her to find steady work, the higher-paying the better. And he absolutely under no circumstances wants her to have the baby they've conceived. His pressuring her to have an abortion in a dozen or so chapters is the most obnoxious thing I've ever read in a Christian book. 

The stories are tied together because of the setting--obviously--but also in trying to solve the mystery of what happened to Kate. 

I did not like this one very much. I didn't love Kate and Henry. I didn't. I could tolerate John and Hannah. But I despised and loathed David. 

A bright side for this one could be that it does tackle difficult issues. Spousal abuse, manipulation, grief, abortion, etc. Most of the characters are not Christian. There's some will they or won't they become Christian by the end of the novel. This might be a plus for some readers. There is plenty of WHY is this happening if there is a God. Hannah questions God after losing her children. Her husband wants her to share the gospel with Kate, but, Hannah is struggling to believe the gospel herself. Kate is struggling with the basics of the gospel. She doesn't believe that grace could actually be grace. Henry and John aren't really characterized super well, though we do know that HENRY is a horrid, horrid man. David, as I mentioned, is despicable. He is angry at God. And he's super controlling and manipulative. And Ashley is not a Christian. She isn't open to the idea of spending time with Christians just in case they share the gospel. But she makes a friend who is a Christian and their mutual interest in restoring this historic house brings them together. There's some gospel presentation. But it isn't always received well. Which I think is probably realistic. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Scripture Chain

Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:7-9


Blessed is the man
who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
but his delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
He is like a tree
planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers. Psalms 1:1-3


Blessed are those whose way is blameless,
who walk in the law of the Lord!
Blessed are those who keep his testimonies,
who seek him with their whole heart,
who also do no wrong,
but walk in his ways!
You have commanded your precepts
to be kept diligently.
Oh that my ways may be steadfast
in keeping your statutes!
Then I shall not be put to shame,
having my eyes fixed on all your commandments. Psalms 119:1-6

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

4.5 Tyndale's 1534 New Testament

4.5 Tyndale's New Testament. William Tyndale. Edited by David Daniell. 1996. 466 pages. [Source: Bought] [5 stars, New Testament, Early Bible Translations]

First sentence: This is the book of the generation of Jesus Christ the son of David, the son also of Abraham.

This edition is a modern-spelling edition of the 1534 Translation. The translation of the New Testament into English from its original Greek was printed in Germany in 1534 and smuggled back into England. It was not the first translation of the New Testament into English. The Wycliffe New Testament was translated from the Latin Vulgate and not the Greek New Testament. Also the Wycliffe was not widely distributed and for everyone. (The Wycliffe New Testament was BEFORE the invention of the printing press.) The Tyndale--though forbidden and illegal--was meant to put the Word of God into the hands of everyone. Tyndale wanted the Word of God known by the people of God. Actually known, read, studied, interpreted. The invention of the printing press was providential in spreading the ideas of the Reformation and printing Bibles. 

I enjoyed reading Tyndale's New Testament. I did. I would definitely recommend this edition of the New Testament. 

You can really tell that Tyndale meant his translation to be read and understood by everyone. It is clearly and beautifully written.

And it fortuned while they were there, her time was come that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her first begotten son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them within in the inn. And there were in the same region shepherds abiding in the field and watching their flock by night. And lo: the angel of the Lord stood hard by them, and the brightness of the Lord shone round about them, and they were sore afraid. But the angel said unto them: Be not afraid. For behold, I bring you tidings of great joy that shall come to all the people: for unto you is born this day in the city of David, a savior which is Chris the Lord. And take this for a sign: ye shall find the child swaddled and laid in a manger. And straightway there was with the angel a multitude of heavenly soldiers, lauding God and saying: Glory to God on high, and peace on the earth: and unto men rejoicing. (Luke 2:1-14)

For God so loveth the world, that he hath given his only son, that none that believe in him, should perish: but should have everlasting life. For God sent not his son into the world, to condemn the world: but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him, shall not be condemned. But he that believeth not, is condemned already, because he believeth not in the name of the only son of God. And this is the condemnation: that light is come into the world, and the men loved darkness more than light, because their deeds were evil. (John 3:16-19)

No man can come to me except the father which hath sent me, draw him. And I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, that they shall all be taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard and hath learned of the father cometh unto me. Not that any man hath seen the father, save he which is of God: the same hath seen the father. Verily verily I say unto you, he that believeth on me, hath everlasting life. I am that bread of life. Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness and are dead. This is the bread which cometh from heaven, that he which eateth of it, should also not die. I am that living bread which came down from heaven. If any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever. And the bread that I will give, is my flesh, which I will give for the life of this world. (John 6:44-51)

And he said unto his disciples: Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God and believe in me. In my father's house are many mansions. If it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you even unto myself, that where I am, there may ye be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. Thomas said unto him: Lord we know now whither thou goest. Also how is it possible for us to know the way? Jesus said unto him: I am the way, the truth, and the life. And no man cometh unto the father, but by me. If ye had known me, ye had known my father also. And now ye know him, and have seen him. (John 14:1-7)

As soon as Jesus had received of the vinegar, he said: It is finished, and bowed his head, and gave up the ghost. (John 19:30) 

When he saw the people, he went up into a mountain, and when he was set, his disciples came to him, and he opened his mouth, and taught them saying: Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meal: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which hunger and thirst for righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which suffer persecution for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye when men revile you, and persecute you, and shall falsely say all manner of evil sayings against you for my sake. Rejoice, and be glad, for great is your reward in heaven. For so persecuted they the prophets which were before your days. (Matthew 5:12)

I beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercifulness of God, that ye make your bodies a quick sacrifice holy and acceptable unto God which is your reasonable serving of God. And fashion not yourselves like unto this world: But be ye changed in your shape, by the renewing of your wits that ye may feel what thing that good, that acceptable, and perfect will of God is. (Romans 12:1-2)

This edition has modern spelling. It makes Tyndale's translation a comfortable choice. Here's a small taste of the original spelling:

I beseche you therfore brethre by ye mercyfulnes of God that ye make youre bodyes aquicke sacrifise holy and acceptable vnto God which is youre resonable seruynge of god. And fassion not youre selves lyke vnto this worlde: But be ye chaunged in youre shape by the renuynge of youre wittes that ye maye fele what thynge that good yt acceptable and perfaycte will of god is. (Romans 12:1-2)

For God so loveth the worlde yt he hath geven his only sonne that none that beleve in him shuld perisshe: but shuld have everlastinge lyfe. (John 3:16)

And he sayd vnto his disciples: Let not youre hertes be troubled. Beleve in god and beleve in me. In my fathers housse are many mansions. If it were not so I wolde have tolde you. I go to prepare a place for you.And yf I go to prepare a place for you I will come agayne and receave you eve vnto my selfe yt where I am there maye ye be also. (John 14:1-3)

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible