November Favorites

Music From Our Lord's Holy Heaven. Gathered and Sung by Gloria Jean Pinkney. Art by Jerry Pinkney, Brian Pinkney, and Myles C. Pinkney. Prelude by Troy Pinkney-Ragsdale. 2005. HarperCollins. 48 pages.
A Baby Born in Bethlehem. Martha Whitmore Hickman. Illustrated by Giuliano Ferri. 1999. Whitman. 32 pages.
Story of Christmas. Vivian French. Illustrated by Jane Chapman. 2010. Candlewick. 22 pages.


© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Sunday Salon: Week In Review: November 21-27

This week I

finished 1 Kings in the HCSB Study Bible
finished Revelation in the HCSB Study Bible
read Job 10-33 in the NASB MacArthur Bible

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

2011 Goals: Read The Bible

This will be the third year I'll challenge myself to read the Bible. (This project is "Operation Actually Read Bible".) In 2009, I lacked thirteen books. (You can see the list of what I was missing here.) I'm still hoping to meet my goals in 2010. As of today (Thanksgiving), I only lack seven books! Job, 1 and 2 Kings, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, Revelation.

In 2011, I hope to focus my Bible reading on four translations and six bibles.

ESV (English Standard Version)

• ESV MacArthur Bible (my progress)
• ESV Study Bible (my progress)
• ESV Reformation Bible (my progress)

NASB (New American Standard Bible)

• NASB MacArthur Bible (my progress)

HCSB (Holman Christian Standard Bible)

• HCSB Study Bible (my progress)

1599 Geneva Bible (my progress)

Of course, if I should tire of study bibles (they can be heavy) then I could decide to switch to Thinline editions.


© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

2011 Goals: Read 100 Books

This will be the third year that I challenge myself to read 100 Christian books. (Though sometimes "Christian" doesn't mean strictly Christian. This year I included a few classics that I thought had spiritual merit--at least for discussion purposes!) In 2009, I did NOT meet my goal. In 2010, I did! I'm super-excited that I was able to meet that goal this year! Because I feel it is VERY important for me to be as balanced as I can. Keeping three blogs is not easy. If I don't meet my goal in 2011, I am going to do my best not to feel guilty about it. But. I do want to try my best.

1. The Attributes of God. Arthur W. Pink. [Nonfiction]
2. Serendipity. Cathy Marie Hake. [Historical Fiction]
3. Courting Miss Amsel. Kim Vogel Sawyer. [Historical Fiction]
4. The Girl in the Gatehouse. Julie Klassen. [Historical Fiction]
5. Slave: The Hidden Truth About Your Identity in Christ. John MacArthur. [Nonfiction]
6. Jesus in the Present Tense: The I AM Statements of Christ. Warren W. Wiersbe.
7. Stars Collide. Janice Thompson. 2011. [January 2011] Revell. 324 pages.
8. A Million Ways To Die: The Only Way to Live. Rick James. 2010. October 2010. David C. Cook. 336 pages.
9. The Robe by Lloyd C. Douglas. Introduction by Andrew M. Greeley. 1942/1999. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. 528 pages.
10. Bible Stories for Girls. American Bible Society. Scholastic. 2011. January 2011. 18 pages.
11. Bible Stories for Boys. American Bible Society. Scholastic. 2011. January 2011. 18 pages.
12. Passport Through Darkness: A True Story of Danger and Second Chances. Kimberly L. Smith. 2011. David C. Cook. 256 pages.
13. When Calls the Heart. Janette Oke. 1983/2005. Bethany House. 224 pages.
14. Lady in the Mist. Laurie Alice Eakes. 2011. Revell. 402 pages.
15. The Legacy of the King James Bible: Celebrating 400 Years of the Most Influential English Translation. Leland Ryken. 2011. Crossway. 272 pages.
16. The Imagination Station: Voyage with the Vikings. Marianne Hering. Paul McCusker. Adventures in Odyssey. 2011. Tyndale. 128 pages.
17. The Imagination Station: Attack at the Arena. Marianne Hering. Paul McCusker. Adventures in Odyssey. 2011. Tyndale. 128 pages.
18. Operation Bonnet. Kimberly Stuart. 2011. David C. Cook. 272 pages.
19. Don't Call It A Comeback: the Old Faith For a New Day. Edited by Kevin DeYoung. Foreword by D.A. Carson. 2011. Crossway Books. 256 pages.
20. A Bond Never Broken. Judith Miller. 2011. Bethany House. 384 pages.
21. Hearts Aglow. (Striking a Match #2) Tracie Peterson. 2011. Bethany House. 368 pages.
22. A Heart Most Worthy. Siri Mitchell. 2011. Bethany House. 384 pages.
23. O Love That Will Not Let Me Go: Facing Death With Courageous Confidence in God. Edited by Nancy Guthrie. 2011. February 2011. Crossway Books. 160 pages.
24. Pinocchio. Carlo Collodi. Translated by Emma Rose. Illustrated by Sara Fanelli. Candlewick Press. 192 pages. (Collodi's Pinocchio was published in 1883.)
25. Bathsheba. (The Wives of King David #3) Jill Eileen Smith. 2011. Revell. 350 pages.
26. The Everlasting Tradition: Jewish Customs, Holidays, and Historical Events That Reveal Biblical Truth. Galen Peterson. 1995. Kregel Publications. 160 pages.
27. Knowing Scripture. R.C. Sproul. 1977/2009. IVP. 152 pages.
28. The World Jesus Knew. Anne Punton. 2003. Moody Publishers. 192 pages.
29. The Practice of the Presence of God. Brother Lawrence. Joseph de Beaufort. 1982. Whitaker House. 96 pages.
30. How To Get The Most From God's Word. John MacArthur. 1997. Thomas Nelson. 168 pages.
31. God is Great: A Toddlers Bible Storybook by Carolyn Larsen. Illustrated by Caron Turk. 2011. Crossway Publishers. 44 pages.
32. No Other Gospel: 31 Reasons From Galatians Why Justification by Faith Alone is the Only Gospel. Josh Moody. 2011. Crossway. 288 pages.
33. Discovering Jesus: Why Four Gospels to Portray One Person? T.D. Alexander. 2010. Crossway Publishers. 144 pages.
34. Through Gates of Splendor. Elisabeth Elliot. 1956/2005. Tyndale. 296 pages.
35. Cries From the Cross: A Journey Into the Heart of Jesus. Erwin Lutzer. 2002. Moody. 170 pages.
36. The Judgment. Beverly Lewis. 2011. Bethany House. 336 pages.
37. How To Study The Bible. R.A. Torrey. 1896. Hendrickson Publishers. 90 pages.
38. How to Pray. R.A. Torrey. 1900. Hendrickson Publishers. 82 pages.
39. The Holiness of God. R.C. Spoul. 1985. Tyndale. 280 pages.
40. Why One Way?: Defending an Exclusive Claim in an Inclusive World. John MacArthur. 2002. Thomas Nelson. 96 pages.
41. Joni. Joni Eareckson Tada. 1976. 224 pages.
42. Our Awesome God. John MacArthur. 1993/2001. Crossway Books. 176 pages.
43. Hope Rekindled. Tracie Peterson. 2011. Bethany House. 352 pages.
44. In Grandma's Attic. Arleta Richardson. 1974/2011. David C. Cook. 144 pages.
45. More Stories from Grandma's Attic. Arleta Richardson. 1979/2011. David C. Cook. 144 pages.
46. Note to Self: The Discipline of Preaching to Yourself. Joe Thorn. Foreword by Sam Storms. 2011. Crossway Books. 144 pages.
47. How Huge the Night. Lydia Munn and Heather Munn. 2011. Kregel. 304 pages.
48. China Cry. Nora Lam with Richard Schneider. 1991. Thomas Nelson. 260 pages.
49. Saint Training. Elizabeth Fixmer. 2010. Zonderkidz. 256 pages.
50. Pompeii: City On Fire. T.L. Higley. 2011. B&H Publishing Group. 368 pages.
51. Mirror Ball. Matt Redman. 2011. David C. Cook. 176 pages.
52. Troo Makes A Splash (Rainforest Friends). Cheryl Crouch. Illustrated by Kevin Zimmer. 2011. Zonderkidz. 32 pages.
53. Troo's Secret Clubhouse. Cheryl Crouch. Illustrated by Kevin Zimmer. 2011. Zonderkidz. 32 pages.
54. Troo's Big Climb. Cheryl Crouch. Illustrated by Kevin Zimmer. 2011. Zonderkidz. 32 pages.
55. Tombstones and Banana Trees: A True Story of Revolutionary Forgiveness. Medad Birungi with Craig Borlase. 2011. David C. Cook. 208 pages.
56. Am I Really A Christian? Mike McKinley. Foreword by Kirk Cameron. 2011. Crossway. 160 pages.
57. Martha. Diana Wallis Taylor. 2011. Revell. 256 pages.
58. My First Read and Learn: Book of Prayer. Dr. Mary Manz Simon. 2007. Scholastic. 40 pages.
59. Mine is the Night. Liz Curtis Higgs. 2011. Waterbrook. 464 pages
60. Read Your Bible One Book At A Time: A Refreshing Way To Read God's Word with New Insight and Meaning. Woodrow Kroll. 2002. Gospel Light Publications. 150 pages.
61. How to Find God in the Bible: A Personal Plan For the Encounter of Your Life. Woodrow Kroll. 2004. Multnomah. 204 pages.
62. City of Tranquil Light. Bo Caldwell. 2010. Henry Holt. 304 pages.
63. Embrace Grace: Welcome to the Forgiven Life. Liz Curtis Higgs. 2006. Waterbrook Press. 160 pages.
64. To The One Who Conquers: 50 Daily Meditations on the Seven Letters of Revelation 2-3. Sam Storms. 2008. Crossway Books. 240 pages.
65. Bookends. Liz Curtis Higgs. 2000. Multnomah. 340 pages.
66. Safely Home. Randy C. Alcorn. 2011. Tyndale. 434 pages.
67. Mixed Signals. Liz Curtis Higgs. 1999. Multnomah. 384 pages.
68. The Colonel's Lady. Laura Frantz. 2011. Revell. 412 pages.
69. Let God Change Your Life: How To Know and Follow Jesus. Greg Laurie. 2011. David C. Cook. 288 pages.
70. A Most Unsuitable Match. Stephanie Grace Whitson. 2011. Bethany House. 336 pages.
71. Wings of a Dream. Anne Mateer. 2011. Bethany House. 319 pages.
72. The Doctor's Lady. Jody Hedlund. 2011. Bethany House. 384 pages.
73. A Heart Revealed (Winds of Change Series #2) Julie Lessman. 2011. Revell. 500 pages.
74. Deeply Devoted. Maggie Brendan. 2011. Revell. 335 pages.
75. Beneath the Night Tree by Nicole Baart. 2011. Tyndale. 400 pages.
76. Still More Stories from Grandma's Attic. Arleta Richardson. 1980/2011. David C. Cook. 160 pages.
77. Treasures from Grandma's Attic. Arleta Richardson. 1984/2011. David C. Cook. 160 pages.
78. Lit: A Christian Guide to Reading Books. Tony Reinke. 2011. Crossway Books. 208 pages.
79.  Ten Lies About God And How You Might Already Be Deceived. Erwin Lutzer. 2000. Thomas Nelson. 238 pages. (Newly reprinted as paperback by Kregel publications in January 2009).
80. Hope Underground. Carolos Parra Diaz. As told to Mario Veloso & Jeanette Windle. 2011. Imago Dei Books. 191 pages.
81. Love on the Line. Deeanne Gist. 2011. Bethany House. 365 pages.
82. Wonderland Creek. Lynn Austin. 2011. Bethany House. 400 pages.
83. Who Stole My Church? Gordon MacDonald. 2007. Thomas Nelson. 250 pages.
84. Do I Know God? Finding Certainty in Life's Most Important Relationship. Tullian Tchividjian. 2007. 215 pages.
85. A Necessary Deception. Laurie Alice Eakes. 2011. Revell. 346 pages.
86. Going Deep. Gordon MacDonald. 2011. Thomas Nelson. 383 pages.
87. Jesus + Nothing = Everything. Tullian Tchividjian. 2011. Crossway Books. 220 pages.

88. My First Read and Learn Countdown to Christmas. Dr. Mary Manz Simon. Illustrated by Siobhan Harrison. 2009. Scholastic.
89. The Mercy. Beverly Lewis. 2011. Bethany House. 310 pages.
90. God With Us: Divine Condescension And the Attributes of God. K. Scott Oliphint. 2011. Crossway. 303 pages.
91. The Merchant's Daughter. Melanie Dickerson. 2011. Zondervan. 285 pages.
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© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Goals for 2011: Listen to 100 Sermons

I've decided one of my goals for 2011 is to listen to more sermons. I've really enjoyed listening to the sermons at Bethlehem Bible Church the past few years. But I've definitely not been able to keep up with every sermon! And that's just *one* of my sources for sermons. There are some Truth for Life and Grace to You broadcasts that I'd *love* to listen to next year!!!

Some of these I already have in my library--but I also plan to take advantage of Oneplace.com and listen online. (Though I'm not planning on subscribing via podcast to anything else. That's why I've added a column linking to my favorite Oneplace broadcasts.)

I will *not* be reviewing the sermons. I don't plan on writing posts to document each one or anything. I do hope to keep track of the sermon title, preacher/church, date I listened. And if possible, perhaps share a link. Perhaps sermons that I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE will be noted in an extra-special way.

1. Ephesians A Jet Tour - Mike Abendroth - Bethlehem Bible Church - January 2002
2. To The Praise of His Glory, Ephesians 1:3-14 - Mike Abendroth - Bethlehem Bible Church - January 2002
3. Praise God for Election, Ephesians 1:4-6 - Mike Abendroth - Bethlehem Bible Church - February 2002
4. The Wonder of It All Ephesians 1:4ff - Mike Abendroth - Bethlehem Bible Church - February 2002
5. Election, The Hope for Evangelism Ephesians 1:4-6 - Mike Abendroth - Bethlehem Bible Church - February 2002
6. Five Biblical Responses to Living in Trials 1 Peter 5:6-11 Mike Abendroth - Bethlehem Bible Church - February 2002
7. A Healthy Growing Church [1 Thessalonians] Mike Abendroth - Bethlehem Bible Church - March 2002
8. Abraham - Prototype Christian [Selected Scripture] Louis Brown - Bethlehem Bible Church - March 2002
9. Redeemed, Redeemed (part 1) [Ephesians 1:7-8] Mike Abendroth - Bethlehem Bible Church - March 2002
10. Redeemed, Redeemed (part 2) [Ephesians 1:7-8] Mike Abendroth - Bethlehem Bible Church - March 2002
11. We Have A Risen Savior [Selected Scriptures] Mike Abendroth -- Bethlehem Bible Church - March 2002
12. May Jesus Christ Be Praised [Ephesians 1:7-12] Mike Abendroth - Bethlehem Bible Church - April 2002
13. Trinitarian Praise [Ephesians 1:11-12] Mike Abendroth - Bethlehem Bible Church - April 2002
14. Praise for the Holy Spirit [Ephesians 1:13-14] Mike Abendroth - Bethlehem Bible Church - April 2002
15. The Eternals Security [Ephesians 1:13-14] Mike Abendroth - Bethlehem Bible Church - April 2002
16. To Know Him Better [Ephesians 1:15-23] Mike Abendroth - Bethlehem Bible Church - May 2002
17. Knowing God [Ephesians 1:15-23] Mike Abendroth - Bethlehem Bible Church - May 2002
18. Tales from the Crypt [Ephesians 2:1-3] Mike Abendroth - Bethlehem Bible Church - May 2002
19. Joy In Spite of Life [Philippians 1:18-26] Mike Abendroth - Bethlehem Bible Church - June 2002
20. Eternal Security pt. 1 [Ephesians 1:13-15] Mike Abendroth - Bethlehem Bible Church - June 2002
21. Eternal Security pt. 2 [Ephesians 1:13-15] Mike Abendroth - Bethlehem Bible Church - June 2002
22. Why Are You a Christian [Ephesians 2:8-10] Mike Abendroth - Bethlehem Bible Church - June 2002
23. To God Be the Glory [Ephesians 2:10] Mike Abendroth - Bethlehem Bible Church - July 2002
24. That Was Then, This is Now pt. 2 [Ephesians 2:11-13] Mike Abendroth - Bethlehem Bible Church - July 2002
25. Current Trends Facing the Church [Selected Scriptures] James White - Bethlehem Bible Church - July 2002
26. Questions and Answers [Selected Scriptures] James White - Bethlehem Bible Church - July 2002
27. Justification - What is the Issue At Hand [Selected Scriptures] James White - Bethlehem Bible Church - July 2002
28. Justification - What is the Church To Teach [Selected Scriptures] James White - Bethlehem Bible Church - July 2002
29. Justification - Where Does the Church Go From Here [Selected Scriptures] James White - Bethlehem Bible Church - July 2002
30. The Church God's Building [Acts 2:41-47] Louis Brown - Bethlehem Bible Church - August 2002
31. Have You Been With Jesus [Acts 4] Dave Jeffries - Bethlehem Bible Church - August 2002

32. Can This Be Naomi? from God of the Ordinary [Ruth] Alistair Begg
33. God of the Ordinary from God of the Ordinary [Ruth] Alistair Begg
34. Grace and Favor from God of the Ordinary [Ruth] Alistair Begg
35. Favor to the Humble from God of the Ordinary [Ruth] Alistair Begg
36. Family Ties from God of the Ordinary [Ruth] Alistair Begg
37. Ruth Proposes to Boaz from God of the Ordinary [Ruth] Alistair Begg
38. So Boaz Took Ruth from God of the Ordinary [Ruth] Alistair Begg
39. Ruth Has a Baby from God of the Ordinary [Ruth] Alistair Begg
40. The Mystery of History from God of the Ordinary [Ruth] Alistair Begg
41. Saints Under Close Watch [Selected Scriptures] Dave Jeffries - Bethlehem Bible Church - August 2002
42. The Church's One Foundation [Ephesians 2:14-18] Mike Abendroth - Bethlehem Bible Church - August 2002
43. Christ Is Our Peace [Ephesians 2:14-18] Mike Abendroth - Bethlehem Bible Church - September 2002
44. The Man Who Said No from Man Overboard [Jonah] Alistair Begg
45. Man Overboard from Man Overboard [Jonah] Alistair Begg
46. Salvation Comes from the Lord from Man Overboard [Jonah] Alistair Begg
47. The Obedient Prophet from Man Overboard [Jonah] Alistair Begg

48. The Sulking Servant from Man Overboard [Jonah] Alistair Begg
49. Amazing Grace from Man Overboard [Jonah] Alistair Begg
50. Amazing Love, Part One from Amazing Love [Luke 15:1] Alistair Begg
51. Amazing Love, Part Two from Amazing Love [Luke 15:11] Alistair Begg
52. Amazing Love, Part Three from Amazing Love [Luke 15:11] Alistair Begg
53. Amazing Love, Part Four from Amazing Love [Luke 15:25] Alistair Begg
54. We Are Family [Ephesians 2:19-22] Mike Abendroth - Bethlehem Bible Church - September 2002
55. A Steward of God's Grace [Ephesians 3:1-7] Mike Abendroth - Bethlehem Bible Church - September 2002
56. The Unfathomable Riches of Christ [Ephesians 2:14-18] Mike Abendroth - Bethlehem Bible Church - September 2002
57. Encouragement in Trials [Ephesians 3:13] Mike Abendroth - Bethlehem Bible Church - September 2002
58. A Prayer for the Ages pt. 1 [Ephesians 3:14-21] Mike Abendroth - Bethlehem Bible Church - October 2002
59. A Prayer for the Ages pt. 2 [Ephesians 3:14-21] Mike Abendroth - Bethlehem Bible Church - October 2002
60. A Prayer for the Ages pt. 3 [Ephesians 3:14-21] Mike Abendroth - Bethlehem Bible Church - October 2002
61. Planning [James 4] Dave Jeffries - Bethlehem Bible Church - January 2003
62. Questions and Answers [Selected Scriptures] Mike Abendroth - Bethlehem Bible Church - January 2003
63. Bring the Books pt. 1 [Amos 8] Mike Abendroth - Bethlehem Bible Church - January 2003
64. The Symbolic Marriage [Hosea 3] Mike Abendroth - Bethlehem Bible Church - January 2003
65. Bring the Books pt. 2 [Amos 8] Mike Abendroth - Bethlehem Bible Church - January 2003
66. Salvation Quiz [Selected Scriptures] Mike Abendroth - Bethlehem Bible Church - January 2003
67. Discernment and Rob Bell [Selected Scriptures] Phil Johnson - Bethlehem Bible Church - May 2011
68. Grace Gifts pt. 1 [Ephesians 4:7-11] Mike Abendroth - Bethlehem Bible Church - February 2003
69. Grace Gifts pt. 2 [Ephesians 4:7-11] Mike Abendroth - Bethlehem Bible Church - February 2003
70. Deuteronomy 10 pt. 1 [Deuteronomy 10] Mike Abendroth - Bethlehem Bible Church - February 2003
71. The Work of the Ministry [Ephesians 4:12-16] Mike Abendroth - Bethlehem Bible Church - February 2003
72. Deuteronomy 10 pt. 2 [Deuteronomy 10] Mike Abendroth - Bethlehem Bible Church - February 2003
73. Seven Spiritual Gifts: Motivation to Serve [Romans 12] Mike Abendroth - Bethlehem Bible Church - March 2003
74. Hosea 4 [Hosea 4] Mike Abendroth - Bethlehem Bible Church - March 2003
75. Whose Kingdom Is It Anyway? [Matthew 5] Louis Brown - Bethlehem Bible Church - March 2003
76. Obedient Living in Times of Trouble [1 Peter 2:1-2] - Dave Jeffries - Bethlehem Bible Church - March 2003
77. Living a Life With The Blessing of God [Psalm 1] - Mike Abendroth - Bethlehem Bible Church - March 2003
78. Rejoice, the Lord is King! [Psalm 2] Mike Abendroth - Bethlehem Bible Church - March 2003
79. Psalm for War [Psalm 27] - Mike Abendroth - Bethlehem Bible Church - March 2003
80. Three Imputations (part 1) [Romans 5:12] Mike Abendroth - Bethlehem Bible Church - June 2011
81. Three Imputations (part 2) [Romans 5:12] Mike Abendroth - Bethlehem Bible Church - June 2011
82. Where Is God When Life Hurts [Psalm 42] Mike Abendroth - Bethlehem Bible Church - April 2003
83. Experiencing God's Forgiveness pt. 1 [Psalm 51] Mike Abendroth - Bethlehem Bible Church - April 2003
84. Experiencing God's Forgiveness pt. 2 [Psalm 51] Mike Abendroth - Bethlehem Bible Church - May 2003
85. How Does the Church Really Grow [Selected Scriptures] Mike Abendroth - Bethlehem Bible Church - May 2003
86. Standing in Awe of the Lord [Psalm 33] Mike Abendroth - Bethlehem Bible Church - May 2003
87. The First Great Revival in History Part 1 Dr. David Jeremiah - Turning Point - Series: Revival - September 2011
88. The First Great Revival in History Part 2 Dr. David Jeremiah - Turning Point - Series: Revival - September 2011
89. Anatomy of a Revival part 1 Dr. David Jeremiah - Turning Point - Series: Revival - September 2011
90. Anatomy of a Revival part 2 Dr. David Jeremiah - Turning Point - Series: Revival - September 2011
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© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Book Review: What Good is God?

What Good is God? In Search of A Faith That Matters. Philip Yancey. 2010. Faithwords [Hachette]. 287 pages.

In the opening chapter, Yancey writes how he "prefers to go out into the field and examine how faith works itself out, especially under extreme conditions. A faith that matters should produce positive results, thus providing an existential answer to the underlying question, "What good is God?" (3) Yancey has chosen ten of these trips to share with readers. Two chapters are devoted to each trip--so he could "bring together his two roles as speaker and writer" (6). The first chapter, for example, recounts his experiences traveling: the people he met, the places he stayed, what he learned from the experience, spiritual lessons and observations and such. The second chapter then focuses on his role as a speaker. Though he admits that "some of the talks follow very closely what I actually said, while in others I have made changes..." (6)

Where did Yancey's travels take him? Virginia Tech, China, Greenlake, Wisconsin, Cambridge, South Africa, Memphis, Tennessee, the Middle East, Chicago, and Mumbai (India). (Also his Bible College--which he doesn't mention by name in the book.)

I liked seeing the different cultures, different perspectives. How suffering, how grief, how pain can shape your faith--make you stronger, make you wiser. We meet people who have lived a life of praise, brought glory to His name, despite the hard lives they've led. We meet people who've felt the power, the transformation of God's grace. We meet people whose lives have been CHANGED by God--people who LOVE God. Who know his goodness, his grace, his love.

I didn't find all trips equally worthy of inclusion in What Good Is God? While the trips on China, Mumbai, South Africa, the Middle East, Virginia Tech, Chicago, and Greenlake seemed relevant--proved interesting, I can't say the same about all of the chapters. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Sunday Salon: Week in Review: November 14 - 20

This week I...

read Genesis 25 - 37 in the ESV MacArthur Bible
finished 2 Samuel in the HCSB Study Bible
read 1 Kings 1-9 in the HCSB Study Bible
finished John in the HCSB Study Bible
read Revelation 1 in the HCSB Study Bible
finished 2 Chronicles in the ESV MacArthur Bible
finished 1 Timothy in the NASB MacArthur Bible
finished 2 Timothy in the NASB MacArthur Bible
finished Titus in the NASB MacArthur Bible
read Job 1 - 9 in the NASB MacArthur Bible

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Book Review: One Wintry Night

One Wintry Night. Ruth Bell Graham. Illustrated by Richard Jesse Watson. 1994. Baker. 72 pages.

The boy hunkered down and yanked his cap further over his ears as the wind rose to a roar across the ridge. 

While I may not have loved One Wintry Night, I did appreciate the concept. This one isn't quite a picture book, and it isn't quite a chapter book. It's definitely designed for reading aloud--in my opinion. It tells the picture of a young boy, Zeb, who twists his ankle and finds refuge in a mountain cabin with an elderly woman who is more than happy to have a guest for the holidays. (The two are snowed in together, by the way.)

During their time together, she recounts the Christmas story. But she doesn't start with Matthew or Luke or even John. No, she starts with Genesis--with the account of creation, with Adam and Eve and the fall of mankind, with the introduction of sin and death to God's perfect world. Through each chapter, Zeb, learns how God's story of redemption has been revealed. Through stories about Abraham, Moses, Samson, Samuel, David, Daniel, etc.

This one doesn't end with Mary, Joseph, and the newborn, swaddled babe, either. For Zeb asks--as you might have guessed by now--how a baby could save the world, how a baby could be a savior. So she continues her story through Jesus's life, death, and resurrection.

I liked the concept of this one. I think adults and children alike need to remember why Jesus was born--to save us sinners. To remember that this newborn babe whom we celebrate in song each December was born to die. He was destined for the cross. And I think it is important to connect the Easter-message with the Christmas one. And I've not read that many books--especially for children--that attempt such a "big picture" method.

I didn't like everything about this one, however. There were a few places, here and there, where I was disappointed with how she chose to tell the story. And probably, my biggest complaint, is how the life of Jesus is portrayed through the eyes of "Aaron and Anna" two children who witnessed his birth in Bethlehem and later (as grown-ups) witnessed his death and resurrection in Jerusalem. Personally, I didn't need these invented "eyewitnesses" to tell the gospel story. The rest of the book--the chapters covering the Old Testament bible stories--didn't have invented narrators. It just felt like an odd choice, to me.

In a way, it shares a concept with Andrew Peterson's Behold the Lamb album. But. It succeeds in its attempt. It is an AMAZING album--a "Christmas" album that you can listen to every day of the year!

So Long Moses:



Gather Round, Ye Children, Come:





© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Book Review: This is the Stable

This Is The Stable. Cynthia Cotten. Illustrated by Delana Bettoli. 2006. Henry Holt. 32 pages.

This is the stable, dusty and brown,
in a quiet corner of Bethlehem town.
This is the star whose light shown down
on the quiet stable, dusty and brown.
This is the manger, filled with hay
to feed the animals sheltered away
from the chilly night when the star shone down
on the quiet stable, dusty and brown.

I liked this one. I didn't quite love it. But I liked it. I liked the poetic concept of it--the framework of it. I thought it worked for the most part. I also enjoyed the illustrations.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Book Review: A Baby Born in Bethlehem

A Baby Born in Bethlehem. Martha Whitmore Hickman. Illustrated by Giuliano Ferri. 1999. Whitman. 32 pages.

One day long ago, a young woman named Mary, who was engaged to a man named Joseph, was walking in her garden. Suddenly there appeared before her a beautiful angel.

"Mary!" the angel said, "I come to you from God!"

At first Mary was frightened, and she stepped back.

"Don't be afraid," the angel said. "God is pleased with you. God is going to make something wonderful happen to you." 

"What could it be?" Mary asked, astonished.

"You will have a baby, a baby boy," the angel said. "His name will be Jesus. He will be called the Son of the Most High. And when he grows up, he will be king over all his people."

Then the angel went away. At first Mary sat quietly, thinking of what the angel had said. Then she stood up and danced her way out of the garden, and all that day she went around with singing in her heart.

I really enjoyed this picture book! I did. I thought it was a good retelling of the nativity story. And I appreciated the fact that the visit of the magi did not coincide with the shepherds! I thought this retelling was more biblical than others I've come across. I thought the illustrations were very good too. I loved the colors!

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

"No Compromise Radio"

I've been a BIG fan of Bethlehem Bible Church. I've been listening to their sermons for two or three years now. As my life gets busier, they have been the one podcast that I have been unwilling to sacrifice. (I often listen to sermons while blogging.) In fact, I'm going to be challenging myself to listen to 100 sermons in 2011. (Similar to my 100 Books in 2010 challenge.) So I was THRILLED to discover their "No Compromise Radio." It didn't take me long to realize I needed to subscribe to this podcast! (But you can listen online too!) Their latest is Christian Book Store Ministries.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Sunday Salon: Week in Review: November 7 - 13

This week I

read Genesis 16 - 25 in the ESV MacArthur Bible
read 2 Samuel 6 - 16 in the Holman Christian Standard Study Bible
read John 4 - 5 in the HCSB Study Bible
read John 1 - 3 in the ESV MacArthur Bible
finished Song of Songs in the ESV MacArthur Bible
finished 1 Chronicles in the ESV MacArthur Bible
read 2 Chronicles 1 - 4 in the ESV MacArthur Bible
finished 1 Peter in the ESV MacArthur Bible
finished 2 Peter in the ESV MacArthur Bible

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Book Review: Music From Our Lord's Holy Heaven

Music From Our Lord's Holy Heaven. Gathered and Sung by Gloria Jean Pinkney. Art by Jerry Pinkney, Brian Pinkney, and Myles C. Pinkney. Prelude by Troy Pinkney-Ragsdale. 2005. HarperCollins. 48 pages.

Music offers a magical space for children as well as adults. Within a song one can find warmth, motivation, and a chance to express oneself.

From the prelude, "Spirituals are so melodic that even a very young child can quickly hum a tune and often remember the words...Sharing inspirational songs with children is a unique way to teach the wonders of God, for singing lets them actively participate in the learning process."

I loved this one. I just LOVED it. There are three sections in the book, "Adoration," "Spiritual Wayfarers," and "The Good Shepherd." Each section has seven to eight songs. Some of the songs included: "Old-Time Religion," "This Is My Father's World," "Glory, Glory, Hallelujah," "Go Down, Moses," "We Are Climbing Jacob's Ladder," "Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho," "Go Tell It On the Mountain," "Tell Me The Stories of Jesus," "He's Got The Whole World In His Hands," and "This Little Light of Mine."

Readers get the chance to listen to the music--a CD is included with the book--read the lyrics, and look at the illustrations. (The illustrations are diverse in style. Included are some photographs.) One feature which I especially enjoyed was how Gloria Pinkney paired each song with a psalm--a bible verse. For example, "Old Time Religion" is paired with Psalm 9:1-2. ("I will praise Thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will show forth all Thy marvelous works. I will be glad and rejoice in Thee: I will sing praise to Thy name, O Thou Most High.") And "This Is My Father's World" is paired with Psalm 148:5. ("Let them praise the name of the LORD: for He commanded, and they were created.")

I would definitely recommend this one. It would pair well with He's Got The Whole World In His Hands, All Night, All Day: A Child's First Book of African-American Spirituals, All Things Bright and Beautiful, Let it Shine, All God's Critters, and Sunday is For God.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Book Review: Silent Night: A Christmas Carol is Born

Silent Night: A Christmas Carol is Born. Maureen Brett Hooper. Illustrated by Kasi Kubiak. 2001. Boyds Mill Press. 32 pages.

Franz Gruber lit the candles on either side of the St. Nicholas Church organ. He slid along the bench until he sat before the keyboard. The organ pipes sparkled like a million jewels above him.

Silent Night: A Christmas Carol is born is a historical picture book retelling of how one of the world's greatest christmas hymns--carols--came to be written. When Gruber's organ breaks, he fears that Christmas will be ruined. Who could imagine a Christmas Eve service without music? But. With a little teamwork, one of the greatest songs ever was introduced to the world. For Father Joseph learning of the difficulty comes to Franz Gruber with a poem he'd written. He asks Gruber if it would be possible to set this poem to music. He asks Gruber to write a song--a melody. This song won't take the place of the organ--obviously--but it will be something. That poem, of course, was Silent Night.

"Ah, Father Joseph," Franz said. He unbuttoned his greatcoat. He reached into his pocket. "Here is your melody." Father Joseph studied the music. A smile spread across his face. "It is as if the words and melody belong together." Franz lowered his eyes. "I don't know where I found the melody," he said. "Nor I the words," replied Father Joseph. (22)

I liked this one.


© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Book Review: We Believe in Christmas

We Believe in Christmas. Karen Kingsbury. Illustrated by Dan Brown. 2008. Zondervan. 40 pages.

We believe in Christmas and the message of the star. 

We believe in Christmastime whatever age you are.

And so let's look for Christmas now; it might be very near--

as close as finding Jesus Christ in what we see and hear.

Then when we talk of wondrous awe,

no matter what we see,

let's think back in wondrous awe, and

there will Christmas be.

And if we speak of readiness and wrappings red and green,

imagine getting ready then, and there will Christmas be.

Karen Kingsbury's picture book, We Believe in Christmas, is incredibly awkward; her language, very unnatural. It's not that the message is bad--it's not--it's that the rhythm and rhyme of the book--if you can call it rhythm and rhyme--is so off, so unnatural, so horrible, that the message gets lost. The message. To me, it brought back the song "Keep Christmas With You." Of course, the book has a spiritual emphasis to it--finding ways to remember Jesus, to remember the real reason for the season. But the sentiment is largely the same, I think.

The illustrations are so much better than the text. They are not awkward or unnatural. But can nice illustrations save a book--make it worth reading? Probably not.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Gifts for Bible Lovers

Earlier in the fall, I posted a list of new Bibles released in 2010. I thought I would take a few minutes to expand the gift-recommendations. I'll start with a few CDs that I think Bible-lovers would really appreciate!

First, I'd like to recommend Glory Revealed and Glory Revealed II. Both of these are described as 'the Word of God in Worship.' And I've definitely found that to be the case! The lyrics are taken from Scripture. I've enjoyed listening to these through the months! My favorite from Glory Revealed is "By His Wounds" which is from Isaiah 53. And I love "To The Only God" and "Come, Worship The King" both songs gave me a new appreciation for the book of Jude! From the second album, I love, love, love "Rejoice in the Lord" and "What We Proclaim."

Songs/Scriptures/Artists from the first and second albums

He Will Rejoice (Zephaniah 3:17) Trevor Morgan
By His Wounds (Isaiah 53:5) Mac Powell, Steven Curtis Chapman, Brian Littrell, and Mark Hall
Waters Gone By (Job 11:13-20) Shawn Lewis
To the Only God (Jude 21-27) David Crowder And Shane And Shane
Glory Revealed Isaiah 40:3-5) Candi Pearson Shelton
Altar of God (Psalm 43:4) Josh Bates
Come, Worship the King (Jude 25)  Michael W. Smith with Shane & Shane
Who Is Like You (Exodus 15:2, 11, 13) Tim Neufeld
Restore To Me Psalm 51:9-12 ) Mac Powell And Candi Pearson-Shelton
You Alone (Rev. 15:3-4, Psalm 34:4-5) Brian Littrell

How Great (1 John 3:1, 16/ John 3:16) Mac Powell, Shane Everett, Jonathan Shelton & Brian Littrell
Rejoice In The Lord (Philippians 4:4-9) Trevor Morgan & Mark Hall
Wake Up, Oh Sleeper (Ephesians 5:14) Jason Crabb, Jonathan Shelton & Bear Rinehart
Since The World Began (Isaiah 64:1-9) Matt Maher, Ed Cash, Mac Powell & Amy Grant
Psalms 23           Trevor Morgan & Geoff Moore
Praise The Lord (Psalm 146) Natalie Grant & Laura Story
What We Proclaim (2 Corinthians 4:5; Psalm 115:1 Brandon Heath, Mike Donehey & Aaron Shust
Blessed Hope (Titus 2:13) Mac Powell & Shawn Lewis
There Is A City (Revelation 21:19-23; 22:1-5 & 17) Sara Evans & Bethany Olds
Cup Of Salvation (Psalm 116:1-2, 8-9, 12-13) Shane & Shane
Never (Hebrews 13:5-6) Shawn Lewis;Bethany Dillon
To You Be The Glory (Romans 11:33-36) Matt Maher; Kari Jobe

Also available Glory Revealed Live featuring five songs: "I'll Fly Away," "By His Wounds," "Glory Revealed," "Restore to Me," and "Come, Worship the King." 

I also discovered that there is a book. I haven't looked at it yet--so I can't say that it's a definite recommendation. Still, it is something to think about at least. 

I'm also recommending the City On A Hill Collection. It has three of the City on a Hill worship albums: City On A Hill, Sing Alleluia, The Gathering. Without a doubt, my favorite song is "God of Wonders". But there are many, many great songs included. Like "Covenant Song," "City On A Hill," "Precious Jesus," "Holy is the Lord," "Marvelous Light," "Communion," and "Holy is Your Name."

Note: There's a City On A Hill: It's Christmas Time.

When it comes to praise albums, it doesn't really get better than Caedmon's Call's In The Company of Angels I and II. (The second is In the Company of Angels: The World Will Sing.) Oh, how I love, love, love the first album especially. It's one I've listened to dozens of times. My favorite songs? "We Delight," "Before There Was Time," "Carry Your Love," and "I Boast No More." From the second, I especially love, "Great and Mighty," "Sing His Love," and "The Story."

And then, of course, there's Third Days' two praise albums: Offerings and Offerings II: All I Have To Give. My favorites? "King of Glory," "These Thousand Hills," "My Hope Is You," "Sing a Song," and "Creed."

This next one, Exodus, is definitely not new. But it's one of the first praise albums that I bonded with way back when. It was originally released in 1998. My favorites--and they are true favorites--are "Nothin'" "Draw Me Close" and "Agnus Dei."

There are three Rich Mullins CDs that I think are absolute musts. Songs, Songs II, and The Jesus Record. The 'Songs' albums are a collection of his best--his greatest--songs. The Jesus Record is a two disc set featuring Mullins' last work. It is an AMAZING album. I can't begin to convey how much I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this one. From 'Songs': "Awesome God," "Creed," "If I Stand," "My One Thing," and "Sing Your Praise to the Lord." From Songs 2: "I Will Sing," "Hope To Carry On," "I See You," "Bound to Come Some Trouble." From The Jesus Record: "My Deliverer," "Surely God Is With Us," "Man of No Reputation," "Heaven In His Eyes," and "That Where I Am, There You..."

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Sunday Salon: Week in Review: October 31 - November 6

This week I

read Genesis 9 - 15 in the ESV MacArthur Bible
read Genesis 28 - 30 in the 1599 Geneva Bible
finished 1 Samuel in the Holman Christian Standard Study Bible
read 2 Samuel 1 - 5 in the HCSB Study Bible
read John 1 - 3 in the HCSB Study Bible
finished James in the ESV MacArthur Bible

I also went through my Salon posts and tallied up my Bible reading. Here are the books that remain unread as of today.

• 1 Kings
• 2 Kings
• 1 Chronicles
• 2 Chronicles
• Job
• Song of Songs
• John
• 1 Timothy
• 2 Timothy
• 1 Peter
• 2 Peter
• 1 John
• 2 John
• 3 John
• Revelation

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Book Review: Story of Christmas

Story of Christmas. Vivian French. Illustrated by Jane Chapman. 2010. Candlewick. 22 pages.

A long time ago God called for the angel Gabriel. God told Gabriel to go to the city of Nazareth and find a young woman called Mary. At first Mary was frightened, but Gabriel told her not to be afraid. "God sent me," he said. "God has chosen you to be the mother of His baby. His name will be Jesus." Mary smiled. "I'm happy to do whatever God wants," she said.

I really liked this one. It's a simple retelling of the Christmas story for little ones. But just because it's 'simple' doesn't mean it's not rich in detail! You get the whole story--most of it at any rate. Readers don't meet Elizabeth, Mary's cousin, the mother of John the Baptist. Also readers are not introduced to King Herod. Vivian French does a nice job of weaving together the narratives from Matthew and Luke.

I would definitely recommend this one!

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

In His Image: Devotional Bible

In His Image Devotional Bible. New Living Translation (Second Edition). Tyndale. 2010. October 2010. 1398 pages.

I received a review copy of In His Image from the Tyndale Blog Network. This will NOT be a review of the Bible--or even a review of this translation of the Bible. It will be a "review" of the features of this Bible. I will try to look at what makes this Bible different from others.

I love the Bible. I do. And while the New Living Translation does not make my top five list--in translations--it is a translation I enjoy reading on occasion. (I definitely enjoy it more than The Message, CEV, NCV, NRSV, etc.)

I like many types of Bibles: text only bibles (because sometimes I am in that mood; I'm craving the Word of God and I don't want to be distracted with extras), study bibles (because sometimes I'm in that mood; I'm wanting to know more, learn more, I'm wanting to intensify the experience of reading the Bible. Plus, I like to have a study bible in hand for Sunday School). Then there are devotional Bibles. I've read some in the Max Lucado Devotional Bible--the New King James version from a decade ago. I've also read the Women's Devotional Bible in the New International Version. (If you're looking for a devotional bible, you might try the new Max Lucado Bible.)

So what are the features of the In His Image Bible?

• Prayerful Readings
• Response to God Articles
• God's Names and Titles
• Book Introductions
• Character of God Articles

Many (if not all) focus on God's attributes. This is how the features are structured. This is how they are tied together.

Prayerful Readings

The Prayerful Readings may be different from other devotionals you have read. Their primary purpose is not to give you ideas to think about. They, instead, provide a context for you to quiet your heart and listen to what God is saying to you--right now--through his Word and by the power of his Spirit. (A17)

Since the Prayerful Readings are not information-oriented devotionals, it is important that you understand how to use them. They are designed to create a context for you to listen prayerfully to God through his Word. (A17-A18)

Essentially readers are told they need to find a quiet place for a quiet time. They need to find a place where they're comfortable--but not too comfortable--so they can commune with God in prayer and bible reading. Readers are encouraged to have a moment or two of silence to prepare themselves, to quiet their minds. Readers are encouraged to listen and read. To not be in a hurry to get their quiet time over and done with.

Each begins with this prayer.

Father, I come before you now, longing to know you better. As I read your Word today, as I approach you in prayer, reveal not just your truth to me, but tune my heart to beat with yours. Draw me close and make me more like you. Help me to see through your eyes, to think your thoughts, to act according to your wisdom, compelled by your call to love. Amen.

Five sample "reflections"

Because God is all-powerful, I can do anything with his help.
Because God is righteous, I will seek to live by his standards.
Because God is just, I can trust him to treat me fairly in the end.
Because God is holy, I will devote myself to him in purity, worship, and service.
Because God is love, I know he is unconditionally committed to my well-being.

Following a brief reflection affirmation (because one sentence reflections are brief), readers are given a bible verse--along with a scripture reference for a longer message to read if they have time. This is followed by an invitation for further reflection in the "What are you saying to me, Lord?" portion of the Prayerful Reading.

I reflect on God's perfect love and what that means for me. I imagine Jesus himself sitting with me and share my thoughts and feelings with him.

I reflect on God's holiness and what that means for me. I imagine Jesus himself sitting with me and share my thoughts and feelings with him.

I reflect on God's amazing power and what that means for me. I imagine Jesus himself sitting with me and share my thoughts and feelings with him.

This is followed by a closing prayer.

Response to God Articles 

The Response to God articles each look at one of God's attributes and then reflect on how we should live in response to it. These articles seek to apply the truth about God to how we live in the community of believers and how we should reflect his character in our own lives. (A18)

These are sprinkled throughout the Bible. And are linked--in the daily readings--with the Prayerful Readings. They have a bit more substance--information, if you will--than the Prayerful Readings.

God's Names and Titles

These are sprinkled throughout the Bible. They're short and simple. Just a bold declaration--of sorts--sharing with readers a title or name of God. (Because God is called El Shaddai...I will rely on his strength. Exodus 6:3. El Shaddai means "God Almighty.")

Book Introductions

One page book introductions. There's a purpose statement. A paragraph on meeting God in whatever book it is. And a section highlighting verses that reveal God's character in that particular book.

Character of God Articles

These are in the back of the Bible. (If you didn't read the user's guide properly, you might have trouble finding these.) They've chosen fifteen of God's attributes to highlight. Each attribute is given a few paragraphs (half a page or so). These articles don't necessarily define that attribute. These sometimes begin with a story-focus or a sermon-illustration. At least these articles have some information. But for being so short, you'd think they'd be a little more focused! How they present each attribute is not how I'd present each attribute.

• God is All-Powerful
• God is Faithful
• God is Righteous
• God is Just
• God is Holy
• God is Truth
• God is Ever-Present
• God is Creator
• God is Merciful
• God is All-Knowing
• God is Good
• God is Unchanging
• God is Sovereign
• God is A Personal Spirit
• God is Love

These are the same fifteen attributes that the Response to God and Prayerful Readings are built upon. These are the foundation of the In His Image Bible. (Which makes me curious. If they're so important--why are they in the back of the Bible?!)

My thoughts on the features of the In His Image Devotional Bible

I'm a little disappointed with the "devotional" aspect of this one.

The choice to NOT be information-oriented and to NOT give you ideas to think about.

The Prayerful Readings seem repetitive in nature. The opening prayer is a good prayer--not objectionable to me at all--but each prayerful reading begins with this same prayer. And the fact that many of the reflections repeat as well. And the fact that the "What are you saying to me Lord?" segments are very strict in pattern--in wording. Well, it just seems very repetitive. Now is repetitive bad? Not for every reader.

Most Bibles depend on the user. That is for the Bible "to do any good" it requires that the user commit to reading it, studying it, making use of the features, in a regular way. It doesn't matter if it is study bible or a devotional bible. If you don't "use" the features of the Bible. If you don't read the text of the Bible--let alone the notes or devotions, the book introductions, the charts or maps--then you don't get the benefits. Many Bibles give you what you need, what you're looking for. A few make you work for it, dig for it. (I've heard the Inductive Study Bible is like this.)

The In His Image Devotional Bible makes you work for your own devotion. Unlike, a traditional book (or magazine) of devotional readings, unlike a traditional devotional study Bible, you're not going to be given a few paragraphs to read related to the bible verse of the day. You're not given stories or sermon illustrations--within the Prayerful Readings. (The devotional elements of this one intentionally lack substance.)

I've tried to show you what this one is and isn't. Is it worth buying a devotional bible if there are not any devotions? Could you do the same thing with a text-only bible in any translation? Could you incorporate prayer and listening time into your life--into your quiet time--without this bible providing the context?  You'll have to decide that for yourself.

I would recommend Every Name of God in the Bible by Larry Richards, Knowing God by J.I. Packer, and Practicing the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence.


© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible