Tuesday, December 31, 2013

My Year With Spurgeon: Week 52

Today, I thought I would share a special list, my TOP FIFTEEN list of Spurgeon sermons that I've read this year!!! It was going to be just ten, but, well, it was impossible!!!

"The Bible," March 18, 1855
As heaven is desirable, as hell is terrible, as time is short, as eternity is infinite, as the soul is precious, as pain is to be shunned, as heaven is to be sought, as God is eternal, and as his words are sure, these are great things, things ye ought to listen to. ~ Charles Spurgeon, The Bible
"Necessity of Increased Faith," July 1, 1855
I believe I have only just begun to learn the A B C of the Scriptures yet, and will constantly cry to the Lord, “Increase my faith,” that I may know more and believe more, and understand thy Word far better.
"Preach The Gospel," August 5, 1855
The Bible, the whole Bible, and nothing but the Bible, is the standard of the true Christian.
"The Immutability of God," January 7, 1855
No subject of contemplation will tend more to humble the mind, than thoughts of God. But while the subject humbles the mind it also expands it. He who often thinks of God, will have a larger mind than the man who simply plods around this narrow globe. Nothing will so enlarge the intellect, nothing so magnify the whole soul of man, as a devout, earnest, continued investigation of the great subject of the Deity. And, whilst humbling and expanding, this subject is eminently consolatary. Oh, there is, in contemplating Christ, a balm for every wound; in musing on the Father, there is a quietus for every grief; and in the influence of the Holy Ghost, there is a balsam for every sore.
"The Hope of Future Bliss," May 20, 1855
Sinner is your Christian name, and lost is your surname; therefore, why not come?
"The Eternal Name," May 27, 1855
As long as on this earth there is a sinner who has been reclaimed by omnipotent grace, Christ’s name shall endure; as long as there is a Mary ready to wash his feet with tears and wipe them with the hair of her head; as long as there breathes a chief of sinners who has washed himself in the fountain opened for sin and for uncleanness; as long as there exists a Christian who has put his faith in Jesus, and found him his delight, his refuge, his stay, his shield, his song, and his joy, there will be no fear that Jesus’ name will cease to be beard. We can never give up that name.
"Search The Scriptures," January 17, 1858
Read your Bibles to know what the Bible says about you; and some of you when you turn the leaves over, will find the Bible says, "Thou art in the gall of bitterness and in the bonds of iniquity." If that startles you, turn over another page, and read this verse—"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest;" and when you have read that, turn to another and read, "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through Jesus Christ our Lord." I pray you, put not away your Bibles till their dust condemns you; but take them out, bend your knees, seek for the Spirit of divine teaching, and turn ye these pages with diligent search, and see if ye can find there the salvation of your souls, through our Lord Jesus Christ
"The Talking Book," October 22, 1871
Nobody ever outgrows Scripture; the book widens and deepens with our years. It is true, it cannot really grow, for it is perfect; but it does so to our apprehension. The deeper you dig into Scripture, the more you find that it is a great abyss of truth. The beginner learns four or five points of orthodoxy, and says, "I understand the gospel, I have grasped all the Bible." Wait a bit, and when his soul grows and knows more of Christ, he will confess, "Thy commandment is exceeding broad, I have only begun to understand it."
"How To Read The Bible," [1879]*
If you do not find Jesus in the Scriptures they will be of small service to you, for what did our Lord himself say? "Ye search the Scriptures, for in them ye think ye have eternal life, but ye will not come unto me that ye might have life"; and therefore your searching comes to nothing; you find no life, and remain dead in your sins. May it not be so with us? ~ Charles Spurgeon, How to Read the Bible
"Christ's Indwelling Word," April 10, 1881
There is no book so fitted or so suited to us as the Bible is. There is no book that knows us so well. There is no book that is so much at home with us. There is no book that has so much power over us if we will but give ourselves up to it! 
"Understandest Thou What Thou Readest?," May 11, 1884
I think you have not understood the Bible unless it makes you care about the salvation of others.
"Delight in the Almighty," May 3, 1885
Your neglected Bibles hide your God! When dust falls on the Scriptures, dust falls on the eyes of those who have neglected them—and then they cannot behold the Glory of the Lord God. The more of Scripture is understood, fed upon and received into the inward parts, the more will be your delight in God! You can have no pleasure in the Speaker if you despise the Word spoken—let it be to you as marrow and fatness.
"Before Sermon, At Sermon, and After Sermon," June 28, 1885
The door of Heaven is open to those who sit at Jesus' feet and learn of Him. You are not His servant unless He is your Master. You cannot be said to be His disciple if you question His teaching, for in the questioning of Christ's teaching lies the rejection of His Person. To doubt Jesus is treason against the authority He claims over every human heart. Receive with meekness if you would be blessed with Divine Grace.
"The Sunday School and The Scriptures," October 18, 1885
But one thing is settled in my heart, namely, that I will follow the Scripture wherever it leads me and that I will renounce the most cherished opinion rather than shape a text or alter a syllable of the Inspired Book.
"The Blessing of Full Assurance," May 13, 1888
Let us believe all that God has revealed, for every truth is precious and practically useful. Perhaps your doctrinal belief has been poor and thin. Oh that the Lord would turn the water into wine! Many of you live upon milk, and yet your years qualify you to feed on meat. Why keep the babes' diet? You that believe are exhorted to "go in and out, and find pasture"; range throughout the whole revelation of God. ~ Charles Spurgeon, The Blessings of Full Assurance

*There is a second Spurgeon sermon titled "How To Read The Bible," from 1866

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Monday, December 30, 2013

2014 Titles I'm Looking Forward To...


The Dancing Master by Julie Klassen


Where Courage Calls by Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan


Love Comes Calling by Siri Mitchell


A Beauty So Rare by Tamera Alexander


Full Steam Ahead by Karen Witemeyer


Caught in the Middle by Regina Jennings


Truth Be Told by Carol Cox


With Autumn's Return by Amanda Cabot


Dare to Love Again by Julie Lessman


Rachel by Jill Eileen Smith


A Heart's Rebellion by Ruth Axtell


The Pelican Brides by Beth White


While Love Stirs by Lorna Seilstad


A Place In HIs Heart by Rebecca DeMarino

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

2013 Bible Reading

I read the Bible three times in 2013. While I read in many translations, I believe the three translations I read most were: ESV, KJV, and NASB. I had a few 30 day projects this year: I read 1 Corinthians for 30 days; I read Colossians for 30 days; I read Ephesians for 30 days; I read Romans for 30 days; I read Psalm 119 for 30 days; I read Psalm 139 for 30 days. I unofficially participated in a Bible-in-90 days event, unofficial because I was using the NASB instead of the NIV. I also completed the Bible before the official 90 days was up. September 16 - November 4. If you've never saturated yourself in the Word this intensely--you really should give it a try. I can't do it justice.

In November, I hosted a "Give Thanks" reading of Psalms. In December, I hosted a read-a-long of the gospel of Luke.

I kept track of my reading weekly and quarterly. I used the quarterly records to total my year records.

I read the Old Testament through three times. Some books were read more than others. The Old Testament books I read most:

  • Psalms (15)
  • Proverbs (10)
  • Ruth (9)
  • Genesis (8)

I would definitely say I became addicted to Psalms this past year!!!

The least read OT books: 2 Kings, Nehemiah, Esther, Micah, Nahum, Zephaniah.

I read the New Testament through eleven times. Some books were read more than others.

The gospels:

  • John (19)
  • Luke (17)
  • Matthew (15)
  • Mark (15)
Totaling the gospels together equals 66 which means I averaged at least one gospel per week!

Every other NT book:

  • Colossians (46)
  • Romans (43)
  • Ephesians (42)
  • 1 Corinthians (38)
  • Revelation (27)
The least read books of the NT: Titus and Philemon. 


© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Books Read in 2014

Pierre-Auguste Renoir: "Gabrielle lisante" and "Liseuse a la Venus"

January

  1. Dear Mr. Knightley. Katherine Reay. 2013. Thomas Nelson. 336 pages. [Source: Book I Bought] 
  2. A Woman's Place. Lynn Austin. 2006. Bethany House. 450 pages. [Source: Book I Bought]
  3. With Autumn's Return. Amanda Cabot. 2014. Revell. 416 pages. [Source: Review copy]
  4. The Merchant's Daughter. Melanie Dickerson. 2011. Zondervan. 285 pages. [Source: Library]
  5. The Dancing Master. Julie Klassen. 2014. Bethany House. 432 pages. [Source: Review copy]
  6. Dare to Love Again. Julie Lessman. 2014. Revell. 416 pages. [Source: Review copy] 
  7. Every Waking Moment. Chris Fabry. 2013. Tyndale. 400 pages. [Source: Book I Bought] 
  8. How To Read the Bible Through the Jesus Lens: A Guide to Christ-Focused Reading of Scripture. Michael James Williams. 2012. Zondervan. 288 pages. [Source: Book I Bought]
  9. Crazy Busy. Kevin DeYoung. 2013. Crossway. 128 pages. [Source: Review copy]  
  10. Bruce and Stan's Pocket Guide To Studying Your Bible: A User-Friendly Approach. Bruce Bickel and Stan Jantz. 2001. Harvest House. 112 pages. [Source: Book I Bought]
  11. The Captive Maiden. Melanie Dickerson. 2013. Zondervan. 304 pages. 
  12. Woman's Guide to Reading the Bible In A Year. Diane Stortz. 2013. Bethany House. 144 pages. [Source: Book I Bought] 

February

  1. Where Courage Calls. Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan. 2014. Bethany House. 336 pages. [Source: Library]  
  2. Knowledge of the Holy. A.W. Tozer. 1961/1978. HarperCollins. 128 pages. [Source: Book I Bought]
  3. Rachel. Jill Eileen Smith. 2014. Revell. 320 pages. [Source: Review copy] 
  4. Love's Sweet Beginning. Ann Shorey. (Sisters at Heart #3). 2014. Revell. 345 pages. [Source: Review copy]
  5. Isaiah 36-66 (Thru the Bible #23). J. Vernon McGee. Thomas Nelson. 204 pages. [Source: Book I bought]  
  6. Beyond the Shadow of the Brownstone. Valerie Lawrence. 2013. Carpenter's Son Publishing. 272 pages. [Source: Review copy] 
  7. A Heart Like His: Intimate Reflections On The Life of David. Beth Moore. 1996. B&H. 297 pages. [Source: Book I bought] 
  8. A Little Book for New Theologians: Why and How to Study Theology. Kelly M. Kapic. 2012. IVP. 126 pages. [Source: Book I Bought]
  9. More Precious Than Gold: 50 Daily Meditations on the Psalms. Sam Storms. 2009. Crossway. 288 pages. [Source: Review copy]

March

  1. The Storytelling God: Seeing the Glory of Jesus in His Parables. Jared C. Wilson. 2014. Crossway. 192 pages.  
  2. A Loving Life. Paul E. Miller. 2014. Crossway. 160 pages. [Source: Review copy] 
  3. The Attributes of God. A.W. Tozer. 1996. Christian Publications. 176 pages. [Book I Bought]
  4. Strange Fire: The Danger of Offending The Holy Spirit with Counterfeit Worship. John MacArthur. 2013. Thomas Nelson. 333 pages. [Source: Review copy] 
  5. 52 Words Every Christian Should Know. Kendell Easley. 2010. B&H. 124 pages. [Source: Bought]  
  6. The Rhyme Bible Storybook for Toddlers. L.J. Sattgast. Illustrated by Laurence Cleyet-Merle. 2014. Zonderkidz. 40 pages. [Source: Review copy] 
  7. Now That I'm A Christian: What It Means to Follow Jesus. C. Michael Patton. 2014. Crossway. 176 pages. [Source: Review copy] 
  8. The Attributes of God, volume 2: Deeper Into the Father's Heart. A.W. Tozer. 2001/2007. Wingspread. 203 pages. [Source: Bought] 
  9. Discovering the Power of Christ's Prayer Life. Charles Spurgeon. Compiled and Edited by Lance Wubbels. 1995. Emerald Books. 204 pages. [Source: Bought] 
  10. God in the Whirlwind: How the Holy-love of God Reorients Our World. David F. Wells. 2014. Crossway. 272 pages. [Source: Library] 
  11. Taking A Risk On Love. Irene Brand. 2012. Barbour (Heartsong Presents) 184 pages. [Source: Book I Bought] 
  12. Childless (Fatherless #2) James C. Dobson and Kurt Bruner. 2013. FaithWords. 448 pages. [Source: Book I Bought] 
  13. Practical Theology for Women. Wendy Horger Alsup. 2008. Crossway. 154 pages. [Source: Review copy] 

April

  1. Sincerely Yours. A Novella Collection. Jane Kirkpatrick. Amanda Cabot. Laurie Alice Eakes. Ann Shorey. 2014. Revell. 384 pages. [Source: Review copy]  
  2. Taking God At His Word. Kevin DeYoung. 2014. Crossway. 144 pages. [Source: Review copy]
  3. Everyone's A Theologian. R.C. Sproul. 2014. Reformation Trust. 360 pages. [Source: Borrowed from friend] 
  4. In My Place Condemned He Stood: Celebrating the Glory of the Atonement. J.I. Packer and Mark Dever. 2008. Crossway. 192 pages. [Source: Review copy] 
  5. And He Dwelt Among Us: Teachings From the Gospel of John. A.W. Tozer. 2009. Regal. 224 pages. [Source: Bought]  
  6. Saved In Eternity (The Assurance of Salvation #1) D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones. 1988. Crossway. 187 pages. [Source: Bought] 
  7. Safe in the World (The Assurance of Salvation #2). D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones. 1988. Crossway. 160 pages. [Source: Bought] 
  8. The Life of Our Lord: Written For His Children During the Years 1846 to 1849. Charles Dickens. 1934/1999. Simon & Schuster. 128 pages. [Source: Bought]
  9.  Sanctified Through the Truth. (The Assurance of Salvation #3) D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones. 1989. Crossway. 153 pages. [Source: Bought]  
  10. Growing in the Spirit (Assurance of Salvation #4) D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones. 1989. Crossway. 158 pages. [Source: Bought]  
  11. For Such A Time. Kate Breslin. 2014. Bethany House. 430 pages. [Source: Review copy] 
  12. Love Comes Calling. Siri Mitchell. 2014. Bethany House. 400 pages. [Source: Review copy
  13. Pelican Bride. (Gulf Coast Chronicles #1) Beth White. 2014. Revell. 367 pages. [Source: Review copy] 

May

  1. Stepping Heavenward. Mrs. Elizabeth Prentiss. 1869/1998. Barbour Books. 352 pages. [Source: Bought]  
  2. Calvin on the Christian Life: Glorifying and Enjoying God Forever. Michael S. Horton. 2014. Crossway. 271 pages.   
  3. The Everlasting Tradition: Jewish Customs, Holidays, and Historical Events That Reveal Biblical Truth. Galen Peterson. 1995. Kregel Publications. 160 pages. [Source: Bought]  
  4. All Loves Excelling (The Saints' Knowledge of Christ's Love) John Bunyan. 1692/1998. Banner of Truth. 144 pages. [Source: Bought] 
  5. What's Your Worldview? An Interactive Approach to Life's Big Questions. James N. Anderson. 2014. Crossway. 112 pages. [Source: Bought]
  6. The Beloved Disciple: Following John to the Heart of Jesus. Beth Moore. 2003. B&H. 352 pages. [Source: Bought]
  7. In Christ Alone: Living the Gospel Centered Life. Sinclair Ferguson. 2007. 243 pages. [Source: Bought]  
  8. Reclaiming Christianity: A Call to Authentic Faith. A.W. Tozer. 2009. Regal. 224 pages. [Source: Bought]  
  9. Fellowship with God (Life in Christ: Studies in 1 John #1) D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones. 1993. Crossway. 142 pages. [Source: Bought]
  10. Every Little Thing About You. (Yellow Rose Trilogy, #1) Lori Wick. 1999. Harvest House. 300 pages. [Source: Bought]  
  11. (Puritan Pulpit) Jonathan Edwards 1703-1758. (Containing 16 Sermons Unpublished In Edwards' Lifetime) Compiled and Edited by Dr. Don Kistler. Soli Deo Gloria. 286 pages. [Source: Bought]
  12. Redeeming Love. Francine Rivers. 2005. Multnomah. 464 pages. [Source: Bought]
  13. The Great Exchange: My Sin for His Righteousness. Jerry Bridges and Bob Bevington. 2007. Crossway. 304 pages. [Source: Review copy]
  14. Growing in Christ. J.I. Packer. 1977/1994/2007. Crossway. 288 pages. [Source: Bought] 

June

  1. The Hawk That Dare Not Hunt. Scott O'Dell. 1975/1988. JourneyForth. 182 pages. [Source: Bought]  
  2. God's Amazing World! Eileen Spinelli. 2014. Ideals. 32 pages. [Source: Library]
  3. A Place In His Heart. Rebecca DeMarino. 2014. Revell. 336 pages. [Source: Review copy] 
  4. Deeper Places: Experiencing God in the Psalms. Matthew Jacoby. 2013. Baker Books. 183 pages. [Source: Bought] 
  5. Wounded Tiger. A Nonfiction Novel. T. Martin Bennett. 2014. Onstad Press. 472 pages. [Source: Review copy]
  6. Women of the Word. Jen Wilkin. 2014. Crossway. 160 pages. [Source: Review copy]  
  7. 30 Days To A More Beautiful You: A Devotional For Girls. Kylie Bisutti. Tyndale. 64 pages. [Source: Bought] 
  8. The Longest Night. Laurel Snyder. Illustrated by Catia Chien. 2013. Random House. 40 pages. [Source: Library]
  9. Passover: Celebrating Now, Remembering Then. Harriet Ziefert. Illustrated by Karla Gudeon. 2010. Blue Apple Books. 40 pages. [Library] 
  10. The Story of Passover. David A. Adler. Illustrated by Jill Weber. 2014. Holiday House. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

July

  1. Out of the Depths. Edgar Harrell, with David Harrell. 2014. Bethany House. 192 pages. [Source: Library]
  2. Mission at Nuremberg. Tim Townsend. 2014. HarperCollins. 400 pages. [Source: Library]
  3. Seeing the Unseen. Randy Alcorn. 2013. Eternal Perspective Ministries. 120 pages. [Source: Bought]  
  4. Luminary. Krista McGee. 2014. Thomas Nelson. 311 pages. [Source: Library]  
  5. Here Is Our God. Kathleen Buswell Nielson and D.A. Carson, editors. 2014. Crossway. 221 pages. [Source: Review copy] 
  6. The Screwtape Letters. C.S. Lewis. 1942. HarperCollins. 224 pages. [Source: Library] 
  7. The Great Divorce. C.S. Lewis. 1945. HarperCollins. 160 pages. [Source: Library]  
  8. Burning Sky. Lori Benton. 2013. Waterbrook Press. 416 pages. [Source: Library]
  9. A Match Made in Texas: A Novella Collection. Karen Witemeyer, Regina Jennings, Carol Cox, and Mary Connealy. 2014. Bethany House. 384 pages. [Source: Library]  
  10. A Sensible Arrangement. Tracie Peterson. 2014. Bethany House. 336 pages. [Source: Library] 
  11. A Captain for Laura Rose. Stephanie Grace Whitson. 2014. FaithWords. 336 pages. [Source: Library]
  12. Full Steam Ahead. Karen Witemeyer. 2014. Bethany House. 352 pages. [Source: Library]
  13. 50 Days of Heaven: Reflections That Bring Eternity to Light. Randy Alcorn. 2006. Tyndale. 288 pages. [Source: Bought] 
  14. God's Double Agent: The True Story of A Chinese Christian's Fight for Freedom. Bob Fu. Baker Books. 2013. 336 pages. [Source: Bought] 
  15. How Can I Develop A Christian Conscience? R.C. Sproul. 2013. Reformation Trust. 76 pages. [Source: Bought] 

August

  1. The Auschwitz Escape. Joel C. Rosenberg. 2014. Tyndale. 468 pages. [Source: Library] 
  2. Bridge to Haven. Francine Rivers. 2014. Tyndale House. 468 pages. [Source: Library]  
  3. In Perfect Time. Sarah Sundin. 2014. Revell. 416 pages. [Source: Review copy]
  4. The Wonder-Working God. Jared C. Wilson. 2014. Crossway. 192 pages. [Source: Review copy]  
  5. Centurion: Mark's Gospel As A Thriller. Ryan Casey Waller. 2013. Interlochen Ink. 190 pages. [Source: Bought] 
  6. Captured by Love. Jody Hedlund. 2014. Bethany House. 384 pages. [Source: Review copy]
  7. Miracle in a Dry Season. Sarah Loudin Thomas. 2014. Bethany House. 304 pages. [Source: Review copy]  
  8. Making Sense of the Bible. David Whitehead. 2014. Bethany House. 176 pages. [Source: Review copy]  
  9. Sweet Mercy. Ann Tatlock. 2013. Bethany House. 400 pages. [Source: Gift]
  10. Slave: The Hidden Truth About Your Identity in Christ. John MacArthur. 2010. December 2010. Thomas Nelson. 227 pages. [Source: Bought]
  11. PROOF: Finding Freedom Through the Intoxicating Joy of Irresistable Grace. Daniel Montgomery and Timothy Paul Jones. 2014. Zondervan. 224 pages. [Source: Bought]

September

  1. Unbroken. Laura Hillenbrand. 2010. Random House. 473 pages. [Source: Library]  
  2. The Bible Study Handbook. Lindsay Olesberg. 2012. IVP. 240 pages. [Source: Bought]
  3. Edwards on the Christian Life. Dane C. Ortlund. 2014. Crossway. 208 pages. [Source: Review copy] 
  4. Love's Fortune. Laura Frantz. 2014. Revell. 400 pages. [Source: Review copy]
  5.  The Names of Jesus. Warren W. Wiersbe. 1997. Baker Publishing. 159 pages. [Source: Bought]  
  6. One Way Love: Inexhaustible Grace for an Exhausted World. Tullian Tchividjian. 2013. David Cook. 240 pages. [Source: Bought] 
  7. Fair Play (It Happened At the Fair #2) Deeanne Gist. 2014. Howard Books 433 pages. [Source: Library] 
  8. The Savior of the World. Benjamin B. Warfield. 1991. Banner of Truth. 270 pages. [Source: Bought]  
  9. The Early Readers Bible: New Testament. V. Gilbert Beers. Illustrated by Terri Steiger. Zonderkidz. 256 pages. [Source: Bought] 
  10. The 30 Day Praise Challenge. Becky Harling. 2013. David Cook. 208 pages. [Source: Bought] 

October

  1. The Night Gardener. Jonathan Auxier. 2014. Abrams. 350 pages. [Source: Library]
  2. The Hiding Place. Corrie Ten Boom. With John and Elizabeth Sherrill. 1971/1984/1995. Chosen. 228 pages. [Source: Bought] 
  3. Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God. J.I. Packer. 1961/1991. IVP. 126 pages. [Source: Bought]
  4. The Wall Around Your Heart: How Jesus Heals You When Others Hurt You. Mary DeMuth. 2013. Thomas Nelson. 256 pages. [Source: Bought]  
  5. Key Words of the Christian Life. Warren W. Wiersbe. 2002. Baker Books. 130 pages. [Source: Bought]
  6. The Adventure of Christmas: Helping Children Find Jesus in Our Holiday Traditions. Lisa Whelchel. Illustrated by Jeannie Mooney. 2004. Multnomah Books. 72 pages. [Source: Library] 
  7. When Love Calls. (The Gregory Sisters #1) Lorna Seilstad. 2013. Revell. 338 pages. [Source: Bought] 
  8. While Love Stirs. Lorna Seilstad. 2014. Revell. 341 pages. [Source: Bought]  
  9. Loving Jesus More. Philip Graham Ryken. Crossway. 176 pages. [Source: Crossway.]  
  10. Rich Mullins: An Arrow Pointing to Heaven (A Devotional Biography). James Bryan Smith. 2000. B&H. 272 pages. [Source: Bought]
  11. Read the Bible for Life: Your Guide to Understanding and Living God's Word. George H. Guthrie. 2011. B&H Books. 338 pages. [Source: Bought]  
  12. A Bride in Store. Melissa Jagears. 2014. Bethany House. 363 pages. [Source: Review copy] 

November


  1. Tolkien: How An Obscure Oxford Professor Wrote the Hobbit and Became the Most Beloved Author of the Century. Devin Brown. Abingdon Press. [Source: Review copy]
  2. Look and Live. Matt Papa. 2014. Bethany House. 256 pages. [Source: Review copy]
  3. The Advent Bride. Mary Connealy. 2014. Barbour. 88 pages. [Source: Review copy]
  4. Beside Bethesda: 31 Days Toward Deeper Healing. Joni Eareckson Tada. 2014. NavPress. 176 pages. [Source: Review copy]
  5. ESV Women's Devotional Bible. 2014. Crossway. 1664 pages. [Source: Bought] 
  6. Living a Prayerful Life. Andrew Murray. 160 pages. [Source: Bought]  
  7. Praying Backwards: Transform Your Prayer Life By Beginning IN Jesus' Name. Bryan Chapell. 2005. Baker Publishing. 208 pages. [Source: Bought] 
  8. The Christmas Quilt. Patricia Davids. 2011. Love Inspired. 215 pages. [Source: Bought] 
  9. The Christmas Cat. Melody Carlson. 2014. Revell. 169 pages. [Source: Review copy] 
  10. The Secret of Pembrooke Park. Julie Klassen. 2014. Bethany House. 460 pages. [Source: Review copy] 
  11. The Psalm 119 Experience: A Devotional Journey You Will Not Forget. John Kramp. 2014. B&H Publishing. 256 pages. [Source: Review copy]  
  12. The Most Misused Verses in the Bible: Surprising Ways God's Words is Misunderstood by Eric J. Bargerhuff. 2012. Bethany House. 172 pages. [Source: Bought] 
  13. God's Way of Peace. Horatius Bonar. 112 pages. [Source: Bought] 
  14. Christmas at Rose Hill Farm. Suzanne Woods Fisher. 2014. Revell. 240 pages. [Source: Review copy]
  15. Every Valley. Albert L. Blackwell. 2014. Westminster John Knox Press. 160 pages. [Source: Review copy]  
  16. Surprised by Love. Julie Lessman. 2014. Revell. 416 pages. [Source: Review copy] 
  17. God's Way of Holiness. Horatius Bonar. 1864. 175 pages. [Source: Bought]  
  18. The Study and Teaching of the English Bible. G. Campbell Morgan. 1910. [Source: Bought]  
  19. The Bible in Five Years. A Comprehensive Outline for Study of the Entire Sacred Volume. G. Campbell Morgan. 1922. [Source: Bought]  
  20. At Bluebonnet Lake. Amanda Cabot. 2014. Revell. 384 pages. [Source: Review copy] 

December


  1. Love Letters From God. Glenys Nellist. Illustrated by Sophie Allsopp. 2014. Zondervan. 40 pages. [Source: Review copy] 
  2. A Patchwork Christmas. Judith Miller, Nancy Moser, Stephanie Grace Whitson. 2012. Barbour. 403 pages. [Source: Bought]  
  3. For Such A Time As This. Angie Smith. Illustrated by Breezy Brookshire. 2014. B&H. 256 pages. [Source: Review copy] 
  4. From Pearl Harbor to Calvary. Mitsuo Fuchida. 1953/2011. eChristian. 96 pages. [Source: Bought] 
  5. The Presence of God: Its Place In the Storyline of Scripture and the Story of Our Lives. J. Ryan Lister. 2014. Crossway. 368 pages. [Source: Review copy] 
  6. Revolutionary (Anomaly #3) Krista McGee. 336 pages. [Source: Review copy]  
  7. The Christmas Bus. Melody Carlson. 2006. Revell. 176 pages. [Source: Bought]
  8. Keeping Holiday. Starr Meade. Illustrated by Justin Gerard. 2008. Crossway. 192 pages. [Source: Review copy]  
  9. A Most Inconvenient Marriage. Regina Jennings. 2014. Bethany House. 336 pages. [Source: Review copy] 
  10. Love Unexpected. Jody Hedlund. 2014. Bethany House. 348 pages. [Source: Review copy] 
  11. Jesus Unmasked: The Truth Will Shock You. Todd Friel. 2014. New Leaf Press. 238 pages. [Source: Library] 
  12. God Has Spoken: A History of Christian Theology. Gerald Bray. Crossway. 1264 pages. [Source: Review copy]

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Sunday, December 29, 2013

Read With Me: Genesis: Week 1

Do you have reading plans for the month of January? Planning to start the year with Genesis, the first book of the Bible? Hoping the new year is the year that Bible reading will become a habit that sticks around the whole year through? I'd love to have you join me in reading Genesis in January. You may follow whatever plan you like. I have divided the book up into weekly portions, but, that doesn't mean you have to follow those readings exactly. 

December 29 through January 4; Week 1: Genesis 1-5 
You may start on January 1, if you like, or get a bit of a head start on a New Year's resolution. Whatever works for you. You might also want to take the time to read the book introduction to Genesis if (and only if) you're using a study Bible.

From G. Campbell Morgan's Living Messages of the Books of The Bible:
It is perpetually being asked today whether there are any values in the book of Genesis. In the light of later revelation is there any reason for retaining this book, except, perhaps that of interest in an ancient writing which has yet no vital relationship to our own times? In answer to that enquiry it may at once be stated that the whole system of the Christian religion depends on the accuracy of certain statements made in this book. Without them that system is an erection without a foundation, conclusions without premises. These declarations, at once the simplest and profoundest in the book, constitute its permanent values, not merely because all subsequent Scripture depends upon them; but also because if there were no other writings, these statements supply us with answers to questions which must arise to the thinking mind. (13)
Genesis presents God as Creator, King, and determined Redeemer; and upon these fundamental facts all Christian theology depends. (16)
For the sake of argument, let us suppose that this book is the only inspired word ever given to man. What is its ultimate message? It teaches with unvarying definiteness first, the immediate relation between God and man; and secondly, that the great principle for the realization of human life is such faith in God as expresses itself in obedience to His throne. (19)
Remembering the three main divisions of the book, as indicated in the study of its content, Generation, Degeneration, Regeneration, it is at once evident that the supreme message everywhere is that God has to do with man; man has to do with God. In the first division we see the story of creation, tracing everything from the material order to man, and then describing man as to his nature and office; and behind all the processes of creation suggested, God is declared; and immediately presiding over the final movement by which man appears, God is seen. That is the first great truth. Man is related to God, for He created him, and He alone perfectly understands him, and consequently He only can govern him. The message of Genesis to our own age is, first of all, that of man's immediate relation to God. We need Genesis because it is difficult sometimes to believe that any such relation exists. (20-1)
This conception of the relation between man and God creates that consciousness of what sin is, which fills the soul with fear…this message concerning the true nature of man must create a profound conviction of the awfulness of sin. It is, nevertheless, a message of hope, for it suggests the possibility of renewal. To be without God is indeed to be without hope. (22)
Faith and obedience are always joined together. "Trust and obey, for there's no other way" may be so simple a statement as to be considered doggerel rather than poetry. It is, nevertheless, the philosophy of Genesis, and of the Christian religion. (23)
Thus the book reveals the fact that faith is the basis upon which God can work His will in man, and upon which man can realize the will of God. All this is carried out in greater detail in subsequent books of the Bible, but this is the simple and almost overwhelming message of Genesis to the men of this age. First, that man is not wholly of the dust, but that between him and God there is immediateness of relationship; and secondly, that man only finds himself, and realizes the true meaning of his own life as he places his confidence in God, and obeys Him with unquestioning loyalty. (25)

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Quarterly Bible Reading Check-In



Time covered September 29 - December 29

Written by Moses

1. Genesis (ESV, Living, KJV, NIV, 
2. Exodus (ESV, Living,  KJV,
3. Leviticus (ESV, Living, KJV,
4. Numbers (ESV, Living, KJV, 
5. Deuteronomy (ESV, Living, KJV,

OT Narratives

6. Joshua (ESV, Living, KJV, 
7. Judges (NASB, Living, KJV, ESV,  
8. Ruth (NASB, ESV, NIV, KJV, Living, NIV, 
9. 1 Samuel (NASB, ESV, Living, 
10. 2 Samuel (NASB, ESV, 
11. 1 Kings (NASB, ESV, 
12. 2 Kings (NASB, ESV, 
13. 1 Chronicles (NASB, KJV, ESV,
14. 2 Chronicles (NASB, KJV, ESV, 
15. Ezra (NASB, ESV, KJV,
16. Nehemiah (NASB, ESV,  
17. Esther (NASB, ESV, 

Wisdom Literature

18. Job (NASB, ESV, NKJV, 
19. Psalms (NASB, KJV, KJV, ESV, KJV, RSV, NKJV, NIV, KJV)
20. Proverbs (NASB, KJV, RSV, ESV, 
21. Ecclesiastes (NASB, ESV, 
22. Song of Songs (NASB, ESV, 

Major Prophets

23. Isaiah (NASB, ESV, KJV, KJV, 
24. Jeremiah (NASB, ESV, KJV,
25. Lamentations (NASB, ESV, KJV, 
26. Ezekiel (NASB, ESV, KJV, 
27. Daniel (NASB, KJV, ESV, 

Minor Prophets

28. Hosea (NASB, KJV, ESV,  
29. Joel (NASB, KJV, ESV, KJV, 
30. Amos (NASB, ESV, 
31. Obadiah (NASB, ESV, 
32. Jonah (NASB, ESV, 
33. Micah (NASB, ESV, 
34. Nahum (NASB, ESV, 
35. Habakkuk (NASB, ESV, 
36. Zephaniah (NASB, ESV, 
37. Haggai (NASB, KJV, ESV, 
38. Zechariah (NASB, ESV, 
39. Malachi (NASB, ESV, 

NT Narratives

40. Matthew (NASB, KJV, ESV, Living, CEB, KJV, 
41. Mark (NASB, KJV, KJV, ESV, CEB, KJV,
42. Luke (NASB, KJV, KJV, ESV,  KJV, NASB, NIV, KJV, NKJV
43. John (NASB, RSV, ESV, KJV, KJV, NIV, RSV,  KJV, 
44. Acts (NASB, KJV, KJV, ESV, KJV, 

Epistles by Paul

45. Romans (NASB, KJV, ESV, KJV, NKJV, NLT, KJV, 
46. 1 Corinthians (NASB, ESV, KJV, NKJV, RSV, NIV, NLT, REB, CEB, ERV85, HCSB, Phillips,  ASV, Jubilee, NASB, ESV, ESV, NLT, NLT, RSV, 1599 Gen, KJV, KJV, NASB, ESV, ESV, HCSB, KJV, 
47. 2 Corinthians (NASB, ESV, KJV, KJV, 
48. Galatians (NASB, ESV, KJV, 
49. Ephesians (NASB, ESV, KJV, KJV,  
50. Philippians (NASB, ESV, KJV, CEB, KJV,  
51. Colossians (NASB, KJV, ESV, KJV,  CEB, KJV, 
52. 1 Thessalonians (NASB, KJV, NLT, ESV, 
53. 2 Thessalonians (NASB, KJV, NLT, ESV, 
54. 1 Timothy (NASB, KJV, CEB, NLT, ESV, 
55. 2 Timothy (NASB, KJV, CEB, NLT, ESV, 
56. Titus (NASB, ESV, 
57. Philemon (NASB, ESV, 

General Epistles

58. Hebrews (NASB, KJV, ESV, 
59. James (NASB, ESV, KJV,
60. 1 Peter (NASB, KJV, ESV, RSV, KJV,
61. 2 Peter (NASB, KJV, ESV, RSV, KJV,
62. 1 John (NASB, ESV, RSV, KJV,
63. 2 John (NASB, ESV, RSV, KJV,
64. 3 John (NASB, ESV, RSV, KJV,
65. Jude (NASB, ESV, NIV, RSV, KJV, 

Apocalyptic Epistle by John

66. Revelation (NASB, KJV, NIV, RSV, KJV, ESV, 



© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Week In Review: December 22-28


NIV MacArthur Study Bible

  • Genesis 1-50

KJV New Cambridge Paragraph, David Norton ed.

  • 1 Samuel 1-15
  • Psalms 106-150
  • Luke 22-24


Chronological Life Application, KJV

  • Genesis 1-36


NKJV Study Bible

  • Isaiah 1-11
  • Luke 22-24


The NRSV Daily Bible

  • Genesis 1-9


© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Saturday, December 28, 2013

Year in Review: 24 Books of the Month

Preparing for Jesus' Return. A.W. Tozer, James Snyder, ed. 2012. Regal. 211 pages.
Love Comes Softly. Janette Oke. 1979. 240 pages.

One Perfect Life. John MacArthur. 2013. Thomas Nelson. 520 pages. 
Rebekah. Jill Eileen Smith. 2013. Revell. 320 pages.

The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert: An English Professor's Journey Into Christian Faith. Rosaria Champagne Butterfield. 2012. (September 2012). Crown and Covenant. 150 pages.
The Child's Story Bible. Catherine F. Vos. (1938, 1949, 1958,) 1969. Eerdman's Publishing Company. 733 pages.   
 
The Insanity of God: A True Story of Faith Resurrected. Nik Ripken. 2013. B&H. 384 pages. 
The Tutor's Daughter. Julie Klassen. 2013. Bethany House. 412 pages.

Gospel: Recovering the Power That Made Christianity Revolutionary. J.D. Greear. Foreword by Timothy Keller. B&H Books. 266 pages.  
Roses Have Thorns: A Novel of Elizabeth I. Sandra Byrd. Simon & Schuster. 336 pages. 

Name Above All Names. Alistair Begg and Sinclair B. Ferguson. 2013. Crossway. 192 pages. 
Awesome Bible Verses Every Kid Should Know...And What They Mean. Rebecca Lutzer. 2013. Harvest House. 111 pages.

Stop Asking Jesus Into Your Heart. J.D. Greear. 2013. B&H. 128 pages. [Source: Library]
Fatherless. James C. Dobson and Kurt Bruner. 2013. FaithWords. 448 pages. [Source: Bought]

Pleasure and Profit in Bible Study. D.L. Moody. 167 pages. [Source: Bought] 
On Distant Shores. Sarah Sundin. 2013. Revell. 432 pages. [Source: Review Copy]


Sovereign Grace Its Source, Its Nature, and Its Effects. Dwight Lyman Moody. 1891. 90 pages. [Source: Bought.] 
Love's Awakening. Laura Frantz. 2013. Revell. 416 pages. [Source: Review Copy]

A Call To Spiritual Reformation. Priorities from Paul and His Prayers. D.A. Carson. 1992. Baker. 232 pages. [Source: Bought] 
Under A Blackberry Moon. Serena B. Miller. 2013. Revell. 352 pages. [Source: Review copy]  

The Kind of Preaching God Blesses. Steven J. Lawson. 2013. Harvest House. 128 pages. [Source: Book I Bought]
Almost Heaven by Chris Fabry. 2010. Tyndale. 400 pages. [Source: Book I Bought] 

Adventure Bible Storybook: Deluxe Edition. Catherine DeVries. Illustrated by Jim Madsen. 2009. Zonderkidz. 288 pages. [Source: Review Copy]  
An Amish Christmas. (Brides of Amish Country). Patricia Davids. 2010. Steeple Hill Love Inspired. 224 pages. [Source: Book I Bought]

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible