Monday, November 30, 2015

Book Review: Verses, 1847

Verses, 1847. Christina Rossetti. [Source: Bought]

Earlier in the year, I reviewed a chunkster-collection of Poems by Christina Rossetti. I loved it so much, I decided to get the complete poems collection. (Though I didn't buy the one pictured.) But I'm not going to wait until I've read two thousand pages of poems before I review it. I'm just not! So today I have for you the first section from the book, a series of poems privately published in 1847. This section is "Verses."

The poems:

  • The Love of Christ Which Passeth Knowledge
  • A Bruised Reed Shall He Not Break
  • A Better Resurrection
  • Advent: This Advent Moon Shines Cold and Clear
  • The Three Enemies
  • One Certainty
  • Christian and Jew: A Dialogue
  • Sweet Death
  • Symbols
  • Consider the Lilies of the Field
  • The World
  • A Testimony
  • Sleep at Sea
  • From House to Home
  • Old and New Year Ditties
  • Amen
  • Despised and Rejected
  • Long Barren
  • If Only
  • Dost Thou Not Care?
  • Weary in Well-Doing
  • Martyrs' Song
  • After This the Judgment
  • Good Friday
  • The Lowest Place

Many of these poems were ones that I'd already read earlier this year. But. I didn't mind revisiting them. I really didn't.

I really enjoyed the poem "Advent."

This Advent moon shines cold and clear,
These Advent nights are long;
Our lamps have burned year after year
And still their flame is strong.
'Watchman, what of the night?' we cry,
Heart-sick with hope deferred:
'No speaking signs are in the sky,'
Is still the watchman's word.

The Porter watches at the gate,
The servants watch within;
The watch is long betimes and late,
The prize is slow to win.
'Watchman, what of the night?' But still
His answer sounds the same:
'No daybreak tops the utmost hill,
Nor pale our lamps of flame.'

One to another hear them speak
The patient virgins wise:
'Surely He is not far to seek' –
'All night we watch and rise.'
'The days are evil looking back,
The coming days are dim;
Yet count we not His promise slack,
But watch and wait for Him.'

One with another, soul with soul,
They kindle fire from fire:
'Friends watch us who have touched the goal.'
'They urge us, come up higher.'
'With them shall rest our waysore feet,
With them is built our home,
With Christ.' – 'They sweet, but He most sweet,
Sweeter than honeycomb.'

There no more parting, no more pain,
The distant ones brought near,
The lost so long are found again,
Long lost but longer dear:
Eye hath not seen, ear hath not heard,
Nor heart conceived that rest,
With them our good things long deferred,
With Jesus Christ our Best.

We weep because the night is long,
We laugh for day shall rise,
We sing a slow contented song
And knock at Paradise.
Weeping we hold Him fast Who wept
For us, we hold Him fast;
And will not let Him go except
He bless us first or last.

Weeping we hold Him fast to-night;
We will not let Him go
Till daybreak smite our wearied sight
And summer smite the snow:
Then figs shall bud, and dove with dove
Shall coo the livelong day;
Then He shall say, 'Arise, My love,
My fair one, come away.'

Other favorites include, "Long Barren," "Dost Thou Not Care," "Good Friday" and "Old and New Year Ditties."

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Sunday, November 29, 2015

Week in Review: November 22-28

KJV Study Bible:

  • John 8-21
  • Romans
  • Ephesians
  • 1 John
  • 2 John
  • 3 John
  • Jude
  • Revelation

NIV-UK Audio Bible

  • Daniel
  • Hosea
  • Joe
  • Amos
  • Obadiah
  • Jonah
  • Micah
  • Nahum
  • Habakkuk
  • Zephaniah
  • Haggai
  • Zechariah
  • Malachi
  • Ephesians
  • Philippians
  • Colossians
  • 1 Thessalonians
  • 2 Thessalonians

ESV Reformation Study Bible

  • Galatians
  • Ephesians

Wuest New Testament

  • Philippians 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Book Review: Silent Night

Silent Night. Joseph Mohr. Illustrated by Susan Jeffers. 1984/2003. Penguin. 32 pages. [Source: Bought]
Silent night, holy night.
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon virgin mother and child.
Holy infant, so tender and mild,
sleep in heavenly peace,
sleep in heavenly peace.
This one is a picture book adaptation of the Christmas carol--or hymn--"Silent Night." Included are the traditional first and second verses. Also included is the less familiar verse about the wise men. The verse about the wise men is not traditionally included in lyrics for the song. So it isn't even a traditional fourth verse! And versions of the song with more than three verses, don't have this verse either. I saw one adaptation with six verses--none of them about wise men!

I like this one. I love the song, of course. And it's nice to have a picture book adaptation of it with lovely illustrations. I just wish Jeffers had gone the traditional route and included the third verse of the song. I think the third verse of the song is the BEST AND MOST IMPORTANT.
Silent Night! Holy night!
Son of God, love's pure light,
Radiant beams from thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at thy birth!
Jesus, Lord, at thy birth!
I haven't decided if the lack of the third verse is enough of an annoyance to keep me from liking this one. The edition I have is from 1984. It was reprinted in 2003, but, I'm not sure if any changes were made to the book.

Hymnsite.com 
Hymns and Carols of Christmas
Hymnary.org
Various English Translations of Silent Night--most from nineteenth century
Cyber Hymnal
Silent Night Lost Verses

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Saturday, November 28, 2015

Book Review: Martyn Lloyd-Jones

Martyn Lloyd-Jones: His Life and Relevance for the 21st Century. Christopher Catherwood. 2015. Crossway. 160 pages. [Source: Review copy]

This biography of Martyn Lloyd-Jones was written by his grandson, Christopher Catherwood. Why should Christians still read Martyn Lloyd-Jones today? That is the question Catherwood sets out to answer in his biography. He hopes to prove that Lloyd-Jones legacy is solid and strong. He is worth reading today. He has not lost relevance. His message is still very much needed by the church.

First, the book presents a brief biographical sketch of Martyn Lloyd-Jones' life. Then the  book mainly focuses on his ministry--his preaching, his writing, his friendships--and his books. I appreciate that the book not only provides quick summaries of his books, of his beliefs, but also provides context for understanding and appreciating them.

The book is not as in-depth as titles in Crossway's Theologians on the Christian Life series. (I would love to see him included in this series in the future!) The book is definitely more casual and less organized. (Not that it is un-organized, mind you, just that the Theologians on the Christian Life series seems to be super-organized and very purposefully laid out.) The book also seems to be more argumentative and a ready-defense. That is, the author anticipates arguments and seeks to clarify and reconcile when possible. One strength the book has is the personal nature of it. The focus isn't exclusively on his sermons, on his church, on his ministry. The book shares to a certain extent what he was like in private with the family.

It was an enjoyable read that held my interest. I have read at least four or five books by Martyn Lloyd-Jones, so I was curious to learn more about his life. I am glad I got the opportunity to review this one.

Have you read any Martyn Lloyd-Jones? Do you have a favorite?

If you haven't read him yet, I'd definitely recommend starting with Walking With God Day by Day: A 365 Day Devotional. What I love about that devotional book is that each month of the year has a theme. And most entries from any given month come from one book. So that by the end of the year, you've had a good overview of some of his best works. AND also you've covered some essential doctrines of the Christian faith.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Friday, November 27, 2015

2016 Challenges: Alphabet Soup Reading Challenge

Alphabet Soup Reading Challenge
Host: Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book (sign up)
Duration: January - December 2016
# of Books: 26 for one bowl of soup

I will be keeping up with my "spoonfuls" of soup on this page. I've gone ahead and made a list for most of the letters. I may change out some of the titles as I go.


Anchor in the Storm. Sarah Sundin. 2016. Revell. 400 pages. [Review copy]
Blood Work: How the Blood of Christ Accomplishes Our Salvation. Anthony J. Carter. 2013. Reformation Trust. 150 pages. [Source: Bought]
Christ Among Other Gods. Erwin Lutzer. 1994/2016. Moody. 256 pages. [Source: Review copy] CURRENT ISSUES, CHRISTIAN LIVING,
Don't Follow Your Heart. Jon Bloom. 2015. Desiring God. 196 pages. [Source: Downloaded for Free]
Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon (Thru the Bible #21) J. Vernon McGee. 1977/1996. Thomas Nelson. 192 pages. [Source: Gift from Friend] BIBLE COMMENTARY
F  For the Glory: Eric Liddell's Journey From Olympic Champion to Modern Martyr. Duncan Hamilton. 2016. 400 pages. [Source: Library]
God Has A Wonderful Plan For Your Life. Ray Comfort. 2010. Living Waters. 128 pages. [Source: Borrowed]
Hungry: Learning to Feed Your Soul with Christ. Rondi Lauterbach. 2016. P&R. 224 pages. [Source: Review copy]
I  I am N: Inspiring Stories of Christians Facing Islamic Extremists. Voice of the Martyrs. 2016. David C. Cook. 304 pages. [Source: Review Copy] CURRENT ISSUES
J  Judge Not. Todd Friel. 2015. 320 pages. [Source: Borrowed]
Know the Creeds and Councils. Justin S. Holcomb. 2014. Zondervan. 183 pages. [Source: Bought]
Lessons from a Hospital Bed. John Piper. 2016. Crossway. 80 pages. [Source: Free from Desiring God Ministries.] [Gift book, christian living, suffering]
Messiah: Fifty Expository Discourses Preached in the Years 1784 and 1785. John Newton. 432 pages. [Source: Bought]
None Like Him. Jen Wilkin. 2016. Crossway. 163 pages. [Source: Review copy]
Overcoming Sin and Temptation. John Owen. Edited by Justin Taylor and Kelly M. Kapic. 2006/2015. Crossway. 462 pages. [Source: Review copy]
Passionate Preaching of Martyn Lloyd Jones. Steven J. Lawson. 2016. Reformation Trust. 180 pages. [Source: Borrowed]
Questioning Evangelism. Randy Newman. 2003. Kregel. 272 pages. [Source: Bought]
Rescuing the Gospel: The Story and Significance of the Reformation. Erwin W. Lutzer. 2016. Baker Books. 224 pages. [Source: Bought]
Show Them Jesus: Teaching the Gospel to Kids. 2014. New Growth Press. 224 pages. [Source: Book I Bought]
Touching the Hem: A Biblical Response to Physical Suffering. Elizabeth A. Johnson. 2013. Ambassador International. 160 pages. [Source: Bought] [christian living, suffering, christian nonfiction]
Unashamed: Healing Our Brokenness and Finding Freedom from Shame. Heather Davis Nelson. 2016. Crossway. 192 pages. [Source: Review copy]
Valley of Vision: A Collection of Prayers and Devotions. Arthur Bennett. 1975. Banner of Truth. 223 pages. [Source: Gift] DEVOTIONAL, POETRY, CHRISTIAN CLASSIC
Why Christ Came: 31 Meditations on the Incarnation. Joel R. Beeke & William Boekestein. 2013. Reformation Heritage. 108 pages. [Source: Bought]
Exalting Jesus in Philippians. Tony Merida and Francis Chan. 2016. B&H. 209 pages. [Source: Review copy]
You Can Change. Tim Chester. 2010. Crossway. 192 pages. [Source: Review copy]
Zechariah. J. Vernon McGee. 1979/1997. Thomas Nelson. 204 pages. [Source: Bought]

A Absolutely Sure by Steven Lawson
B Because the Time is Near by John MacArthur
C Called to Worship by Vernon M. Whaley
D Disruptive Faith by A.W. Tozer
E Every Name of God in the Bible by Larry Richards
F Foundations of Grace by Steven Lawson
G God the Father, God the Son by Martyn Lloyd-Jones
H History of the Work of Redemption by Jonathan Edwards
I I Dared To Call Him Father by Bilquis Sheikh
J Joy of Fearing God by Jerry Bridges
K Knowing Christianity by J.I. Packer
L Last Christian On Earth by Os Guinness
M Messiah: Fifty Expository Discourses Preached in the Years 1784 and 1785 by John Newton
N Nothing but the Truth by John MacArthur
O One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp
P The Pursuit of Holiness
Q Quest for More by Paul David Tripp
R Revelation: The Spirit Speaks to the Churches by James Hamilton Jr.
S Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus by Nabeel Qureshi
T A Tale of Two Sons by John MacArthur
U The Upper Room by John MacArthur
V Voice of a Prophet: Who Speaks for God by A.W. Tozer
W Wartime Sermons of Dr. Peter Marshall
X Exalting Jesus in Exodus by Tony Merida
Y You Can Change by Tim Chester
Z Zechariah by J. Vernon McGee

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Book Review: Delighting in God

Delighting in God. A.W. Tozer. 2015. Bethany House. 208 pages. [Source: Review copy]

Ever since reading A.W. Tozer's Knowledge of the Holy, I've been a big fan of A.W. Tozer. "Big fan" might be an understatement. I've read and reviewed a little over twenty of his books since 2012!*

It isn't that I always, always agree with him theologically or doctrinally. In fact, I like to play a little game called True or False with Tozer. I play it not because I dislike Tozer and want to be mean. Far from it. Tozer was an engaging writer/speaker, and, it's because I find his works so fascinating, so compelling that I keep reading! When I agree with him, I agree wholeheartedly and enthusiastically. But when I disagree with him, well, it's just as emphatic!

Delighting in God is a NEW Tozer book. The sermons within were preached by Tozer soon after the publication of Knowledge of the Holy (1961). In many ways, these sermons do act as a sequel--or follow up--to Knowledge of the Holy.

The book is about God, about the church's perception of God, about society's perception of God, and, even more importantly perhaps, OUR personal perception of God. Tozer challenges readers to stop and consider how they perceive God. Do their daily actions--what they say, what they do, what they think--line up with the creeds that they claim to believe?

From the introduction,
I believe what Tozer wants to get across in this book is simply that your passion for God will determine your lifestyle. You cannot say you believe in God and then exhibit behaviors that are in conflict with the holy character and nature of God. Those two do not go together. If there is anything unholy in you, then there is nothing truly holy about you. Christianity is not a religion where you adhere to certain rules, regulations, and rituals. Christianity is a passion for God that can only be satisfied as we come to Jesus Christ. ~ James Snyder
If the messages were preached in the early 1960s, are the messages still relevant--relevant to readers, relevant to pastors and song leaders? I would say mostly so. But times have changed. And it's important to keep that in mind when you find a passage that you react to strongly. For example, Tozer spends a LOT of time talking about worship music in churches and Christian entertainment. Tozer never heard "Awesome God" or "10,000 Reasons." Tozer doesn't have an opinion on Chris Tomlin and Michael W. Smith.

If Tozer is intense and strong in his opinions, if he is offensive and off-putting, it is because, in my opinion, his love and zeal and passion for the Lord was so vibrant, so undeniable. Sin isn't something easily dismissed in his opinion. And Tozer felt some within the church and definitely those within society were too relaxed and casual and dismissive of God. Tozer wanted to wake up the lazy, relaxed church. And so reading Tozer is sometimes like getting slapped or punched. But Tozer often makes really good points. What Tozer wants you to think about, to reflect on, IS worth thinking about, talking about. He IS worth reading.

I personally LOVE reading Tozer. Yes, I admit Tozer uses "the church" in a very general way. Because it is often both critical and general, it can sometimes not match up with readers' own experiences, and, it may come across as very harsh and not always all that true. But sometimes the message he has for 'the general' church is very true and necessary to say in order to correct or chasten. What we actually believe matters just as much if not MORE than what we say we believe. Sometimes what you want to hear isn't what you need to hear.

Cover to cover, Delighting in God gives readers something to THINK about.

The chapter titles:

  • The Reality of Our Perception of God
  • The Basis of Our Perception of God
  • Our Perception of God and The Church
  • A Defective Perception of God
  • Restoring Our Perception of God
  • Reasons for a Faulty Perception of God
  • The Perception of Our Relationship with God
  • Our Perception of God Determines Everything
  • Our Perception of God Determines Our Fellowship with God
  • Our Perception of God's Perfection
  • Our Perception of God's Grace
  • Our Perception of God's Mercy
  • Our Perception of God's Goodness
  • A High and Lofty Perception of God
  • The Effect of Our Perception of God
  • Our Perception of God Navigates Our Prayer Life
  • Our Perception of God in Creation
  • The Perception of Our Fullness in Jesus Christ

Some of my favorite quotes:
To truly know God as He desires and deserves to be known is not a casual thing, but a lifelong pursuit that ends only when we see Him face-to-face. 
The important thing to keep in mind is that whatever keeps me away from God is my enemy, and only the power of God can overcome it. The trouble today is that we do not recognize the enemy, and in some cases, have even drawn him out to be a friend. 
God created us with a passion for himself, and it was the fall of man in the garden of Eden that hijacked that passion and brought man down to the level we find him today. Only through redemption--accomplished by Christ dying on the cross and rising the third day--can we be brought back to that place of fellowship with God, which is the passion of every human being. 
It is my contention that everything we do in some way reflects our perception of God… I believe that it is crucial that our perception of God be worthy of God and that it reflect the truth revealed to us about the God of the Word. 
I do not believe we can ever regain our lost perception of God until we are brought to consider once again the perfection of God. 
You cannot reach the world by becoming like the world. The only way to reach the world is to become something altogether other than the world. That is what we have in Christianity. 
Each day as I walk with God and allow the Holy Spirit to reveal to me who God really is, the more my capacity grows in worshiping and adoring this God. What this means is that my worship grows and grows as my perception of God grows. God cannot grow. My perception of God grows as I experience Him day after day. I should be more capable of worshiping God today than I was ten or twenty years ago. As I move toward God, my capacity to understand God grows deeper and deeper. Of course, the opposite is also true. As I move away from God, my capacity begins to shrink. How many Christians are experiencing a shrinking capacity to worship God? Perhaps that is the reason why our music today is so superficial.
We must warn people today that if they have an imaginary Christ and are satisfied with an imaginary Christ, then they must be satisfied with an imaginary salvation.
I do not believe that any man is able to love until he is able to hate. I do not think any can love God unless he hates the devil. I do not think he can love righteousness unless he hates sin.
If after reading and meditating on the Bible, I have not encountered the Living Word, I have truly read in vain. In my reading of God's Word, I need to persist until I pierce the darkness and come into the light of His presence.
© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Thursday, November 26, 2015

Guilt-Free Thanksgiving Treats

From Grace to You:
Separation, Purity, and Thanksgiving
Giving Thanks to the Father
How To Read Both Sides of the Bible

From Russell Moore:
You Need the Whole Bible (Even if You Don't Know Why)

From Donald Whitney:
Where's Our Thanksgiving Music?
Why You Should Be Praying the Psalms

From John Piper:
Loving Jesus More Than Life
Good News of Great Joy: Daily Readings for Advent (free book download)

From Leland Ryken:
What Every Book in the Old Testament Is About
What Every Book in the New Testament Is About

From Francis Chan:
The Greatest Thing You Could Do Today

From Jared C. Wilson:
How To Be A Gospel-Centered Bible Reader

From Tim Challies:
Theological Quizzes

Via Tim Challies,
Michael Kruger's Teaching Series on Romans:
A Great Way To Get To Know Romans

From White Horse Inn:
Jesus in Pop Culture (audio) (article)
First Time Visitors, White Horse Inn Classics

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Quotes from the Cloud #47

This year, I hope share weekly posts of quotes. These quotes are from authors I'm reading and enjoying from the Clouds of Witnesses Reading Challenge

For fellow participants, what I would LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to see is for people to share quotes from what they're reading. I'd love for you to share quotes occasionally with your readers and let me know about it. If you don't have a blog, you could always leave quotes in the comments here.
Provided we are obliged to come to the conclusion that our minds are not pure, we need not end there, for there are means by which they may be made so! Glory be to God, if my mind and conscience are defiled, they need not always be so. There is cleansing. I cannot effect it for myself, nor can any outward forms do it. . . . But God has set forth Christ to be a Savior—and He shall save His people from their sins—from their sinfulness, too, and whoever believes in Christ Jesus, that is, trusts in Him, there is already in him the beginning of purity! God the Holy Spirit will give him more and more of the likeness of Christ, for he that believes shall be saved from sin, from indwelling sin, from all sin, from the power as well as from the guilt of it! Faith will cleanse him, applying to him the precious blood and the water which flows from the side of Christ! Faith will, by the Holy Spirit’s power, become a cleansing as well as a saving Grace! God grant it to us, and may we all be among the pure, unto whom all things shall be pure. ~ Charles Spurgeon
The voice of God indeed daily calls to us; calls to the world to abandon sins and seek the Kingdom of God wholeheartedly. O that we may all hear the call of the Father and, sometime, at last be converted to the Lord. ~ C.S. Lewis
God, I pray Thee, light these idle sticks of my life and may I burn for Thee. Consume my life, my God, for it is Thine. I seek not a long life, but a full one, like you, Lord Jesus. ~ Jim Elliot

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Book Review: Jesus on Every Page

Jesus On Every Page: 10 Simple Ways to Seek and Find Christ in the Old Testament. David. P. Murray. 2013. Thomas Nelson. 246 pages. [Source: Library]

I am glad I got the opportunity to read David Murray's Jesus on Every Page. This book stresses the importance of seeing Jesus as being central in both testaments of the Bible. Jesus is present--is central--to the Old Testament. Christians can benefit by reading and studying the Old Testament. It isn't, he writes, just that readers can read the Old Testament and grasp a big picture of how it relates to Jesus somewhere down the road, if you will. It's more than that. Murray's book explains the various ways--10 to be exact--that Christians can find Christ in the Old Testament.

The first part of the book is titled "My Road to Emmaus." Within this section, Murray does at least two things: shares how he once felt about the Old Testament and how he came to view the Old Testament differently. In part by asking the question WHAT is the Old Testament all about and seeking answers from Jesus, Peter, Paul, and John. Murray became convinced--persuaded--that Jesus can be found in the Old Testament. Not just in a dozen or so passages about his first or second coming. But in the books of the law, in the history books, in the poetry books, in the prophets. Within all genres and styles, Jesus can be found in some way.

The second part of the book is titled "Spiritual Heartburn." Within this section, Murray shows readers how they can best benefit from reading the Old Testament. How can they go on a journey of their own to discover Jesus in the pages of the Old Testament?

  • Christ's Planet: Discovering Jesus in the Creation
  • Christ's People: Discovering Jesus in the Old Testament Characters
  • Christ's Presence: Discovering Jesus in His Old Testament Appearances
  • Christ's Precepts: Discovering Jesus in the Old Testament Law
  • Christ's Past: Discovering Jesus in Old Testament History
  • Christ's Prophets: Discovering Jesus in the Old Testament Prophets
  • Christ's Pictures: Discovering Jesus in the Old Testament Types
  • Christ's Promises: Discovering Jesus in the Old Testament Covenants
  • Christ's Proverbs: Discovering Jesus in the Old Testament Proverbs
  • Christ's Poets: Discovering Jesus in the Old Testament Poems

One thing that I think is important to realize--or to keep in mind--and it's something he mentions several times. There is only one way to be saved: by grace, by the gift of faith, through God's great mercy and the giving of the Holy Spirit. There wasn't an "Old Testament" way to be saved and a "New Testament" way to be saved. Those saved before Christ's coming were not saved through works--their obedience to the commands of the law and their faithful following of all the yearly sacrifices.

He writes,
No Old Testament believer enjoyed the extraordinary light that New Testament believers have since Jesus died and was resurrected, and the Holy Spirit was poured out at pentecost. Every Old Testament believer had sufficient light to trust to a future Messiah who would suffer, die, and be glorified. Every Old Testament writer knew that his messages of salvation by grace through faith in the Messiah would be much clearer to future generations. (180)
More quotes:
Let's look at some ways we find Jesus in the Psalms: We sing to Jesus with the Psalms; We sing of Jesus in the Psalms; We sing with Jesus in the Psalms. (187)
We use the psalms of lament to confess our sins to Jesus. We sing the psalms of praise to celebrate Jesus' person and work. We sing the psalms of remembrance to look back on Jesus' act throughout redemptive history. We sing the psalms of confidence to express our faith in Jesus' salvation. We sing the wisdom psalms to acknowledge that Jesus is our only source of wisdom. We sing the psalms of thanksgiving to express our gratitude for Jesus' daily grace in our times of need. (188)
Let me suggest several truths that saturate the book of Psalms: God saves by grace, not works; God will send a Deliverer; The Deliverer will reveal God in an unprecedented way; The Deliverer will suffer as a sacrifice for sin; the Deliverer will reign everywhere and forever. (191)
As we have seen, the book of Psalms covers every Christian experience. But the Psalms also cover every experience of Jesus. The book of Psalms was his hymnbook during His earthly life. And how suitable they were for His many spiritual needs… The gospels focus largely on His outward public life, but the Psalms give us His secret inner life. (195)

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Gift Ideas from the Clouds

All of these gift ideas come from "the clouds of witnesses" (Hebrews 12:1-2)

Bibles


  • Pursuit of God Bible, A.W. Tozer, NIV
  • A.W. Tozer Bible, KJV
  • Matthew Henry Study Bible, KJV
  • C.S. Lewis Bible, NRSV
  • NIV Ragamuffin Bible, Brennan Manning
  • NIV Streams in the Desert Bible, L.B.E. Cowman
  • ESV Oswald Chambers Devotional Bible
  • Wesley Study Bible, available in CEB and NRSV
  • Andrew Murray, 365 Day Devotional Bible, KJV

Note: Wouldn't it be a wonderful, wonderful, WONDERFUL thing if there was a Charles Spurgeon Study Bible?!?!

Commentaries also come to mind!

Devotionals

  • Walking with God Day by Day, Martyn Lloyd-Jones
  • Spurgeon's Daily Treasures in the Psalms, Charles Spurgeon
  • Morning and Evening, Charles Spurgeon (available with Scripture references in KJV, NIV, ESV, and maybe others?)
  • Streams in the Desert by LB.E. Cowman
  • Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions, edited by Arthur G. Bennett
  • Year with C.S. Lewis, Daily Readings from His Classic Works
  • My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers
  • Mornings with Tozer, A.W. Tozer
  • Evenings with Tozer, A.W. Tozer
  • Tozer on the Almighty God, A.W. Tozer
  • My Daily Pursuit, A.W. Tozer
  • Daily In His Presence by Andrew Murray
  • Then Sings My Soul, Hymns and Hymn Stories, Robert J. Morgan


Music

  • Keith Green, Ministry Years 1977-1979
  • Songs, Rich Mullins
  • Songs 2, Rich Mullins

Audiobooks


Series Biographies

Theologians on the Christian Life, published by Crossway

  • Luther on the Christian Life
  • Bavinck on the Christian Life
  • Newton on the Christian Life
  • Owen on the Christian Life
  • Warfield on the Christian Life
  • Edwards on the Christian Life
  • Bonhoeffer on the Christian Life
  • Wesley on the Christian Life
  • Calvin on the Christian Life
  • Schaeffer on the Christian Life
  • Augustine on the Christian Life

A Long Line of Godly Men, published by Reformation Trust

  • The Heroic Boldness of Martin Luther
  • The Daring Mission of William Tyndale
  • The Trinitarian Devotion of John Owen
  • The Poetic Wonder of Isaac Watts
  • The Unwavering Resolve of Jonathan Edwards
  • The Mighty Weakness of John Knox
  • The Gospel Focus of Charles Spurgeon
  • The Expository Genius of John Calvin
  • The Evangelistic Zeal of George Whitefield

Armchair Theologians, published by WJK

  • Augustine for Armchair Theologians
  • John Knox for Armchair Theologians
  • Bonhoeffer for Armchair Theologians
  • Jonathan Edwards for Armchair Theologians
  • Barth for Armchair Theologians
  • Wesley for Armchair Theologians
  • Luther for Armchair Theologians
  • Calvin for Armchair Theologians
  • Aquinas for Armchair Theologians
  • The Reformation for Armchair Theologians

Mugs


T-Shirts



© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

My Year with Spurgeon #47

What Have I Done?
Charles Spurgeon
1857
Jeremiah 8:6
How can we resist feeling that he is a God whom we must love, when we know that he regards everything that concerns us, numbers the very hairs of our heads, bids his angels protect our footsteps lest we dash our feet against stones, marks our path and ordereth our ways. But especially is this great truth brought near to man’s heart, when we recollect how attentive God is, not merely to the temporal interests of his creatures, but to their spiritual concerns.
Few men like to take the trouble to review their own lives; most men are so near bankruptcy that they are ashamed to look at their own books. The great mass of mankind are like the silly ostrich, which, when hard pressed by the hunters, buries its head in the sand and shuts its eyes and then thinks, because it does not see its pursuers, that therefore it is safe.
The great mass of mankind, I repeat, are ashamed to review their own biographies. and if conscience and memory together could turn joint authors of a history of their lives throughout, they would buy a huge iron clasp and a padlock to it, and look the volume up, for they dare not read it. They know it to be a book full of lamentation and woe, which they dare not read, and still go on in their iniquities.
No tradesman ever gets the poorer by looking to his books. he may find himself to be poorer than he thought he was, but it is not the looking to the books that hath hurt him; he hath hurt himself by some ill trading before. Better, my friend, for you to know the past whilst there is yet time for repairing it, than that you should go blindfolded, hoping to enter the gates of Paradise and find out your mistake when alas! it is too late, because the door is shut.
You might as well hope to go to heaven by cursing and swearing, as by the merits of your own good works; for although good works are infinitely preferable to cursing and swearing in a moral point of view, yet there is no more merit in one than there is in the other, though there is less sin in one than in the other.
Lord accept me, Lord pardon me, and take me as I am, from this time forth and for ever, to be thy servant whilst I live, to be thy redeemed when I die.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Monday, November 23, 2015

2016 Operation Deepen Faith



This challenge has multiple parts. (You wouldn't have to sign up for each part. But. Ideally participants would be interested in doing more than just one.) The challenge is from January 2016 through December 2016. Read carefully, I've added some new things this year!!! One thing I've added is an OPTIONAL introduction survey for you to fill out either in the comments or on your own blog.

I. Wonderful Words of Life. Goal: Read the Bible. The goal isn't to read the Bible following a specific plan or by a certain date. The goal is to read the Bible. For some that might mean reading the Bible once a year. For others it might mean reading the Bible over two or three years. What matters is that you incorporate reading the Bible into your life.

Looking for a plan? I've got a list:
  • Back to the Bible's 21 Day Bible Reading Challenge (John only)*
  • Back to the Bible's 90 Day Bible Reading Challenge (Genesis, Matthew, Mark, Luke only) (link to pdf file)*
  • Back to the Bible's 6 Month Bible Reading Challenge (Acts through Revelation, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes only) (link to pdf file)*
  • 5X5X5 Bible Reading Plan (New Testament Only, 5 Days A Week, 5 Minutes a Day) (link to pdf file)*
  • Discipleship Journal Bible Reading Plan (25 readings per month) (link to pdf file)
  • Discipleship Journal Bible Reading Plan (Book-at-a-Time) (25 readings per month) (link to pdf file)
  • (Whole) Bible in 90 Days Plan (link to pdf file)
  • John MacArthur's NT Plan (read a book 30 days in a row)
  • Woodrow Kroll's Plan (read whole books at a time; read a whole book of the Bible in one sitting)
  • Professor Horner's Bible Reading Plan (link to pdf file)
  • M'Cheyne Bible Reading Plan (link to pdf file)
  • 52 Week Bible Reading Plan, Different Genre Every Day (link to pdf file)
  • Legacy Reading Plan (No set daily readings, but, set monthly readings) (link to pdf file)
  • Back to the Bible's Chronological Plan (lists readings month by month, the link to January)
II. Sweet Hour of Prayer. Goal: Pray daily. I don't know about you. But prayer doesn't always come easily, naturally, effortlessly. The weight and shame of not praying or not praying good enough or long enough or hard enough can be heavy and burdensome. And if your guilt and shame keeps you from even trying, that's a problem. There are so many books on prayer, on praying, on learning to pray. There are two or three that come to my mind as being the best. But any book that helps you out, that gets you praying, that keeps you praying, will do. (Often it's getting started, creating a habit that is the toughest part.) 

One I recommend is PRAYING THE BIBLE by Donald S. Whitney. I personally think it's the best of the best when it comes to practical books on how to pray. His method of praying has you praying the Bible, praying the book of Psalms to be exact. What's the date? Say it's the 5th. You would skim Psalms 5, 35, 65, 95, and 125. (Just find the date. Add 30. Keep adding 30 until you run out of Psalms!) After briefly skimming them to see which one is the best fit for you on that day, you'd then choose ONE to pray. Read the chapter. Line by line, verse by verse. Talk to God. Let His word talk to you, to minister to you. Pray what's on your mind. Use the words of Scripture--when possible--to shape your prayer. But not in a strict, confining way. You'll notice that much of it is God-centered and praise-and-thanksgiving-centered. And that's a great thing!!! You can pray for yourself, pray for your loved ones, pray for your circumstances. But focusing on how good and righteous and faithful God is makes a difference. You almost have to try it yourself to see it's true. 

But let me stress again, it's not the plan or method that matters. Pray daily. 

III. How Firm A Foundation. Goal: STUDY (meditate too!) one book of the Bible throughout the year. I'd recommend reading it at least four times. But even better perhaps would be to read it twelve times--one each month. Read it on your own. But also take a few extra steps to get to know it. If possible, read the notes in a study Bible, or, read a commentary book about your book, or, read and listen to sermons on your book, or, doing an inductive (manuscript) study of your book. Consider reading it in different translations. Get to know that one book well. Let God speak to you through it. Online commentaries are available. Classic Bible Commentaries. Bible Gateway offers several as well: IVP New Testament Commentary Series; Reformation Study Bible; Asbury Bible Commentary. List of commentaries available throughBibleStudyTools.com. J. Vernon McGee's Thru the Bible sermons are also available. (Listen online through Oneplace.)

IV. Deep and Wide; Goal: read multiple books of the bible in multiple translations.

For example that might mean reading four to six books of the Bible (OT or NT, whatever you prefer) in four to six different translations. The books wouldn't have to be long books. You might choose Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians, etc. Or you might choose  John, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, Revelation. Or Luke, Acts, Romans, Hebrews. You can choose a group of books that makes sense to you. Books that you want to explore further. You choose the books, you choose the translations. You choose the pace. 

V. Meditate or Memorize. Note the OR! Not everyone is comfortable committing to memorize Scripture. (I'm one of them!) Goal: Choose about a verse a week--or a verse every other week--to reflect and meditate on. It might mean memorizing it. It might mean writing or journaling about it. (Or blogging about it if you like.) It might mean praying it. Or studying it. It's taking the reading of Scripture into something a little more--worship. These verses would not (have to) be chosen ahead of time. I'm not asking for a list. This is all about choosing-as-you-go, choosing as you read, let Scripture speak to you. Or if you want to make a list, make a list. Whatever gets you excited and keeps you excited about the Word of God.

VI. Choose a Research Project. You can choose the extent of it. If you want it to be small, medium, or large. If your research focuses on studying the Word of God itself or if it incorporates reading other books. It can be a question you're researching, or, just a subject you're researching. For example "the atonement,"  "parables of Jesus" or "sermon on the mount" or "prayer" or "forgiveness" or "predestination" or "grace" or "heaven." OR "What does 1 John teach us about love?" OR "What do different commentators say about John 3?"

VII. Christian Nonfiction. Don't be afraid to give it a try. Read some theology. You choose the number of books to aim for. A beginner might not feel comfortable committing to more than one book. And that's fine. I want to challenge you to start somewhere. This challenge is for everyone. Not just for people who want to commit to reading twenty!  

Here are some ideas to get you started:

  • Books about God (his attributes, his character, his names, the trinity)
  • Books about the birth, life, death, resurrection of Jesus Christ; His person, his work. 
  • Books about the Bible (how to read the Bible, how to study the Bible, how it's translated, the history of translation, why it's reliable and trustworthy, why it's inerrant and infallible, etc.)
  • Commentaries on specific books of the Bible (Ezekiel, Gospel of John, Romans, etc.)
  • Books about Bible characters (Moses, Abraham, David, Elijah, Ruth, Mary, Peter, Paul, etc.)
  • Books about prayer and/or fasting
  • Books about worship, praise and thanksgiving, music in church, etc.
  • Books about church life, church growth, church leadership, church discipline, etc.
  • books about missions (evangelism, outreach, discipleship,  service, local and global)
  • sermon collections (book, ebook, websites of teaching ministries, etc.)
  • biographies/autobiographies of theologians, preachers, missionaries, other Christians 
  • books about pain, suffering, grief, and tough questions
  • books about apologetics 
  • books about other religions, specifically books about other religions written from a Christian point of view
  • topical books offering a Christian perspective on any subject (marriage, family life, parenting, finances (getting out of debt), dieting, starting a business, being single, fostering or adopting children, war, terrorism, politics, etc.
  • books about end times 

Completely Optional Choices:

VII A. READ THE ALPHABET. Choose if you want alphabetical book titles or alphabetical authors. Try to read a book for each letter. Some creativity is allowed! For example, I will be using "Exalting Jesus in…" (a commentary series) for the letter X. For Z, I will be reading a commentary on Zechariah. For trickier letters, perhaps allowing any word in the title to count. OR even making individual sermons count as a whole book.

VII B. BINGO. Create your own bingo card. You might want to focus on topics (see above list for suggestions). Or you might want to focus on authors. Or you might want to focus on other things. For example:

  • a book published in the 1970s
  • a book published by Thomas Nelson
  • a book borrowed from the library
  • a book with a blue cover
  • a book with the word "Holy" in it
  • an author who uses initials (C.S. Lewis, R.C. Sproul, A.W. Tozer)

VIII We Believe. Goal: Choose a number of creeds, confessions, or catechisms to read throughout the year. They can be of any length. Some are short. Some are long. Is there a minimum? I'd say at least two or three! You wouldn't have to commit to one per month or anything. Just however many you want. Share your thoughts on what you read.

Sign up by leaving a comment. Be sure to let me know which of the eight you're interested in joining. You don't have to commit to specifics. (You don't have to tell me which one book you're going to study. Or how many books/how many translations you're going to read. Or the number of theology books you're wanting to commit to.) Though if you have decided, then feel free to share! But you don't have to have it all exactly planned out in order to join!

The completely optional, but I really-hope-you-do-it, introduce-yourself survey:Also: There are no wrong answers. I promise. 

  1. Introduce yourself. Which categories are you joining? Which category are you most excited about?  
  2. Have you participated in this challenge before? 
  3. Do you have a blog? Please share a blog address if you have one! I'd love to add you to my blog list and keep up with you.
  4. Have you read the Bible before? Or is this your first time reading it? Are you looking for support and encouragement on the journey? Or is it something you want to do on your own? Do you plan to blog about your Bible reading? 
  5. Do you have a favorite book of the Bible? a favorite verse of the Bible? 
  6. Have you read many Christian nonfiction books? Why or why not? 
  7. Do you have a favorite author? a favorite book?
  8. Which books or which authors would you recommend to other participants?
  9. Would you be interested in reading a book with another participant (book buddy) or even participating in a group read-a-long? 


© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

DVD Review: Doctrines of Grace in the Gospel of John

The Doctrines of Grace in John. Steven Lawson. 2011. Ligonier. Twelve 23-Minute Messages. [Source: Borrowed from Friend]

Watching this made me GIDDY. Why???? Two or three reasons come to mind. First. It's a teaching series focused on the gospel of John. Second. DOCTRINES OF GRACE. I haven't always been Reformed, in fact, I was raised in a denomination where the idea that we didn't have free will--in the matter of salvation--would have been seen as outrageously ridiculous. But as an adult, as I've read the Bible--the whole Bible--for myself I've come to embrace the doctrines of grace. Embrace may not be a strong enough term though!!! For in the doctrines of grace are hidden--or not so hidden--reasons to REJOICE. Third. Steve Lawson. I haven't watched him before, but, I am a big fan of his books.

So how excited was I to watch The Doctrines of Grace in John?! Well, I watched all twelve messages--and took notes, of course--all in one day!!! We "walk" at least four, or maybe five, times through the gospel of John. One "walk through the gospel" is focusing on Radical Depravity, for example. The next "walk" might focus on "Sovereign Election." The next on "Definite Atonement," etc. I love how he looks at specific verses and passages and discusses them at length. He lets the Bible do the talking and persuading!!!! Yes, he mainly stays in John. But he does reference other books of the Bible.

Here are just a handful of verses discussed throughout the series!
The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. John 1:9-13, ESV
Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3, ESV
If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things? No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.” John 3:12-21, ESV
The Father loves the Son and has given all things into his hand. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him. John 3:35, 36, ESV
All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.” John 6:37-40, ESV
No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day. It is written in the Prophets, ‘And they will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me— not that anyone has seen the Father except he who is from God; he has seen the Father. Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life. John 6:44-47, ESV
It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. But there are some of you who do not believe.” (For Jesus knew from the beginning who those were who did not believe, and who it was who would betray him.) And he said, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father.” John 6:63-65, ESV
The twelve messages:

  • Laying the Foundation
  • Radical Depravity, Part 1
  • Radical Depravity, Part 2
  • Sovereign Election, Part 1
  • Sovereign Election, Part 2
  • Definite Atonement, Part 1
  • Definite Atonement, Part 2
  • Irresistible Call, Part 1  
  • Irresistible Call, Part 2
  • Preserving Grace, Part 1
  • Preserving Grace, Part 2
  • This Changes Everything!

From "Laying The Foundation"

  • Jesus had more to say about the sovereignty of God in salvation than anyone else in the Bible
  • John has a dual focus. One "track" is the free offer of the gospel in an evangelical manner. "The arms of Christ are wide open as we read the gospel of John." Human responsibility. The second "track" is the sovereignty of God in salvation. We need to, "put our arms around the entire Bible." 
  • Introduces the subject of the doctrines of grace: Radical Depravity, Sovereign Election, Definite Atonement, Irresistible Call, Preserving Grace. All 5 stand or fall together. There is organic unity within the 5. All elevate God and humble man.

From "Radical Depravity" parts one and two

  • Once set in place you're begging for sovereign election
  • Radical = comprehensive; it effects the whole person: the mind, the emotion, the will
  • Nine points that show where we once were and where he found us, that show the natural state of man without the Spirit, without God: 1) Spiritual Ignorance (John 1:9-11, 13) 2) Spiritual Blindness (John 3:3) 3) Spiritual Hatred (John 3:19-20) 4) Spiritual Defiance (John 3:36) 5) Spiritual Death (John 5:25, Colossians 2:13, Ephesians 2:5) 6) Spiritual Inability (John 6:44, 65, 66) 7) Spiritual Slavery (John 8:34) 8) Spiritual Bondage (John 8:44) 9) Spiritual Deafness (John 8:43, 47)
  • "What can a dead man do?" "Stink!" 
  • Do you see what a miracle it is that we are saved? Should we not be grateful? 

From "Sovereign Election" parts one and two

  • How can anyone be saved? "BUT GOD" 
  • "God's choice is the root. Our choice is the fruit. God's choice is the cause. Our choice is the effect."
  • I believe, there are seven points in these lectures. He wasn't as good at mentioning numbers this time!
  • They are: Divine Choice: John 1:12-13; Loving Choice: John 6:37-39; Previous Choice: John 10:1-3; Distinguishing Choice: John 13:18, Romans 8:29; Purposing Choice: John 15:16; Saving Choice: John 15:19; Sovereign Choice: John 17:1-2, 6, 9, 24. 
  • This shows not only his love for us, but, also love for His Son.
  • This is your testimony and story--"but he called them by name"
  • God has never learned anything.
  • None of us want what is fair. What is fair is that we all suffer in hell forever.

From "Definite Atonement" parts one and two

  • Sometimes called Particular Redemption
  • Heart of the doctrines of grace is the substitutionary death of Jesus Christ for sinners. Middle of the 5 Points. Heart of what we believe.
  • Asks two questions: 1) For whom did Jesus die? 2) What did he accomplish in that saving death? The answer to the second question will answer the first. Intent and Extent.
  • "Not one drop of his blood was shed in vain. All for whom He died for he saved. It was a triumphant death, a glorious death. He did not shed his blood in defeat. All for whom he died upon that cross he purchased their salvation. He secured their redemption. Jesus in his death did not merely make people savable." 
  • Jesus fulfilled the very purpose for which He came into this world.
  • It was a real atonement (John 1:29); a specific atonement (John 3:14, 15, 16); an exact atonement (John 6:37-39); an exclusive atonement (John 10:11, 15, 17, 18, 30; John 11:49-52; John 12:32-33; John 15:13); a priestly atonement (John 17); and a triumphant atonement (John 19:30)
  • John 10 is the Lord's own commentary on his own death
  • Those for whom he prayed (in John 17) are those for whom he died on the cross and those for whom he continues to make intercession for in heaven right now
  • The word world is used ten different ways in the gospel of John

From "Irresistible Call" parts one and two

  • "Regeneration is the life of God in the soul of man."
  • I didn't catch the official names of all the points in this lecture. But I did get all the Scripture references. John 1:12, 13; John 3:3, 5, 8; John 5:24, 25; John 6:37, 44; John 10:1,2, 3, 4,5.
  • The greek work translated "draw" means dragging, hauling, or towing. 
  • At the same time he's drawing us, he's giving us a new heart. 
  • It is not believe and then be born again; it is be born again and then believe.
  • Imparting life to the dead.
  • "To come to Christ is to be resurrected."
  • God gives the gift of repentance. God gives the gift of faith. "Repentance" and "faith" are not something that we can work up ourselves. They do not come from within. They are gifts. It has to be granted to us to believe. 

From "Preserving Grace, parts 1 and 2"

  • Also called "Eternal Security"
  • This is the truth that makes the doctrines of grace so sweet.
  • John 3:15. John 3:36. Eternal Life. Have in present tense. Not will have. Eternal life begins the moment you believe in Christ. "Eternal life" used 17 times in John. First time in John 3:15. It has to do with both quality and duration. 
  • John 3:16. Never Perish. "What part of "not perish" do we not understand? 
  • John 4:14 Never thirst. 
  • John 5:24. Never condemned
  • John 6:39, 40, 44, 54,  Never Lost
  • John 6:51 Live Forever
  • John 10:27, 28, 29, Forever Secure
  • John 11:25-26 Never Die
  • John 14:16, 17 Never Abandon
  • John 17 "All roads lead to John 17" "This prayer will always be answered

From "This Changes Everything"

  • His testimony of how he came to believe/embrace the doctrines of grace; his background, etc.
  • 9 reasons why he feels believing the doctrines of grace changes EVERYTHING. I agree with all of them. 
  • "There is no greater comfort or no greater peace on your deathbed than those found in the doctrines of grace."
  • "These are not just truths to live by but truths to die by."


© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Sunday, November 22, 2015

Week in Review: November 15-21

NKJV

  • Jeremiah
  • Lamentations
  • Ezekiel
  • Daniel

KJV Study Bible

  • Isaiah 40-66
  • John 1-7

ESV Reformation Study Bible

  • Colossians
  • 1 Thessalonians
  • 2 Thessalonians

NIV-UK Audio Bible

  • 1 Corinthians
  • 2 Corinthians
  • Galatians

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

November "Memory" Work

I started out the year wanting to memorize Scripture, I've discovered that I'm satisfied meditating on Scripture. Here are the verses I'll be adding in November.
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. 2 Timothy 1:7-8, NIV
He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. 2 Timothy 1:9-10, NIV
What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us. 2 Timothy 1:13-14, NIV
Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained. Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. 2 Timothy 2:8-10, NIV
Here is a trustworthy saying:
If we died with him,
we will also live with him;
if we endure,
we will also reign with him.
If we disown him,
he will also disown us;
if we are faithless,
he remains faithful,
for he cannot disown himself. 2 Timothy 2:11-13, NIV
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15, NIV
Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.” 2 Timothy 2:19, NIV
In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. 2 Timothy 3:12, NIV
But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:14-17, NIV
Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 2 Timothy 4:2-3, NIV
Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:8, NIV
The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 2 Timothy 4:18, NIV
For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. Titus 2:11-14, NIV

At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. Titus 3:3-7, NIV
Past memory verses:
  1. Revelation 21:34
  2. Proverbs 3:5-6
  3. Psalm 34:3
  4. Psalm 34:8
  5. Psalm 103:1,2,3,4,5
  6. Psalm 103:101112
  7. Psalm 96:2
  8. Psalm 95:6-7
  9. Matthew 11:28
  10. Hebrews 7:25
  11. Ephesians 2:8910
  12. Psalm 138:8
  13. Psalm 27:14
  14. Proverbs 18:10
  15. Philippians 4:4
  16. Philippians 4:13
  17. John 14:123
  18. John 14:6
  19. John 11:2526
  20. Psalm 16:8
  21. Psalm 16:11
  22. Psalm 18:30
  23. Psalm 25:5
  24. Psalm 27:4
  25. Psalm 28:6
  26. Psalm 30:45
  27. Psalm 31:5
  28. Psalm 31:9
  29. Psalm 32:8
  30. Habakkuk 3:1718
  31. Zephaniah 3:17
  32. Jeremiah 17:14
  33. Lamentations 3:2223242526
  34. Deuteronomy 6:4567
  35. Exodus 15:18
  36. John 6:40
  37. John 6:44
  38. Jude 21
  39. Jude 24-25
  40. Isaiah 26:34
  41. Isaiah 25:1
  42. Isaiah 25:8,9
  43. Numbers 6:242526
  44. Deuteronomy 4:39
  45. Deuteronomy 29:29
  46. Psalm 119:111
  47. Romans 15:456
  48. John 17:17
  49. 2 Corinthians 5:17
  50. 2 Corinthians 5:21
  51. Galatians 5:1, NIV
  52. Galatians 5:22-25, NIV
  53. Galatians 2:20, NIV
  54. Psalm 23:1-3, ESV
  55. Psalm 23:4, ESV
  56. Psalm 23:5-6, ESV
  57. 1 Timothy 1:14-15, NIV
  58. 1 Timothy 1:17, NIV
  59. 1 Timothy 2:1234, NIV
  60. 1 Timothy 2:5-6, NIV
  61. 1 Timothy 3:16, NIV
  62. 1 Timothy 4:78910, NIV
  63. 2 Timothy 1:7,8 NIV
  64. 2 Timothy 1:9, 10 NIV
  65. 2 Timothy 1:13-14, NIV
  66. 2 Timothy 2:8-10, NIV
  67. 2 Timothy 2:11-13, NIV
  68. 2 Timothy 2:19, NIV
  69. 2 Timothy 3:12, NIV
  70. 2 Timothy 3:14, 15, 16, 17, NIV
  71. 2 Timothy 4:2-3, NIV
  72. 2 Timothy 4:8, NIV
  73. 2 Timothy 4:18 NIV
  74. Titus 2:11-14, NIV
  75. Titus 3:3-7, NIV

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible