Saturday, December 31, 2022

2022 Bible Reading Update #52


Bible reading week of 24 - 31 December 2022.

I am reading the New Coverdale Psalter in December.
  • Psalms 116-150

NASB 77
  • John 9-21

I am reading the ESV Church History Study Bible for my Book of Common Prayer Daily Offices.
  • Genesis 1-50
  • Luke 1-14

ESV Large Print Reference Thinline
  • Isaiah 6-66
  • Matthew 16-28

BSB Audio Bible
  • Psalms 1-84




© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Tuesday, December 27, 2022

Top Ten for 2022


Fiction
  1. The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip. Sara Brunsvold. 2022. 361 pages. [Source: Library]
  2.  In Honor's Defense. (Hanger's Horsemen #3) Karen Witemeyer. 2022. [June] 384 pages. [Source: Review copy]
  3. The Great Passion. James Runcie. 2022. [March] 272 pages. [Source: Library]
  4.  The Sweet Life (Cape Cod Creamery #1) Suzanne Woods Fisher. 2022. [May] 308 pages. [Source: Library]

Nonfiction
  1. I Belong: Heidelberg Catechism Question and Answer 1 for Children. Joyce Holstege. Illustrated by Meagan Krosschell. 2022. 48 pages. [Source: Review copy]
  2. Counterfeit Kingdom: The Dangers of New Revelation, New Prophets, and New Age Practices in the Church. Holly Pivec and R. Douglas Geivett. 2022. [November] 272 pages. [Source: Review copy]
  3. A Dozen Things God Did With Your Sin (And Three Things He'll Never Do). Sam Storms. 2022. [January] Crossway. 225 pages. [Source: Review copy]
  4. He Is Not Ashamed. Erik Raymond. 2022. 160 pages. [Source: Review copy]

Bibles
  1. Berean Study Bible. God. 2020. 1504 pages. [Source: Gift] 
  2.  Beyond Suffering Bible NLT: Where Struggles Seem Endless, God's Hope Is Infinite. Joni Eareckson Tada. Joni & Friends, Inc. 2016. Tyndale. 1696 pages. [Source: Bought]

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

43. Under the Texas Mistletoe


Under the Texas Mistletoe. Karen Witemeyer. 2021. 320 pages. [Source: Gift]

First sentence: "It's a fool's errand, I tell you."

Under The Texas Mistletoe is a collection of three holiday-themed novellas by Karen Witemeyer. One is brand new--2021. One is first time in print [previously available as an e-book]. One is a reprint of a previously published novella [from another holiday novella collection]. The three novellas are A Texas Christmas Carol, An Archer Family Christmas, and Gift of the Heart. 

I enjoyed all three novellas. I don't know that I have a favorite exactly. Whatever story I happen to be reading at the time is my favorite. Of the three novellas, An Archer Family Christmas is the most melodramatic--in my opinion. But I am also super partial to the Archers so I can definitely overlook a little holiday drama. 

I really just felt so happy reading all three novellas. It was great to revisit Gift of the Heart. I do remember reading that one when it came out in another book. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Saturday, December 24, 2022

2022 Bible Reading Update #51


Bible reading week of 17 - 23 December 2022.

I am reading the New Coverdale Psalter in December.
  • Psalms 86-115

I am reading the King James Version Life Application Bible for part of my Daily Offices. 
  • Isaiah 49-66
  • Micah

I am reading the NASB 77 in part for my Daily Offices. 
  • Luke 6-24
  • John 1-8

ESV
  • Numbers 7-36
  • Deuteronomy
  • Isaiah 1-5
  • Matthew 5-15
I have two ongoing year-long 30 Day MacArthur plans going.
  • In December, I will be reading for Philemon for thirty days: BSB, CSB, NASB 95, KJV, NKJV, NASB 95,
  • In December, I will be reading Isaiah 61-66 for thirty days: BSB, CSB, NASB 95, KJV, NKJV, NASB 95, 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Saturday, December 17, 2022

2022 Bible Reading Update #50


Bible reading week of 10-16 December 2022.

I am reading the New Coverdale Psalter in December.
  • Psalm 50-85
I am reading the King James Version Life Application Bible for part of my Daily Offices. 
  • Isaiah 1-48
I am reading the NASB 77 in part for my Daily Offices. 
  • Micah
  • Matthew 13-28
  • Mark
  • Luke 1-5

ESV
  • 1 Timothy
  • 2 Timothy
  • Titus
  • Exodus
  • Leviticus
  • Numbers 1-6
  • Matthew 1-4

I have two ongoing year-long 30 Day MacArthur plans going.

  • In December, I will be reading for Philemon for thirty days: ESV, NASB 95, NASB 77, NRSV, NKJV, ASV, ESV, 
  • In December, I will be reading Isaiah 61-66 for thirty days: ESV, NASB 95, NASB 77, NRSV, NKJV, ASV, ESV

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Saturday, December 10, 2022

2022 Bible Reading Update #49


Bible reading week of 3 - 9 December 2022. 

I finished the BSB this week. But I was using it for my Book of Common Prayer.
  • Jeremiah 34-52
  • Lamentations
  • Ezekiel
  • John 13-21
  • 1 John
  • 2 John
  • 3 John
  • Jude
  • Revelation

I am reading the New Coverdale Psalter in December.
  • Psalm 15-49
For the rest of December, I will be using the NASB 77 for my Daily Office from the Book of Common Prayer. It is not my goal to finish this translation this year.
  • Isaiah
  • Matthew 1-12

ESV
  • 2 Kings
  • Genesis
  • Philippians
  • Colossians
  • 1 Thessalonians
  • 2 Thessalonians

I have TWO ongoing year-long 30 Day MacArthur plans going. 
  • In December, I will be reading Philemon for thirty days: BSB, BSB, NASB 95, NASB 2020, 1599 Geneva, NLT,
  • In December, I will be reading Isaiah 61-66 for thirty days: BSB, BSB, NASB 95, NASB 2020, 1599 Geneva, NLT, 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Wednesday, December 7, 2022

42. Zanna's Gift


Zanna's Gift. Orson Scott Card. 2020. 250 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: There are many ways to lose a child, and none of them is merciful. But like all unbearable things it can be borne, and in the weeks before Christmas 1938, the Pullmans were learning how.

Premise/plot: Zanna's Gift is a LOVELY Christmas novel. Zanna, the youngest of the Pullman family, has a special way to memorialize her older brother, Ernest, after his unexpected death at age fifteen.

The best way to read Zanna's Gift is without knowing a thing about it. I promise you. I'm doing you a favor by NOT summarizing the plot and sharing what Zanna's GIFT was and how it was a gift that kept giving and giving, how that gift came to symbolize so much to the entire family. 

My thoughts: LOVE. I loved this one absolutely and completely from start to finish. It was one of those perfectly perfect EXPERIENCES. It feels like more than just a book, a story, a fictional work. THESE CHARACTERS ARE REAL. How it hasn't been adapted into a movie if it was truly published originally in 2004 is beyond me. It would make an excellent movie.

I would recommend this one to people who aren't necessarily readers. Of course I recommend it to readers who read anything and everything. But for those who are reluctant to pick up books, please consider reading this wonderful amazing book. 

If you LOVE Christmas, this is an absolute must. I could easily see it becoming a book that you feel you HAVE to read each and every year. 

This was my SECOND year to read Zanna's Gift. Last year I was surprised by how magical this read was--a celebration of life, love, and family. This year I was reminded of just how beautiful and touching it is. These characters have remained with me throughout the year. 

Is it Christian fiction? Maybe? Faith plays out in the background of this one. Faith isn't fleshed out in this one--in terms of theology. But I'm not so sure it needs to be for the beautiful themes to come through. There is nothing in Zanna's Gift that is anti-Christian. It is a treat of a book for ALL readers regardless of faith background. 


© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

19. Berean Standard Bible


Berean Study (changed to Standard) Bible. 2020. 1504 pages. [Source: Gift]

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

I've read the BSB translation three times now. I just absolutely love, love, love this translation of the Bible. 

It is now available on Olive Tree app and YouVersion. 

The Berean Study Bible is a (relatively) new translation recently made available in print. It has been available online at Biblehub.com since 2016 (I believe.) It is important to realize, however, that it is not your traditional "study" Bible. It is a text-only Bible. The study element is what you put into it by being a Berean (Acts 17:11). You put in the work, the effort, the energy--and it will be a study Bible.

From their website, "The Berean Study Bible is a completely new translation based on the best available manuscripts and sources. Each word is connected back to the Greek or Hebrew text, resulting in a transparent and honest text that can be studied for its root meanings. The Berean Study Bible text is the result of a careful translation and styling process to maintain core meanings and produce an English text of high literary quality, effective for public reading, study, memorization, and evangelism. We believe that the Scriptures are meant to be studied and shared freely. Just as Paul encouraged the churches to pass on his letters, we are developing digital resources that will be free to access and free to share in websites, apps and software."

I absolutely love, love, love, LOVE, love this translation. It feels like coming home. It feels familiar, right.  Of course, many translations feel familiar. But that is often the result of months even years. It is hard to explain. 

BSB

The Lord is my shepherd; 
I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside quiet waters.
He restores my soul;
He guides me in the paths of righteousness
for the sake of His name.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.

This third time through, I read it with the Daily Offices of the Book of Common Prayer. 

About the print edition, the layout is great. Good size font. A good bit of space on each page. (Perhaps not enough for notetakers, but this isn't claiming to be a notetaker's edition). Nothing looks crowded or crammed. It is black letter!!! The only slight negative is that it is a bulky Bible. It is a bit heavy. But once you've got where you're going, once it's on your lap or on the table/desk in front of you, you forget all that. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Monday, December 5, 2022

Books and Bibles Read in 2023


Books Read in 2023

1. 
The Epic Story of the Bible: How to Read and Understand God's Word. Greg Gilbert. 2022. 176 pages. [Source: Review copy]

2. 
God Shines Forth: How the Nature of God Shapes and Drives the Mission of the Church. Daniel Hames. (Series introduction by Michael Reeves, general editor of the Union series). 2022. 176 pages. [Source: Review copy]

3. From Pearl Harbor to Calvary. Mitsuo Fuchida. 1953/2011. eChristian. 96 pages. [Source: Bought]

4. The Sisters of Sea View (On Devonshire Shores #1) Julie Klassen. 2022. 448 pages. [Source: Review copy]

5. Rembrandt Is In the Wind: Learning to Love Art Through the Eyes of Faith. Russ Ramsey. 2022. 272 pages. [Source: Library]

6. Piercing Heaven: Prayers of the Puritans. Robert Elmer. 2019. 321 pages. [Source: Library]

7. Stop Calling Me Beautiful: Finding Soul-Deep Strength in a Skin-Deep World. Phylicia Masonheimer. 2020. [February] Harvest House. 208 pages. [Source: Review copy]

8. Seeking the Face of God: Nine Reflections on the Psalms. 1957/1991/2005. 172 pages. [Source: Bought]

9. Come, Lord Jesus: Meditations on the Second Coming of Christ. John Piper. 2023. [January] 322 pages. [Source: Review copy]

10. Another Gospel? A Lifelong Christian Seeks Truth In Response to Progressive Christianity. Alisa Childers. 2020. [October] 288 pages. [Source: Library]

11. Becoming Elisabeth Elliot. Ellen Vaughn. 2020. 320 pages. [Source: Library]

12. The Heidelberg Diary: Daily Devotions on the Heidelberg Catechism. William J Ouweneel. 2019. 768 pages. [Source: Library] 

13. Be Thou My Vision: A Liturgy for Daily Worship. Jonathan Gibson. 2021. [November/December] 352 pages. [Source: Review copy]

14. Board book: Sounding Joy. Ellie Holcomb. Illustrated by Laura Ramos. 2022. [September] 24 pages. [Source: Library] 

15. Becoming Free Indeed. Jinger Duggar Vuolo. 2023. 240 pages. [Source: Library]

16. We Believe: Creeds, Confessions, and Catechisms for Worship. Mathew B. Sims. 2015. 360 pages. [Source: Bought]

17. Selected Sermons. Lemuel Haynes. Edited by Jared C. Wilson. 2022. 71 pages. [Review copy]

18. Chosen by God. R.C. Sproul. 1986. 192 pages. [Source: Bought]

19. 5 Puritan Women: Portraits of Faith and Love. Jenny-Lyn de Klerk. 2023. [February] 161 pages. [Source: Review copy]

20. The Holiness of God. R.C. Sproul. 1985/2012. 226 pages. [Source: Bought]

21. PROOF: Finding Freedom Through the Intoxicating Joy of Irresistable Grace. Daniel Montgomery and Timothy Paul Jones. 2014. Zondervan. 224 pages. [Source: Bought]


22. One Perfect Life: The Complete Story of the Lord Jesus. John F. MacArthur Jr. 2013. 528 pages. [Source: Bought]

23. Come and See: The Journey of Knowing God Through Scripture. Jonathan Pennington. 2023. [March] 168 pages. [Source: Review copy]


24. The Rose and the Thistle. Laura Frantz. 2023. 416 pages. [Source: Review copy]

25. The Sovereignty of God. Arthur W. Pink. 1917. 272 pages. [Source: Bought]

26. The Psalms, ESV. God. 2018. 364 pages. [Source: Bought]

27. One Faithful Life: A Harmony of the Life and Letters of Paul. John F. MacArthur Jr. (editor). 2019. 528 pages. [Source: Review copy]

28. Jesus Revolution: How God Transformed an Unlikely Generation and How He Can Do It Again Today. Greg Laurie and Ellen Vaughn. 2018. 272 pages. [Source: Library]

29. Board book: The Story of Easter: The Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Pia Imperial. Illustrated by Carly Gledhill. 2023. [January] 20 pages. [Source: Review copy]

30. The Story of Abortion in America. Marvin Olasky and Leah Savas. 2023. [January] 512 pages. [Source: Review copy]

31. The Thrill of Orthodoxy: Rediscovering the Adventure of Christian Faith. Trevin K. Wax (Author) Kevin J. Vanhoozer. (Foreword).  2022. [November] 240 pages. [Source: Library]

32. A Metrical Psalter: The Book of Psalms Set to Meter for Singing. Julie and Timothy Tennent. 2017. 379 pages. [Source: Bought]

33. The Nicene Creed: An Introduction. Phillip Cary. 2023. [March] 248 pages. [Source: Review copy]

34. All My Knotted Up Life. Beth Moore. 2023. 304 pages. [Source: Library]

35. Mornings with Tozer: Daily Devotional Readings. A.W. Tozer. 2008. 416 pages. [Source: Bought]

36. Reading for the Love of God. Jessica Hooten Wilson. 2023. [March] 208 pages. [Source: Library]

37. In Her Sights (Pink Pistol Sisterhood #1) Karen Witemeyer. 2023. 108 pages. [Source: Borrowed]

38. The Man Born to Be King. Dorothy L. Sayers. Edited by Kathryn Wehr. 1943/2023. 464 pages. [Source: Library]

39. Go and Do Likewise: The Parables and Wisdom of Jesus. John Hendrix. 2021. [February] 40 pages. [Source: Review copy]

40. Found: God's Will. John F. MacArthur Jr. 1972/1998. 64 pages. [Source: Bought]


42. Do Not Be True To Yourself: Countercultural Advice for the Rest of Your Life. Kevin DeYoung. 2023. [April] 61 pages. [Source: Review copy]

43. Mark. (Thru the Bible #36) J. Vernon McGee. 1975. 204 pages. [Source: Bought] 

44. Old Made New: A Guide to the New Testament Use of the Old Testament. Greg Lanier. 2022. 197 pages. [Source: Review copy]

45. Thru the Bible #29: Jonah and Micah. 1979. 173 pages. [Source: Bought]

46. Be Amazed: Restoring an Attitude of Wonder (Minor Prophets). Warren W. Wiersbe. 1996. 212 pages. [Source: Bought]

47. Petunia. Roger Duvoisin. 1950. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

48. Be Concerned: Making a Difference in Your Lifetime (Minor Prophets). Warren Wiersbe. 1996. 148 pages. [Source: Bought]

49. Short of Glory: A Biblical and Theological Exploration of the Fall. Mitchell Chase. 2023. [May] 224 pages. [Source: Review copy]

50. Be Heroic (Minor Prophets): Demonstrating Bravery by Your Walk. Warren Wiersbe. 1997. 208 pages. [Source: Bought]

51. Fairest of Heart. Karen Witemeyer. 2023. [June] 352 pages. [Source: Review copy]

52. Ladies of the Lake. Cathy Gohlke. 2023. [July] 384 pages. [Source: Review copy]

53. The Book of Confessions. Presbyterian Church General Assembly. 1994/1999. 378 pages. [Source: Bought]

54. Tell Me The Stories of Jesus: The Power of Jesus' Parables. R. Albert Mohler Jr. 2022. [June] 256 pages. [Source: Library]

55. Your God Is Too Small. By J.B. Phillips. (1952) 2004. Simon & Schuster. 128 pages. [Source: Bought]

56. The Great Love of God: Encountering God's Heart for a Hostile World. Heath Lambert. 2023. [April] 208 pages. [Source: Library]

57. Elisabeth Elliot: A Life. Lucy S.R. Austen. 2023. Crossway. 624 pages. [Source: Review copy] [adult nonfiction; biography]

58. No Greater Love: Experiencing the Heart of Jesus. A.W. Tozer. 2020. 158 pages. [Source: Library]

59. Being Elisabeth Elliot: The Authorized Biography: Elisabeth's Later Years. Ellen Vaughn. 2023. [September] 304 pages. [Source: Review copy] [biography]

60. Going Higher With God In Prayer. A.W. Tozer. 176 pages. [Source: Library] 

61. Five Lies of Our Anti-Christian Age. Rosaria Butterfield. 2023. [September] 368 pages. [Source: Review copy] [Christian nonfiction, theology, Christian living]

62. Dear Henry, Love Edith. Becca Kinzer. 2023. 373 pages. [Source: Library] [Contemporary Christian Romance]

63. Letters from My Sister. Valerie Fraser Luesse. 2023. 320 pages. [Source: Review copy]

64. Counting the Cost: A Memoir. Jill Duggar, Derick Dillard, Craig Borlase. 2023. [September] 287 pages. [Source: Library] [biography, memoir, nonfiction]

65. Hem of His Garment. Michelle Bengston. 2023. [July] 208 pages. [Source: Review copy] [Christian nonfiction]

66. God, Greed, and the (Prosperity) Gospel. Costi W. Hinn. 2019. 224 pages. [Source: Library] [Christian nonfiction; theology; memoir]

67. A Christian's Guide to Mental Illness: Answers to 30 Common Questions. David Murray and Tom Karel. 2023. [September] 256 pages. [Source: Review copy] 

68. More Than a Healer: Not the Jesus You Want But the Jesus You Need. Costi W. Hinn. 2021. [September] 192 pages. [Source: Library]

69. Bedtime Prayers for Little Ones [Board book] Max and Denalyn Lucado. 2023. 20 pages. [Source: Library]

70. Fount of Heaven: Prayers of the Early Church. Robert Elmer. 2022. 352 pages. [Source: Library]

71. I Am: 40 Reasons to Trust God. Diane Stortz. 2016. 224 pages. [Source: Library] [Bible story book; children's storybook]

72. Broken Crayons Still Color. Toni Collier and Whitney Bak. Illustrated by Natalie Vasilica. 2023. [August] 40 pages. [Source: Library] [Picture book]


75. O Sing Unto the Lord: A History of English Church Music. Andrew Gant. 2015. 464 pages. [Source: Library]

76. The World of the End: How Jesus' Prophecy Shapes Our Priorities. 2022. 248 pages. [Source: Library] 

77. Authorized: The Use and Misuse of the King James Bible. Mark L. Ward Jr. 2018. 168 pages. [Source: Library]


79. The Practice of the Presence of Jesus: Daily Meditations on the Nearness of Our Savior. Joni Eareckson Tada. 2023. [October] 255 pages. [Source: Review copy]

80. The Girl From the Papers. Jennifer L. Wright. 2023. [August] 384 pages. [Source: Review copy] 

81. God's Promises For Your Every Need. King James Version. Word Publishing. 1995. 340 pages. [Source: Bought]

82. The Book of Common Courage. K.J. Ramsey. 2023. [January] 224 pages. [Source: Library]

 83. O Come, O Come Emmanuel: A Liturgy for Daily Worship from Advent to Ephiphany. Jonathan Gibson. 2023. 380 pages. [Source: Borrowed]

84. Memorizing Scripture: The Basics, Blessings, and Benefits of Meditating on God's Word. Glenna Marshall. 2023. 160 pages. [Source: Bought]

85. The Book of Common Prayer: A Biography. Alan Jacobs. 2013. 256 pages. [Source: Library] 

86. The Legend of the Candy Cane. Lori Walburg. Illustrated by James Bernardin. 1997. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

87. The Pine Tree Parable. Liz Curtis Higgs. 1997. 36 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book]

88. 365 Talks with Jesus: Prayers to Share with Little Ones. Amy Parker. Illustrated by Sally Garland. 2024. [February 2024] 416 pages. [Source: Review copy]

89. The Sisters of Sea View (On Devonshire Shores #1) Julie Klassen. 2022. 448 pages. [Source: Library]

90. How To Memorize Scripture for Life: From One Verse to Entire Books. Andrew M. Davis. 2024. [January] 72 pages. [Source: Review copy]






Bibles Read in 2023


1. ESV Large Print Thinline Reference Bible. 2001/2016. God. 1232 pages. [Source: Gift] (ISBN: 9781433532788) Start date: November 19, 2022. Finish date: January 24, 2023.
2. ESV Church History Study Bible: Voices from the Past, Wisdom for the Present. God. 2022. [December] 2112 pages. [Source: Bought]
3. NRSV XL: Holy Bible. God. 2007. 1824 pages. [Source: Bought]
4. The NIV Rainbow Study Bible. (NIV 1984) 1992. 1576 pages. [Source: Bought]
5. NKJV, Deluxe Reader's Bible. God. 2018. 1952 pages. [Source: Bought] 
5.33 New Testament with Study Helps: New International Version. God. 1973/1976. 489 pages. [Source: Bought]
5.66 The New Testament in the Language of the People. Charles B. Williams 1937. 572 pages. [Source: Bought]
6. ESV Large Print Bible. God. Crossway Publishers. 2001/2011. 1408 pages. [Source: Bought]
9. Giant Print Handy Size Reprint NASB 1977 Edition. 2011. AMG Publishers. 2304 pages.
10. Legacy Standard Bible, Giant Print Reference. 2023. [July] 1984 pages. [Source: Bought] [Bible]
12. New International Version, 1978 edition. God. 1342 pages. [Source: Bought] [Bible]
13. King James Version, Personal Size Sovereign Collection. God. Thomas Nelson Publishers. 1696 pages. [Source: Bought]
14. NASB 1995 XL. God. Zondervan. 2021. 1664 pages. [Source: Bought] 
15. KJ21: Holy Bible. God. 1994. 1888 pages. [Source: Bought] 
16. NASB, 1977 Edition. Thompson Chain Reference Bible. (Leathersoft) God. 2021. 2240 pages. [Source: Bought]
19. King James Version, Giant Print, End of Verse Reference, Special Helps. 1976. Nelson 882BR. 1962 pages. [Source: Bought]
20. Nelson NASB 1977 776B Royal Reference Bible. God. 1977 (1989) 1460 pages. [Source: Bought]
 21. The New Chronological Bible (Large Print) (King James Version) God. Edited by R. Jerome Boone. 1980. 1551 pages. World Bible Publishers. [Source: Bought]21.