Sunday Salon #40

Current Bible reading

NASB 77 (Thompson Chain Reference Bible) Genesis; Exodus; Leviticus; Numbers 1-6; Matthew; Mark 1-6;

NASB 95 (XL) Psalms 116-150; Proverbs 24-31; Exodus 19-40; Leviticus; Numbers 1-21; Matthew 1-4

KJV (Sovereign) Nehemiah; Joshua; Judges; Ruth; 1 Samuel 1-20; Daniel;  Ephesians; Philippians; Colossians; 1 Thessalonians; 2 Thessalonians; Titus; Philemon; Hebrews

NIV 1978 Ruth; 1 Samuel; 2 Samuel; 1 Kings; 2 Kings 1-7; Luke; 

NKJV (bedside reading) John; Galatians; Matthew 1-7; Psalms 1-18

G4L 1 Timothy -- ESV, NKJV, KJV, LSB

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

66. God, Greed, and the (Prosperity) Gospel

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

First sentence: Just a short while ago, I had the chance to sit with one of my living heroes. Dr. Steven J. Lawson probably wouldn't like my choice of words because he doesn't view himself as heroic. But his advice rings in my ears every time I share the story of how I left the prosperity gospel. "Telling your testimony is fine," he explained. "Paul the apostle did it. Many others have told their testimonies too. It can be helpful. But don't be one of those people who make sin look so good that people want to go out and do it!" His voice elevated with passion. "And it needs to point to Christ and glorify God! Storytelling for the sake of storytelling doesn't do much good. The gospel must be the focus."

God, Greed, and the (Prosperity) Gospel is a fantastic read. The first half is mostly memoir. Costi Hinn sharing his testimony--his story. This involves sharing his family's background, their rise to fame, AND it also includes a history lesson on how the prosperity gospel came about and prospered so to speak. He shares his doubts and questions. He writes of how he and his wife came to leave that theology--that false teaching--behind. The second half is mainly theological. Both sections are fantastic. The second half goes above and beyond: it is practical, informative, thought-provoking. It seeks to explain, to expose, to teach. 

Hinn's goal was for the book to "glorify God and communicate the gospel," and in my opinion he succeeded in this. He differentiates between the true gospel and the false gospel of the prosperity preachers. His zeal comes through, but it's zeal tempered with much love and compassion. 

I would definitely recommend this one. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Sunday Salon #39

Current Bible projects:

Revised Berkeley -- I finished this one this week. Luke; 1 Corinthians; 2 Corinthians; Philippians; Colossians; Jeremiah; Lamentations; Ezekiel; Daniel; Hosea; Joel; Amos; Obadiah; Jonah; Micah; Nahum; Habakkuk; Zephaniah; Haggai; Zechariah; Malachi; 1 Thessalonians; 2 Thessalonians; 1 Timothy; 2 Timothy, Titus; Philemon; Hebrews; 1 Peter; 2 Peter; 1 John; 2 John; 3 John; Jude; Gospel of John; Revelation;

NASB 95 -- Psalm 95-115; Proverbs 17-23; Ezekiel 33-48; Daniel; Job; Genesis; Exodus 1-18; Colossians; Hebrews; 

KJV -- Numbers 16-36; Deuteronomy; 1 Chronicles; 2 Chronicles; Ezra; Mark; Luke; Galatians;

NRSVue -- Psalms 1-150 (not sure I'll keep this one in the line up)

NIV 78 -- Numbers 7-36; Deuteronomy; Joshua; Judges;  Matthew 8-28; Mark; 1 Timothy; 2 Timothy; Titus; Philemon; Hebrews; 

G4L 1 Timothy: ASV, ESV, KJV, ESV (NIV 78), (Revised Berkeley)

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

11. Revised Berkeley (Gideons)

Holy Bible (Gideons) Revised Berkeley in Modern English (A Completely New Translation from the Original Languages) 1969/1983. 928 pages. [Source: Bought] 

First sentence: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and empy, and darkness lay upon the face of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters. (Genesis 1:1-2)

The Revised Berkeley is a translation that probably failed to take off or thrive. It was published by Zondervan. The Old Testament is copyrighted 1945. (Rights assigned to Zondervan in 1958). The Old Testament is copyrighted 1959. The whole Bible was published and copyrighted in 1969. My guess is that once Zondervan started working on the New International Version, this one became neglected. It was also published under the name Modern Language Bible. But I don't think either branding made an impact. The Living Bible, the Good News Bible,  the New English Bible, the New American Standard Bibles--these were all released in a relatively short amount of time. Almost all would be overshadowed by translations to follow--namely the New International Version and the New King James Version. 

This one is a Gideons' Bible. It is double column, black letter. It is a convenient size and weight, as you'd expect. I wish it was larger font. But I'm happy to have read it. I started in June and finished today, September 22.

I thought I would share snippets of verses and passages to give you a feel for the text.

• The beginning of wisdom is: Get wisdom! and in every gain get understanding. Proverbs 4:7
• Roll your work onto the LORD and your plans will be achieved. Proverbs 16:3
• The name of the LORD is a strong tower; into it runs the righteous and cannot be touched. Proverbs 18:10
• Come, let us sing to the LORD; let us cheer in honour of the Rock of our salvation. Let us come into His presence with thanksgiving; let us joyfully sing to Him with psalms. For the LORD is a great God, a mighty King above all gods. Psalm 95:1-3
• Teach me Thy way, O LORD; I will walk in Thy truth; unite my heart to revere Thy name. Psalms 86:11
• But as for me, drawing near to God is good for me; I have made the LORD my refuge, so that I may announce all Thy works. Psalm 73:28
• Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin, for I am conscious of my transgressions, and my sin ever in mind. Psalm 51:2-3
• Have your delight in the LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4
• The LORD is my Shepherd; I shall not lack; He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside restful water; He revives my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for HIs name's sake. Yes, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no harm; for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my adversaries; Thou has anointed my head with oil; my cup runs over. Surely, goodness and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. Psalm 23:1-6
• Store up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul. Bind them as a token on your hands, and let them be as a forehead band between your eyes. Teach them to your children, talking about them when sitting at home and when walking on the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Deuteronomy 11:18-19
• The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who lived in a land of intense darkness light has shined. Isaiah 9:2
• For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; the government shall be upon His shoulder; and HIs name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6
• In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. This is the One who was in the beginning with God. Through Him everything came into being and without Him nothing that exists came into being. In Him was Life, and the Life was the Light of men. The Light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not overcome it. John 1:1-5
• For God so loved the world that He gave His only-begotten Son, so that whoever believes in HIm should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16
• Peace I bequeath to you; My peace I give to you. I do not give you gifts such as the world gives. Do not allow your hearts to be disturbed or intimidated. John 14:27
• for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. We are justified freely by His grace through the ransom that Christ Jesus provided; whom God put forward as a reconciling sacrifice through faith in His blod. This was for the vindication of His righteousness in forgiving the sins that previously were committed under God's forbearance, and to vindicate His righteousness at the present time, that He is righteous and that He accepts as righteous him that has faith in Jesus. Romans 3:23-26
• Be joyful in the Lord always; again I say, Rejoice. Be known by all the people for your considerateness; the Lord is near. Entertain not worry, but under all circumstances let your petitions be made known before God by prayer and pleading along with thanksgiving. So will the peace of God, that surpasses all understanding, keep guard over your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7
• I have strength for every situation through Him who empowers me. Philippians 4:13
• Apply your mind to things above, not to things on earth. Colossians 3:2
• Let the enriching message of Christ have ample room in your lives as you instruct and admonish one another in all wisdom, with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs that are sung in a thankful spirit in your hearts toward God. Colossians 3:16

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Bible Readers' Bill of Rights

For years I've enjoyed refreshing my memory by reviewing Daniel Pennac's Readers' Bill of Rights. (I'll be sure to include those below). Others may have taken up this idea--to put the Bible reading spin on it--but I haven't personally read any. (You may want to craft your own list.)

1. The right to read ANY time of day (or night). 

2. The right to read at your own pace.

3. The right to follow a plan OR not follow a plan.

4. The right to choose ANY translation.

5. The right to choose ANY format--digital, print, audio.

6. The right to STOP reading any translation that isn't a good match.

7. The right to skip a day.

8. The right to have preferences.

9. The right to own many OR few.

10. The right to skim.

A brief explanation for my ten.

• I wrote the first 'right' to counteract the notion that if you don't wake up at 3AM to spend three hours in the Word, then you're not a "good" Christian. I do not subscribe to the notion that you have to read the Bible early, early, early in the morning OR before breakfast (the notion to feeding one's soul before one's body. Again, ANY time of day (or night) can be the right time to read.
• I wrote the second 'right' because again there's this notion that if you read fast or quickly or at a normal reading pace, then you are reading Scripture wrong. I hate the notion that you can read "too slow" or "too fast." ANY pace can be right.
• I wrote the third 'right' because there isn't one right plan for everyone. For some trying to follow a reading plan is like trying to force a square peg into a circle hole. Much frustration and unnecessary frustration at that. Some people thrive on the structure of a plan. Others do not. 
• I wrote the fourth right because there isn't one right translation for everyone. Everyone is entitled to have a favorite translation--or two, or three, or four. But I don't think you should shame others or judge others for their translation choices.
• I wrote the fifth right because again there is judgment going on. Print, digital, audio--one isn't necessarily "better" than the other. You can definitely have preferences, likes, and dislikes. But don't shame others for preferring to spend time in the Word in a different format.
• I wrote the sixth right because I struggle in this area. I start a project--a translation--and I feel locked into that commitment. I might struggle, get frustrated and irritated, but I push through because I feel the need to finish what I started. But I shouldn't feel this pressure and neither should you.
• I wrote the seventh right because legalism (for some, for many) can be a daily struggle. I can be a taskmaster, my own worse enemy. Obviously, I want to read every day. But that isn't always possible...and that's okay.
• I wrote the eighth right vague--perhaps a little too vague. EVERY reader has preferences. Red letter or black letter; single column or double column; hardcover or leather; verse by verse or paragraph. Or preferences between translations. Or perhaps preferences on time of day. It is okay to have personal preferences.
• I wrote the ninth right because again there are people who want to shame you for owning "too many." I don't know that it goes the other way. But some people do LOVE to have one and only one Bible. Like the idea of owning more than one Bible is a foreign concept to some Christians. Like why do you need more than one? 
• I wrote the tenth right feeling conflicted. I do skim genealogies most of the time--some of the time. I don't know that it's "right" to encourage a lot of skimming. But I think everyone skims sometimes. 

Readers' Bill of Rights (Daniel Pennac)

1. The Right to Not Read
2. The Right to Skip Pages
3. The Right to Not Finish
4. The Right to Reread
5. The Right To Read Anything
6. The Right to Escapism
7. The Right to Read Anywhere
8. The Right to Browse
9. The Right to Read Out Loud
10. The Right to Not Defend Your Tastes

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

65. Hem of His Garment

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

First sentence: About a year prior to the release of my first book, I was deathly ill,, on medically prescribed bed rest, and being kept alive with IV hydration and nutrition. 

The Hem of His Garment is part-testimony, part advice for fellow sufferers. Each chapter has a good amount of storytelling, some devotional style sermon-ettes, a few practical prescriptions to further the chapter's themes, and songs for a suggested playlist. 

The intended audience is a) those currently in the midst of pain and suffering b) those that have been in the midst of pain and suffering c) those walking alongside those experiencing pain and suffering (caregivers, etc.) d) pastors who want to better minister to their congregations--some of which may be in the midst of pain and suffering. 

There are thirteen chapters in total. 

Disclaimer: I read this one is bits. I'd read two or three chapters in one sitting, but, then not pick it up again for a week or two. So I read it in about five or six sittings...but over a period of six or seven weeks. I wouldn't be surprised if I started it in July to be honest. My recall for earlier chapters is on the weak side. I did read the last four chapters in the past two or three days. So my strongest recollection is for the last section of the book.

This is not the first book I've read on pain nor will it be the last. Is it unique? Yes and no. Unique in that it contains very personal stories of the author's own experiences with pain and suffering. Obviously her testimony is her testimony. Is the subject matter unique? Not really. Nor is her approach to the subject matter. There is nothing new, novel, unique about what she has to say about pain and suffering. Is that necessarily bad? No. I'd be more worried if she'd claimed otherwise. But is it worth reading? I'm conflicted. Honestly, and this is just my personal opinion, this could have been condensed to a couple of blog posts. Yes, I know few are still blogging. Yes, I know that dedicated blog readers are few and far between. But the advice could be greatly condensed--perhaps even to a pamphlet--because there isn't really anything new to add to the subject. 

Personally--and I'm aware this sounds horrible--I could have used more Scripture, more theology, and less testimony. 

I also found it a little distracting that the author wanted so many quotes pulled--set apart, show-cased. You know when a book repeats a sentence for emphasis in a fancy little 'box.' NOW again disclaimer, I read an advanced reader's copy. It says in the ARC that the publisher can narrow down her selections, that not all have to be used. So I don't have access to a finished copy to see how many per chapter there are. So do not hold that against the book if you're on the fence. This is not influencing my rating of the book. 

There were a handful of things that slightly bothered me. Nothing horribly major or glaring. For example, her advice to NOT associate or "find affinity" with negative people and/or negative situations. You are to choose your friends, apparently, based on how cheerful and joyful they are...and drop them if they start to complain or grumble when life gets rough. You are to think positive, be positive, associate only with the positive. Which just sounds unrealistic and potentially rude. I mean are you going to hand out surveys and interview for friends? Are you going to accept them on a trial basis? This seems contradictory as well, since you are supposed to find comfort in those with shared experiences and walk alongside others who are suffering. I get stressing the importance of rejoicing in God and finding gratitude, of accepting circumstances and using it as an opportunity to rely on God, to strengthen one's relationship with God. That's GREAT. I think part of extending grace (and this is something she encourages readers to do) is extending grace to all the relationships in our lives. And if you can't extend grace and forgive others who have negative moments, then aren't you picking and choosing? 

Another statement that rattled me a bit--at first glance, less so on second glance--is her statement that God is a God who heals; he cannot not heal. I think this could be so easily misunderstood. I am not saying that the author is advocating this mentality. But there are definitely a group of those who do advocate the idea that if you are not healed, it is because of your lack of faith. If you are not healed of this or that, then you are either a) living in unrepentant sin and it is all your fault b) not asking with enough faith and it is all your fault c) you are not really a Christian and so God is not obligated to answer your prayer and it is all your fault. Again, I am NOT saying this is the author's position. I am NOT. Just that that one statement could trigger all kinds of feelings and reactions. It could be misunderstood by those that have been hurt before. It could be clung to and be a kind of false hope. The truth is, God can choose to heal us (in this lifetime) OR God can choose NOT to heal us (in this lifetime). God in his sovereign will and great wisdom can CHOOSE not to heal. God is not obligated to heal anyone at anytime. We are to pray that God's will be done. Sometimes that means accepting not yet, not now, or rock-solid NO. 

To a lesser degree, she says that it is a lie of the devil who whispers to us that we "will always hurt." I again think this is a very generalized statement. To those that live with chronic conditions, chronic pain, chronic situations, this seems NOT a lie necessarily but just an acceptance of reality. Yes, you can pray for healing, pray for a miracle, pray for grace, take joy in God, find hope in who God is and what He has promised. You can still rejoice in the Lord always. You can still find plenty to be thankful for. You can still seek to bring glory to God, seek to serve Him. It doesn't have to be despairing or "being negative" to realize that you will most likely have physical limitations that others may never have or experience. It doesn't make you a victim, nor mean you are embracing a victim mentality, or wallowing in self-pity. (All of those are in the don't do these things chapter).

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Sunday Salon #38

Current projects

Revised Berkeley (Modern Language Bible): Isaiah; Jeremiah 1-10; Luke 1-15

NASB 95XL -- Psalms 50-85; Proverbs 10-16; 2 Chronicles 13-36; Ezra; Nehemiah; Esther; Ezekiel 1-32

KJV (Sovereign): Genesis 18-50; Exodus; Leviticus; Numbers 1-15; Ecclesiastes; Matthew 14-28; 1 Corinthians; 2 Corinthians; Acts; Romans

NIV 1978 -- Exodus; Leviticus; Numbers 1-6; Ephesians; Philippians; Colossians; 1 Thessalonians; 2 Thessalonians; Matthew 1-7

Douay Rheims (which I may not keep reading): Genesis 26-50; Psalms 1-63; Matthew 18-28; Mark.

G4L -- 1 Timothy -- NASB 77, ESV, BSB, NASB 77, ESV, (NASB 95), BSB

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

64. Counting the Cost

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

First sentence (from the prologue): Technically, there was no problem with Derick and I being outside together that way. We weren't on a date or anything, so we didn't need a formal chaperone. Plus, there were easily a half dozen little Duggars running around out there with us, playing in the snow. We were safe. We were following all the courtship rules that my parents had encouraged us to write down--no holding hands, no in-person, one-on-one conversations without another adult or mature chaperone present, no putting ourselves in a position where we could fall into temptation. All the same, I knew that people would be watching us. It was to be expected.

First sentence (from chapter one): Click. My parents didn't believe in magic. They didn't believe in dancing, either. But they understood the power of music. And like all magicians, they knew exactly when to wield it. Just the sound of Mom loading a cassette into the tape player was enough to call us all to order. 

Jill Duggar Dillard has written a memoir. (Squeal!) She writes truthfully, respectfully about her upbringing. She praises where praise is due. She's grateful for any and all benefits and blessings. She criticizes where criticism is due. Or if not out and out criticism, she calls for questioning. 

Unfortunately, she grew up in a household that was 110% committed to the Institute in Basic Life Principles. And merely questioning or doubting is enough to be viewed as a degenerate rebel. Jill didn't spend much time questioning anything--blindly, willingly, openly following her parents--particularly her father. But as an adult, a married woman, a woman with children of her own, she did begin to question. Not without nerves, anxiety, hesitation. Jill was clueless about confrontation and boundaries. But slowly and surely, with the full and total support of her husband, she did begin to have those difficult conversations. She began to ask honest questions. 

If Jill is to be taken at face value, then she did so in a way that was not inherently hateful or mean-spirited. Perception is tricky. Certainly her father took even the slightest hesitation to 'yes, sir' as out-and-out rebellion and a great sin. That is one problem with the IBLP. Calling things sin that the Bible doesn't necessarily call sin. Adding to Scripture. Misinterpreting Scripture. 

Unlike her sister's book--also published this year, I believe--this one doesn't so much go through her journey of disentangling her faith. It is a more traditional memoir. This is an actual biography that chronicles her life. She has questions, thousands of questions. Like WHY did her father not protect her and her sisters? WHY is Joshua--a convicted criminal--seen as a such a wonderful son, an angel, and she is seen as dangerous, rebellious, sinful? Why didn't she--as a person--matter more than the television show? I won't list every single question Jill poses. 

This is not a book written primarily for gossiping or shock value. I was amazed by Jill's respectful restraint. The way she's been treated, you might think she'd be justified in expressing out and out outrage. If she wanted to rant, rave, rage against those that have hurt her, who could blame her??? But, she is grateful, kind, and HONEST. She cannot be a doormat. But she doesn't have to add fuel to the fire. She goes above and beyond to see the good, to praise the good, to be thankful for the good. She does not come across--at all--as vindictive or a drama queen. She doesn't come across as toxic. Wanting healthy boundaries is not toxic. Wanting to be respected as an adult is not toxic. 

Did I find out new things? YES. Was everything 'shocking' or 'appalling'? No, not really. Again, I don't think the book--despite some people wanting ALL the tea, every ounce of tea, every single little detail (not a one to which they are entitled to)--was written to be scandalous or gossipy. 

One thing the book does bring to light is that the Megyn Kelly interview was conducted with JOSHUA in the room. Which puts yet another spin on it. It would have been 'tainted' enough perhaps by the presence of her parents. (No doubt, the parents were pressuring them to stick to a certain story, to play their roles in the PR campaign). 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

63. Letters from My Sister

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

First sentence: Callie Bullock traced an imaginary circle on the windowpane, framing a cluster of ladies in their picnic dresses--swirls of fine cotton in shades of spring.

I am conflicted about Valerie Fraser Luesse's Letters From My Sister. But I'll circle back around to that....

Callie Bullock love, love, loves her sister, Emmy, though the two sisters are incredibly different. Some drama surrounds the family in this one, however, after Lily McGee (a young, beautiful black widowed woman returns to Alabama pregnant. Some men have cartoon-like lusty reactions to seeing her. So much so that the Bullock family--along with her own grandmother/great-grandmother--decide to "hide" her in plain sight. She'll remain with the family and enter into their protection. But some neighbors just can't take a hint. There is a villainous family in the neighborhood--and the one saint in the family happens to be engaged to Emmy. (He literally has an evil twin.) 

One night...things are set in motion. Readers remain clueless to the events of this fateful night as readers are 'trapped' with Callie's amnesia, knowing what she knows. I will NOT spoil anything from this point on.

What I liked: I did enjoy, for the most part, the romance between Callie and Solomon. Their relationship was sweetly developed. Both were fully developed characters. Neither was perfect. They had good communication. There was never a self-sabotaging moment (or two) where the characters are so endlessly stupid and getting in their own way. It was quite a relief. 

It had some drama, no lie, but it didn't seem horribly melodramatic all things considered. Like the events considered in context of their time--it seemed relatively realistic. But do expect SADNESS. 

What I didn't like: I personally did not like the inclusion of psychics or seers. And these were presented in a positive, affirming way. These 'seers' with 'second sight' or 'prophetic visions' may not bother other readers. But the depiction of psychics as being blessings from God and tools of the Holy Spirit, well, it didn't sit quite right with me. Personally. 

I also didn't like going through 70 percent of the book without a date--YEAR--given. I know it's historical. I could detect after the first few chapters that it was post-Civil War. But I spent SO MUCH TIME trying to puzzle out what decade, what year this was supposed to be. It wasn't until the heroine was asked her birth year and then volunteers when her next birthday will be--giving a year--that I find out. This was VERY annoying to me. Again, many readers might not care at all. But I like to know. It's important for me for context. 

It did feel a little woke at times. Not horribly. Just like the conversations seemed more like a twenty-first century add-ons. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

62. Dear Henry, Love Edith

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

First sentence: Henry grimaced, not sure which irritated him more--the persistent ache in his knee or the relentless voice in his ear.

Dear Henry, Love Edith is a premise driven contemporary romance. Is it merely clean or is it distinctively Christian? It is published by Tyndale, a Christian publisher, but I think it falls into merely clean. (I do enjoy reading clean romance novels. It's a GOOD thing, but, from a Christian publisher I expect a slight bit more. Again, nothing wrong with the novel as is. So what is the premise of this premise-driven novel? Edith is coming to stay with a stranger; she thinks he's an older gent, being the uncle of one of her acquaintances (online perhaps?). Henry reluctantly has agreed to play host at the behest of his niece; he thinks the woman, Edith, is an elderly widow. They meet early on but don't exchange names. He thinks she looks like Goldie Hawn, I believe. She thinks he looks like Paul Newman, I believe. There's instant attraction but they don't know each other or even how to get to know one another. At the house, these two don't meet for quite a long time. They don't keep the same hours. They just write chatty notes back and forth. (Each thinking the other is elderly and that there is a BIG age gap between them). 

Of course there is conflict in this one...which allows for some pretending and such.

I definitely enjoyed this one. I would say I loved the beginning, enjoyed the middle, and was indifferent to the end. The last fifty pages or so was a bit of a let down--personally. But I definitely enjoyed almost all of this one. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Sunday Salon #37

Current Bibles 

Revised Berkeley: 2 Samuel; 1 Kings; 2 Kings; Mark; 

NASB 95 (XL) Psalm 15-49; Proverbs 3-9; Ruth; 1 Chronicles; 2 Chronicles 1-12; Song of Solomon;

KJV: Genesis 1-17; Matthew 1-13; 1 Timothy; 2 Timothy; Song of Solomon; 

LSB (which I finished this week!) Jeremiah; Lamentations; James; 1 Peter; 2 Peter; John; 1 John; 2 John; 3 John; Jude; Revelation

BSB M'Cheyne (which I'll be quitting after this week): 1 Samuel 27-31; 2 Samuel 1-3; 1 Corinthians 8-14; Ezekiel 6-12; John 7-13;

NIV 78: Genesis 35-50; 1 Chronicles; 2 Chronicles; Ezra; Nehemiah; Esther; Job; Micah; Nahum; Habakkuk; Zephaniah; Haggai; Zechariah; Malachi; Romans; 1 Corinthians; 2 Corinthians

Douay-Rheims: Romans; Genesis 1-25; Matthew 1-17

G4L 1 Timothy -- NASB 95, NASB 77, NASB 77, (KJV), 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

10. Legacy Standard Bible, Giant Print

Legacy Standard Bible, Giant Print Reference. 2023. [July] 1984 pages. [Source: Bought] [Bible]

First sentence: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. And the earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light.

I first read the Legacy Standard Bible in January of 2022. (I reviewed it on January 28, 2022). I enjoyed the translation the first time around, but my biggest complaint was the size of the font. This GIANT-PRINT reference edition is an absolute dream come true. 

It is GIANT PRINT (13 pt font). The pages are THICK (32GSM). It is line-matched. It is double-column. The references are actually large enough to read. It is black letter. It is paragraph instead of verse by verse. 

The layout is so beautiful that I can't imagine not reading this one again and again and again. I wish ALL translations had a bible this lovely in hardback so that it is more affordable.

I read this one as part of the Daily Offices for the Book of Common Prayer. To clarify, I do the Daily Offices my own way. Traditionally, there are two lessons--one from the Old Testament, one from the New Testament--at each lesson. Each "lesson" consisting of one chapter. That is not how I do it. There's absolutely nothing wrong with the traditional method. By almost all standards, covering FOUR chapters a day plus the psalms readings, would be significant, substantive, meaty. But I'm a glutton. I am. I "overeat" if you will on the Scriptures. Taking literally, the "taste and see" and "delight yourself" of scripture, I read multiple chapters per lesson.

My start date this time around was July 27, 2023. My finish date was September 7, 2023. 

Psalm 23

Yahweh 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 His name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I 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 have anointed my head with oil;

My cup overflows.

Surely goodness and lovingkindness will pursue me all the days of my life,

And I will dwell in the house of Yahweh forever.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

61. Five Lies of Our Anti-Christian Age

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

First sentence: The devil is a liar. And not just any old liar, a very good one. He normally avoid direct assaults. He prefers deceit, and misdirection.

I'm going to review in a slightly different format that I hope is at least as helpful if not more.

Who is the book for? Who is the intended audience? Butterfield's intended audience is Christian women. Christian women from all walks--backgrounds, experiences, viewpoints. She is writing to a) Christian women who are [very] likely going to agree with her on most if not all of these five lies, b) Christian women who MAY agree with her on some--though perhaps not all--of these five lies, c) Christian women who are likely to disagree with her more often than not. The book is written for those who profess to be Christian. It is not primarily written for the "world at large." She is not particularly seeking to change the minds of the whole, wide world--culture and society at large. 

Why did she write the book? Why should YOU read it? (Should you read it?) Butterfield is, I believe, writing because she sees that these FIVE LIES are becoming more and more prevalent and embedded within the evangelical church. Not just the liberal, progressive, on the fringe churches. But becoming more and more common within "big eva" or the mainstream evangelical churches. Hardly any denomination exists that isn't facing at least the threat if not the actualization of these lies. Perhaps even coming from the top down--from the higher ups, the powers that be, the structural organization, the seminaries and schools of higher learning. Because this issue is embedded within the evangelical culture, within the mainstream churches, because even if you fence yourself off from the world at large and seek to live a bubbled-life, it's now becoming more common even within the church. There is no hiding from the lies addressed in the book. That is why you should read the book.

Is the book persuasive? I believe the book is well-written. I believe that the flow and layout of this one is logical, reasonable, biblical even. Butterfield uses Scripture AND testimony--her own--to write of these five issues, five lies. She writes clearly, in my opinion. She holds a VERY high view of Scripture. Because the evangelical church is losing that "high view" of Scripture, letting go of the notion that it is a) God-breathed, inspired, the VERY word of God, b) inerrant and infallible, always true, always faithful, always relevant, always authoritative, they are welcoming with open arms these lies from the world, from the devil. So is it persuasive? I think if you fall into the first two audiences (see above) those who likely already agree to a certain extent on a few of these lies, then the book will help affirm, reaffirm, establish, re-establish your position. Your confusion and doubts may clear up. If you fall into the third audience and are coming into the book with an I-don't-agree-with-this-this-is-nonsense attitude, the Holy Spirit might, can, may still use the book to enlighten. But if you are strongly opposed to everything Butterfield stands for, if you see her as "the enemy," then this one might not be persuasive enough. (But again, the Holy Spirit can work mighty wonders with hardened hearts, with the chiefest of sinners.)

So what are the five lies? 

1) Homosexuality is normal

2) Being a spiritual person is kinder than being a biblical christian

3) Feminism is good for the world and the church

4) Transgenderism is normal

5) Modesty is an outdated burden that serves male dominance and holds women back.

Final thoughts...

Just as there are supposedly "four point Calvinists" or "three point Calvinists" I believe it is possible at least to approach this one believing several of these to be lies and yet not fully convinced that all five are equally lies or equally dangerous. 

The book delivers on what it promises. It is about those five lies. If you hold those five lies to be true, to be your truth, chances are you will not particularly enjoy or find this one comfortable. If you recognize these five lies to be lies--to be false--then you will find this one (in my opinion) an absorbing, enlightening, engaging read. I particularly found the testimony bits to be incredibly moving and inspiring. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Sunday Salon #36

Current Bibles

Giant Print LSB -- Psalms 120-150; Proverbs; Ecclesiastes;  2 Kings; Isaiah; Matthew; 1 Timothy; 2 Timothy; Titus; Philemon; Hebrews;

NASB 1977 -- Jeremiah; Lamentations; Titus; Philemon; Hebrews; 1 Peter; 2 Peter; 1 John; 2 John; 3 John; Jude; John; Revelation

NASB 1995 -- Psalms 1-14; Proverbs 1-2.

Revised Berkeley -- Judges; Ruth; 1 Samuel; Acts 18-28; Romans; 

NIV 1978 -- Genesis 1-34; Song of Songs; Acts; Daniel; Hosea; Joel; Amos; Obadiah; Jonah.

BSB M'Cheyne -- 1 Samuel 19-26; 1 Corinthians 1-7; Lamentations 4-5; Ezekiel 1-5; Luke 24; John 1-6. 

G4L 1 Timothy -- NASB 77, NASB 95, BSB,  (LSB), 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

True or False with Tozer

It's been years since I last played True or False with A.W. Tozer. These are statements that are usually bold, full of zeal, and potentially controversial. 

True or False. The most important aspect of the Christian life is prayer…Every Christian is defined by their prayer life, and if we are not living in prayer, we are not experiencing the life God has for us.



True or False. If I cannot accomplish something through prayer, then it cannot be done by God’s grace.



True or False. The closer we get to God, the farther away we are from the world.



True or False. From God’s perspective, true prayer can never mingle with the world, and the key to this is a complete separation between the world around me and my prayer experience.



True or False. Prayer is discovering the presence of God in a way we did not know before. We cannot truly pray without experiencing God.



True or False. If I am walking in the power of the Holy Spirit, I am going to offend just about everybody I meet. The reason for this offense is that people have turned their backs on God, which, unfortunately is even happening in churches today.


True or False. We have allowed the world, particularly, Hollywood, to define Christianity and Christ.


True or False. We glorify God by putting our faith in God, not the promises. Faith rests upon the character of God alone.


True or False. We need to anticipate a spiritual battle every day.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

60. Going Higher With God In Prayer

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

First sentence: The most important aspect of the Christian life is prayer. It is the most potent weapon we have in the spiritual warfare before us in this world. Every Christian is defined by their prayer life, and if we are not living in prayer, we are not experiencing the life God has for us.

This is a collection--edited by James Snyder--of A.W. Tozer's thoughts on prayer. The chapters don't flow the smoothest. All chapters have the potential to hit their mark--to pack a punch, to hit you where it hurts, to wake you up. Some chapters perhaps a little more than others. This is not, however, an instruction book on how to pray OR how to fix your prayer life OR anything remotely technical or mechanical. It can leave you feeling that something OUGHT to be done, but not necessarily filling in the blanks as to what. I think that was purposeful, intentional. Perhaps serving as a reminder that prayer is an encounter with the living God, the three-times-holy God. It isn't something mechanical or formulaic. It isn't a matter of piecing together specific words at a specific time of day. It isn't about a certain length of prayer. Or posture of prayer. Tozer's philosophy seems to be more down-to-earth: pray until you pray. No excuses, just do it. 

Is this helpful? Again, I don't think the point is to be helpful. I think it is what it is. Prayer was ESSENTIAL, absolutely irreplaceable, foundational, emphatically EVERYTHING of the Christian life...according to Tozer. Prayer was important to him. These are collected thoughts that perhaps read a bit disjointed at times. But the focus is always on prayer.

I found the book convicting but not particularly helpful. Inspiring, yes, for sure. But also frustrating. You see Tozer's zeal for God on every page. It is easy to want that kind of zeal, to want that kind of experience for yourself. But really it comes down to a "just do it" approach which just seems disheartening. It may be true--that you cannot really learn to pray-pray from following someone's advice and guidelines--but I am glad I read it.

Quotes: 

The most important thing in my life has to be my prayer life; therefore, I will surrender everything in my life to let the dynamics of prayer drive me forward and upward into God's presence.

Our prayer has to be based upon our faith in God, and that faith is based upon our confidence in Him and who He says He is.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible