77. Authorized: The Use and Misuse of the King James Bible

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

First sentence: Out of 100 Americans who pulled a Bible off a shelf today, 55 of them pulled down a King James Version. I feel fairly safe in saying that the King James is the only 1611 release still on any bestseller lists. All the same, 55 percent is only slightly more than half, and the trend line is clear--for it started near 100 percent. The English-speaking Christian church, which was once almost completely unified in using the KJV, is no longer unified around a particular Bible translation. Why? Because people say they can no longer understand it.

Does Mark Ward hate the King James Version? No. Does he 'hate' those who only read the King James? It doesn't sound like it. He sounds like it's his special mission to dialogue--respectfully, kindly--with those that do affirm this position. Does he 'hate' those who prefer to read the King James? No. He does not say absolutely never--under any circumstances--use this translation. He starts off the book by sharing what he does love, what he does appreciate about the King James Version of the Bible. 

Mark Ward is advocating in his book that Christians NEED to be daily reading the Bible in a translation that they understand and comprehend. He is out to 'open eyes' and show perhaps what readers don't know they don't know. He talks of how language by its very nature becomes obsolete and archaic. How words can remain in use but their many shift dramatically. You can have translation for NOW that isn't OF now necessarily. He is not advocating for slang and catchphrases. But it is important that if you do take the time to look up a meaning for a word, that the word meaning is helpful because it is still being used. In other words, if even the dictionary cannot help you define a word because it hasn't been used in three hundred years--in that way, in that sense, with that meaning--then it's time to update your translation. 

He does not engage directly with arguments commonly used in the King James Only movement. Though he has a YouTube channel that frequently does feature reactions and responses to those arguments.

He does not have a strong, firm opinion on ONE translation taking the place of the King James Bible. He doesn't believe that ONE translation is sufficiently 'helpful' in all the many, many, many areas needed. And certainly not for every single believer. Every situation, every circumstance, every reader has different needs and expectations.

Quotes (and my reactions, which I'll feature in brackets and probably another color text)

Who reads the Matthew Bible of 1537? Nobody I know of. And who misses it? Again, nobody I know of.

[I read the Matthew Bible of 1537 and it was awesome! I don't know that I miss it, but would I read it again? Probably. It was GREAT fun.]

The same pretty much goes for other classic English translations of the Scriptures: the Geneva Bible, the Coverdale Bible, the Bishop's Bible, and stretching back for a few more centuries--Wycliffe's translation.

[I read all of these except the Bishop's Bible. Yes, even Wycliffe...in modern spelling. It is an experience that I really LOVE to go back and revisit these historic translations.]

Traditional hymns--and traditional Bible translations--bind the generations together. 

[YES.]

Parents who teach their kids the KJV rendition of the Lord's Prayer are tying one little string between them and our rich English Christian history--a history that has much to teach us. We can't keep all the strings. Some of them must or even should be cut. But let's at least be aware of what we're doing. 

[Be intentional in other words. And wording matters, in my opinion.]

Bible translations succeed or fail based on Christian trust, because only a vanishingly small percentage of Bible readers can, and even fewer do, go through the laborious process of checking their English translations against the Greek and Hebrew.

[Essentially he states here and throughout that when Christians attack other translations, it can damage the trust that believers and unbelievers have for the Bible in general.]

I appeal directly to the 55 percent: Because you love the Lord, seek all the tools you can to understand his words, including contemporary English Bible translations. And because you love others, don't stand in their way when they want to use those tools themselves.

[His main point of the whole book. I don't disagree.]

All Bible-loving-and-reading Christians need to learn to see the value in all good Bible translations.

[Amen]

I want to change the paradigm we've all been assuming. Stop looking for the "best" English Bible. It doesn't exist. God never said it would. Take up the embarrassment of riches we now have. Make the best of our multi-translation situation, because it's a truly great problem to have. 

[YES. I could never ever ever ever limit myself to just one, or even three or four translations. I have about six or seven FAVORITES.]

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

76. The World of the End

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

First sentence: Our world is in bad shape, and sometimes we feel that way too, don't we? In our better moments we know we're encompassed by God's blessing, yet we seem to struggle mightily with anxiety, fear, resentment, and discouragement. The chaos of the world seeps into our hearts. Fear can erode faith if we let it.

I appreciated how David Jeremiah spins the 'end of the world' to 'the world of the end.' This isn't a book necessarily about the WHEN of "the end of the world," nor does it try to focus on specifics--piecing together news headlines and scriptures taken out of context. This is about the 'birth pangs,' or the time before the 'end of the world.' This time could span--has spanned--decades, centuries, etc. No one knows the exact day and time of his coming, or the proper start to the end of the world, the tribulation. But we can study Jesus' words to his disciples about the end times. We can study Revelation and other passages of Scripture. We can piece together principles on how those teachings should shape priorities. How we live day by day should reflect our study of these end time prophecies. Not so we can debate. Not so we can argue. Not so we can prep--literally. Not so we can live in fear OR live recklessly. 

His chapter titles are themed and thought-provoking:

In a World of Deception, BE HONEST

In a World of War, BE CALM

In a World of Disasters, BE CONFIDENT

In a World of Persecution, BE PREPARED

In a World of Betrayal, BE FAITHFUL

In a World of Lawlessness, BE KIND

In a World of Bad News, BE THE GOOD NEWS

In the World of the End, BE DETERMINED

I enjoyed reading this one more than I thought I would. It was good. 

Quotes: 

I can't get excited about any book that inspires concern about future events but ignores what God wants us to do today. My study of prophecy convinces me that God intends knowledge of future events to help us occupy our world with a sense of urgency until the Lord returns. (20)

The Bible: need it, read it, heed it, and speed it on its way to others. (43)

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

75. O Sing Unto the Lord: A History of English Church Music

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

First sentence: A freezing Saturday in February. A packed soccer ground in England. The match is tense. The ref gives a free kick. The crowd stamps and jeers and shouts, a song swells and stirs from the stands....

Do I regret the time I spent reading this one? No. Not really. But I do admit it included a LOT of skimming.

I think this one is all about expectations. What are YOUR expectations when picking this one up. 

This one includes heavy doses of music theory, music history, history-history, politics, and religion. I was MOST interested in how the English Reformation changed music, church music. By far these chapters dealing with Henry VIII and his heirs, the development of the Book of Common Prayer, the translation of the Scriptures into English, and the back-and-forth of will English be Protestant or Catholic [or a bit of both] are the most interesting. 

Perhaps scholars and/or scholarly musicians OR those raised in the Anglican church in Great Britain will find this one easier to read. There is a bit of disconnect. Plenty of name dropping of composers and musicians from many centuries ago. But with no context of WHAT those music pieces sound like, it fell a bit flat for me personally.

I am convinced that if this was a documentary with MUSIC to sample and visual aids (to help keep one engaged), it would be fascinating. If I can watch HOURS and HOURS on end of British documentaries on history and the royal family, surely I could watch hours about the church AND the history of music within the church. This one desperately needs actual MUSIC to make an impact with readers...unless you've studied this OR was raised in it.

Again, the book itself wasn't bad just very dry and scholarly. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Sunday Salon #44

Current Bible reading

NASB 77 Psalms 101-150; Proverbs; Ecclesiastes; Song of Songs; Isaiah; Jeremiah 1-8; Galatians; Ephesians; Philippians; Colossians; 1 Thessalonians; 2 Thessalonians; 1 Timothy; 2 Timothy; Titus; Philemon; Hebrews 1-6;

NASB 95 Luke 11-24; Acts; Ephesians; Philippians; 1 Thessalonians; 2 Thessalonians; James; 1 Peter; 2 Peter; 1 John; 2 John; 3 John, Revelation, John [finished this week]

KJV Psalms 107-150; Proverbs 22-31; Jeremiah 17-52; Lamentations; John; 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, Jude, Revelation [finished this week]

KJ21 Nehemiah 5-13; Esther; Job; Psalms; Proverbs; Ecclesiastes; Song of Songs; Isaiah 1-31; Acts 23-28; Romans; 1 Corinthians; 2 Corinthians; Galatians; Ephesians 1

NIV 2011 Genesis 1-14; Joshua 1-17; Psalms 1-16; Isaiah 1-14; Matthew 1-13

NKJV Sovereign Genesis 1-24; Joshua; Judges 1-10; Psalms 1-62; Matthew 1-23

KJV Giant Print Genesis 1-11; Matthew 1-10; Galatians

NKJV (bedtime) Psalms 122-150; Proverbs; Matthew 27-28; James; 1 Peter

CSB (bedtime) Psalms; John;

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

14. NASB XL (Leathersoft)

NASB 1995 XL. God. Zondervan. 2021. 1664 pages. [Source: Bought] 

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

I do love the New American Standard Bible. I love the 1977 and the 1995 most. Though there are others with that name. 1971 and 1973 are long out of print. 2020 is 'new'. I don't actively dislike the 2020. I don't, I'm not one of those extremists that must avoid it at all costs or a rant will be forthcoming. I am perfectly fine with the 2020. 

The format of this one IS unique. It's a square essentially. The columns are VERY wide as the pages themselves are very wide. This Bible takes up all of your lap. (For better or worse). The font size is generously large. It is purposefully bulky and awkward. 

I did enjoy this one MORE than the NRSV XL which I also reviewed this year. The paper was not extra wrinkly. You could look at the NRSV XL and the pages would start to wrinkle, fold, crumple. It was a MESS. 

I liked this one mostly. I love, love, love the translation. But it wasn't easy to read in lap. Maybe it wasn't meant to be. 

It is verse by verse. It is black letter. It is double column. The font size, as I mentioned, is large. It is comfort print. It has many things that are positive. I just didn't exactly love the square awkwardness. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

13. King James Version, Sovereign Personal Size Reference Bible

King James Version, Personal Size Sovereign Collection. God. Thomas Nelson Publishers. 1696 pages. [Source: Bought]

First sentence: In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. 

This is not my first time to read the King James Version. It is one of my absolute favorite translations of the Bible. It is my first time to read the King James Bible in Nelson's new Sovereign collection. I could not find my Bible on GoodReads (not surprising). I found the 'fake leather' in PURPLE at HalfPrice books. 

I started the project on September 8, 2023. I finished on October 25, 2023. I had not originally planned to reread the King James Version again this year--since I'd just finished reading through it in the summer. Finding this Bible, it persuaded me to read it NOW, NOW, NOW. 

The layout of the Sovereign is excellent. I do think my copy at least had some problems with the red accent color. There were pages where the drop caps and verse numbers were very faint/faded. Plenty of chapters were strong, dark, easy to read. So it didn't end up being a deal breaker for me to see these discolorations. I do wonder if these variations might have been why HalfPrice was able to buy so many new to have on their shelves. (Perhaps this was a known issue with the lot?) 

About this edition:

Line-matched classic 2-column format [the Psalms are in single column format just so you know]
Extensive end-of-page cross references 
Translation notes [not sure if this goes under translation notes, but this edition features WORDS DEFINED. So the more 'archaic' words were defined for readers in the notes]
Presentation page
Bible book introductions
Words of Christ in red
Concordance
Full-color maps
Two satin ribbon markers
Gilded page edges
Durable and flexible Smyth-sewn binding
Clear and readable KJV Comfort Print [I adore the KJV Comfort Print. I believe this is my only KJV Bible so far to be in Comfort Print.]

9.5-point print size 

The font size AND weight were a good balance. It was easy to hold. GREAT to hold. It was natural and effortless as opposed to bulky and awkward. The font size was good overall. Some days my vision is weaker than others, but most of the time it worked well. 

I am not a believer in "the one." That is the concept or idea of a person using ONE and only ONE Bible to read forever and ever. I'm not even sure I believe in ONE translation to read forever and ever. But if I did, this one would probably be mine. I WOULD LOVE IT EVEN MORE IN BLACK LETTER, obviously. But this one comes so close to being perfectly perfect in terms of layout and weight. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

74. The Collected Christian Essentials Catechism

The Collected Christian Essentials Catechism. Peter J Leithart (writing about the Ten Commandments), Ben Myers (writing about the Apostles' Creed), and Wesley Hill (writing about the Lord's Prayer). 2023. [November] 432 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ described his word as a seed.

So many conflicting thoughts on this one. First, you should know--according to the copyright page--that these three [long] essays [or articles] were all previously published. So there is always the chance that you might have previously come across these in another publication. Second, each essay is united in that they provide commentary and 'insight' about an essential, historic, traditional Christian document. (Most catechisms, creeds, confessions, statements of faith, etc. use the Ten Commandments, the Lord's Prayer, and the Apostle's Creed as foundational structure (or skeleton)). However, they are all authored by different authors AND approach these historic essential pieces VERY differently. In other words, theologically the authors are all over the place. The strongest essay/article is Peter J. Leithart's coverage/commentary on the Ten Commandments. The other two essays were hit or miss--depending on the paragraph. By far the weakest essay was the last. Wesley Hill's essay was a mess. In my opinion. Granted you might not think it is a mess. And VERY TRUE it is far from the worst I've ever read or heard. Nothing that would make me shudder. It's just I don't know that I could honestly recommend this essay as being helpful or beneficial.

The last section of the book might just be the most practical. But it also might prove hit or miss with readers. I think some will absolutely love it. Others perhaps might not put it into use or practice depending on if you are the type of person who likes to read prayers out of books.

So the last section, shares prayers--"collects," if you will--structured around all the broken down pieces of the Ten Commandments, Apostles Creed, Lord's Prayer. Each of the three is broken down into bite-size fragments/sections/sentences. There's a prayer for each. So there's a prayer for the first of the ten commandments, etc. So if you REALLY were looking to study these three historic, essentials of the Christian faith, then this prayer section might prove just the thing. It could be incredibly impactful and useful. On the other hand, some folks really just don't get much out of praying a scripted prayer. 

I liked the beginning and the end. I wasn't as thrilled with the middle. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Sunday Salon #43

Current Bibles

NASB 77: Ezra; Nehemiah; Esther; Job; Psalms 1-100; Acts 24-28; Romans; 1 Corinthians; 2 Corinthians

NASB 95XL: 2 Samuel 10-24; 1 Kings; 2 Kings; Jeremiah 27-52; Lamentations; Hosea; Joel; Amos; Obadiah; Jonah; Micah; Nahum; Habakkuk; Zephaniah; Haggai; Zechariah; Malachi; 1 Corinthians 4-16; 2 Corinthians; Luke 1-10; Galatians; 

KJV: Psalms 75-106; Proverbs 15-21; Habakkuk; Zephaniah; Haggai; Zechariah; Malachi; Isaiah; Jeremiah 1-16

KJ21: 1 Samuel 26-31; 2 Samuel; 1 Kings; 2 Kings; 1 Chronicles; 2 Chronicles; Ezra; Nehemiah 1-4; John; Acts 1-22

BSB M'Cheyne (restart): Genesis 23-50; Exodus; Leviticus 1-10; Nehemiah 12-13; Esther; Job; Proverbs 1-25; Matthew 22-28; Mark; Luke; John; Acts 22-28; Romans; 1 Corinthians; 2 Corinthians; Galatians; Ephesians; Philippians; Colossians; 1 Thessalonians 1-4

Living: Psalms 90-150; Luke 14-24; 

NKJV: Psalms 1-121; Matthew 1-26

G4L 2 Timothy: NASB 95, NIV 84, ESV, HCSB, NKJV, NKJV, 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

73. Knowing the Spirit

Knowing the Spirit. Costi W. Hinn. 2023. 315 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Years have passed since I was saved and began studying the Holy Spirit with the curiosity of Sherlock Holmes, but one trend continues to be prevalent: the Holy Spirit is quite possibly the most used and abused member of the Trinity.

Costi W. Hinn's newest book is Knowing the Spirit: Who He Is, What He Does, and How He Can Transform Your Christian Life. He writes with great balance--balancing practical application and theology. Both are key, in my opinion. This one does address the elephant in the room issues surrounding the Holy Spirit. Because there is such a broad spectrum of "Christian" believers who have strong opinions about WHO the Holy Spirit and WHAT he does. Hinn's approach is bible based, always. He goes beyond what this denomination or that denomination teaches. He goes beyond the experiential 'knowing' to see what the Word of God says--in both testaments--about the Holy Spirit. He also isn't trying to please everyone--surprise, you can't. Hinn stays grounded in the Word of God and what more can you ask for in a book. Yes, he tackles some difficult topics in this one. 

I definitely enjoyed this one. I found it informative and well written. 

His recommended bible study/bible application tool for reading passages.

Sin: Is there sin to confess or avoid?
Promise: Is there a promise God is making that is specifically for me?
Example: Is there an example in the passage that I should follow?
Command: Is there a command I should obey?
Knowledge: Is there knowledge about God that deepens worship and my relationship with him?

Favorite quote:

When it comes to the Holy Spirit, we need to make sure everything we believe lines up with Scripture. I’ve often heard this quote attributed to Charles Spurgeon (though I can never find the original source) that says, “Discernment is not knowing the difference between right and wrong. It is knowing the difference between right and almost right.”

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

72. Broken Crayons Still Color

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

First sentence: Avery loved coloring. She didn't have many crayons, but yellow flamingos and green unicorns were more fun anyway. Then one day she got a new crayon box with tons of colors: turquoise like the new nursery, violet red like her new shoes, and cadet blue like her new house.

Premise/plot: Avery learns valuable life lessons from talking crayons. Her parents interject now and then with reminders about God and Jesus, but, mainly it's the crayons doing the heavy lifting in inspiring Avery's resilience. 

My thoughts: I appreciate the overall big picture message that broken crayons still color. I like modeling the idea that things don't have to go perfectly perfect in life for things to work out. I didn't necessarily love the talking crayons. Is it wrong to teach kids coping skills that are more mainstream and of the world than strictly bible-based? Probably not. This is in many ways a picture book about how to handle/cope with emotions--big, small, and everything in between. I do wish it was more of a balance because the jacket copy is pushing the idea that this book is gospel-focused and the gospel resonates within the story...and I just don't see that. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

71. I Am: 40 Bible Stories, Devotions, and Prayers About the Names of God

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

First sentence: Long ago, God made everything out of nothing.

This is a bible story book collection for parents to read aloud to their children. [Or perhaps Sunday School teachers to read aloud to their students.] There are nineteen stories from the Old Testament. There are twenty-one stories from the New Testament. Some of these stories are absolutely traditional and to be expected. Others come as bit more of a surprise. 

Each story focuses on ONE 'name' of God. Some are more attributes and/or titles. But regardless each highlights something we can learn about God and reveals a reason to trust him even more.

Each includes a story, a devotion, a bible verse, and a prayer.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

70. Fount of Heaven

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

First sentence: Scripture tells us in Luke 11:1 that the original twelve disciples asked Jesus how to pray. It was a good question then, and one worth asking again today.

Fount of Heaven is a collection of prayers from the early church fathers; these prayers come from the first few centuries of the church. 

I believe they are arranged somewhat topically. Though to be fair I had a hard time decoding the topics and themes. In part, I think there IS a definite gap. The writings feel foreign which can be explained for at least two reasons: the authors were born thousands of years ago AND there are big cultural shifts. It isn't a bad thing to get snapshots from the past. Especially if you want to take the time to really settle in and engage with the writing. This requires perhaps getting out of your comfort zone and putting in the effort to find meaning, to go beyond the surface level. 

I was hoping this one would read more like Valley of Vision, a collection of Puritan prayers. It didn't. That's not the author's fault. 

The author I found myself 'liking' most was Augustine. I think for me personally I might have been better off seeking something that was just focused on Augustine. I'm sure such books exist! 

I also think this one probably wasn't meant to be read cover to cover in a week. Again, I think if you were to have this book in hand and spend weeks, months, or even an entire year with it, you might find it valuable. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Sunday Salon #42

Current Bibles:

KJV: Psalms 38-74; Proverbs 8-14; Job 19-42; Ezekiel; Hosea; Joel; Amos; Obadiah; Jonah; Micah; Nahum;

NASB 77: 2 Samuel 2-31; John 8-21; 1 Kings; 2 Kings; 1 Chronicles; 2 Chronicles; Acts 1-23

NASB 95 Judges; Ruth; 1 Samuel; 2 Samuel 1-10; Isaiah 40-66; Jeremiah 1-26; Mark 5-16; Romans; 1 Corinthians 1-3

NIV 1978 (finished this week!!!): Psalms 38-150; Jeremiah 26-52; Lamentations; Isaiah; Proverbs; John, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, Jude, Revelation

KJ21 Numbers 2-36; Deuteronomy; Joshua; Judges; Ruth; 1 Samuel -26;  Mark 6-16; Luke; 

BSB M'Cheyne (starting over): Genesis 1-22; Matthew 1-21; Ezra; Nehemiah 1-11; Acts 1-21

NKJV: Psalms 107-150; Mark

Living Bible: Psalms 1-89; Luke 1-13

G4L 2 Timothy -- LSB, ESV, CSB, NKJV, KJV

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Books and Bibles Read in 2024

Books Read in 2024

1. A Winter by The Sea (On Devonshire Shore #2) Julie Klassen. 2023. [December] 448 pages. [Source: Library]

2. Mortimer's Christmas Manger. Karma Wilson. Illustrated by Jane Chapman. 2005. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [Picture book, holiday, animal fantasy]

3. Busy Nativity. Campbell Books. Illustrated by Emily Bolam. 2023. [September] 10 pages. [Source: Library] [Board book, children's book, Christmas, holiday]

4. Calling On the Matchmaker. Jody Hedlund. 2023. [December] 352 pages. [Source: Library] [historical romance, historical fiction]

5. A Tailor-Made Bride. Karen Witemeyer. 2010. 348 pages. [Source: Library] [Historical fiction; historical romance, christian fiction, reread]

6. Short-Straw Bride. Karen Witemeyer. 2012. Bethany House. 368 pages. [Source: Library]

 7. The Letter Tree. Rachel Fordham. 2023. [October] 352 pages. [Source: Library] 

8. How To Get a Mommy To Sleep. Amy Parker. Illustrated by Natalia Moore. 2020. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [Children's book, picture book]

9. The Devil Shall Not Prevail. A.W. Tozer (with James L. Snyder) 2023. 160 pages. [Source: Library]

10. God Is Here. Lisa Tawn Bergren. Illustrated by Greg Stobbs. 2023. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book; children's book]

11. After the Shadows (Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing #1) Amanda Cabot. 2023. 352 pages. [Source: Library] [historical fiction, Texas fiction, historical romance, mystery and suspense]

12. Simplify Your Spiritual Life. Donald S. Whitney. 2003. 208 pages. [Source: Library] [Christian nonfiction; theology; Christian living]

13. A Season of Harvest (Leah's Garden #4) Lauraine Snelling. 2024. 336 pages. [Source: Review copy]

14. Just Once. Karen Kingsbury. 2023. 336 pages. [Source: Library]

15. My Jesus: From Heartache to Hope. Anne Wilson. 2022. 196 pages. [Source: Library] [Memoir, Biography, Music Industry]

16. God Is Kind. Jamie Calloway-Hanauer. Illustrations by Patrick Brooks. 2023. 24 pages. [Source: Library] [Board book, children's book]

17. The Watchmaker's Daughter. Larry Loftis. 2023. 384 pages. [Source: Library]

18. If the Boot Fits. Karen Witemeyer. 2024. 368 pages. [Source: Review copy]

19. The Bookends of the Christian Life. Jerry Bridges and Bob Bevington. 2009. March 2009. Crossway Publishers. 160 pages. [Source: Review copy]

20. Eve and Adam and Their Very First Day. Leslie Kimmelman. Illustrated by Irina Avgustinovich. 2023. [October 24] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

21. The Rand McNally Book of Favorite Stories of Jesus. Mary Alice Jones (according to GoodReads). Illustrated by Elizabeth Webbe, Eleanor Corwin, Manning de V. Lee, and Janet Robson Kennedy. 1981. 109 pages. [Source: Bought]

22. When the Day Comes. (Timeless #1) Gabrielle Meyer. 2022. 384 pages. [Source: Review copy]

23. Live Your Truth and Other Lies: Exposing Popular Deceptions That Make Us Anxious, Exhausted and Self-Obsessed. Alisa Childers. 2022. 240 pages. [Source: Library]

24. This Special Blessing for You. Eric and Meredith Schrotenboer. Illustrated by Denise Hughes. 2024. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [Picture book, children's book]

25. In This Moment. (Timeless #2) Gabrielle Meyer. 2023. 416 pages. [Source: Library] [Speculative fiction; historical romance]

April

26. Isaiah: God Saves Sinners. Raymond C. Ortlund, Jr. R. (Preaching The Word Commentaries). Crossway. 2005. 496 pages. [Source: Bought]

27. Are We Living In the Last Days. Bryan Chapell. 2024. 256 pages. [Source: Library]

28. The Deconstruction of Christianity: What It Is, Why It's Destructive, And How to Respond. Alisa Childers and Tim Barnett. Foreword by Carl R. Trueman. 2024. 304 pages. [Source: Review copy]

29. All My Secrets. Lynn Austin. 2024. 400 pages. [Source: Library]

Bibles Read in 2024 

.5 NEW TESTAMENT ONLY The Amplified New Testament. Lockman Foundation. God. 1958. 989 pages. [Source: Bought]

1. WHOLE BIBLE. New King James Version, Sovereign Collection, Wide Margin. God. (Thomas Nelson Publisher). 2022. 1696 pages. [Source: Bought] [Bible]

2.  WHOLE BIBLE. New American Standard Reference Edition. 1973. God. 1899 pages. [Source: Bought]

3. Whole Bible. The Holy Bible, King James Version, Red-Letter Edition, Self-Pronouncing Text. God. 1769. 1246 pages. [Source: Bought]

4. ESV Bible with Creeds and Confessions. Crossway. 2020. 1424 pages. [Source: Review copy]

5. NIV Value Thinline Large Print (2011 edition). 2017. Zondervan. 1110 pages. [Source: Bought]

6. NASB 1995, Thompson Chain-Reference Bible, Red Letter, Comfort Print, 2023. Zondervan. 2144 pages. [Source: Bought]

7. KJV Cameo Reference Bible with Apocrypha. Black Calfskin Leather, Red-Letter Text. God. Cambridge Bibles. 2011 this edition. 1868 pages. [Source: Gift]

 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Goals and Challenges for 2024

Placeholder post for upcoming reading challenges and goals for 2024

 

Growing 4 Life 2024 Bible Reading Challenge 

The image shows the daily/weekly readings. Below is my rough and loose interpretation of a monthly look ahead.

January 2024 (Revelation 1-4)

February 2024 (Revelation 5-8)

March 2024 (Revelation 9-12)

April 2024 (Philippians 1-4)

May 2024 (Esther 1-4)

June 2024 (Esther 5-10)

July 2024 (Psalms 9-14)

August 2024 (Psalms 9-14)

September 2024 (Revelation 13-16)

October 2024 (Revelation 17-20)

November 2024 (Revelation 21-22)

December 2024 (Psalms 15-18)

Knowable Word Bible in 90 Days Reading Challenge (submission link) 

I've done this one for at least four or five years now. The goal is to read the Bible in 90 days and be sure to finish by March 31, 2024 in order to submit a link with a chance to win a prize. (Though the prize is the journey of reading the Bible daily). 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

12. New International Version, 1978

New International Version, 1978 edition. God. 1342 pages. [Source: Bought] [Bible]

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

1978 was the first year the New International Version published the Old Testament and the New Testament. The New Testament had come out a handful of years before in 1973. (Did you know that the Gospel of John was the first published in 1970?) The NIV would be updated and finalized (if you will) in 1984. 

I bought my copy at a thrift shop for $4. It isn't in the best condition. (I don't know that I'll give it a second read with the binding being in this shape.) But I knew I wanted to read it through at least once since I grew up reading the NIV 1984. I started on August 29, 2023. I finished on October 11, 2023.

It is DOUBLE column. It is in paragraphs--as opposed to verse by verse. There are not cross references, though there are some textual notes. It is black letter. The font size is on the smaller side. If I had to guess I'd say it was about 8 point font perhaps. 

NIV 1978's rendering of Psalm 23

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall lack nothing.

He makes me lie down in green pastures,

he leads me beside quiet waters,

he restores my soul.

He guides me in in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

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 love will follow me

all the days of my life, 

and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Super Glutton Bible Reading Plan

I present one plan which can be read TWO ways. You can have a four month, one hundred and twenty day reading plan. OR you can have a thirty day plan which requires FOUR bookmarks. Of course, you could choose to tackle two columns at a time and make a sixty day reading plan. OR you could read the New Testament with each of the first three columns. So you could read through the New Testament three times and the Old Testament once in three months.

Torah Column (Month One OR Reading One)

Genesis 1-8

Genesis 9-18

Genesis 19-24

Genesis 25-30

Genesis 31-36

Genesis 37-42

Genesis 43-48

Gen 49-50; Ex 1-6

Exodus 7-12

Exodus 13-19

Exodus 20-26

Exodus 27-31

Exodus 32-37

Ex 38-40; Lev 1-4

Leviticus 5-11

Leviticus 12-15

Leviticus 16-22

Leviticus 23-27

Numbers 1-6

Numbers 7-9

Numbers 10-15

Numbers 16-21

Numbers 22-27

Numbers 28-33

Num 34-36; Dt 1-3

Deuteronomy 4-8

Deuteronomy 9-15

Dt 16-22

Dt 23-28

Dt 29-34

The Neviʾim (Former Prophets and Latter Prophets)  (Month Two or Reading Two)

Joshua 1-12

Joshua 13-24

Judges 1-10

Judges 11-21

1 Samuel 1-13

1 Samuel 14-23

1 Samuel 24-31; 2 Samuel 1-4

2 Samuel 5-16

2 Samuel 17-24

1 Kings 1-9

1 Kings 10-18

1 Kings 19-22; 2 Kings 1-6

2 Kings 7-16

2 Kings 17-25

Isaiah 1-18

Isaiah 19-36

Isaiah 37-50

Isaiah 51-66

Jeremiah 1-13

Jeremiah 14-26

Jeremiah 27-36

Jeremiah 37-49

Jeremiah 50-52; Ezekiel 1-7

Ezekiel 8-19

Ezekiel 20-30

Ezekiel 31-40

Ezekiel 41-48; Hosea 1-4

Hosea 5-14; Joel; Amos

Obadiah; Jonah; Micah; Nahum; Habakkuk; Zephaniah

Haggai; Zechariah; Malachi

Ketuvim (Writings) Month Three OR Reading Three

Psalms 1-23

Psalms 24-41

Psalms 42-62

Psalms 63-78

Psalms 79-99

Psalms 100-116

Psalms 117-138

Psalms 139-150; Proverbs 1-7

Proverbs 8-19

Proverbs 20-31

Job 1-13

Job 14-27

Job 28-42

Song of Songs; Ruth

Lamentations

Ecclesiastes

Esther

Daniel 1-6

Daniel 7-12

Ezra

Nehemiah

1 Chronicles 1-8

1 Chronicles 9-16

1 Chronicles 17-26

1 Chronicles 27-29

2 Chronicles 1-5

2 Chronicles 6-14

2 Chronicles 15-23

2 Chronicles 24-30

2 Chronicles 31-36

The New Testament (Month Four OR Reading Four)

Matthew 1-9

Matthew 10-16

Matthew 17-23

Matthew 24-28

Mark 1-7

Mark 8-13

Mark 14-16; Luke 1-3

Luke 4-8

Luke 9-14

Luke 15-24

John 1-8

John 9-15

John 16-21

Acts 1-9

Acts 10-15

Acts 16-22

Acts 23-28

Romans 1-11

Romans 12-16

1 Corinthians 1-7

1 Corinthians 8-16

2 Corinthians

Galatians; Ephesians

Philippians; Colossians

1 Thessalonians; 2 Thessalonians; 1 Timothy;

2 Timothy; Titus; Philemon

Hebrews

James; 1 Peter

2 Peter; 1 John; 2 John; 3 John; Jude

Revelation

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible