Hebrews 4:16 (Translation Fun)

Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [that is, the throne of God’s gracious favor] with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find [His amazing] grace to help in time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment]. [Amplified, new]

Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God’s unmerited favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it]. [Amplified, classic]

Let us therefore draw near with boldness unto the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and may find grace to help us in time of need. [American Standard Version]

Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need. [Christian Standard Bible]

 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. [English Standard Version]

Let us therefore go boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. [1599 Geneva Bible]

Let us have confidence, then, and approach God's throne, where there is grace. There we will receive mercy and find grace to help us just when we need it. [Good News Translation]

Therefore let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us at the proper time. [Holman Christian Standard Bible]

Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with fullest confidence, that we may receive mercy for our failures and grace to help in the hour of need. [J.B. Phillips New Testament]

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. [King James Version]

Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. [Legacy Standard Version]

So let us come boldly to the very throne of God and stay there to receive his mercy and to find grace to help us in our times of need. [The Living Bible]

So let’s walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help. [Message]

Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. [New American Standard Bible 95]

Therefore let’s approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace for help at the time of our need. [NASB 2020]

Let us, then, feel very sure that we can come before God’s throne where there is grace. There we can receive mercy and grace to help us when we need it. [New Century Version]

Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. [New International Version]

Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. [New King James Version]

So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. [New Living Translation]

Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. [Berean Standard Bible]

Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need. [New American Standard, 1977]

Let vs therfore goo boldely vnto the seate of grace that we maye receave mercy and fynde grace to helpe in tyme of nede. [Tyndale Bible, 1526]

Let vs therefore come boldly vnto the throne of grace, that wee may obtaine mercy, and finde grace to helpe in time of need. [1611 King James Bible]

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Sunday Salon #53

Final wrap-up of the Bible-reading year! 

ESV with apocrypha -- Psalms 116-150

NKJV Wide Margin -- 1 Samuel 9-31; 2 Samuel; 1 Kings; Ecclesiastes; Song of Solomon; Proverbs 1-7;  1 Timothy; 2 Timothy; Titus; Philemon; Hebrews; James; 

KJV -- Genesis; Ezekiel; Obadiah; Jonah; 3 John

Amplified John; Acts; Romans; 1 Corinthians; 2 Corinthians; Galatians; Ephesians

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Sunday Salon #52

Current Bibles

ESV with apocrypha -- Psalms 86-115

NKJV Wide Margin-- Deuteronomy 24-34; Joshua; Judges; 1 Samuel 1-8; Amos, Habakkuk; Zephaniah; Haggai; Zechariah; Malachi; Romans 12-16; 1 Corinthians; 2 Corinthians; Galatians; Ephesians; Philippians; Colossians; 1 Thessalonians; 2 Thessalonians;

Amplified New Testament Matthew 16-28; Mark; Luke;

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

90. How To Memorize Scripture for Life

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

First sentence: Welcome to the rich and challenging journey of Scripture memorization! You are about to embark on a searching and rewarding exercise of spiritual and mental labor: the memorizing of whole chapters and books of the Bible. This effort will challenge you greatly—not simply because memorizing is hard work (it is) but also because the verses themselves will search your soul with the light of God’s perfect truth.

I thought it would be a great idea to read another [a second] book on Scripture memorization. [Plus this one is a review copy.] I ended up comparing this one to Memorizing Scripture: The Basics, Blessings, and Benefits of Meditating on God's Word by Glenna Marshall. Was it intentional? unintentional? A bit of both if I'm honest.

I will start with the pros. Davis is nothing if not practical. Also emphatic. He says while it is okay to memorize [random, topical] verses, it is absolutely the best to memorize whole chapters, whole books of the Bible. His reasoning is that this affords the greatest benefit. It helps you a) meditate on the Word, b) apply and obey the Word, c) encourage and support other believers with the Word of God, d) evangelize to unbelievers. Back to his practical nature, his approach doesn't seem to vary all that much. Pick a book (with the Spirit). Pick a deadline (with the Spirit). Tackle one new verse a day using his very specific method. Review previous verses. [Lather. Rinse.] Repeat. [I jest.] His method is to a) read aloud a new verse, say Ephesians 1:1, ten times. Then repeat the verse [Ephesians 1:1 in our example] ten times without looking. The next day repeat [without looking, I believe] Ephesians 1:1 ten times. Then read aloud Ephesians 1:2 ten times. Then repeat Ephesians 1:2 ten times without looking. The next day, recite Ephesians 1:1 and Ephesians 1:2 ten times apiece without looking. Read aloud Ephesians 1:3 ten times. Then repeat Ephesians 1:3 ten times without looking. 

More pros are that he a) admits that it is hard, difficult, challenging, time-consuming. He's honest about the effort and level of commitment. He also does not back down [nor should he????] that Scripture itself commands believers to memorize it. 

Are there cons? Yes, in my opinion [for what it's worth.] He doesn't really allow for diverse learning differences, styles, techniques. It's like this is the way I've done it, copy me exactly. The practicality ends rather quickly if his method doesn't work well for you. Other authors offer MORE tips and tricks. Like writing the verse you are memorizing, like listening to the verse you are memorizing, like writing out first letters for each word, putting up cards around the house, recommending various apps, etc. He also doesn't have great "bedside manner" in my opinion. He is more a brisk, just do it as opposed to someone who is a natural at encouragement and inspiration. 

I also found that the title was slightly misleading. His goal is not to memorize "for life" in the interpretation that these are verses/chapters/books that you will retain for life. Instead, I believe, his "life" means for the spiritual benefit and improvement of life. He actively talks about how each book you memorize should be "forgotten" or "wiped clean" so that you can start a new project. 

He does try to impress upon readers the benefits of Scripture memorization. However, Glenna Marshall's book was more encouraging and even more practical. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Thoughts on Bibles, 2023 Edition

In 2023, I read through twenty-one [whole] Bibles, and an additional three New Testaments. 

Did I mean to read through the Bible this many times? NO. No. no. I typically read through between 8 to 10 times. Am I planning on reading through twenty-one times next year? Again no. 

By far, this is the most I've read the Bible. Or in some cases, "read" the Bible. How much is reading? How much is "reading"? I think you reach a point where you come across chapters and you're like, I don't "need" to read this for the umpteenth time--usually something about priests' garments, clean and unclean food, or sanctuary/temple arrangements. (Though sometimes the begats). 

I read through the ESV three times. 

1. ESV Large Print Thinline Reference Bible. 2001/2016. God. 1232 pages. [Source: Gift] (ISBN: 9781433532788) 

2. ESV Church History Study Bible: Voices from the Past, Wisdom for the Present. God. 2022. [December] 2112 pages. [Source: Bought] 

6. ESV Large Print Bible. God. Crossway Publishers. 2001/2011. 1408 pages. [Source: Bought]

I read through the King James Version four times.

8. Fourth Edition (1964) King James Thompson Chain Reference Bible. God. 1591 pages. [Source: Bought]

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

19. King James Version, Giant Print, End of Verse Reference, Special Helps. 1976. Nelson 882BR. 1962 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. 

I read through the New King James Version twice.

5. NKJV, Deluxe Reader's Bible. God. 2018. 1952 pages. [Source: Bought] 

17. NKJV (New King James Version). Personal Size Reference. Sovereign Collection. God. 2022. 1696 pages. [Source: Bought] 

I read through the NASB 1977 three times.

9. Giant Print Handy Size Reprint NASB 1977 Edition. 2011. AMG Publishers. 2304 pages.

16. NASB, 1977 Edition. Thompson Chain Reference Bible. (Leathersoft) God. 2021. 2240 pages. [Source: Bought]

20. Nelson NASB 1977 776B Royal Reference Bible. God. 1977 (1989) 1460 pages. [Source: Bought]

The three New Testaments:

2.5 Wycliffe New Testament 1388: An edition in modern spelling, with an introduction, the original prologues, and the Epistle to the Laodicieans. William R. Cooper, ed. 2002. British Library. 528 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]

The others:

3. NRSV XL: Holy Bible. God. 2007. 1824 pages. [Source: Bought]

4. The NIV Rainbow Study Bible. (NIV 1984) 1992. 1576 pages. [Source: Bought]

7. ISBN 9780310460534. NASB 2020. Thinline Bible, Premium Goatskin Leather, Brown, Premier Collection, Black Letter, Gauffered Edges, 2020 Text, Comfort Print. God. Zondervan Publishers. 1216 pages. [Source: Bought]

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

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

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

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

15. KJ21: Holy Bible. God. 1994. 1888 pages. [Source: Bought] 

18. Holy Bible, RSV CE 2 (Revised Standard Version, Second Catholic Edition). God. 2006. 1096 pages. [Source: Bought]

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

89. The Sisters of Sea View

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

First sentence: Sarah Summers carefully lifted the family heirloom, a warm mantle of nostlagia settling over her.

Historical romance--Regency Romance--Christian fiction. 

After the death of their father and the decline of their mother's health, four sisters--Sarah, Emily, Viola, Georgiana--decide (somewhat reluctantly) to open up their seaside home to (paying) guests. 

Long story short: I absolutely loved, loved, loved, loved this one. It was just giddy-making. I loved the family. I loved the neighborhood and community. I loved meeting the guests. I loved the stories. I loved the relationships. I loved the layers.

Three of the four sisters are well-developed and get a lot of time and attention. [Georgiana, well, maybe in future books she will be developed and have a story.] 

There are multiple narrators. The narrators do not switch over at chapter breaks. Within a chapter, the point of view might change several times. The only negative thing I can say about this one is that--at least in the advanced reader's copy--there's no visual clues that the narration has changed. 

It was so funny to have Mr. and Mrs. Elton from Emma show up as guests in this one!!! They added much comic relief.

ETA: Yes, I read this one twice in one year. The sequel just released. I checked both books out of the library. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

21. KJV New Chronological Bible

The New Chronological Bible (Large Print) (King James Version) God. Edited by R. Jerome Boone. 1980. 1551 pages. World Bible Publishers. [Source: Bought]

First sentence: Thy throne is established of old: thou art from everlasting. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God. And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. 

There have been other Bibles in the King James Version that have been arranged chronologically. This one is from 1980. I am guessing--pure speculation--that it was not a huge success from a publishing standpoint and did not stay in print. Then again, I had never heard of World Bible Publishers until I started thrifting. 

This one is double column, words of Christ in BLACK. The font size is nice. 

What makes this one unique? Or mostly unique? It is arranged chronologically. Any verse from any chapter any book could be spliced--rearranged--according to one man's editing desires. Some are obvious editorial choices; perhaps others less so. I would love a behind the scenes peek into WHY he put certain verses/chapters where he did. 

The Bible is arranged in an outline with twelve major headings.

1. Development of the Early World
2. Development of Israel as a Tribe
3. Development of Israel as a Nation
4. Development of Israel as a Kingdom
5. Division of Israel into a Dual Kingdom
6. Survival of Israel in the Southern Kingdom
7. Captivity of Israel in Babylonia
8. Restoration of Israel as a Nation
9. Preservation of Israel During the Intertestamental Period
10. Inauguration of the Kingdom of God on Earth
11. Continuation of the Kingdom of God on Earth
12. Consummation of the Kingdom of God on Earth 

The earliest section, so far, is the most choppy. I don't envy anyone the task of trying to mix and blend the whole Bible into a grand opening. (I personally would not mess with Genesis 1:1, but that is just me)

Here is how Boone worked it:

Psalms 93:2

Psalms 90:2

Colossians 1:17

John 1:1-2

Proverbs 8:12-31

Genesis 1:1

Genesis 2:4

Genesis 1:2-5, 6-8,

Genesis 2:5-6

Genesis 1:9-13, 14-19, 20-23, 24-26, 

Genesis 2:7

Genesis 5:1

Genesis 2:18-25

Genesis 3:20

Genesis 1:27

Genesis 5:2

Genesis 1:28-31

Genesis 2:2-3

Genesis 2:1

Isaiah 45:18

Colossians 1:16

John 1:3

Isaiah 14:12-15

Ezekiel 28:13-16

Genesis 2:8-17

Genesis 3:1-7, 8-24

Any arrangement is going to obviously reveal the theological belief system of the arranger, the editor. For example, in this instance the interpretation that Isaiah 14 and Ezekiel 28 refer to Satan's fall. He also places the book of Ruth and the last five chapters of Judges BEFORE the rest of the book. (Perhaps with the exception of Judges 1). He also has SAMUEL contemporaries with SAMPSON. 

He arranges some sections with parallel passages. (Though thankfully not in the New Testament). I found this more annoying than not. I found myself unable to read both in any meaningful way. I was more having to pick and choose which column to focus on and which to skim. And the passages may have dealt with the same king, etc., but the phrasing wasn't the same. So in my personal opinion not all that "parallel." 

Though I didn't particularly know this at the start, I ended up not really being a fan of chronological arrangement. (This isn't to say that I regret my time in God's Word). I much prefer to read whole books to reading spliced books. To each his/her own however. I have no issue with readers--believers--who greatly appreciate/love this method of Bible reading. 

This will almost definitely be my final Bible to complete in 2023. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Sunday Salon #51

Current Bibles

ESV with Apocrypha Psalms 50-85

NASB 77 (finished this week and reviewed) Isaiah 19-66; Jeremiah; Ezekiel; Hosea; Joel; Amos; Obadiah; Jonah; Micah; Nahum; Habakkuk; Zephaniah; Haggai; Zechariah; Malachi; Ecclesiastes; Esther; Daniel; Ezra; Nehemiah; 1 Chronicles; 2 Chronicles

NKJV Wide Margin Sovereign Numbers; Deuteronomy 1-23; Acts; Romans 1-11;

Amplified New Testament -- Matthew 1-15

G4L 3 John -- ESV, KJV, ESV, NKJV, Amplified

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

20. Nelson NASB 1977 Royal Reference Bible

Nelson NASB 1977 776B Royal Reference Bible. God. 1977 (1989) 1460 pages. [Source: Bought]

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

I have lost track of how many times I've read the NASB 1977 in 2023. I have. It's become one of my all-time favorite, favorite, favorite translations. Honestly I couldn't imagine not having this one as one of my go-to translations. Always handy. 

This one was a great find thrifted. It is double column with center column reference. Words of Christ in red. The words are almost brown. They could have faded from a dark red to brown. The font size is small. But the book is VERY light weight. It is truly like a feather compared to something like the Thompson Chain Reference. It is definitely compact. Could be easily read just about anywhere including in bed. There is a concordance and color maps.

I read this one using the "Super Glutton" Bible Reading Plan that I created a few months ago. This is my second time to use that plan. It works GREAT. I used it differently this time around. The original plan has four columns. The first time through (with another Bible, another translation) I went across all four columns. Two in the morning. Two in the evening. This second time, I decided to read just two columns. One row from two columns in the morning. One row from two columns in the evening. I spent about fifteen days (give or take two or three) reading the Torah and New Testament. I spent about ten days (give or take two or three) reading the Prophets and the Writings. I did pick up speed the last few days because the minor prophets (and Chronicles) went VERY quickly. Momentum builds. 

My start date: November 21, 2023. My end date: December 13, 2023. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

88. 365 talks with Jesus

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

First sentence: Dear Parent, This little book is a collection of 365 simple, Bible-based prayers to spark conversations between your little ones and Jesus. We believe prayer—seeking Jesus every day, in every way—is the most transformational tool with which we can empower our children. And the earlier we start, the better. We have carefully written these prayers to be relatable to preschoolers, in language they can understand. Each short prayer can be read aloud by the parent and includes a quick, bold line for your child to repeat before saying, “Amen.”

This prayer book for young children [toddlers through lower elementary] contains 365 prayers. These prayers are arranged in thematically into sections: "When I Am Happy," "When I Am Sad," "When I Am Afraid," "When I Am Thankful," "When I Worry," "When I Am Angry," When I Feel Alone," "When Someone is Mean," "When I Need to Share," "When I Need Help," "When I Need to Forgive," When I Need Peace," "When I've Done Something Wrong," "When I Don't Know What To Do," "When I Have to Do Hard Things," "When I Don't Understand," "When I Wonder About God," "When I Wonder About Jesus," "When I Wonder About the Bible," "When I Wonder About Heaven."

The prayers are straight-forward, kid-friendly, relatable, concise, not overly flowery, not unnaturally rhyming. In other words, everything I personally think a kid's prayer book should be. 

My first impression is that I would have absolutely LOVED this book as a kid. I think I would have worn out a copy of it. Not because it being poorly made, but because I could imagine my younger self praying some of these sections through OFTEN. I appreciate the child's point of view that has been kept front and center. Will every reader find it authentic? I can only say that I found it authentic. 

As an adult I appreciate the doctrinal skeleton upon which these prayers are built. There is a strong biblical foundation. I feel--for whatever it's worth--that the author of these prayers is familiar with the Word of God, values the Word of God, upholds the Word of God as being the VERY (actual) Word of God. 

This book certainly could be read cover to cover, one prayer a day. BUT I think the value is in the fact that you can use it as a resource. As many times a day as you want, for example, and matching the prayer with the day's experiences and emotions. This book isn't necessarily something to "check off" a list, a "duty" to be done. It is a practical, in-the-moment guide to ease parents and young children into prayer. Again, I think the emphasis is not pray these exact prayers forever and ever. I think it is a way to train hearts and minds to talk naturally with God. I wouldn't be surprised if the ultimate goal was for little ones to begin praying their own words to God. 

Sample prayers [aka Quotes]

Dear Jesus, Just knowing that You are with me makes me happy. I love singing songs about You. I love reading about You. I love talking to You. Thank You for bringing so much joy! Amen.

Dear Jesus, The Bible reminds us that we are happy when we trust in You (Proverbs 16:20). It helps me feel safe and loved to know that You are always there. Thank You for being someone I can count on. Help me always to know that I can trust in You. Amen.

Dear Jesus, I know that You are powerful. I know that You made me, and You have known me from the very beginning. I know that You made me to have all kinds of feelings—feelings like sadness and happiness and excitement and anger. Thank You for caring about how I feel, Jesus. Amen.

Jesus, Sometimes when my mind and body are tired, they can make me cry. I know that my mind and body need rest. Thank You for giving us feelings to remind us of what we need. Help me to get the rest I need, Jesus. Amen.

When I’m sad or grumpy, I’m not always very nice. Instead of spreading joy, I make others feel bad. Jesus, help me to love others like You do. Help me to be nice to everyone around me, even when I don’t feel like being nice. Amen.

Dear Jesus, Being sad can sometimes feel like too much. Sometimes it can seem like no one understands. Sometimes it can seem like no one can fix it. But You can, Jesus. Help me remember to talk to You when I’m sad. Amen.

Dear Jesus, Sometimes I’m afraid of something that ends up being silly, like trying a new food. Sometimes I let my fear grow too big. And other times my fears are important. They keep me safe. Help me to know the difference. Jesus, please calm my fears. Amen.

Jesus, Thank You for the people I can go to when I’m afraid. Thank You for the people who listen to my fears. Thank You for the people who hold me close and tell me that I’m safe. Thank You, Jesus, for the people who help calm my fears. Amen.

Jesus, In the Bible, You say not to worry (Matthew 6:31). But I do. I worry about big things. I worry about little things. I worry about things I can’t control. So help me, Jesus. Help me not to worry. Amen.

Jesus, Sometimes when I’m angry, I do mean things that I shouldn’t. I use my hands and feet and body to show my anger and hurt other people. Please forgive me. Help me, Jesus, to use my words to tell why I am angry. Amen.

Oh, Jesus, You’ve given us the best gift! You give us Your peace. Your peace calms the storms. It cleans up the messes. It makes our hearts feel better when they are sad. Thank You, Jesus, for giving me Your peace. Amen.

Dear Jesus, The Bible tells us that when we have Your words in our heart, they help us choose right over wrong (Psalm 119:11). Jesus, help me to listen to and know the words You’ve given us. Jesus, help me to keep Your words in my heart so that I do the right thing. Amen.

Even when we think we do understand something, the Bible tells us not to depend on ourselves (Proverbs 3:5–6). It’s not that we shouldn’t learn and understand things, but that we should trust God more. Jesus, help me trust God more than the things I learn and understand. Amen.

I know that You are perfect. And I’m not. I can be mean and selfish and grumpy and stubborn. But the Bible tells us that You didn’t come to the world to tell us how bad we are. You came so that we could be saved (John 3:17). Thank You, Jesus, for saving me. Amen.

Jesus, Your Word tells us that the Bible was breathed out by God (2 Timothy 3:16). I imagine someone’s foggy breath on a cold day—maybe that’s like God’s holy breath creating the Bible. When I don’t know what to do, when I feel like God is far away, help me to remember to pick up my Bible. Jesus, help me to remember that the Bible is the breath of God. Amen.

Oh, Jesus, Help me to remember that the words You have given me aren’t just words. You said that they are spirit and life (John 6:63). They help me grow closer to You, and, when I obey them, they help me have the best life. Jesus, help me always to learn from the Bible so that I will have Your spirit and life. Amen.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

87. The Pine Tree Parable

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

First sentence: The farmer and his family grew all kinds of things all year 'round, like flowers, vegetables, and pumpkins. Their favorite things to grow were Christmas trees. "He plants a pine tree, and the rain makes it grow." Isaiah 44:14

Premise/plot: A family learns more about the true meaning of Christmas in this children's book. The farmer's wife--all the characters are nameless, not surprising since this one is aiming to be a parable--has reserved the absolute best pine tree for herself. Year after year the tree remains her pride and joy. It is not for sale. Others are for sale, I believe, and some are even free. When a poor family comes to the tree farm, the little girl falls in love with the gorgeous, amazing, not-for-sale tree, will the farmer's wife have a change of heart? 

My thoughts: This was definitely my first time reading The Pine Tree Parable. I think it's a solid story about the meaning of Christmas. I think there are many positive elements to the story. I don't know exactly that using this many verses out of context is to be praised offhand. But the story does flow nicely--out of context verses and all. 

The verses woven into the story: Isaiah 44:14, Ezekiel 31:7, Job 28:19, Proverbs 22:2, Ezekiel 31:5, Proverbs 13:12, Matthew 18:5, Proverbs 19:17, Galatians 5:14, 2 Corinthians 9:7, 2 Corinthians 8:9, 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

86. The Legend of the Candy Cane

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

First sentence: One dreary evening in the depths of November a stranger rode into town. He stopped his horse in front of a lonely storefront. The windows were boarded shut and the door was locked fast. But the man looked at it, smiled, and said, "It will do."

Premise/plot: This is a picture book "origin" story for the popular Christmas treat, the candy cane. Children learn from a candy maker (candy shop owner) the spiritual significance and symbolism used in the candy cane.

My thoughts: I liked this one well enough. I do love candy canes (though it is an extremely rare treat these days). I have heard most of these before though that might just be because I read this twenty-five years ago. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Sunday Salon #50

Currently reading:

NASB 77 (Nelson Royal Reference): Joshua; Judges; 1 Samuel; 2 Samuel; 1 Kings; 2 Kings; Isaiah 1-18; Psalms 24-150; Proverbs; Job; Song of Solomon; Ruth; Lamentations; 

NKJV Wide Margin Sovereign: 1 Chronicles 13-29; 2 Chronicles; Exodus; Leviticus; Hosea; Joel; Ephesians; Mark; Luke;

ESV with Apocrypha by Anglican House Publishers: Psalms 15-49

KJV Chronological Bible. I've finished the Old Testament. I'm now in the New Testament. I've read 1197 out of 1515 pages. 79% I am slowing down some--probably--for the New Testament. The layout was difficult in the Old Testament in places. In the sections they deemed "parallel passages" it was hard to actually read both in actuality. So I probably skimmed one side (at best) and read the other. 

Jewish New Testament Matthew; 1 Thessalonians; 2 Thessalonians (the book I took with me to the dentist)

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

85. The Book of Common Prayer: A Biography

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

First sentence: The Book of Common Prayer came into being as an instrument of social and political control. There will be much else to say about its origins, but here we must begin: the prayer book was a key means by which the great lords who ruled on behalf of the young King Edward VI consolidated English rule of the English church. In making one book according to which the whole country would worship, Cranmer and his allies were quite consciously dismantling an immense and intricate edifice of devotional practice. They had both theological and political reasons for doing this, but the immediate effect was political and was widely seen as such.

This book is a biography not of a person but of a book--a religious book, The Book of Common Prayer. The chapters are as follows:

One Book for One Country

Revision, Banishment, Restoration

Becoming Venerable

The Book in the Social World

Objects, Bodies, and Controversies

The Pressures of the Modern

Many Books for Many Countries

The Prayer Book and Its Printers

Many chapters are chronological--focusing on the history of the book--religious/theological, political, social, and actual history. But the later chapters focus less on history and are more thematically arranged. I really found the first half engaging and fascinating. It was packed with so much I didn't know but wanted to know. The later chapters were more on changing times and the falling apart of the church. Well, that is an exaggeration I'm sure. It isn't so much falling apart of "the church" as it is the falling apart of the "British Empire" and the "Church of England." The book does not particularly "hold" like-minded individuals together as "one" worshipping body. There is no "one" book of Common Prayer, each country, each denominational break off can publish their own revision of the prayer book. If it sounds like I have a problem with that, I don't. [My personal favorite is the 1928 American revision of the Book of Common Prayer.]

I enjoyed this one for the most part. It probably can come across as a bit dry if you do not bring an interest in the subject. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Sunday Salon #49

Current Bibles

RSV CE 2 (which I finished and reviewed this past week):1 Samuel; Jeremiah; Lamentations; Baruch; Romans; 1 Corinthians;  2 Samuel, Psalms; Ezekiel; 2 Corinthians; Galatians; Ephesians; Philippians; 1 Thessalonians; 2 Thessalonians; 1 Timothy; 2 Timothy; 1 Peter; 2 Peter; 1 John; 2 John; 3 John; Jude; Revelation; Gospel of John

NASB 77 (Nelson Royal Reference) Exodus 20-40; Leviticus; Numbers; Deuteronomy; John; Acts; Romans; 1 Corinthians; 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; Joshua 1-12; Psalms 1-23

KJV Giant Reference (which I finished and reviewed this past week): Psalms 119:105-176; 120-150; Acts; Romans; Job; Proverbs; Ecclesiastes; 2 Corinthians; Philippians; Colossians; 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; 

NKJV Wide Margin Sovereign Ruth; John; Genesis; Job; 1 Chronicles 1-12; Obadiah; Micah; Nahum; Jonah; Matthew; Galatians; 

ESV with Apocrypha by Anglican House Publishers -- Psalms 1-14;

KJV Chronological Bible. I've read the first 365 pages. It is arranged chronologically. Everything is all out of sorts, but I'm fairly certain I've read all of Genesis through Joshua and the book of Job. But I've also read a handful of verses from other places. I've read 365/1515 pages. 24% done.

NKJV bedtime: Psalms 1-41; Matthew; Mark; Romans; 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible