Week in Review #35

This week's Bible reading


BSB (To The Word Read Plan)

• Deuteronomy 29-34
• Joshua
• Judges
• Ruth
• Mark 15-16
• Acts 
• Psalms 1, 2, 22, 45, 49, 50, 58, 95, 19, 106
• Proverbs 26, 31
• Colossians

KJV (Thompson Chain Reference which I finished this week)

• 2 Kings 5-25
• Psalms 140-150
• Proverbs
• Ecclesiastes
• 2 Corinthians
• 2 Timothy
• Titus
• Philemon
• Hebrews
• James
• 1 Peter
• 2 Peter
• 1 John
• 2 John
• 3 John
• Jude
• Revelation

CSB (Psalms only Scripture journal)

• Psalms 116-150

NASB 2020 (which I finished this week)

• 2 Kings 17-25
• 1 Chronicles
• 2 Chronicles
• Habakkuk
• Zephaniah
• Haggai
• Zechariah
• Malachi
• John 14-21
• Revelation

NKJV 

• Nehemiah 
• Esther
• Job
• Psalms 1-41

HCSB (Minister's Bible)

• Job
• Genesis
• Song of Songs
• Matthew 1-20

KJV (New Scofield Reference)

• 1 Chronicles
• 2 Chronicles
• Ezra
• Haggai
• Zechariah
• Luke 1-3

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

61. CSB Scripture Notebook: Psalms

61. CSB Scripture Notebook: Psalms. God. 2020. 432 pages. [Source: Bought] [5 stars, Psalter]

First sentence: How happy is the one who does not walk in the advice of the wicked or stand in the pathway with sinners or sit in the company of mockers!

Essentially this one is a psalter with a built-in journal. On the left hand side of each spread, the Scripture text appears--the Psalms in the Christian Standard Bible translation--and on the right side of each spread is a lined page for journaling. The paper has a slightly creamy color to it. (Though I've seen creamier pages in Bibles. But it definitely isn't white-white.) The font size is 12 point. 

I read this one using the Book of Common Prayer's psalter schedule. I did read the last two or three days on one day so that I could get this one reviewed by the end of the month. 

This one would be great for those who a) enjoy the CSB b) want to give the CSB a try c) want to deep dive into the Psalms d) are looking for a SUPER portable way to carry Scripture with them. 

The CSB is not my favorite translation. I have read it through a handful of times, and, it's just not my favorite translation. I don't particularly care for how they translate the psalms. I like my psalms to "sing" to have a literary beauty and elegance. However, I was glad to spend time with this book. I would love it even more if it was in one of my favorite translations. The weight of the book, the font size, the lay out, everything is quite good. 

Psalms 23

The Lord is my shepherd;
I have what I need.
He lets me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside quiet waters.
He renews my life;
he leads me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
Even when I go through the darkest valley,
I fear no danger,
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.
Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
as long as I live.

Psalms 100

Let the whole earth shout triumphantly to the Lord!
Serve the Lord with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
Acknowledge that the Lord is God.
He made us, and we are his—
his people, the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise.
Give thanks to him and bless his name.
For the Lord is good, and his faithful love endures forever;
his faithfulness, through all generations.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

60. The Bible, Simplified

60. The Bible, Simplified. Zach Windahl. 2025. 320 pages. [Source: Review copy] [4 stars, christian nonfiction]

First sentence: Raise your hand if you grew up going to church but still don't know the Bible. Or what if you're a new Christian but don't know where to begin. Or what if you're just curious about Jesus and figured the Bible is the best place to learn about him?

What you see is what you get, essentially, a simplified summary of the big picture of the Bible. The book contains forty chapters that present the basics of the Bible and the faith, emphasis on the Bible. I think the opening chapters are on the general basics of how to read the Bible and get started. I do think the last few chapters focus more on "what's next" or "next steps." 

The chapters are arranged, I believe, with a chronological approach to understanding the big picture of the Bible. The focus is on SUMMARY and a simplified summary at that. It is not a Bible commentary. It doesn't deep dive into the details, or "go into the grass" if you will. It focuses on the 'big picture' basics of the Bible. What are the bare basics that would help a new reader to the Bible actually keep reading the Bible. Each chapter has shorter recaps and directs focus to Jesus. (Well, most of the chapters.)

I will say that this one does have a few theological biases. However, I think the biases lean towards what many believe. I hesitate to use the word majority because that would be mere speculation and theoretical. I just mean that while I personally found a few sentences to be questionable, I think, many readers will read past those sentences without blinking twice. The book does NOT hold to Reformed theology. If you're not sure what Reformed theology is, then likely you are not Reformed and it would not be an issue anyway. Reformed does refer in part to the views held by the Reformers--Protestant Reformation days. 

Like any christian nonfiction book, if you read with discernment and judge everything against the Word of God, then this book would certainly be worth considering. 

The primary audience is those new to reading the Bible. If you have read and studied the Bible, and, you are not a parent or Sunday School teacher, then, this one might not be the best fit for you. If you are a parent or Sunday School teacher, then, I think you could read this one to get ideas on how to 'teach' others how to read the Bible. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

10. NASB 2020 Giant Print Reference Bible

10. NASB 2020 Giant Print Reference Bible, Holman Published. 2022. 1776 pages. [Source: Bought] [5 stars, Bible]

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

Start date: June 30, 2025

End date: August 27, 2025

This was my fifth time, I believe, to read the NASB 2020. I remain undecided on if I love this particular update of the NASB. I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, ALL THE LOVE the NASB 77 and I love, love, love, love, crazy love the NASB 95. I really LOVE the NASB 1973 as well. So without a doubt, I love the tradition of the New American Standard Bible. I don't know that I have any current plans to reread the NASB 2020 any time soon. 

This is a giant print reference Bible published by Holman Bible publishers. It is GIANT PRINT. Not just large or extra large, but giant. If you need a giant print Bible, this would be a good fit perhaps.

Double column

Words of Christ in red

Psalm 23:1-6

The Lord is my shepherd,
I will not be in need.
He lets me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside quiet waters.
He restores my soul;
He guides me in the paths of righteousness
For the sake of His name.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I 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.
Certainly goodness and faithfulness will follow me all the days of my life,
And my dwelling will be in the house of the Lord forever.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

9. KJV Thompson Chain Reference (2022)

9. KJV Thompson Chain Reference Bible. God. 1923 pages. [Source: Bought] [5 stars, Bible]

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

Start date: June 26, 2025

End date: August 27, 2025

I've read through the Thompson Chain Reference Bible in several translations--the KJV, the NIV 84, the NASB 77, and the NASB 95. Zondervan acquired the Thompson Chain Reference and they have been republishing the Bible. [Newer layout, slightly rearranging the study helps, etc.] It is now available in Zondervan's "easy-to-read" Comfort Print. (Each translation has their own "Comfort Print.") It is now line-matched as well. Also included in this 'refresh' is the addition of color accents; that is color accents beyond just the Words of Christ being in red. 

It is double columned.

The Words of Christ are in red.

The font size is 9.5 which I think--particularly for a Thompson Chain Reference Bible--is larger than one might expect. The older Thompson Chain Reference Bibles do have a smaller font, I believe.

I love, love, love, love, LOVE the King James Version. I do. It is one of my favorite translations. 

I also have a 'weakness' for the Thompson Chain Reference Bible. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Week in Review #34

Bible reading

BSB (To the Word Reading Plan)

• Numbers 11-36
• Deuteronomy 1-28
• Psalms 44, 78, 79, 80
• 1 Corinthians
• Mark 1-14

CSB (Psalms only)

• Psalms 86-115

KJV

• 1 Kings 
• 2 Kings 1-4
• Psalms 105-139
• Romans 
• 1 Corinthians
• Ephesians
• Philippians
• Colossians
• 1 Thessalonians
• 2 Thessalonians
• 1 Timothy

NKJV

• 2 Samuel 15-24
• 1 Kings
• 2 Kings
• 1 Chronicles
• 2 Chronicles
• Ezra 

NASB 2020

• 2 Samuel 13-24
• 1 Kings
• 2 Kings 1-16
• Psalms 136-150
• Ezekiel 35-48
• Daniel
• Hosea
• Joel
• Amos
• Obadiah
• Jonah
• Micah
• Nahum
• John 7-13
• 1 Peter
• 2 Peter
• 1 John
• 2 John
• 3 John
• Jude

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

59. The River of Grace

59. The River of Grace: A Story of John Calvin. Joyce McPherson. 1998. 180 pages. [Source: Bought] [biography, children's book, 5 stars]

First sentence: John brandished his stick in the air. "I am Sir John and I declare that I will go on a pilgrimage to the Holy City." He looked fiercely into the summer sun as he imagined a brave knight would.

The River of Grace is a children's biography of John Calvin. It opens with a young John Calvin in the year 1517 playing knights with a childhood friend, a young boy passionate about the Church and her mission. It follows him through the years, the decades, as he slowly but surely becomes a Reformer--someone who believes that the Bible should be translated into the language of the people AND read, studied, treasured above the traditions of the church and church elders. This was not an overnight transition, but a slow reckoning of convictions, of being led by the Spirit as he read and studied. 

I loved this book so much. I am SO glad that I thrifted a copy. It was written well. It was not 'dry,' 'dull,' or 'boring.' It is written as a compelling narrative. I would say that it leans towards fiction at times in that it does make use of dialogue between the characters. I think it stays true to what we know of his life and times, but, certainly it allows for some creativity in dialogue. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Week in Review #33

Bible reading

BSB To the Word

• Exodus 22-40
• Psalms 6, 146
• 1 Peter, 2 Peter
• Galatians
• Hebrews
• Ephesians
• 1 John, 2 John, 3 John,
• Jude
• Leviticus
• Numbers 1-10

KJV

• 1 Samuel 19-31
• 2 Samuel 
• Psalms 78-104
• Habakkuk
• Zephaniah
• Haggai
• Zechariah
• Malachi
• Acts
• Galatians

NKJV

• Joshua
• Judges
• Ruth
• 1 Samuel
• 2 Samuel 1-14

NASB 2020

• 1 Samuel 
• 2 Samuel 1-12
• Psalms 110-135
• Jeremiah 31-52
• Lamentations
• Ezekiel 1-34
• Luke 19-24
• John 1-6
• Hebrews 2-13
• James

CSB

• Psalms 50-85

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Week in Review #32

Bible reading

BSB (To the Word reading plan)

• Genesis 8-50
• Exodus 1-21
• John 6-21; 
• Psalms 31, 105, 90
• Galatians
• 1 Corinthians 10, Acts 7, Hebrews 11, Matthew 5-7

CSB (Psalms only)

• Psalms 15-49

KJV (Thompson Chain Reference)

• Judges 
• Ruth
• 1 Samuel 1-18
• Psalms 53-77
• Hosea
• Joel
• Amos 
• Obadiah
• Jonah
• Micah
• Nahum
• John 9-21

NKJV (746)

1. Exodus 16-40
2. Leviticus
3. Numbers
4. Deuteronomy 

NASB 2020

• Joshua
• Judges
• Ruth
• Psalms 93-109
• Isaiah 52-66
• Jeremiah 1-30
• Luke 9-18
• 2 Thessalonians
• 1 Timothy
• 2 Timothy
• Titus
• Philemon
• Hebrews 1

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

8. New King James Version, Audio

8. New King James Version. Audio Bible. Narrated by Tinasha LaRay. God. Accessed through YouVersion Bible App. 1982 for NKJV translation. Not sure when the audio was recorded. [5 stars, Bible, audio book]

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

Start date: January 22, 2025

End date: August 1, 2025

Brief thoughts on the NKJV translation: This translation is in my top five. I do love it. I do use it. I do keep coming back to it. 

I listened to the NKJV audio bible narrated by Tinasha LaRay on YouVersion over many months--January through July essentially. I was following a specific Bible reading plan: "Reading God's Story" by George Guthrie, I believe. It is a chronological reading plan. YouVersion currently has two narrators for the NKJV. 

This was my first time to listen to the Bible all the way through using an audio Bible. I found the narration to be good, pleasant, uplifting for the most part. It was clear and easy to understand. While the words were annunciated, they did not seem overly emphasized or unnaturally emphasized. The narration was smooth and had a flow to it. 

I listened for the most part while doing more 'mundane' (but necessary) tasks: prepping meals, cooking, cleaning, checking emails, etc. This was never my 'main' way to feed--to feast--on the Word of God. I think I'll always prefer a print Bible for that. However, this was a way to absorb the Word in bits and pieces as I went about my daily life. As such because it never had my absolute sole attention, I do feel I probably missed bits and pieces that if this was my only 'reading' of the Bible I would have regrets about my split attention. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Week in Review #31

Bible reading

NKJV audio 

• 1 and 2 Corinthians
• Acts 20-28
• Romans
• Philippians
• Philemon
• Colossians
• Ephesians
• Titus
• Hebrews
• 1 and 2 Timothy
• 1 and 2 Peter
• 1, 2, 3 John
• Jude
• Revelation

NKJV 746 (Compact)

• Genesis
• Exodus 1-15

KJV

• Deuteronomy 17-34
• Joshua
• Psalms 31-51
• Ezekiel 15-48
• Daniel
• Luke 21-24
• John 1-8

ESV

• Psalms 132-150
• James
• 1 Peter
• 2 Peter
• 1, 2, 3 John
• Jude
• Revelation 

CSB

• Psalms 1-14

NASB 2020

• Numbers 25-36
• Deuteronomy
• Psalms 72-92
• Isaiah 13-51
• Mark 13-16
• Luke 1-8
• Galatians
• Ephesians
• Philippians
• Colossians
• 1 Thessalonians  

BSB

• Psalms 119
• Genesis 1-7
• John 1-5

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible