December Accomplishments

December Accomplishments:

• Posted my best books of 2016
• Wrote about my own ebenezer
• Attended the Nutcracker!
• Finished the NKJV Bible in 90 days project!
• Attended my great-aunt's funeral
• Joined Tim Challies' 2017 VT Reading Challenge
• Shared December's Scripture Chain

This month's Bible reading: November 27-December 31

NKJV

• Ezekiel 8-48
• Daniel
• Hosea
• Joel
• Amos
• Obadiah
• Jonah
• Micah
• Nahum
• Habakkuk
• Zephaniah
• Haggai
• Zechariah
• Malachi
• 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

NLT Beyond Suffering Bible

• Joshua
• Judges
• 1 Samuel
• 2 Samuel
• 1 Kings
• 1 Chronicles
• 2 Chronicles
• Ezra
• Nehemiah
• Psalms
• Song of Songs
• Hosea
• Joel
• Amos
• Obadiah
• Micah
• Nahum
• Habakkuk
• Zephaniah
• Haggai
• Zechariah
• Malachi
• Galatians
• Ephesians
• Philippians

Tyndale New Testament

• Matthew

ASV

• Genesis 1-5
• Ezra 1-5
• Matthew 1-5
• Acts 1-5

Books reviewed in December:

Christian fiction:

1. Everyman. Anonymous. 1485. 98 pages. [Source: Library; play; classic]
2. Newton and Polly. Jody Hedlund. 2016. Waterbrook. 400 pages. [Source: Library] 
3. Mary's Christmas Story. Teresa Olive. Illustrated by Nancy Munger. 1996. Concordia. 16 pages. [Source: Bought]
4. The Time of Christmas. Suzanne Richterkessing. 1999/2002. Concordia. 32 pages. [Source: Bought]
5. Mortimer's Christmas Manger. Karma Wilson. Illustrated by Jane Chapman. Simon & Schuster. 40 pages. [Source: Bought]
6. Song of the Stars. Sally Lloyd-Jones. Illustrated by Alison Jay. 2011. Zondervan. 32 pages. [Source: Bought]

Christian nonfiction:

1. Alive in the Spirit. A.W. Tozer. 2016. Bethany House. 192 pages. [Source: Review copy]
2. The Barbarians Are Here. Michael Youssef. 2017. 272 pages. [Source: Review copy] 
3. Beyond the 95 Theses. Stephen J. Nichols. 2016. P&R. 288 pages. [Source: Review copy]
4. The Dawning of Indestructible Joy. John Piper. 2013. 94 pages. [Source: Bought]
5. From Heaven: A 28 Day Advent Devotional. A.W. Tozer. 2016. Moody. 128 pages. [Source: Bought] 
6. God the Son Incarnate. Stephen J. Wellum. 2016. Crossway. 480 pages. [Source: Review copy]
7. Good News of Great Joy. John Piper. 2012. 70 pages. [Source: Bought] 
8. Help Heavenward: Guidance and Strength for the Christian's Life Journey. Octavius Winslow. Foreword by Joel R. Beeke. Banner of Truth. 195 pages. [Source: Bought]
9. Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room. Nancy Guthrie. 2010. 112 pages. [Source: Bought]
10. Sketch of the Life and Labors of George Whitefield. 1854. J.C. Ryle. 80 pages. [Source: Bought] 
11. You Can Change. Tim Chester. 2010. Crossway. 192 pages. [Source: Review copy] 
12. Zechariah. J. Vernon McGee. 1979/1997. Thomas Nelson. 204 pages. [Source: Bought]

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

December's Scripture Chain

• The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth. Lamentations 3:22-27
• The Father loves the Son and has given all things into his hand. (John 3:35)
• Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Psalm 100:3
• Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life. Most assuredly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear will live. John 5:24-25
• All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer. We are confident that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in the comfort God gives us. 2 Corinthians 1:3-7
• But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord God my refuge, That I may tell of all Your works. Psalm 73:28
• Glory ye in his holy name: Let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD. Seek ye the LORD and his strength; Seek his face evermore. Remember his marvellous works that he hath done; His wonders, and the judgements of his mouth Psalm 105:3-5
• Thine, O Lord is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all. 1 Chronicles 29:11
• I will sing of the steadfast love of the Lord, forever; with my mouth I will make known your faithfulness to all generations. Psalm 89:1
• I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have being. Psalm 104:33
• Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23:6

This month's inspiration: Choosing one promise from each monthly reflection
This month's translation: VARIOUS

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

November Accomplishments

November Accomplishments:

• I announced the 2017 Operation Deepen Faith challenge
• I announced the 2016-2017 Reformation Reading Challenge
• I announced the 2017 Cloud of Witnesses Challenge
• November's Scripture Chain focuses on hope, comfort, and encouragement. 
• I wrote several posts about food and feasting. 
• I shared a special post of my favorite C.S. Lewis quotes in celebration of his birthday.
• I celebrated my own birthday yesterday. (Yes, I share a birthday with C.S. Lewis!)
• Became very active on twitter. @operationbible if you want to follow me!
• Interesting articles I enjoyed: This Is My Body: How Christian Theology Affects Body Image, The Death of Narnia, Camelot, and The Brave New World, Why Christians Love Books, Theological Reflections on a Kidney Stone, Airbrushing Beth Moore.

This month's Bible Reading: October 30-November 26

NKJV

• 2 Chronicles
• Ezra
• Nehemiah
• Esther
• Job
• Psalms
• Proverbs
• Ecclesiastes
• Song of Songs
• Isaiah
• Jeremiah
• Lamentations
• Ezekiel 1-7
• John
• Acts

NLT

• Numbers
• Deuteronomy
• Ezekiel
• 1 Corinthians
• 2 Corinthians
• Hebrews
• James

Books Reviewed in November:

Christian fiction: 

1.  The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill. Julie Klassen. 2016. Bethany House. 448 pages. [Source: Review copy]

Christian nonfiction:

1. Hungry: Learning to Feed Your Soul with Christ. Rondi Lauterbach. 2016. P&R. 224 pages. [Source: Review copy] 
2. Rescuing the Gospel: The Story and Significance of the Reformation. Erwin W. Lutzer. 2016. Baker Books. 224 pages. [Source: Bought] 
3. John Bunyan and the Grace of Fearing God. Joel R. Beeke and Paul M. Smalley. 2016. 160 pages. [Source: Review copy] 
4. Jesus. A.W. Tozer. 2017. Moody. 208 pages. [Source: Review copy] 
5. Culture. A.W. Tozer. 2016. Moody. 176 pages. [Source: Review copy] 
6. Pursuing Health in an Anxious Age. Bob Cutillo, M.D. 2016. Crossway. 208 pages. [Source: Review copy]
7. Unlimited Grace. Bryan Chapell. 2016. Crossway. 192 pages. [Source: Review copy] 
8. Prophet, Priest, and King. Richard P. Belcher Jr. 2016. P&R Publishing. 236 pages. [Source: Review copy] 
9. Thru the Bible: Genesis 1-15. J. Vernon McGee. 1975. 204 pages. [Source: Bought] 
10. Thru the Bible: Genesis 16-33. J. Vernon McGee. 1975. 188 pages. [Source: Bought]
11. Thru the Bible: Genesis 34-50. J. Vernon McGee. 1975. 180 pages. [Source: Bought]
12. The Book of Jesus. Calvin Miller, ed. B&H. 576 pages. [Source: Bought]
13. Christmas is Coming! But Waiting is Hard! Karen Whiting. 2016. Abingdon Press. 112 pages. [Source: Review copy]
14. Hidden Christmas. Timothy Keller. 2016. 160 pages. [Source: Library] 
15. The Believer's Walk With Christ. John MacArthur. 2017. Moody. 160 pages. [Source: Review copy] 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

October Accomplishments

October Accomplishments

• Ten Hymns I'd Love Andrew Peterson to Record
• October's Scripture Chain
• Became very active on twitter. @operationbible if you want to follow me!
• Finished the ESV! I've been working on this translation since April!
• Reviewed the Beyond Suffering Bible 
• Finished my "microscope" journaling of Genesis using the HCSB
• Interesting articles I enjoyed: 4 Keys to Kindling Your Love for the Book of Revelation, 4 Great Reasons to Read Romans, Reading and Writing for the Glory of God, Why You Should Listen to Vivaldi's Four Seasons, 10 Things You Should Know About Interpreting the Bible

This month's Bible Reading September 25-October 29

NKJV

• Genesis
• Exodus
• Leviticus
• Numbers
• Deuteronomy
• Joshua
• Judges
• Ruth
• 1 Samuel
• 2 Samuel
• 1 Kings
• 2 Kings
• 1 Chronicles
• Matthew
• Mark
• Luke

ESV

• 1 Kings 7-22
• 2 Kings
• Isaiah
• Jeremiah
• Lamentations
• Ezekiel
• Luke
• John
• Acts
• Revelation

NLT Beyond Suffering Bible

• Genesis
• Exodus
• Leviticus
• Ruth
• Esther
• Job
• Ecclesiastes
• Jeremiah
• Lamentations
• Daniel
• Jonah
• Mark
• Romans
• Philemon
• 1 Peter 
• 2 Peter

HCSB

• Genesis 21-50
• Matthew 1-4

KJV

• Genesis 1-16

MEV

• Genesis 1-11

Books Reviewed in October

Christian fiction:

1. The Huntress of Thornbeck Forest. Melanie Dickerson. 2015. Thomas Nelson. 306 pages. [Source: Library]
2. The Beautiful Pretender. Melanie Dickerson. 2016. Thomas Nelson. 320 pages. [Source: Review copy]
3. The Devoted. Suzanne Woods Fisher. 2016. Revell. 336 pages. [Source: Review copy] 
4. This Road We Traveled. Jane Kirkpatrick. 2016. Revell. 340 pages. [Source: Review copy]
5. Flirtation Walk. Siri Mitchell. 2016. Bethany House. 384 pages. [Source: Library]

Christian nonfiction:  

1. Why The Reformation Still Matters. Michael Reeves and Tim Chester. 2016. Crossway. 224 pages. [Source: Review copy] 
2. Show Them Jesus: Teaching the Gospel to Kids. 2014. New Growth Press. 224 pages. [Source: Book I Bought]
3. Questioning Evangelism. Randy Newman. 2003. Kregel. 272 pages. [Source: Bought]
4. Full. Asheritah Ciuciu. 2017. Moody. 256 pages. [Source: Review copy]
5. Gleanings in Genesis. A.W. Pink. 1922. 420 pages. [Source: Bought]
6. Be Basic (Genesis 1-11) Warren W. Wiersbe. 2010. David C. Cook. 192 pages. [Source: Bought]
7. None Like Him. Jen Wilkin. 2016. Crossway. 163 pages. [Source: Review copy] 
8. Remember and Return. John MacArthur. 2016. Baker Books. 208 pages. [Source: Free]
9. Blessed: God's Gift of Love. Mary J. Moerbe and Christopher Mitchell. 2016. Concordia. 144 pages. [Source: Review copy]

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

September Accomplishments

September Accomplishments

• Became very active on twitter. @operationbible if you want to follow me!
• Finished the ERV (English Revised Version, 1885) which has been a "lifetime" goal for me. (Well, since I first discovered it existed about five or so years ago). 
• Started my "microscope" Bible reading project. Using the HCSB, I'm journaling my way through Genesis!
• Shared my first impressions of the NIV Journal the Word Bible
• Shared a top ten list. I thought long and hard about WHO I'd love to see record the song "Because He Lives."
• September's Scripture Chain

This month's Bible reading (August 28-September 24)

ERV

• Luke
• 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

ESV

• Genesis
• Exodus
• Leviticus
• Numbers
• Deuteronomy
• Joshua
• Judges
• Ruth
• 1 Samuel
• 2 Samuel
• Matthew
• Mark
• Romans
• 2 Corinthians
• 1 John
• 2 John
• 3 John
• Jude

Wycliffe New Testament, 1388

• Matthew

NASB

• 1 Thessalonians
• 2 Thessalonians

HCSB

• Genesis 1-23

Books I've Reviewed This Month:

Christian fiction:

1. Good Good Father. Chris Tomlin and Pat Barrett. 2016. Thomas Nelson. 32 pages. [Source: Review copy] 
2. The Revolt. Douglas Bond. 2016. P&R. 240 pages. [Source: Review copy]
3. Crossroads in Galilee. Elizabeth Raum. 2016. BJU Press. [Source: Review copy]

Christian nonfiction:

1. Unashamed: Healing Our Brokenness and Finding Freedom from Shame. Heather Davis Nelson. 2016. Crossway. 192 pages. [Source: Review copy]
2. Miracle Man. John Hendrix. 2016. Harry N. Abrams. 40 pages. [Source: Library]
3. Overcoming Sin and Temptation. John Owen. Edited by Justin Taylor and Kelly M. Kapic. 2006/2015. Crossway. 462 pages. [Source: Review copy] 
4. Don't Follow Your Heart. Jon Bloom. 2015. Desiring God. 196 pages. [Source: Downloaded for Free]
5. 52 Little Lessons from Les Miserables. Bob Welch. 2014. Thomas Nelson. 224 pages. [Source: Bought]
6. Song of Songs. Ian M. Duguid. 2016. P&R. 216 pages. [Source: Review copy]
7. Winning Balance. Shawn Johnson and Nancy French. 2012. Tyndale. 256 pages. [Source: Library]
8. What Grieving People Wish You Knew About What Really Helps (And What Really Hurts). Nancy Guthrie. 2016. Crossway. 192 pages. [Source: Review copy]
9. Voice of a Prophet. A.W. Tozer. 2014. Regal. 208 pages. [Source: Bought]
10. Unshakable. K. Scott Oliphint and Rod Mays. 2016. P&R. 160 pages. [Source: Review copy]
11. The Lion First Book of Bible Stories. Lois Rock. Illustrated by Barbara Vagnozzi. 2012. Lion Hudson. 96 pages. [Source: Library]

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

August Reflections

August Accomplishments

• Continued spending time with John Newton
• Started spending time with Johnny Cash
• Reviewed KJV Creedal Bible
• August's Scripture Chain was inspired by "He's Got The Whole World In His Hands."
• Enjoyed reading "The Rio Olympics and Calvin's Mission."
• Started using twitter to share some of my favorite tweet-sized quotes from the books I'm reading. I'm @operationbible if you want to follow.

This month's Bible reading (July 31-August 27)

ERV

• Isaiah 15-66
• Jeremiah
• Lamentations
• Ezekiel
• Daniel
• Hosea
• Amos
• Obadiah
• Jonah
• Micah
• Nahum
• Habakkuk
• Zephaniah
• Haggai
• Zechariah
• Malachi
• Matthew
• Mark

KJV

• Psalm 1-72
• 1 John
• 2 John 
• 3 John

ESV

• Psalm 31-150
• 1 Corinthians

NIV

• John

Books I've reviewed this month:

Christian fiction:

1. The Night Gardener. Jonathan Auxier. 2014. Abrams. 350 pages. [Source: Bought]
2. Where Hope Prevails (Return to the Canadian West #3). Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan. 2016. Bethany House. 320 pages. [Source: Review copy]
3. To Follow Her Heart. Rebecca DeMarino. 2016. Revell. 352 pages. [Source: Review copy]
4. A Changed Agent. Tracey J. Lyons. 2016. 229 pages. [Source: Library]
5. God Loves Me. Mary Alice Jones. Illustrated by Elizabeth Webbe. 1961. 30 pages. [Source: Bought]
6. God Is Good. Mary Alice Jones. Illustrated by Elizabeth Webbe. 1955. 30 pages. [Source: Bought]
7. My Little Golden Book About God. Jane Werner Watson. Illustrated by Eloise Wilkin. 1956. 24 pages. [Source: Gift]

Christian nonfiction:

1. Exalting Jesus in Leviticus. Allan Moseley. 2015. B&H. 288 pages. [Source: Bought]
2. When Trouble Comes. Philip Graham Ryken. 2016. Crossway. 176 pages. [Source: Review copy]
3. Being There. Dave Furman. 2016. Crossway. 176 pages. [Source: Review copy]
4. The Life We Never Expected. Andrew and Rachel Wilson. 2016. Crossway. 160 pages. [Source: Review copy]
5. Exalting Jesus in Ecclesiastes. Daniel L. Akin and Jonathan Akin. 2016. B&H. 288 pages. [Source: Review copy]
6. "Free Grace" Theology. Wayne Grudem. 2016. Crossway. 160 pages. [Source: Review copy]
7. Messiah: Fifty Expository Discourses Preached in the Years 1784 and 1785. John Newton. 432 pages. [Source: Bought]
8. Stressed Out. Todd Friel. 2016. New Leaf Press. 205 pages. [Source: Borrowed]

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

July Reflections

July Accomplishments

• Continued to spend time with John Newton (My Summer with John)
• July's Scripture Chain was inspired by Rock of Ages
• Reviewed George Jones' gospel album, Amazing Grace
• Shared two George Strait songs that reminded me of the book of Hosea
• Shared a quote from Todd Friel--Five reasons to not tell someone to 'ask Jesus into your heart.'
• Interesting posts that I read this month: "The Evangelical Drug of Choice," "Three Questions for Bible Journaling," "No Bible, No Breakfast," and "Stop Trying to Make the Bible Relevant to Teenagers." 

This month's Bible Reading (June 26-July 30):

ERV, 1885

• Exodus
• Leviticus
• Numbers
• Deuteronomy
• Joshua
• Judges
• Ruth
• 1 Samuel
• 2 Samuel
• 1 Kings
• 2 Kings
• 1 Chronicles 
• 2 Chronicles
• Ezra
• Nehemiah
• Esther
• Job
• Psalms
• Proverbs
• Ecclesiastes
• Song of Songs
• Isaiah 1-14

KJV

• John

ESV

• Psalms 1-30

Books I've reviewed this month:

Christian fiction:

1. Twenty and Ten. Claire Huchet Bishop. Illustrated by William Pene du Bois. 1952/1978. 76 pages. [Source: Bought] 

Christian nonfiction: 

1. Theologians You Should Know. Michael Reeves. 2016. Crossway. 336 pages. [Source: Review copy]
2. One of the Few. Jason B. Ladd. 2015. 297 pages. [Source: Review copy]
3. Judge Not. Todd Friel. 2015. 320 pages. [Source: Borrowed]
4. Blessed My Whole Life Through. Eldon Hatch. 2009. 88 pages. [Source: Gift] 
5. Big Beliefs: Small Devotionals Introducing Your Family to Big Truths. David R. Helm. 2016. P&R. 192 pages. [Source: Review copy] 
6. How Church Can Change Your Life. Josh Moody. 2015. Christian Focus Publications. 76 pages. [Source: Borrowed] 
7. David Brainerd: May I Never Loiter On My Heavenly Journey. John Piper. 2012. Desiring God. 34 pages. [Source: Free Download]

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

June Reflections

June Accomplishments:

• Shared from my journal some observations about Job
• Began spending time with John Newton (My Summer with John)
• Celebrated Eight Years of Blogging
• Used the Hamilton musical as a jumping off point for some big life questions
• Shared the gospel in my review of Life As We Knew It
• Shared ten reasons I love the library
• Listened to A SHORT HISTORY OF BIBLE CLUTTER
• Listened to GOD'S PECULIAR GLORY
• June's Scripture Chain

This months' Bible Reading (May 30-June 25)

NASB

• 1 Chronicles
• 2 Chronicles
• Ezra
• Nehemiah
• Esther
• Job
• Ecclesiastes
• Song of Solomon
• Daniel
• Nahum
• Habakkuk
• Zephaniah
• Haggai
• Zechariah
• Malachi
• Philippians
• Colossians
• 1 Thessalonians
• 2 Thessalonians
• 1 Timothy
• 2 Timothy
• Titus
• Philemon
• Hebrews
• James

ERV

• Genesis 

ESV

• James

NKJV

• Psalms

RSV

• Psalm 1-41

Books I've reviewed this month:

Christian fiction:

1. The Road to Paris. Nikki Grimes. 2006. 153 pages. [Source: Bought]  
2. First Virtues for Toddlers. Mary Manz Simon. 2016. B&H. 256 pages. [Source: Review copy] 
3. When Daddy Prays. Nikki Grimes. 2002. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

Christian nonfiction: 

1. The Joy Project. Tony Reinke. 2015. Desiring God. 122 pages. [Source: Bought]
2. Five Points: Towards a Deeper Experience of God's Grace. John Piper. 2013. 94 pages. [Source: Bought] 
3. Breaking the Islam Code. J.D. Greear. 2010. Harvest House. 176 pages. [Source: Bought]
4. The Five Love Languages of Children. Gary Chapman, D. Ross Campbell. 1995/2016. Moody Publishers. 224 pages. [Source: Review copy] 
5.  Exalting Jesus in Philippians. Tony Merida and Francis Chan. 2016. B&H. 209 pages. [Source: Review copy]
6. God Has A Wonderful Plan For Your Life. Ray Comfort. 2010. Living Waters. 128 pages. [Source: Borrowed]
7. How To Enjoy Reading Your Bible. Keith Ferrin. 2015. Bethany House. 176 pages. [Source: Bought]
8. Seasons of Waiting. Betsy Childs Howard. 2016. Crossway. 128 pages. [Source: Review copy]
9. Reading The Word of God In the Presence of God. Vern S. Poythress. 2016. Crossway. 464 pages. [Source: Review copy]

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

May Reflections

May Accomplishments:

• I interviewed my Mom for Mother's Day!
• I wrote a resources post for parents looking to train/raise up Christian families
• May's Scripture Chain celebrated singing
• Shared a personal post about my first year of living gluten-free, dairy-free, and egg-free

This months' Bible Reading (May 1-29)

ESV

• 2 Chronicles
• Job
• Proverbs
• Ecclesiastes
• Song of Solomon
• Hosea
• Joel
• Amos
• Obadiah
• Jonah
• Micah
• Nahum
• Habakkuk
• Zephaniah 
• 1 Thessalonians
• 2 Thessalonians
• 1 Timothy
• 2 Timothy
• Titus
• Philemon
• Hebrews
• 1 Peter (6)
• 2 Peter (6)

NASB

• 1 Kings
• 2 Kings
• Ezekiel
• Hosea
• Joel
• Amos
• Obadiah
• Jonah
• Micah
• 1 Corinthians
• 2 Corinthians
• Galatians
• Ephesians
• 1 Peter
• 2 Peter

Books I've reviewed this month:

Christian fiction:

1. Anchor in the Storm. Sarah Sundin. 2016. Revell. 400 pages. [Review copy]
2. The Quieting. Suzanne Woods Fisher. 2016. Revell. 352 pages. [Source: Review copy] 
3. The Rhyme Bible Storybook. L.J. Sattgast. Illustrated by Laurence Cleyet-Merle. 1996/2012. Zonderkidz. (Zondervan) 344 pages. [Source: Borrowed]

Christian nonfiction:  

1. Habits of Grace: Enjoying Jesus Through the Spiritual Disciplines. David Mathis. Foreword by John Piper. 2016. Crossway. 240 pages. [Source: Review copy]
2. The God We Worship. Edited by Jonathan L. Master. 2016. P&R Publishing. 192 pages. [Source: Review copy]
3. Heaven and the Afterlife. Erwin W. Lutzer. 2016. Moody Publishers. 480 pages. [Source: Review copy]
4. For the Glory: Eric Liddell's Journey From Olympic Champion to Modern Martyr. Duncan Hamilton. 2016. 400 pages. [Source: Library]
5. Severe Compassion: The Gospel According to Nahum. Gregory D. Cook. 2016. P&R Publishing. 288 pages. [Source: Review copy]
6. Passionate Preaching of Martyn Lloyd Jones. Steven J. Lawson. 2016. Reformation Trust. 180 pages. [Source: Borrowed]
7. Blood Work: How the Blood of Christ Accomplishes Our Salvation. Anthony J. Carter. 2013. Reformation Trust. 150 pages. [Source: Bought]
8. I Wonder: Engaging a Child's Curiosity about the Bible. Elizabeth Caldwell. 2016. Abingdon. 160 pages. [Source: Review copy]

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

April Reflections

April Accomplishments:

• I "hosted" Live Like You're Loved. Wrote many posts for it. Though no one participated--that I know of--besides myself. I hope the posts will be a blessing to someone no matter when they're read.
• My favorite Live Like You're Loved Post may just be my Ten for Every Day post
• I reviewed the Family Devotional Bible
• April's Scripture Chain (But as for me)

This Month's Bible Reading: (March 27-April 30)

NASB

• Joshua
• Judges
• Ruth
• 1 Samuel
• 2 Samuel
• Psalms
• Proverbs
• Isaiah
• Jeremiah
• Lamentations
• Matthew
• Mark
• Acts
• Romans
• 1 Peter
• 2 Peter
• 1 John
• 2 John
• 3 John
• Jude
• Revelation

ESV

• 1 Chronicles
• Ezra
• Nehemiah
• Esther
• Proverbs 1-23
• Daniel
• Jonah
• Haggai
• Zechariah
• Malachi
• Galatians
• Ephesians
• Philippians
• Colossians

Books I've Reviewed This Month:

Christian fiction:

1. No Other Will Do. Karen Witemeyer. 2016. Bethany House. 368 pages. [Source: Review copy]
2. No Graven Image. Elisabeth Elliot. 1966. 267 pages. [Source: Inter-Library-Loan]
3. C.S. Lewis at War: The Dramatic Story Behind Mere Christianity. Focus on the Family Radio Theatre. Tyndale. 2 Discs. [Source: Library]
   

Christian nonfiction: 

1. Why Christ Came: 31 Meditations on the Incarnation. Joel R. Beeke & William Boekestein. 2013. Reformation Heritage. 108 pages. [Source: Bought]
2. God's Word, Our Story. Learning from the Book of Nehemiah. D.A. Carson and Kathleen B. Nielson, editors. 2016. Crossway. 208 pages. [Source: Review copy]
3. Know the Creeds and Councils. Justin S. Holcomb. 2014. Zondervan. 183 pages. [Source: Bought]
4. 100 Bible Verses Everyone Should Know By Heart. Robert J. Morgan. 2010. B&H Publishing. 288 pages. 288 pages. [Source: Bought]
5. Looking for Lovely. Annie F. Downs. 2016. 208 pages. [Source: Review copy]
6. Experiencing the Trinity: The Grace of God for the People of God. Joe Thorn. 2015. Crossway. 144 pages. [Source: Library]
7.  The Pursuit of Holiness. Jerry Bridges. 1978. NavPress. 160 pages. [Source: Bought]  
8. Why Bother With Church? Sam Allberry. 2016. Good Book Company. [Source: Borrowed]  
9. Jesus Without Borders. Chad Gibbs. 2015. Zondervan. 240 pages. [Source: Library] 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

March Reflections

March Accomplishments:

• Join Live Like You're Loved in April
• 10 Reasons to Saturate your April with The Gospel
• A Tea Analogy  (On Meditation)
• March's Scripture Chain inspired by Because He Lives
• March's Bonus Scripture Chain inspired by The B-I-B-L-E
• Review of the NIRV Kids Study Bible
• Review of the KJV Study Bible, Second Edition
• Ten Jerry Bridges' Quotes I Love

This Month's Bible Reading (February 28-March 26)

NASB

• Deuteronomy
• Psalm 24-31
• Luke
• John

KJV

• 2 Chronicles 22-36
• Ezra
• Nehemiah
• Esther
• Ezekiel
• Daniel
• Zechariah
• Malachi

HCSB

• Psalm 1-25
• Romans
• 1 Corinthians
• 2 Corinthians
• Galatians
• Ephesians
• Philippians
• Colossians
• 1 Thessalonians
• 2 Thessalonians
• 1 Timothy
• 2 Timothy
• Titus
• Philemon
• Hebrews
• James

Living

• Romans
• 1 Peter
• 2 Peter
• 1 John
• 2 John
• 3 John
• Jude

NEB

• Galatians

NIrV

• Psalms
• Matthew
• Galatians
• Ephesians
• Philippians
• Colossians
• 1 Thessalonians
• 2 Thessalonians
• 1 Timothy
• 2 Timothy
• Titus
• Philemon

Books I've Reviewed This Month:

Christian fiction:

1. A Sweet Misfortune. Maggie Brendan. 2016. Revell. 336 pages. [Source: Review copy] [Historical Romance]
2. The Screwtape Letters. C.S. Lewis. 1942. HarperCollins. 224 pages. [Source: Bought] [Adult fantasy]
3. The Temple: Sacred Poems and Private Ejaculations. George Herbert. 1633. 192 pages. [Source: Library] [poetry]

Christian nonfiction:  

1. Habits for Our Holiness. Philip Nation. 2016. Moody Publishers. 224 pages. [Source: Review copy] [Christian living, spiritual disciplines, theology]
2. Touching the Hem: A Biblical Response to Physical Suffering. Elizabeth A. Johnson. 2013. Ambassador International. 160 pages. [Source: Bought] [christian living, suffering, christian nonfiction]
3. Lessons from a Hospital Bed. John Piper. 2016. Crossway. 80 pages. [Source: Free from Desiring God Ministries.] [Gift book, christian living, suffering]
4. A Peculiar Glory. John Piper. Crossway. 2016. 304 pages. [Source: Review copy] [book about the Bible, christian nonfiction, theology]
5. Parables. John MacArthur. 2015. Thomas Nelson. 288 pages. [Source: Gift from Grace to You] [book about the Bible, christian nonfiction]
6. Walking As He Walked. Joel R. Beeke. 2002/2007. 133 pages. [Source: Bought] [Christian living, christian nonfiction]
7. Hosea and Joel. J. Vernon McGee. 1978/1996. Thomas Nelson. 180 pages. [Source: Bought] [Bible commentary]
8. Mere Christianity. C.S. Lewis. 1943. 256 pages. [Source: Library] [Christian classic]
9. 1 Corinthians: The Word of the Cross. Stephen T. Um. 2015. Crossway. 368 pages. [Source: Review copy] [Bible commentary]
10. My Name is Mahtob. Mahtob Moody. 2015. Thomas Nelson. 352 pages. [Source: Library] [Memoir]
11. The Answer to Bad Religion is Not No Religion. Martin Thielen. 2014. Westminster John Knox. 160 pages. [Source: Library] [Not exactly recommended]
12. Healed of Cancer. Dodie Osteen. 1986/2003. Lakewood Church. 81 pages. [Source: Borrowed] [Definitely not recommended]

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

February Reflections

February Accomplishments:

• Wrote a post recommending 'activities' for Lent
• February's Scripture Chain is inspired by the hymn "Love Lifted Me."
• Continued journaling, which may not seem like an accomplishment, but as Mark Twain wrote, starting a journal is the easy part, sticking with it and 'finishing' it is near to impossible.
• Created a "Live Like You're Loved" playlist; I'm contemplating hosting a "Live Like You're Loved" event/challenge, maybe for the month of April?! Let me know if you'd be interested in hearing more about this. Video Link: Official Lyric Video, Hawk Nelson's Live Like You're Loved.
• Discovered the Gentle Reformation blog. 

What I've read in the Bible this month:

KJV

• 1 Samuel
• 2 Samuel
• 1 Kings
• 2 Kings
• 1 Chronicles
• 2 Chronicles
• Job
• Ecclesiastes
• Song of Solomon
• Isaiah
• Jeremiah
• Lamentations
• Hosea
• Joel
• Amos
• Obadiah
• Jonah
• Micah
• Nahum
• Habakkuk
• Zephaniah
• Haggai
• 1 John
• 2 John 
• 3 John

NASB

• Leviticus
• Numbers
• Psalms 13-

ESV

• Psalms 13-23
• Mark
• Galatians

Favorite verse:

You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will receive me to glory.
Whom have I in heaven but you?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. Psalm 73:24-25

Books I've reviewed this month:

Christian Fiction

1. The Prophetess. Jill Eileen Smith. 2016. Revell. 368 pages. [Source: Review copy] BIBLICAL FICTION

Christian Nonfiction

1. Judges and Ruth: God in Chaos. Barry G. Webb. 2015. Crossway. 304 pages. [Source: Review copy] BIBLE COMMENTARY
2. Is God Anti-Gay? And Other Questions About Homosexuality, the Bible and Same-Sex Attraction. Sam Allberry. 2013/2015. Good Book Co. 93 pages. [Source: Gift] CURRENT ISSUES
3. I am N: Inspiring Stories of Christians Facing Islamic Extremists. Voice of the Martyrs. 2016. David C. Cook. 304 pages. [Source: Review Copy] CURRENT ISSUES
4. Valley of Vision: A Collection of Prayers and Devotions. Arthur Bennett. 1975. Banner of Truth. 223 pages. [Source: Gift] DEVOTIONAL, POETRY, CHRISTIAN CLASSIC
5. Christ Among Other Gods. Erwin Lutzer. 1994/2016. Moody. 256 pages. [Source: Review copy] CURRENT ISSUES, CHRISTIAN LIVING, 
6. Best of A.W. Tozer (#1) A.W. Tozer. Compiled by Warren Wiersbe. 1978/2007. 251 pages. [Source: Bought] DEVOTIONAL, CHRISTIAN LIVING
7. Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon (Thru the Bible #21) J. Vernon McGee. 1977/1996. Thomas Nelson. 192 pages. [Source: Gift from Friend]  BIBLE COMMENTARY
8. A Tale of Two Sons: The Inside Story of a Father, His Sons, and a Shocking Murder. 2008. Thomas Nelson. 221 pages. [Source: Gift] CHRISTIAN LIVING, 
9. The Whole Christ: Legalism, Antinomianism, and Gospel Assurance--Why the Marrow Controversy Still Matters. Sinclair B. Ferguson. 2016. Crossway. 256 pages. [Source: Review copy] THEOLOGY, CHRISTIAN LIVING
10. Pleasing God. R.C. Sproul. 1994. Tyndale. 234 pages. [Source: Bought] CHRISTIAN LIVING, THEOLOGY
11. PROOF: Finding Freedom Through the Intoxicating Joy of Irresistable Grace. Daniel Montgomery and Timothy Paul Jones. 2014. Zondervan. 224 pages. [Source: Bought] CHRISTIAN LIVING, THEOLOGY    

Favorite quotes:

Christ’s commitment to his people does not depend on our capacity to remember, but on God’s capacity to sustain us and preserve us. It depends on a covenant that has been engraved in flesh and confirmed in blood. ~ Daniel Montgomery and Timothy Paul Jones, Proof

Dedication is not something you talk about; dedication to Christ is something you reveal. It will be manifested in your life. If your eye is upon Him, then His beauty will be reflected in you. ~ J. Vernon McGee, Song of Solomon

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

January Reflections

January Accomplishments:

Came home from the hospital after a rather extended completely unexpected 12 day stay

Focused on rest and recuperation after major surgery; discovered the sacred-ness of napping.

Celebrated being alive

Began reading books and reviewing them--at my own pace

Wrote a few 'best of 2015' or 'year in review' posts.  

Reviewed Glory to the Holy One, a hymn CD

My favorite 'discovery' this month is a post called: You Are Not a Number

January's Scripture Chain. What is a Scripture chain? Well, they are verses that link together in some way. It may be a common word, common phrase, a common theme or idea. Or the verses might when linked together show a progression of ideas or thoughts. 

Began journaling, a brand new "spiritual discipline" for me. 

What I've Read in the Bible this month:

KJV

• Genesis
• Exodus
• Leviticus
• Numbers
• Deuteronomy
• Joshua
• Judges
• Ruth
• Psalms
• Proverbs
• Matthew
• Mark
• Luke
• 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

NASB

• Genesis
• Exodus
• Psalm 1-12

Favorite verse: 

Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. John 17:17

Books I've Reviewed This Month:

1. Grace Untamed: A 60 Day Devotional. Edited by Elyse Fitzpatrick. 2016. [March] David C. Cook. 224 pages. [Source: Review copy] CHRISTIAN LIVING, DEVOTIONAL
2. Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life. Donald S. Whitney. 1991/2014. NavPress. 341 pages. [Source: Bought] CHRISTIAN LIVING
3. 1599 Geneva Bible. Tolle Lege Press. 1366 pages. [Source: Bought] NEW TESTAMENT REVIEW
4. True Worshipers: Seeking What Matters To God. Bob Kauflin. 2015. Crossway. 176 pages. [Source: Review copy] CHRISTIAN LIVING
5. Today is Day One: A Devotional. Matthew West. 2015. Harvest House. 224 pages. [Source: Review copy] DEVOTIONAL
6. Prayer. A.W. Tozer. Compiled by W.L. Seaver. 2016. Moody. 272 pages. [Source: Review copy] CHRISTIAN LIVING

Favorite quote(s):

If God didn’t reveal himself to us, we wouldn’t know who to trust, who to obey, who to thank, or who to serve. We wouldn’t know what God is like, what he has commanded, or what he has promised. Most importantly, we wouldn’t know how he brought us near to himself and into his family through the substitutionary sacrifice of his Son on the cross. And all those truths are necessary to know if we want to worship God for who he is. True worship is always a response to God’s Word. ~ Bob Kauflin, True Worshipers

Whatever keeps me from the Bible is my enemy, however harmless it may appear to be. Whatever engages my attention when I should be meditating on God and things eternal does injury to my soul. Let the cares of life crowd out the Scriptures from my mind and I have suffered loss where I can least afford it. Let me accept anything else instead of the Scriptures and I have been cheated and robbed to my eternal confusion. ~ A.W. Tozer, from That Incredible Christian.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible