Give Thanks: Conclusion

If you joined me in reading Psalms in the month of November, I'd love to hear about your experience! 

Did you read the thirty selected psalms? 1, 19, 23, 25, 27, 32, 34, 37, 42, 46, 47, 51, 57, 63, 66, 71, 84, 91, 95, 98, 100, 103, 107, 119, 121, 130, 138, 139, 145, 148.

OR. Did you read the whole book of Psalms?

Did you learn anything about God? Did it change your perspective? Did you learn anything about yourself? 

What were some of your favorite Psalms?    

Let us strive, every year we live, to become more deeply acquainted with Scripture. Let us study it, search into it, dig into it, meditate on it, until it dwell in us richly. (Colossians 3:16.) In particular, let us labor to make ourselves familiar with those parts of the Bible which, like the book of Psalms, describe the experience of the saints of old. We shall find it most helpful to us in all our approaches to God. It will supply us with the best and most suitable language both for the expression of our needs and thanksgivings. Such knowledge of the Bible can doubtless never be attained without regular, daily study. But the time spent on such study is never misspent. It will bear fruit after many days. ~ J.C. Ryle, Expository Thoughts on the Gospel of Luke

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Giving Thanks #30 Wycliffe New Testament

A few years ago, I read and loved (really, really, really loved) the Wycliffe New Testament which was first published in 1388. The edition I read was "The Wycliffe New Testament 1388. transcribed by W.R. Cooper Into Modern Spelling." It is published by The British Library in association with The Tyndale Society. It is a translation of the Latin Vulgate into English. It wasn't that influential in terms of other English translations (Tyndale, Geneva Bible, King James Version) but it was an early English translation. 

From Matthew 1:

But the generation of Christ was thus. When Mary, the mother of Jesus, was spoused to Joseph, before they came together she was found having of the Holy Ghost in the womb. And Joseph, her husband, for he was rightful and would not publish her, he would privily have left her. But while he thought these things, lo, the angel of the Lord appeared in sleep to him and said, Joseph, the son of David, nil thou dread to take Mary, thy wife, for that thing that is born in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bear a son, and thou shall call his name Jesus, for He shall make His people safe from their sins. For all this thing was done that it should be fulfilled that was said of the Lord by a prophet, saying, Lo, a virgin shall have in womb, and she shal bear a Son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel, that is to say, God with us. And Joseph rose from sleep and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took Mary his wife. And he knew her not till she had borne her first begotten son, and called His name Jesus.

From Matthew 7:

Nil ye deem, that ye be not deemed. For in what doom ye deem, ye shall be deemed, and in what measure ye mete, it shall be meted again to you. But what see thou a little mote in the eye of thy brother, and see not a beam in thine own eye? Or how say thou to thy brother, Brother, suffer I shall do out a mote from thine eye, and lo, a beam is in thine own eye? Hypocrite! Do thou out first the beam of thine eye, and then thou shall see to do out the mote of the eye of thy brother. Nil ye give holy things to hounds, neither cast ye your margarites before swine, lest peradventure they defoul them with their feet and are turned and all to-tear you. Ask ye, and it shall be given to you. Seek ye, and ye shall find. Knock ye, and it shall be opened to you. For each that asks, takes; and he that seeks, finds; and it shall be opened to him that knocks.

From Luke 2:

And shepherds were in the same country, waking and keeping the watches of the night on their flock. And lo, the angel of the Lord stood beside them, and the clearness of God shone about them, and they dreaded with great dread. And the angel said to them, Nil ye dread, for lo, I preach to you a great joy that shall be to all people. For a Savior is born today to you that is Christ the Lord in the city of David. And this is a token to you, ye shall find a young child lapped in clothes and laid in a cratche. And suddenly there was made with the angel a multitude of heavenly knighthood, herying God and saying, Glory be in the highest things to God, and in earth peace to men of good will. And it was done, as the angels passed away from them into heaven, the shepherds spoke together and said, Go we over to Bethlehem and see we this word that is made, which the Lord has made and shown to us.

From John 6:

Therefore Jesus answered and said to them, Nil ye grouch together. No man may come to Me but if the Father that sent Me draw him, and I shall again-raise him in the last day.

From John 14:

Be not your heart afeared, nor dread it. Ye believe in God, and believe ye in Me. In the house of My Father are many dwellings. If anything less, I had said to you, for I go to make ready to you a place. And if I go and make ready to you a place, eftsoons I come, and I shall take you to Myself, that where I am, ye are. And whither I go, ye wit, and ye wit the way.

From John 15:

I am a very vine, and My Father is an earth-tiller. Each branch in Me that bears not fruit, He shall take away it. And each that bears fruit, He shall purge it that it bear the more fruit. Now ye are clean for the word that I have spoken to you. Dwell ye in Me and I in you. As a branch may not make fruit of itself but it dwell in the vine, so neither ye, but ye dwell in Me. I am a vine, ye are the branches.

From Hebrews 4 in the Wycliffe Bible:

For the word of God is quick and speedy in working, and more able to pierce than any twain-edged sword, and stretches forth to the departing of the soul and of the spirit, and of the jointures and marrows, and deemer of thoughts and of intents and hearts. And no creatures is unvisible in the sight of God. For all things are naked and open to His eyes, to whom a word to us. Therefore we that have a great Bishop that pierced heavens, Jesus the Son of God, hold we the acknowledging of our hope. For we have not a bishop that may not have compassion on our infirmities, but was tempted by all things by likeness--without sin. Therefore go we with trust to the throne of His grace, that we get mercy and find grace in covenable help.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Giving Thanks #29 Bible Promises

From How To Find God in the Bible by Woodrow Kroll:

There is much about God that you would never know apart from His Word. Sure, you may become convinced that God exists by what you see in the world. You may even philosophically come to the conclusion that the order in our universe demands an almighty Creator to bring it about. But if the Bible had never been written, think about all the things you would never know about God.

Without a Bible, you would never know that "God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16)

Without a Bible, you would never know that God "will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You" (Isaiah 26:3, NKJV)

Without a Bible, you would never know that "the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him" (2 Chronicles 16:9)

Without a Bible you would never know that "those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint" (Isaiah 40:31)

Without a Bible, you would never know that God takes no pleasure in punishing sinners: "Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Sovereign LORD. Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?" (Ezekiel 18:23)

Without a Bible, you would never hear Jesus' invitation: "Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28).

Without a Bible, you would never realize that "salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved," but the name Jesus (Acts 4:12).

Without a Bible, you would never know that "there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men" (1 Timothy 2:5-6)

Without a Bible, you would not have God's promise that "all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28, NKJV)

Without a Bible, you would not appreciate that "if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Without a Bible, you would not recognize the fact that "it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God" (Ephesians 2:8)

Without a Bible, you would never guess that a day is coming when God "will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away" (Revelation 21:4)

Without a Bible, you would not be encouraged, "Behold I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End" (Revelation 22:12-13) 

Without a Bible, you would know very little about God, His character, His promises and plans for you, or what awaits you in the future. All this and more is revealed only through the pages of His Word. If you want to encounter God and His truth, becoming one with nature just isn't enough. (28-30)

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Giving Thanks #28 KJV Dramatized Bible

I have always wanted to find an audio bible to love. Always. But I've had problems in the past. Either I loved the Bible translation and really really really did not like the narration. Or. I liked the narration just fine, but did not really care for the translation. So when I discovered that Bible Gateway had audio bibles, I was curious--very, very curious. I ended up LOVING, absolutely LOVING the KJV Dramatized Audio Bible. So far I've listened to

Genesis
Exodus
Psalms 130-150
Luke
John
1 Corinthians
Philippians
Colossians

So I think it's fair to say it is LOVE.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Giving Thanks #26 Election

IF there were no other text in the sacred Word except this one [2 Thessalonians 2:13-14], I think we should all be bound to receive and acknowledge the truthfulness of the great and glorious doctrine of God’s ancient choice of his family. But there seems to be an inveterate prejudice in the human mind against this doctrine; and although most other doctrines will be received by professing Christians, some with caution, others with pleasure, yet this one seems to be most frequently disregarded and discarded. In many of our pulpits it would be reckoned a high sin and treason to preach a sermon upon election, because they could not make it what they call a “practical” discourse. Whatever God has revealed, he has revealed for a purpose. There is nothing in Scripture which may not, under the influence of God’s Spirit, be turned into a practical discourse: for “all Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable” for some purpose of spiritual usefulness. It is true, it may not be turned into a free-will discourse—that we know right well—but it can be turned into a practical free-grace discourse: and free-grace practice is the best practice, when the true doctrines of God’s immutable love are brought to bear upon the hearts of saints and sinners. ~ Charles Spurgeon, Election

To confess you were wrong yesterday, is only to acknowledge that you are a little wiser to-day; and instead of being a reflection on yourself, it is an honour to your judgment, and shows that you are improving in the knowledge of the truth. Do not be ashamed to learn, and to cast aside your old doctrines and views, but to take up that which you may more plainly see to be in the Word of God. ~ Charles Spurgeon, Election

We must not stand on the Bible to preach, but we must preach with the Bible above our heads. After all we have preached, we are well aware that the mountain of truth is higher than our eyes can discern; clouds and darkness are round about its summit, and we cannot discern its topmost pinnacle; yet we will try to preach it as well as we can. ~ Charles Spurgeon, Election

Now, first, I shall speak a little concerning the truthfulness of this doctrine: “God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation.” Secondly, I shall try to prove that this election is absolute: “He hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation,” not for sanctification, but ”through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth.” Thirdly, this election is eternal, because the text says, “God hath from the beginning chosen you.” Fourthly, it is personal: “He hath chosen you.” Then we will look at the effects of the doctrine—see what it does; and lastly, as God may enable us, we will try and look at its tendencies, and see whether it is indeed a terrible and licentious doctrine. ~ Charles Spurgeon, Election

I love to proclaim these strong old doctrines, which are called by nickname Calvinism, but which are surely and verily the revealed truth of God as it is in Christ Jesus. By this truth I make a pilgrimage into the past, and as I go, I see father after father, confessor after confessor, martyr after martyr, standing up to shake hands with me. Were I a Pelagian, or a believer in the doctrine of free-will, I should have to walk for centuries all alone. Here and there a heretic of no very honourable character might rise up and call me brother. But taking these things to be the standard of my faith, I see the land of the ancients peopled with my brethren—I behold multitudes who confess the same as I do, and acknowledge that this is the religion of God’s own church. ~ Charles Spurgeon, Election 

The great truth is always the Bible, and the Bible alone. My hearers, you do not believe in any other book than the Bible, do you? ~ Charles Spurgeon, Election 

Just let me run through a catalogue of passages where the people of God are called elect. Of course if the people are called elect, there must be election. If Jesus Christ and his apostles were accustomed to style believers by the title of elect, we must certainly believe that they were so, otherwise the term does not mean anything. Jesus Christ says, “Except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved; but for the elect’s sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.” “False Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.“ “Then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven” (Mark 13:20,22,27). “Shall not God avenge his own elect, who cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?” (Luke 18:7). Together with many other passages which might be selected, wherein either the word “elect,” or “chosen,” or “foreordained,” or “appointed” is mentioned; or the phrase “my sheep” or some similar designation, showing that Christ’s people are distinguished from the rest of mankind. Throughout the epistles, the saints are constantly called “the elect.” In the Colossians we find Paul saying, “Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies.” When he writes to Titus, he calls himself, “Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect.“ Peter says, ”Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father.” Then if you turn to John, you will find he is very fond of the word. He says, “The elder to the elect lady”; and he speaks of our ”elect sister.” And we know where it is written, “The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you.” They were not ashamed of the word in those days; they were not afraid to talk about it. Now-a-days the word has been dressed up with diversities of meaning, and persons have mutilated and marred the doctrine, so that they have made it a very doctrine of devils, I do confess; and many who call themselves believers, have gone to rank Antinomianism. ~ Charles Spurgeon, Election

But now for the verses that will positively prove the doctrine. Open your Bibles and turn to John 15:16, and there you will see that Jesus Christ has chosen his people, for he says, “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” Then in the 19th verse, “If ye were of the world, the world would love his own; but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.” Then in the 17th chapter and the 8th and 9th verses, “For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me. I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.” Turn to Acts 13:48: “And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord; and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.” They may try to split that passage into hairs if they like; but it says, “ordained to eternal life” in the original as plainly as it possibly can; and we do not care about all the different commentaries thereupon. You scarcely need to be reminded of Romans 8, because I trust you are all well acquainted with that chapter and understand it by this time. In the 29th and following verses, it says, “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the first-born among many brethren. Moreover, whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified; and whom he justified, them he also glorified. What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay anything to the charge of God’s elect?” It would also be unnecessary to repeat the whole of the 9th chapter of Romans. As long as that remains in the Bible, no man shall be able to prove Arminianism; so long as that is written there, not the most violent contortions of the passage will ever be able to exterminate the doctrine of election from the Scriptures. Let us read such verses as these—“For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth; it was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger.” Then read the 22nd verse, “What if God, willing to show his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction. And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory.” Then go on to Romans 11:7—“What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded.” In the 5th verse of the same chapter, we read—“Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.” You, no doubt, all recollect the passage in I Corinthians 1:26-29: “For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: but God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things which are: that no flesh should glory in his presence.” Again, remember the passage in I Thessalonians 5:9—“God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ.” ~ Charles Spurgeon, Election

If you love religion, he has chosen you to it. If you desire it, he has chosen you to it. If you do not, what right have you to say that God ought to have given you what you do not wish for? Supposing I had in my hand something which you do not value, and I said I shall give it to such-and-such a person, you would have no right to grumble that I did not give to you. You could not be so foolish as to grumble that the other has got what you do not care about. If you believe them to be good and desire them, they are there for thee. God gives liberally to all those who desire; and first of all, he makes them desire, otherwise they never would. If you love these things, he has elected you to them, and you may have them; but if you do not, who are you that you should find fault with God, when it is your own desperate will that keeps you from loving these things—your own simple self that makes you hate them? ~ Charles Spurgeon, Election

Faith is the gift of God. Every virtue comes from him. Therefore it cannot have caused him to elect men, because it is his gift. Election, we are sure, is absolute, and altogether apart from the virtues which the saints have afterwards. ~ Charles Spurgeon, Election

And, next, the election is PERSONAL. Here again, our opponents have tried to overthrow election by telling us that it is an election of nations, and not of people. But here the Apostle says, “God hath from the beginning chosen you.“ It is the most miserable shift on earth to make out that God hath not chosen persons but nations, because the very same objection that lies against the choice of persons, lies against the choice of a nation. If it were not just to choose a person, it would be far more unjust to choose a nation, since nations are but the union of multitudes of persons, and to choose a nation seems to be a more gigantic crime—if election be a crime—than to choose one person. Surely to choose ten thousand would be reckoned to be worse than choosing one; to distinguish a whole nation from the rest of mankind, does seem to be a greater extravaganza in the acts of divine sovereignty than the election of one poor mortal and leaving out another. But what are nations but men? What are whole peoples but combinations of different units? A nation is made up of that individual, and that, and that. And if you tell me that God chose the Jews, I say then, he chose that Jew, and that Jew, and that Jew. And if you say he chooses Britain, then I say he chooses that British man, and that British man, and that British man. So that is the same thing after all. Election then is personal: it must be so. ~ Charles Spurgeon, Election

I tell you—the chief of sinners—this morning, I tell you in his name, if you will come to God without any works of your own, cast yourself on the blood and righteousness of Jesus Christ; if you will come now and trust in him, you are elect—you were loved of God from before the foundation of the world, for you could not do that unless God had given you the power, and had chosen you to do it. Now you are safe and secure if you do but come and cast yourself on Jesus Christ, and wish to be saved and to be loved by him. But think not that any man will be saved without faith and without holiness. ~ Charles Spurgeon, Election

Lay not election as a pillow for you to sleep on, or you may be ruined. God forbid that I should be sewing pillows under armholes that you may rest comfortably in your sins. ~ Charles Spurgeon, Election

First, I think election, to a saint, is one of the most stripping doctrines in all the world— to take away all trust in the flesh, or all reliance upon anything except Jesus Christ. How often do we wrap ourselves up in our own righteousness, and array ourselves with the false pearls and gems of our own works and doings. We begin to say “Now I shall be saved, because I have this and that evidence.” Instead of that, it is naked faith that saves; that faith and that alone unites to the Lamb, irrespective of works, although it is productive of them. How often do we lean on some work, other than that of our own Beloved, and trust in some might, other than that which comes from on high. Now if we would have this might taken from us, we must consider election. Pause my soul, and consider this. God loved thee before thou hadst a being. He loved thee when thou wast dead in trespasses and sins, and sent his Son to die for thee. He purchased thee with his precious blood ere thou couldst lisp his name. Canst thou then be proud? I know nothing, nothing again, that is more humbling for us than this doctrine of election. I have sometimes fallen prostrate before it, when endeavouring to understand it. I have stretched my wings, and, eagle-like, I have soared towards the sun. Steady has been my eye, and true my wing, for a season; but, when I came near it, and the one thought possessed me,—“God hath from the beginning chosen you unto salvation,” I was lost in its lustre, I was staggered with the mighty thought; and from the dizzy elevation down came my soul, prostrate and broken, saying, “Lord, I am nothing, I am less than nothing. Why me? Why me?” ~ Charles Spurgeon, Election

He who is proud of his election is not elect; and he who is humbled under a sense of it may believe that he is. He has every reason to believe that he is, for it is one of the most blessed effects of election that it helps us to humble ourselves before God. ~ Charles Spurgeon, Election

Before There Was Time, Caedmon's Call


© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Giving Thanks #25 L.M. Montgomery

L.M. Montgomery is one of my favorite, favorite authors. Her books should not be considered "Christian books" necessarily; some people mistake morality and high values with Christianity. Montgomery's books are often moral and uplifting, a good blend of realism and optimism perhaps. The reason I LOVE Montgomery, however, has to do with her characterization and storytelling. She was one incredibly gifted writer. I've often thought the *best* writers were born in November. Just consider the talent: Mark Twain (November 30), L.M. Montgomery (November 30), C.S. Lewis (November 29), Louisa May Alcott (November 29), Madeleine L'Engle (November 29).

I've collected some quotes from some of her books (novels mainly) having to do with God, with the Bible, with the church, etc.

Heretics are wicked, but they're mighty int'resting. It's jest that they've got sorter lost looking for God, being under the impression that He's hard to find--which He ain't never. ~ Anne's House of Dreams (Captain Jim)

My motto is--if you ARE a Presbyterian, BE a Presbyterian." "Don't you think that Methodists go to heaven as well as Presbyterians?" asked Anne smilelessly. "That isn't for US to decide. It's in higher hands than ours," said Miss Cornelia solemnly. "But I ain't going to associate with them on earth whatever I may have to do in heaven. ~ Anne's House of Dreams (Cornelia, I believe)

"Do you know, Cornelia," said Captain Jim gravely, "I've often thought that if I wasn't a Presbyterian I'd be a Methodist." "Oh, well," conceded Miss Cornelia, "if you weren't a Presbyterian it wouldn't matter much what you were. ~ Anne's House of Dreams (Captain Jim and Cornelia)

But it ain't our feelings we have to steer by through life--no, no, we'd make shipwreck mighty often if we did that. There's only the one safe compass and we've got to set our course by that--what it's right to do. ~ Anne's House of Dreams

"I don't believe any but fools enter the ministry nowadays," she wrote bitterly. "Such candidates as they have sent us, and such stuff as they preach! Half of it ain't true, and, what's worse, it ain't sound doctrine...The one we have now is the worst of the lot. He mostly takes a text and preaches about something else. And he says he doesn't believe all the heathen will be eternally lost. The idea! If they won't all the money we've been giving to Foreign Missions will be clean wasted, that's what! Things have come to a pretty pass if a minister can't find enough in Holy Writ to preach about, that's what. ~ Anne of the Island (Mrs. Rachel Lynde)

"Because--because--oh, I'm not afraid but that I'll go to heaven, Anne. I'm a church member. But--it'll be all so different. I think--and think--and I get so frightened--and--and--homesick. Heaven must be very beautiful, of course, the Bible says so--but, Anne, IT WON'T BE WHAT I'VE BEEN USED TO." Heaven could not be what Ruby had been used to. There had been nothing in her gay, frivolous life, her shallow ideals and aspirations, to fit her for that great change, or make the life to come seem to her anything but alien and unreal and undesirable. Anne wondered helplessly what she could say that would help her..."I think, perhaps, we have very mistaken ideas about heaven--what it is and what it holds for us. I don't think it can be so very different from life here as most people seem to think. I believe we'll just go on living, a good deal as we live here--and be OURSELVES just the same--only it will be easier to be good and to--follow the highest. All the hindrances and perplexities will be taken away, and we shall see clearly. Don't be afraid, Ruby." She WAS leaving everything she cared for. She had laid up her treasures on earth only; she had lived solely for the little things of life--the things that pass--forgetting the great things that go onward into eternity, bridging the gulf between the two lives and making of death a mere passing from one dwelling to the other--from twilight to unclouded day. God would take care of her there--Anne believed--she would learn--but now it was no wonder her soul clung, in blind helplessness, to the only things she knew and loved. ~ Anne of the Island (Ruby and Anne)*

"What's my conscience? I want to know." "It's something in you, Davy, that always tells you when you are doing wrong and makes you unhappy if you persist in doing it. Haven't you noticed that?" "Yes, but I didn't know what it was. I wish I didn't have it. I'd have lots more fun. Where is my conscience, Anne? I want to know. Is it in my stomach?" "No, it's in your soul," answered Anne, thankful for the darkness, since gravity must be preserved in serious matters. "I s'pose I can't get clear of it then," said Davy with a sigh. ~ Anne of the Island, Davy

"Mrs. Lynde was awful mad the other day because I asked her if she was alive in Noah's time. I didn't mean to hurt her feelings. I just wanted to know. Was she, Anne? ~ Anne of the Island, Davy

"The new minister was here to tea last night. He took three pieces of pie. If I did that Mrs. Lynde would call me piggy. And he et fast and took big bites and Marilla is always telling me not to do that. Why can ministers do what boys can't? I want to know. ~ Anne of the Island, Davy

I think it's quite natural that a nine-year-old boy would sooner read an adventure story than the Bible. But when you are older I hope and think that you will realize what a wonderful book the Bible is." ~ Anne of the Island

Miss Stacy told me long ago that by the time I was twenty my character would be formed, for good or evil. I don't feel that it's what it should be. It's full of flaws." "So's everybody's," said Aunt Jamesina cheerfully. "Mine's cracked in a hundred places. Your Miss Stacy likely meant that when you are twenty your character would have got its permanent bent in one direction or 'tother, and would go on developing in that line. Don't worry over it, Anne. Do your duty by God and your neighbor and yourself, and have a good time. That's my philosophy and it's always worked pretty well. Where's Phil off to tonight?" ~ Anne of the Island, Anne and Aunt Jamesina

There is a book of Revelation in every one's life, as there is in the Bible. Anne read hers that bitter night, as she kept her agonized vigil through the hours of storm and darkness. She loved Gilbert--had always loved him! She knew that now. She knew that she could no more cast him out of her life without agony than she could have cut off her right hand and cast it from her. ~ Anne of the Island

Praying's good. I lost a dime once and I prayed and I found a quarter. That's how I know. ~ Anne of Ingleside (one of Anne's kids, either Jem or Walter?)

Half an hour later, Susan, reading her nightly chapter in her Bible, came across the verse, "Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour's house lest he weary of thee and hate thee." She put a sprig of southernwood in it to mark the spot. "Even in those days," she reflected. ~ Anne of Ingleside (Susan)

"Darling, you're terribly mistaken about it all. God doesn't make bargains. He gives . . . gives without asking anything from us in return except love. When you ask Father or me for something you want, we don't make bargains with you . . . and God is ever and ever so much kinder than we are. And He knows so much better than we do what is good to give." ~ Anne of Ingleside (Anne to one of her children, one of the twins, I think)

"If a minister preaches a sermon that hits home to some particular individual people always suppose he meant it for that very person," said Anne. "A hand-me-down cap is bound to fit somebody's head but it doesn't follow that it was made for him." ~ Anne of Ingleside

"I think this road leads right to God," she said dreamily. "Perhaps," said Anne. "Perhaps all roads do, little Elizabeth. ~ Anne of Windy Poplars (Anne and Elizabeth)**

"Fear is the original sin," wrote John Foster. "Almost all the evil in the world has its origin in the fact that some one is afraid of something. It is a cold, slimy serpent coiling about you. It is horrible to live with fear; and it is of all things degrading." ~ Blue Castle

Have you ever thought, Uncle James, how dull life would be without the Ten Commandments? It is only when things are forbidden that they become fascinating." ~ Blue Castle (Valancy)

But every night before Jane went to bed she had to read a chapter in the Bible to grandmother and Aunt Gertrude. There was nothing in the whole twenty-four hours that Jane hated doing more than that. And she knew quite well that that was just why grandmother made her do it. ~ Jane of Lantern Hill

If any one doesn't like the Bible there's something wrong either with him or with the way he was introduced to it. We must do something about it. The Bible is a wonderful book, my Jane. Full of corking good stories and the greatest poetry in the world. Full of the most amazingly human 'human nature.' Full of incredible, ageless wisdom and truth and beauty and common sense. ~ Jane of Lantern Hill

But I don't ask you to forgive me for all the Bible verses I made you learn. You'll be grateful to me for them some day. It's amazing what beautiful things there are in the Bible. ~ Magic for Marigold

But it was that night she prayed, "Please make me pretty good but not quite as good as Gwen, because she never seems to have any fun." ~ Magic For Marigold

Gwen suddenly discovered that it was not such an easy thing to invent a prayer. "Dear God," she said slowly, "please--please--oh, please never let me have moles like Tabby Derusha's. And never mind about the daily bread--I'm sure to have lots of that--but please give me lots of pudding and cake and jam. And please bless all the folks who deserve it." ~ Magic for Marigold

Father said in his sermon last Sunday that we should love everybody. But how can we? How could we love Mrs. Alec Davis?" "Oh, father only said that in the pulpit," said Faith airily. "He has more sense than to really think it outside." ~ Rainbow Valley

"Hell is an awful place," said Faith, with the dramatic enjoyment that is born of telling dreadful things. "Bad people go there when they die and burn in fire for ever and ever and ever." "Who told you that?" demanded Mary incredulously. "It's in the Bible. And Mr. Isaac Crothers at Maywater told us, too, in Sunday School. He was an elder and a pillar in the church and knew all about it. But you needn't worry. If you're good you'll go to heaven… ~ Rainbow Valley***

"No matter how bad I was I wouldn't want to be burned and burned. I know what it's like. I picked up a red hot poker once by accident. What must you do to be good?" "You must go to church and Sunday School and read your Bible and pray every night and give to missions," said Una. "It sounds like a large order," said Mary. "Anything else?" "You must ask God to forgive the sins you've committed. "But I've never com--committed any," said Mary. "What's a sin any way?" "Oh, Mary, you must have. Everybody does. Did you never tell a lie?" "Heaps of 'em," said Mary. "That's a dreadful sin," said Una solemnly. "Do you mean to tell me," demanded Mary, "that I'd be sent to hell for telling a lie now and then? Why, I HAD to. Mr. Wiley would have broken every bone in my body one time if I hadn't told him a lie. Lies have saved me many a whack… ~ Rainbow Valley

"Heaven is ALL fun," declared Di. "The Bible doesn't say so," cried Mary, who had read so much of the Bible on Sunday afternoons under Miss Cornelia's eye that she now considered herself quite an authority on it. "Mother says the Bible language is figurative," said Nan. "Does that mean that it isn't true?" asked Mary hopefully. "No--not exactly--but I think it means that heaven will be just like what you'd like it to be." ~ Rainbow Valley****

The body grows slowly and steadily, but the soul grows by leaps and bounds. ~ Rilla of Ingleside

*This whole scene bothers me for at least half a dozen reasons. Where to start?! If I could name just one: BEING A CHURCH MEMBER DOES NOT GET YOU INTO HEAVEN;
**All roads do NOT lead to God; Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. The only way to the Father is through Him.
***Being good does NOT get you into heaven; NO ONE is "good enough" to earn their way into heaven.
****Truth doesn't work like that.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Giving Thanks #24 Chris Tomlin

I thought I would share some wonderful songs with you today. These songs chronicle, in a way, my journey through the past five years (or so).

The first song I'd like to share with you is Come Home Running from Chris Tomlin's album, Not To Us. (Amazon mp3)



Oh heart of mine, why must you stray?
From One so fair, you run away.

Oh heart of mine, come back home.
You've been too long out on your own.
And He's been there all along,
Watching for you down the road.

The second song is "I Will Rise." It is from his album Hello Love. (Amazon mp3)



Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead
And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise I will rise 
And I hear the voice of many angels sing,
"Worthy is the Lamb"
And I hear the cry of every longing heart,
"Worthy is the Lamb" 

I know some people don't like repetitive praise choruses. And it's not like I love every single praise chorus out there myself. But. I adore Chris Tomlin's "Lay Me Down." (Amazon mp3) I adore the heart and soul of this song--the message. When you're in that place, the place where you can say it and mean it, then you want to sing about it. And I find the song does have a scriptural basis: Romans 12:1, Psalm 16:2, John 15:5)



I lay me down I’m not my own
I belong to you alone
Lay me down, lay me down
Hand on my heart this much is true
There’s no life apart from you
Lay me down, lay me down
Lay me down, lay me down
It will be my joy to say Your will Your way
It will be my joy to say Your will Your way
It will be my joy to say Your will Your way always 

Do you have a favorite Chris Tomlin song?

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Give Thanks: Week Four

In November, I hope you'll join me in reading Psalms. I'd love to have you join me in reading all 150 chapters. But, I also know that the number may overwhelm or intimidate those not in the habit of Bible reading. So I've got an alternate plan in place: I've chosen thirty--one for each day of November. If you're just in for the 30 psalms, here is the list:

Psalms 1, 19, 23, 25, 27, 32, 34, 37, 42, 46, 47, 51, 57, 63, 66, 71, 84, 91, 95, 98, 100, 103, 107, 119, 121, 130, 138, 139, 145, 148.

The key to overcoming the lies of the enemy is not simply knowing about the Bible; it is knowing the living Word, which is none other than the Lord Jesus Christ. ~ A.W. Tozer

Whether we want him to be there or not, he is there. We do not negotiate what we want for reality. God defines reality. When we come into existence, we stand before a God who made us and owns us. We have absolutely no choice in this matter. We do not choose to be. And when we are, we do not choose that God be. No ranting and raving, no sophisticated doubt or skepticism, has any effect on the existence of God. He simply and absolutely is. ~ John Piper

It is interesting that you can read a human book and understand it without knowing the author of the book. But if you want to know the Bible, you need to know the Author and have Him as your Teacher. Only the spirit of God can make the Word of God real to you. ~  J. Vernon McGee

The greatest encouragement throughout the Bible is God's love for His lost race and the willingness of Christ, the eternal Son, to show forth that love in God's plan of redemption. The love of Jesus is so inclusive that it knows no boundaries. At the point where we stop caring and loving, Jesus is still there loving and caring. ~ A.W. Tozer

There is no book so fitted or so suited to us as the Bible is. There is no book that knows us so well. There is no book that is so much at home with us. There is no book that has so much power over us if we will but give ourselves up to it! ~ Charles Spurgeon

Week Four, November 24-30
Psalms 119, 121, 130, 138, 139, 145, 148
or
Psalms 116-150
Extra Credit: Read Philippians 4



© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Giving Thanks #23 National Bible Week

It's not unusual for people to treat the Bible like it's the most boring book in the world, the most irrelevant. Like you'd have to be insane to want to read the Bible. It's not unusual for believers to treat Bible-reading like a chore or a duty. Something to put off as long as possible. The idea that someone could be excited about reading the Bible, could love the Bible passionately and wholeheartedly, well, it's a foreign concept. And in some ways that is just how it is. Because until God gives a person a new heart, until He fills a person with His Spirit, the Bible is something that is foreign to us, something we can't make sense of, something we can't comprehend or appreciate. (1 Corinthians 2:10-16). Still I worry about those who profess to be Christians who treat the Bible with indifference. 

I want to make one thing absolutely clear. God does not love Christians who read their Bibles MORE than Christians who do not read the Bible. God's love--His grace--is not something that can be earned, added to, or subtracted from. He cannot love you more; he cannot love you less. Read that again: He cannot love you more; He cannot love you less. You might be thinking... If Bible reading doesn't earn a person extra credit with God; if Bible reading doesn't take away God's anger or wrath, then why bother???

My answer is simple, I hope, and passionate. God has revealed himself to us in His Word. Think about it. God has chosen to reveal Himself to us. He wants to be sought. He wants to be known. He wants to be delighted in, loved, treasured. He wants our praise. He wants our hearts and minds. How do we come to know God? Through reading His revelation. Through reading His Word. The Bible reveals EVERYTHING we need to know about God. Not that it reveals everything about Him, not that it answers every single question for every single believer. But what needs to be known is clearly revealed in His Word. God is BIGGER than our Bibles. God is beyond our comprehension. He has given us enough for now; the Bible is not a book that can be outgrown during our lifetimes. But here's something else to consider: not only does the Bible tell us everything we need to know about God, the Bible tells us everything we need to know about ourselves. Far from being irrelevant, the Bible is the most relevant book imaginable. It speaks to the condition of every single man, woman, or child. It is a book for every one of us in every stage of our lives. The Bible speaks truth. The Bible may be unpopular because it speaks truth. But that doesn't make it irrelevant. It makes it convicting.

Do you want to know God? Do you want to want to know God? Are you scared of what knowing God will mean to your life? Take time to think, to consider. Don't be afraid to pause and reflect. Honesty is more important than mumbling through the "right" answer that you're "supposed" to say when you're put on the spot. Whether you want to know God or not, you can't run from the fact that you are known by God. There is only so long you can pretend things are fine, that you don't have to decide any time soon. 

National Bible Week has been 'celebrated' annually the week of Thanksgiving since 1941. I plan to have special posts all week long.  

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Giving Thanks #22 Behold the Lamb

Behold The Lamb Of God: The True Tall Tale of The Coming of Christ is one of the MOST amazing albums I've ever experienced. How many Christmas albums can you honestly say that you'd want to listen to all year round? As in 365 days a year?! I know only of one. This wonderful little album by Andrew Peterson.

What makes this album so wonderful, so awesome? Simple, heart-felt lyrics that are God-centered. This isn't an album for decking the halls and jingling those bells on a sleigh ride. You can tell by listening to this one what celebrating Christmas is supposed to be like. A true worship experience. A chance for you to encounter God right where you are.

You should definitely read his post "A Question I Cannot Answer" in which he talks about working on this album.

At its core, it was to present the story of Christmas in a new way. I wanted to reach deep into the Old Testament and sing about the Passover, and King David, and Isaiah’s prophecies. I wanted to capture with song the same thrill that captured me in Bible college when the epic scope of the Gospel story first bowled me over. But I didn’t just want to dwell on what came before Jesus’ birth. I wanted to sing about what came after. His crucifixion and resurrection were the reasons he was born in the first place. You can’t have Christmas without Easter. So there was a lot of ground to cover with a handful of songs, and I had my doubts.

You can purchase the CD through his website or as an mp3 album download on Amazon.

Gather 'Round, Ye Children, Come

Passover Us

So Long, Moses

Deliver Us

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

Matthew's Begats

It Came To Pass

Labor of Love

The Holly and The Ivy

While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks

Behold The Lamb of God

The Theme Of My Song/ Reprise

So Long, Moses


Behold the Lamb of God



Matthew's Begats



While Shepherds Watched Their Sheep



© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Giving Thanks #21: John 11

John 11 is one of my favorite chapters in John. I love, love, love the story of Lazarus. I have always loved the story of Lazarus. The full chapter is great, but, highlights include John 11:17-44. The best verses perhaps being John 11:25-26. How often I've clung to those verses. Have you clung to those verses too?

Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?

The verses that focus on Lazarus' resurrection: John 11:43-44

When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out." The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, "Unbind him, and let him go."

Here indeed is Jesus proving that "all things are possible with God." (Mark 10:27)



Some of my favorite quotes on Lazarus:

Lazarus is dead because some lessons can only be taught using a cadaver. (A Million Ways To Die, Rick James, 76)

What we share in common as believers, we also share with Lazarus: We were all raised from the dead. The resurrection of our own salvation was no less staggering--indeed more so--than the physical raising of Lazarus. (A Million Ways To Die, Rick James, 99)

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Giving Thanks #20 Bible Gateway

I love using Bible Gateway. I love using it when I'm writing my posts. I love using it to find certain verses that I almost remember, but not quite. I love the keyword search. I love looking up passages on it: love refreshing my memory, love being able to refer to a passage as I write. I LOVE being able to compare translations side by side by adding parallel columns. It is important for me to be as accurate as possible. I don't want to rely on my memory when I write. I love using the bible as a foundation, and showing my work as much as possible.

Bible Gateway has gotten even better in recent years. Have you looked at their available versions recently?! It seems to have almost doubled since I first began using Bible Gateway (and I was using it years before I had a blog). There are over forty English translations available to read! I was THRILLED to learn that the Living Bible is now among the included versions! There are only two translations that I can think of that I wish were on the list: the New English Bible and the Revised English Bible.

Audio Bibles. They have three audio bibles in the NIV translation (dramatized; Max McLean; George W. Sarris), two audio bibles in the ESV (Max McLean; Marquis Laughlin), three audio bibles in the KJV (dramatized; Max McLean; Paul Mims), one audio bible in the NASB (Dale McConachie), one audio bible in the HCSB (Dale McConachie)

Commentaries and Study Helps. I was THRILLED to see that Bible Gateway now offers the notes from the Reformation Study Bible. Other commentaries available include Matthew Henry, the Asbury Bible Commentary, IVP New Testament Commentary.

Videos. A sermon series by R.C. Sproul, eleven messages in all. Knowing Scripture. So exciting to see this resource available to everyone!!!

How do you use Bible Gateway?

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Giving Thanks #19 RefTagger

I love Reftagger. I do. It is so easy, so simple to use. It saves me so much time.



© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Giving Thanks #18 Role Models

Reading role models are such a great thing. Something for parents and grandparents to keep in mind. Let your children and grandchildren see you reading; let them see you reading the Bible. Show them day by day, week by week, month by month, year by year that the Word of God means something to you. Show them its worth, its value. Show them that time with God is never wasted time. Model your priorities; model your faith. It is so important that your actions match your words. Don't model making excuses!

Few Christian families spend time together in prayer and Bible reading. Yet what a priceless experience to have your parents share spiritual truths from the Word of God and to hear your mother or father asking God’s blessing and protection on each person in the family. Finding the time, discovering the best formula, and being patient and persistent are all common challenges associated with family devotions. Strive to be consistent. Your children will develop a love for Scripture and a habitual reliance on the power of prayer. Every family heritage of faithfulness must begin with someone. Perhaps the beginning will be with you. (Woman's Study Bible, NKJV)

From Woodrow Kroll's Taking Back The Good Book. (Chapter twenty-one, "What Parents Can Do.")

Having family devotions is crucial. I'm sold on family devotions. They kept my family connected as the kids were growing up. Now they are keeping my grandchildren connected to their families. Here are ten good reasons why you should have consistent family devotions in God's Word:

1) Devotions provide communication with God (Ps. 25:4-5; Ps. 119:145-52)
2) Devotions quench our spiritual thirst (Ps. 42:1-2; Ps. 84:2;Phil. 3:10)
3) Devotions are the basis for personal spiritual growth (1 Pet. 2:2; 2 Pet. 3:18)
4) Devotions provide a safeguard against spiritual immaturity (1 Cor. 3:1-3; Ps. 119:9-11)
5) Devotions provide insight for daily living (Prov. 10:4; Prov. 17:27-28)
6) Devotions prevent schizophrenic faith (1 John 4:1; Eph. 4:11-15)
7) Devotions provide daily comfort and encouragement (Ps. 119:81; Rom. 15:4)
8) Devotions prepare us to share our faith (1 Pet. 3:15; Luke 24:27)
9) Devotions provide daily direction (Deut. 5:27; Ps. 119:105)
10) Devotions show our respect for the Bible's Author. (Ps. 19:9-10; Ps. 119:127-28)

Having a family time in the Bible will not only be a link between family members, but it will also provide a safeguard against creeping Bible illiteracy in the next generation. (170-171)

From Charles Spurgeon:

The Holy Scripture may be learned by children as soon as they are capable of understanding anything. There is an adaptation in the Bible for human beings of all ages and, therefore, it has a fitness for children. We make a mistake when we think that we must begin with something else and lead up to the Scriptures. The Bible is the book for the peep of day. Parts of it are above a child's mind, for they are above the comprehension of the most advanced among us. There are depths in it where leviathan may swim—but there are also brooks in which a lamb may wade. Wise teachers know how to lead their little ones into the green pastures beside the still waters. ~ Charles Spurgeon, "The Sunday School and the Scriptures"

The teachings of our childhood leave clean cut and sharp impressions upon the mind which remain after 70 years have passed. Let us see that such impressions are made for the highest ends. ~ Charles Spurgeon, "The Sunday School and The Scriptures"

Those who think that a woman detained at home by her little family is doing nothing, think the reverse of what is true! Scarcely can the godly mother quit her home for a place of worship, but dream not that she is lost to the work of the Church—far from it—she is doing the best possible service for her Lord! Mothers, the godly training of your offspring is your first and most pressing duty! Christian women, by teaching children the Holy Scriptures, are as much fulfilling their part for the Lord as Moses in judging Israel, or Solomon in building the Temple! ~ Charles Spurgeon, "The Sunday School and the Scriptures"

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Give Thanks: Week Three

In November, I hope you'll join me in reading Psalms. I'd love to have you join me in reading all 150 chapters. But, I also know that the number may overwhelm or intimidate those not in the habit of Bible reading. So I've got an alternate plan in place: I've chosen thirty--one for each day of November. If you're just in for the 30 psalms, here is the list:

Psalms 1, 19, 23, 25, 27, 32, 34, 37, 42, 46, 47, 51, 57, 63, 66, 71, 84, 91, 95, 98, 100, 103, 107, 119, 121, 130, 138, 139, 145, 148.

No matter how weak you are, God can use you; and you cannot say what a stream of salvation you may set in motion. ~ D.L. Moody

The key to spirituality is the development of little habits, such as Bible reading and memorization and prayer. In putting one foot in front of the other day after day, we become the kind of person who grows and endures rather than withers and dies. ~ Randy Alcorn

Progress in the Christian life is exactly equal to the growing knowledge we gain of the Triune God in personal experience. And such experience requires a whole life devoted to it and plenty of time spent at the holy task of cultivating God. God can be known satisfactorily only as we devote time to Him. ~ A.W. Tozer

Week Three, November 17-23
Psalms 84, 91, 95, 98, 100, 103, 107,
or
Psalms 81-115
Extra Credit: Read Philippians 3




© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Giving Thanks #17 Genesis 3:15

Genesis 3:15 may sound like an odd thing to be thankful for. In some ways it's an ugly verse about the trappings of sin. But. It's also a promise. It's the first gospel promise. The first indication that a Savior would indeed come, that God would provide a way to restore fallen man. This verse shows ultimate victory: victory over Satan, victory over sin. Look closer at the verse, and you see that God is showing love and mercy to sinners.

It's important today that we realize our fallenness; it's essential that we recognize our need for a Savior. And that includes recognizing that our need is met completely and fully in Jesus Christ. (John 1:29; Matthew 1:21; John 14:6) Sin separates man from God. Sin prevents us from being in right relationship with God. The only way we can be right with God is through his Son, through our union with his Son. The gospel is precious; the Bible is full of precious promises; the Bible shows God's grace from cover to cover--Genesis to Revelation.

This is the first gospel sermon that was ever delivered upon the surface of this earth. It was memorable discourse indeed, with Jehovah himself for the preacher, and the whole human race and the prince of darkness for the audience. It must be worthy of our heartiest attention. ~ Charles Spurgeon, Christ The Conqueror of Satan

This promise was literally fulfilled in the person of our Lord Jesus Christ. Satan bruised his heel, when he tempted him for forty days together in the wilderness: he bruised his heel, when he raised up strong persecution against him during the time of his public ministry: he in an especial manner bruised his heel, when our Lord complained, that his soul was exceeding sorrowful, even unto death, and he sweat great drops of blood falling upon the ground, in the garden; He bruised his heel, when he put it into the heart of Judas to betray him: and he bruised him yet most of all, when his emissaries nailed him to an accursed tree, and our Lord cried out, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” Yet, in all this, the blessed Jesus, the seed of the woman, bruised Satan's accursed head; for, in that he was tempted, he was able to succor those that are tempted. By his stripes we are healed. The chastisement of our peace was upon him. By dying, he destroyed him that had the power of death, that is, the devil. He thereby spoiled principalities and powers, and made a show of them openly, triumphing over them upon the cross. ~ George Whitfield, The Seed of the Woman, and the Seed of the Serpent

This third chapter of the book of Genesis is absolutely essential to a true understanding of life, the whole of life as it is at this moment for each individual. ~ Martyn Lloyd-Jones

And I will put enmity
Between you and the woman,
And between your seed and her seed;
He shall bruise you on the head,
And you shall bruise him on the heel. (Genesis 3:15, NASB)

Almost all translations get this verse right. In fact, I was surprised to discover that translators COULD get this one wrong. But one gets it wrong--dreadfully wrong. And it's a deal breaker for me. Because the CEB (Common English Bible) got this one wrong, I don't imagine that I'll ever read that translation again.

I will put contempt between you and the woman, between your offspring and hers. They will strike your head, but you will strike at their heels. (CEB)

Translations that get right: NIV; ESV; The Message; NKJV; NLT; NRSV; God's Word Translation (GW); Amplified Bible; American Standard Version; Contemporary English Version; ESV; GNT; HCSB; KJV; Living Bible; NCV; NET; RSV; WEB; The Voice.

Every major translation gets this one right. Even the translations that have made other changes to make the Bible more gender-friendly in other places. Even the translations that are free and paraphrased. So it's a big deal that a translation could get this verse--this important verse--wrong. It makes me question the translation.

For further reading:
Christ the Conqueror of Satan by Charles Spurgeon
The Serpent's Sentence by Charles Spurgeon
The Seed of the Woman, and the Seed of the Serpent by George Whitfield

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Giving Thanks #16 Ideas

I am always thankful when I get new ideas for where I want to go with my reading, where I want to go in my studying, where I want to go in my blogging. I haven't always been a goal setter, but, in recent years it's been a good thing that I've been more motivated.

I've got several new ideas that might turn into new features here at Operation Actually Read Bible!

I've been considering having a "Did You Know?" feature where I share little things that I've learned during the week. These little tidbits could come from notes or commentaries or perhaps other books or sermons.

I've been considering hosting read-a-longs. Right now I'm strongly leaning towards having a trial in the month of December. I'm thinking the gospel of Luke. One chapter a day from December 1 through December 24. I think it would be great to do something in December that shows WHY we celebrate Christmas, something that connects the gospel to the season!  I'm also thinking that in January, I'd host a read-a-long for the book of Genesis! What do you think? Would you be interested in reading books of the Bible with me?!

Along similar lines, I'd LOVE to have group reads or buddy reads next year. If you'd be interested in reading a book with me and reviewing it around the same time (within a week or so), I'd love to hear from you!

And how would you feel about some Bible-themed quizzes?!

I am definitely planning to celebrate National Bible Week with a LOT of posts!!! I may try some of my new features before the new year begins.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Give Thanks #15 Rich Mullins

Are you familiar with the music of Rich Mullins? Do you have a favorite song? I have several, of course! I love his music; I have a weakness for his dulcimer. I also love his zeal!

One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple. Psalm 27:4

Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. Psalm 72:25

One Thing by Rich Mullins


Creed by Rich Mullins


That Where I Am There You May Also Be by Rich Mullins


© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Giving Thanks #14 Martin Luther

“I preach as though Christ were crucified yesterday, rose from the dead today, and is coming back to earth again tomorrow!” ~ Martin Luther

God creates out of nothing. Therefore until man is nothing, God can make nothing out of him. ~ Martin Luther

Martin Luther declared that he constantly preached justification by faith alone, “because,” said he, “the people would forget it; so that I was obliged almost to knock my Bible against their heads, to send it into their hearts.”

Martin Luther noted that "the sin underneath all our sins is the lie of the serpent that we cannot trust the love and grace of Christ and that we must take matters into our own hands."

Martin Luther said, "God doesn't need our good works, but our neighbor does."

Martin Luther had a point when he said, "It is not imitation that makes sons; it is sonship that makes imitators."

Martin Luther said, "One with God is a majority." 

I am much afraid that schools will prove to be the great gates of hell unless they diligently labor in explaining the Holy Scriptures, engraving them in the hearts of youth. I advise no one to place his child where the Scriptures do not reign paramount. Every institution in which men are not increasingly occupied with the Word of God must become corrupt. ~ Martin Luther

Martin Luther called the book of Romans, "the chief part of the New Testament and the very purest Gospel, and is worthy not only that every Christian should know it word for word, by heart, but occupy himself with it every day, as the daily bread of the soul. It can never be read or pondered too much, and the more it is dealt with the more precious it becomes, and the better it tastes."

"The life of Christianity," says Luther, "consists in possessive pronouns." 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible