Reflections on Bible Reading (Fall 2025)

It's the time of year where I start questioning. Questioning what I want to accomplish--or try to accomplish--for the rest of this year. Questioning what I want to do next year. In particular, about reading the Bible, reading in general, and blogging. 

I am not questioning IF I want to read the Bible, mind you. I am questioning if it is time for my approach to reading the Bible to change. I have always been a fast reader. I have always read multiple bibles at a time. I have resorted to skimming parts here and there with the excuse, well, I've already "read" the Bible x amount of times this year...or I just read that section three weeks ago do I really need to read it-read it this time through. There's always an excuse ready at hand. Sometimes it is because of my vision issues. IF I'm struggling to see well through my weak eye, I do prioritize certain sections over others or certain translations over others. Red letter bibles tend to prove problematic as well at times. 

I am questioning the pros and cons of "reviewing" the Bible each time I finish it. I am wondering if it would be more helpful to NOT treat the Bible like it was any other book strictly in terms of reviewing it.

I am considering what I might gain if I change things up. If I were to read fewer Bibles at a time. If I were to read "in" translations but not feel obligated to read a specific Bible through all the way for it to 'count.' If I were to visit Bibles and translations instead of feeling obligated to finish every single Bible that I start, that I thrift, that I buy. Is there only value in Bible reading if I "complete" it? Surely not.

I don't know how "few" few is. If I mean two or three Bibles at a time. Or literally just one Bible at a time. I don't know that I'm ready to just to read ONE Bible at a time. But I am ready to 'calm down' a bit in this race to read the Bible. 

I DO love to read. I DO want to read the Bible for a long period of time each day. I DO love, love, love a handful of translations. But having so many rules--of my own making, of only my own making--can be exhausting. For example, I love the King James Version. I do. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it. A few years ago, I challenged myself to read in the KJV every single day. EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. Which automatically means that I at least need to have two Bibles going. One KJV and one another translation of my choosing. And because I love so many translations, I often pick up a Bible for the joy of it, and then end up adding more and more and more and more. Until there's a stack of Bibles that all are crying for attention. 

I'm currently reading the NIV 84, the HCSB, the NKJV, the BSB, and the KJV. I'm actively enjoying--loving, treasuring, cherishing--the NKJV, the BSB, and the KJV. But part of me feels obligated to keep going on the other two because I've already read so much. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

20. NIV 1984 Thompson Chain Reference (Large Print)

 20. NIV 1984, Thompson Chain Reference Bible, Large Print. God. 1984/1991. 1273 pages. [Source: Bought] [5 stars]

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

Start date: August 7, 2024

End date: September 17, 2024

The translation is the NIV (New International Version) the 1984 edition. The first edition for the whole Bible was the 1978. The latest edition for the whole Bible was 2011. Some--myself included--do make a big distinction between the "NIV" and "NIV 84." The 84 has been out of print (and removed from the internet) since the 2011 was released. It can still be purchased second hand. It is relatively easy to thrift the 84. (Perhaps not as easy as it is to thrift KJV, but close).

I love the NIV 1984. I do. It is one I like to revisit semi-regularly. I don't read this one perhaps as much as other translations like the KJV and NASB, it is a FAVORITE that feels like home. 

The Thompson Chain Reference Bible  is a constant. It has been around for over a century. The first 'edition' was released circa 1908! It has been through many editions and updates. I have read it in the KJV, the NASB 77, the NASB 95, and now the NIV 84. 

This is a large print edition. Large print is a bit of a stretch, HOWEVER, when compared to the "regular" font type/size usually found in the Thompson Chain Reference, you can tell it is definitely larger. 

Double columns. TCR comes only in double columns. The sides of each column have reference chains. No bible text could ever be in the gutter, though perhaps a few of the chains might be in some editions. 

Red letter. This is a red letter edition. Some TCR are black letter, but most are red letter. I don't know if any NIV 84 TCR's exist. 

There is an edition of the NIV Thompson Chain Reference that uses the NIV 1978 text. 

Kirkbride was the original publisher, now it is published by Zondervan. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

18. King James Version, Regency 883MC

18. KJV Nelson Regency, 883MC, Giant Print. 1990. Thomas Nelson. 1600 pages. [Source: Bought] [5 stars]

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

Start date: July 8, 2024

End date: August 18, 2024

I love, love, love the King James Version. This is not shocking to anyone who regularly reads my reviews. This is, I believe, the fifth read-through of the King James Version for 2024. On paper, the KJV Regency seems like it would be a great fit for me. However, I didn't really love this particular text block or text layout. 

It is GIANT PRINT. Which is great--mostly. But this one had absolute horrible ghosting. So the words may be giant in size, but the bleed through kept it from being easy on the eyes. 

And the red letters--Words of Christ appear in red--were not ideal in color. Again, this layout was a bit of a strain when it didn't have to be. I do wonder if the *color* of red varies in individual Bibles. Looking at Bibles printed thirty plus years ago, has the color faded? Maybe, maybe not. 

But the basics are that this one is double column, words of Christ in red, giant print, minimal end of verse references. 

This one is relatively easy to find thrifting, and if the King James is not your favorite and best translation, this one wouldn't be a bad choice for a King James to have for reference or occasional use. I don't regret buying it, but I don't this being my favorite and best edition of the King James. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

13. King James Version, Giant Print, 544B

Thomas Nelson, KJV Giant Print, Red Letter, 544B. [Thumb-indexed] God. 1976. 1900 pages [best guess]  Source: Bought

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

I really enjoy finding "vintage" Bibles. This one is from 1976 and is published by Thomas Nelson. It is a giant print, double column, words of Christ in red. It is "self-pronouncing" which means longer words [and/or proper nouns] are broken into syllables and may feature symbols to aid in pronunciation. It is the King James Version. The "helps" include a bible reading plan, a concordance, and summaries for each book of the Bible. It also features some color maps. At the end of some verses, more obscure words are defined--very briefly. 

I used a modified M'Cheyne-Horner Bible bookmark reading plan. I read this one in about a month. I did start some bookmarks over again. I used five bookmarks this time instead of four. It would have evened out better perhaps sticking with just four. 

What I loved most about this one was the SIZE of this one. You get a GIANT-print bible without a giant bible. It is probably a little larger than a personal Bible, but, smaller that many Bibles. The font size was lovely. The font type was not "modern" nor ancient. In other words, far from the modern-day "comfort print" fonts that publishers take such pride in. Yet not hard to read on the eyes. I also love how DARK or even bold the text of the Bible is. One of my biggest pet peeves with modern publishing is the text color a variant of gray--very light. This, I suppose, is to "help" with ghosting. But gray text doesn't really fix that problem without introducing other problems. Does this one have ghosting? YES. Unfortunately. It isn't a huge distraction, but it is a slight one. It's the type of ghosting where you see lines bleed through but you can't necessarily make out individual letters or words. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

12. The One Year Bible for Women, KJV

The One Year Bible for Women, KJV. God. 2023. Tyndale. 1136 pages. [Source: Bought]

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

To clarify the five stars is because it is the Bible--the very Word of God--and it is also the King James Version which is one of my favorite translations of the Bible. 

What you should know:

1) It is a DAILY Bible. It has OT selection, NT selection, a Psalm, a [tiny bit of] Proverbs. It does take readers through the book of Psalms twice. However just one read through of Proverbs. As you can imagine it chops up Proverbs into ridiculously small sections to make it last 365 days. 

2) It is two column, black letter. 

3) It is "for women." Why??? Nobody knows. Not really. I suppose because the 100 word devotions that accompany each of the readings was written by a woman. 

4) It is paperback. I am not sure if it's available in other bindings--hardcover, fake leather, leather, etc. But many daily bibles are just available in paperback.

5) It is the King James translation. I believe this is one of many translations available for the "One Year Bible for Women" line of Bibles. 

6) It is the King James Version. It is verse by verse--like many KJV--and it does NOT have "self-pronouncing" text [aka syllables broken down. 

7) The "attractive layout" is listed as one of the main benefits of this one on the back of the Bible. I do like the green border on the pages. It provides a color frame for seeing Scripture. 

I found this one at a thrift shop--still in plastic--for two or three dollars. It was definitely worth that price. Is it worth the list price???? It depends on YOU the potential reader. There are better ways to get the King James Version in my opinion.

I am not necessarily a fan of daily Bibles. I think I could be if there was a way to adapt them. I am contemplating trying to pair a hymn per day with the reading plan. I think adding something a little more would make it better. I actually love the idea of singing a hymn per day as part of daily devotions. 

My "dream" daily Bible would have you go through the book of Psalms at least six times per year. [No, I'd actually really LOVE to see it twelve times per year. But I know the book of common prayer offers two ways to read the Psalms--a one month schedule and a two month schedule.] Proverbs definitely needs a LOT of help in this reading plan. There's no reason why you couldn't read one Proverb a day OR at the very least four or five whole Proverbs for a seven day period. To divide a book with thirty-one chapters into 365 readings is silly. I also wish that the reading plan didn't break up readings in the middle of chapters. Rarely does that make sense for reading meaning into the text. Occasionally it does. Sometimes there are natural stops in the middle of a chapter. But these are rarely why the reading plan stops when it stops. I think human beings should have more to do with the creating of reading plans and less math. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

11. The Daily Bible in Chronological Order (NIV 2011)

NIV 2011: The Daily Bible in Chronological Order with "narration" by F. Lagard Smith. 2020. 1730 pages. [Source: Bought]

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

When I found this one at a thrift store, I was super excited because I misread the copyright of the narrated notes by F. Lagard Smith for the copyright of the translation. For most of the world, "which" year for the NIV is a non-issue. There is a percentage for which it matters a great deal. NIV 84 forever! I partly jest. Still the NIV 84 is what I first read and loved. It is ALL the comfort and nostalgia I need. Have I moved on? Yes. Mostly. But don't ask me to gush about the NIV 2011. 

This one is arranged into daily dated readings. It is single columns. Each day's reading is marked with a symbol. It is black letter. The font size was decent. It is, of course, chronological, that is what sets this one apart from other Bibles.

I first read the NARRATED BIBLE in 1997 or 1998. It was the second Bible I read cover to cover. I read the NARRATED Bible in three weeks--in between Christmas and the start of the next college semester--so mid January. I absolutely fell in love with F. Lagard Smith's narration. It was just a great experience all around. So I was happy to try to recreate that with this one. Same notes or narrations, different translation. It wasn't the same experience. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

7. King James Version with Apocrypha (Cambridge Cameo)

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

ISBN 13: 978-1107608078

ISBN 10: 1107608074

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

Start date: March 1, 2024. End date: April 7, 2024. 

I love, love, love, love and adore this Bible. I do. The paper quality is excellent--absolutely fabulous. Is it as good as India paper???? I haven't read this Cameo side by side with a Cameo with India paper. I do have a few Bibles printed on India paper--I love them all. The paper of this Cameo Reference Bible is supplied by Papeteries du Leman, Thonon-les-Bains France. It is printed in the Netherlands by Royal Jongbloed. Cambridge is the oldest Bible publisher; they have been printing Bibles in English since 1591. 

Petit Medieval Clarendon 1159 is the font type and the size is 8 point. It is SMALL, of course, but it is also LIGHT. It is compact in size.  It is SO easy to hold and position that the small size is not difficult. Yes, I have tricky vision. Very tricksy. I would never claim that I could easily read a Bible if I struggled with it. 

Double-column. Red-letter. It was a pleasant enough red letter. I've seen better. I've seen worse. I've seen a lot worse. I love the layout of this one. 

There is separate pagination (page count) for the Old Testament, the Apocrypha, and the New Testament. 

The apocrypha includes: 1 Esdras, 2 Esdras, Tobit, Judith, Rest of Esther, Wisdom of Solomon, Ecclesiasticus, Baruch, Song of Three Holy Children, History of Susanna, History of Bel and the Dragon, Prayer of Manasses, 1 Maccabees, 2 Maccabees. 

This was my first time reading the apocrypha in the King James Version. I have read Apocryphal books in the Revised Standard Version and the New Revised Standard Version. I'm not sure if they are the exact same books. I am by no means an "expert" when it comes to the Apocrypha. I've read it two to three times. I know one of those was a Catholic edition so that the books may have been different. 

My system that I used for most of this project was an adapted Bible in 90 days. I used the Bible Reading Plan Generator, selected my books, and checked that I wanted readings from the Old Testament and the New Testament each "day." I usually read two "days" per day. One in the morning devotions. One in the afternoon/evening devotions. Some days I went ahead and read an extra day. Towards the end, I was doubling and tripling up on readings. I could see the finish line in sight. Now, that being said--speed was not a motivator. My goal was not to rush through and say I did it. I absolutely LOVE love love reading the Bible. I do tend to pick up speed when I only have a few books left. But I think this is natural--for me--and not necessarily a warning sign that my reasons are all wrong. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

6. NASB, Thompson Chain-Reference

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

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

Start date: February 14, 2024

End date: April 5, 2024

Was this my first time reading the New American Standard (1995)? NO. It is one of my all time favorite, favorite, favorite, favorite translations. I love and adore this translation. 

Was this my first time reading the Thompson Chain Reference Bible? No. I've read it in the NASB 1977 and the King James Version. I do LOVE the Thompson Chain Reference. 

This is a double column, red letter reference bible. It utilizes the chain references [and the chain reference system] of Frank Charles Thompson. This is one of the older "legacy" "study" Bibles available. It is available in many different translations--KJV, NKJV, ESV, NASB 1977, NASB 1995, NIV 1984, probably NIV 2011. This is an UPDATED edition of the Thompson Chain Reference. The changes are mostly superficial yet beneficial. 

One of the upgrades of the update is a larger font size in the "regular" edition. The font size is 9.5 instead of 8.3. It is also comfort print which can definitely be easier on the eyes. There are also options to buy this in large print--the large print is 10.5 font size. 

This is a LARGE Bible. It is heavy. IT is over three pounds. (The large print edition is over four pounds.)

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

5. NIV (2011) Value Thinline

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

ISBN: 0310448557
ISBN-13: 9780310448556

First sentence: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.

This review is for the NIV Value Thinline Bible, Large Print Blue, Imitation Leather. 

This one has 11.5 font size, double columns, and is black letter. 

I have read the 2011 edition of the New International Version several times. I still--by far--prefer the 1984 edition of the New International Version. But spilled milk is spilled milk is spilled milk. It is not coming back in print and that's that. Perhaps I will one day become familiar enough with the "new" update that I will stop missing the old. Perhaps. I do find both editions of the New International Version readable and easily so. Nothing archaic or clunky about it. 

This time around I read using the Mini/Many Horner Bookmark system which is one of my adaptations of the Professor Horner Bible reading system. Essentially I read from five bookmarks each day. 

My first four bookmarks were:

The Torah (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy)

Nevi'im Former Prophets (Joshua, Judges, 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings)

Nevi'im Latter Prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi)

Ketuvim "The Writings" (Psalms, Proverbs, Job, Song of Songs, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, Esther, Daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah, 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles)

My fifth bookmark was the New Testament.

I do love the Bible. I may not love, love, love, love this exact translation of the Bible. But I do recognize that it is still very much the Word of God and to be treasured and appreciated. The best Bible is the one that you will actually read and take to heart. The best Bible is the one you will feast on and grow in. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

1 (New Testament Only)

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

First sentence: The book of the ancestry (genealogy) of Jesus Christ, the Messiah, the Anointed, the son (descendant) of David, the son (descendant) of Abraham. [Psalm 132:11; Isaiah 11:1]

I found this [relatively] tiny New Testament in the Amplified translation at a thrift store for a few dollars. I had not read this translation before, but, was really to try out the New Testament. (Part of me wishes that I'd gone ahead to buy the two Old Testament volumes as well. They were gone the next time I went. Though they were not in great condition, so perhaps all is well after all.) 

I had heard of the Amplified translation, but, was not aware that it dates from the 1950s. It is meant to be a supplement (or help), I believe, to the King James Version of the Bible. Would this have been the Lockman Foundation's first project? I'm guessing it would have been. The New American Standard Version would be published--in the New Testament--in the 1960s and the whole Bible beginning in the 1970s. I've always had a lot of respect for the NASB. Not so much respect for the Amplified. I was under the impression that it was like the Message. (I was SO wrong). 

The Amplified translation has been updated several times. There is a "classic" version, I believe from the 1980s on several websites, and the most recent update as well under "Amplified." Both versions are different from the 1958 that I read. 

I read this translation in December of 2023 and January of 2024. It is single column, black letter. After reading this one, I have decided that I'd like to try to read the whole Bible in the Amplified translation. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

20. Nelson NASB 1977 Royal Reference Bible

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

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

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

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

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

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

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

17. NKJV Sovereign, Personal Size Reference

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

First sentence: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. 

After falling in love with the King James Sovereign Personal Size Reference Bible this summer, I decided to get the New King James Version edition of the same Bible. It is double column. The cross references are on the bottom of each page. It is red letter. The size is perfectly perfect. 

The New King James Version hasn't been my go-to. It hasn't been my favorite or best. But I started reading it more this fall and I appreciate it more than I ever have. I really feel at home in this translation now. I was eager to read it all the way through--it's a great little Bible. But I'm also a little sad that I finished this one. I definitely see myself picking this NKJV back up when I want to read from that translation.

I used the Super Glutton Reading plan for my read through. I read two columns in the morning and two columns in the evening. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

8. KJV

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

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

I started reading the King James Version--or rereading as the case may be--in May 2023. I read Psalms and Proverbs in May. I started the Old Testament and New Testament in June 2023. I finished July 28, 2023. 

I discovered this 'gem' at a used bookstore. Though almost all Thompson Chain Reference Bibles that I've seen are red letter, this one is BLACK LETTER. 

I would love to learn how to use the Chain Reference system. I didn't attempt to learn it this time around. I was just appreciating this one for the layout. I definitely plan to reread this one.

I love the King James Version. This was a good edition. It does have self-pronouncing text (syllable guidance). (This isn't my favorite feature. In fact it's a least favorite feature usually). It is verse-by-verse. I am getting more used to verse-by-verse, but I do prefer paragraphing.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

7. NASB 2020 Thinline Bible

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

First sentence: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. And the earth was a formless and desolate emptiness, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light.

Start date: May 30, 2023. End date: July 13, 2023. 

From GoodReads description (provided by publisher): 

Features:

The full text of the New American Standard Bible, 2020 Text
Hand-bound in a supple goatskin leather cover
Smyth-sewn and edge-lined construction for flexibility and durability
Gauffered page edges (printed gilded edges), with gilt line and perimeter stitching
Three double-sided satin ribbon markers, each 3/8-inch wide
Premium European Bible paper, 36 gsm
Generous yapp
Raised hubs on spine
Two-color page design throughout
Line-matched Bible text minimizes see-through
Black-letter edition
Less than one inch thick
Double-column, verse-by-verse format
Full-color presentation page
Exclusive Zondervan NASB Comfort Print typeface
9-point print size

My thoughts: I love this one. I do. I love it so much. I love just about everything about it. 

This isn't the first time I've read the NASB 2020 text. But it is the first time I read it and began to love it. I'm not saying it will replace the NASB 95 or the NASB 77. I still wish the psalms "sang" to me more in the NASB 2020. I'm not saying the translation is less accurate or inaccurate. Just that it doesn't "sing" to me like the wonderful, majestic older translations--particularly the 77 which retained the thees and thous. Still, even if I don't love, love, love the psalms as much as I'd hoped, the rest of the books definitely make up for it.

Psalm 23:1-6

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

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil, for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You have anointed my head with oil;
My cup overflows.
Certainly goodness and faithfulness will follow me all the days of my life,
And my dwelling will be in the house of the Lord forever.

I think one of my favorite things about this edition in particular were the three ribbon bookmarks. Would I have loved it even more with four? Probably. But it's so nice to have more than one or two! I loved reading from three different books. I think that helped me keep a good, strong pace through this one. 

I also loved that it was black letter. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

6. English Standard Version (Large Print)

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

First sentence: In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.

I used my revised "Power 60" Bible reading plan. Well, perhaps I didn't follow it exactly. I started May 26, 2023 and finished July 5, 2023. Clearly less than sixty days. But I'm like that. 

I read mostly from the Large Print edition. Give or take a few days subtraction/distraction. The truth is I couldn't settle down. I read two or three days in the ESV Creeds Bible. I read two or three days in the ESV Reformation Bible. But for the most part, like I said, I read from the Large Print edition. My copy--purchased used--is the 2011 edition of the ESV text. There has been another update. 

This particular edition of the Bible is double column, black letter, decent font size. 

I love the English Standard Version. It probably isn't my all-time favorite, favorite number one translation. But it's definitely in my top three. I've read it several times this year already. (Though to be fair, both, I believe were projects started in November or December of 2022. They just happened to finish in 2023.) 

I do recommend this translation. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

5.33 New International Version New Testament with Study Helps

New Testament with Study Helps: New International Version. God. 1973/1976. 489 pages. [Source: Bought]

First sentence: A record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, son of David, son of Abraham: Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, Judah was the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar, Perez was the father of Hezron, Hezron the father of Ram,

I am a BIG fan of the NIV 1984 version. I am. It's what I grew up reading. From fourth grade through senior year--this translation was my primary translation. It was the translation I memorized verses and passages. Before it was available as a whole Bible, however, it released as a New Testament. This is the New Testament forerunner. (There is a whole Bible NIV that came out in 1978 as well. The 1984 revision "stuck" until 2011. Let's not talk about 2011. Some of us are still bitter.) 

I got it for around two dollars at my local charity shop. It looked well loved. The condition isn't the absolute best. But I thought for two dollars, it would hold up for at least one read through. (It did. It required extra hand support when reading Acts (the center point) but it held up.) 

It is single column. It is black letter. It is definitely out of print. That being said, I think it can be found if you are patient and visit lots of thrift stores and/or search for it online. As far as I know, this 1973 text of the New International Version is not available online.

Romans 3:23-26 (1973)

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forebearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished--he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies the man who has faith in Jesus. 

Romans 3:23-26 (2011)

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

3. NRSV XL

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

First sentence: In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, and the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. Then God said, 'Let there be light'; and there was light.

Three things you should know from the start:

1) It is the Anglicised NRSV.

2) It is the Anglicised Catholic NRSV. (Yes, there is an Anglicised NRSV that is not the Catholic edition). There are extra books of the Bible in this one. (Though not the full apocrypha.)

3) It is square. 

Is it extra large text? It is a matter of perspective, I suppose. I vote no. Others might vote yes. The publishers think this is extra large font. The publisher description says the font size is 12. I'm suspicious. 

It is double column. Because the book is square, the double columns are wider, perhaps acting more like a single column. (For better or worse).

It is black letter. Words of Christ are in black. This is definitely a plus.

It is in paragraph format, not verse by verse. 

The WEAKEST element of this one. The PAGES are horrible. Absolutely horrible. You can look at a page and it will start to wrinkle, to crinkle, to fold up on itself. No touching required for the pages to start misbehaving. Let alone normal use like--shock--opening and closing the Bible to read it. This might be forgiven--I'm not yet that concerned about wrinkled pages to stop reading the Bible--if the ghosting wasn't also an issue. 

As for the translation, this is my second time to read the NRSV and my first time to read the Anglicized and/or Anglicized Catholic edition. Offhand, I didn't personally have any "aha" yes this is where they changed it from the traditional NRSV moments. I'm just not familiar with the NRSV to be able to spot differences. The NRSV is not among my 'top tier' favorite-favorite translations. I bought this one because of the "extra large" font. I thought it might give me a better chance at appreciating this translation than the tiny-size font editions I had. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

18. Darby Translation of the Bible

Darby Bible. God. 1890. 2304 pages. [Source: Bought]

First sentence: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. (Genesis 1:1)

This was my first time reading the Darby translation. I knew that it was from the nineteenth century and still used thees and thous. I knew it was more 'old-fashioned' and 'traditional.' As opposed to 'modern' and 'contemporary' like say the Message. I've been curious about this translation for years now.

From Bible Gateway: 

The Darby Bible was first published in 1890 by John Nelson Darby, an Anglo-Irish Bible teacher associated with the early years of the Plymouth Brethren. Darby also published translations of the Bible in French and German.

J. N. Darby's purpose was, as he states in the preface to his English New Testament, to make a modern translation for the unlearned who have neither access to manuscript texts nor training and knowledge of ancient languages of the Scriptures. Darby's translation work was not intended to be read aloud. His work was for study and private use. In his own oral ministry he generally used the English KJV Bible.

From the GoodReads book description:

John Nelson Darby (1800-1882) went in 1853 to Germany, where he established congregations in Dusseldorf, in Elberfeld, and in other towns. He was dissatisfied with the existing Bible versions in French and German, and so he collaborated with German and French followers in the creation of new versions in those languages. With some German associates he produced the "Elberfelder Bible," and with French-speaking followers he produced the "Pau Bible." 

Darby did not feel such a need for a new translation in English, because he considered the King James Version to be adequate for most purposes, and he encouraged his followers to continue to use it. But, he decided to produce a highly literal English version of the New Testament for study purposes. This New Testament was completed in 1867. The version is exceedingly literal, based upon modern critical editions of the Greek text. After Darby's death in 1882, certain of his followers in England produced an English version of the Old Testament based upon Darby's French and German translations. In 1890 this was published as the Old Testament portion of The Holy Scriptures. A New Translation from the Original Languages by J. N. Darby (G. Morrish, 1890). The complete Darby Bible is still reprinted and used now a days.

Psalm 23:1-6 

Jehovah is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; he leadeth me beside still waters.

He restoreth my soul; he leadeth me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; thou hast anointed my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely, goodness and loving-kindness shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of Jehovah for the length of the days.

Psalm 100:1-5

Shout aloud unto Jehovah, all the earth!

Serve Jehovah with joy: come before his presence with exultation.

Know that Jehovah is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; [we are] his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving [and] into his courts with praise; give thanks unto him, bless his name:

For Jehovah is good; his loving-kindness [endureth] for ever; and his faithfulness from generation to generation.

John 14:1-6

Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe on God, believe also on me.

In my Father's house there are many abodes; were it not so, I had told you: for I go to prepare you a place;

and if I go and shall prepare you a place, I am coming again and shall receive you to myself, that where I am ye also may be.

And ye know where I go, and ye know the way.

Thomas says to him, Lord, we know not where thou goest, and how can we know the way?

Jesus says to him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father unless by me.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

17. NIV Rainbow Study Bible

Holman Rainbow Study Bible: NIV Edition. New, Improved User-Friendly Design. Purple Leathertouch Indexed. B&H. 1632 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.

The introduction states,

"The Holman Rainbow Study Bible is a simple yet thorough Bible based upon the premise that every verse of every Bible falls under one of twelve thematic headings. Each of the twelve headings is assigned a different color; then each verse of the Bible is color-coded to the heading to which it is most closely related…The Holman Rainbow Study Bible allows the serious Bible student the opportunity to study and teach the great Bible themes while avoiding a time-consuming or complicated system."

Start date: August 17, 2022. End date: November 17, 2022. 

It is the NIV translation of the Bible. 

It is in paragraph format! 

The font is a great size. It isn't too big or too small.

It is NOT red-letter! Instead, readers will find that all words spoken directly by God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit appear underlined throughout the Old and New Testaments. I love this concept. I do.

It is color-coded. There are twelve subjects (and colors) in this color-code system. 

God. Discipleship. Love. Faith. Sin. Evil. Salvation. Family. Outreach. Commandments. History. Prophecy. 

Each subject is a heading, of sorts, covering many subjects. For example:

Salvation: blessings; deliverance; holiness; Heaven; the tabernacle; angels; eternity; resurrection; second coming; judgement of the godly; grace

Love: joy; kindness; mercy; mourning; lament; comfort; compassion; peace; sympathy; humility; charity

Commandments: offerings; laws; priesthood; feasts; Sabbath; tithing; baptism; Lord's supper; church; deacon; growth

Prophecy: promises; covenants; revelations; vows; visions; dreams; oaths; pledges; insipiration; fulfillment; future

Every verse is color-coded; every verse has been categorized into one of the twelve main subject headings. At the bottom of each two-page spread, the colors/headings appear as reminders so you can easily interpret what the colors mean without having to refer back to the chart at the front of the Bible. However, I found it helpful to write on index cards the smaller subcategories under each. 

Here are three examples to give you a taste of what it feels like to read a color-coded Bible.

Hebrews 12:1-3(Discipleship, God, Faith)

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.


Romans 5:6-11(Love, Salvation, Love)

You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

Matthew 11:27-30(God, Love)

“All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Is the system easy to learn? Yes and no. I won't lie. It may take you several weeks to memorize the colors and what they mean, ESPECIALLY, if you are concerned with distinguishing the subheadings and the headings. Yes, it's easy to learn that purple represents God and that pink represents outreach. The general headings aren't overly difficult. But the subheadings under each heading add depth and substance. And it's my recommendation that readers take the time to DECONSTRUCT the system, the color codes. And work with the verse, looking for layers of meaning and trying to figure out how it fits.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

14. NLT Beyond Suffering Bible

Beyond Suffering Bible NLT: Where Struggles Seem Endless, God's Hope Is Infinite. Joni Eareckson Tada. Joni & Friends, Inc. 2016. Tyndale. 1696 pages. [Source: Bought]

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

This was my second time to read the Beyond Suffering Bible. I am so glad I decided to revisit it. And, as always, the timing proved personally providential. These notes and articles were just what I needed in my life. It was such a benefit to spend time in this particular Bible at this particular time in my life. 

I started this one June 23, 2022. I finished it September 14, 2022. 

It is the New Living Translation. Honestly, this might just be my second time through that translation? It isn't my favorite or best translation, my "go-to" or "the one." But I am getting to realize that it does deserve a place at the table, so to speak. That this translation can be JUST RIGHT. Reading it with the notes lends it to being a better fit for me than if it was a text-only Bible.

The special features make this a WOW Bible. Or perhaps I should amend that to say with the ever-steady INFLUENCE and HELP of the Holy Spirit the special features can lead to some wow moments. 

 Bible introductions. True, other Bibles have Bible introductions. But each Bible introduction in this one stresses key suffering and disability themes found within that book of the Bible. (In addition to giving the basics you'd expect.)

For example, these are the Key Suffering and Disability Themes found in the book of Jeremiah:

• God’s words are sweet. In the midst of our suffering, God’s words bring joy and delight (Jeremiah 15:16), even when they do not promise immediate relief. In contrast, words of false prophets who provide empty promises are bitter poison (Jeremiah 23:13-16). But when we pay attention to God’s words, we can have peace as we trust in his sovereign plan.
• Give us ears to hear. Jeremiah rebuked the people for failing to listen to and obey God (Jeremiah 7:24, 26; Jeremiah 17:23-24, 27). When pain strikes, we often become locked inside our own minds, unable to communicate with others. God is not confined by such restraints. He always listens and responds when we pay attention to his voice.
• God is our source of knowledge. Jeremiah castigated humanity for lacking knowledge (Jeremiah 10:14), because knowledge is linked with “fear of the LORD” (Prov 9:10). Fears about weakness and inadequacy often flood our minds. Knowing God, the source of all knowledge, helps us see that our human fears can be removed and replaced with his loving presence (1 Jn 4:18). A healthy awe of our Creator calms our minds and becomes the lens through which everything else is made clear.

And the Key Suffering and Disability Themes found in the book of Lamentations

• Sorrow must be faced head-on. Jeremiah dearly loved the city of Jerusalem, but he did not defend her innocence, writing that her tragic destruction was the result of her own weaknesses. Sorrow and sin must always be faced head on. It is this no-nonsense, raw approach that allows hope to grow in the fertile ground left from the ashes of suffering. By being honest with our failings and honest about our sorrow, we allow God to turn our hearts back to him so that he can give us the hope of the renewal he has promised.
• Lament implies trust in God. Jeremiah expressed real anger and “negative” emotions—several poems in this book reflect deep heartache, frustration, and hopelessness. There are those today who believe that even in the face of unspeakable struggles, lamenting indicates a lack of faith in God. On the contrary, lament can be an implicit expression of one’s trust in God. Lament shows our awareness that God cares for us and can change our circumstances. God doesn’t view lament as a critical review of our problems, but as a form of praise offered in anticipation of the ways in which he may yet reveal himself.

Connection Points. These are brief notes that provide commentary and application. While there aren't as many notes as you'd' find in a study Bible like the ESV Study Bible or the John MacArthur Study Bible, I think that's a good thing overall. These notes are concise and helpful.

Genesis 3:15 A Promise of Victory. When God put hostility between the serpent and the woman’s offspring, he opened the way for our eventual redemption. Sometimes referred to as the protoevangelium (“first gospel”), this is the first promise in Scripture of God’s final victory over evil and a full restoration of the cosmos to its intended state—free from the effects of sin. These are words of great hope for those who suffer.

Exodus 3:14 Intimacy with God. God is not bound by time, space, or other limitations. As the Timeless One, he is able to walk with us through all our struggles and sufferings, never growing weary or running out of options (Isa 40:28). Jesus, the great “I AM” incarnate (John 8:24, 58), invited all those who “are weary and carry heavy burdens” to find rest in him (Matt 11:28-29).

Exodus 40:36-38 The Christian Life. A large part of the journey of faith is learning to walk with God instead of running ahead of him. The key to discerning God’s direction in our lives is resting in his presence. We may not always be certain which way we should go, but when we “remain in [him]” (John 15:4), the Good Shepherd will never lead us astray (John 10:14; see also Ps 23).

Ruth 2:19-20 Family Support. Often in our suffering, we withdraw from those around us, particularly our family. And sometimes families can be uncaring. However, as we see in the example of Ruth and Boaz, family members can also be amazing agents of God’s love and support. Consider gently reaching out to your family in your suffering. They may be waiting, unsure of how to help and looking for you to provide them with directions.

Job 7:3 Chronic Struggles. Job did not suffer for a short period of time. He was “assigned months of futility, long and weary nights of misery.” Chronic illness and disability are not evidence of God’s lack of involvement in our lives. Instead, suffering can often serve to deepen our relationship with the Lord, who suffered in our place and stands alongside us in the midst of our suffering.

Lamentations 2:11-12  The Plight of Children. Jeremiah didn’t just have passing thoughts about the destruction of Jerusalem, he lived through it. He anguished over not being able to bring greater comfort to his people, especially the children. The majority of children around the world with disabilities live below the poverty level, which compounds their struggles. Even today, childhood deaths due to starvation continue to increase. Ask God what you can do both in your community and around the world to help ease the suffering of children.

Mark 8:31-33 Suffering Does Not Define Us. Many know Jesus as the Suffering Servant. In this passage, Jesus reminds us that his suffering was not a surprise but rather something he knew was coming and chose to face head on. Yet it is easy to forget that Jesus’ life was not all about suffering. The stories preserved about Jesus’ life in the Gospels attest that the human experiences of joy, love, parties, and sleep were just as much a part of his daily life as suffering was. Suffering was not the only thing to define him. Suffering is not the only thing that defines any one of us.

Romans 8:28-29 Becoming like the Son. It can be hard to believe that God is working everything “together for the good of those who love God” in the midst of pain, sickness, heartache, or financial uncertainty. How can such trials be for our benefit? How can this verse bring comfort, even though it sometimes feels like a trite platitude? We must look to the full counsel of Romans, where Paul also teaches that problems and trials help refine our character (5:3-4). And when our character better reflects Christ, more people are able to see what God is doing in our lives, and they are drawn to him.

Romans 8:35-37 God Stays! Trouble does not come because God has abandoned us. Christ’s love is not withdrawn because of disability, struggle, financial ruin, lies, or depression. God is present with us in both good and bad. The Holy Spirit cries out on our behalf when we are unable to find the words (8:26-27). Suffering is not a sign that God has left you. It never has been, and it never will be.

Profiles. The Beyond the Suffering Bible contains profiles of Bible characters--like you'd expect--but it also contains profiles of ordinary--or not so ordinary--people who know a lot about suffering and/or disabilities. These are inspirational and insightful.

From the profile on Noah

• Given the depravity of his culture—which was probably worse than our own—Noah’s life must not have been easy. But Noah stood firm, even when the call came to build the ark. Take a stand for righteousness Before the flood, Noah likely suffered a great deal of ridicule and scorn from skeptics around him. It must have been painful to watch his friends and neighbors ignore his warnings of God’s impending judgment. When the great flood finally came, Noah witnessed firsthand the destructive fury of God’s wrath against sin and evil poured out on all creation.
• No matter how severe the calamity, distress, or difficulty, God’s purposes continue and always prevail. Like Noah, we are called to take a stand for righteousness in the midst of evil. It won’t always be easy, convenient, or comfortable. But in the end, we have God’s covenant to protect and watch over us. What better promise could we have than that?

Devotionals. I don't always love devotionals. But these devotionals seem to be the exception to the rule. Here is one from the book of Jeremiah:

Two Roads, Two Choices Jer 24:1-10 Two brothers. Two responses. Two roads. The theme introduced in Genesis 4 with Cain and Abel runs all the way through the Bible to Revelation: Choose God or false gods, righteousness or wickedness, wisdom or foolishness, the narrow way or the wide way. The “two-road” metaphor also appears in Jeremiah 24 in the vision of two baskets of figs. God asked the prophet what he saw, and Jeremiah responded that he saw a basket of good figs and a basket of figs that were rotten and useless. The two baskets represented the responses of God’s people under sustained suffering. While both groups had stumbled, some of the people would eventually turn and choose to honor God. The others simply turned their backs on the ways of the Lord, and God told Jeremiah to treat them like rotten figs. We don’t like to think about God turning away from his people, but these examples instruct us in learning to make the right choices. God cannot tolerate an unrepentant lifestyle of sin. Paul documents God’s response to those who lived lives of ongoing wickedness: “Since they thought it foolish to acknowledge God, he abandoned them to their foolish thinking and let them do things that should never be done” (Rom 1:28). There are consequences when we make the wrong choice. We don’t like to think about God turning away from his people, but these examples instruct us in learning to make the right choices. God cannot tolerate an unrepentant lifestyle of sin. Paul documents God’s response to those who lived lives of ongoing wickedness: “Since they thought it foolish to acknowledge God, he abandoned them to their foolish thinking and let them do things that should never be done” (Rom 1:28). There are consequences when we make the wrong choice.

Words from Joni. These are letters spread throughout the Bible. Here's a brief excerpt from one found in the book of Jeremiah:

My best memories give shape to that hopeful future promised in Jeremiah 29:11. Your memories—especially if you’ve lost a loved one, or your health, or your ability to think clearly—should inspire hope in you, too. For as wonderful as the world was when all those special remembrances occurred—as wonderful as it was when my hands worked—these things are only a foretaste of more delightful, pleasurable experiences to come. Jesus is the one who makes our futures bright. Jesus assures us that our best memories will one day blossom into a more joyous reality than we can ever imagine. He is our hope (1 Tim 1:1). What are the memories of things you’ve lost? How might those memories inspire hope in you today? How might those remembrances draw you closer to Jesus, the God of all hope? Grab hold of this verse—Jeremiah 29:11—and so many other Scriptures that promise the world. Oh, not this world, but the world to come!

Articles. These are found at the back of the Bible.

• God's Story of Disability The Unfolding Plan from Genesis to Revelation by David C. Deuel, PHD
• A Biblical View on the Sanctity of Life by Joni Eareckson Tada
• Why Am I Disabled? Reflections on Life's Questions and God's Answers by Christopher Ralston, PHD
• The Constant Distraction: Living with Chronic Pain by Michael J. Easley, DMIN
• An Innocent Addiction by Stephen F. Arterburn, MED
• How To Be A Loving Friend to Those Affected by Disability by Mark W. Baker, PHD
• Becoming a Welcoming Church: God's Urgent Call to Disability Ministry by Steve Bundy, MA
• Hope: Heaven, Our Real Home by Joni Eareckson Tada

Some of my favorite quotes:

Every God-honoring response to a trial increases your capacity to praise God and enjoy him forever. Joni Eareckson Tada

Through Jesus’ death on the cross, God will lift the Curse that brought disability. People with disabilities will no longer need a law to protect them, prophecy to offer them hope, or instruction to correct misunderstandings about disability. For now, we eagerly await our assured deliverance from the suffering associated with disability. David C. Deuel

We have an immortal soul, and we were made to glorify and magnify the Lord. As image-bearers, we are all equal. This is so critical to how we relate to people with disabilities. Joni Eareckson Tada

If we can embrace the view that we are not defined by our disability, pain, or disease, we can minister to others. A major turning point is not only refusing to be defined by our situation, but also seeing others with hearts of compassion and knowing that we can encourage them because of our pain. I call it “imperceptible influence.” You and I have no idea how we are being used by Christ. Simply pressing on, staying in the Word, choosing not to whine, learning to have a healthy sense of humor in the midst of trials, affirming others in their gifting, and trying to encourage those who struggle in similar situations are ways Christ works through us. Your faithfulness to him and your compassion for others may never be graded in this life, but don’t underestimate the possibility that God is using you and that you have that imperceptible influence. Michael J. Easley

Comfort actually has nothing to do with removing suffering; it is about offering another person strength as they endure suffering. We do not need to remove suffering from our lives or the lives of those we love because we can find God there in the midst of it. We often misunderstand the point of comforting others. We think we are supposed to come up with pithy phrases that will distract them from their pain or that we are supposed to be an agent of some miraculous cure. But actually, the true meaning of providing comfort is to simply be with others in their pain. You don’t need to know what to say, and you don’t need to do anything in particular. Mark W. Baker

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible