4.5 Tyndale's 1534 New Testament

4.5 Tyndale's New Testament. William Tyndale. Edited by David Daniell. 1996. 466 pages. [Source: Bought] [5 stars, New Testament, Early Bible Translations]

First sentence: This is the book of the generation of Jesus Christ the son of David, the son also of Abraham.

This edition is a modern-spelling edition of the 1534 Translation. The translation of the New Testament into English from its original Greek was printed in Germany in 1534 and smuggled back into England. It was not the first translation of the New Testament into English. The Wycliffe New Testament was translated from the Latin Vulgate and not the Greek New Testament. Also the Wycliffe was not widely distributed and for everyone. (The Wycliffe New Testament was BEFORE the invention of the printing press.) The Tyndale--though forbidden and illegal--was meant to put the Word of God into the hands of everyone. Tyndale wanted the Word of God known by the people of God. Actually known, read, studied, interpreted. The invention of the printing press was providential in spreading the ideas of the Reformation and printing Bibles. 

I enjoyed reading Tyndale's New Testament. I did. I would definitely recommend this edition of the New Testament. 

You can really tell that Tyndale meant his translation to be read and understood by everyone. It is clearly and beautifully written.

And it fortuned while they were there, her time was come that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her first begotten son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them within in the inn. And there were in the same region shepherds abiding in the field and watching their flock by night. And lo: the angel of the Lord stood hard by them, and the brightness of the Lord shone round about them, and they were sore afraid. But the angel said unto them: Be not afraid. For behold, I bring you tidings of great joy that shall come to all the people: for unto you is born this day in the city of David, a savior which is Chris the Lord. And take this for a sign: ye shall find the child swaddled and laid in a manger. And straightway there was with the angel a multitude of heavenly soldiers, lauding God and saying: Glory to God on high, and peace on the earth: and unto men rejoicing. (Luke 2:1-14)

For God so loveth the world, that he hath given his only son, that none that believe in him, should perish: but should have everlasting life. For God sent not his son into the world, to condemn the world: but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him, shall not be condemned. But he that believeth not, is condemned already, because he believeth not in the name of the only son of God. And this is the condemnation: that light is come into the world, and the men loved darkness more than light, because their deeds were evil. (John 3:16-19)

No man can come to me except the father which hath sent me, draw him. And I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, that they shall all be taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard and hath learned of the father cometh unto me. Not that any man hath seen the father, save he which is of God: the same hath seen the father. Verily verily I say unto you, he that believeth on me, hath everlasting life. I am that bread of life. Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness and are dead. This is the bread which cometh from heaven, that he which eateth of it, should also not die. I am that living bread which came down from heaven. If any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever. And the bread that I will give, is my flesh, which I will give for the life of this world. (John 6:44-51)

And he said unto his disciples: Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God and believe in me. In my father's house are many mansions. If it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you even unto myself, that where I am, there may ye be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. Thomas said unto him: Lord we know now whither thou goest. Also how is it possible for us to know the way? Jesus said unto him: I am the way, the truth, and the life. And no man cometh unto the father, but by me. If ye had known me, ye had known my father also. And now ye know him, and have seen him. (John 14:1-7)

As soon as Jesus had received of the vinegar, he said: It is finished, and bowed his head, and gave up the ghost. (John 19:30) 

When he saw the people, he went up into a mountain, and when he was set, his disciples came to him, and he opened his mouth, and taught them saying: Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meal: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which hunger and thirst for righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which suffer persecution for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye when men revile you, and persecute you, and shall falsely say all manner of evil sayings against you for my sake. Rejoice, and be glad, for great is your reward in heaven. For so persecuted they the prophets which were before your days. (Matthew 5:12)

I beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercifulness of God, that ye make your bodies a quick sacrifice holy and acceptable unto God which is your reasonable serving of God. And fashion not yourselves like unto this world: But be ye changed in your shape, by the renewing of your wits that ye may feel what thing that good, that acceptable, and perfect will of God is. (Romans 12:1-2)

This edition has modern spelling. It makes Tyndale's translation a comfortable choice. Here's a small taste of the original spelling:

I beseche you therfore brethre by ye mercyfulnes of God that ye make youre bodyes aquicke sacrifise holy and acceptable vnto God which is youre resonable seruynge of god. And fassion not youre selves lyke vnto this worlde: But be ye chaunged in youre shape by the renuynge of youre wittes that ye maye fele what thynge that good yt acceptable and perfaycte will of god is. (Romans 12:1-2)

For God so loveth the worlde yt he hath geven his only sonne that none that beleve in him shuld perisshe: but shuld have everlastinge lyfe. (John 3:16)

And he sayd vnto his disciples: Let not youre hertes be troubled. Beleve in god and beleve in me. In my fathers housse are many mansions. If it were not so I wolde have tolde you. I go to prepare a place for you.And yf I go to prepare a place for you I will come agayne and receave you eve vnto my selfe yt where I am there maye ye be also. (John 14:1-3)

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

2. Pilgrim's Progress

2. Pilgrim's Progress Adapted by Anna Trimiew from John Bunyan's classic allegory. 2013. 111 pages. [Source: Bought] [3 stars, children's books, adapted books, abridged books, allegories]

First sentence from the introduction: A long, long time ago, a prisoner sat in a cold jail in England. 

First sentence from chapter one: "Oh, what must I do?" cried a man dressed in rags as he walked in the fields outside his house.

Anna Trimiew has adapted John Bunyan's classic allegory for young readers. It is illustrated by Drew Rose. 

It does make the allegory more accessible to young readers. This is not the first adaptation for children, nor will it be the last adaptation for children. I've read a handful though not recently enough to rank them--to compare them side by side and say THIS is the one I'd recommend. 

This is the first half of Pilgrim's Progress. It definitely feels abridged with some of the theology cut out or cut down at least. I've read the original, the unabridged several times. So I definitely had a vague feeling of missing some bits. But for an abridged version for young children--elementary school aged--it's serviceable enough. I did not care for the illustrations personally. BUT illustrations can be subjective. Maybe not everyone will see a Klingon on the cover. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

17. NASB 1977 Inductive Study Bible

The New Inductive Study Bible. NASB (New American Standard, 1977). God. 1992. 2296 pages. [Source: Bought] [5/5 stars] 

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

Start date: October 20, 2025

End date: December 28, 2025

I absolutely love, love, love the New American Standard Bible, in particular I love, love, love the 1977 edition of the NASB. 

This will not be a review of the "new inductive" features. There is a massive system of bible study--bible marking--involved in the inductive study method. I did not seek to try to learn it. 

Believe it or not, I did *slow* down my reading for this read through. I read ONE book at a time. I underlined. I wrote in the wide margins. I jotted down questions. I intentionally thought about how verses fit into chapters, and how chapters fit into books. I was more observant when it came to recurring themes. I finished the book quickly because I was enthusiastic about spending time in the Word of God. I read twice a day for varying amounts of time.

This one is SINGLE column, black letter, fairly large print. Though I didn't follow the instructions for the inductive method, I did enjoy some of the charts, illustrations, and books introductions. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

13. KJV New Scofield Study Bible

13. The New Scofield Study Bible, King James Version, God. 1967. 1400 pages. [Source: Bought] [5 stars, Bible]

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

Start date: August 27, 2025

End date: October 24, 2025

The King James Version is perhaps my favorite and best translation of the Bible. It is in my top three at any rate. (I also love the New American Standard Bible, 1977, and the New King James Version.) The New Scofield lightly--oh so lightly--updates the text of the KJV gently, softly, mostly for the better. It also features study notes from Dr. C.I. Scofield. These notes--I believe--have been updated, improved, adapted, something along those lines. This is not the original Scofield Bible published in 1909. 

Did I read the notes? the book introductions? Yes and no. I started off reading most of the notes and all the book introductions. At one point--probably when I started Genesis--I stopped reading the notes.  (I didn't start reading with Genesis, by the way. I believe I started with either the Chronicles or perhaps Job.) Of the notes I read, I agreed with some and disagreed with others. There were definitely some helpful notes and charts. I definitely appreciated the extra helps with the major and minor prophets. 

I did appreciate that this one had limited use of the self-pronouncing text--very, very, very lightly used. I loved, loved, loved that it was WORDS OF CHRIST IN BLACK LETTER. I appreciated the double columns and the CENTER COLUMN reference. 

My copy was thrifted and it is the 1967 version. The paper quality is good. Obviously it would have been even better in 1967. There is not much ghosting of the text--when you can read the text on the other side of the page. The printing seems bold enough and not faint. The paper being so old was prone to tearing here and there. I think this was an age issue. I did highlight in it and had some trouble with the pen tearing pages here and there. Again I think it an age issue. The binding is floppy YET holding together just fine. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

12. New King James 746 (Nelson)

12. New King James Version Nelson 746. God. 1983. 1393 pages. [Source: Bought] [5 stars, Bible]

Start date: August 29, 2025

End date: October 16, 2025

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. 

I have come to love the New King James Version in recent years. Is it in my top three? I'm not sure. Is it in my top five? Absolutely. 

The Nelson 746 has a layout and design that is almost perfectly perfectly perfect. IF ONLY it was black letter instead of red letter. IF only the red letter was darker. But the size of the Bible, the weight of the Bible, absolutely perfect. The font size worked with the size and weight. It is, of course, on the smaller size being a compact Bible. I absolutely love, love, love that it is center column reference. It is double column.  

This is one of my favorite thrift-finds. 

As for the Bible, I love, love, love reading the Bible. The New King James Version is a good translation choice. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

11. Berean Standard Bible

Berean Standard Bible, Holy Bible, (BSB) God. 2022. 1504 pages. [Source: Bought]

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

Start date: August 2, 2025

End date: October 14, 2025

I used YouVersions 'To the Word' reading plan and mainly exclusively listened to the Berean Standard Bible this time around. I did read several of the days instead of listening. But for the most part, I listened. I enjoyed it. I do prefer reading to listening. HOWEVER, I was looking for a translation that I could listen to in the background as I prepped food, cooked, did dishes, etc. I wanted it to be a translation that I enjoyed and loved. I wanted a good narrator. 

The 'To the Word' reading plan is slightly odd. I'm not sure I'd recommend it over other more traditional reading plans. There is a lot of repetition--for better or worse. For example, once a week, the day's reading would be Exodus 20. There were several days where you would just repeat something you'd already read--in some cases several times. For example, I lost count how many times the plan has you read Ephesians. For the record, I love, love, love Ephesians. But it is a choice, for sure, to repeat readings so often. The plan would alternate between Old Testament and New Testament. Psalms and Proverbs were spread throughout the reading plan. The plan didn't seem to have any outstanding, obvious logic to the order of readings. It wasn't specifically chronological. The choices sometimes seemed intentional but also sometimes random. 

The Berean Standard Bible (originally published as the Berean Study Bible) has become one of my favorite translations. Definitely top five or six material. This, I believe, is the second printing of the BSB. Mine came with some defects, but, the first printing did not. I do not hold it against the translation itself. One of the sheets of paper was NOT attached in anyway. 

From their website, "The Berean Standard Bible is a completely new translation based on the best available manuscripts and sources. Each word is connected back to the Greek or Hebrew text, resulting in a transparent and honest text that can be studied for its root meanings. The Berean Study Bible text is the result of a careful translation and styling process to maintain core meanings and produce an English text of high literary quality, effective for public reading, study, memorization, and evangelism. We believe that the Scriptures are meant to be studied and shared freely. Just as Paul encouraged the churches to pass on his letters, we are developing digital resources that will be free to access and free to share in websites, apps and software."

I do absolutely love, love, love, LOVE, love this translation. It feels like coming home. It feels familiar, right.  Of course, many translations feel familiar. But that is often the result of months even years. It is hard to explain. 

It is black letter, double column, nice layout.

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd; 

I shall not want.

He makes 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 will 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 anoint my head with oil;

my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and mercy will follow me

all the days of my life,

and I will dwell in the house of the Lord

forever.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

61. CSB Scripture Notebook: Psalms

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

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

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

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

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

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

Psalms 23

The Lord is my shepherd;
I have what I need.
He lets me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside quiet waters.
He renews my life;
he leads me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
Even when I go through the darkest valley,
I fear no danger,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff—they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
as long as I live.

Psalms 100

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

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

10. NASB 2020 Giant Print Reference Bible

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

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

Start date: June 30, 2025

End date: August 27, 2025

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

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

Double column

Words of Christ in red

Psalm 23:1-6

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

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

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

9. KJV Thompson Chain Reference (2022)

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

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

Start date: June 26, 2025

End date: August 27, 2025

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

It is double columned.

The Words of Christ are in red.

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

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

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

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

59. The River of Grace

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

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

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

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

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

6. NASB 95 (New Inductive Study Bible)

6. New American Standard Bible 1995, New Inductive Study Bible. GOD. 1995. 2296 pages. [Source: Bought] [Bible, bible review, 5 stars]

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: May 5, 2025

End date: June 30, 2025

The New American Standard Bible is one of my all-time favorite, favorite translations. Particularly the 1977 and 1995. This is the 1995 update. I have also read the New Inductive Study Bible in the NASB 1977. So I've now read this particular 'study' Bible in two translations.

This Bible is a study Bible if and only if you put in the work to make it so. The Bible includes detailed instructions on how to do inductive Bible study, how to mark up your Bible, how to write in your Bible, how to interpret and understand what you're reading, what you're marking, etc. It does include some maps, charts, illustrations, etc. that you could benefit from regardless of if you are doing the inductive part. Because this is a Bible that's meant to be marked, written in, etc, there's plenty of space to do so. Perhaps not as much as a wide margin or journaling Bible, but more than your regular Bible.

This is a SINGLE COLUMN, black-letter Bible. The font size is decent, perhaps more than decent. It is not large print or giant print. But it isn't tiny print either. This Bible is HEAVY. That's the trade-off for all the extra space for writing. I believe it is also verse by verse (and not paragraphed). There are no headings, sub-headings, etc. There are lines for YOU to fill in the headings. 

This is an older edition of the New Inductive Study Bible. I believe it has been reprinted several times. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

5. KJV (King James Version) Clarion Reference

5. King James Version. (KJV) Clarion Reference Bible (Cambridge). God. 1970 pages. [Source: Bought] [5 stars, Bible]

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

I 'thrifted' this Cambridge Clarion. It was a more expensive thrift, for sure it being a more 'premium' Bible, but I think it was a good decision. 

The Clarion is more compact in size than your average, regular Bible. It is highly portable.

The Clarion is single column.

It is also black letter (as opposed to Words of Christ in red). 

It is also in paragraph format (as opposed to verse by verse). 

The references are on the outside margins of the text.  

It lays flat beautifully. The text does not run into the gutter.

There are two ribbon bookmarks.

I absolutely love the King James Version of the Bible. While I am not KJV only, I do lean towards KJV preferred. It would never be my one-and-only translation. Yet, I honestly can't imagine a day without reading from the KJV.

My favorite books to read from the KJV are the four gospels--Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John--and the books of Psalms and Proverbs. It is harder perhaps to untangle Paul's complex ideas in the KJV, but, I still love this translation overall. It pairs nicely with other translations that are easier to understand. 

The Clarion is a Bible that I definitely see myself reading again. And if I ever come across Clarions in other translations, I'd definitely be interested. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

44. A Child's Garden of Bible Stories

44. Child's Garden of Bible Stories. Arthur W. Gross. Illustrated by Rod Taenzer. 1948. 146 pages. [Source: Bought] [5 stars, bible story books, children's books, children's classic]

First sentence: Long, long ago there was no world. There were no birds and bees, no fields and flowers, no lakes and rivers, no sun, no moon, no stars. There were no people either. There was nothing at all. Only God was there.

Child's Garden of Bible Stories was originally published in 1948; it has since been republished multiple times through the decades. There are twenty-eight stories from the Old Testament. There are thirty-two stories from the New Testament. Each story has a handful of illustrations. 

What I most appreciate about this children's classic is the variety of stories included. It is always interesting to me when reading and reviewing children's bible story books WHICH stories are included and which are not. Length of the book often plays a big role I imagine in what gets included. But also I think stories can reflect the times in which the book is published. There are stories that rarely make the cut. One of the more unusual stories included in this one is David and Absalom! (Including an illustration of Absalom getting hung in the tree by his hair.) 

The books definitely does a great job in presenting the gospel and a biblical Jesus.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

43. 1-3 John: Fellowship in God's Family

43. 1-3 John: Fellowship in God's Family (Preaching the Word). David L. Allen. 2013. 435 pages. [Source: Bought] [5 stars, bible commentary]

First sentence: Tucked away at the back of your Bible is a little letter called 1 John. John the apostle, one of the original twelve disciples of Jesus, wrote it. 

The Preaching the Word Bible commentary series is published by Crossway. I've a few of these in my collection. This was my first time to read the commentary on 1-3 John by David Allen. 

What should YOU know? It is a Bible commentary. It is a Bible commentary that prints out the entirety of the Bible book being studied. It isn't solely just expository preaching, it allows room for application and stories. That being said, it does provide insight and context into studying the book of the Bible. It isn't 'just' stories and anecdotes. (It isn't even primarily that.) It does try to weave in pop culture references, references that may not have aged all that well in the years since it was published. Again the main thing of the commentary is Scripture itself. It definitely has its casual moments though perhaps not as casual as say J. Vernon McGee. So expect a few more degrees of seriousness than McGee but less than say a more scholarly commentary. 

I definitely appreciated this one! 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

4 NASB 1977

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

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

Start date: January 21, 2025

End date: May 5, 2025

I have read the NASB 1977 many times. Often many times per year. Since receiving it as a birthday gift in 2018, I believe, I've read it over and over again. Not always this physical copy, but, the translation itself. I was indecisive this time around with what physical copy I was reading. I read some in the Thompson Chain Reference (1977 edition); I read some in the Open Bible (1977 edition); I read some in this Giant Print Handy Size (1977 edition); I read some in a pew bible (1977 edition). So this 'review' is more about gushing about the translation than any one particular edition. Most editions--except the pew Bible--are red letter. Most are double column. 

I absolutely love this translation. It reads beautifully. It retains a classical, traditional literary style. It still has thees and thous. It is easier to understand than the King James Version, yet, it still has a strong traditional, elegant vibe. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

39. Expository Thoughts on the Gospel of John

39. [Expository Thoughts on the] Gospel of John. J.C. Ryle. 1879. 353 pages. [Source: Bought] [5 stars, Christian nonfiction, commentaries]

First sentence: The Gospel of John, which begins with these verses, is in many respects very unlike the other three Gospels. It contains many things which they omit. It omits many things which they contain. 

It has been a long time since I reviewed J.C. Ryle's Expository Thoughts on the Gospel of Matthew. It was a GREAT read. John being my particular favorite gospel, I decided to read J.C. Ryle's Expository Thoughts on the Gospel of John in anticipation of Lent/Easter season. It was a WONDERFUL read. 

This one is essentially a commentary on a single book of the Bible, the gospel of John. The book divides each chapter into sections. It will print the Scripture itself [not just a reference] AND then provide expository commentary on Scripture. I love it when commentaries take the time to share the Scripture itself instead of just expecting you to have your Bible open as well. Being printed in the nineteenth century--originally--I'm guessing that it is likely the King James Version being used.

J.C. Ryle was a GREAT preacher and teacher. I love his work. I agree with most of what I've read. His work can be convicting for sure. 

Quotes from John 1 commentary:

• If no one less than the Eternal God, the Creator and Preserver of all things, could take away the sin of the world, sin must be a far more abominable thing in the sight of God than most men suppose. The right measure of sin's sinfulness is the dignity of Him who came into the world to save sinners. If Christ is so great, then sin must indeed be sinful!
• When He rose again, as the Head of the body of believers, He rose not as a mere man, but as God. Let these things sink deeply into our hearts. The second Adam is far greater than the first Adam was. The first Adam was only man, and so he fell. The second Adam was God as well as man, and so He completely conquered.
• No man ever errs on the side of giving too much honor to God the Son. Christ is the meeting-point between the Trinity and the sinner's soul. "He that honors not the Son, honors not the Father which sent Him." (John 5: 23.)
• Let us take heed that in all our thoughts of Christ, we first think of Him as John the Baptist here represents Him. Let us serve him faithfully as our Master. Let us obey Him loyally as our King. Let us study His teaching as our Prophet. Let us walk diligently after Him as our Example. Let us look anxiously for Him as our coming Redeemer of body as well as soul. But above all, let us prize Him as our Sacrifice, and rest our whole weight on His death as an atonement for sin. Let His blood be more precious in our eyes every year we live. Whatever else we glory in about Christ, let us glory above all things in His cross. This is the corner-stone, this is the citadel, this is the rule of true Christian theology. We know nothing rightly about Christ, until we see him with John the Baptist's eyes, and can rejoice in Him as "the Lamb that was slain."
• Christ is a COMPLETE savior. He "takes away sin." He did not merely make vague proclamations of pardon, mercy, and forgiveness. He "took" our sins upon Himself, and carried them away. He allowed them to be laid upon Himself, and "bore them in His own body on the tree." (1 Pet. 2: 24.) The sins of every one that believes on Jesus are made as though they had never been sinned at all. The Lamb of God has taken them clean away.
• Christ is a PERPETUAL and UNWEARIED Savior. He "takes away" sin. He is daily taking it away from every one that believes on Him--daily purging, daily cleansing, daily washing the souls of His people, daily granting and applying fresh supplies of mercy. He did not cease to work for His saints, when He died for them on the cross. He lives in heaven as a Priest, to present His sacrifice continually before God. In grace as well as is providence, Christ works still. He is ever taking away sin.
• Christ must be set forth again and again, as the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world." The story of grace must be told repeatedly--line upon line, and precept upon precept. It is the constant dropping which wears away the stone. The promise shall never be broken, that "God's word shall not return unto him void." (Isaiah. 55:11.)
• Do we find it hard to see Christ in the Old Testament, because we do not see His name? Let us be sure that the fault is all our own. It is our spiritual vision which is to blame, and not the book. The eyes of our understanding need to be enlightened. The veil has yet to be taken away. Let us pray for a more humble, childlike, and teachable spirit, and let us take up "Moses and the prophets" again. Christ is there, though our eyes may not yet have seen Him. May we never rest until we can subscribe to our Lord's words about the Old Testament Scriptures, "They are they which testify of me." (John 5: 39.)

Commentary on John 3

• No man is the author of his own existence, and no man can quicken his own soul. We might as well expect a dead man to give himself life, as expect a natural man to make himself spiritual. A power from above must be put in exercise, even that same power which created the world. (2 Cor. 4:6.)
• Let us take heed that our views of the love of God are Scriptural and well-defined. The subject is one on which error abounds on either side. On the one hand we must beware of vague and exaggerated opinions. We must maintain firmly that God hates wickedness, and that the end of all who persist in wickedness will be destruction. It is not true that God's love is "lower than hell." It is not true that God so loved the world that all mankind will be finally saved, but that He so loved the world that He gave His Son to be the Savior of all who believe. His love is offered to all men freely, fully, honestly, and unreservedly, but it is only through the one channel of Christ's redemption. He that rejects Christ cuts himself off from God's love, and will perish everlastingly. On the other hand, we must beware of narrow and contracted opinions. We must not hesitate to tell any sinner that God loves him. It is not true that God cares for none but His own elect, or that Christ is not offered to any but those who are ordained to eternal life. There is a "kindness and love" in God towards all mankind. It was in consequence of that love that Christ came into the world, and died upon the cross. Let us not be wise above that which is written, or more systematic in our statements than Scripture itself. God has no pleasure in the death of the wicked. God is not willing that any should perish. God would have all men to be saved. God loves the world. (John 6:32; Titus 3:4; 1 John 4:10; 2 Pet. 3:9; 1 Tim. 2:4; Ezek. 33:11.)
• When Christ died upon the cross, our many sins were laid upon Him. He was made "sin" for us. He was made "a curse" for us. (2 Cor. 5:21; Gal. 3:13.) By His death He purchased pardon and complete redemption for sinners. The bronze serpent, lifted up in the camp of Israel, brought health and cure within the reach of all who were bitten by the snakes. Christ crucified, in like manner, brought eternal life within reach of lost mankind. Christ has been lifted up on the cross, and man looking to Him by faith may be saved. The truth before us is the very foundation-stone of the Christian religion.
• It is true that we are sinners--but Christ has suffered for us. It is true that we deserve death--but Christ has died for us. It is true that we are guilty debtors--but Christ has paid our debts with His own blood. This is the real Gospel! This is the good news! On this let us lean while we live. To this let us cling when we die. Christ has been "lifted up" on the cross, and has thrown open the gates of heaven to all believers.
• "He that believes on the Son has everlasting life." He is not intended to look forward with a sick heart to a far distant privilege. He "has" everlasting life as soon as he believes. Pardon, peace, and a complete title to Heaven, are an immediate possession. They become a believer's own, from the very moment he puts faith in Christ. They will not be more completely his own, if he lives to the age of Methuselah.

Commentary on John 4

• If we let ignorant people fancy that we think we are doing them a great favor in talking to them about religion, there is little hope of doing good to their souls.

Commentary on John 5

• Sin was the original root, and cause, and fountain of every disease in the world. God did not create man to be full of aches, and pains, and infirmities. These things are the fruits of the Fall. There would have been no sickness, if there had been no sin.
• Simple, regular reading of our Bibles is the grand secret of establishment in the faith. Ignorance of the Scriptures is the root of all error.

Commentary on John 6

• We must read our Bibles, like men digging for hidden treasure. We must wrestle earnestly in prayer, like men contending with a deadly enemy for life. We must take our whole heart to the house of God, and worship and hear like those who listen to the reading of a benefactor's will. We must fight daily against sin, the world, and the devil, like those who fight for liberty, and must conquer, or be slaves. These are the ways we must walk in if we would find Christ, and be found of Him.

Commentary on John 8

• Let us never suppose that there is any lack of charity in speaking of hell. Let us rather maintain that it is the highest love to warn men plainly of danger, and to beseech them to "flee from the wrath to come." It was Satan, the deceiver, murderer, and liar, who said to Eve in the beginning, "You shall not surely die." (Gen. 3: 4.) To shrink from telling men, that except they believe they will "die in their sins," may please the devil, but surely it cannot please God.

Commentary on John 9/10

• We must never suppose for a moment that our Lord had no power to prevent His sufferings, and that He was delivered up to His enemies and crucified because He could not help it. Nothing could be further from the truth than such an idea.
• Let us grasp it firmly, and never let it go. Let us maintain boldly the complete inspiration of every word of the original Hebrew and Greek Scriptures. Let us believe that not only every book of the Bible, but every chapter--and not only every chapter, but every verse, and not only every verse, but every word, was originally given by inspiration of God. Inspiration, we must never shrink from asserting, extends not only to the thoughts and ideas of Scripture, but to the least words.

Commentary on John 11

• The highest degree of faith is to be able to wait, sit still, and not complain.

Commentary on John 13

• Once let a man begin tampering with the devil, and he never knows how far he may fall. Trifling with the first thoughts of sin--making light of evil ideas when first offered to our hearts--allowing Satan to talk to us, and flatter us, and put bad notions into our hearts--all this may seem a small matter to many. It is precisely at this point that the road to ruin often begins. He that allows Satan to sow wicked thoughts will soon find within his heart a crop of wicked habits. Happy is he who really believes that there is a devil, and believing, watches and prays daily that he may be kept from his temptations.

Commentary on John 14

• Heaven is "a Father's house,"--the house of that God of whom Jesus says, "I go to my Father, and your Father." It is, in a word, HOME--the home of Christ and Christians. This is a sweet and touching expression. Home, as we all know, is the place where we are generally loved for our own sakes, and not for our gifts or possessions; the place where we are loved to the end, never forgotten, and always welcome. This is one idea of heaven.
• Heaven is a prepared place for a prepared people--a place which we shall find Christ Himself has made ready for true Christians. He has prepared it by procuring a right for every sinner who believes to enter in. None can stop us, and say we have no business there. He has prepared it by going before us as our Head and Representative, and taking possession of it for all the members of His mystical body.
• Christ is "the WAY,"--the way to heaven and peace with God. He is not only the guide, and teacher, and lawgiver, like Moses; He is Himself the door, the ladder, and the road, through whom we must draw near to God. He has opened the way to the tree of life, which was closed when Adam and Eve fell, by the satisfaction He made for us on the cross. Through His blood we may draw near with boldness, and have access with confidence into God's presence.
• Christ is "the TRUTH,"--the whole substance of true religion which the mind of man requires.
• Christ is "the LIFE,"--the sinner's title to eternal life and pardon, the believer's root of spiritual life and holiness, the surety of the Christian's resurrection life. He that believes on Christ has everlasting life. He that abides in Him, as the branch abides in the vine, shall bring forth much fruit. He that believes on Him, though he were dead, yet shall he live. The root of all life, for soul and for body, is Christ.

Commentary on John 15

• He would have us know that we can never think too highly of love, attach too much weight to it, labor too much to practice it. Truths which our Master thinks it needful to enforce on us by repetition, must needs be of first-class importance.
• To see light and not use it, to possess knowledge and yet not turn it to account, to he able to say "I know," and yet not to say "I believe," will place us at the lowest place on Christ's left hand, in the great day of judgment.

Commentary on John 16

• Then let us never forget, in reading the Bible, to pray for the teaching of the Holy Spirit. We must not wonder if we find the Bible a dark and difficult book, if we do not regularly seek light from Him by whom it was first inspired. In this, as in many other things, "we have not because we ask not."
• The storms of trial and persecution may sometimes beat heavily on us; but let them only drive us closer to Christ. The sorrows, and losses, and crosses, and disappointments of our life may often make us feel sorely cast down; but let them only make us tighten our hold on Christ. Armed with this very promise let us, under every cross, come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Commentary on John 20

• Where sin is not felt at all, nothing is done; and where sin is little felt, little is done. The man who is deeply conscious of his own guilt and corruption, and deeply convinced that without the death and intercession of Christ he would sink deservedly into the lowest hell, this is the man who will spend and be spent for Jesus, and think that he can never do enough to show forth His praise.
• Let us daily pray that we may see the sinfulness of sin, and the amazing grace of Christ, more clearly and distinctly. Then, and then only, shall we cease to be cool, and lukewarm, and slovenly in our work for Jesus.
• Let us love all who love Christ in sincerity, and thank God that they love Him at all. The great thing is to love Jesus.
• Let us believe that things are often working together for our peace and joy, which seem at one time to contain nothing but bitterness and sorrow.

Commentary on John 21

• There is no such thing as luck, chance, or accident, in the journey of our life. Everything from beginning to end is foreseen--arranged by One who is too wise to err, and too loving to do us harm.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

23. A Book of Comfort For Those In Sickness

23. A Book of Comfort for Those In Sickness. Philip Bennett Power. 1876/2018. Banner of Truth. 97 pages. [Source: Bought] [5 stars]

From the introduction: AMONGST the many wonderful truths which are spoken of God in the Bible, one of the most wonderful and beautiful is that He is a ‘God of comfort.’

A Book of Comfort For Those in Sickness is a gem of a book. It was originally published in 1876, it has since been reprinted a few times--most recently in 2018 by Banner of Truth.

Whether your sickness or suffering leaves you in bed or a not-so-easy easy chair, this book is for you.

There are twelve chapters:

Is God a God of Comfort at All?
Hindrances to Our Believing that God is a God of Comfort
Helps to Our Believing That God is a God of Comfort
Comfort In Pain
Comfort as to Our Being Useless
Comfort in Felt Unworthiness
Comfort To Counter Envious Thoughts About Others
Comfort In Our Being a Trouble to Others
Comfort In Death That the Affliction Will Be Long
Comfort in the Thought That We Shall Have to Be Alone
Comfort In Our Fears that We Shall Dishonor God At the Last
Comfort in the Thought of Our Departure Hence

While a few chapters really stick out as being MARVELOUS AND all kinds of WONDERFUL. Each chapter is a gem. A few chapters would even be super-relevant even if you weren't enduring pain and suffering.

I have lived with chronic pain for over twenty years. Some days are more painful than others. Some days I am more functioning than others. But pain is a constant in my life. A pain-free day is something that just doesn't seem possible this side of eternity. If by pain-free you mean totally and completely free from pain everywhere. This pain has filled me with hope and longing--longing for more of Christ, longing for his Coming, longing for the days when there will be no more pain, no more tears, no more suffering, no more trials, no more temptations.

I found this book to be EXCELLENT. I loved, loved, loved it.

From chapter one, "Is God a God of Comfort At All?"

• Some people speak of God as though there is no comfort in Him at all; and that Jesus is to comfort us by enabling us to escape from God.
• (1) Get firmly convinced that God, God Himself, God the Father, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, and our Father, is a God of comfort.
• (2) Do not look anywhere else for your prime and first comfort. I do not deny that there is much comfort in friends, in happy feelings, in books, in many of the surrounding circumstances which prove alleviations in illness, but I want you to gather in your thoughts, and feel that the only sure comfort is with God.
• (3) Expect comfort from God. Man’s expectation is generally a prelude to God’s action. We must first open our mouth, and then he will fill it.

From chapter two, "Hindrances To Our Believing that God is a God of Comfort"

• The brighter any truth of God, the more does Satan endeavour to gather about it such mists as will obscure it, if indeed he cannot extinguish it altogether.
• We must not be always suspecting God. If He says one thing to us, we must not think that He means another.
• The past is dead and gone, and let the dead bury their dead. We cannot alter the bad and foolish past. It will always remain what it was. But what we are concerned with is that it should not carry itself on into the present, that it should not hurt us now, that it should be indeed ‘a past.’ Now, say to yourself: That is a bad old habit of mine, not looking to God. I must break with it altogether. Let Him now make all things new with me.
• A discouraged man is always a weak man. This Satan knows very well, and therefore, he puts all sorts of discouragements in the way of our going to God for comfort.
• I do not believe that God is well pleased with a man’s spending all his time in self-condemnation. 
• I think God might well say to us, ‘What! all looking at self, and never a look at Me! What! look at Me, and never a bit of comfort out of it!
• Are your sins of more importance than My grace? are they to occupy all the ground, and no room to be left for Me to act in comfort and blessing, the way in which I love to act?’
• He will be more glorified by your being comforted than by your continually refusing to be comforted, or crying out that you are unworthy to be comforted.
• Self-condemnation is very good in its place, but it is very bad out of its place; and it is out of its place, when we make it so big that it can blot out the comfort of God.
• We may put a penny piece so close to our eyes as to hide out the sun itself; and we may put our little selves into such a position as to blot out God.

From chapter three, "Helps To Our Believing that God is a God of Comfort."

• We must keep close to thoughts of God. We must meet Satan’s dark thoughts and suggestions about God with bright thoughts about Him.
• I consider then God’s character as my great help to believing Him to be a God of comfort.
• Bathe your thoughts then in God. Be rich in God – poor in yourselves, but rich in Him.

From chapter four, "A Comfort in Pain"

• WE must not undervalue pain. It is a folly to say that we should be above being moved by it – that, as it is only for a time, we ought not to make anything of it.  So far from making nothing of pain, I make a great deal of it. I believe it to be a very real trouble, a very great trial, something which makes a great demand upon my faith and patience, and all my powers of body and mind too. I consider it an insult to anyone suffering pain to make light of his suffering.
• Be persuaded, then, that God does not make light of your pain. I am comforted in my suffering in the thought that God knows all about it, and feels for it too.
• Sympathy is a great balm; and you have the sympathy of God.
• Therefore, be comforted in every pain with the thought that it has not escaped the observation of God, but has been noted by Him, has been felt for by Him. ‘My groaning is not hid from Thee.’
• Pain is no vulgar thing when we bring it into connection with the sympathy of God.
• Then, we come to the thought that Jesus suffered pain. Put that down as a second comfort; put it down as a great comfort.
• Christ (God and man) in His human nature, made of nerves and flesh and blood, just like yours, every nerve the same, every muscle the same, actually felt great pain; probably greater than any you have ever felt. 
• No doubt you have no pain but that He felt one like it, probably that very pain in its highest form upon the cross. I think it will help you to bear your pain, and will comfort you in it, if you come into fellowship with Christ in regard to it.
• Another comfort in pain is the thought that all this shall have an end.
• Every pain borne, is one pain less to bear.
• And God would have us think of the end. He sets all the future blessedness before us, telling us of it before we attain to it, in order that it may cheer and encourage us on our way.
• But no pain is aimless, if only we will see that it has a design. God means it to work blessing. He means that it should leave something behind it.
• In pain, if properly borne, God can be pleased. But perhaps our pain may be so sharp, or may have worn us down so much that we cannot get the mind to work actively;
• it is a comfort to think that God does not require us to think. He is no hard taskmaster. He only wills us to resign ourselves into His hands.
• We may do that, and lean back in our chairs, or on our pillows, and feel that we are pleasing Him, though we can have no active thoughts about Him.

From chapter five, "A Comfort To Our Being Useless"

• Many of the most pitiable forms of illness and suffering will be found not on beds at all, but on sofas, in arm-chairs. 
• Yes! many of the sick ones who may claim this book as their own are even walking about, but they are hit sore, and can do nothing that looks worth much.
• God has not taken away all opportunities of usefulness from you by setting you in a useless place.
• God has something for you to do, and to be, in His kingdom.
• Sometimes, we must look at things in relation to God and man; and sometimes to God alone.
• Your patience, your resignation, your glorifying God in the fires, your word of good to others, all are useful, inestimably precious in the sphere of His kingdom in which He has now appointed you to act.
• Sick man, you have a place of usefulness for God, not the old place, but His place – the place which is best in the eyes of the all-wise One.
• Under any circumstances you may be of great use by being contented and cheerful in your trouble.
• Those around you will see that God sustains you, and will bless Him and glorify Him, and perhaps learn to trust Him too.

From chapter six, "A Comfort in Felt Unworthiness"

• ‘He is empty, then there is room for Me, and Mine – I will fill him.’
• Christ will fill you with Himself, and when the Father sees the Son in you – all the Son – His own beloved Son, and not a bit of your own poor fallen self, and your own poor perishing things, He will be well pleased.
• You shall never learn anything bad about yourself, without learning something correspondingly good about Christ.
• Humble yourself – the lower the better; but always, with Christ before you. Humility without Christ will make you weak; with Him, it will make you strong. Our own unworthiness would crush us.

From chapter seven, "A Comfort to Counter Envious Thoughts..."

• When I think how I am to be comforted under these circumstances, I ask myself, ‘Who has appointed me my present lot? Who has sent me my illness? Is God in this matter? Have I distinct views upon this subject?’
• It is very unsafe to survey the lot of others, except in the light of God.
• O my God, I will behold Thee in the sanctuary, not in the glass of my poor evil heart, where I would distort Thy image, but where Thou showest Thyself, and I believe that Thou art good, and good in the highest way to me. 
• But that would not be enough. I must believe that infinite wisdom has been at work, to give me the thing best for me.
• Why it is best for me I know not; enough that, if it come from God, it must be so.
• I am comforted, because Thou who art all-wise and good hast settled my lot for me.
• We stand before Him in our individuality; and He deals with us one by one. Therefore, if I believe in God, I comfort myself, in the assurance that I have the lot that is best for me. Why it should be best, as I have said, I cannot tell; that I must leave to God.
• I comfort myself, O my God, with the belief that Thou appointest what is best for me – for me!
• Very often, we have to hunt for our blessings to find them. They are none the worse for that;
• In sickness, little mercies are as sweet and as really great to you, as very great things are to other people in health. 
• Ask God to show you the good things incidental to your lot. Believe that there are some, and look for them.

From chapter eight, "A Comfort In Our Being a Trouble to Others"

• Very often, our illness makes us sad on account of dear ones on whom we are made dependent, upon whom this illness must exercise some pressure.
• To you, my sick friend, it may be a great burden even to hold up a book; it may tire you very much to walk a few steps; you cannot talk for five minutes at a time. But you must not measure your friends round about you by yourself. You and they are under different circumstances altogether;
• Now, love makes no account of trouble; on the other hand, it rejoices in opportunities of showing itself, and counts many a thing which is troublesome in itself, no trouble at all because of the one for whom it is done.
• God will reward those who minister to us, for what they do for His sake.
• There is One who notes all they do, and who in His own time and way will reward them.
• Faith is not always wanting to know.
• God has appointed you to be the one to depend, even as He has appointed your kind friends to be the ones to be depended on.

From chapter nine, "A Comfort In Fear That The Affliction Will Be Long"

• The first grand comfort will come from living by the day.
• God meant us to live by the day. It was sin that brought in ‘trouble about the future,’ and distrust of God; and conjured up all sorts of fears and doubts and disbeliefs, to people the long weary time that it brings before the mind.
• God has mercifully cut up life into short pieces, into days; if He had not done so, we must have been overwhelmed.
• ‘God is often better to us than our fears,’
• From the habit of being on the sofa, or in bed, or being confined to the house, all these trials will be far less than they would have been, if they came only at intervals, and for short periods.
• It is also a comfort to think that, no matter how long our trial may be, it will never be too long for God’s intention.
• Comfort yourself also with the assurance that the trial will not be too long for your blessing.
• God will not send trial without the intention of blessing; therefore, where the trial is great, we may be sure that the blessing intended is great also.
• Your trial cannot be longer than the lasting power of God’s faithfulness, and mercy, and patience, and power.
• Believe that long afflictions have their peculiar meaning and blessing.
• But come what may, my God will be faithful to me all through; and will hold me by my right hand, even to the end.

From chapter ten, "A Comfort in the Thought That We Shall Have To Be Alone"

• Strengthen yourself in the honour of being in some small measure even as Christ was.
• Human applause did not carry Jesus through anything; what He did, He did without it; and we may do the like.
• Your circumstances are like His, He will make you, in your measure, like Himself.
• Depend upon it, however little sympathy you may have, you have more than He had; however often you may be misunderstood, you are not misunderstood as often as He was.
• Though we cannot enter into the depths of His suffering in any one form of it, still we can be in fellowship with it as regards ‘kind,’ and to be in fellowship with Him will brighten any lonely hour.
• Encourage yourself in the thought of ‘a presence’, and that presence – your Father’s. And that presence you will never have without His voice speaking to you, and without your voice being drawn out to respond to His.
• Our bodies, no doubt, are kept in the chamber of weakness; but our bodies are not ourselves.

From chapter eleven, "A Comfort In Our Fears That We Shall Fail and Dishonor God at the Last"

• The unknown we almost always fear. And yet, with the unknown before us, we must always live.
• There are two ways of meeting the unknown – either by not thinking about it at all, or by thinking and leaving it all to God.
• God sees the future both of our weakness and of our temptation, and when they come, we shall find that He has come with them.
• The Word of God is intended to be, not a fear-creating, but a fear-dispelling Word.
• No doubt it warns us about ourselves – our own weakness, and nothingness, and entire liability to fall – but this is only to prevent our being set on the wrong basis of self and our own strength.
• One of the uses of ‘the Word’ is to lift us out of self-strength, to put us on new standing-ground altogether, to take us out of the land of fears, and set our feet in the land of faith.
• We must leave the future to God – our future must be a God-made, God-wrought one.

From chapter twelve, "A Comfort in the Thought Of Our Departure Hence"

• One great comfort will be to believe that the best arrangement is made for everything connected with it. 
• Not arrangement by ourselves, or any near and dear to us, but by the One who from the beginning has arranged all things.
• He who is so active in all things connected with life, is equally active in all things connected with what we call Death.
• We are going to our Father. We are provided for by our Father. Our Father is in all. We are going to a place, to friends, to life. A home, and not a grave, is the true ending of our earthly life; we depart not to be, as we say, ‘dead,’ but really to live.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible