John 11:17-44, TBC Book Two, Chapter 73
Without anyone telling him, Jesus knew that his friend Lazarus had died. By the time he and his disciples reached Bethany, Lazarus had been in the tomb for four days. Bethany was only two miles from Jerusalem, where some of the Jews still wanted to stone Jesus. Many people had come to Bethany to mourn the death of Lazarus and to comfort his sisters, Mary and Martha. Among them were some Jews from Jerusalem.

When Martha learned that Jesus was on his way to Bethany, she left the house to go meet him. But Mary was so grieved and so hurt that she stayed at home.

When Martha saw Jesus, she said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that, even now, God would give you whatever you asked.”

Jesus knew what she was hinting at. “Your brother will rise again,” he said.

Martha wasn’t sure if Jesus understood what she had meant. . . . 

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 73, for the rest of the story.)
​Available in book, e-book, and audiobook formats, sold by Amazon and your favorite bookstores/vendors.

Today’s Takeaways
     A proverb to guide you: Jesus walks with us in our grief, faith points us toward his Glory.      
     A promise to cling to: “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. . . . and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23:4,6  KJV        
     A praise to fill you: ​Held  Natalie Grant     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

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John 11:1-16, TBC Book Two, Chapter 72
Ever since the Jews in Jerusalem threatened to stone Jesus, he and his disciples stayed in the region of Perea, just beyond the Jordan River. While they were there, someone came running up to them and made his way to Jesus.

“Lord, I have a message for you,” the man said. “It’s from your friends Martha and Mary. They say, ‘The one you love is very sick.’ ”

Jesus knew they were speaking of their brother Lazarus, for he, too, was a close friend of Jesus’. But when Jesus heard the message, he made no offer to go to his friends in Bethany. Instead, he thought for a moment, then he said, “This sickness that he has will not end in death. It is for God’s glory. This has happened so that the Son of God will be glorified.”

Some of his disciples heard what he said, but they weren’t sure what he meant. . . .

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 72, for the rest of the story.)
​Available in book, e-book, and audiobook formats, sold by Amazon and your favorite bookstores/vendors.​

Today’s Takeaways
     A proverb to guide you: Hard things happen to God’s beloved. But the script is still being written . . .
     A promise to cling to: “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.” 1 Peter 4:12-13 NIV
     A praise to fill you: ​Blessings  Laura Story     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

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Luke 13:22-30, TBC Book Two, Chapter 71
As Jesus made his way through the towns and villages of Judea, he knew this would be his last time to see many of these people. The time for Passover was approaching, and he and his disciples would travel to Jerusalem one last time. So Jesus made the most of teaching those who were hungry for truth. One day, someone asked him, “Lord, will only a few people be saved?”

It was a good question, and the people strained to hear what Jesus would say.

Ever since Jesus came, people were being forced to wrestle with all the teachings they had taken for granted. They had taken great pride in the fact that they were sons of Abraham, followers of Moses and the Law. But Jesus seemed to strip away everything they had trusted in. He challenged them to a higher standard. Everyone was interested in what he had to say. Yet not everyone was willing to heed what he taught.

The people grew silent, waiting for Jesus to answer the man’s question. . . .

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 71, for the rest of the story.)
​Available in book, e-book, and audiobook formats, sold by Amazon and your favorite bookstores/vendors.​

Today’s Takeaways
     A proverb to guide you: Heaven awaits—comprised of many cultures, closed to presumptuous spectators.
     A promise to cling to: “When the Son of Man comes in his glory . . .  all the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you . . . For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ ” Matthew 25:31-36 NIV
     A praise to fill you: The Least of These  Karl Kolhhase     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

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Matthew 19:30; 20:1-16, TBC Book Two, Chapter 70
While the disciples were still thinking about the sacrifices they had made for Jesus, the Lord began to tell them a parable. He had said that “many who were first would be last, and that many who were last would be first.” That puzzled them. What did he mean?

Jesus knew they had questions. So he said, “Let me tell you more about the kingdom of heaven. It is like a landowner who left early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. With each one of them, he said, ‘I’ll pay you a denarius for a day’s work.’ They each agreed to those terms, and he sent them out to work.

“At about 9:00 that morning, he went out into the marketplace once more and saw some others just standing around with nothing to do. They looked like they could use a job. So he called them together and said, ‘I’ll tell you what—I’ve just hired workers for my vineyard, but I could use some more. If you want, I could hire you, too. If you go there now and start working, at the end of the day I’ll pay you whatever is fair. . . .’

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 70, for the rest of the story.)
​Available in book, e-book, and audiobook formats, sold by Amazon and your favorite bookstores/vendors.

Today’s Takeaways
     A proverb to guide you: God’s timetable is based on his generosity, understood by our trust.
     A promise to cling to: “But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:8-9 NIV
     A praise to fill you: Be Thou My Vision  Michael Card     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds] 

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Mark 10:17-31; Matthew 19:16-30; Luke 18:18-30. TBC Book Two, Chapter 69
Jesus had just finished blessing all the little children, and when he stood to leave, he heard footsteps running up behind him. A young man fell to his knees before Jesus. He was almost out of breath as he spoke.

“Good teacher,” he said, “what must I do to have eternal life?”

“Why do you call me good?” Jesus said. “No one is truly good except God alone.” 

For a moment, Jesus didn’t say anything. He was studying the young man’s expression. A puzzled look came across the young man’s face. That’s when Jesus continued: “Now about your question—you know God’s commandments, do you not?”

“Yes, teacher,” he replied, “I do. And I have kept all of them ever since I was a boy.”

Jesus looked at him and smiled, for he felt love and compassion for him. The young man knew something was missing in his life. . . .

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 69, for the rest of the story.)
​Available in book, e-book, and audiobook formats, sold by Amazon and your favorite bookstores/vendors.

Today’s Takeaways
     A proverb to guide you: At the heart of eternal life is the eternal question: What holds your heart?
     A promise to cling to: “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.” Matthew 6:24 NASB
     A praise to fill you: Things We Leave Behind  Michael Card     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

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Matthew 19:1-15; Mark 10:1-16; Luke 18:9-17, TBC Book Two, Chapter 68
Once Jesus left Galilee, he knew he would not be returning. He now spent all his time in Judea, and many people came out to the other side of the Jordan to find him. Large crowds followed him, and he taught them and healed many. Among those in the crowd were Pharisees, hoping to trap Jesus in his own words. So they picked a subject that brought sharp division between leading rabbis. They asked Jesus, “Does the Law permit a man to divorce his wife?”

Now there were two main opinions that the rabbis held. One group said a man could divorce his wife if she displeased him in any way. The other group said a man could divorce only if his wife had been unfaithful. But Jesus surprised them all by ignoring both those ideas.

“Haven’t you read what the Scriptures say? . . .”

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 68, for the rest of the story.)​
​Available in book, e-book, and audiobook formats, sold by Amazon and your favorite bookstores/vendors.​

Today’s Takeaways
     A proverb to guide you: Children have so much to teach us—don’t waste their time.
     A promise to cling to: “But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” Luke 18:16-17 NIV
     A praise to fill you: Nobody  Casting Crowns     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]          

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John 10:22-42; Luke 14:25-35, TBC Book Two, Chapter 67
A few months after Jesus had appeared in Jerusalem, he returned again for the Feast of Dedication. It was winter, and he walked in the sheltered areas of the temple courtyard, in Solomon’s Colonnade. When the people realized Jesus was there, they began to gather around him. Some asked, “Why are you keeping us in suspense about your identity? If you are the Messiah, why don’t you just say so?”

Jesus replied, “I did tell you, but you didn’t believe me.

“I’ve done miracles in my Father’s name, and those miracles show who I am. The reason you don’t know who I am is because you don’t believe. And the reason you don’t believe is because you are not my sheep.

“My sheep listen to me. They recognize my voice, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. Neither will anyone snatch them away from me, for my Father has given them to me. I and the Father are one.”

When Jesus said this, the people got angry and began picking up rocks to stone him. . . .

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 67, for the rest of the story.)
​Available in book, e-book, and audiobook formats, sold by Amazon and your favorite bookstores/vendors.​

Today’s Takeaways
     A proverb to guide you: Belief takes us by the hand to meet Jesus; discipleship beckons us to go further—to follow him.
     A promise to cling to: “ ‘My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.’ ” John 10:27 NIV
     A praise to fill you: We Are the Reason  David Meece     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

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John 9:39-41; 10:1-21, TBC Book Two, Chapter 66
The blind man rose to his feet and thanked Jesus for what he had done. With his disciples standing near him, Jesus explained, “I have come into this world so that the blind can see and those who think they see will become blind.”

When the man left, some Pharisees came up to Jesus. “What did you say?” they asked. “Are you saying we are blind?”

“If you were,” Jesus said, “you would not be guilty of sin. But since you say you can see, you remain guilty.”

As Jesus continued to speak, more people began to gather around him. He used the image of a sheep pen to help them understand. . .

The people stared at Jesus with a puzzled expression. He sighed and then explained, “I’m telling you, I am the gate for the sheep. All the false shepherds who came before me were nothing more than thieves and robbers, and the sheep knew better than to listen to them. . . .”

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 66, for the rest of the story.)
​Available in book, e-book, and audiobook formats, sold by Amazon and your favorite bookstores/vendors.

Today’s Takeaways
     A proverb to guide you: The voice of Jesus is heard clearly by those in whose hearts he resides.   
     A promise to cling to: “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” Revelation 3:20 NIV
     A praise to fill you: Jesus Lover of My Soul  Darlene Zschech     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

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John 9:1-38, TBC Book Two, Chapter 65
Leaving the temple grounds and avoiding those who wanted to stone him, Jesus walked through Jerusalem with his disciples. They stopped when they saw a man who had been blind since birth. “Rabbi,” they said, “who sinned? Was it this man or his parents?”

“Neither,” Jesus said. “His blindness happened so that the work of God could be shown in his life.” Then Jesus picked up some clay, spit on it, and put the mud on the man’s eyes.

“Go now,” Jesus told him. “Wash this off in the Pool of Siloam.”

The man did as he was told, and he could see. When he returned home, his neighbors saw him coming and they said to one another, “Isn’t that the blind man, the beggar?”

“No,” others said. “That can’t be him. It’s just someone who looks like him.”

But the man turned to them and said, “Yes—I’m the one who was blind.”

“How were you healed?” they asked. . . .

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 65, for the rest of the story.)
​Available in book, e-book, and audiobook formats, sold by Amazon and your favorite bookstores/vendors.

Today’s Takeaways
     A proverb to guide you: Truth has a way of opening one’s eyes, while its counterfeit twin holds people hostage to fear and intimidation.
     A promise to cling to: “ ‘Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.’ ” Luke 12:6-7 NIV
     A praise to fill you: His Eyes  Steven Curtis Chapman     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

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John 8:12-59, TBC Book Two, Chapter 64
Once more Jesus spoke to a great crowd of people in the temple area, where the Pharisees stood ready to challenge him.  “I am the light of the world,” Jesus said. “Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”

“You speak as your own witness!” shouted one Pharisee. “So what you say isn’t valid.”

Jesus answered, “Your own Law says that the testimony of two proves a matter. I have the Father’s testimony as well as my own.”

“Where is your father?” someone shouted in a taunting voice. They knew the rumors about Jesus, that his mother was Mary but his father was not really Joseph.

“If you knew me,” Jesus said, “you would also know my Father. Soon I am going away, and where I go, you cannot come. You will look for me, but you won’t find me. . . .”

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 64, for the rest of the story.)
​Available in book, e-book, and audiobook formats, sold by Amazon and your favorite bookstores/vendors.

Today’s Takeaways
     A proverb to guide you: The father of all lies has many devoted children, sitting at the wrong intersection of the corner on truth.
     A promise to cling to: “To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’ ” John 8:31-32 NIV
     A praise to fill you: You Are God Alone  Phillips, Craig, and Dean     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

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John 5:16-47, TBC Book Two, Chapter 63
Jesus had caused quite a stir in Jerusalem. Just as more and more people began to put their faith in him, so also did his enemies grow more enraged. They continued to accuse him of breaking God’s Law by healing on the Sabbath. To this, Jesus replied, “My father is always at his work, and so am I.” But when he said that, they were absolutely furious.

“Did you hear that?” they said to one another. “Now he is making himself equal with God! He deserves to be killed!”

“I tell you the truth,” Jesus continued, “the Son does nothing on his own. He imitates what he has seen his Father doing. . . . 

“I am telling you the truth—anyone who accepts my words and chooses to believe him who sent me has eternal life. That person will not be condemned; he has passed from death to life. A time is coming, in fact, it is happening even now, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God. And those who hear will live. . . .

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 63, for the rest of the story.)
​Available in book, e-book, and audiobook formats, sold by Amazon and your favorite bookstores/vendors.

Today’s Takeaways
     A proverb to guide you: The key to eternal life lies not in not in what you know, but who you know.
     A promise to cling to: “The Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline. . . . For I know whom I have believed and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.” 2 Timothy 1:7,12 NIV
     A praise to fill you: Could It Be  Michael Card     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

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John 7:14-52, TBC Book Two, Chapter 62
Ever since Jesus began talking about his death, he started spending more time alone with his disciples and less with the crowds. Rarely did he enter a large city, and when he did, he was very careful about when and where he would speak. But now he had decided to attend a feast in Jerusalem. 

At first, Jesus kept himself somewhat hidden from the crowds. Not until halfway through the week did he appear in the temple courts.

Many of those people knew about Jesus but had never heard him speak. They knew he had not been trained as were the Pharisees and teachers of the Scripture. So when they heard him, they were amazed. Turning to one another, they said, “Where did he get such learning?”

Jesus knew what they were saying. “My teaching is not my own,” he said. “It is from him who sent me. If anyone chooses to do God’s will, he will know where my teaching comes from.”

Jesus also knew that some in the crowd were angry with him. They wanted him killed. . . .

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 62, for the rest of the story.)
​Available in book, e-book, and audiobook formats, sold by Amazon and your favorite bookstores/vendors.​

Today’s Takeaways
     A proverb to guide you: Everyone has an opinion about Jesus . . . and the one you hold will shape your life.
     A promise to cling to: “Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” John 10:30-31 NIV
     A praise to fill you: There Is None Like You  Lenny LeBlanc     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

Luke 9:51-56; 17:11-19, TBC Book Two, Chapter 61
“Let’s go,” Jesus said. He and his disciples now planned to travel to Jerusalem. He sent some of them ahead to Samaria to find a place to spend the night. Most Jews would have chosen a different route, for Samaritans refused to assist Jews traveling to Jerusalem for religious festivals. At first Jesus’ disciples were welcomed. But when the Samaritans learned that Jesus would be attending a religious feast in Jerusalem, they sent them away. . . .

So they left that region and went on to another village. As they were about to enter the village, a group of men some distance away began to shout, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” The ten men were lepers and no one stood near them.

Leprosy was a miserable disease that affected the skin. The word “leprosy” was used to describe a number of skin diseases. But the type of leprosy that was contagious was the worst one of all. . . .

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 61, for the rest of the story.)
​Available in book, e-book, and audiobook formats, sold by Amazon and your favorite bookstores/vendors.

Today’s Takeaways
     A proverb to guide you: “Thanks” isn’t a word—it’s a heartfelt response that demands expression.
     A promise to cling to: “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV
     A praise to fill you: Thankful Heart   Petra    [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

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Matthew 18:15-35, TBC Book Two, Chapter 60
Time was running short—Jesus knew he must make the most of his opportunities alone with his twelve disciples. Ever since they arrived in Capernaum, it was clear to Jesus what he now needed to teach them.

“When problems come up with another believer who has sinned,” Jesus said, “you must go to that person and discuss the matter. If he refuses to listen to you, find one or two others who are aware of the problem. Then go back to him and let them try to reason with him.

If he refuses to listen to them, take the matter to the whole assembly of believers, the church. Have him appear before the whole church. If he refuses to listen to the council of the church assembly, there is nothing more you can do for him. Treat him as if he is no longer a member of your assembly. . . .

As Peter listened, he was troubled about something. . . .

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 60, for the rest of the story.)
​Available in book, e-book, and audiobook formats, sold by Amazon and your favorite bookstores/vendors.​

Today’s Takeaways
     A proverb to guide you: The hardest wounds to heal are the ones that keep bringing pain . . . because we won’t let go of them.
     A promise to cling to: “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:12-13 NIV
     A praise to fill you: Love  Petra     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

Mark 9:33-50; Matthew 17:24-27; 18:1-6; Luke 9:46-50, TBC Book Two, Chapter 59
Jesus and his twelve disciples had just arrived in Capernaum when he said, “Tell me, what were you arguing about just before we came in the house?” No one said a word. They had argued about which of them was the greatest disciple. One of them finally broke the silence and asked, “Lord, who is the greatest in the kingdom of God?”

Jesus replied, “If any of you wants to be the leader, you must become the servant of all.”

Then Jesus called one of the children who had been watching shyly. Jesus smiled as he lifted up the little one and held him in his arms. The little boy put his head down and smiled back. Hugging him in his arms, Jesus said, “I tell you, unless you change and become like this little child, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in God’s kingdom.
“Whoever welcomes a child like this in my name welcomes me. These little ones have the faith to believe in me. So if anyone causes one of these little ones to sin, woe to that person. . . .”

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 59, for the rest of the story.)
​Available in book, e-book, and audiobook formats, sold by Amazon and your favorite bookstores/vendors.​

Today’s Takeaways
     A proverb to guide you: Be careful how you treat children—they have friends in high places.
     A promise to cling to: ”See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.” Matthew 18:10 NIV
     A praise to fill you: Reaching  Carolyn Arends     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

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Mark 9:14-32; Luke 9:37-45; Matthew 17:14-23, TBC Book Two, Chapter 58
When Jesus came down the mountain with Peter, John, and James, he saw that his other disciples were surrounded by a great crowd of people. As he came closer, he realized that the teachers of the Law were arguing with them. Some of the people saw Jesus coming with the other three disciples, and they ran to greet him. So did several of his disciples.
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“What’s going on?” Jesus asked his disciples. “What are all of you arguing about?”

Before they could answer him, another man spoke up. “Teacher, I came to see you with my son, my only son. He is possessed by an evil spirit, and the spirit prevents him from being able to speak. Whenever the spirit takes hold of him, it throws him to the ground and he foams at the mouth. Then he gnashes his teeth and his body becomes rigid.

“When I learned that you were not here, I asked your disciples if they could help me. So they tried to drive out the spirit, but they were not able to do it. . . .”

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 58, for the rest of the story.)
Available in book, e-book, and audiobook formats, sold by Amazon and your favorite bookstores/vendors.

 Today’s Takeaways
     A proverb to guide you: Bring to Jesus the part of you that wants to believe. Then ask him for the faith you lack.
     A promise to cling to: “Jesus said, ‘Everything is possible for one who believes.’  Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, ‘I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!’ ” Mark 9:23-24 NIV                            
     A praise to fill you: Be Alright  Evan Craft, Danny Gokey, Redimi2     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

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Luke 9:28-36; Mark 9:2-13; Matthew 17:1-13, TBC Book Two, Chapter 57
Jesus was full of surprises, and no one knew that better than his own disciples. His most recent surprise, however, was not a pleasant one. Only a week earlier, Jesus had revealed to them that he would suffer and die, for that was part of God’s plan. Now he called Peter, John, and James apart from the other disciples. “Come with me up the mountain,” he said. They thought they were going there just to pray, but once again, they were in for yet another big surprise.

When they reached a certain spot, Jesus knelt to pray, and so did they. But it wasn’t long before the three disciples fell asleep. While they slept, the Lord continued to pray. And as he prayed, his body began to glow like a brilliant light. Even his clothes became radiant, as bright as lightning.

Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared, their bodies also full of heavenly glory. . . . 

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 57, for the rest of the story.)​

Today’s Takeaways
     A proverb to guide you: Sometimes we just need to be quiet . . . and listen to God’s Son.
     A promise to cling to: “He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.’ ” Psalm 46:10 NIV
     A praise to fill you: Let My Words Be Few  Phillips, Craig, and Dean     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

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Mark 8:27-9:1; Matthew 16:13-28; Luke 9:18-27, TBC Book Two, Chapter 56
Jesus would not stay long in any one place, so none of his disciples were surprised when he said, “Let’s travel north, through the villages near Caesarea Philippi.” As they traveled, they talked about many things. Casually, Jesus asked them, “Who do the people say that I am?”

“Some say you’re John the Baptist come back from the dead,” they said. “Some say that you are Elijah. Still others say that you are one of the prophets.”

“And what about you?” Jesus said. “Who do you say that I am?”

Simon Peter stopped walking and turned toward Jesus.

“You are the Messiah,” he said, “the Son of the living God.”

Jesus looked at Peter and said, “You have been blessed by God, Simon, son of Jonas. For this was revealed to you not by the teaching of men but from my Father in heaven. And just as you have correctly given testimony of who I am, so also do I say to you. . . .” 

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 56, for the rest of the story.)

Today’s Takeaways
     A proverb to guide you: Given what he said, Jesus was either a liar, a lunatic, or who he claimed to be—the Messiah, the Son of God.—C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity
     A promise to cling to: “ ‘But what about you?” [Jesus] asked [his disciples]. ‘Who do you say I am?’ Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.’ ” Matthew 16:15-16 NIV
     A praise to fill you: Who Do You Say I Am?   Pam Mark Hall   [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

Mark 8:22-26; Luke 13:10-17, TBC Book Two, Chapter 55
The disciples pulled the boat ashore on the northwest side of the lake, close to Bethsaida, one of the cities Jesus had spoken against for its lack of faith. But no matter where Jesus traveled, people were quick to recognize them and come to him with people who needed healing.

They had just entered Bethsaida when a small group of people approached.

“Please,” one of them said, “this man is blind. If only you would touch him. . . .”

Jesus motioned for some of the disciples to stay with the group while he and the other disciples led the man outside the village. After spitting into his hands, Jesus touched the man’s eyes with the saliva. He kept his hands on the man’s eyes for a few moments. Then he lowered them and said, “Do you see anything?”

The man lifted his head and opened his eyes. “I see people,” he said. “And they look like trees walking around.” So the man was now able to see, but his vision was blurry.

“Close your eyes again,” Jesus said. . . .

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 55, for the rest of the story.)​​

Today’s Takeaways
     A proverb to guide you: When anger rules, darkness clouds our vision and impairs our judgment.
     A promise to cling to: “Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” James 1:26-27 NIV
     A praise to fill you: Your Love Broke Through  Keith Green     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

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Matthew 15:29-39; 16:1-12; Mark 8:1-13, TBC Book Two, Chapter 54
Jesus and his disciples traveled from Decapolis to the Sea of Galilee, and there, too, great crowds flocked to him, following him wherever he went. So Jesus led them up a mountainside, where he continued to heal many. For three days people kept coming to him. Instead of leaving at day’s end, the crowds only grew larger.

“I am concerned for all these people,” Jesus said. “They have nothing to eat. I’m afraid they might collapse before they return home.”

His disciples looked at one another, wondering what they should do. Finally, one of them said, “This is such a remote place. . . . How could we possibly get enough bread to feed a crowd as large as this?”

Jesus looked at his disciples. Then he asked, “How much food do we have?” They spoke among themselves. Finally, one of them said, “Seven loaves of bread and a few small fish.”

“Have all the people sit down,” Jesus said. . . . 

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 54, for the rest of the story.)

Today’s Takeaways
     A proverb to guide you: The problem isn’t that people need signs—it’s that they stumble over the signs in front of them.
     A promise to cling to: “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”—Jesus   Luke 10:14-15 NIV     
     A praise to fill you: That’s What Faith Must Be  Michael Card     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

Matthew 15:21-28; Mark 7:24-37, TBC Book Two, Chapter 53
Jesus knew he must leave Capernaum right away. The Galileans still talked of making him their king. The Pharisees still planned to kill him. And Herod Antipas, the governor who ruled Galilee, still harbored an interest in Jesus that was anything but friendly.

So Jesus and his disciples headed 30 miles northwest toward the coastal city of Tyre. Jesus hoped that in this Gentile region he could avoid the crowds.

A Gentile woman heard where Jesus was staying, and she made her way into the house. “Lord,” she called out, “Son of David, have mercy on me! My little girl suffers from demon possession.

But Jesus said nothing, as if no one were there. The woman, however, did not give up. . . . Rushing into the room where Jesus was, she fell on her knees at his feet. “Lord, help me!” she begged.

Jesus said to her, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and give it to their pet dogs. I must first let the children eat all they want.”

The woman knew what Jesus meant. God was sending the good news of the kingdom to the Jews first. Still, she was not about to give up.

With tears, she said, “Yes, Lord, I understand. But even the children’s dogs are allowed to eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table. . . .”

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 53, for the rest of the story.)​

Today’s Takeaways
     A proverb to guide you: Great faith is tenacious, persistent, . . . and precious in the sight of God.
     A promise to cling to: “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.  This is what the ancients were commended for.” Hebrews 11:1 NIV
     A praise to fill you: God Will Make a Way   Don Moen    [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

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Matthew 15:1-20; Mark 7:1-23, TBC Book Two, Chapter 52
Passover had now come and gone, and the people of Jerusalem were surprised no one had seen Jesus and his disciples at the temple. But no one was more surprised than the Pharisees. They thought that Jesus would observe the Passover in Jerusalem. And among the Pharisees was a group of men waiting for the right moment to carry out their plan—to have Jesus killed.

But Jesus knew what they were planning. So he and his disciples remained in Galilee. 

When the Pharisees found him, they watched him closely, hoping to find fault with him. Finally they noticed something they could use. 

One of them said, “Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They don’t wash their hands before they eat!”

Jesus replied, “And why do you break God’s command for the sake of man’s traditions? . . .

“You hypocrites!” Jesus said. “Isaiah was right about you. . . .

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 52, for the rest of the story.)

Today’s Takeaways
     A proverb to guide you: Watch what they do, not what they say.
     A promise to cling to: “No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. . . . A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” Luke 6:43-45 NIV
     A praise to fill you: Don’t Let Your Heart Be Hardened  Petra     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

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John 6:25-70, TBC Book Two, Chapter 51
The people who had been fed by Jesus began to look for him early that next day. They knew Jesus had not left on the boat. Finally they found him in the synagogue in Capernaum. 

“How did you get here?” they asked.

Jesus replied, “You are looking for me now not because you saw my miracles but because I fed you all. I tell you, do not focus on food that spoils; seek food that leads to eternal life.”

“How?” they asked. “What works does God require?”

“Believe in the one he has sent,” Jesus said.

But the people were not yet convinced he was the Messiah. . . .

“What miraculous sign can you give to prove you are the Messiah? Moses gave our forefathers bread from heaven.”

“No,” Jesus said, “Moses did not give that bread. My Father is the One who gives the true bread from heaven. And his bread is he who comes from heaven to give his life for the world.”

“Sir,” they said, “from now on, feed us that bread.”

They had missed his point. And the more they heard, the more upset they became. . . .

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 51, for the rest of the story.)

Today’s Takeaways
     A proverb to guide you: Most are just seeking a meal ticket, but others are in awe of the Chef.
     A promise to cling to: “Many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things.” Philippians 3:18-19 NIV
     A praise to fill you: More to This Life  Steven Curtis Chapman     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

Matthew 14:22-36; Mark 6:45-56; John 6:16-24    
TBC Book Two, Chapter 50
Before he went into the mountains, Jesus gathered his disciples and said, “I’ll send the people away while you return to the boat. Don’t wait for me. Cross back over to the other side.”

“But how will you get across?” 

“Don’t worry,” he said. “I’ll meet you later. Now go.”

Jesus now stood and told the people to return to their homes. Some stayed, however, to devise a plan for making him their king. But moments later, they were surprised to realize he had slipped away.

Finally, Jesus was all alone. There he prayed for quite some time. Then he rose and walked down the mountain, toward the lake. By now it was dark and the lake was choppy.

The disciples had not yet reached the other side because the winds were so strong. At one point, someone shouted, “What’s that on the water?”
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It looked like a person, walking toward their boat. Terror gripped them as one of them shouted, “It’s a ghost! ”
They began crying out, “Oh, God, save us! . . .” 

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 50, for the rest of the story.)

Today’s Takeaways
     A proverb to guide you: Whatever your situation, the most effective prayer is the instinctive one: “Lord, save me!”
     A promise to cling to: “In my distress I called to the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice. . .” Psalm 18:6 NIV
     A praise to fill you: Grace Got You  MercyMe      [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

Matthew 14:13-21; Mark 6:30-44; Luke 9:10-17; John 6:1-15
TBC Book Two, Chapter 49
After John’s disciples buried his body, some of them decided to find Jesus and tell him of John’s death. . . . Upon hearing their story, Jesus knew he needed to be alone for a while. And his disciples needed some rest. 

“Let’s cross to the far side of the lake,” he said.

Jesus and his disciples thought they were heading to a solitary place, far away from the crowds. But when they reached the other side of the lake, they saw masses of people waiting for them. . . .

When Jesus saw them, his heart was touched. They’re like sheep without a shepherd, he thought. And he began to teach them. . . .

As evening drew near, one of the disciples said, “Rabbi, don’t you think you ought to send the people away so they can get something to eat?”

Jesus then turned to another disciple and said, “Philip, you’re from Bethsaida. Tell me, where shall we buy bread for these people so they can eat?” But Jesus was just testing him to see what he would say. . . .

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 49, for the rest of the story.)​

Today’s Takeaways
     A proverb to guide you: God’s power moves in miraculous ways when we offer up to him whatever we are holding.
     A promise to cling to: “With God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26 NIV
     A praise to fill you: We Are His Hands  WhiteHeart     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

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