Acts 13:13-43, TBC Book Two, Chapter 134
As Paul and his companions sailed to Perga in Pamphylia, the strains of their travels wore heavy on John Mark. He announced to Barnabas and Paul that he desired to return home to Jerusalem. So they continued inland without him, toward Antioch of Pisidion. This Antioch was also a large city, a Roman colony bustling with trade and holding a fairly large Jewish population.

On the Sabbath Paul and Barnabas entered the synagogue and listened to the reading from the Law and the Prophets, their Scriptures. Noticing their presence, a synagogue leader sent a messenger, who said, “Brothers, if you have a word of encouragement to share with us, please do so.”

Now it was customary to invite guests to speak, so Paul had anticipated their offer and rose to address the congregation. With a sweep of his outstretched arm, he began. . . .

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 134, 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: Carpe diem: Let us seize the light of day while we have it!
     A promise to cling to: “Then Jesus told them, “You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. Whoever walks in the dark does not know where they are going. Believe in the light while you have the light, so that you may become children of light.” John 12:35-36 NIV
     A praise to fill you: Seize the Day  Carolyn Arends     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

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Acts 12:19-25; 13:1-12, TBC Book Two, Chapter 133
Already the famine was having an impact, and the people of Tyre and Sidon realized they needed a strategy for dealing with King Herod Agrippa. The coastal cities of Tyre and Sidon depended on grain from Galilee—located in Herod’s domain of Judea. Previously their leaders had quarreled with Herod. But now, to avoid having their food supply cut off, they knew they must make peace with him, and they knew who could assist them.

Blastus, a trusted attendant to the king, agreed to help them obtain a hearing for their appeal. Perhaps the meeting could take place during the festival in honor of Claudius Caesar.

On that day, Herod was sitting on his throne, wearing a silver robe that dazzled in the sunlight. So when he began his speech, the people seized their opportunity and played to his ego.

“This is the voice of a god, not a man!” one man called out. Others shouted in agreement. Soon many lauded Herod, as if he were a god.

Herod loved it. . . .

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 133, 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 devil’s agenda calls for deceit, masked in spiritual counterfeits—the blind leading the blind, both destined to fall.
     A promise to cling to: “Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. The one who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. The one who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work. No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God. This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not God’s child, nor is anyone who does not love their brother and sister.” 1 John 3:7-10 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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Acts 12:1-19, TBC Book Two, Chapter 132
King Herod Agrippa made a bold and treacherous move during this Passover, which marked 10 years since the crucifixion of Jesus. The nephew of Herod Antipas (responsible for beheading John the Baptist), Agrippa committed the same atrocity after he began persecuting the church. He arrested key leaders, including the apostle James (brother of John the apostle), and ordered that James be executed by sword, just as the Baptist was.

When Herod Agrippa saw that this pleased the Jewish religious leaders, he decided to arrest Peter, too. So Peter was seized and placed in prison, guarded by squads of four soldiers. Once Passover was completed, he would stand trial.

From the moment Peter was arrested, the church began praying in earnest for his release. The night before his trial, they feared this would be his last evening. But Peter slept soundly, chained between two soldiers, while two other soldiers stood guard outside his cell.

In the middle of the night, a light suddenly shone in the cell and an angel appeared, but no one woke up. The angel nudged Peter’s side. . . .

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 132, 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 greatest weapon in challenging evil is the one no force can conquer—God’s power, released by faith, received in prayer.
     A promise to cling to: “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:19-20 NIV
     A praise to fill you: Don’t Stop Praying  Matthew West     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

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Acts 11:1-30, TBC Book Two, Chapter 131
When Peter returned to Jerusalem, news of the Gentiles’ conversion had preceded him. The other apostles and believers throughout Judea heard how the Gentiles had also received the word of God. But for some, this was not good news—Jewish laws had been broken.

Immediately, those believers rebuked Peter for entering the home of “uncircumcised men” and eating with them. So Peter recounted to them all that had happened.

“I was in Joppa, praying, when I fell into a trance and saw a vision appear before me. I saw something like a sheet, coming down to me from heaven. In it I saw four-footed animals, wild beasts, reptiles, and birds. Then I heard a voice say, ‘Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.’

“I replied, ‘No, sir! Never have I eaten food that is unclean.’

“Then the voice said, ‘Do not call anything impure or unclean that God has made clean.’

“This dream-like episode happened three times. Then it was all pulled up to heaven. . . .”

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 131, 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: What the world labels with derisive slurs becomes a badge of honor: "They were first called ‘Christians’ in Antioch.”
     A promise to cling to: “Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things . . . so that no one may boast before him.” 1 Corinthians 1:26-29 NIV
    A praise to fill you: God’s Own Fool  Michael Card     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

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Acts 10:27-48, TBC Book Two, Chapter 130
Peter and his six companions found themselves doing what would have been unthinkable two days ago. At the request of the centurion named Cornelius, they now stood inside his home, the home of a Gentile—something that was strictly forbidden by Jewish law.

Peter knew that the Holy Spirit had directed him to accept this invitation. But the reason why had not been revealed. So he turned to Cornelius and put the question to him.

With his guests listening attentively, Cornelius recounted to Peter what had happened only four days earlier. “I was in my house praying at this same hour,” he said, “at three in the afternoon, when suddenly a man in shining clothes appeared. He said to me, ‘Cornelius!’ I was startled at his presence and surprised to hear him call my name.

“Then he said, ‘God has heard your prayer and remembered your gifts to the poor. You are to send men to Joppa and have them ask for a man named Simon . . . 

“So I sent for you right away, and it was good of you to come. Now all of us are here, in the presence of God, ready to listen . . .”

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 130, 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 has no favorites—he accepts people from every nation who revere him and do the right thing . . . and gives them his Spirit.
     A promise to cling to: “Then Peter began to speak: ‘I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.’ ” Acts 10:34-35  NIV
     A praise to fill you: All Are Welcome (All Belong) (by Jesse Manibusan)  Chris Brunelle     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

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Acts 10:1-29. TBC Book Two, Chapter 129
Something about Cornelius set him apart from the other Roman centurions stationed in the coastal city of Caesarea. His whole family had a reputation as God-fearing people, caring for those in need. Cornelius gave generously to the poor and prayed to God regularly, embracing set times for prayer, like his Jewish counterparts. But today was not a regular day.

As he knelt down for his three o’clock prayers, he was startled by a brightly glowing figure. Then a voice called out, “Cornelius!”

Fear gripped his heart. “What is it, sir?” he asked.

“Your prayers have been heard,” the angel replied, “and your gifts for the poor have come up as a memorial before the Lord. You are to send men to Joppa. Have them bring back a man named Simon Peter. He is staying with Simon the tanner, whose house is near the sea.”

When the angel disappeared, Cornelius called two of his servants and one of his personal attendants, a devout soldier. . . .

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 129, 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 God of Creation reveals he does not exclude certain people groups or view them as inferior. So why should we?
     A promise to cling to: “ For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:23-24 NIV
     A praise to fill you: One Bread, One Body  John Michael Talbot     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

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Acts 9:20-43; Galatians 1:17,18; 2 Corinthians 11:32
TBC Book Two, Chapter 128
The men in the synagogue were stunned. Instead of demanding that the disciples of Jesus be captured and brought to trial, Saul was now declaring that Jesus was the living Son of God.

Saul took that message to every synagogue he entered, and their reaction was always the same. People whispered: “Isn’t that Saul, who raised havoc in Jerusalem, capturing followers of the Way? Wasn’t he the one who came here to arrest those who call on that name?”

Saul the persecutor was now convincing people that Jesus was the Anointed One. His insights developed during a three-year period, when the Lord taught him in the desert of Arabia.

When he returned to Damascus, Paul preached in synagogues to the Hellenistic Jews, proclaiming Jesus as the Christ. Like Stephen, who had argued forcefully to a similar audience, Saul met fierce resistance. Some of the Jews conspired with government officials to have Saul killed. Watching the city gates, they looked for an opportunity to nab him outside the city. . . .

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 128, 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 fruit of God’s indwelling Spirit is a life characterized by love, with deeds that speak more eloquently than words.
     A promise to cling to: “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.”  2 Corinthians 5:17 NASB
     A praise to fill you: Your Love Broke Through  Keith Green     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

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Acts 9:1-21, TBC Book Two, Chapter 127
The brilliant light engulfed Saul so suddenly that he gasped and dropped to his knees, shielding his eyes with his arms. His entire body shook with fear. Then he heard a voice calling out in Hebrew, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?”

Upon hearing his name, Saul lowered his arms and forced himself to look at the light, but it was too much for him. So he put his head down and raised his arm to cover his face.

“Who are you, Lord?” he asked.

“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.”

Saul recognized that proverb. An ox-goad was a long pole with sharp barbs of iron at the end. The master would use it to steer the ox, but if the ox was stubborn or dumb, it would inflict pain upon itself by resisting the guiding rod. Saul caught the drift of those words.

“What do you want me to do, Lord?” he asked. . . .

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 127, 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: A “righteous” rage is dissipated by revelation—Jesus is the light of the world, exposing darkness that masquerades as light.
     A promise to cling to: “Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. . . . As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? . . .’
               "Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. For three days he was blind. . . .” Acts 9:1, 3-4, 8-9 NIV
     A praise to fill you: What Faith Can Do  Kutless     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]    

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Acts 8:26-40; 9:1-3, TBC Book Two, Chapter 126
As soon as Philip caught sight of the chariot, he knew that the voice within was a prompting from the Lord. He must catch up to the chariot, heading south on the desert road. So Philip began running, and as he drew near, he eased into a steady pace, walking behind it.

The man seated in the chariot was reading something aloud. It sounded familiar. . . . He’s reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah. So Philip quickened his pace, came alongside the chariot, and said, “Do you understand what you are reading?”

“How can I,” the man replied, “unless someone explains it to me?”

The man smiled, and so did Philip. “Would you care to join me?” he asked. So the driver stopped, and Philip sat down beside the official.

“This is what I was reading,” the man explained, pointing to the portion that confused him. . . .

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 126, 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: Divine Appointment: A “coincidence,” visible clearly only in hindsight.
     A promise to cling to: “Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.
               “ ‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the LORD. ’As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.’ ” Isaiah 55:6-11 NIV
     A praise to fill you: We All Need Jesus  Danny Gokey, Koryn Hawthorne     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

Acts 8:1-25, TBC Book Two, Chapter 125
The stoning of Stephen marked a dramatic turning point in the early Church. Believers in Jesus now fled from Jerusalem, spreading throughout Judea and Samaria. Those who chose to remain now met secretly with the apostles, and for good reason.

Saul, a Pharisee from the city of Tarsus, was determined to destroy the Church, people of “the Way”—those who believed Jesus was the way to God, the promised Messiah. Going from house to house, he captured men and women who were disciples of Jesus and imprisoned them.

Saul viewed them as heretics, and therefore, worthy of death.

While Saul persecuted believers in Jerusalem, those who fled to Judea and Samaria carried with them the good news of Jesus Christ. Philip, one of the Seven, brought great joy when he proclaimed Christ in a city of Samaria. He performed miraculous signs, healed many paralytics and cripples, and delivered a large number of people from evil spirits.

Now one man in that city had a reputation as a sorcerer. . . .

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 125, 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: Persecution does not divide faithful witnesses of Christ—it multiplies them.
     A promise to cling to: “On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. . . . Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.” Acts 8:1,4 NIV
     A praise to fill you: Tend the Ground  Curtis Stephan     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]     

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Acts 7:35-59, TBC Book Two, Chapter 124
No one uttered a single word. Every eye in the Sanhedrin remained riveted on Stephen. 

“This Moses whom I now speak of,” said Stephen, “the one that God was sending back to Egypt, is the same Moses who the Israelites had rejected, saying, ‘Who made you our ruler and judge?’ It was God himself who spoke to Moses from the burning bush, who now did indeed send him to be their ruler and deliverer. With wondrous signs and miracles, he led them out of Egypt.

“He foretold to the Israelites, ‘God will one day send you another prophet like me from among your own people.’ During those 40 years in the desert he again heard from the angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai. The living words that Moses received from God, he then passed on to us.

“But our forefathers refused to obey. When Moses was away from the assembly, they demanded that Aaron make gods for them to worship. That’s when they formed a golden calf. . . .

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 124, 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: Nothing agitates so fiercely as guilt in denial, blind obstinance that fails to see truth in the mirror.
     A promise to cling to: “Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. ‘Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened. . . .’  For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.” 1 Peter 3:13-14, 17 NIV
     A praise to fill you: Home  Chris Tomlin     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

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Acts 7:1-34, TBC Book Two, Chapter 123
The entire Sanhedrin was mesmerized by the scene that they were now witnessing. Stephen’s face was radiant, like an angelic being. What was happening? They stared in perplexed silence, stunned by this transformation. Serious charges were leveled against this man. It was time to hear his defense. The high priest now spoke, hiding any trace of his own astonishment.

“Are these charges true?”

This was Stephen’s moment, the stage for his divine appointment.

“Brothers and fathers, listen! God appeared to our forefather Abraham, commanding him to leave Mesopotamia and come here, to this land. He was a sojourner, living on the promises of God. While childless, he was told God would give him descendants and that they would suffer as slaves in another land, but one day they would return and worship God in this very place.

“Abraham fathered Isaac, Isaac fathered Jacob, and Jacob fathered our twelve patriarchs. One of them, Joseph, was sold into slavery in Egypt by his own brothers, because they were jealous. . . .

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 123, 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: Our stories must be told in painful detail, powerful clarity, and pointed conviction—how our drama captured God’s heart.
     A promise to cling to: “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” 1 Peter 3:15-16 NIV
     A praise to fill you: Testify to Love  Wynonna Judd     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

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Acts 6:1-15, TBC Book Two, Chapter 122
As the number of disciples increased, so also did the church’s growing pains. Two groups emerged among the believers. The Grecian Jews (Hellenists), born outside of Palestine, spoke Greek and grew up embracing Greek culture, while the Hebraic Jews spoke Aramaic and/or Hebrew and maintained their ancient Jewish customs. It wasn’t long before conflicts arose.

The church provided for those in their fellowship who were needy, but growing complaints reached the apostles concerning the food distributed to widows. Grecian Jews insisted that their widows were being overlooked. So the apostles called a meeting of all the disciples.

Then one of the Twelve rose and said, “It would not be right for us to stop our ministry of teaching to oversee daily distribution of food. So, my brothers, here is what we propose: Select seven men from among you who are full of the Spirit and gifted with wisdom. We will turn this ministry over to them so that we can devote ourselves to prayer and ministering the word.”

Their proposal pleased everyone. So the disciples chose seven men, all Grecian Jews: Stephen, a man of great faith and full of the Holy Spirit, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas. Then they presented them to the apostles, who laid hands on them in prayer. Their appointment was devised to solve a problem—but the Spirit had more in mind. . . .

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 122, 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: Even a spirit-filled life—especially a spirit-filled life—will face evil’s tactics of deceit, deception, distraction, and division.
     A promise to cling to: “ ‘Remember what I told you: “A servant is not greater than his master.” If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.’ ” John 15:20 NIV
     A praise to fill you: Walk with You  Della Reese     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

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Acts 5:12-42, TBC Book Two, Chapter 121
The believers now met regularly in the temple courtyard, Solomon’s Colonnade. The Apostles’ miraculous signs and wonders led a growing number to put their faith in Jesus. And as those numbers grew, so did the jealousy of the local religious leaders.

News of the miracles spread to all the towns around Jerusalem, drawing people who were ill, handicapped, or tormented by evil spirits. The crowds grew so large that people hoped Peter’s shadow falling on them could bring healing. One thing was certain—all who came were healed.

That led the religious leaders to take action: They had the apostles arrested and put in jail, hoping that would stop them and put an end to their teachings about Jesus. But they were wrong.

That night, an angel of the Lord released the apostles from jail and led them outside.

“Go back to the courtyard,” he said. “Continue telling people the full message of life through Jesus.” Beginning at daybreak, they did just that.

Meanwhile, the ruling council assembled. But when they summoned the guards, no prisoners were with them. One of the officers reported, “They’re gone! . . .

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 121, 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: Our weapons of civil disobedience are peaceful resistance, public protest, and persistent proclamation of the risen Christ.
     A promise to cling to: “The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.” Acts 5:41-42 NIV
     A praise to fill you: Crucified With Christ  Phillips, Craig, and Dean     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

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Acts 4:32-37; 5:1-11, TBC Book Two, Chapter 120
Gathered together in a house that served as their meeting place, the believers joyfully praised God as Peter and John recounted their story. They described how the Holy Spirit told them what to say to the ruling council—words that no one in the Sanhedrin could refute.

Moved by the Holy Spirit, one of the believers prayed, “Sovereign Lord, you made heaven and earth. You spoke prophetically through David’s psalm, saying, ‘Why do the nations rage and the people plot in vain? Earth’s kings and rulers stand against the Lord and his Anointed One.’ Herod and Pilate met with both Gentiles and Jews to conspire against your Anointed One, not knowing that they carried out what your power and will had ordained to happen. Now, Lord, hear the threats our rulers are making, and enable us to speak your word with great boldness. Empower us to bring healing, to perform miraculous signs and wonders through the holy name of your servant Jesus.”

No sooner had they said, “Amen!” when the entire house shook. . . .

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 120, 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: Nothing is hidden from God—or from those gifted by the Holy Spirit with a word of knowledge.
     A promise to cling to: “To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.” 1 Corinthians 12:8-11 NIV
     A praise to fill you: Word of God Speak  MercyMe     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

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Acts 3:17-24; 4:1-22, TBC Book Two, Chapter 119
Something unusual was happening at the eastern side of the outer temple courtyard. More and more people gathered at Solomon’s Colonnade, joining the large crowd that had followed Peter and John. Some of them looked troubled by what they were hearing.

“As I said,” Peter continued, “I know that you and your leaders acted in ignorance when you handed over Jesus and called for his crucifixion. But long ago, God foretold through the prophets that this would happen: Christ, his Anointed One, would suffer as our sacrificial lamb.

“So now repent—turn from your sins, accept God’s offering so that he may forgive you! For this same Jesus, who was appointed to suffer in your place, must remain in heaven until the time comes when God will restore all things. . . .

Some priests among them grew alarmed to see the large crowd being told that Jesus had arisen from the dead. So they ran to tell the Sadducees, who taught there was no resurrection. . . .

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 119, 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: To “obey God rather than man” is not a license for rebellion: Obey God by proclaiming Jesus—no matter the cost.
     A promise to cling to: “ If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.” 1 Peter 4:14-16 NIV
     A praise to fill you: Jesus Lover of My Soul  Darlene Zschech   [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

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Acts 2:42-47; 3:1-18, TBC Book Two, Chapter 118
The number of believers had grown so large and so excited about what God was doing among them—and through them—that they begin meeting every day in the Temple courts. They received instruction on the teachings of Jesus, they worshiped together in prayer and praise to the Lord, and they broke bread in communion as the Lord himself had commanded. People were continually amazed by the miraculous workings of the apostles that they were witnessing.

Just as their faith grew, so also did the depths of their relationships. Believers began meeting in one another’s homes and providing for one another as if they were one big family. It was not unusual for people to sell some of their belongings then bring the money to their gatherings, where the apostles would distribute it according to people’s needs.

They would gather together in various homes, eating meals together and praising God for all the wonderful things he was doing among them. Bystanders were captivated by what was happening. . . .

 One day, for example, the apostles Peter and John were going to the temple at three in the afternoon, as was their habit, when they heard a man calling out. . . .

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 118, 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 can use EVERYTHING . . . for our good and his glory.
     A promise to cling to: “Now when they heard [Peter’s words], they were cut to the heart, and they asked Peter and the other apostles, ‘What are we to do, my brothers?’ Peter [said] to them, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the holy Spirit. For the promise is made to you and to your children and to all those far off, whomever the Lord our God will call.’ ” Acts 2:37-39 NIV
     A praise to fill you: ​Believe for It  CeCe Winans     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

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Acts 2:22-41, TBC Book Two, Chapter 117
The large crowd standing before Peter was clearly astonished by what they had seen and heard—uneducated men were miraculously speaking in languages they had never learned! But this was more than a miracle. According to Peter, this was a sign from God, demonstrating that the Holy Spirit was now being poured out upon ordinary men and women.

“Men of Israel,” Peter continued, “this was not the only sign given to you. You know very well that Jesus of Nazareth did miraculous, wondrous things among you. Those were signs attesting that he was indeed sent by God.
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“And God permitted this man Jesus to be handed over to you, knowing that you, with the help of wicked men, would put him to death, nailing him to a cross. But know this—God also raised him from the dead! It was impossible for death to contain him.”

As the crowd grew larger, people looked at one another in astonishment. . . .

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 117, 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 loves to work through ordinary people . . . because his power makes them extraordinary witnesses!
     A promise to cling to: “But [the Lord] said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 1 Corinthians 12:9-10 NIV
     A praise to fill you: God’s Own Fool  Michael Card     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

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Acts 2:1-21, TBC Book Two, Chapter 116
On this 50th day after Passover, Pentecost Sunday, the disciples had no hint of what they were about to experience. 

Sitting together in a house in Jerusalem, not far from the Temple, they suddenly heard a violently rushing wind, tearing its way inside. Staring in amazement, they saw before them what looked like a flame of fire, hovering in midair, now separating into smaller tongues of fire, and spreading throughout the room, resting above each disciple.

At that moment, each one of them was suddenly filled with the Holy Spirit, and they all began speaking in other languages—languages they had never learned!

No one could miss the sound of the mighty rush of wind as it shook the house. The commotion that followed was so loud that people passing by stopped in their tracks and turned back toward the house. As they drew closer, the crowd realized that all of the men in that house were talking at the same time—in different languages.

“What’s going on?” someone shouted in Aramaic. . . .

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 116, 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 promised Holy Spirit arrives dramatically, fulfilling Joel’s prophecy—but not completely. Heads up . . .
     A promise to cling to: “ ‘If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always, the Spirit of truth, which the world cannot accept, because it neither sees nor knows it. But you know it, because it remains with you, and will be in you.’ ” John 12:15-17 NIV
     A praise to fill you: More Power to Ya  Petra     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

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Acts 1:1-26, TBC Book Two, Chapter 115
Driven by joy, the disciples journeyed toward Jerusalem, recounting all that they had witnessed. This was indeed a new beginning. Was it only seven weeks ago when their hearts were crushed and their hopes dashed?

Now it seemed long ago when their beloved leader was captured in the middle of the night. He was tried unfairly, beaten brutally, sentenced unjustly, and finally, executed mercilessly by the gruesome penalty reserved for the worst of criminal offenders—death on a cross. But for Jesus, and for those who loved him, this was not the end of his story.

After suffering an agonizing death, Jesus now captured history with the most remarkable miracle of all. Three days after his death, there was evidence that he had risen back to life. Over the next 40 days, he appeared repeatedly, revealing himself to his disciples and proving that he wasn’t just a ghostly spirit. They could see his wounds, feel his nail prints, and physically embrace him. After laying down his life like a sacrificial lamb, Jesus had raised it up again—he had conquered death!

As the disciples walked down the mountain, it was like stepping out of a dream. All of them had seen Jesus rise off the ground. . . .

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 115, 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 Comeback King came back to life, back to his disciples, and now went back to the Father—entrusting God’s mission to us.
     A promise to cling to: “Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.” 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 NIV
     A praise to fill you: On Our Way  MercyMe     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

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Matthew 28:16-20; Luke 24:44-53; Acts 1:4-11, TBC Book Two, Chapter 114 
​More than 500 people lined the mountainside near the Sea of Galilee. They remembered the early days of Jesus’ ministry, when he had given a powerful sermon on that very same mountain. Now they waited with the Eleven, hoping to see him in their midst once more.

When he finally appeared, the people bowed down in worship. But some were hesitant. He did not look like the Jesus they had known. How could they be sure this was really Jesus? For many of them, their doubts were laid to rest when they heard him speak.

“All authority has been given to me,” he called out, “both in heaven and on earth. So I give you this command: As you go on your way, show people from all nations how to follow me, teaching them to obey all that I taught you. Baptize them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. And know that I am with you always, even to the very end of the age.”

It was some time later, forty days after Jesus had risen, when the Eleven met with him one last time. As they sat together at the Mount of Olives, he began teaching them and gave them his final instructions. . . .

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 114, 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: In the dance of life, tell others what the risen Savior has done for you, for them, for the whole world—and follow his lead.
     A promise to cling to: “Then Jesus came to [his disciples] and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’ ” Matthew 28:18-20 NIV
     A praise to fill you: Testify to Love  Wynonna Judd     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

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John 21:1-23, TBC Book Two, Chapter 113
The disciples finally slipped out of Jerusalem and made their way back to Galilee. They thought that the Lord would be there when they arrived. But the longer they waited, the more they doubted whether he was coming at all. With the sun setting on yet another day, Peter stood up and made his way to the door. 

“I’m going fishing,” he announced.

“I’ll go with you,” said John.

“Me too,” said James. Then Thomas and Nathaniel also decided to join them.

It was just like old times—they fished all night but caught nothing. By dawn a heaviness hung over them. No, it wasn’t like old times. The joy was gone.

As they pulled toward shore, a man called out, “Friends, have you caught any fish?”

“No,” one of them shouted back, “we haven’t!”

“Try throwing your net on the other side!” the man yelled.

Peter shook his head in disgust. John laughed and said, “It worked before!” . . .

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 113, 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: Dejavu. God finds us doing what we love most . . . and captures our heart by revealing what he loves most.
     A promise to cling to: “The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does. The Lord upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look to you, [Lord,] and you give them their food at the proper time.” Psalm 135:13-15 NIV
     A praise to fill you: He Who Began a Good Work in You  Steve Green     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

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John 20:19-29; Luke 24:36-43, TBC Book Two, Chapter 112
I don’t believe it!” Thomas said. “I’ve heard enough for one day.” And then he left. 

The Eleven had gathered secretly with other disciples. They made sure their upper room meeting place was locked. Ever since the stone was moved from the tomb, rumors began spreading about Jesus. Some said the disciples had stolen his body. Others said he had risen from the dead—a rumor that infuriated the chief priests. They were sure his disciples had started that story. 

Truth was, the disciples could not even agree among themselves. Four of them claimed to have seen him this very day. The rest of them did not know what to think.

The two disciples who had just returned from Emmaus were still describing what had happened, when suddenly, a figure appeared in the middle of the room. They were terrified! One of the men shouted, “It’s a ghost! . . .

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 112, 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: ‘Blessed are those who have not seen . . . and yet believe.’—Jesus
     A promise to cling to: “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to God’s elect . . . Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:1, 8-9 NIV
     A praise to fill you: When You Believe   Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

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Luke 24:13-35, TBC Book Two, Chapter 111
While the eleven disciples were still arguing about whether to believe Mary, two other disciples left Jerusalem to return home to Emmaus, seven miles away. They were so absorbed in conversation that they hardly noticed the man who fell into step with them. When they finally stopped talking, the man asked, “What were you two just discussing?”

Both of the men stopped walking now, so the stranger stopped, too. The two men looked downhearted. One of them sighed. Then the other one, Cleopas, addressed the man.

“You must be a very recent visitor to Jerusalem. Haven’t you heard about all the things that have happened here just these past few days? Why everyone is talking about it.”

“What things?” the man asked.

“About Jesus the Nazarene. He was a mighty prophet. God had used him powerfully among the people, both in his words and in his actions. But our chief priests and ruling council handed him over to the Romans to sentence him to death. So they crucified him.”

Cleopas sighed. “We were certain this man was the Messiah who was going to redeem Israel from its bondage. . . .

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 111, 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: It’s hard to recognize Jesus when your mind and heart are clouded by misconceptions.
     A promise to cling to: “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” John 14:26 NIV
     A praise to fill you: God’s Not Done with You  Tauren Wells     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

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John 20:10-18, TBC Book Two, Chapter 110
Now all of the eleven disciples were standing near the empty tomb, wondering what had happened to Jesus’ body. If it were taken away, why were the grave cloths lying there? Still puzzled, they left and returned to their homes.

Mary Magdalene now stood by herself, and all she could do was cry. So much had happened. She was so confused. What was it the man in the white robe had told them? She was so shocked to see the body gone that she barely heard his words.

It was hard not to cry. Mary kept thinking of her Lord and all that he had done for her. For so many years she was like a prisoner held captive in her own body. But Jesus had set her free. He had cast out of her seven demons. Before then, people thought of her as crazy Mary. It was no wonder the disciples did not believe her. What saddened her now was that no one knew where the body was. After all that he did for others, he wouldn’t even have a proper burial.

Mary was crying as she walked toward the tomb. She remembered how they had laid him there, his body limp and lifeless. She had hoped they could at least anoint his body. Now there was nothing she could do. She bent down to look inside the tomb one last time. . . .

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 110, 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: Where is Jesus? Closer than you think.
     A promise to cling to: “ “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.’ ” John 13:18-21 NIV
     A praise to fill you: What Faith Can Do  Kutless      [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

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