Genesis 11:27-12:20, TBC Book One, Chapter 9
God continued to take a special interest in the descendants of Shem. One man, Terah, stood out as someone who knew what it meant to have friendship with God. Yet he was also influenced by the pagan gods that his family worshiped. . . .

During those years, the Lord began to speak to Terah’s son, Abram. “Leave this country, leave your people, even your father’s household. Go to the land that I will show you, and I will make you into a great nation and bless you. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you. And all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”

Me, the head of a great nation? Abram thought. This was hard to imagine. His wife, Sarai, appeared unable to get pregnant. . . .

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book One, Chapter 9, for the full 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 People Whisperer finds receptive friends.” —Sharon   
     A promise to cling to: “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27 KJV
     A praise to fill you: Sometimes by Step  Rich Mullins     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

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Job 2:1-42:17, TBC Book One, Chapter 8
Another day, the angels came again to present themselves before the Lord, and once again, Satan came with them. . . . The Lord said to him, “Have you watched my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him. . . . Here is a man who fears God and turns from evil. And he still maintains his integrity, even though you incited me against him.”

“Skin for skin!” Satan replied. “A man will give all he has for his own life. But if you were to strike his flesh and bones, . . .

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book One, Chapter 8, for the full 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: “Lead us not into temptation . . . but deliver us from frenemies.” —Sharon
     A promise to cling to: “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears turned to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against evildoers.” 1 Peter 3:12 NABRE
     A praise to fill you: Walk with You  Della Reese     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

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Job 1:1-22, TBC Book One, Chapter 7
A story is told of a remarkable man named Job who lived in an ancient land called Uz. Many things were unusual about Job, but most noteworthy of all was his reputation for choosing to do what was right—for respecting God and hating evil. 

God had blessed him with seven sons , three daughters, and tremendous wealth. . . . No one doubted he was one of the greatest men who lived in the East. . . .

One day, unbeknown to Job, the angels came to present themselves before the Lord, and Job’s whole life was about to change. The rebellious angel, Satan, had come with them. . . . 

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book One, Chapter 7, for the full 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 shines his spotlight on a scene for all ages:
               “Why? What good is life?”
               “Answer.
               “That you are here—that life exists and identity,
               “That the powerful play goes on, and you may contribute a verse.”
                                             —Walt Whitman, O Me! O Life
     A promise to cling to: “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” Psalm 139:13,16 NIV
     A praise to fill you: Blessed Be Your Name  Matt Redman     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

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Genesis 8:20-22; 9:1-17; 10:1-32; 11:1-9, TBC Book One, Chapter 6
When Noah and his family stepped out of the ark, they were awestruck by the stillness. . . . Were they really the only people God had chosen to spare? . . . Noah had warned them, just as God had prompted him, but they had refused to listen. The family piled stones to build an altar, and the aroma of the sacrifices pleased God. . . . 
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From Noah’s three sons, God began to repopulate the earth. . . . In time the people gathered and said, “Let’s work together to build a city, with a tower reaching to the heavens. Then we will become famous and keep from being scattered.” So instead of spreading outward, as God had commanded, they began building upward. . . .

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book One, Chapter 6, for the full 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: “Anything is possible if we all work together. And therein lies the rub.” —Sharon
     A promise to cling to: “Then [the devil] took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a single instant. The devil said to him, ‘I shall give to you all this power and their glory; for it has been handed over to me, and I may give it to whomever I wish. All this will be yours, if you worship me.’ Jesus said to him in reply, ‘It is written: “You shall worship the Lord, your God, and him alone shall you serve.” ’ ” Luke 4:5-8 NABRE
     A praise to fill you: Know You in the Now  Michael Card     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

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Genesis 5:1-32; 6:1-8:19; Hebrews 11:5,6, TBC Book One, Chapter 5
Adam and Eve had no idea God would bless them with many other children. . . . Generation after generation was born. . . . One man, Methusaleh, is said to have lived 969 years. Methusaleh’s father, Enoch, was special not only to the people around him, but also to the Lord. . . . Enoch eagerly spent time with God, and that pleased the Lord very much. In fact, God was so pleased that when Enoch was 365 years old, the Lord took him from the earth—Enoch never died.

But in those days, few people were devoted to God like Enoch. . . . Their behavior had grown so terrible and so widespread that the Lord became grieved he had made man, and his heart was filled with pain. . . . But there was one man who was different. Noah was a righteous man, and like Enoch, he walked with God. So the Lord decided he would reveal his plans to Noah. . . . 

(See The Bible Clicks, Book One, Chapter 5, for the full 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: “When corruption becomes commonplace, so do contempt and violence.” —Sharon  
     A promise to cling to: “And if [God] did not spare the ancient world, even though he preserved Noah, a herald of righteousness, together with seven others, when he brought a flood upon the godless world; . . . then the Lord knows how to rescue the devout from trial and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment” 2 Peter 2:5,9 NABRE
     A praise to fill you: Heal Our Land   Michael Card     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

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Genesis 4:1-26, TBC Book One, Chapter 4
Adam and Eve taught their sons to worship the Lord. Regularly they brought offerings to him. The boys learned from an early age that all they received, including the creation of nature, was a gift from God. Abel tended flocks as a shepherd while Cain worked the soil and grew crops. But one day something tragic happened. 

It was after the boys, who were now young men, had brought their offerings to the Lord. . . . The Lord was pleased with Abel and the offering from his flock [but] was not pleased with Cain and his offering. When Cain saw that God accepted Abel’s offering but rejected his, he became angry. . . . The Lord noticed this and said to Cain, “Why are you angry and disappointed? If you do the right thing, won’t you and your offering will be accepted? But if you do not, watch out. . . .”

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book One, Chapter 4, 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: “Bitterness is jealousy’s alarm clock, rousing the evil within.” —Sharon
     A promise to cling to: “But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing.” James 3:14-16 NASB
     A praise to fill you: Create in Me a Clean Heart  Eric and Tanja Lagerström     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

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Genesis 3:1-24, TBC Book One, Chapter 3
Of the animals the Lord God had made, the serpent was certainly the slyest of them all. Perhaps that is why an evil spirit named Satan hid himself inside the serpent’s body. Satan was the most beautiful angel God had created. He was also the most powerful, appointed as arch angel to rule above the others. But something had changed all that. Satan had rebelled against the Lord. And now, this fallen angel stared with keen interest, watching the new creature God had made.

Eve stood in the middle of the garden, staring at the trees. . . . In the middle of the garden God placed “the tree of life” and “the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.” As Eve stared, the serpent edged near. . . .

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book One, Chapter 3, 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: “Sin isn’t something we fall into—it’s something we reach for.” —Sharon
     A promise to cling to: “So for one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, for him it is sin.” James 4:17 NASB
     A praise to fill you: God’s Not Done with You  Tauren Wells     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

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Genesis 2:4-25; 1:28; 3:20, TBC Book One, Chapter 2
Of all God’s creation, one creature stood out above all. Man held a special place in God’s heart. . . . Day after day the Lord God would enter the garden to meet with Adam. The two of them would walk together in the cool of the day. How Adam loved those walks! . . . At God’s command, the animals eagerly approached them. As Adam began to give them names, he noticed something unusual. For every kind of animal God had made, there was more than one. He had never realized until now that every  creature had a partner—except him. . . . 

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book One, Chapter 2, 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: “Creation sustains us, but companionship nurtures our soul . . . we are not alone.”—Sharon
     A promise to cling to: “The Lord God said: It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suited to him.” Genesis 2:18 NABRE
     A praise to fill you: All Good Gifts  Godspell (film)     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

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Genesis 1:1-2:3, TBC Book One, Chapter 1
It is hard to imagine how our world came into being, because no one was there to watch it—except God. People today have a lot of ideas to explain how the world cam to be. They also have a lot of questions. But the first people on earth brought their questions to God, and God explained it this way. . . .

In the beginning, the earth looked nothing like it does now. It was dark and empty. But my Spirit was upon it. So when I said, “Let there be light, there was light.” Yet I did not remove the darkness. The light I called “day,” the darkness “night.”
        At that time, all you would have seen was water. I decided to draw up some of the water to hold it above the earth. So I made a special area for that water, the sky. That was my second step in creating the world. And I liked what I saw. . . .

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book One, Chapter 1, 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: “ ‘And God said . . .’ The point was not how, but Who.” —Sharon
     A promise to cling to: “By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.” Hebrews 11:3 NIV
     A praise to fill you: This is My Father’s World  Michael Card  [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

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Revelation 19–22, TBC Book Two, Chapter 186
John heard the joyful roar of a heavenly multitude, as a chorus of voices called out, “Salvation, glory, and power belong to our God! Hallelujah, for our God reigns!” 

An angel commanded John, “Write this down: ‘Blessed are those invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!’ ” Then he added, “These are truly God’s words.”

Upon hearing this, John dropped to his knees in worship, but the angel rebuked him, saying, ‘No—do not do that! I am merely a fellow servant, along with you and all those who uphold the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophesy.”

Then John saw heaven open and a white horse racing forth. Riding on the steed was he who is called Faithful and True. He was adorned with many crowns and his eyes blazed like fire. Behind him charged the armies of heaven, and with justice he led them to war.

An angel beckoned the birds for their coming feast. As the world’s forces gathered to make war against the armies of heaven, the beast and false prophet were captured. They who had deluded the world, persuading them to receive the mark of the beast and to worship his image, were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur. The rest were killed by the sword of him who led the armies of heaven. And all the birds gorged themselves on the flesh of mankind.

John saw another angel appear, with the key to the Abyss. He seized the dragon, bound him, and threw him into the Abyss for 1,000 years, when he will be set free for a short time.

Then John saw thrones, and seated on the thrones were those granted the authority to judge—the souls who had been beheaded because of their testimony for Jesus and because of God’s word. They had neither worshipped the beast nor received his mark. They came to life and reigned with Christ 1,000 years: This is the first resurrection. . . .

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 186, 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: And the books were opened, by which the dead were judged. Then God will wipe away every tear . . . and dwell with his people!
     A promise to cling to: “Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. . . . And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books.” Revelation 20:11-12 NIV
     A praise to fill you: Salvation Belongs to Our God  Petra     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

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Revelation 17–18, TBC Book Two, Chapter 185
One of the seven angels now came to John, and with outreached arms it said, “Come, I will show you the punishment of the great prostitute who sits on many waters. The kings of the earth committed adultery with her and earth’s inhabitants were intoxicated by her adulteries.”

John was then carried away in the Spirit to a desert, where he saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that had seven heads and ten horns. She was dressed in purple, scarlet, and gold, wearing precious jewels. She held a golden cup, filled with abominations. Then John saw that she was drunk with the blood of the saints, those who had born testimony to Jesus.

Noting John’s surprised expression, the angel said, “Why are you amazed? I will explain: The beast you saw, which once existed then ceased to exist, will rise from the Abyss to go to his appointed destruction. Upon seeing him return to life, earth’s inhabitants will be astonished.

“Understanding this calls for wisdom. The beast’s seven heads stand for seven hills on which the woman sits. They are also seven kings. Five have fallen, one now lives. Another is yet to come, and when he does, he must remain for a little while. The beast who had ceased to exist is an eighth king who belongs to the seven, and he is going to his destruction.

“The ten horns stand for ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom. But when they do, they will receive authority along with the beast, and they will use that power and authority for the beast’s purpose—to make war against the Lamb. But the Lamb will overcome, for he is the Lord of lords and King of kings, and with him will be his chosen ones, his faithful followers.

“The waters where the prostitute sits represent multitudes of peoples and cultures, who speak many languages. . . .

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 185, 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 city of power, riches, excessive luxuries . . . a home for demons and every evil spirit . . . by you, all nations were led astray.
     A promise to cling to: “Then a mighty angel picked up a boulder the size of a large millstone and threw it into the sea, and said: ‘With such violence, the great city of Babylon will be thrown down, never to be found again. . . . Your merchants were the world’s important people. By your magic spell all the nations were led astray. In her was found the blood of prophets and of God’s holy people, of all who have been slaughtered on the earth.’ “ Revelation 18:21, 23-24 NIV
     A praise to fill you: Blessed Be Your Name  Matt Redman     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

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Revelation 15–16, TBC Book Two, Chapter 184
John saw in heaven a magnificent sign—seven angels bearing the seven last plagues, the completion of God’s wrath. Before him appeared what looked like a sea of glass mixed with fire. Beside it stood those who had triumphed over the beast and his image and over the number of his name. Playing harps given by God, they sang the song of Moses and the Lamb.

As he gazed into heaven, John saw the temple, the tabernacle of testimony, being opened. From it came seven angels in bright linen, each wearing a golden sash. One of the four creatures handed them seven bowls, all containing the wrath of God. The temple filled with smoke from God’s glory and his power: No one could enter the temple until the plagues were completed.

A voice from the temple said, “Go—pour out the bowls of God’s wrath on the earth.”

The first angel poured his bowl onto the land. Ugly, painful sores broke out upon those who received the mark of the beast and worshipped his image.

The second angel poured his bowl into the seas. The seas turned into blood, and every creature and living thing within them died.

The third angel poured his bowl upon the rivers and springs, and they too became blood. 

Then the third angel said, “You are just in these judgments, Holy One, you who are and who were, for they have shed the blood of your saints and the blood of the prophets. You have given them blood to drink, which is what they deserve.”

A voice from the altar responded, “Yes, Lord God Almighty, your judgments are indeed true and just.”

The fourth angel poured his bowl on the sun, giving it power to scorch people with fire. Intense heat now seared earth’s inhabitants, and they cursed God, who controlled these plagues, but they refused to repent and glorify him. . . .
(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 184, 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: Connect the dots . . . They cursed God, who had unleashed the plagues, but they refused to repent. Then came an earthquake—beyond magnitude.
     A promise to cling to: “Then I saw three impure spirits . . . they came out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet. They are demonic spirits that perform signs, and they go out to the kings of the whole world, to gather them for the battle on the great day of God Almighty.”
     A praise to fill you: You Are God Alone  Phillips, Craig, and Dean     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

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Revelation 11:19–14:20, TBC Book Two, Chapter 183
When the seventh trumpet sounded, God’s temple appeared, and inside it was the ark of his covenant. Amid lightning and thunder came an earthquake and a fierce hailstorm, signaling yet another amazing sign. A woman clothed with the sun, the moon under her feet, was adorned with a crown of 12 stars. The woman was about to give birth, and she cried out in pain.

Then a dragon appeared, with seven crowned heads and ten horns. Its tail swept a third of the stars, thrusting them to the earth. It watched the woman, waiting to devour her child. But the child, destined to rule all nations, was snatched up to God’s throne, while the woman fled into the desert, where she would be protected by God for 1,260 days.

Then war broke out in heaven, with Michael and his holy angels finally overpowering the dragon and his angels. The dragon, who is the devil, was hurled to earth with his fallen forces. Rejoicing now poured out in heaven, because Satan was overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the testimony of those who did not shrink back in the face of death.

The dragon now turned to pursue the fleeing woman. She was given wings like an eagle to fly to her refuge in the desert, where she would be protected for a time, times, and half a time. Water spewed from the dragon’s mouth, but the earth swallowed the raging river. Enraged, the dragon pursued the rest of her offspring, those who obey God and uphold the testimony of Jesus.

While the dragon stood at the shore, a beast rose from the sea, with 10 crowned horns and seven heads. It resembled a leopard but had feet like a bear and a mouth like a lion. The beast was given authority and power by the dragon. One head had a fatal wound, but its recovery was so astonishing that the whole world was amazed and worshipped both the beast and the dragon. . . .

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 183, 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: Gutcheck . . . Reality on earth: No one can buy or sell anything without “the mark.” Reality within: “Jesus, I trust in You.”
     A promise to cling to: “Then I saw a second beast, coming out of the earth. . . . Because of the signs it was given power to perform on behalf of the first beast, it deceived the inhabitants of the earth. It ordered them to set up an image in honor of the beast who was wounded by the sword and yet lived. The second beast was given power to give breath to the image of the first beast, so that the image could speak and cause all who refused to worship the image to be killed. It also forced all people, great and small, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hands or on their foreheads, so that they could not buy or sell unless they had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of its name.” Revelation 13:11,14-17 NIV
     A praise to fill you: I Will Bring You Home  Michael Card     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

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Revelation 6:1–11:18, TBC Book Two, Chapter 182
Apocalyptic writing employs figurative language, using words and images in a symbolic way to convey notions; therefore, we should not assign literal meanings to the objects that we envision. For example, eyes represent all-knowing, horns represent power, and numbers hold specific meaning. “Seven” represents completeness or perfection, while “six” symbolizes imperfection.

John watched as each seal was broken open, releasing a judgment:

First seal: A white horse, whose rider wore a crown and held a bow, aiming for conquest.

Second seal: A red horse, whose rider held a sword, taking away peace by inciting wars.

Third seal: A black horse, whose rider held scales, causing scarcity and food shortages.

Fourth seal: A pale horse, whose rider, named Death, killed one fourth of earth’s people.

Fifth seal: Beneath an altar, souls robed in white, who were slain for maintaining the testimony of God.

Sixth seal: Major earthquake, sun turns black, moon turns red, stars fall—panic on earth.

But before the seventh seal could be opened, an angel called out to the four angels who were empowered to inflict harm and said to them, “Do not harm the land, the seas, or the trees until a seal is placed on the foreheads of God’s servants.” Then 144,000 were sealed, from all the tribes of Israel.

Then John saw countless masses, wearing white robes and holding palm branches, and they cried out, “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.”

One of the elders told John, “These are the ones who have come through the great tribulation. They have washed their robes, making them white, by the blood of the Lamb. . . .”

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 182, 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 bumper stickers were right, but no one is gloating: “Come now in love—or later in judgment.”
     A promise to cling to: “Then the kings of the earth, the princes, the generals, the rich, the mighty, and everyone else, both slave and free, hid in caves and among the rocks of the mountains. They called to the mountains and the rocks, ‘Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of their[g] wrath has come, and who can withstand it?’ ” Revelation 6:15-17 NIV
     A praise to fill you: Held  Natalie Grant     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

Revelation 4–5, TBC Book Two, Chapter 181
When beckoned to come up and see what will happen, John saw a vision, a heavenly scene with someone sitting on a throne. Here is how he recounted what he saw and heard:

The one sitting on the throne had an emerald-like rainbow surrounding him. Circling his throne were 24 elders, each one seated on a throne, dressed in white, wearing a gold crown. Bright light flashed from the throne, with peals of thunder. Seven lamps were blazing before it—the seven spirits of God. Beneath the throne I saw what looked like a sea of glass, crystal clear.

Closest to the throne I saw four creatures, covered with eyes. The first one looked like a lion, the second looked like an ox, the third had a face like a man, and the fourth looked like an eagle in flight. Each creature had six wings and was covered with eyes everywhere, even under their wings. Day and night, they continually said, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.”

While the creatures were praising him who sits on the throne and who lives forever, the 24 elders bowed down in worship, laying their crowns before him. They were saying:
       “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, 
                       to receive honor and glory and power. 
        For you created all things. 
                      By your will they were created and have their being.”

Then I saw a scroll, held in the right hand of the one seated on the throne. It had writing on both sides and was sealed with seven seals. A mighty angel was nearby, and in a loud voice it called, “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?”

But no one—in heaven or on earth—could open the scroll or look inside it. And I wept, for no one was found worthy to open it or read it.

Then one of the elders said, “Do not weep! Look . . .”

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 181, 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 Lion of Judah, the Root of David, the Lamb that was slain—he alone is worthy of worship, of opening the scroll . . .
     A promise to cling to: “ Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. He went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne. And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people.” Revelation 5:6-8 NIV
     A praise to fill you: Worthy Is the Lamb  Chris Brunelle     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

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Revelation 1–3, TBC Book Two, Chapter 180
Throughout Scripture we see episodes play out on earth that reflect unseen battles in a spiritual realm, but no account is more dramatic and 
revealing than the one portrayed in the book of Revelation, by an author who identifies himself simply as “John.” Written during a time of great persecution, John’s goal is to encourage believers to hold firmly to their faith in Christ, to resist any ruler who would seek to supplant Jesus as Lord by exalting himself as deity.

Revelation is unique from all other books in the library of Scripture. The entire book is apocalyptic, revealing what happens when good and evil face off in their final showdown. The writing is highly symbolic, and the language used to convey images is couched in the cultural world of the Middle East some 2,000 years ago. But the point of the message is timeless—stand fast in the face of persecution: Christ will return, good will triumph over evil, our God will reign.

The book of Revelation demands to be read in its entirety, thoughtfully, carefully, and prayerfully. Knowing how to interpret its symbolic imagery is difficult, and readers throughout the ages have applied one or more of these four viewpoints: 1) Most of the events have happened already, during the early church period. 2) The events began with John’s exile and are continuing until Christ returns. 3) All the events relate to the end times immediately preceding Christ’s return. 4) These events portray a timeless message for every age—hold fast to Christ despite persecution, worshipping him only, and rest assured God is in control—Christ will prevail.

The final seven segments of The Bible Clicks, devoted to Revelation, are overviews, springboards to prompt the reader to examine the whole book of Revelation, using a modern translation (not a paraphrase) and consulting reliable footnotes from a reputable study Bible.

John wrote this book when Roman authorities exiled him to the island of Patmos because of his faith. His introduction begins with an encouraging promise: “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, sent by his angel to his servant John. Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy and blessed are those who listen and take to heart its message.”

One Sabbath day, while John was worshipping the Lord, he heard a loud voice and saw a vision. He was commanded to write down what he saw and heard and to send that message to each of the seven major churches in the province of Asia, today referred to as “Asia Minor.

When he turned around to see who was speaking, John saw seven golden lampstands. Among those lampstands stood a radiant figure, the Son of man, dressed like a priest in a long robe with a golden sash, holding seven stars in his right hand. His face glowed and a double-edged sword (a sign of judgment) appeared to be coming from his mouth. He told John, “The seven golden lampstands symbolize the seven churches. The seven stars represent their angels.” (The Greek word angelos means “messenger” and is translated as either angel or messenger.)

A one-sentence summary of each of those churches might look like this. . . .

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 180, 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 promise from God: “Blessed are those who read this book of prophecy—and take to heart its message.”
     A promise to cling to: “Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.” Revelation 1:3 NIV
     A praise to fill you: First Love  Petra     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

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1 John 1–5, TBC Book Two, Chapter 179
Though the author of this letter never identified himself, consensus among the early church fathers pointed to the Apostle John. Written as a circular letter to a number of churches, its purpose was to confront heresy and reassure believers of their salvation through Christ.

We who were witnesses of the one who has always existed with the Father, the Word of life, who came and appeared to us, we proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you too may have fellowship with the Father and with his son, Jesus Christ.

The message we heard from him we declare to you: God is light; in him is no darkness. One who claims to have the light of heavenly insight but who lives like one walking in darkness cannot be proclaiming truth. Those who claim they are sinless are self-deceived, void of truth.

My hope in writing to you is so that you will not sin, but I want you to know that anyone who does sin, has an advocate—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One, who has made atonement for the sins of the whole world. Walking in his light, we hold this assurance: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us, restoring our relationship with God.

The way we come to know him is by obeying his commands. If anyone claims to have a relationship with Christ but does not obey God’s word, that person is a liar. Whoever has a relationship with Christ imitates Christ, following his example.

What I am expressing is not a new command; you have heard it from the beginning. One who claims to have the light of God’s truth but hates another person is still living in darkness. . . .

Dear children, the world’s final hour is approaching. Remain in Christ and do not be led astray by the spirit of the antichrist. . . .

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 179, 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: Just as loving deeds reflect God’s spirit, falsehood reflects the spirit of the antichrist.
     A promise to cling to: “Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.  And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.” 1 John 4:20-21 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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Hebrews 11–13, TBC Book Two, Chapter 178
The author of this letter concludes by citing a dramatic crescendo of people and deeds forever etched in God’s hall of faith. . . .

Faith is being convinced of what we hope for, certain of what we cannot see. This is what the ancients were commended for by God.

It is faith that convinces us the world—indeed the whole universe—was created by God, who brought substance into being.

By faith Abel presented a better sacrifice than Cain. His offerings attested to his faith and won the favor of God. By faith he still speaks, even though he has passed from this life.

By faith Enoch was translated from this world, taken up by the Lord because his life was so pleasing to God. And without faith, it is impossible to please God: For anyone who wishes to come to the Lord must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

By faith Noah believed God’s warning and built an ark to save his family. By faith he condemned the sinfulness of the world and became heir of God’s righteousness.

By faith Abraham obeyed God’s call, not knowing where God was leading him. By faith he sojourned in the land God promised him, living in tents like a foreigner, because he looked forward to another dwelling—a city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.

By faith Abraham, long past childbearing years, with his barren wife Sarah, was enabled to become a father, for he believed God was faithful and able to fulfill his promise. As a result, this one man fathered descendants as numerous as the stars, as countless as grains of sand.

All these people were living by faith when they died. They did not receive all that was promised; they saw it only from a distance. They knew they were strangers here on earth. Had they longed for the country they left, they could have returned. Instead, they longed for a better country, a heavenly home. . . .

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 178, 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: Faith is . . . believing that God rewards those who earnestly seek him.
     A promise to cling to: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:1-3 NIV
     A praise to fill you: The Goodness of God  CeCe Winans     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

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Hebrews 5–10, TBC Book Two, Chapter 177
Hundreds of years before Moses appointed his brother, Aaron, as the first high priest from the tribe of Levi, the Hebrews’ founding father, Abraham, honored the priest-king Melchizedek, whose name meant “king of righteousness” and “king of peace.” Because no account was ever given of Melchizedek’s lineage, it was said “he had no father and no mother,” giving him a timeless quality and an air of reverence. By likening Jesus to Melchizedek, the author of this letter explains that God was restoring his priestly order—and why that was good news.

Every high priest is selected by men and appointed to represent the people before God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for our sins. . . . 

No one appoints himself as a high priest. Rather, one is called by God, just as Aaron was. Neither did Christ take this role for himself. Instead, he responded in obedience when God said to him, “You are my Son. . . . I have appointed you as a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek. . . .”

Once a year the high priest would enter the Most Holy Place, carrying blood from an animal sacrifice, which he offered first for himself, then for the people. But those gifts and sacrifices were never able to clear the conscience of the worshiper. For the blood of bulls and goats could never take away sins. . . . They served to remind us of our sins. . . .

How far superior is the blood of Christ—he offered himself up as a perfect sacrifice, cleansing our consciences from sinful acts that lead to death, enabling us to serve the living God!
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So Christ has become the mediator of a new and better covenant. . . . 

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 177, 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 blood of Christ trumps the blood of animals, freeing mankind via One eternal sacrifice.
     A promise to cling to: “Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, . . . let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:19-20, 22-23 NIV
     A praise to fill you: Righteousness, Peace, Joy in the Holy Ghost  Ron Kenoly     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

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Hebrews 1–4, TBC Book Two, Chapter 176
The letter to the Hebrews was written to convince Jewish believers that the new covenant introduced by Jesus was far superior to the old covenant presented by Moses. No one, therefore, should be tempted to revert to Judaism, nor to force other believers to practice Jewish customs. The author of this letter remains a mystery. Evidence suggests he was well known and well received by the early church, and a strong case is made by those who point to Apollos.

In the past, God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets, and he did so in many ways. But in these last days, he has spoken to us through his Son. In the former times, one way that God spoke to his prophets was through ministering spirits—his holy angels. Though the Son of God entered this world through birth as a human, a form below that of angels, God has elevated him far above all angels and crowned him with superior glory and power, giving him all authority.

For to which of the angels did God ever say, “Sit at my right hand, until I have made your enemies a footstool?” Jesus, having suffered death, by God’s grace tasted death for everyone. In this way, he is able to make humans holy. That is why he calls us “brothers,” children of God.

Jesus shared in our humanity so by his death he could free us from the one who held the power of death—the devil. Jesus, therefore, sets us free from the fear of death. . . . 

By entering into our humanity, he has made atonement for our sins as a merciful, faithful high priest. Because he suffered temptations as a human, he is able to help those being tempted. . . .

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 176, 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: Faith clings to the One who entered the Holiest of Holies—and lived to say, “Follow me!”
     A promise to cling to: “Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.” Hebrews 2:14-15 NIV
     A praise to fill you: Word of God Speak  MercyMe     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

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2 Timothy 1–4, TBC Book Two, Chapter 175
Like Peter, Paul also had a word from the Lord that revealed his time on earth was coming to a close. He was now back in Rome, imprisoned by Emperor Nero, chained in a dark dungeon. With fatherly concern, he penned his final admonitions to Timothy—and to the Church.

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by God’s will, to Timothy, my dear son. Grace, mercy, and peace to you, from God the Father and Jesus Christ our Lord. . . .

Be strong in the grace our Lord provides. Guard what you have heard me say, instructing those who will faithfully teach others also. . . . Stay focused so you can fulfill what God has given you to do.

Remember that Jesus Christ, who descended from David, has been raised from the dead. This is the gospel, for which I suffer, chained like a criminal. But God’s word will never be chained. . . . 

Know that the last days will be filled with depravity. People will be lovers of themselves and lovers of money, proud and arrogant, abusive, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unloving, unforgiving, brutal and brash, treacherous, and obsessed with self-gratification. They will practice religion but deny the power of God, always learning but never acknowledging the truth.

Those who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil people and charlatans will go from bad to worse, deceiving others and being deceived. So cling to the holy truths of Scripture, which point people to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. . . .

A time will come when people will reject sound doctrine and exalt teachers who tell them what they want to hear. They will turn away from truth. . . .

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 175, 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 last days, depravity and deception will flourish, but God’s Word will never be chained.
     A promise to cling to: “But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.” 2 Timothy 3:1-5 NIV
     A praise to fill you: Remember Me  Mark Schultz     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

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2 Peter 1–3, TBC Book Two, Chapter 174
After the Lord revealed to Peter that his earthly departure was near, the apostle wrote the believers a second letter. This one focused on nurturing their new life in Christ, protecting them from false teachers, and instructing them on the end times and the day of the Lord’s return.

Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have received faith through the righteousness of Jesus Christ. Grace and peace be yours in abundance. . . .

The events we apostles described regarding the supernatural power of the Lord Jesus were not cleverly fabricated stories—we were eyewitnesses of those accounts and of his majesty. . . . 

What we witnessed confirms the words of the prophets, and you would do well to listen: Embrace those teachings as a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. No Scripture is the result of a prophet’s personal whims; rather, they received their message guided by the Holy Spirit’s inspiration.

There were, however, false prophets in their generation, just as there will be false prophets among you. These false teachers will introduce heresy, even denying the Lord. . . . Motivated by greed, they will exploit you with stories that are not from God, but from their own imagination. . . .

With boldness and arrogance, they slander celestial beings, claiming to have received revelation from them. Guided by greed, they expertly seduce and deceive, skillfully peddling messages they claim are from God. Like Balaam, who once knew the voice of the Lord, the lure of financial gain has caused them to sell their souls by prophesying for profit. . . .

The day of the Lord will come, suddenly, unexpectedly, like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar, the elements will be destroyed by fire. The earth and everything in it will face judgment. So, dear friends, make it your goal to be found blameless and at peace with God. . . .

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 174, 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: Mark of false prophets—arrogant, boastful, peddling “revelation,” . . . They once knew God’s truth but sold their soul for greed.
     A promise to cling to: “But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. . . . In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories. . . .They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam.” 2 Peter 2:1, 3, 15 NIV
     A praise to fill you: I Will Be Here  Steven Curtis Chapman     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

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1 Timothy 1–6, TBC Book Two, Chapter 173
Paul was right—the prayers of the saints did indeed result in his deliverance. After two years of confinement in Rome, Paul embarked on another missionary journey, traveling to Macedonia and sending Timothy to Ephesus. Realizing that he might not return to Ephesus, Paul sent Timothy a letter, instructing him to supervise the Ephesian church on his behalf.

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus, to my true son in the faith, Timothy. Grace, mercy, and peace to you, from God our Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. . . .

With regard to worship, instruct the church that prayers of petition, intercession, and thanksgiving should be made for everyone, including all those in authority, so people may live peaceful, godly lives. This pleases the Lord, for it will advance the gospel, and God desires that all people everywhere would come to know the truth and be saved.

People should lift up holy hands in prayer, without letting anger hinder those prayers. . . . 

Anyone who desires official leadership in the church seeks a noble pursuit. . . . A leader should be above reproach. . . .
In the latter days people will fall away from the faith because of deceiving spirits controlled by demonic forces. Hypocritical leaders, who have seared their conscience, will impose stringent requirements. . . . 

Those who think godliness is a means to financial gain are promoting a false doctrine. . . . People who are driven by the desire for wealth fall prey to temptation. They entrap themselves with foolish, harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.

The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Because of this, people have wandered from the faith. . . . 

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 173, 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: Lifting up holy hands means letting go of anger, abusive behavior, the obsession for wealth—things that hinder our prayers.
     A promise to cling to: “Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.” Proverbs 30:8-9 NIV
     A praise to fill you: The Power of Your Love  Maranatha Music     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

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1 Peter 1–5, TBC Book Two, Chapter 172
Commissioned by Jesus to feed God’s sheep, Peter wrote several letters to the believers scattered throughout Asia Minor, letters that were then circulated among the churches. Silas, who had worked with both Peter and Paul, assisted with this letter, perhaps as Peter’s scribe.

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to God’s elect, strangers in the world, scattered abroad. Grace and peace to you in abundance.

Praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! He has given us new birth and a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. We have an inheritance that can never perish, kept in heaven for us, until it is revealed by God in the last days. In the meantime, you may suffer trials, but they will prove that your faith is genuine and will result in God’s glory.
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Concerning our salvation, this is what the Spirit of Christ revealed to the prophets, when they predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glory that would follow. They knew that their message was meant to serve you. Even angels are fascinated by God’s plan of salvation.

So be disciplined and prepare your mind for what lies ahead, knowing you will be given the grace you need on the day when Jesus Christ returns. . . .

Just as you have come to Christ, the living Cornerstone, you too are like living stones, being set into place as part of a spiritual house and a holy priesthood. You who belong to God are a chosen people, called to declare his praises. So live as foreigners—this world is not your home. . . . Your good deeds will cause people to seek the Lord. . . . 

For the Lord’s sake, submit yourselves to governing authorities. In this way you will be free from the punishment of rebellion. But do not use that freedom to support evil—serve the Lord above all. . . .

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 172, 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: Preach the Gospel . . . through lives that reflect the remarkable message of Christ.
     A promise to cling to: “As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him—you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For in Scripture it says: ‘So this is what the Sovereign Lord says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic’ (Isaiah 28:16).” 1 Peter 2:4-6 NIV
     A praise to fill you: We Are His Hands  WhiteHeart     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

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