John 2:1-11, TBC Book Two, Chapter 14
Jesus told Nathaniel he would see remarkable things, but Nathaniel had no idea it would happen so soon. He and Philip were among those who traveled with Jesus to Galilee, and they were all invited to a wedding in Cana, a town west of the Sea of Galilee. Jesus escorted his family to the wedding, and all of them sat together during the banquet celebration.

A wedding was such a festive occasion that it could last a number of days, perhaps a whole week. The celebration was far from over when Mary noticed that something was wrong. She leaned over to her son and whispered, “Jesus, look! The servants just learned they are out of wine. Someone needs to help them.”

The hosts of the wedding would be embarrassed to admit that they ran out of wine. Mary looked up at Jesus, waiting for him to respond.

“Dear woman,” he said, “why are you telling this to me?” 

But he knew why. . . .

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 14, for the rest of the story.)​

Today’s Takeaways
     A proverb to guide you: Every miracle starts with a moment of desperation—met by a movement of faith.
     A promise to cling to: “Moses answered the people, ‘Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. . . . The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.’ “ Exodus 14:13-14 NIV
     A praise to fill you: God Will Make a Way  Don Moen     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

​

John 1:35-51, TBC Book Two, Chapter 13
Now that Jesus had obeyed the Father in baptism and in overcoming the test of Satan, he was ready to begin his mission. He was walking near the Jordan River, when John, the Baptist, saw him in the distance.

John had been teaching other young men, training them to do the same work he was doing. Two of his disciples were with him when he saw Jesus. “Look!” John said. “There he is—the Lamb of God!” When John’s disciples heard that, they ran to catch up with him.

But as they approached him, they thought, What should we say to him? So they followed him for a while. Jesus knew they were following. So he stopped and turned around.

“What do you want?” he asked.

One of them said, “Rabbi, we were wondering, where you are staying.?

“Come with me,” Jesus said, “and I’ll show you. . . .”

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 13, for the rest of the story.)​

Today’s Takeaways
     A proverb to guide you: The most surprising thing about being introduced to Jesus . . . is realizing he already knows you.
     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: His Eyes  Steven Curtis Chapman      [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

​

Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13; Mark 1:12,13, TBC Book Two, Chapter 12
Soon after Jesus was baptized, the Holy Spirit prompted him to go into the desert, where he would face his greatest test yet. The Spirit had led him there, knowing full well he would be tempted by the devil himself.

After his baptism, Jesus was so full of the Spirit that he ate nothing for 40 days. During that entire time he devoted himself to worshiping the Lord.

When he had finished his 40-day fast, Jesus was very hungry. He was weak and he was tired. That’s when the tempter came to him.

“If you are the Son of God,” he said, “command that these stones turn to bread.”

Jesus knew this wasn’t a voice to be obeyed. He recognized it as the voice of the tempter. And he knew there was only one way for him to overcome it. . . .

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 12, for the rest of the story.)​

Today’s Takeaways
     A proverb to guide you: Take every thought captive, lest those thoughts capture you—not every voice is meant to be obeyed.
     A promise to cling to: “For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 NIV
     A praise to fill you: Pray for Me  Michael W. Smith     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

​

John 1:19-34; Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11, TBC Book Two, Chapter 11
Day after day masses of people gathered at the Jordan River, all hoping to find John, the Baptist. The Pharisees and Sadducees decided there must be some other way to learn more about this man. How dare he insult them. . . . This time they would send some of their priests and other Levites to question him.

At first they just watched and listened. Then they drew closer and asked, “Who are you?”

John knew what they were thinking. So he looked at them and replied, “I am not the Messiah.”

“Then who are you? Are you Elijah?” They knew Elijah had been taken to heaven in a fiery chariot. Could this be Elijah sent down from God?

“No,” John said, “I am not.”

“Are you the Prophet?” they asked, for some thought the Messiah would come to his people as a mighty prophet.

But again, John replied, “No.” 

They were getting exasperated. “Then tell us—who are you? . . .”

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 11, for the rest of the story.)​

Today’s Takeaways
     A proverb to guide you: God-blessed authority starts with humility . . . and leads by example.
     A promise to cling to: “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant. . . .” Philippians 2:5-7 NIV
     A praise to fill you: Holy Forever  Chris Tomlin       [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

​

Luke 3:1-18; Matthew 3:1-10; Mark 1:1-8, TBC Book Two, Chapter 10
By the time Jesus was 30 years old, his cousin John had become well-known throughout all Palestine. Those who lived in the remote areas near the desert were the first to discover him, for he traveled throughout the countryside near the Jordan River.

John drew large crowds, and the Roman officials kept a close eye on him. For 15 years now, Tiberias Caesar reigned as Emperor. Like his father, Augustus Caesar, he appointed rulers who would keep peace in regions that might rebel, places like Palestine.

Tiberius chose Pontius Pilate to govern Palestine’s major province, the land of Judea. Pilate despised the Jews, and they knew it. If only their Messiah would come. . . .

Shortly after Pilate began his rule, John began the task God had given him. John was a prophet—he had a message from God, given to him in the desert. Now he must give that message to God’s people. . . .

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 10, for the rest of the story.)​

Today’s Takeaways
     A proverb to guide you: Every life-changing spiritual journey calls for a U-turn.
     A promise to cling to: “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret. . . .” 2 Corinthians 7:10 NIV
     A praise to fill you: Change My Heart, O God   Maranatha Music     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

​​

Luke 2:41-52, TBC 2, Chapter 9
This year above all others, Jesus was looking forward to their trip to Jerusalem. He was now 12 years old. Every year during the Feast of Passover, Jewish families would make that trip. By next year, he would be old enough to take his place with the men when they worshiped in the synagogue.

Each year his family would join their neighbors and relatives to travel to the temple. It was safer to travel in a large group. And for the children, it was fun to spend time with their friends and with cousins, who regarded one another like brothers and sisters. . . . 

When Passover week ended, they began the long trip home. It would take them three days. By the end of the first day, Joseph and Mary realized that neither of them had seen Jesus all day. Surely he was with the other boys. But when they searched, they could not find him.

Panic gripped their hearts. Was Jesus still in Jerusalem? . . .

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 9, for the rest of the story.)​

Today’s Takeaways
     A proverb to guide you: Natural leaders march to the beat of a different drummer, and it makes perfect sense—to them.
     A promise to cling to: “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor your father and mother’—which is the first commandment with a promise—‘so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.’  [Parents,] do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:1-4 NIV
     A praise to fill you: Mary, Did You Know   Michael English          [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

​

Matthew 2:13-23, TBC Book Two, Chapter 8
The Magi were not the only ones to have a troubled sleep. When Joseph came home that day, Mary had told him all about the Magi, how they had worshipped Jesus. He stared in dismay as she showed him the gifts they had brought. And that night, Joseph, too, had an unusual dream.

He saw the Lord standing before him, and the Lord said to him, “Get up immediately. Take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you it is safe to return. Herod is searching for the child to kill him.”

The dream was so startling and so real. Joseph got up while it was still dark. He roused his wife. “Mary, wake up. We have to get ready. We must leave right away. The Lord has warned me in a dream. Herod is searching for Jesus. If he finds him, he will kill him.”

They left before sunrise, not knowing this was part of God’s plan. . . .

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 8, for the rest of the story.)​

Today’s Takeaways
     A proverb to guide you: Leadership is never a license for evil—and evil never escapes God’s notice.
     A promise to cling to: “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” Hebrews 4:13 NIV
     A praise to fill you: Be Thou My Vision   Michael Card     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

​

Matthew 2:1-12, TBC Book Two, Chapter 7
Something both strange and wonderful began happening in the heavens the night Jesus was born. Far away, in a distant land east of Palestine, men who studied the stars noticed something bright in the night sky. It looked like a star, but—how did it get there? This could mean only one thing—it was a sign from heaven. Something was about to happen that would forever change the world. For years people had spoken of a coming king, one who would rise out of Judea and rule the whole world. There was only one way to find out. They would travel to Jerusalem.

When the men, who were called “Magi,” arrived in Jerusalem, they quickly made their way to King Herod. “Tell us,” they said, “where is this new ruler, the one who has been born king of the Jews?”

Their question caught Herod off guard. So he sent them away while he consulted his officials. . . . Then he secretly sent one of his servants to bring back the Magi. . .

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 7, for the rest of the story.)​

Today’s Takeaways
     A proverb to guide you: It is the light of God that leads us to him, the light of God that exposes evil. Choose wisely.
     A promise to cling to: “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.” Matthew 10:16 NIV
     A praise to fill you: All Through the Night   Peter, Paul, and Mary    [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

​

Luke 2:21-40, TBC Book Two, Chapter 6
Eight days after Mary’s baby was born, Joseph circumcised him and announced what his name would be. That decision was made long before he was born, even before he was conceived in Mary’s womb. The angel who appeared to Mary told her what his name would be, and the angel who spoke to Joseph said the same thing: His name would be “Jesus,” for he would save his people from their sins. So the Son of God was named by the Lord himself.

About four weeks after the baby was circumcised, Mary and Joseph left Bethlehem, and they traveled five miles north to Jerusalem. . . .

Before the couple arrived, a man named Simeon walked into the temple. Simeon was known as a righteous man, and he devoted himself to worshiping the Lord. The Holy Spirit would often come upon him. And today, the Holy Spirit had prompted him to enter the temple. . . .

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 6, for the rest of the story.)​

Today’s Takeaways
     A proverb to guide you: Those who walk with the Lord have an inner GPS and are rewarded with divine appointments.
     A promise to cling to: “Hear my voice when I call, Lord; be merciful to me and answer me. My heart says of you, ‘Seek his face!’ Your face, Lord, I will seek.” Psalm 27:7-8 NIV
     A praise to fill you: Special Delivery   Evie Tournquist     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

​

Luke 2:1-20, TBC Book Two, Chapter 5
Caesar Augustus ruled as king over the Roman Empire, and when he issued a decree, no one dared to disobey. He ordered all people in his vast empire to report to the town where their family had its roots. Roman officials would write down their names, and they would learn how many people lived in each region.

This information would indicate how many men could serve as soldiers. It would also force every family to pay taxes to the Roman government. The Jews were not required to serve in the military. But everyone must pay taxes, including Joseph and his very pregnant wife, Mary.

The head of each household had to take his family to his hometown. For Joseph and Mary, this meant traveling from Nazareth to Bethlehem, a small town in Judea. It would take them at least three days.

As they approached Bethlehem, they realized they must hurry. Mary knew that the baby was about to be born. . . .

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 5, for the rest of the story.)​

​Today’s Takeaways
     A proverb to guide you: The world’s greatest news came not to the powerful and privileged, but to poor shepherds—God cares.
     A promise to cling to: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31 NIV
     A praise to fill you: Immanuel, our God is With Us   Michael Card     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]          

Matthew 1:1-25; Luke 3:23-38, TBC Book Two, Chapter 4
When the angel Gabriel visited Mary, he left before she could ask one important question: What would she tell Joseph? Mary and Joseph were planning to be married. The agreement was as binding as marriage itself. The only way to break it was by divorce.

Of course Mary did not want a divorce. But now that she was pregnant, she thought, What will Joseph say? How could he help but think that she had been unfaithful? After all, what woman had ever conceived a child by the power of the Holy Spirit?

Joseph was shocked when he learned the news. How could she do such a thing? he thought. Mary had such a pure heart. He could not imagine her entering into an intimate relationship with another man. But there was no denying she was pregnant.

What was it she said about an angel? Did she really expect him to believe that?

Joseph lay on his bed with a heavy heart. . . .

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 4, for the rest of the story.)​

Today’s Takeaways
     A proverb to guide you: When our dreams get shattered, we are nearest to God’s comforting presence and the mosaic he is crafting.
     A promise to cling to: “Trust in the Lord with all [your] heart; and lean not [on your] own understanding. In all [your] ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct [your] paths.” Proverbs 3:5,6
     A praise to fill you: Strange Way to Save the World   4Him     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]            


​

Luke 1:57-80, TBC Book Two, Chapter 3
Nine months passed since Elizabeth had gotten pregnant. Her baby would soon be born. Mary was with her that day when she was ready to deliver. Elizabeth gave birth to a son, just as the angel had predicted. Seldom had a woman this age given birth to a child. Her neighbors knew this baby was surely a gift from God and a sign of his love for them. When they learned she had finally given birth to a son, they, too, were filled with joy.

Eight days later, Elizabeth and Zechariah took the baby to be circumcised. God had instructed Abraham that all baby boys who were his descendants were to be circumcised as a sign of God’s covenant between the Lord and his chosen people.

On the day of circumcision, the father would announce his baby’s name, but Zechariah still could not speak. So one of the men began to present the baby with his father’s name.

“No!” Elizabeth said. . . . 

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 3, for the rest of the story.)​

​Today’s Takeaways
     A proverb to guide you: There’s a bit of John the Baptist in all of us, calling us to clear the way, dismiss distractions, and hear God speak.
     A promise to cling to: “For with God, nothing shall be impossible.” Luke 1:37 KJV                      
     A praise to fill you: Testify to Love   Wynonna Judd        [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]          ​



​

Luke 1:23-56, TBC Book Two, Chapter 2
News spread about the priest who had seen a vision in the temple’s Most Holy Place. When Zechariah finished his week of service, he returned home to his wife, Elizabeth. Using his hands to show what had happened, Zechariah tried to explain about the angel and his message from God.

Not long afterward, Elizabeth did indeed become pregnant. With great joy she proclaimed, “The Lord has done shown me his favor and taken away my disgrace.”

When Elizabeth reached the sixth month of her pregnancy, the angel Gabriel also appeared to another person, a young woman named Mary, in Nazareth, a town in Galilee. She was engaged to a man named Joseph. Both she and Joseph were descendants of King David.

The angel appeared quite suddenly and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored by God! The Lord is with you.”
He appeared so quickly it startled her. But even more startling were his words. What did he mean? . . .

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 2, for the rest of the story.)

Today’s Takeaways
     A proverb to guide you: Mary received Him in her womb, so we could receive him in our hearts—nothing is impossible with God.
     A promise to cling to: “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin] will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14 NIV
     A praise to fill you: That’s What Faith Must Be  Michael Card     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

Luke 1:5-22, TBC Book 2, Chapter 1
When Zechariah the priest entered the temple, he had no idea his whole life was about to change. He and his wife, Elizabeth, lived in the hill country of Judea. They were descendants of Aaron, and they had a reputation for doing what was right. People may have wondered why such a wonderful couple had never been blessed with children.

Every six months Zechariah would stay at the temple for a week to fulfill his duties as a priest. And if a priest were fortunate, he would be selected for the greatest honor of all—to offer incense at the altar, in front of the Most Holy Place.

The priests would cast lots to see who should offer the incense. A priest might serve a whole lifetime and never have the lot fall in his favor. But now the lot fell to Zechariah.

As he entered the Holy Place, Zechariah knew what he wished to pray for. If only God would grant this one request. . . .

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 1, for the rest of the story.

Today's Takeaways
     A proverb to guide you: The first step of faith is starting the conversation. The next is recognizing God’s reply.
     A promise to cling to: “Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear” (Isaiah 65:24 NIV).
     A praise to fill you: When You Believe   Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey   [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]​
​​