Dr. David Jeremiah Presents
Living inthe Ageof Signs
Online Destination
Living in the Age of Signs
Online Destination
Sign 2
The Latitude and Longitude of Gratitude: Beyond Words
Today’s Audio Devotion:
The Latitude and Longitude of Gratitude: Beyond Words
When it comes to fundraising, a grant is money that is freely given. When we take something for granted, we accept it freely, without question; we assume it to be true. For example, it is easy to take one’s blessings in life for granted, to assume they are naturally ours.
God warned the nation of Israel about taking blessings for granted: “You may say to yourself, ‘My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.’ But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today” (Deuteronomy 8:17-18, NIV). Following that warning, Moses expanded on the covenant in Deuteronomy 28 and the blessings that would come from walking in it. King David would later put it in other words: “For all things come from You, and of Your own we have given You” (1 Chronicles 29:14).
Instead of taking God’s blessings for granted, let us thank God for them—even for the blessings of giving Him praise and thanksgiving. Everything comes from Him.
Faith brings a man empty to God, that he may be filled with the blessings of God.
John Calvin
For Your Phone or Tablet
Official Mobile App and Lock Screens
Some 2,600 years ago, God gave King Nebuchadnezzar a dream. In this dream, the king saw a five–part statue made of five different metals (see Daniel 2). Each section represented an empire, beginning with Nebuchadnezzar's Babylon. Four of these empires have already risen and fallen in history—a clear fulfillment of Daniel's prophetic interpretation. The fifth and final empire indicates a future Europe—a ten nation coalition that will unite under the Antichrist's rule.
You can read about the King's dream and Daniel's interpretation in Daniel 2, but let's take a quick visual look at what you will find:
-
King Nebuchadnezzar's Babylon
Daniel's words to the king are clear. "You are this head of gold" (Daniel 2:37–38).
-
Medo–Persian Empire
The Medo–Persian Empire conquered Babylon in 539 BC and remained in power for approximately two hundred years (Daniel 5:28).
-
Grecian Empire
Greece's Empire succeeded the Medo–Persians (Daniel 8:21).
-
Roman Empire
When the Grecian empire was conquered by Rome, all the lands and peoples of the previous kingdoms were assimilated into the Roman Empire through the strengths of the "iron legions of Rome" (Daniel 2:40).
-
Future European Coalition
This empire has not yet risen. Daniel foretells a time when the Roman Empire—Europe—will consist of ten kingdoms or leaders. The future Roman Empire will be present on the earth when God sets up His earthly kingdom (Daniel 2:44).