Dr. David Jeremiah Presents
Living inthe Ageof Signs
Online Destination
Living in the Age of Signs
Online Destination
Sign 2
Skill for Living
Today’s Audio Devotion:
Skill for Living
In the Old Testament, what did the weavers of priestly garments, the builders of the tabernacle, a person regarded as shrewd, a diviner who could cast spells, tiny insects, a craftsman who built idols, and the pilots of ships have in common? They were all said to have hokmah, the Hebrew word for skill. This same Hebrew word is translated “wisdom” in the Old Testament. In other words, wisdom is skill for living that comes from God.
Wisdom is also the theme of 1 Corinthians 2:6-16 where Paul contrasts God’s wisdom with worldly wisdom. If we look around in our world, we see a definite lack of the skill of living. People are trying to figure out how to live successfully apart from relying on God’s wisdom. Everyone needs wisdom, and James 1:5 encourages us to ask God for wisdom when we lack the skills to navigate life’s challenges.
If you lack the skill to solve a challenge you are facing, seek out God’s wisdom in His Word and through prayer.
There is no wisdom but that which is founded on the fear of God.
John Calvin
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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:
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King Nebuchadnezzar's Babylon
Daniel's words to the king are clear. "You are this head of gold" (Daniel 2:37–38).
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Medo–Persian Empire
The Medo–Persian Empire conquered Babylon in 539 BC and remained in power for approximately two hundred years (Daniel 5:28).
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Grecian Empire
Greece's Empire succeeded the Medo–Persians (Daniel 8:21).
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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).
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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).