A masterwork on biblical prophecyA masterwork of core teaching on biblical prophecy from Dr. David Jeremiah

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Living in the Age of Signs

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Today’s Audio Devotion:
Carousel of Happiness

As a young U.S. Marine in Vietnam, Scott Harrison found solace in a small music box he held to his ear to distract him from the horrors of war. He would close his eyes and think of a carousel. When he returned home, he learned that a famous carousel had lost all its animals. He spent 26 years carving more than fifty, one-of-a-kind animals, creating what is now called the Carousel of Happiness.1

The whole world is wanting to find a “carousel of happiness,” a way of distracting themselves from the rigors of life. Some people don’t like where they live. Others are unhappy with the clothes or food they have. We’re all apt to become discontent. But when you truly find Christ, you stop going around in circles. You learn that every good and perfect gift comes from Him. 

Even with the imperfections around you, you can see His hand, feel His heart, know His touch, and enjoy His grace. Remind yourself today that the Lord wants you to be happy and to do good while you live. 

To be well-skilled in the mystery of Christian contentment is the duty, glory and excellence of a Christian.
Jeremiah Burroughs

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:

The Colossus
  1. King Nebuchadnezzar's Babylon

    Daniel's words to the king are clear. "You are this head of gold" (Daniel 2:37–38).

  2. Medo–Persian Empire

    The Medo–Persian Empire conquered Babylon in 539 BC and remained in power for approximately two hundred years (Daniel 5:28).

  3. Grecian Empire

    Greece's Empire succeeded the Medo–Persians (Daniel 8:21).

  4. 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).

  5. 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).

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1:37 / 3:48