Dr. David Jeremiah Presents
Living inthe Ageof Signs
Online Destination
Living in the Age of Signs
Online Destination
Sign 2
Putting People Down
Today’s Audio Devotion:
Putting People Down
Psst! Guess what? Did you hear? You’ll never guess what happened? I don’t like to repeat gossip, so listen carefully the first time!
Proverbs warns against participating in gossip, but what exactly is it? We all talk about daily events and the situations our friends face. So when does it become gossip? Perhaps when we share something about another person that they wouldn’t want others to know—speaking behind their back in a way that damages them.
Proverbs says, “The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.… A gossip separates close friends…. A gossip betrays a confidence…. Without a gossip a quarrel dies down” (18:8; 16:28; 11:13; 26:20, NIV).
We must be careful not to hear or convey evil speech. Our words should always build up and not tear down. Have you been guilty of repeating unkind or unwise words? If so, ask God to forgive you and to give you the internal discipline to refrain from evil gossip. Be discreet; don’t repeat!
All of us would be wiser if we would resolve never to put people down, except on our prayer lists.
D. A. Carson
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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).