Dr. David Jeremiah Presents
Living inthe Ageof Signs
Online Destination
Living in the Age of Signs
Online Destination
Sign 2
I Don’t Mean to Brag…
Today’s Audio Devotion:
I Don’t Mean to Brag…
Two men were talking, and one said, “I don’t mean to brag about my financial skills, but the bank calls every week to tell me my debt is outstanding.” The other said, “Well, I don’t want to brag either, but my psychologist says I have the biggest ego he’s ever seen.”
There’s something about bragging that displays immaturity. Paul had plenty to brag about—his heritage, his pedigree, his zeal, and his accomplishments. But he chose to live in humility and not allow pride to overtake him. Bragging comes to us more naturally than humility, just like weeds grow in a garden easier than vegetables. A garden needs to be cultivated, and God wants to cultivate our hearts so we brag less and worship more. The Bible says, “‘Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.’ For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends” (2 Corinthians 10:17-18, NIV).
The next time you feel like bragging about something, try this. Instead of speaking to someone else in pride, speak to God in thanksgiving. After all, He and He alone is the One who blessed you.
The surest mark of true conversion is humility.
J. C. Ryle
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).