Scripture: Revelation 22
"They shall see His face..." (Revelation 22:4).
I've seen some special things in my life. There are some things in life I long to see. To see His face is my deepest longing.
No one compares to Him. Nothing compares to Him. He is the beginning and the end. He is everything and all things. He is the One I long to see, to touch, to be with. To see His face, to be in His presence, to never have to leave His side, that will be glory for me.
Jason Cicero
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
All Things New
Scripture: Revelation 21
Then He who sat on the throne said, "Behold I make all things new." And He said to me, "Write, for these words are true and faithful" (Revelation 21:5).
Things in this world have gone terribly wrong because of sin. In the new heaven and new earth all the wrongs will be made right. All things will be "new."
No more tears, death, sorrow, crying, or pain. The former things will pass away. All things will be "new."
Jason Cicero
Then He who sat on the throne said, "Behold I make all things new." And He said to me, "Write, for these words are true and faithful" (Revelation 21:5).
Things in this world have gone terribly wrong because of sin. In the new heaven and new earth all the wrongs will be made right. All things will be "new."
No more tears, death, sorrow, crying, or pain. The former things will pass away. All things will be "new."
Jason Cicero
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
The Book of Life
Scripture: Revelation 20
"And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire" (Revelation 20:15).
The Lamb has a book. He writes names in it (Philippians 4:3). He blots names out of it (Revelation 3:5).
At the final judgment the Lamb's Book of Life will be opened (Revelation 20:12). Those not found in His book will be cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:15). "But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb's Book of Life" (Revelation 21:27).
Allow Jesus to love you. Allow Him to wash you from your sins in His own blood. Allow Him to write your name in His book: "To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood..." (Revelation 1:5).
Jason Cicero
"And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire" (Revelation 20:15).
The Lamb has a book. He writes names in it (Philippians 4:3). He blots names out of it (Revelation 3:5).
At the final judgment the Lamb's Book of Life will be opened (Revelation 20:12). Those not found in His book will be cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:15). "But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb's Book of Life" (Revelation 21:27).
Allow Jesus to love you. Allow Him to wash you from your sins in His own blood. Allow Him to write your name in His book: "To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood..." (Revelation 1:5).
Jason Cicero
Monday, December 28, 2009
KING & LORD
Scripture: Revelation 19
We glory, honor, and worship Him because of who He is:
And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written:
Crown Him the King of your life. Submit to Him as your Lord. Receive Him as your Savior.
Jason Cicero
We glory, honor, and worship Him because of who He is:
And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written:
KING OF KINGS
AND LORD OF LORDS.
AND LORD OF LORDS.
Crown Him the King of your life. Submit to Him as your Lord. Receive Him as your Savior.
Jason Cicero
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Babylon the Great is Fallen
Scripture: Revelation 18
After these things I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was illuminated with his glory. And he cried mightily with a loud voice, saying,"Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen..." (Revelation 18:1-2).
It would seem to be the Babylon under discussion in Revelation 18 is Rome. The time and historical context of the book leads me to this conclusion. Others see Jerusalem or some city yet to come.
Whatever city is under discussion in Revelation 18 know this: "strong is the Lord God who judges her" (Revelation 18:8). Cities rise and fall under the watchful eye of the true and living God. He is Lord over all and will judge righteously.
Jason Cicero
After these things I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was illuminated with his glory. And he cried mightily with a loud voice, saying,"Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen..." (Revelation 18:1-2).
It would seem to be the Babylon under discussion in Revelation 18 is Rome. The time and historical context of the book leads me to this conclusion. Others see Jerusalem or some city yet to come.
Whatever city is under discussion in Revelation 18 know this: "strong is the Lord God who judges her" (Revelation 18:8). Cities rise and fall under the watchful eye of the true and living God. He is Lord over all and will judge righteously.
Jason Cicero
Monday, December 21, 2009
Those Who Are With Him
Scripture: Revelation 17
"These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful" (Revelation 17:14).
Called - by the gospel (2 Thessalonians 2:13-14)
Chosen - in Christ (Ephesians 1:3-14)
Faithful - unto death (Revelation 2:10)
Jason Cicero
"These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful" (Revelation 17:14).
Called - by the gospel (2 Thessalonians 2:13-14)
Chosen - in Christ (Ephesians 1:3-14)
Faithful - unto death (Revelation 2:10)
Jason Cicero
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Hidden in My Heart
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; NKJV)
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Sunday Morning Starters
Tomorrow morning, if the Lord wills, I will present an OUR SPIRITUAL HERITAGE lesson - Manners in God's House.
1. Be on time.
2. Sit quietly.
3. Let others listen.
4. Sing praises to God.
5. Talk to God.
6. Give money quietly.
7. Walk with care.
8. Take care of God's house.
Jason Cicero
1. Be on time.
2. Sit quietly.
3. Let others listen.
4. Sing praises to God.
5. Talk to God.
6. Give money quietly.
7. Walk with care.
8. Take care of God's house.
Jason Cicero
Friday, December 18, 2009
The Seven Bowls of Wrath
Scripture: Revelation 16
The true and living God "rules in the kingdoms of men" (Daniel 9:21). Revelation 16 appears to describe God's judgment of the Roman empire. These "bowls of the wrath of God" are poured out on the earth, not in the final judgment, but in a judgment that results in men continuing to blaspheme God (Revelation 16:21).
Rome sinned against God, did not heed the warnings of the trumpets, and God poured out His wrath.
I have sinned against God. His trumpets of warnings are sounding now. I can avoid His wrath if I repent.
Jason Cicero
The true and living God "rules in the kingdoms of men" (Daniel 9:21). Revelation 16 appears to describe God's judgment of the Roman empire. These "bowls of the wrath of God" are poured out on the earth, not in the final judgment, but in a judgment that results in men continuing to blaspheme God (Revelation 16:21).
Rome sinned against God, did not heed the warnings of the trumpets, and God poured out His wrath.
I have sinned against God. His trumpets of warnings are sounding now. I can avoid His wrath if I repent.
Jason Cicero
Thursday, December 17, 2009
They Sing
Scripture: Revelation 15
Those "who have victory over the beast, over his image and over his mark and over the number of his name" sing (Revelation 15:2-3). Not just any song, mind you. "They sing the song of Moses, the servant of God,and the song of the Lamb" (Revelation 15:3).
The song they sing: "Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the saints! Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy. For all nations shall come and worship before You, For Your judgments have been manifested" (Revelation 15:3-4).
Long to join those who sing! Fear the Lord and glorify His name! Worship Him in the beauty of holiness!
Jason Cicero
Those "who have victory over the beast, over his image and over his mark and over the number of his name" sing (Revelation 15:2-3). Not just any song, mind you. "They sing the song of Moses, the servant of God,and the song of the Lamb" (Revelation 15:3).
The song they sing: "Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the saints! Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy. For all nations shall come and worship before You, For Your judgments have been manifested" (Revelation 15:3-4).
Long to join those who sing! Fear the Lord and glorify His name! Worship Him in the beauty of holiness!
Jason Cicero
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
The 144,000
Scripture: Revelation 14
In Revelation 7 the 144,000 are on earth: "Do not harm the earth, the sea, or the trees till we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads." And I heard the number of those who were sealed. One hundred and forty-four thousand..." (Revelation 7:3-4).
In Revelation 14 the 144,000 are in heaven: "Then I looked, and behold, a Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with Him one hundred and forty-four thousand...for they are without fault before the throne of God" (Revelation 14:1, 5).
As long as we follow the Lamb on earth, we will end up in Heaven: "These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes" (Revelation 14:4).
Jason Cicero
In Revelation 7 the 144,000 are on earth: "Do not harm the earth, the sea, or the trees till we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads." And I heard the number of those who were sealed. One hundred and forty-four thousand..." (Revelation 7:3-4).
In Revelation 14 the 144,000 are in heaven: "Then I looked, and behold, a Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with Him one hundred and forty-four thousand...for they are without fault before the throne of God" (Revelation 14:1, 5).
As long as we follow the Lamb on earth, we will end up in Heaven: "These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes" (Revelation 14:4).
Jason Cicero
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
The Mark of the Beast
Scripture: Revelation 13
In the latter half of the first century Roman emperors began erected emperor temples where Roman citizens were required to prove their loyalty to the emperor. Some would burn a pinch of incense at the image of the emperor. Others would pour a libation and taste sacrificial meat.
In order to buy and sell in Roman markets in the latter half of the first century one would need a certificate. This certificate was given by the cult priests to those who had worshiped the emperor. Revelation 13:17 seems to be a reference to this certificate: "and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name."
What would the Christians of the first century do? Bow the knew to Caesar or Christ? What would you have done?
Jason Cicero
In the latter half of the first century Roman emperors began erected emperor temples where Roman citizens were required to prove their loyalty to the emperor. Some would burn a pinch of incense at the image of the emperor. Others would pour a libation and taste sacrificial meat.
In order to buy and sell in Roman markets in the latter half of the first century one would need a certificate. This certificate was given by the cult priests to those who had worshiped the emperor. Revelation 13:17 seems to be a reference to this certificate: "and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name."
What would the Christians of the first century do? Bow the knew to Caesar or Christ? What would you have done?
Jason Cicero
Monday, December 14, 2009
They Overcame Him
Scripture: Revelation 12
Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven,"Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death." (Revelation 12:10-11)
The brethren overcame the accuser through three things:
1. The blood of the Lamb
2. The word of their testimony
3. They did not love their lives to the death.
You and I must overcome him the same way...
Jason Cicero
Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven,"Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death." (Revelation 12:10-11)
The brethren overcame the accuser through three things:
1. The blood of the Lamb
2. The word of their testimony
3. They did not love their lives to the death.
You and I must overcome him the same way...
Jason Cicero
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Hidden in My Heart
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. "Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment with promise: that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth." (Ephesians 6:1-3; NKJV)
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Sunday Morning Starters
Look up. It’s His day.
Look up. It’s His worship.
Look up. It’s His assembly.
Look up. Self gets too much attention.
Look up. At Him, not your neighbor.
Look up. You won’t go where you’re not aimed.
Jason Moore
Friday, December 11, 2009
His Kingdom and Reign
Scripture: Revelation 10-11
Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, "The Kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!" (Revelation 11:15)
Revelation 11:15-19 describes the victory of the Lamb. Kingdoms rose to oppose Him. He consumed each and every one of them. These kingdoms have become His and He will reign forever. His kingdom and reign will never cease.
The prophets and saints and those who feared His name are rewarded by the Lord God Almighty (Revelation 11:17-18). These did not oppose the Lamb. They overcame the opposing kingdoms by the Lamb. So can we.
Jason Cicero
Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, "The Kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!" (Revelation 11:15)
Revelation 11:15-19 describes the victory of the Lamb. Kingdoms rose to oppose Him. He consumed each and every one of them. These kingdoms have become His and He will reign forever. His kingdom and reign will never cease.
The prophets and saints and those who feared His name are rewarded by the Lord God Almighty (Revelation 11:17-18). These did not oppose the Lamb. They overcame the opposing kingdoms by the Lamb. So can we.
Jason Cicero
Thursday, December 10, 2009
They Did Not Repent
Scripture: Revelation 9
God has used trumpets throughout His dealings with mankind to sound warnings. Revelation 9 speaks of those who heard the trumpets, the warnings, and yet they did not heed them. "But the rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands, that they should not worship demons, and idols of gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk. And they did not repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts" (Revelation 9:20-21).
Warning signs abound. See them. Repent.
Jason Cicero
God has used trumpets throughout His dealings with mankind to sound warnings. Revelation 9 speaks of those who heard the trumpets, the warnings, and yet they did not heed them. "But the rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands, that they should not worship demons, and idols of gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk. And they did not repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts" (Revelation 9:20-21).
Warning signs abound. See them. Repent.
Jason Cicero
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
When the Saints Pray
Scripture: Revelation 8
"When He opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and to them were given seven trumpets. Then another angel, having a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God from the angel's hand. Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and threw it to the earth. And there were noises, thunderings, lightnings, and an earthquake." (Revelation 8:1-5)
When the saints pray, great things happen.
Jason Cicero
"When He opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and to them were given seven trumpets. Then another angel, having a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God from the angel's hand. Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and threw it to the earth. And there were noises, thunderings, lightnings, and an earthquake." (Revelation 8:1-5)
When the saints pray, great things happen.
Jason Cicero
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
From Under the Altar to Before the Throne
Scripture: Revelation 7
In Revelation 6:9-11 "the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held" are crying out with a loud voice, saying, "How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?"
In Revelation 7:9-17 these same souls are no longer "under the altar" (Revelation 6:9). Now they are "before the throne and before the Lamb" (Revelation 7:9). They are still crying out with a loud voice mind you. Here what they are saying now: "Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!" (Revelation 7:10).
Before they were in "great tribulation" (Revelation 7:14). Now "they are before the throne of God," serving Him, dwelling with Him (Revelation 7:15). They no longer hunger or thirst, suffer, or cry tears (Revelation 7:16-17). The Lamb shepherds them and leads them "to living fountains of waters" (Revelation 7:17).
From under the altar to before the throne because of the Lamb. The Lamb delivered these souls. He will deliver yours too.
Jason Cicero
In Revelation 6:9-11 "the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held" are crying out with a loud voice, saying, "How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?"
In Revelation 7:9-17 these same souls are no longer "under the altar" (Revelation 6:9). Now they are "before the throne and before the Lamb" (Revelation 7:9). They are still crying out with a loud voice mind you. Here what they are saying now: "Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!" (Revelation 7:10).
Before they were in "great tribulation" (Revelation 7:14). Now "they are before the throne of God," serving Him, dwelling with Him (Revelation 7:15). They no longer hunger or thirst, suffer, or cry tears (Revelation 7:16-17). The Lamb shepherds them and leads them "to living fountains of waters" (Revelation 7:17).
From under the altar to before the throne because of the Lamb. The Lamb delivered these souls. He will deliver yours too.
Jason Cicero
Monday, December 7, 2009
Who is Able to Stand?
Scripture: Revelation 6
And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, and said to the mountains and rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?" (Revelation 6:15-17)
Question: Who is able to stand?
Answer: "These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful." (Revelation 17:14)
Jason Cicero
And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, and said to the mountains and rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?" (Revelation 6:15-17)
Question: Who is able to stand?
Answer: "These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful." (Revelation 17:14)
Jason Cicero
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Hidden in My Heart
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; NKJV)
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Sunday Morning Starters
Sunday—the first day of creation.
Sunday—the day Jesus arose.
Sunday—the first day salvation was preached.
Sunday—the day the church began.
Sunday—the Lord’s day.
Sunday—the day the saints assemble.
Sunday—what a great day!
Jason Moore
Friday, December 4, 2009
The Redeemer
Scripture: Revelation 5
"You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals; For You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood..." (Revelation 5:9; NKJV)
He is worthy to receive power, riches, wisdom, strength, glory, and blessing because He is the redeemer!
Worship Him as your Redeemer!
Jason Cicero
"You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals; For You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood..." (Revelation 5:9; NKJV)
He is worthy to receive power, riches, wisdom, strength, glory, and blessing because He is the redeemer!
Worship Him as your Redeemer!
Jason Cicero
Thursday, December 3, 2009
The Creator
Scripture: Revelation 4
"You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For you created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created" (Revelation 4:11; NKJV).
The true and living God is worthy of worship because He is the creator of all things!
Give Him glory, honor and power as your Creator!
Jason Cicero
"You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For you created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created" (Revelation 4:11; NKJV).
The true and living God is worthy of worship because He is the creator of all things!
Give Him glory, honor and power as your Creator!
Jason Cicero
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
What Would He Say to Us?
Scripture: Revelation 2-3
"...and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man..." (Revelation 1:13; NKJV).
Jesus stands in the midst of the seven churches of Asia in Revelation 2-3 and offers an assessment of their spiritual health.
If the Lord spoke to us, what would he say?
Jason Cicero
"...and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man..." (Revelation 1:13; NKJV).
Jesus stands in the midst of the seven churches of Asia in Revelation 2-3 and offers an assessment of their spiritual health.
If the Lord spoke to us, what would he say?
Jason Cicero
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Let Him Hear!
Scripture: Revelation 2-3
Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea had this in common: each church was comprised of some who were willing to hear, listen, and change.
"He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."
For those who have an ear, hear!
Jason Cicero
Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea had this in common: each church was comprised of some who were willing to hear, listen, and change.
"He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."
For those who have an ear, hear!
Jason Cicero
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