The Stickman's Understanding...

  To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified. -Isaiah 61:3 God bless you and good morning. 2020 has been like 366 Mondays with bad weather.  In Memphis the last two days has been drenching with several inches of rain. As a dog owner we all should know how rain creates a potty dilemma.  That said as I heard the rain this morning, I wanted to complain then I remembered the purpose of rain. It is used of God by cleanse and purify.  He brought to me the scripture above. I would find it hard to uncover anyone not impacted by 2020 and even harder to find anyone who wants even one second more of it.  If a match was offered a riot would ensue for the privilege of striking it and a war would begin to lite 2020 ablaze.   The ashes of the year would ...

  Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. -Psalms 1:1 Good morning, God bless you on this fine day. Psalm 1:1 has always been on my list of favorite admonitions to be wise as it attributes blessings to being wise.   Further there is proof of the richness of His word as I’ve never seen with clarity what I saw this morning.  Upfront God blesses those who don’t take counsel with the ungodly. Taking counsel means so much. Ungodly allegiances, yoking in agreement with those with ungodly agendas, being with them who oppose God is taking their side and rejecting truth.  Merely spending that time leads to a change in you, perhaps unnoticed by you or brushed off by the ungodly as nothing.  You begin to look like the ungodly. And no one can tell the difference between you and them. Ever heard someone tell a child you walk like, you talk like or mannerisms are like ...

  When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. -Matthew 8:10 God bless you and happy Tuesday. In the story of faith spoken of above, we find the Lord astonished at the faith of the Roman Centurion.  What is so incredible isn’t his faith, as much as it is his faith compared to the children of Israel.  Imagine that a crowd of Israelis that included his disciples and as recorded by Matthew, and among that group, Jesus spoke saying in essence that this gentile has greater faith than all you present today and all I’ve encountered.  The pandemic has revealed that many in the church confessors of the Lord are as the children of    Israel.     They have situational faith. Walking by sight more so than faith. The Centurion encountered the Lord in his natural sight, but believed in the spirit that all Jesus had to speak was a word and his servant would be h...

  Jude   24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present  you  faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, 25 To the only wise God our Saviour,  be  glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. Good morning, happy Monday and God bless you.  Though Paul wrote extensively the Letters in the New Testament, some things he didn't    were so profound. The Jewel above is one of those things.  In it Jude, whose given name was Judas and it is obvious why he was not called that, initially didn't believe in Christ or as he saw him, just Jesus.  Just Jesus because he knew Jesus well. After all Jesus was his older brother. But once Jude realized who his brother was he went forth in the faith and one of the crowning achievements of his ministry is Jude's declaration.  Called the doxology, its meaning is an expressed opinion. Jude's expressed opinion formed from experience ...

  And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. -Luke 2:3 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) -Luke 2:4 God bless, good morning and happy Christmas Eve. A common question asked today is “Are you done with your shopping?”, To which invariably we always have one more gift to buy.   It is supposed on this day about 2033 years ago, Joseph, a tired Mary and a mule would have been walking across the desert enroute to Bethlehem.  It would have been cold, perhaps they would have been parched and hungry along with the mental and emotional weight of rejection.  We know the scripture says there was no room in the inn, but consider Bethlehem was Joseph’s family town and that also Mary being a distant cousin of Joseph,    both should have had family in town.  So along with no room in the inn, I’d surmised t...

  Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, -Matthew 2:1 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. -Matthew 2:2 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. -Matthew 2:3 God bless you and happy Wednesday! The closer we get to Christmas the more excited I get...seriously because as stated before the evangelism spirit comes forth.  Sadly many miss the correlation the season has with evangelism, in similitude the people of God seemed to have forgotten their Messiah.  So much so that foreigners (wise men) had to tell them the significance of the star. What is more amazing is that the likely source of their knowledge was the prophet Daniel who had lived among them in the east almost a thousand years prior.  I pray that in this season of possibilities that we do n...

  And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. -Luke 2:8 Good morning and God bless you. Happy Tuesday. I really get excited during Christmas season and not for the reason most would think. Ok, as a kid that was the reason that most people thought or think.  But as a kingdom promoter and member, I am excited for the opportunity to witness to others about the greatest miracle of God’s grace, Christ’s birth.  Yet even more so was those whom God used to announce the birth and further, the Lord never instructed them to go or to tell, but they were so excited that they didn’t need a prompting.  The Lord’s use of lowly shepherds to spread the news of the birth shows God is not a respecter of person but of willing hearts.  It seems no one in Israel looked with anticipation for the messiah, not the high Priest, and certainly not the King, but in a field attending sheep were the lowliest of men who obviously ...

  For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken. -Proverbs 3:26 God bless you this morning and Happy Monday. Today is my youngest child birthday so please help me celebrate my 24 year old masters candidate Viola Nicole.  What a year. It is somewhat surreal that all that has occurred did so in this year and it being a leap year, like who asked for more 2020, yet how prophetic when the notation used for perfect vision is our current year.  I believe with my whole heart that this year has been one the Lord has been speaking to the church.   “Get right, I am coming soon.” “Share the gospel, I am coming soon.”  “Don’t lose hope, I am coming soon.” “Don’t lose faith, be righteous, have my standard...” Let He who has a ear hear and he with eyes see, we have heard and we are certainly seeing. Along with the mix of tragedy we are seeing faith churning miracles and as busy as the enemy is God still pulls checkmates on our behalf....

  Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. -Hebrews 4:16 Good morning and God bless you. Oh how I love this scripture. The grace of God has opened the gateway and we can boldly go to Him.  The Apostle Paul not only says that we can but it is imperative that we do. Mercy is always needed as is grace.   Mercy forgives us the penalty and grace not only forgives but provides miraculous support for achievement. The platform of grace is so misunderstood and underrated, yet times of trouble are plenteous and steady.  Our task is to not operate in timidity as timidity is often confused with humility. So within the confines of righteousness we can boldly petition the Father behind the veil.  Your comments and questions are welcome. Contact me at drschaefferinterceding@yahoo.com You can give to Interceding Christian Center (ICC) using our cash app $intercedingcc  God bless you and Co...

  15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as [we are, yet] without sin.  16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. -Hebrews 4:15-16 God bless you and good morning. This morning I was doing my usual piddling, anyone beside me piddle? When to my heart came a song that I hear often. In the song, and I don’t know the name, the young man was talking about being honest with self and certainly with the Lord.  Oh how often we put on the perfect “saint face”, you know the one of perpetual smiles and praise the Lord responses without any sincerity.  Though there is nothing wrong with being optimistic especially in the face of our haters, but in the words of Shakespeare “To thine own self be true”, at the least when alone in your prayer garden.  We must know that we are not alone at anytime and in that p...

  Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. -Hebrews 12:2 Good morning and God bless you!!! What does it mean to “look unto Jesus”? Many have their own way of saying it but in general those statements do or should lead back to a statement of your faith.  Yes it does reference the work on the cross, but it also views things in light of walking by faith and not by sight-FRIGHT. Though the winds blow counter to your needs, you must know who speaks to the wind and the storm.  The Apostle Peter would tell you to keep your eyes on Christ, especially if you have to walk on water.  Job would say that he knew and you should know that our redeemer lives and the lame man would say I don’t care what day of the week it is, if he wants to heal me let Him.  Do not let yourself be distracted by the winds of this world, keep your ...

  Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. -Psalms 119:11 Good morning and happy Tuesday. Getting out of Prayer this morning and in it the Lord pointed out my heaviness of heart. And I had to own it.  Yes even Pastor’s have moments. I’ve been thinking about the many losses this year and sometimes tears well up.  And none of us have lacked moments this year nor tears.  As we suffer the Father reminds us of why we must cherish His word. The comfort of the word of God is unsurpassed.  Mourning is not a sin, but to waddle in it is an affront to the God of all comfort.    Wrapping yourself in it allows it the place of God in your life.  Though I was heavy going into and during prayer, the reminder from the Lord had purpose as He pointed out to me the load that I had labored to carry had been lightened. The anguish of soul replaced with a barrel of hope.  I literally felt the lifting as I focused on the Lord and not the...

  Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.                         -Habakkuk 3:17-18 Good morning and God bless. Happy Monday! Another week and your grind is calling. God wants you to be encouraged as you are to walk by faith and not by sight.  The minor prophet Habakkuk described his own joy in essence saying nature is not the reason he has joy.  Nature is beautiful, whether you are a Summer, winter, spring or fall type of person. In your favorite season you will find most things beautiful and in your least favorite you will find something you do not like.  Seasons of course depict more than the sun shining, more than cloudy days, brisk air or...

  15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. -John 17 Good morning God is good all the time... Happy Friday. If we look at the world situation we can sure understand the theme ball of confusion or the 60s phrase, stop the world I want to get off.  Certain everyday practices and or things scream that this world is a strange place and it’s inhabitants are...well alien to us.  The Lord Jesus in a relational connection expressed how we feel and showed His understanding of the conflict with reality that even He faced.  His prayer was simply to support our role in the great commission. The divine protection which we receive constantly is the difference between life and death, success and failure and generally that perfect peace.  Yes we can be here but not from here and still strive until the prayer of His Kingdom come is answered. Enjo...

  Therefore said I, The Philistines will come down now upon me to Gilgal, and I have not made supplication unto the LORD: I forced myself therefore, and offered a burnt offering. -1 Samuel 13:12 And the children of Israel said unto them, Would to God we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the flesh pots, and when we did eat bread to the full; for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger. -Exodus 16:3 God bless you and good morning.  Fear and self-gratification are two sins that blind completely. The two instances in scripture above speaks volumes on their danger.  Saul afraid his army would be defeated, didn’t lose his army but the kingdom and perhaps his soul.  The children of Israel longed for what seemed free in bondage, and got manna then quail both, not tasteful and paling in comparison to the promise land.  You know the Bible is not just some nice stories, fairy tales with no i...

  I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. -Psalms 121:1-2 Good morning God bless you and it’s hump day...If we can make it over this hump, the rest is valley.  Sometimes it feels that way, but if you trust in the Lord you can come up the rough side of the mountain, to the hilltop and pass unscathed through the valley of dry bones.  The Psalmist ever optimistic uses the hill as a rallying point. A place where earth is invaded by heaven and supernatural intervention takes place.  Many songs were born, many deep philosophical quotes and witty mother said thoughts are based in that scripture. All say the same thing but in varied ways.   In it we are called to keep our thoughts above even as we come out of a valley and face the climbing of the hill before us, heaven has sent us a greeting party and they are cheering for us but will war on our behalf.  All said to encoura...

  1 And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword. 2 Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time. 3 And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beersheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there.      1 Kings 19 Good morning and God bless you. So it’s Tuesday again. Many would become bored with the passing of time, but to be conscious of the passing meaning you are still among the living.  Which means God still has purpose to be fulfill with an assignment He has developed with you in mind. The prophet Elijah had given up hope.  After all the work God had performed through him to include feeding him and protecting him, here is the great prophet running for his life from the evil queen.   It has always amazed me where this story...

  For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. -2 Timothy 1:7 Good morning God bless you and happy Monday. For the last 8 months every time Corona Virus and or COVID-19 has been mentioned the entire name has been expressed. Well COVID and Corona has arrived.  Think about it when we say MJ everyone knows you are talking about Michael Jordan, when you say Madonna, Prince, or Cher all know who you are speaking of...even though many others may share the same first    name. The other day I was in Kroger and their PA system was blaring its usual advertisements of specials, etc.   After the barrage of offers, came the public service announcement about the general topic which need not be identified.  In the warning COVID was called by one name and though many others share the name as an identity there was no confusion of what they were talking about when they said avoid the VIRUS.  We know that fear has tak...

  Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. -Galatians 5:1 God bless and Happy Friday. A weekend awaits us, one perhaps well earned and one which you most certainly will enjoy your freedom.  But what is freedom and who really paid the cost for our freedom? Not our physical freedom as defended by our military, but true freedom that is spiritual based.  He who the son sat free is free, but it is easier to get entangled than to be set free.  There are many ways we can become re-entangled.  One way is when we knowingly flaunt our freedom in the face of those who are not where you are in your Christian relationship.  For example what we know is not a sin, they may not have gotten that revelation yet and in judging you, they are in sin.  Paul said in 1st Corinthians 8: 18 we ought to limit ourselves if it causes offense to others.  It’s so much easier to afflict flesh and...