The Stickman's Understanding...

  Casting down imaginations,  and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;  -2 Corinthians 10:5 God bless you on this great day.    Happy hump day. The scripture above is key to waging spiritual warfare. What good are weapons unused? Casting down is as it implies is not just pushing over, it is pulling down with great force or extreme dislike the walls of a stronghold.  In another version of the scripture above it adds the adverb vain is placed in front of imaginations.  The word vain refers to the self serving nature of the flesh. Vain is the root word of vanity and is a useless trait of the flesh.    So this is why we must cast down self-serving thoughts of self grandeur.  This walk is one of warring and when we use our weapons they are mighty to pull down strongholds.  Your comments and questions are welcome. Contact me at drschaeffer...

  (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) -2 Corinthians 10:4 God bless you and happy Tuesday. Let’s look deeper into strongholds.  I could likely pinpoint what caused a mindset based on examine the mannerisms and habits of the impacted person.  What is of utmost importance is to recognize that a stronghold exists. Denial strengthens the stronghold because denial is a form of rebellion against godly counsel.  Also of importance is to recognize the source or name of what demonic entity has built the stronghold. Spirits have names that may not even appear to have much to do with what they do. For instance murder is what it does, Jealousy is its name.  To destroy the stronghold you stand in the power of the Lord Jesus and call while casting out that name.  Your comments and questions are welcome. Contact me at drschaefferinterceding@yahoo.com You can give to Interceding Christian Center (ICC)...

  (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) -2 Corinthians 10:4 Good morning, God bless you and Happy Monday. On last Friday the Lord impressed upon me to teach on strongholds; so as promised let’s delve right in.  What is a stronghold. By definition a stronghold refers to a fortified structure meant to withstand assaults that would normally topple most structures.  As Paul referred to them he is speaking of spiritual resistance, ways of thinking that imprisons and is almost impervious to sound doctrine.  Strongholds are methods that the enemy uses to keep us in a certain place based purely on our thinking. For example the enemy may cause a child to be molested and deep within themselves they see that as the natural order of things and accept it, thus legitimizing the stronghold.  Truly as a man (woman) thinks, so is he. So as early as possible the enemy begins to work on our beliefs. If he can p...

(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) -2 Corinthians 10:4 God bless you and TGIF...What is a demonic stronghold? It is a mindset. It is a way of thinking that is contrary to the word of God.  Perversion in the sense of thinking and acting in a way that acknowledges this world and not our God.  Over the next few days I will be addressing strongholds, what creates, maintain them and how to break them.  Enjoy your weekend and go fellowship, we need it.  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 command your day!!!

  22 The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end;              -Lamentations 3 God bless you and good morning. As a young boy, I mean very young, had hair young, I learned a song that has played in my heart every since.  That song was based on the scripture above. God loves us all with a love that is abounding.  Though some may love you only to the point of your usefulness to them, God loves us when He conceived us in His mind, loved us in our nine month gestation, through the canal, our teen years...when we didn’t love ourselves, He commanded His love towards us while we were yet in sin.  He loves us with an everlasting love, the only thing greater than His grace is His love.  Because He loves us, He has mercy that protects us, when we are unsaved and saved. I am so thankful His mercy has kept me, mercy that found me when I was so lost, and guiding mercy that ordered my steps into His lov...

  But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matt 6:33 Good morning and God is good! If you ask a treasure hunter what they seek, they would say ... Treasure is actually what most seek. Of course the definition of treasure is in the desire of the seeker as is one man’s trash is another’s treasure.  But the one treasure we should always seek is found not on earth but in pleasing God.  When you pursue after the things that bring glory to God while serving Him and loving others as He desires us to do, then you are seeking Him first.  The benefits of seeking Him first are immeasurable. Placing Him first opens you up to the blessing principle of Solomon. When asked what he wanted, his response prompted God to bless Him with what he didn’t seek as first. God provides when we show whom we seek first.  Your comments and questions are welcome. Contact me at drschaefferinterceding@yahoo.com You can give to In...

  Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength. -Nehemiah 8:10 Good morning and God bless you. Welcome to Tuesday. Another day that the Lord has blessed you.  The scripture above speaks to the outcome of being “too socially conscious”. Yes there is such a thing...As a result the “wall builders” faced criticism vocally and even threats. While doing what was good in the eyes of the Lord, their godly efforts offended some.  Nehemiah took the time during a celebration to encourage them. In this scripture a summation of their celebration ended with pleasing the Lord as the source of our strength.  As with many scriptures we are told to give God our burdens, our cares and our attention.   Totally surrender means everything!  Your comments and questions are welcome. Contact me at drsch...

  When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him. -Proverbs 16:7 Good morning beloved and happy Monday.    “You can please some of the people...and you could certainly complete the quote.  One of the main problems with being so connected is the real possibility you may disappoint someone.  No matter the reason you want to be connected, best believe you will run awry of others just as fast on social media as in person. Though the severity is greater on line as what you write hangs in the clouds with permanency.  The scripture above tells us how important it is to please God more so than man. The pressure is great upon us all to not hurt others “feeling” and yes we should avoid doing so...but in NOT doing or saying what is right in the eyes of God we risk offending Him. (Uh He can send you to hell).  Your peace is that God will silence the mouth, cancel the plans and even blind the eyes of your enemies.  Be str...

  And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; -Luke 18:1 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. -James 5:16 Good morning and TGIF. Beloved did you know that confession begins in your mind, reaches your heart and is then released from your mouth. Some though imitate what they have heard, indicating that you can pray right but think wrong. Being transparent here, I must admit I was not fully engaged in every course I've taken. I clearly recall of certain courses, when will I ever use this information? I could care less about the spawning life of a 🐌.   But to pass the class, I would remember key points and if needed full paragraphs of information for the purpose of regurgitation when needed. After I've passed the class, I would do a brain dump only recalling bits and pieces of what I'd temporarily stored.  If someon...

  Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all. -Psalms 34:19   God  b less you and good morning .  By mid week most Christians feel the sting of this persecuting world.  We are all in a cycle either going in, in the midst of or coming out of some persecution. Even better we are under constant observation and thus attacks.  In the scripture above we find that if you are walking in Christ, you are walking contrary to the world system and you will suffer afflictions.   The psalmist knew persecution as he walked in righteousness and you should know as well.   Yet the psalmist who did not yet know Christ trusted that the Father would deliver him.  Now as we are under a better covenant, one that is full of grace and not the condemning law, our direct ability to go through Jesus to the Father provides special favor.  We are delivered by the same God who delivered His son up for our sins sayin...

  I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all. -Ecclesiastes 9:11 God bless you and happy Wednesday.  The race is not given to the swift is given as a direct verse in the Old Testament by the sage Solomon and paraphrased later by the Apostle Paul.  The selection of the individuals physical attributes as inherent, or inherited is not necessarily the determinate of the winner. Jacob bested his stronger and older twin; David bested Goliath and countless other examples are found in the word of God.  The classic story the tortoise and the hare clearly shows that wins come to those attentive in the race.  Persistent faith and work is the key to success in life.    Further and most important is that salvation isn’t just for those who have been saved 50 years or ...

  For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind -2Tim 1:7 God bless you and good morning all. I have been reading news reports of how people are reacting to individual Governor responses to having a mask mandate and social distance (SD) requirements.  Some are doubling down on masking and SD requirements while some are easing. Many of you live in states where this controversy is causing strife and division.  I say to you    that there is a thin line between caution and fear. Fear isolates you controlling your every interaction, whereas caution keeps you mindful but not minding (obeying) what you are being cautious of.  Wear your mask, sanitize your hands, cough into your elbow, do those things but stop isolating your self as fear would have you do. How can you be a witness for God behind closed doors? Go outside the house, to church, to family events and more, simply live.  Your comments and questions are ...

  And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: -2 Thessalonians 2:11 Good morning and happy Monday. Sometimes we all feel at a loss when someone we love are of a reprobate mind. You recognize them in the manner in which you interact with them.  They seem to be waiting on an opportunity to reject the love of God, so in conversation you may actually find yourself avoiding using references to the Lord.  They are adamant in their crushing belief that either there is no God or that Jesus isn’t the way.  In case you were wondering how they got so far off target consider the scripture above.  When their mindset continued in their rejection of the truth, the lie became their truth and without the tender hand of God upon them they delve deeper into false beliefs.  Their very conscience seared, they seek opportunity to offend you and by proxy God Himself.  This is where prayer is your only defense. Of course you still l...

  My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring? -Psalms 22:1 God bless you and TGIF. Beloved the scripture found above is often misunderstood. Most thought or think it originated with Jesus on the cross and it is given as one of the final things He said on the cross of our making.  But it originated in the scripture above and on the cross as a prophecy fulfilled. Jesus told the disciples “if I be lifted up I will draw all men unto me.”  This of course means His suffering and sacrifice borne out of love will draw willing hearts to the foot of the cross. And in Him being lifted up the sacrificial nature is glorified and it is shown that the sin of past, present and future is broken from the DNA of mankind.  So as Jesus spoke from the cross, He spoke of the prophecy of being the lamb of God and as the ultimate price; perfect willing, knowingly innocent blood being shed for us.  So did the Father ab...

  The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever. -Isaiah 40:8 God bless you and good morning. I was recently reading an article that was reminiscing. The day of my youth had us leaving doors open, if needed openly placing keys under mats, but also walking to school up hill going and returning.  So a grain of salt is taken in all memorials as it is in the eye of the participant the reality of a situation.  Yet one topic touched upon in the article is true to all lookers, born then, yesterday or today. The amount of news we receive today dwarfs yesteryear. Previously news was on three times a day at most, then the paper came perhaps twice a day.  This can’t compare with 24 hour a day news, news apps, social media, Multiple TV stations broadcasting from one location and all having news hours, news shows and breaking updates. All with one goal to gain your viewership and thus advertising dollars.  Sometimes it hits us and the c...

  8 Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book? Psalms 56 Good morning and God gets the glory. We all have moments of great despair, one particularly gut wrenching moment is when we lose a love one.  It is then that the believer can grab the scripture above. What a wonderful passage to console the teary eyed soul whose deep sobs drain all your strength.  The Lord remembers all those things that “work for our good.” Every seemingly inconsolable moment that seem like the darkest of night, He gives grace and one day will provide comfort beyond imagination as we finally see the why’s.  I encourage you this day to hold on to His love, amazing grace and your bottle of tears which is on His shelf.  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 command your day!!!

  16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Luke 5 Good morning and God bless you on this pre-hump day ( 🤗 ). The scripture above is very recognizable in the second verse onward. We often hear people tout effective fire filled prayer, and it’s benefit to the righteous.  But what we miss is one of the most important tenet of being righteous is repenting of sin against others. The first verse tells us to own up to our infractions toward each other and this is shown as a pathway towards being righteous.  Then    it continues saying that we also must pray for others. The healing it mentions is both physical and certainly emotional. There are so many more who are hurt without scars than we know.  Deep emotional hurt will cause us to pray amidst. Though it might take years and a saturation by the Lord for an emotional scar to heal, our prayer has to ...

  The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down. -Psalms 145:14 God bless you and happy Monday. How joyous the benefits of salvation, yet the grace required to accept Christ is a grace God extends to all.  Contrary to some theories God isn’t angry and brooding    waiting for just one more sin from you and then zap!!! No our God is loving, LONG SUFFERING and patient. The scripture above refers to His extending this grace to ALL.  To keep even those that stumble in Him is grace but to not destroy those who have not accepted Christ is AMAZING.  The Lord doesn’t let you go even though you fail time and again. And he waits beckoning you to raise from your bent back, off your praying knees and to stand before what previously knocked you down.  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 ble...

  When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole? -John 5:6 God bless you and good morning. What a question to ask a man obviously in need of help. It would seem cruel to some even taunting, but yet it is valid in the sense that some may speak of being “made whole”, but their lives so evolve around that issue that they would miss it.  A lame man wasn’t always a poor man. Begging for alms was then and still is quite lucrative. Family and friends would live off their misfortune.  Some use their issues as a security blanket and dare I say it they have become so accustomed to it that their source of comfort comes from the source of their discomfort.  So Jesus asking the man wasn’t to mock him, but the Lord was politely asking him for his burden.  Though in this case a physical burden was lifted, any burdens can be lifted by the Lord. Emotional, spiritual and physical.  When Jesus steps ...

  And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. -John 12:32 Good morning and God bless you all!!! The scripture above has an endeared place in my daily walk as I strive to lift up Jesus.  Daily we must seek how to place Him at the forefront of our lives. Jesus is called the word in the book of John and in the books of Leviticus, Deuteronomy and Joshua we are told to meditate on the word both day and night.   Without meditation on the word then the thought life becomes filled with the carnal world and it’s not under subjection.  Jesus had two meanings when He spoke these words to the disciples. One was His impending crucifixion and the other the spreading of the gospel.  The time period of the crucifixion is only a part of the story, though not less important but it is used to show prophecy fulfilled, love, long suffrage, power over life    and certainly death.  The story of the crucifixion draws attention to Christ, but ...

  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. -Matthew 5:16 Good morning and God bless you!!! It’s hump day! Mid week denotes the middle most part of our week.  We are    evenly between Sunday and Saturday. Three days from typical worship whilst three days until the eve before. That said it is understood the amount of stress that has been heaped upon us from every possible angle. Yet we are not called to excuses to shade our lamp.  The Lord Jesus doesn’t allow us that liberty. Instead He said let your light shine; and this came on the heels or your being persecuted, your being reviled, and being told to be meek in a meek-less world. The peculiar nature of Christ in His dying for our sins is exemplified in us by being as meek as He in the natural world but a warrior in the spirit.   So though your hand tethered between hitting the switch on your world lamp, do not turn off the light ...

  Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. -Psalms 19:14 God bless you and happy Tuesday. God gets the glory. In prayer this morning the scripture above played over and over in my spirit. The Psalmist wrote of his desire to not bring shame to God.  The overly simple coined phrase “thought life” comes up here as usually two tracks of our lives play often in symphony with each other.  The first is our actual manifested physical lives and the second is what we think about, hobbies, sports, goals, etc.  Amazingly (pun intended) we tend to do what we think on especially if the thought isn’t just a fleeting one. We become what dominates our thoughts.  A professional athlete doesn’t just put passing thought into becoming a pro athlete, a singer, dancer, photographer or etc doesn’t take a sideways look at what is their passion.  They think on it, how to perfect it, how to excel beyo...

 Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. -Isaiah 43:19 God bless you good morning and happy Monday. For some the word Mundane is used in lieu of the day of the week.  Is mundane really something we all deal with in light of being home bound? A unequivocal yes was heard in the background.  But as it pertains to our God are things ever mundane? Upfront things are never boring in the Lord and He is always doing something new.  And those new things are chalked with the miraculous. Consider the challenges we have faced the last year, new, unprecedented, fears of diseases that are incurable, violence erupting in our cities, weather patterns that are deadly, but yet your sitting here reading this, is a testimony, that God is still able... For every challenge God has given us grace. All things considered welcome to Monday and trust me God is doing something new and it’...