The Stickman's Understanding...

  And it shall come to pass in that day, that his burden shall be taken away from off thy shoulder, and his yoke from off thy neck, and the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing. -Isaiah 10:27 God bless you and welcome to “hump day”.    Let’s learn. The prophet Isaiah provided us the gem above and we have carried it in our vocabulary since we first heard it.  The phrase though it surely speaks of spiritual bondage he got the inspiration from a practice of slavery during the time Israel spent in Egypt.  A slave would wear a leather band or yoke with a chain hanging from it. The chain was used to literally secure the slave as a dog owner would an unattended pet.  The slave would sweat under the collar (hot under the collar) and their skin would become chaff from the interaction of the leather band rubbing against their neck.  To fight against the chaff the slave would rub oil on their neck.    The oil would soothe the neck softening ...

  Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. -Psalms 24:9 God bless you and happy Tuesday…I feel like teaching. The scripture above is well known in terms of the words but hardly known in terms of meaning.  Since ancient times and even today a gate or door was/is held onto its bracket by a pin and on top of the pin it is formed into a wider head. So the term head refers to the top of the pin in the bracket.  The head once lifted causes the door to no longer swing as it normally would. With the head missing the door falls flat and no longer functions for the purpose it was designed.  As the Bible teaches us Christ descended (Eph 4:9; 1 Peter 4:6) into hell and the captives were set free (Matt. 27:52). Let’s tie these things together,    the gates and the doors of hell obeyed when the King of glory sought to enter and preach the gospel to those not afforded the salvation and in Abraham’s bosom...

  This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah. -Psalms 24:6 God bless you and Happy Monday! As this was being read during service on yesterday, the scripture above resounded in my spirit. It would seem to us that most young people are selfie taking, influencer wanta be’s whose only desire in life is to rebel.  But as we read the word several scripture describe our young people in a different way. Joel 2 says God will pour out His spirit on all flesh and the impact on young people will be astounding.  And contrary to the lost generation school of thought, our young people are seeking something. No they often do not know that what they seek is the realness of relationship found only in Christ.  Take note as young people come asking the source of your joy, they may never go to their parent but to another adult or person their age with the question burning off their lips “why, what, how and definitely when did you get saved”. ...

  Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. -Psalms 23:4 God bless you and good morning. I often am reminded of the goodness of the Lord in small ways.  For instance the scripture above in all it fame hides the gem of comparison differentiating a staff from a rod.  I hear the collective “wait, what”. Yes there is a difference and no the shepherd didn’t carry two sticks. The scripture says “thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” The “and” here indicates two functions not two items.  The staff is the upper curved part of the tool which is used by the shepherd to rest upon and also to provide a gentle nudge when herding the sheep or to literally grab a lost sheep gently under the neck to lift it out of a hole or any other hazard.  The rod is the long shaft and used to protect or correct (the scripture doesn’t say spare the staff, spoil the child). The rod could be...

  A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit. -Proverbs 29:23 God bless you this beautiful day. I recently saw a post on social media of a picture of an eagle with a raven riding it’s back.  The eagle seems oblivious to its passenger, instead it continues looking downward while unknown to the raven his free “Uber” will cost him dearly.  While seeming to look downward the eagle slowly climbs. In due time it reaches a level where the oxygen is lower and most creatures would begin to have trouble breathing. The raven in its stubbornest may notice a change but not enough to allow it to release its driver.  The slow ascent continues to a point that due to lack of oxygen the raven faints and then falls from the excessive height.    Despite its advantage of wings, it will not likely revive before the ground rushes up to greet it.  The eagle teaches us a lesson about knowing yourself. Do not stoop to the lows of your enemie...

  And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. -Hebrews 9:22 Good morning and God bless you. It’s hump day!!! I recently read a story about a    new shepherd whose sheep was bitten by a cobra.  Not knowing if the sheep would live or die he watched it over the next few days and took note it didn’t stop eating, drinking or walking about the pasture.  After a few days the spot which had swollen had went down and all was back to normal. Thinking this all strange he researched and found that anti-venom for most snake bites are produced using sheep blood. Science can’t explain it but there is something in the sheep blood that isolates the poison and attacks it and breaks it down, eventually removing it from the area bitten.   In similitude to to its creator, the sheep’s blood destroys anything that comes against it.  Might I add there is something about the lamb of God, whose blood covers us inwa...

For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. -Psalms 30:5 God bless you and happy Tuesday! I believe most would agree with me when I say the last 18 months have been really hard.  Most of our world has been rocked by one thing after another. We have seen many close to and some cross the threshold of this life, and in their demise many families have been devastated.  Who is to say that we don’t deserve this?When we have flaunted our liberty and the grace wrought at Christ’ expense, why wouldn’t    such tragedies occur.  From COVID 19, to mass shooting to hate speech, to ignorance coming from the pulpits and truth being distorted by those with an evil agenda, we have been in a dark time.  In that dark place there has been great anguish and the tears have been plenty. But I have also seen great repentance, restoration and recommitment.  And from that turning the promise of God f...

  And he answered and said, He that dippeth his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me. -Matthew 26:23 Good morning, God bless you and happy Monday! I saw a sign on a church marquee the said “When you can sit at a table with your Judas, then you will begin to understand the love of Jesus.”  Have you ever been betrayed? Let me answer that, of course you have.  Betrayal is the deepest of wounds and really can only be inflicted by someone close.  The disciple Judas was close to the Lord, not in the inner circle but it is impossible to spend so much time with anyone and not have formed a closeness. Yet because of greed, Judas betrayed Jesus and personally led a group against him.  If you follow the sequence of this story in scripture you realize that Judas betrayed the Lord after the last supper.  Ouch! how many have eaten at your table eating your best food but desiring only your substance but hating your essence. How many have you poured out your ...

Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. -2 Timothy 4:2 God bless you and TGIF! Living holy in this age is not easy. Yes I said it. Because we live in an age where people of integrity, character and conviction are accursed of being bigots.  The attacks come from without (outside of those close to you) and within. You are called dogmatic, legalistic and worst. But yet we are not called to retaliate in kind or even to stop living holy!  Telling the truth may allow for some measure of rejection, but adding to that telling while living the truth will certainly result in the ultimate rejection of the world.  As it is darkest before the dawn so is our current state. It takes us knowing darkness to appreciate light!  Paul the apostle wasn’t being dogmatic, hateful, a bigot or legalistic. If he was being anything it was desperate. Knowing the state of those who refuse Christ will and should sometimes m...

  In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, -Titus 2:7 God bless you and good morning.  Recently a    few members of Interceding Christian Center (ICC) (mother and aunt) brought to me a side splitting comment by their daughter/niece.  She was asking them about going to see God and upon questioning they realized when she pointed to me at church saying “see there is God”. The six year old was referring to me as God. I am sure I must have been striking a serious pose in the white robe, suit and shoes she had last seen me in ( 🤣 ), but by most estimates so far from God.  As I giggled myself silly it struck me the impact we can have on children by living the word of God. And then I remembered growing up knowing a very godly teenager. I think her name was Carla. The way she carried herself as compared to the other teenagers and adults was profoundly contrasting. Never mean, caught up or even ove...

  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. -John 3:16 God bless you and happy hump day! Yes you made it to another day and for that God should be glorified.  The most astounding yet profound utterances of Jesus is found above. Astounding for its claim of sonship while profound in its ultimate meaning of His death, burial and resurrection.  Jesus simply spoke of His mission being based first in the love of the Father for His creation, then the godly plan of gifting the world with what He (The Father) required.  The simply profound utterance then continued expressing the benefit of those who believed as obtaining life beyond this world… As we enjoy this life here, let’s not forget how Jesus longs for us to live for Him in our daily walk and more important to share His love and the gift of salvation.  Your comments and questions are welcome. Contact me at drschaeffe...

  The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. -Psalms 1:4 Good morning and God bless you. Welcome to Tuesday. I have been thinking about the threshing floor for the last few weeks to include using the story as a backdrop in a sermon to encourage the return of Saints to the church.  Before prayer this morning, Abba lead me to read the first chapter of Psalms. Though I had read it a thousand times, I’d never consider the lesson on chaff as illustrated in the scripture above.  We know that chaff is the outward cover of the grain and unlike the grain of wheat it is not edible, though highly flammable.  I’d always thought of chaff as those in unforgiven sin who at the last day would be removed, but in a new light I see chaff does also refer to our sins.  Chaff though it covered what became fruit, is itself fruitless. Wouldn’t you say we’ve all had some chaff in or on our lives.  Chaff has its season and it’s uses but it’s final de...

  DANGEROUS WEALTH Good morning and Happy Monday.    I wrote this some time ago and I am pretty sure I didn’t share it yet. So for the sake of my memory here we go ☺️ .  The blessings of the Lord makes rich and adds no sorrows. Proverbs 10:22 teaches us that if the blessing is from the Lord it is solid. Further His blessing come from obedience.  Many ask the Lord for wealth but not wisdom. Wisdom is a treasure far more valuable. Wealth sits and grows on wise ground and firm foundation, which provides the nutrients needed to sustain growth. Wealth without wisdom is extremely dangerous and as the saying goes, a fool and his money are soon parted.  Wealth without wisdom keeps you perpetually lacking. Either seeking more money, more thrills, more power (unethical manipulative control), unrestrained immoral desires but none satisfy the ungodly lust.  God bless you and command your day!!!

  It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter. -Proverbs 25:2 God bless you and TGIF. On yesterday I was reading an article that alluded to “intelligent design”.  Quite amusing as the different PhDed contributing philosophers argued for or against what the saved already know.  While all the time the omnipresence and omnipotent God smiles. God loves to peek our curiosity.  In our curious state we search out the source of things and ultimately it leads us back to “The Source”, our all sufficient God.  As Christians we tend to be angered when someone questions God, but do not worry He is excellent at self defense and reveals Himself when we search with all our heart.  Go to fellowship somewhere 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 ...

  If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. -Daniel 3:17 God bless you and happy Thursday! What I enjoy most about my workout sessions is when it’s over. This is when an exhausted me smiles knowing that the pain results in gain. But if my body had its way I would stop moments into each session.  In similitude if I were the three Hebrews I’d not even have wanted to get in the fire. Yet when my spirit reviews a decision my body would make it over rules the body.  The reason is over the years I’ve come to realize there are some fires God wants us to go through fully and not rush out.  If the Hebrew boys had not gone through the fire their story would not have read the same. It would have been ordinary, not extraordinary and glory would have been denied God.  While you are in the fire be as David walking through but making a statement saying I will fear no evil…thy rod a...

  Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, -Hebrews 12:1 God bless you and happy hump day. Knowing the Bible and living the Bible are not always the same thing.  Ouch! What a brash statement which certainly will grate some people’s nerves. But it is certainly the truth because there are two types of witnesses one tells the truth because they live in truth and the …opposite. Those that lie.  They tell lies because they live lies and it’s not always because they don’t know the truth, but they have chosen to live the lie.  This is what Paul refers to those whose conscious is well on its way to being seared and eventually reprobate.  Our witness therefore can prove to be fruitful or fruitless. Though Paul was teaching in this scripture about those who were pillars of faith referring back to cha...

  Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: -Romans 1:24 Good morning and God bless you! June has been declared LGBTQ pride month and in their error but satan’s strategy, they’ve selected the rainbow to symbolized their movement. The Bible warns us that the measures they will use will know no shame.  Our confession of Christ does offend most of them with some vocally and willing to violently express their outrage.  But still, we are called to love them. Even though their sin is an affront to our Lord, we must remember that He loves us all and commanded His love towards all mankind and in demonstration allowed the gift of Jesus for us.  In our standing is a standard, but do not allow our offense to block our opportunities to glorify God in evangelistic endeavors.  Your comments and questions are welcome. Contact me at drschaefferinterceding@yahoo.com You can give to Inte...

  For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died. -Romans 7:9 God bless you, good morning, and happy Monday to you! How many times have you heard the phrase ”when you know better you do better.” The apostle Paul, captures the essence of this in the scripture above.    Before Christ we all thought we were alive and living our best life.  In similitude to living in the days before the flood, we went about seeking the next “drug”, but though we tried we couldn’t reach the plateau, surpassing our last high.   By God’s grace our sin was revealed and once we repented we became recipients of the boundless depth of His grace.  The sin was revived but we died to it and came alive in Christ by the proxy work on the cross, in the grave and the conquest over death!  Your comments and questions are welcome. Contact me at drschaefferinterceding@yahoo.com You can give to Interceding Christian Center (ICC) using our c...

  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, glory to the Lord and TGIF! Though we know it is not our works but grace that allows the faith to believe and belief to accept the gift of God, our Christian work has value. Works unto self glory are as filthy rags.  The scripture above defines the evangelistic value of Christian work. When others see the work shining, setting apart and done with enthusiastic joy their curiosity is peeked and hardened heart pricked.  This is described by the Lord as light and lights intrinsic nature is to illuminate that which is in its reach.    Those within our reach should see the light of Christian love and once drawn be recipients of our testimony of Christ.  Go to church this Sunday we all need the fellowship.  Your comments and questions are welcome. Contact me at drschaefferinterceding@yahoo.com You can give to Interce...

  Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. -Matthew 5:13 Good morning and God bless you! Tofu in my opinion is the most tasteless stance on earth. Try as I may nothing improves the flavor.  Perhaps the texture increases its unpalatable allure. Not to insult anyone’s tastebuds but so says the book of Brian.  As unappealing as tofu is to my natural tongue so is a Christian who lacks that defining flavor of a walk in Christ to my spiritual taste.  Their lack of difference doesn’t draw attention and is the blandness the Lord warned us against. It is conforming at its best.  The Lord wants us to draw and drawing requires definition that is distinct. If you are looking at a rack of white suits whereas many styles are among the bunch, after a short viewing everything looks the same; blending in. But if a blue suit is on t...

  The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty. -Psalms 29:4 God bless you and happy hump day. The scripture above describes one of God’s amazing attributes, adding to our reasons to give Him glory! The creative force called the voice has from before time communicated with us. From absolutely nothing to everything all has been impacted by that voice.  A song says His voice is so sweet, that the birds stop singing. My God! The same voice that stops the sun in its path, wraps us with swaddling comfort.  It is this same voice that one day said “Let there be light, this is my son whom I am well pleased”,    who    one day will send His angels to restore the earth, His voice is beckoning us all into a relationship, saying come unto me and I will give you rest.” And to those who harden not their hearts, one day He’ll say “well done you good and faithful servant, enter into my joy”. Your comments and questions are welcome. Conta...

  Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. -Proverbs 16:18 God bless you and happy Tuesday. On Sunday morning my wife and I were traveling to West Memphis via I 40 west and out of seemingly nowhere a motorcycle zoomed right by us.  I never heard it before it passed us but after I saw it, the sound was heard it seemed miles beyond our location. Pride is similar, it quietly sneaks upon us and then destruction.  Destruction leaves an impression that goes beyond its initial contact. A ringing in our ears. A scar, a tingling pain. The only grace destruction has is it reminds us to never go down that path again.   Though I don’t remember a sound before the zooming by, I am sure subconsciously I heard it coming, because before destruction, pride serves as the grace of warning.  Pride is such a pervasive force that it will have one self worshipping, it fools us into thinking it is merely self esteem and not arrogance that must be rooted ...