The Stickman's Understanding...

And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright. -Genesis 25:31 Good morning and God bless you. While meditating, I pondered the question: what do you value? The scripture above tells a story of twins competing to outdo each other. Esau, the elder, was an exceptional hunter, known for his physical prowess that required little thought. In contrast, Jacob relied on his intellect and cunning to orchestrate an unequal trade. Although Esau wasn't as clever as Jacob, he was aware of the customs and traditions of his time. He understood that the firstborn received the greater inheritance, while subsequent children received less. Esau's decision to relinquish his inheritance illustrates how we protect what we value. This value is not always apparent in the present; like a lump of coal that can transform into a diamond over time. This story is a powerful lesson in patience. Esau valued the present but failed to consider the future potential of his choices. Today, I encourage you to refl...

  And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, STAND STILL, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. -Exodus 14:13 Good morning and terrific Thursday to you! As I was pondering on the faithfulness of the Lord on yesterday, I further considered the scripture above.  In the associated story we find the children of Israel having left Egypt and coming to a seemingly insurmountable barrier called the Red Sea. They had faith and had put in the work, but had come to the limits of their ability to proceed. I took note the phrase “Stand Still”, that further indicates what we should be doing. It didn’t say “Sit and wait”. Standing is an indication that effort has proceeded your stillness.  When we have done all we can and should, that is when we are most vulnerable to FEAR. Yet these are the times we have to lean closer to the Lord and when our faith in Him becomes bigg...

Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. -Psalms 46:10 Good morning and happy hump day to you! Standing still in today’s world is a difficult task considering all the moving parts of our lives.  The writer of this Psalms reflects here the purpose of standing still relates to coming to the point where your faith and works have not achieved what is required.  The initial message implies that the pause in "Be still" is akin to a comforting parent's hush. It serves as a gentle reminder that it is God who will fight your battles.  The subsequent sentence warns your enemy that one day, at the name of Jesus, they too will bow and confess that He is Lord.  Inevitably, there will come a time when you have exhausted all your resources and your physical, mental, and spiritual strength, making you feel like giving up, but instead, you must stand firm. #prayforthepeaceofIsrael God bless you and command your day!!! Your...

  From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD'S name is to be praised. -Psalms 113:3 Good morning and tremendous Tuesday to you! Metaphorically this scripture could denote a life spanned with praise and worship of God.  From the first breath until the last and then onward throughout eternity. Further if you would pull in Psalms 150:6 (Let everything that has breath) the importance of    praising him while living in this earthen vessel is emphasized.  As you rise this morning from whatever troubled your sleep, to whatever may trouble your day, do not forget to praise His Holy Name!!    #prayforthepeaceofIsrael God bless you and command your day!!! 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 

  Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. -John 14:27 Good morning and happy Monday to you! What is true peace? The world considers peace to be a benefit of no warfare, no conflicts, local, national, or global. But true peace comes with right relationship.  True peace will allow you to sing in the storm, praise in the pain, dance in the danger, say bravo in the battle, and worship in the warfare.  Many will not understand your peace which surpasses all understanding. The Lord gave peace as a fruit, a joy, and focal point. Beloved walk in the peace of God!  #prayforthepeaceofIsrael God bless you and command your day!!! 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 

  There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. -Romans 8:1 Good morning and TGIF! The scripture above distinguishes between law and grace. The law was, and still is, relevant to the flesh. God the Father used the law to prepare His people for grace. Often, we cannot fully appreciate sunshine unless we have experienced a storm. When we recognize the impossibility of living perfectly under the law and see the one who lived without sin and brought grace, we understand its significance. Now, the gift of grace is available to all who accept it, and with this acceptance, all condemnation under the law loses its sting. Go fellowship this weekend, we all need it.  #prayforthepeaceofIsrael 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 

  For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. -Romans 8:18 Good morning and terrific Thursday to you!  During the 1960s, the famous group The Beatles had a song titled "Dust in the Wind." This song reflected the life of the 60s, a decade that seemed to embody freedom and love but was also marred by hate and war. Subsequent decades have shown little improvement, as the arsenal of war has expanded to include attacks on morality. In your reflection, consider the scripture above. Evaluate the cost of living in this world, with its ups and downs, victories and celebrations, sorrows and disappointments, and remember that when your reckon, none of these things compare to the joy that will come.  #prayforthepeaceofIsrael God bless you and command your day!!! Your comments and questions are welcome. Contact me at drschaefferinterceding@yahoo.com You can give to Interceding Christian Center (ICC) ...

  Let the floods clap their hands: let the hills be joyful together -Psalms 98:8 Good morning and happy hump day to you!  As I was leaving the house this morning, I looked at the sky where broken clouds allowed the sun to shine brightly through, resembling the fingers of God reaching down to shape the earth. Considering the world’s current state and the desperate need for change, it is clear that such a transformation is inevitable. The earth, in its magnificent display of beauty, cries out for this reshaping; its splendor deserves better. When you compare its beauty to the prevalent moral decay, without hope, despair can overwhelm you. Our role in bringing about this transformation is to advance the Great Commission. This is what Jesus referred to in the Lord’s Prayer: "Let your kingdom come, let your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." Oh what a joy it will be when the harmony of mankind matches the harmony of nature!  #prayforthepeaceofIsrael God bless you and c...

And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. -Matthew 25:10 Good morning and tremendous Tuesday to you! We frequently hear people say during the call for fellowship, "I will come to Christ once I get my life in order." What I noticed first in the story were the diligently faithful, the maidens who were prepared. They were always ready, first to arrive at church, first to shout, consistently tithing, and sincerely dedicated to fulfilling the great commission. However, they may have missed the intent of bringing others to Christ. Sending the unprepared away to purchase oil is akin to sending away someone who isn't dressed appropriately or excluding someone who can't contribute as much as you can. I've witnessed well-meaning Christians literally driving others away from fellowship through judgmental behavior. Those who went away must realize that we can't clean up the messes in ...

In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes. -Judges 21:25 Good morning and happy Monday to you!  The scripture above denotes the importance of having a strong leader.  Not just strong in terms of being firm, but strong in terms of having a moral guide within. That leader has to lead by example, whether seen or unseen.  Cause one’s actions are never unseen, actions are seen either by someone else but always by the Lord. A King is a figurative representation of authority and authority without accountability of the one in authority as well as subjects is a broken model.  We live in a time where authority is not given the respect it deserves. This has been exacerbated by those in power who present themselves as moral leaders but behave immorally. Beloved, our moral compass should remain steadfast, not swayed by external influences, and our sense of accountability and authority should not be compromised by contemporary cu...

  For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: -Romans 8:3 Good morning and TGIF! The anointing in the life of the Apostle Paul is surely a unique one of the dispensation that was absolutely needed.  Who but Paul could so profoundly explore the truth of the law versus grace? The law's intent was to provide understanding through the flesh to the spirit, demonstrating that grace is superior to the law. Beloved, just as our bodies have limitations, so too do we have limitations in keeping the law. If you break one part, you are guilty of breaking it all in terms of retribution. No, we cannot live a sin-free life in the flesh as Christ did, but we can accept His grace and repent of our sins. His gift paid the cost once and for all, fulfilling the required sacrifice and condemning sin. Go fellowship this weekend, we all need it.  #prayforthepeaceofIsrael G...

  Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. -Luke 23:34 Good morning and terrific Thursday to you! Previously, we discussed Isaiah 61:1, where it's mentioned that the Lord exchanges ashes giving beauty, mourning giving joy, and heaviness giving praise. It's worth considering that this exchange couldn't occur until the exchange on the cross took place.  Even as those directly involved in the crime were forgiven, the Lord's sacrifice on the cross was necessary for this exchange to happen.  While our bloodshed would have little impact, His shed blood was given so that ours wouldn't be in vain. Therefore, without this profound exchange, no other exchange could have occurred. #prayforthepeaceofIsrael God bless you and command your day!!! Your comments and questions are welcome. Contact me at drschaefferinterceding@yahoo.com You can give to Interceding Christian Center (ICC) using our cash app $inter...

  Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. -Proverbs 22:6 Good morning and happy hump day to you! The well known scripture above seems to be slowly losing its familiarity.  While it's disheartening to have knowledge without action, it's even more concerning to have never been educated on the matter. Choosing not to act despite knowing is a conscious decision, but without proper instruction, the opportunity for improvement is limited. Hope can only be based in an effort set forth on what you hoped for. That said parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, or whoever has been entrusted with the gift of raising a child do not take the responsibility lightly. Raise them in the Lord.  #prayforthepeaceofIsrael God bless you and command your day!!! 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