The Stickman's Understanding...

  And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, -Matthew 17:1 Good morning and happy hump day to you!  The three who ascended with the Lord played a crucial role in advancing the Gospel: Peter, James, and John—the beloved disciple who wrote the book of Revelation. That physical walk into the mountains was a spiritual elevation based on who Christ selected to go up with Him.  There might be elevations that God intends for you to reach without your friends, no matter how close you are to them. Just because you are close doesn't mean they are meant to accompany you to the places God has planned for you. Many people you trust may actually be using your trust against you. Reaching a place of elevation may be due to your talents, resources, or other factors, but without the character to support it, you won't be able to sustain that level. #prayforthepeaceofIsrael God bless you and command your day!!! Your c...

  I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels. -Isaiah 61:10 Good morning and tremendous Tuesday to you! In the scripture above, Isaiah describes a relationship with the Lord as having access to different articles of clothing and adornment or coverings. Worship serves as the foundation of this relationship. Just as it rains on both the just and the unjust, we all encounter life’s challenges. However, with a relationship with the Lord, you are never exposed to these elements without protection. Worship is like a coat worn in cold weather. While it doesn’t change the weather, it transforms and covers you, enabling you to endure the conditions. #prayforthepeaceofIsrael God bless you and command your day!!! Your comments and questions are welcome. Contact me at...

  Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt.                        - Genesis 28:37 Good morning and happy Monday to you!  God may not always reveal His plan to you, but He will show you the ultimate goal. Along the journey, you may experience both tears and celebrations, but true joy comes when everything falls into place. God showed Joseph his future position near Pharaoh's throne, yet his path was filled with both pain and triumphs. Joseph was part of the plan, even when the plan didn't resemble the final outcome. Many people confuse the plan with the end goal. The plan involves the steps and processes, while the end is the culmination of these efforts, displaying the progress made. This concept is affirmed in Jeremiah 29:11, where the Lord declares, "For I know th...

  Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: -1 Peter 5:6 Good morning and TGIF! The scripture above is applicable to all those in this walk of faith.  It is imperative, because humility is needed to carry out the great commission. In particular, leaders must be humble.  True humility can often cause you pain as an attribute of humility is transparency.  Being transparent opens you to ridicule, disdain-ment, and even the disrespect of the arrogant.  Further the contemptuous nature of humankind which takes kindness for being a fool.  Given all that, it is easy to see why some leaders seem aloft and distant from people. Yet in all the challenges of dealing with carnal minded people, leaders still must be humble, approachable, quick to smile and touchable.  Humility means that you do not celebrate the coal being dumped, it means you are willing to help put out the fire.  Go fellowship this weekend, we...

  And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. -Matthew 28:18  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: -Matthew 28:19 "Leaders never defend their authority, they walk in it." Good morning and terrific Thursday to you! The authority of leaders is constantly challenged, often from unexpected sources, including those closest to them. Leaders may inadvertently invite these challenges in various ways. (not all inclusive list).  Unarticulated vision Unchecked pride Wavering convictions  Favoritism  Carnal indulgence  The authority of leadership comes from God the first appointment came in the garden when in Gen 1:26 God told Adam and therefore his seed to take dominion. Of course this was lost almost immediately afterwards and for 42 generations until Matt 28:18 when the second Adam gave the second great impartation.  Jesus said ...

And he returned back from him, and took a yoke of oxen, and slew them, and boiled their flesh with the instruments of the oxen, and gave unto the people, and they did eat. THEN he AROSE, AND WENT AFTER Elijah, AND MINISTERED unto him. -1 Kings 19:21 Good morning and happy hump day to you! The scripture above highlights the truth presented here: “A leader who earns trust must first be a servant.” Elisha, known for his service to Elijah, exemplified this principle by being an excellent servant before becoming a leader. This truth is enduring: those who are not good servants will not become good leaders. Joshua, Samuel, David, and Elijah attest to this. A common issue in ministry is that young leaders often desire to lead without first serving. Many aim to be in charge immediately without having worked in roles that build character (such as assembly line, packaging, or sales). Here’s a revelation for leaders at all levels: you will never be promoted to a position where servanthood is no l...

  And the servants of the king of Syria said unto him, Their gods are gods of the hills; therefore they were stronger than we; but let us fight against them in the plain, and surely we shall be stronger than they. -1 Kings 20:23 Good morning and happy Monday to you!  The scripture mentioned above appears in an expected context, where God blesses a king in the First Book of Kings. You see what I mean? But the surprising part is who this involves. Among all the kings of Israel, Ahab's name is synonymous with evil. Despite his rebellion, the Lord chose to demonstrate His strength for His people and give Ahab a chance for redemption. It's a fascinating story with many lessons, but the one I want to highlight is that we serve an unlimited God. The Syrians believed in hundreds of gods and thought their loss the previous year was due to the God of Israel only controlling the hills. So, if they fought Israel in the valley... need I say more? Simply put, God is unlimited. He is either ...

  For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; -2 Timothy 4:3 Good morning and TGIF! The time, era, and season that the Apostle Paul prophesied about is truly upon us. The term "endure" signifies that people may even resort to violence if you do not accept the falsehoods they have embraced as their truth. Consider that the driving force behind this behavior is a desire to live according to their own desires, essentially making themselves their own gods. Their desires lead them to support anyone who agrees with them and who will not hold them accountable. An interesting story in Acts 7:57 illustrates how committed people can become to their beliefs. Not wanting to consider the possibility of being wrong, they move from simply ignoring the truth to shouting to drown it out, even covering their ears, and ultimately, to canceling (stoning) those who disagree. Beloved, walk i...

  Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. -2 Timothy 4:2 Good morning and terrific Thursday to you!  The Apostle Paul urges us in the scripture above to remain dedicated to our calling, emphasizing the critical nature of the Great Commission. In today's world, this is a significant challenge. Many not only disregard the truth but also vehemently oppose it. The Lord seeks individuals who will neither compromise nor shy away from the truth. You are not called to like the truth as the truth contradicts the flesh calling it to justice. The truth goes against the nature, that we inherited from Adam.  Jesus addressed the animosity that accompanies delivering difficult truths:  Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.  Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they ...

  5Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. -Proverbs 3 Good morning and tremendous Tuesday to you! Romans 8:28 emphasizes that all things work together for our good, and it is up to us to trust the process. Trusting God can be challenging because we often seek control based on our own understanding. This scripture reminds us that relying solely on our understanding can be flawed. Whether we have experiential or academic knowledge, it does not equate to spiritual understanding. While experiential and academic knowledge are valuable, our understanding has limitations. If it were limitless, issues like diseases, hunger, and political strife would be resolved. This verse highlights our ultimate dependence on the grace of God, who possesses unlimited power, knowledge, and love. We simply need to trust Him. #prayforthepeaceofIsrael God bless you and command your day!!! Your comment...