The Stickman's Understanding...

  Now, therefore, thus says the LORD of hosts: Consider your ways. -Haggai 1:5 Good morning and TGIF! An often used tool of the enemy is “self righteous offense”. This is not just about feeling ashamed for being caught in a wrongdoing, but also about feeling angry because the guilt is so apparent.  However, evidence only exists if there's substance behind it, which means there is guilt. And what gives shame its power if not the validity of the accusation?  We all desire blessings, but without living righteously, we aren’t entitled to them. This is certainly not to say God doesn’t bless all.  The minor prophet Haggai underscores this important principle, essentially saying that if you're inclined to complain about your current lack, consider what you may have done in the past. Today's blessings can be hindered by yesterday's choices. Go fellowship this weekend, we all need it.  #prayforthepeaceofIsrael God bless you and command your day!!! Your comments and quest...

  Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. -2 Timothy 2:15 Good morning and terrific Thursday to you!  Martin Luther, the father of the Protestant movement, earned his BA in 1503, MA in 1507, was ordained in 1508, and completed his Doctorate in 1512—all before writing the pivotal document that ignited Protestantism, the "Ninety-Five Theses." This demonstrates that, despite his education, Luther still had doubts and felt lost. The key takeaway here is that salvation cannot be achieved through education alone. Luther's journey should serve as a warning to those who follow Christ based solely on someone else's relationship with Him. If you follow Christ only because someone else does, you risk being swayed by the ups and downs of that person's spiritual life. If they experience a low point, like Nebuchadnezzar who was reduced to eating grass, you might be tempted to give up your faith as we...

  And if the people of the land do any ways hide their eyes from the man, when he giveth of his seed unto Molech, and kill him not: -Leviticus 20:4 Good morning and tremendous Tuesday to you! These are truly the last days. A sign of that is that people (that is church folks) attempt to argue with God. The scripture referenced addresses the practice of child sacrifice in worship of a demon known by various names, including Molech, Baal, and Melqart. This demon demanded the sacrifice of children, often by burning them alive, or, if the child was killed beforehand, allowing the blood to flow over the idol's body. Referring to a child as a "choice" or ignoring statements such as "her body, her choice" or "gender equality" is akin to "turning a blind eye." Failing to stand up for an unborn child is, in effect, giving consent.  #prayforthepeaceofIsrael God bless you and command your day!!! Your comments and questions are welcome. Contact me at drsc...

  But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; -1 Peter 3:14 Good morning and happy Monday to you! Is it not true that we all desire to be liked, even if not celebrated? Yet, when you serve the Lord with your whole heart, you may face unfair treatment, especially when you refuse to compromise on the truth. You suffer even more when you speak against falsehoods. A "certain man" I know would tell you that when you fully embrace your God-given purpose and refuse to compromise—whether for family, culture, gender, ethnic loyalties, or even revenge—you will face significant rejection. The Bible teaches that we will experience rejection, and we should rejoice in this, knowing that being celebrated by others often means being at odds with God. As the Apostle Peter wisely teaches, those in Christ should rejoice because they align with the truth of Christ, and as we know, the truth often causes offense—who would...

  For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. -Psalms 139:13 Good morning and TGIF! Many would agree that one of life's greatest experiences is having a child. The entire journey, from discovery to birth, is a true blessing. Reflecting on my personal experience, I remember the anticipation of a child's arrival—wondering about the gender, choosing names, buying baby items, and preparing the nursery. Throughout this joyful process, we come to recognize our deep responsibility to protect and care for our soon-to-arrive bundle of joy. This strong desire to nurture and cherish isn't coincidental; it's a natural part of us, as the scripture suggests, implanted by the Father. Beloved, you cannot separate authority from accountability, nor accountability from responsibility. Just as the Father has provided the means to protect a child in the womb, we must ensure we extend that same protection to our own. Go fellowship this weekend, we all nee...

If the godly compromise with the wicked, it is like polluting a fountain or muddying a spring. -Prov 25:16 (NLT) Good morning and terrific Thursday to you!  Ever notice that the conversation of many “Christians” is a push to accept even approve that which has been called sin?  You may encounter people who believe you are too strict in your faith, and often, your most vocal critics may come from within the church itself. They may express their views with statements like, "The God I serve wouldn’t do this or that, or be so judgmental," or they might say, "I wouldn't serve a God who..." This has led me to wonder: Are we truly serving the same God? The God described in the Bible calls for those who serve Him to do so without compromising the truth. If your understanding of truth conflicts with His, it will be tested, found lacking, and judged. If you are shaping your own perception of who God is, it borders on idolatry because God is who He is—full of love, mercy, g...

  And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. -Acts 4:18 Good morning and happy hump day to you! The scripture above reflects the current state of Christianity, highlighting the numerous limitations on open worship and public acknowledgment of Christ. At this juncture in the early establishment of the church, the Apostles Peter and John were evangelizing and liberally using the name Jesus. When miracles began to come forth and the glory was given to Christ, it stirred rebellion in the family of the high Priest.  This, the same people who had incited the crowd to crucify Christ had the Apostles arrested. After a deliberation they warned them to never again teach, preach, and heal using the name of Jesus.  The Apostles unlike many today refused to stop using His name. You see many folks would say “It is just a name” and agree daily to stop using His name for the sake of a false peace.  Beloved it is the enemy’s plot to r...

It is a snare to say rashly, "It is holy," and to reflect only after making vows (ESV) . -Proverbs 20:25 Good morning and tremendous Tuesday to you! Beloved, it's risky to hastily declare something or someone as being "of the Lord” without the testing required.  Declaring something holy without it being tried, tested, and proven true can lead to many heartaches for the one making the declaration. Proverbs calls this a snare. A snare is a self-repairing trap; the more you struggle to free yourself, the more entangled you become. The best way to avoid being ensnared is to never step into the trap in the first place. If you do become trapped, only someone outside the snare can help free you. Some might suggest the hunter or a compassionate passerby. But the hunter, who set the trap to catch prey, is unlikely to help with pure intentions. The passerby might lack the skill to free you. But then there is the Lord! His intent is never to consume you, and He, who created the...

  And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. -Ephesians 5:11 Good morning and happy Monday to you!  As Christians, we often face criticism for taking a firm stand on righteousness.  One area that seeks to draw you in is the misgendering movement. This movement aims to compel you to refer to someone by a gender different from the one assigned to them in the womb. This is a deeply troubling development, as there is significant power in the words we use. By complying, you risk being complicit in falsehoods, and when these are endorsed by our leadership, it puts the entire nation in opposition to God. Despite these concerns, it is crucial that we remain steadfast, never compromising, and continue to live, breathe, and speak the truth, regardless of whether it is in season or out, whether society accepts or rejects it. #prayforthepeaceofIsrael God bless you and command your day!!! Your comments and questions are welcome. Contact me a...

  And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. -John 8:32 Good morning and TGIF! The Lord spoke the words above leading off a conversation with the Pharisees who had at their vantage, a full pool of doubt, fear, and manipulation which had been filled over many generations.  This reservoir effectively bound the people, making them subservient to practices, traditions, and laws that served the interests of the establishment. The people were unknowingly being held captive. Then Jesus came along, speaking truth in the midst of these deceptions. Have you ever noticed that a small lamp, though tiny, can illuminate an entire room? Similarly, even a small amount of truth has a powerful effect. It shines through the darkness, pushing it to the edges rather than being consumed by it. This is the freedom found only in Christ, where the truth genuinely sets you free! Go fellowship this weekend, we all need it.  #prayforthepeaceofIsrael God bless you and command you...

  But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. -James 1:6 Good morning and terrific Thursday to you! A significant risk in your journey of faith is asking without truly believing. In the scripture mentioned above, the Apostle James cautions us against wavering.  To waver is like trying to use a block of jello instead of a brick—it signifies a lack of faith. A person who wavers is easily swayed, following the crowd and at risk of abandoning their path too soon. Reflect on Hebrews 11:6: without faith, it is impossible to please God. It is better not to ask at all than to ask and not believe. #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

  But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. -James 1:4 Good morning and happy hump day to you! Aside from a conversation with my wife where we (I) humorously noted that 'patience' is often referred to as 'her,' just like many difficult things, have you ever mistakenly prayed for patience? Many likely have, without realizing that trials often come hand in hand with tribulations to develop patience. Patience emerges when we acknowledge the sovereignty of God and trust that ultimately, all things work together for our good. The “firebrand Apostle Peter would testify as the end of his life showed a man wrought with patience.  He had seen how the Lord works more with the patient than the impatient and he had come to understand all things are made beautiful in His time.  It's crucial to understand that allowing this process to unfold is what cultivates and strengthens that often elusive virtue called patience." #prayf...