The Stickman's Understanding...

  And Elijah said unto Ahab, Get thee up, eat and drink; for there is a sound of abundance of rain. -1 Kings 18:41 Good morning and TGIF!    I often speak about the trees cheering on the axe as a euphemism to self destruction at the hands of someone who feign being there to bring aid.  The priests of baal were over 400 and stood against one lone prophet of the Most High God. Once defeated an opportunity for restoration was given to King Ahab.  Consider Ahab had to be told to partake in food may be an indication that he was in some state of shock over the events that had occurred. It could even be said that he was filled with uncertainty which is appalling given God had proven that he was God of all.  Two lessons here, one is never doubt the move of God when it clearly happens and two when you know the truth accept it and be set free. His hesitancy is akin to trees cheering for axes and mourning the axe when it fails.   Go fellowship this weekend, ...

  And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. -Matthew 24:10 Good morning and terrific Thursday to you! Only someone both spiritually and naturally blind and deaf could overlook the fulfillment of prophecy unfolding around us. We are living in a time when people are more focused on winning fleeting battles, whether right or wrong, than on pursuing righteousness and standing with the true victors on the Lord’s side. The spirit of offense is running rampant, consuming the hearts and minds of people both inside and outside the church. Many are standing up for what they believe is right but doing so with the wrong spirit. They treat these moments as if they are part of a fleeting sports game, quickly forgotten, rather than understanding the eternal victory found in Christ. Dearly beloved, humility remains the key ingredient to true victory in Christ. #prayforthepeaceofIsrael  God bless you and command your day!!! Your comments and que...

And Nabal answered David's servants, and said, Who is David? and who is the son of Jesse? there be many servants now a days that break away every man from his master. -1 Samuel 25:10 Good morning and happy hump day to you! This passage recounts the story of David’s encounter with a man named Nabal, whose name fittingly means “fool.” Nabal’s arrogance led him to make a rash decision that ultimately cost him everything. When David approached Nabal after safeguarding his men and flocks, Nabal, rather than responding with gratitude or respectfully declining, chose to insult him. Similarly, we too can be tempted to make choices driven by emotions instead of wisdom. In a time when offense is widespread and societal pressures are intense, some have delivered messages influenced by self-interest rather than divine truth. It is both unwise and spiritually dangerous to let emotions dictate our decisions. Emotions can be misleading and are often used by the enemy to bring harm. Instead, bring...

  And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. -Mark 4:39 Good morning and tremendous Tuesday to you! I recently was speaking to someone about the grace of God even when a storm is blowing.  In the scripture above Jesus wasn’t concerned about the storm that rose suddenly. The disciples scurried about trying to secure their boat but being unable they sought Jesus. A side note: Your first option should be Jesus.  Eventually they went to the Lord and with trembling voices asked if He cared whether they perished? The short answer is of course He cares. Some storms are natural whilst others are spiritual, but no matter the type of storm, its origin or power, the Lord calms every storm.  Several lessons here too long for this forum. Just trust that no storm is strong enough, no valley wide or low, nor mountain high that can’t be brought down, raised up or quieted.  #prayforthepeaceofIsrael...

3For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? 4God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged. -Romans 3 Good morning and happy Monday to you!    Culture has always clashed with holiness, and it always will—it’s like a house divided, unable to stand. In the scriptures referenced, the Apostle poses a question about how to navigate the tension between societal values and godly principles. While the Lord does not dictate personal preferences, such as favorite colors or choice of car, it is clear that life is not free from conflict. Society presents countless options, but not all of them align with holiness. In essence, when culture and holiness collide, holiness must take precedence.  #prayforthepeaceofIsrael  God bless you and command your day!!! Your comments and questions are welcome. Contact me at drsch...

  Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. -Isaiah 1:18 Good morning and TGIF! The scripture above is a plea from our loving and graceful God. A plea that has an “expiration date”. Some will heed, repent and accept His grace, while some will not.  Yet in His grace He invites us to “reason”, to consider the consequences of not heeding, to determine His grace is sufficient, His love everlasting, and His peace endures to all generations.  When you accept the offer to come to the table and reason, not negotiate and accept His better plan then He cleanses us, purifying us, and accepts us, making us whiter than snow.  Go fellowship this weekend, we all need it.   #prayforthepeaceofIsrael  God bless you and command your day!!! Your comments and questions are welcome. Contact me at drschaefferinterceding@yahoo.com You can give to...

  And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood. -Isaiah 1:15 Good morning and terrific Thursday to you! Growing up I recall most preachers taught a turn or burn message which though it was void of grace it was wrought with practical life that served you well into salvation and living a life for Christ.  Those messages still are relevant especially in today’s world. In the world today most teach of the amazing grace of God without teaching of His justice.  Though many revivals as well as seminars, summits, and conferences are being developed and draw a multitude of people, they are being drawn deeper into deceptive beliefs, with false doctrine from the lips of the talented.  The Lord has clearly spoken that prayer without repentance is a waste of your time. Further He has stated He will not heed your plight or plea.  #prayforthepeaceofIsrael  God bless you a...

  And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested. -1 Chronicles 4:10 Good morning and tremendous Tuesday to you! In these challenging times, seeking the Lord’s guidance is essential for expanding one’s opportunities and achieving growth. This principle is especially relevant when navigating adversity. Jabez is thought to have lived during a turbulent period in Israel’s history, possibly in the era of the late Judges or early kingship, marked by instability and conflict. Generations after Joshua’s commitment to serve the Lord with his household, Jabez stood out as someone who deeply understood the transformative power of prayer in fostering both spiritual and practical well-being. Regrettably, such a profound understanding and dedication have diminished over time, leaving ma...

  Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting. -Isaiah 1:13 Good morning and happy Monday to you! I The scripture above appears to serve as a warning. Many congregations across the nation seem to have adopted a compromising spirit, prioritizing entertainment and attraction over true spiritual transformation. Instead of fostering repentance, some present a message rooted in secular humanism, claiming it as truth. While humanity has been granted dominion, it is not ownership but rather a call to stewardship. True dominion mandate cannot exist without the foundation of repentance mandate. Yet, instead of emphasizing repentance, churches often turn to elaborate performances, dimmed sanctuaries, and theatrical effects like fog machines and specialized lighting. These practices are empty offerings that stray from what the Lord truly desires from His peop...

  Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. -Matthew 7:24-25 Good morning and TGIF!    Recently, a friend shared the sad news of a mutual high school classmate’s passing. Reflecting on it, I realized just how many people in my life have passed over the last four years. Some of them knew the Lord, while with others, I’m uncertain. It seemed that some may not have fully surrendered their lives to Him. When I handed over control of my life to the Lord and built on a firm foundation, I found my joy deepened, my hope became steadfast, and though the storms of life continued—the winds still blew, lightning flashed, and the waves surged—the foundation Christ laid held strong through it all. Beloved tomorrow is not promised but while you are here on ...

  And now have I given all these lands into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, my servant; and the beasts of the field have I given him also to serve him. -Jeremiah 27:6 Good morning and terrific Thursday to you! The passage above can be challenging for many new Christians who may not yet fully understand the Lord’s sovereignty. It emphasizes that we are stewards, not owners, of all that exists: “The earth is the LORD’S, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.” - Psalms 24:1. Simply put, we all belong to the Lord and live by His grace. Because of His supreme authority, God may choose to work through anyone. In scripture, it can be surprising to find that a king known for his cruelty and violence is still referred to as “the servant of the Lord.” Just as the Lord sent the angel of death to Egypt, He also used His servant Nebuchadnezzar to bring correction to His people. Some might miss the parallel between this story and the influence of politi...

  The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it. -Proverbs 10:22 Good morning and happy hump day to you!  I’ve observed a concerning trend within the body of Christ that requires our attention. As believers, we must carefully discern and distinguish true blessings from traps disguised as blessings. Scripture reminds us of the characteristics of genuine blessings—they don’t carry the hidden negatives that curses do. One recent attack on the body of Christ took many off guard and has caused significant harm, especially to smaller ministries. Sometimes, under the influence of ungodly forces, government entities may attempt to “buy into” a ministry’s anointing by presenting tempting offers that seem free and without conditions. However, there is a hidden cost. Though these “strings” may seem invisible, they remain attached and can be pulled at the worst possible moment, often causing greater shame or harm. Be diligent as the enemy is as a roaring lion s...

  For this commandment which I command thee this day, it is not hidden from thee, neither is it far off. -Deuteronomy 30:11 Good morning and tremendous Tuesday to you! The word of God has some absolutes which we do not have the grace of choice to determine what we will or will not hold true.  These absolutes are not hidden from us. They are spelled out in the word of God all for us to study and adhere.  The scripture above comes after the “Ifs and Thens” of Deuteronomy. The Lord laid out to Israel the conditions which He would bless them and alternately curse them.  That said no one had the excuse of “I didn’t know.” The understanding wasn’t hidden from them nor was it a far off condition. Beloved this is a period of grace we are being allowed. Let’s adhere and love according to His edicts.  #prayforthepeaceofIsrael  God bless you and command your day!!! Your comments and questions are welcome. Contact me at drschaefferinterceding@yahoo.com You can give to ...