The Stickman's Understanding...

  Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. -1 Samuel 15:22 and fell down, and worshipped him: they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. -Matthew 2:11 Good morning and tremendous Tuesday to you! The two excerpts are agreeing and confirming one another. One found in the Old Testament and the other in the New.  One speaks of a wise man, Samuel speaking to a disobedient King in the OT and obedient wise men who of course traveled with the permission of their king/s in the New. The coordinated message is worship is more important than material sacrifice. I would even say that Saul carried what he would keep, whilst the wisemen had no intention as what they brought was to gift to Christ.  The wise men first worshipped, then presented their gifts, whilst Saul in a moment of pretense tried to state the gifts were for the sacrifice of worship but instead they were implements of disobedience.  Beloved it is all a mat...

  But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, -Galatians 4:4 Good morning and happy Monday to you!  The scripture above ranks among my favorite in explaining the purpose of the birth of Christ. It expresses the spiritual Father (God) and the physical vessel as well as the manner of his birth being under the law.  Both Mary and her first born came under the law, Mary with the sin seed of Adam but Jesus the perfect seed of God.  Born fully man, the mandate required to reverse the curse of disobedience of Adam, but as Adam was born perfect and later corrupted, Jesus was born perfect and incorruptible.  Finally God waited a specific time allowing certain historical events to occur which all played a part of presenting His son and propelling Him into a place unmatched by anyone, ever.  What a mighty God we serve!  #prayforthepeaceofIsrael God bless you and command your day!!! Your comments and ques...

2 But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah,  though  thou be little among the thousands of Judah,  yet  out of thee shall he come forth unto me  that is  to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth  have been  from of old, from everlasting. -Micah 5 Good morning and TGIF! My mind drifts back to the prophecy shown above. It hints at a journey which would take place several centuries later of a mule laden with a mother with child.  This same child would soon enough be laden with the sins of the world. This child was the bread of heaven. Bethlehem is a two part Hebrew word.  The first part of the word Bethle” means house and “hem” is substance actually bread. So the true bread would displace something called bread.  The mother no older than a young teen, likely was slight except for the womb, along side her a wiry man named Joseph, all headed to the small city of King David’s nativity, Bethlehem.  Soon the world around them would bristle a...

  When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole? -John 5:6 Good morning and terrific Thursday to you! The scripture's narrative underscores the freedom to accept or reject gifts, notably healing. In contrast to the woman with the issue of blood who sought Christ's virtue, the man in this account offered excuses unrelated to his healing. The Lord's question was about becoming whole, not the duration of his lameness or the names of those who wouldn't assist. The one with the power to heal asked if he would receive this gift, highlighting how people sometimes cling to what harms them as a sort of security blanket. When the opportunity for wholeness arises, some opt to retain what causes pain, possibly due to familiarity or a source of sympathy. Beloved believe and receive your wholeness.   #prayforthepeaceofIsrael God bless you and command your day!!! Your comments and questions are welcome. Conta...

  And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. -Luke 2:10 Good morning and happy hump day to you!    As I reflect on the scripture above, the song “Joy to the World” resonates deeply within me. The angel’s proclamation to the humble shepherds declared that God’s reconciliation was near. Dear friends, the true essence of Christmas isn’t found in the food, decorations, toys, or even the gifts beneath the tree. It’s not even about the specific day itself, but about the eternal gift that keeps on giving. This day is set apart to celebrate the blessing of John 3:16, the fulfillment of Genesis 3, and the remedy for a world burdened by sin. While Christ is celebrated every day, the beauty of this season is that more hearts are open to receiving the good news. Let us not squander this opportunity by debating whether or not He was born on this day! Merry Christmas.  #prayforthepeaceofIsrael God bless...

  And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. -Luke 2:10 Good morning and tremendous Tuesday to you!    Of all the “why’s” pertaining to those the Lord activated to usher and herald forth the birth of Christ, one that stands out is “Why the Shepherds”? Shepherds often took care of those that couldn’t defend themselves, Sheep though they have plenty of natural predators, they have little defense.  Shepherds were trusted with the property of others and would fight for their charges. Shepherds spent hours alone which afforded them the opportunity to meditate, pray and therefore they were receptive to the ministrations of God.  Shepherds though somewhat trusted, were not considered as proper society and the job though important was considered a minute one. So to bring the high news to such a group indicated that God was connecting with the common man and not just Kings and Priest, but thro...

But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. -Micah 5:2 Good morning and happy Monday to you!  The prophecy above is such a gem as it expresses several other promises of God.  The scripture tells us the place that Christ would be born, exact city. This city was the place of the throne of David, his capital. The king didn’t necessarily have to be born in the city of his fathers but it added validity to their claim of the throne.  In Psalms 89 David speaks of a conversation he had with the Lord and a promise was made that someone from his family would always be on the throne.  That was fulfilled in Christ, who is, was and is to be. This encourages me as it should you showing that God is faithful and looks over His promises to see them come to past. Beloved look towards Him and trust because His word ...

  I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth. -Numbers 24:17 Good morning and TGIF! Another day closer to Christmas prompts a review of the prophecy of Christ from the errant prophet Balaam.  Balaam, hailing from Midian, was a renowned diviner with the unique ability to communicate with the Lord. This tale unveils that God had individuals outside Jacob's lineage. However, Balaam's favor waned as greed led him to attempt cursing Israel, the blessed ones. Despite three failed attempts, he accepted a threat from the Moabite King instead of payment. Departing on a mule that had earlier warned him, Balaam gazed at Israel's tents and uttered the prophetic words mentioned. He spoke of a star emerging from Israel, symbolizing the celestial guide that led wise men on a journey to witness the toddler Christ. Even...

  And the LORD said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons. -1 Samuel 16:1 Good morning and terrific Thursday to you!  As I re-read the scripture above for the umpteen time what came to me is how the Lord told Samuel that He had provided Him a King. He told Samuel where he would find the King, in what family which implies the city but not which son had been chosen.  For this Samuel had to do work. Beloved God will take you among a place of many wells but will not tell you which ones are dry and which ones have water. For that you must work, seeking amongst them you will find some dry wells, some with limited water, and some with water unsuitable for consumption.  But the gist is that God doesn’t work for you among what He has created, but He invites you to work with Him to fulfill His...

  I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, -Ephesians 4:1 Good morning and happy hump day to you! As a Pastor I’ve been asked how do I keep it together. In the face of challenges to my faith in Christ, how am I able to continue especially given such a tendency towards carnality even among “the saved”.  My answer is shocking to some when I say I don’t. I often feel anger, disappointment and pain when I see people betray their vows. But it is not my own strength that I go in. So though of myself I could or would have thrown in the towel like a missile    if it had not been for Christ.  Like Paul I am a prisoner of Christ. And like Paul though I would do right the temptation is always before me. If the Lord wouldn’t restrain me where would I be?  I am sure I can get a witness or two of the challenges and certainly of the power of Christ to constrain, restrain, and retain in    sal...

  For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. -Isaiah 55:9 Good morning and tremendous Tuesday to you! Let’s look a little deeper at the scripture above.  The Lord contrasts His attributes with those of humanity. God’s thoughts are far-reaching and strategic, often spanning multiple generations, while human plans might extend only five, ten, or thirty years. Being omnipotent, omnipresent, and omniscient, God perceives all of time in its entirety. His ways are higher than ours. Growing in faith, I often wondered why God reserves vengeance for Himself (admit it—you’ve wondered too). At times, it seems He delays justice longer than we would like. Yet, consider this: God’s mercy, grace, patience, and longsuffering exist to provide every opportunity for repentance to those who are guilty. These are His ways. Because He desires that no one should perish, God seeks restoration through repentance, even for the...

  Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them. -Joshua 1:6 Good morning and happy Monday to you!    Recently, while immersed in the Bible, I found inspiration in a passage emphasizing the potency of righteousness. Joshua received several directives from the Lord, urging him to embody courage, strength, and adherence to the law. The intertwining of strength and courage was highlighted, illustrating that strength is crucial for undertaking courageous deeds and defending one's actions. Joshua's strength was cultivated through observing and ministering to Moses, empowering him to courageously claim the Promised Land with Caleb. This strength and courage were evident throughout the forty years of wandering. As the scripture now reflects on Moses' passing, it serves as a reaffirmation of the lessons Joshua learned and demonstrated while serving Moses. The overarching lesson is...