The Stickman's Understanding...

  And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. -Psalms 1:3 Good morning and TGIF! A recent ice storm made its presence known in the city, bringing down numerous trees and leaving many without electricity for over a week. The morning after the storm, I walked along a major street lined with towering, majestic trees that once stood strong over the passing traffic. Many of these great trees, with their immense height and mass, had fallen, causing significant destruction. Amid the wreckage, I noticed a grove of smaller trees. Though burdened by the weight of ice, they remained standing. It was clear that these trees had been intentionally planted and well cared for. At that moment, I was reminded of the scripture above—just as these trees were nurtured and sustained, so are we when we cultivate a deep relationship with the Lord. When we are watered, pruned,...

  10 By insolence comes nothing but strife, but with those who take advice is wisdom. -Proverbs 13 Good morning and terrific Thursday to you!     I recently remarked to my wife that we should all read Proverbs 13 at least twice a year. Ideally, it would even be required reading in schools. The chapter is packed with wisdom, and one of its greatest insights is the scripture mentioned above. If hindsight is 20/20, then following this scripture is like taking a super vitamin that keeps our vision sharp for life. Beloved, self-awareness is essential—far more important than the exaggerated importance we often place on being aware of others. Seek more wisdom than you give, receive advice with humility, and you will undoubtedly plant seeds of blessing in your life. #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...

The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. -Luke 18:11 Good morning and happy hump day to you!    In today's era, despite the apparent disregard for the word of God, there is a notable expansion in its accessibility. This expansion has led to a multitude of individuals, both laity and clergy, who possess deep theological knowledge and formal education in the field. I observed this phenomenon years ago when a leader, aiming to motivate one of his ministers, pointed out that several members of the mother’s board held degrees in religion. This remark was intended to encourage the minister to pursue further study. However, a pitfall often encountered by those who answer this call is the risk of adopting a Pharisaic attitude—rigid, doctrinaire, lacking in compassion, and marked by arrogance. Consider the warning of 2 Tim 3:7, (“Forever learning but not learning truth...

  1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. - 2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.    -1 Corinthians 2 Good morning and tremendous Tuesday to you! Beloved, as I reflect on these scriptures, the phrase that comes to mind is “back to the basics.” The Apostle Paul, in his defense against his accusers, sought to redirect their focus. Though he possessed tremendous gifts, he chose not to emphasize how God had prepared him for ministry but instead centered on the core message. This message surpasses gifts, abilities, talents, and life experiences. It is simply Christ—the atonement for our sins—who loved us, bore stripes for us, shed His blood, and gave His life for us. As a pastor, despite my education, I often find myself returning to the foundational message of the gospel, for it was this simple truth that led to my salvation. And this re...

  Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. -John 13:7 Good morning and happy Monday to you!  The well know song “By and by” is a take on the scripture above. Jesus was speaking to bring to Simon Peter what seemed to be a fleeting clarity. Fleeting as spiritual knowledge is not understood in the flesh and comes across as mere words.  Whereas in time the inner man translates the meaning and the flesh though late, has enough comprehension to not impede the Spirits intent.  The Lord so often speaks to our spirit because He knows our flesh is without lucidity and its nature cannot accept spiritual truths.  Therefore as we face so much turmoil and as glory carriers even persecution to come, let’s embrace that it is all for bigger reason and souls will be added as a result.  #prayforthepeaceofIsrael  God bless you and command your day!!! Your comments and questions are welcome. Contact me at drschaefferi...

  Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; -1 Timothy 4:1 Good morning and TGIF! We are frequently warned in God’s Word about the unfaithful, so when they reveal themselves, why are we surprised? The danger of drifting away is real, but the methods used to distort and dilute the truth are often subtle. Those who seek to weaken the truth rarely attack it outright; instead, they approach it indirectly. For instance, the Ebionites claimed to accept Christ as the Messiah but rejected the virgin birth—a fundamental aspect of His purity. Knowing about Christ is foundational, but truly knowing Him requires deeper levels of spiritual maturity, growth, and faith. These levels build upon His ways, each marked by key principles. With love as the foundation, the cornerstones of each level are peace, joy, faith, and humility. These principles guide us in our upward journey in Christ. A...

  6 And he said unto his men, The LORD forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the LORD'S anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the LORD.- 1 Samuel 24 Good morning and terrific Thursday to you!    I can’t recall anytime that the Lord did not reveal the heir before the incumbent was replaced.   We find this truth revealed with Moses and Joshua, Eli and Samuel, Elijah and Elisha, even John the Baptist and Christ. And though each was revealed and anointed, they waited on appointment and not just acted on the anointment.  Though you may have been anointed, heed David’s story. Until the one who was anointed and appointed completes their assignment, rest and grow in the shadow, embrace your anointment but wait for your appointment.  #prayforthepeaceofIsrael  God bless you and command your day!!! Your comments and questions are welcome. Contact me at drschaefferinterceding@yahoo.com You can give to Inte...

  And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting. -Mark 9:29 Good morning and happy hump day to you!  Reflecting on the scripture above, two words stood out to me: "by nothing." These words from Christ highlight that some challenges require particular responses from us. The resistant spirit in this encounter remained unyielding until it came face-to-face with Christ. The disciples frequently wondered why and how Christ spent such long hours in prayer. In this example, the Lord speaks to us, impressing upon my heart that in these final days, we will face many stubborn spirits that cannot be cast out by mere words or a simple touch. Instead, the preparation leading up to the encounter will be the key to deliverance. #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...

  And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. -Matthew 24:39 Good morning and tremendous Tuesday to you! As I watch this clock of life ticking, with symbolism embedded into everyday life, Super-bowls, Grammy’s, Oscar’s, Pop Warner football, etc. I often refer to the scripture above. But it’s is no more than what’s described in the Bible as people moving forth in life doing things which they falsely perceive holds no accountability.  Beloved it is amazing what people will endure in the name of not wanting to repent or admit the fallen state of man.  The scripture above addresses the state of man before the flood and how the same mindset exists in the last days (now). The Lord is pointing out what will occur and when it does, all types of explanations come forth none giving glory to the accuracy of the prophecy of God.  Beloved open your eyes, cry aloud and spare not, the eternal destiny of so many are on th...

  The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water? -John 4:11 Good morning and happy Monday to you!     In John 4, Jesus meets the Samaritan woman at the well, and their conversation shifts to the topic of worship. The woman notes that Jesus has no visible means to draw water, yet, like her, we often fail to recognize that He Himself is the source of living water. It is we who need a vessel to receive from Him. Our hearts act as the channel through which we draw from Him and find spiritual nourishment. This is why He intentionally traveled through Samaria—to reach those who were spiritually thirsty yet unaware that He alone could quench their thirst. #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

  Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. -John 15:13 Good morning and TGIF! Happy Valentine Day to all. Know this one thing no matter your relationship status you are loved.  There is absolutely no comparison especially in light of understanding Romans 5.  For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.  This scripture conveys Christ’s love in a way that resonates even with our human understanding. So today, whether or not you receive flowers, candy, a card, or a romantic dinner, remember that the greatest love of all is the love Christ has given and continues to give us. 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@ya...

  And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting. -Mark 9:29 Good morning and terrific Thursday to you!     This verse aligns with Jesus’ teachings in Luke 18 about the power of persistent prayer. Prayer, often underestimated, shields us from unnecessary struggles by nourishing our spirit. It goes beyond presenting our immediate needs to God, encompassing both the seen and unseen. A life of consistent prayer equips us for challenges we may not yet perceive. Recognizing the varying difficulties in the spiritual realm, we strengthen ourselves through prayer and fasting, enabling us to overcome greater obstacles. #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

  And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief. -Mark 9:24 Good morning and happy hump day to you!    In the given narrative, the father first turned to the disciples for help before encountering the Lord. Though met with disappointment, the Lord eventually appeared, and the man—struggling with wavering faith—sought His help directly. Have you ever experienced moments when relief seemed within reach, only to slip away for no clear reason? This mirrors the challenges of the human condition, where hardship, suffering, and uncertainty are ever-present, highlighting life’s fragility. Understanding human vulnerability, the Lord, in His encounter with the distressed father, addressed doubt with compassion and provided deliverance. It’s natural to feel lost, overwhelmed, or uncertain—to stand in the hallway rather than the ballroom of blessings. In those moments, continue seeking Him; He will not fail you. #pray...