The Stickman's Understanding...

  And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together, and pitched by the valley of Elah, and set the battle in array against the Philistines. -1 Samuel 17:2 Good morning and TGIF! While re-reading the passage this scripture comes from, I noticed how the opposing armies positioned themselves for battle. Both Israel and the Philistines were camped in valleys, meeting at a high place to engage in combat. It was at this high place that the Philistine champion, Goliath, would step forward to challenge Israel. As Israel trembled in fear, a humble shepherd arrived—one from a lowly background, yet anointed to one day sit on the throne of Israel. Here’s the truth, beloved: the enemy often attacks from strategic points in your faith.  Those places when you know God is moving and your discouragement is consumed by encouragement. When you hear the closed doors opening and the last thing before you is a CLIMB out of the valley.  Goliath would leave the valley to stand on high groun...

  So they sat down with him upon the ground seven days and seven nights, and none spake a word unto him: for they saw that his grief was very great. -Job 2:13 Good morning and happy hump day to you!    Recently, a friend poured out their heart to me. I thought I knew them well, but I realized I had only seen the surface. I was stunned by the depth of their struggles—their heartaches, disappointments, and more. In that moment, I made the same mistake many Christians—especially clergy—often make: I tried to say something to make it better. Yet I quickly learned that sometimes listening is far more powerful than speaking, much like the lesson from Job’s friends. Scripture tells us that Job’s friends came from their homes and sat with him for seven days and nights without speaking a single word. Their silent presence allowed Job to reflect, to express his grief, and to lean on them for comfort. That time of quiet companionship brought solace and even a measure of healing—unti...

  For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. -Romans 10:10 Good morning and tremendous Tuesday to you! The scripture referenced above is part of a series of verses in the book of Romans, often called the “Roman Road” to salvation. Many profess to be Christians, yet their lives do not reflect the character of Christ. These verses present a clear sequence, showing that the heart must first be transformed before the mouth can sincerely testify to one’s faith. The heart is a deep reservoir of thoughts, desires, and concerns. While what resides in the heart will eventually be revealed, it can often remain hidden for long periods. In the meantime, the mind can control speech without truly reflecting the heart’s condition. This is why what a person says and what they truly believe may not always align. For instance, parents tell their children to believe in Santa Claus or the Tooth Fairy, though they themselves do not hold th...

  And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee. -Mark 10:49 Good morning and happy Monday to you!  In the account, a blind man named Bartimaeus sat by the roadside, begging. His condition was longstanding—so much so that he was commonly known as “Blind Bartimaeus.”  Yet when Jesus noticed him and called him forward, the moment echoed the sentiment of the song lyric:  “He saw the best in me, when everyone else around saw the worst.” What stands out is that Jesus never referred to him by name, and certainly not by the label “Blind Bartimaeus.” The prefix “Bar” means “son of,” and “Timaeus” translates to “nobleman.” Rather than identifying him by his limitation, Jesus saw the potential of who he truly was and could become. This reminds us not to let our current struggles define who we are. Instead, let your identity be shaped by your resilience and your journey beyond adver...

  For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. -Romans 8:22 Good morning and TGIF! Every so often, we look at this great big ball of confusion and find ourselves saying, “Lord, how long?” It’s not always just the moral decay of values that troubles us. Sometimes it’s smaller things — like fashion, trends, or other shifts in culture. Personally, I use social media, but I wouldn’t call myself a strong advocate for it. To me, it is both entertaining and destructive — what I’ll simply call “my groaning.” Most parents know that kind of groan. It’s that moment of exasperation when you’ve spent years raising and correcting your children, and as they grow, your role shifts to warning and advising. You see the train coming down the track. You remember the “good old days,” and while you may recall walking uphill both ways to and from school, you still miss those times. Scripture tells us that even nature has its own groan — longing for the day when ...

  Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? -1 Corinthians 1:13 Good morning and terrific Thursday to you! It is often said there are two primary ways to control people: divide and conquer, or unite an already connected group around a single cause with a common enemy. The adversary understands both strategies well and is a master at using them. “Divide and conquer” was famously employed by Caesar to subdue much of the known world. This approach takes existing disagreements, magnifies them to the point of intolerance, and rallies people behind their own separate fronts. In such cases, followers can become so deeply entrenched in their cause — and so devoted to its leader — that the leader is seen as beyond fault, facing little or no accountability. This same tactic has been used to fragment the body of Christ, leading to denominational divisions. Paul’s words then challenge us:  Is Christ divided? Was Paul — or your pastor or politi...

  28 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.-Gen 37  Good morning and happy hump day to you!    The scripture above comes from the story of Joseph, who went from a carefree teenager to a slave in just a matter of days. If you had asked him in that moment whether his dreams would come true, I imagine his answer would have been “no.” Yet while hatred worked against him, hope was working behind the scenes — working even harder to turn his stumbling block into a stepping stone. His time in the pit and his years as a slave and then an inmate were significant milestones, but they were never his final destination. At each of those points, Joseph had to make decisions to get his proverbial train moving forward again. Beloved, you may be at such a milestone right now. It may feel as though your journey has ended, and...

  Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. -Proverbs 4:7 Good morning and tremendous Tuesday to you! It could be arguably, said that we are the most informed generation in history. We receive news from countless outlets—each with its own platform—and we are bombarded daily through our devices, apps, and social media. At times, the news comes from a balanced source with no intent to provoke emotion. Yet more often than not, the information we consume is influenced by bias, driven by the desire to outpace competitors and stay relevant. With so much access to information, many people find themselves overwhelmed by the constant stream. As a result, some choose to tune it out entirely, living unaware of what’s happening around them. Second Corinthians 10:5 reminds us to “take every thought captive to Christ.” This calls us to examine everything—our thoughts, words, positions, circumstances, and even the news we hear—through the len...

Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. -2 Corinthians 12:10 Good morning and happy Monday to you!    As Paul continues to speak about the value of “thorns,” he reminds us that our Father and Creator fully understands our human frailties. The Apostle points us to the true source of strength — one that consistently surpasses mere physical ability. Our weakness becomes strength when we surrender ourselves fully to His purpose. Consider the pain Christ endured for our redemption: carrying His cross to the point of exhaustion, and, even before the crucifixion, telling His disciples that anyone who would follow Him must also take up their cross. In the same way, we are called to bear the weight of our infirmities, reproaches, needs, persecutions, and distresses — not as burdens to hide, but as opportunities to draw attention to and lift high the work of the cross...

  And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. -Matthew 14:28 Good morning and TGIF! The passage above recounts the well-known story of Jesus walking on the water. When the disciples first saw Him approaching, they mistook Him for a spirit. Sensing their fear, Jesus immediately reassured them by identifying Himself. Then, true to his bold nature, Peter asked to join Him on the water. Stepping out of the boat, Peter began walking toward Jesus, but soon started to sink — likely because he became distracted. Many of us, myself included, tend to focus on Peter’s faltering faith. Yet before we criticize, we should remember that Peter had the courage to step out of the boat in the first place. Few would dare take even one step onto the water, and no steps would have been taken at all without that initial act of faith. So, never underestimate your small faith. Even a little faith is enough for the Lord to use, strengthen, and grow — enabling yo...

  One Lord, one faith, one baptism, -Ephesians 4:5 Good morning and terrific Thursday to you!    In this passage, Paul urges us to walk in unity. Too often, disagreements over trivial matters lead to division and even church splits. We are reminded that minor issues — things with no real bearing on our faith or our place in God’s Kingdom — should never be allowed to separate us from one another. It’s often said that the most segregated hour of the week is Sunday morning. On that day, people who work together, shop together, share meals, grieve, and even face challenges side by side will still worship apart — often over small, insignificant differences. #pray1Tim2  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