I love to express what I feel called to say. Writing helps me to open up my heart and do that. I hope that what I write helps you in some way. I hope it makes you think, encourages you, or inspires you. If it challenges you or if you disagree, I hope you know that I respect your right to have a different point of view.
Superstition Or tradition Can’t change your heart For a fresh start!
There’s just one way To righteousness: Christ within me, Hope of glory! (Colossians 1:27)
Can’t follow rules In what you do? Make a fresh start. Let the Ruler Rule inside you. Be transformed by A renewed mind And a new heart. (Ezekiel 36:26)
An inner friend, How can it be? Jesus the Christ Lives inside me! Jesus is my Interior Decorator, And risen Lord. He arranges My feelings And my desires– Even my thoughts. Jesus inspires Me from within Empowering Me to resist Life’s temptations And to turn Away from sin. Christ produces His inner fruit Deep down within. And makes it flow Like rivers of Living water And grow and grow. Thank You, my Friend, My Lord, my God! (Galatians 5:13-25)
Prosperity Is Christ in me, Not more money In my account. (3 John 1:2)
Jesus wants you to be more than His servant, (Romans 1:1) His sheep, (John 10:27) and His student. (Matthew 11:29) He wants you to be His friend. (John 15:15). Come closer to Christ throughout each day. (Matthew 11:28)
True discipleship begins with friendship with Jesus. The more you get to know Him and surrender your heart to Him, the more you will become like Him. (Luke 6:40) The more you will keep His commandments. (John 14:14)
Without heart-to-heart friendship with the risen Jesus, there’s no discipleship. Let Christ continually train and empower you to obey Him.
If you are a Christian think about and say the name of Jesus Christ much more than you think about and say any other name. (Philippians 2:9) Focus on the risen Jesus much more than on any other person, place, or thing. (Hebrews 12:2)
I want to mount up and soar above every circumstance and situation with the wings of Eagles. The tempter came to Jesus Christ, and he comes to you and me too. (Matthew 4:1-3) He wants to steal, kill, and destroy our hope. (John 10:10) But if we trust in the Lord we can rise above temptation with eagles’ wings. (Isaiah 40:31)
No matter what is Your situation Work hard to reject Every temptation. Listen to the word Of God in your heart. (1 Corinthians 10:13)
To rise above your temptations continually receive and absorb the word of God in the power of the Spirit of God. (1 Thessalonians 2:13) Train and discipline yourself to continually hope in God by learning to see things from His perspective instead of from your own.
How you behave in any temptation is like being in a canoe. You can paddle your life toward hope or let it drift into despair.
Saturate your thinking with hope in God. He will strengthen and sustain you in every situation.
Tough situations try to trounce on your thinking and turn it away from trust and hope in God. Don’t let them do that!
Every situation in your life has a positive purpose. (Romans 8:28) Ask God what that purpose is and how He is using it for your good. The life of Joseph in the Bible who was sold into slavery by his brothers illustrates that. (Genesis chapters 37-50) Before you react to a situation seek God’s perspective. Refuse to allow any situation to steal your hope.
You can’t always control your situation, but you can control the way you think about it. Look for a little bit of light in the darkness. (2 Corinthians 4:6) Learn how to find something good–even if it is tiny–in every situation.
When you can’t change a situation, change how you perceive it. Ask God to let you see things from His point of view instead of from yours. Ask Him how He sees. “People look the outward appearance but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:17) Listen humbly and attentively and He will show you. Make up your mind to persistently rely hopefully on the Lord in whatever situation you are in. (Philippians 4:11)
Situations come and go but the most important situation of all is how your heart is situated with God. Don’t just assume all is well. Your self-perception might be a great deception. Always pay close attention to God’s still small voice that speaks inside of you.
The best way to hear God’s voice is to listen inside your heart and then check what you hear with the Bible. The Holy Spirit won’t contradict the Scriptures.
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24 NKJ)
Humanity seems to be in transition from superficial intelligence that ignores the deeper meaning of life to artificial intelligence that lets machines define the meaning of life. Instead of either, listen to God’s inner voice and His supernatural intelligence. Sermon-hearing is easily left behind, but God’s voice will follow you everywhere.
It’s not a man’s strong voice from a pulpit that you need to hear. It’s the still small voice of God speaking in your heart. (1 Kings 19:12-13) The sound of a sermon is soon forgotten but when God sounds His voice in your soul it’s something you can’t forget!
Be a Jesus-first Christian! (Philippians 2:9-11) Make unending interaction with the risen Jesus your top priority. (Matthew 6:33)
Go beyond bland belief. Begin to rely on and to depend on the living Jesus throughout each day. Faith without works is dead. (James 2:17)
Avoid regulating Jesus to religion or history. Let Him ceaselessly demonstrate the present-day reality of His story in and through you. (Hebrews 13:8)
You can train yourself to experience unending interaction with the living Jesus. Refuse to settle for anything less! (Matthew 11:28)
Discipleship isn’t about having a stiff upper lip. It’s about having a heart that hungers and thirsts after Jesus (Matthew 5:6) and melts in His presence. (Matthew 18:20) It’s not about being a mere hearer of the word. It’s about being a consistent and diligent doer of the word. (James 1:22)
Discipleship isn’t about being tightlipped about Jesus. It’s about freely expressing your love and adoration for Him. It’s about shouting from the housetops (Matthew 10:27) the good news of His present-day power and reality. (Matthew 28:20)
The first and greatest commandment is: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” (Matthew 22:38) Jesus is Lord and God! (John 20:28)
To everyone who ever gets weary and burdened, Jesus Christ offers His yoke. (Matthew 18:28-30) A yoke is a device for joining two animals together head-to-head so that they can work together in sync to pull a heavy load.
To be yoked with Jesus is to learn from Him by letting His mind and thoughts be in you and continually lead you. (Philippians 2:5-11) It is to stay always attached heart-to-heart with Him so that His gentleness and humility give you rest for your soul.
Animal yokes are heavy and burdensome, but because Christ’s yoke is invisible and internal it is easy and light. The tighter you let Jesus yoke your heart to His, the more He carries and pulls the load.
Let Christ’s yoke fully capture and captivate your attention. Let it always hold your heart tightly in tandem with Him.
Genuine prayer is not a formality. (James 5:16) It’s active engagement with, interaction with, and full surrender to the risen Jesus. (John 20:28) Talk to Him. Listen to Him. Take His yoke upon you. Discover His rest. To have a greater experience of Christ’s presence and power we need to go beyond church as usual. (2 Timothy 3:5)
In each Person God brings Some things To mind, Pure thoughts Unsought. Be taught By them. (Romans 8:14)
Your Choice
If you would Do the good That you should Not the bad That you could Your life would Get better And better. Let Christ’s yoke Empower You.
Here’s A Fun Annotated Guide to the Books of Steve Simms
Below are his major works—each with a playful description, what you’ll get out of it, and who it’s perfect for.
Beyond Church: The Lost Word of the Bible — Ekklesia
Published 2015
Theme: Rediscovering the original meaning of ekklesia and rethinking church as a participatory, Spirit-led community.
Fun Annotation:
Imagine someone handing you a backstage pass to the early church and whispering, “Psst… it didn’t look anything like Sunday morning.”
This book is that whisper—expanded into a manifesto.
Why It’s Cool:
Explains how the translation of ekklesia into “church” changed Christian practice for centuries.
Makes you rethink what “gathering” even means.
Perfect for people who feel like something is missing in traditional church life.
Best For:
Curious Christians
House church folks
Anyone who loves “lost-in-translation” Bible discoveries
The Joy of Early Christianity
Theme: Recapturing the passion, simplicity, and spiritual power of the first Christians
Publication date varies by edition (self‑published/independent release)
Fun Annotation:
If Beyond Church is the backstage pass to the early church, this book is the after‑party — where you get to experience the joy, energy, and raw spiritual life that made Christianity explode across the ancient world.
Reading it feels like someone opened a window and let a fresh breeze blow through your understanding of faith.
Why It’s Cool:
Shows how early Christians lived with contagious joy, even under pressure
Highlights the simplicity and spiritual power of first‑century gatherings
Connects ancient Christian practices to modern simple/organic church life
Encourages readers to rediscover a vibrant, relational, Spirit‑led faith
This book is basically Steve saying:
“Hey, Christianity used to be fun, alive, and unstoppable — let’s get back to that.”
Best For:
Fans of early church history
People who feel modern church has become too complicated
House church / simple church communities
Anyone craving a more joyful, authentic Christian experience
How It Fits Into His Larger Body of Work:
Pairs with Beyond Church as a practical, heart‑level companion
Reinforces his lifelong theme: Christianity works best when it’s simple, shared, and Spirit‑led
Adds emotional warmth — focusing not just on structure, but on joy
Elephants Inspiring the Room
Theme: Motivational insights & creative thinking
Fun Annotation:
This is the book you’d hand to someone who loves quirky metaphors and “aha!” moments.
It’s like a pep talk delivered by a friendly philosopher who also happens to love elephants.
Why It’s Cool:
Short, punchy inspiration
Great for daily reading
Shows Steve’s playful, creative side
Best For:
Motivational junkies
People who love unusual analogies
Anyone needing a spark
Your Sperm Won!: Experiencing Your Value as a Championship Human Being!
Theme: Self-worth, humor, and motivation
Fun Annotation:
Yes, the title is wild—and that’s the point.
This is Steve at his most playful, reminding you that you literally started life as a winner.
Why It’s Cool:
Uses humor to teach self-esteem
Encourages readers to embrace their uniqueness
Light, fun, and surprisingly uplifting
Best For:
Teens & young adults
Anyone who needs a confidence boost
People who enjoy unconventional self-help
Mindrobics: How to Be Happy for the Rest of Your Life
Theme: Happiness, mindset, and personal growth
Fun Annotation:
Think of this as a mental gym—except the workouts are short, fun, and don’t require sweating.
It’s all about training your brain toward joy.
Why It’s Cool:
Practical exercises
Positive psychology meets spiritual insight
Easy to dip in and out of
Best For:
People who love daily habits
Fans of short, actionable advice
Anyone wanting more joy
Bonus: What Makes His Books Unique?
Across all his writing, Steve Simms brings:
Creativity (he’s an “out-of-the-box thinker” per Goodreads)
Warmth and humor
A deep desire to inspire
A blend of spirituality, history, and motivation
His books feel like conversations—sometimes challenging, often surprising, always encouraging.
Last but not least: Off the RACE Track: From Color-Blind to Color-Kind
Theme: Racial healing, compassion, and moving beyond the “color-blind” mindset.
Fun Annotation:
Think of this as a road trip through American racial history—except your guide is warm, honest, and grew up in the segregated South.
He’s not lecturing; he’s storytelling.
Why It’s Cool:
Blends memoir with social insight.
Introduces the idea of being color‑kind—actively honoring differences.
Gentle, hopeful, and practical.
Best For:
Readers exploring racial reconciliation
Small groups
Anyone who wants a compassionate, personal perspective
Want More?
I can also create:
A reading order
A themed study plan (e.g., racial healing, simple church, motivation)
“Abruptly Jesus broke into prayer: ‘Thank You, Father, Lord of Heaven and Earth. You’ve concealed Your ways from sophisticates and know-it-alls, but spelled them out clearly to ordinary people. Yes, Father, that’s the way You like to work.’” (Matthew 11:25-26 The Message)
The New Testament teaches that Christians should be Spirit-led (Romans 8:14) instead of following our own desires. (Matthew 16:24) Christ lives inside of us so He can now personally and directly lead us, both when we meet together and throughout our day-to-day life. (Colossians 1:27)
Several Bible verses show that Christians are called to meet together interactively, like a support group. The Bible never says that we are to meet for a formal, programmed talk where only one person can speak and everyone else is required to keep silent in the gathering.
Although churches have used this Scripture to tell people that they are required to attend a Sunday morning lecture meeting, notice that isn’t what it is saying: “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)
According to those two verses, the purpose of Christians assembling themselves together isn’t to hear a sermon by the same man week-after-week. It is to “spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” We are to gather together for the purpose of “encouraging one another.”
The verses before those are all about how God has set aside the priestly system of the Old Testament and opened up “a new and living way” to intimately interact with Him. Because of the blood of Jesus priests are no longer needed.
Verses 15-17 say: “The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. First He says: “This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord. I will put My laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds. Then He adds: Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.”
Now we are supposed to individually encounter, listen to, and obey the presence of the living God, not merely sit through a powerless religious form of godliness. (2 Timothy 3:5) “What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation.” (1 Corinthians 14:26)
This isn’t describing a programmed, one-man-lecture style of meeting but a Spirit-led one. To have a greater experience of Christ’s presence and power we need to go beyond church as usual. The following verses confirm that.
We are told in verses 29-33: “Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said. And if a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down, the first speaker should stop. For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged. The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets. For God is not a God of disorder but of peace—as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people.”
Verse 34 says: “Women should remain silent in the churches (ekklesias).” Whatever that means, it demonstrates that people were free to speak up (and even interrupt) during the meeting. Since Paul said had previously said that “each one of you has” something to say in the meeting, I believe he is telling women not to have side conversations that distract from the meetings.
In verses 24-25, Paul says: “If an unbeliever or an inquirer comes in while everyone is prophesying, they are convicted of sin and are brought under judgment by all, as the secrets of their hearts are laid bare. So they will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, ‘God is really among you!’” Once again, we see that everyone present is permitted to speak in an ekklesia (church) meeting. We also see that open, Spirit-led sharing is super powerful!
Jesus Himself taught that a congregation of Christians should allow people to speak up when they meet. He said: “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; (ekklesia) and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.
How can Christians obey Jesus’ command to “Tell it to the church” if church consists of a one-man lecture and doesn’t allow anyone in the congregation to speak up? Jesus doesn’t want His followers to be trained to passively sit and be mere Sunday morning spectators. He wants us to be trained and discipled to “Shout it from the housetops.” (Matthew 10:27)
Revelation 12:11 tells us that the first Christians overcame the devil “by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives.” Don’t be silent. Your testimony is essential.
Testify! Don’t quench the Holy Spirit. (1 Thessalonians 5:19) Tell it to your church. Google, Beyond Church–An Invitation to Experience the Lost Word of the Bible–Ekklesia.
I love to talk and to write and to express my point of view. I always try to do it with kindness and humility instead of with arrogance. I’m still learning to listen better to people with patience and compassion. And every day I’m still learning to listen to God and His still small voice speaking in and through my conscience.
The one most important thing that a human being can seek (Psalm 27:4) isn’t the pursuit of happiness, success, or busyness. It is to stay focused on the risen Lord Jesus, (Hebrews 12:2) awestruck by His inner His voice, (1 Kings 19:11-13) and surrendered to His will. (Luke 10:38-42)
Sin distracts us from true devotion to Christ. It causes us to settle for a little bit of religion (Isaiah 29:13) instead of daily self-denying, cross-bearing discipleship. (Luke 9:23)
Discipleship is a lifelong lifestyle, not something to do for a little while. It’s intensive unending training to listen to and obey God the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:14) and the Bible throughout each day. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
Never miss a day reading the Bible like a love letter from God to you and letting the words burn in your heart, Avoid reading it like a theology textbook.
Wake up your conscience And train it to hear What God is saying In your inner ear.
Nobody’s all good. Nobody’s all bad. We’re all a mixture Of God and of bad.
Let repentance begin. Turn away from your sin. Let Christ clean you within And revive you again. (2 Chronicles 7:14)
I don’t like the question: “Where do you go to church?” Because I’m excited about Jesus, people assume that I attend a sermon-based church service. I don’t. I’m more like these four undocumented men in the Bible.
Four Gentiles in the Bible Said, “We want to see Jesus.” They came together to find And encounter His presence. They wanted so much more than Superficiality. Religion wasn’t enough; They wanted reality. When Jesus heard about them, He told His disciples that His Father will honor those Who follow Him and serve Him And give up their self-focus To be led by His presence. A voice came from Heaven To give glory unto God, But most of the people Said it was only thunder. Jesus is speaking to you. Listen while you still have time. (John 12:20-35)
I believe that those four men are a demonstration of what Jesus wants to build among His followers. He used the word Greek “ekklesia” to describe it. (Matthew 16:18) Ekklesia was the name of the participatory town meeting in Greek cities where anybody present could speak. Jesus was very much aware of Greek cities and their way of doing things.
Jesus promised to show up whenever two or three people gather in His name (Matthew 18:20)–when they come together to experience His presence moving and working among them. When we gather to encounter and interact with the living Jesus like the four Gentiles wanted to do, we won’t just listen to a religious talk. Together we’ll experience and be led by His presence, power, and glory!
Host a Spirit-led support group. Invite 2 or 3 or more people to listen to God together and then share what the Holy Spirit puts on their heart.
Go beyond church. Search for: The Joy of Early Christianity book.
War doesn’t kill people. People kill people. They are the ones who pull the trigger, launch the missiles, and drop the bombs. It sure would be nice if people would stop the stupidity and waste of war!
Jesus is the Prince of Peace. He calls His followers to be peacemakers who love their enemies. To attempt to use Christianity to justify the failure, cruelty, and hell of war is evil. War is horrid, not holy. Make peace not war!
Bashing and trashing people because they see things differently than you do is a key symptom of self-righteousness. It plants the seeds that can provoke war.
Two twenty-first century wars were started this way: When Putin ordered Russians to start killing Ukrainians it made me very sad. Now Trump has ordered Americans to start killing Iranians and it makes me even sadder. I don’t believe in killing people based on their nationality.
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Because my vision is Distorted and deceived I’ve made the decision To deny myself and To trust in God’s vision Instead of in my own.
Christians are commanded to stop evaluating things from a perspective that conforms to this world. We are told instead to be transformed by viewing life with a renewed mind that sees from God’s heavenly point of view. (Romans 12:1-2)
My vision only sees the outward appearance of things, but God sees the heart of the matter. (1 Samuel 16:7) I want to get defensive and to justify myself before people, but God knows what is really going on deep inside of me. (Luke 16:15)
I want to let my pride be my guide, but God wants me to humble myself and to allow Him to lead me with the inner promptings of the Holy Spirit within my conscience. (Romans 8:14) God is continually trying to train and disciple me to lean not on my own understanding, but to look beyond my spiritual daze and in all my ways to rely and depend on His wisdom rather than on my personal point of view. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
God wants me to stop focusing on the things that I see with my natural eyes so that He can show me the truth and inner realities behind them. (2 Corinthians 4:18) He wants to help me set my affection on the unseen spiritual things above, not on earthy things. (Colossians 3:1-2) He wants me to keep my gaze always fixed on the risen Jesus, the author and finisher of my faith. (Hebrews 12:2)
My eternal citizenship is in Heaven, not here on earth. (Philippians 3:20-21) Although I haven’t seen Jesus with my physical eyes, I love Him with all my heart. As I seek to rely on His presence within me throughout each day, He fills me with joy unspeakable and full of glory. (1 Peter 1:8-9)
No human eye has seen, or physical ear has heard the things that God has prepared for those who love Him, but God has revealed those things to Christ-followers by His Holy Spirit. (1 Corinthians 2:9-10) We no longer have to “only imagine,” because now God the Holy Spirit has come and is present to personally show us the Father’s perspective (John 14:26) and to guide us into all the truth. (John 16:13)
God who commanded the light to shine out of darkness has shinned in my heart–my jar of clay. Day by day He is shining His light inside of everyone who wants to truly experience His reality and showing us His glory in the face of Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 4:6-7) Are you looking?
Beyond Church: The Lost Word of the Bible — Ekklesia
Published 2015
Theme: Rediscovering the original meaning of ekklesia and rethinking church as a participatory, Spirit-led community.
Fun Annotation:
Why It’s Cool:
Best For:
The Joy of Early Christianity
How It Fits Into His Larger Body of Work:
Elephants Inspiring the Room
Your Sperm Won!: Experiencing Your Value as a Championship Human Being!
Mindrobics: How to Be Happy for the Rest of Your Life
Bonus: What Makes His Books Unique?
A reading order
Free Gas for Your Think Tank -- Fill Your Mind and Your Heart With Hope 