Monthly Archives: August 2014

Self-protection or self-surrender? (Suspicion or love?)

Posted on August 19, 2014 by Steve Simms

Self-protection produces isolation, defensiveness, self-focus, and alienation from others. Self-surrender produces openness, understanding, community, and mutuality. Self-protection quenches the Holy Spirit and will keep God distant from you. Self-surrender opens the flood gates and lets God’s rivers of grace and … Continue reading →

Posted in greatness of a man's power, human relations, Salvation Army, self, self-control, self-denial, self-discipline, self-esteem, self-focus, self-image, self-improvement, self-interest, self-mastery, self-sacrifice, self-surrender, selfishness, spirit, surrender, William Booth | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

The audience of One — (Who should be on the church platform?)

Posted on August 18, 2014 by Steve Simms

The audience of One!  Most churches have a platform or stage that lifts one person (or a few people) above the rest of the people and creates the atmosphere of an audience watching a performance.   However, the New Testament … Continue reading →

Posted in alternative church, audience, church architecture, church format, church furniture, church leadership, church meetings, church programs, church seating, New Testament, order of worship, organic church, participation in church, participatory church, stage | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Part-time Christianity won’t work. If Christ is not your all, you’ll fall.

Posted on August 17, 2014 by Steve Simms
Posted in discipleship, discipline, faith, faith in God, faith walk, faith-based | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Robin Williams Made Me Think About Suicide

Posted on August 16, 2014 by Steve Simms

I’ve been thinking about Robin Williams‘ suicide. Suicide is tangible evidence of the invisible evil forces at work on us all. Humans have been programmed with a survival instinct. It is not natural for us to override that programming and take our … Continue reading →

Posted in demons, depression, despair, hopelessness, human life, human nature, spiritual battle, spiritual warfare, spirituality, suicide | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Going back to the future (in the Spirit)

Posted on August 16, 2014 by Steve Simms

Yesterday I stood on the spot where I first encountered the living, resurrected Jesus Christ in the lobby of Ellington Hall at The University of Tennessee Martin. On that spot 44 years ago, God put a blazing fire in my … Continue reading →

Posted in conversion, convert, spiritual awakening, spiritual hunger, University of Tennessee Martin | 2 Comments

Whose Drone Are You?

Posted on August 13, 2014 by Steve Simms

Christ-followers are called to be God’s drones, soaring though life, obeying The Wireless Connection That Never Fails! Whose drone are you? (“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” –Paul of … Continue reading →

Posted in Holy Spirit, Holy Spirit promptings, Romans 8:14, Spirit-prompted, spirituality | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Robin Williams — “Words & Ideas”

Posted on August 12, 2014 by Steve Simms

Robin Williams’ words and ideas brought joy, humor, inspiration, and entertainment to so many people. Yet he, himself, was overcome by despair. So sad. No matter how good and successful our lives may look to others, we all need the … Continue reading →

Posted in depression, despair, discouragement, overcoming depression, Rudyard Kipling | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

ABC’s New TV Show “From Hell” — Really?

Posted on August 11, 2014 by Steve Simms

“From Hell” — Really? ABC has a new TV program — “From Hell.” From the promo it seems to present people’s frustrations, pain, and misery as a form of mass entertainment. My thoughts: * Other people’s suffering doesn’t entertain me. … Continue reading →

Posted in entertainment, job, promo, review, vacation | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

A highly planned program without personal interaction would make for a boring family gathering or party. What about church?

Posted on August 10, 2014 by Steve Simms

What about church?  A highly planned program without personal interaction would make for a boring family gathering or party!

Posted in creativity, innovation, multi-voiced church, participation, participation in church, participators, participatory church, participatory culture, participatory sermons | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

This Little Light Of Mine–What If We Let It Shine In Church Meetings?

Posted on August 10, 2014 by Steve Simms

Churches sometimes teach the children’s song, This Little Light Of Mine.  It goes:  “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine; let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.  Hide it under a bushel? No! I’m gonna let … Continue reading →

Posted in children's songs, Christ, church, church meetings, Luke 8:16, lyrics, music, Music City, Nashville church, Nashville news, Salvation Army church, Salvation Army Corps, Salvation Army Nashville, simple church, Tennessee, The Salvation Army, This little light of mine | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments