Monthly Archives: June 2022

Explan-actions to make faith explicit

Posted on June 15, 2022 by Steve Simms

Let me explain a new word I coined–explan-actions. It means “to show and demonstrate your faith with your actions, not just to proclaim them with your words–to go beyond making plans and having good intentions and to begin to implement … Continue reading →

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The inner calm of transfiguration

Posted on June 14, 2022 by Steve Simms

The transfiguration of ChristIsn’t theology to figure outBut a calling to live out.We can learn to be stillAnd listen to Jesus,Ignoring our own impulsive andSelf-motivated marching ordersThat satisfy our desireTo build monuments.Then Christ’s inner presenceCan release a movementOf living waterThat … Continue reading →

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Tanning bed or real sunshine?

Posted on June 13, 2022 by Steve Simms

Jesus is like sunshineRadiating in human heartsFor all to see. Few people wantTo sit indoors and hearWeekly lecturesAbout the sun.They’d ratherBe in the sun’s presenceBasking in and absorbingIts beautiful brightness.That’s how I feelAbout the Son of God! Jesus shinesWith glorious … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian poetry, Christian spirituality, inner Light, light of Christ, light of the world, poem, poetry, spirituality | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“Where in Christendom is the Christian?”—Ralph Waldo Emerson

Posted on June 12, 2022 by Steve Simms

When Jesus prayed,“Your kingdom come,”He wasn’t talkingAbout ChristendomWhere church and stateCompelled all to humIn obligatoryUnison. Finding passionate, heart-felt, Spirit-led Christianity is sometimes like finding Waldo. Ralph Waldo Emerson said: “Where in Christendom is the Christian?” To call the world today … Continue reading →

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Blowing in the wind of ekklesia

Posted on June 12, 2022 by Steve Simms

The First Spirit-Led, Christ-Centered Town Hall Meeting (Ekklesia) Was Windy! The sound of mighty rushing windSpread visible spiritual fireTo all of Jesus’ gathered disciplesOpening their mouthsWith supernatural wordsAnd giving them boldnessTo hit the streetsRejoicing withThe living JesusSo that peopleFrom around … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian poetry, church history, Pentecost, poetry, religious poetry | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Constantine & the Emperor’s new (institutional) clothes

Posted on June 11, 2022 by Steve Simms

Constantine dressed up Christianity by putting the Emperor’s new (institutional) clothes on it. However, like Saul’s armor on young David as he prepared to fight Goliath, rigid institutionalism hasn’t been a very effective way to demonstrate the power and presence … Continue reading →

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Spiritual baby food is good for a season, but not for a lifetime!

Posted on June 11, 2022 by Steve Simms

When presentation and pretense are prioritized above the spontaneity of Christ’s presence, religious organization overrides the Holy Spirit. History reveals that when revival (a mighty move of God) starts, established churches work to curtail, coral, and control it. So many … Continue reading →

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“Owed” to closed doors

Posted on June 10, 2022 by Steve Simms

Many of the good thingsIn my lifeI owe to closed doorsThat kept meFrom walking awayFrom them. Closed doorsAren’t just a disappointment,They’re also an appointmentWith GodFor comfort and guidance. Camping at a closed doorCan cause you to miss outOn many open … Continue reading →

Posted in a better life, open doors, poem, poetry | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Christianity as Spirit-led teamwork, not self-focus

Posted on June 10, 2022 by Steve Simms

Unquench the Holy Spirit and moving beyond selfie-anity . . . My passion is to seeMembers of the Jesus teamFrequently gatheringTo function all togetherIn one placeAccording to 1 Corinthians 14:26As the Holy SpiritInwardly prompts and directsEach person presentTo proclaim or … Continue reading →

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Wake up and stay awake

Posted on June 9, 2022 by Steve Simms

Physically the human body requires sleep. However, the human spirit, once awakened by the living Jesus and born again as a new creature in Christ needs no sleep. Its source of life and power isn’t human biology or physical energy, … Continue reading →

Posted in great awakening, revival, revival fires, spiritual awakening, spiritual formation | Tagged , , , , , , , | 3 Comments