Shooting Straight, Part 5--Letter Links: Belittling the Family Way?

Keep It Simple

ML #2774, DB 11

1. Do you know what I believe the Lord is helping me to do, and what the Lord has always really helped me to do?—To make things simple! I got so sick of education when I was in college that I stood up in class and said, "It seems to me that the whole policy of education is to make things as complicated as possible!"—And the professor gave me a bad grade after that! I just always felt sorry for the poor students, how the professors were always getting way out of their reach.

2. I think the Lord has given me such success with the Family because through me He has made things simple for them, and helped them to see things clearly that were pretty obscure in church. (Maria: I know that in my case, if I hadn't been in the Family all these years, I would have been so complicated, and tried to make everything so complicated! But now‚ because of your sample‚ I'm really simple! The church system for the most part makes things so complicated! Even when they try to make it simple, it just doesn't seem to quite hit the mark. But you've made everything so simple that anybody can understand it!) It's just the Lord, Honey. Give the Lord the credit.

The Greatest Men Preached a Simple Message!

3. This has been true all through history. Unlike most of the church system, the few great men who stood out above the crowds usually preached a pretty simple message. That's why they were so effective and people were so drawn to them.

4. The greatest men of God throughout history preached a simple message and made it clear, including the Lord! He made it very simple, especially in the Gospels. I can't quite say the same for the Apostle Paul all the time, but much of the time he made it quite simple. Of course, he had to reason with the Jews and get into pretty deep doctrine and prove things for their sakes, but when he preached to the Gentiles, he was the soul of simplicity!

Education Prides Itself on Complication!

5. The further I got along in my education in school, the more I realized that education really prides itself on complication, not on simplicity. In fact, there's no point in your even getting a formal education if you can understand things pretty simply without it! The whole point to education seems to be to make things as complicated as possible so that you can be complicated and appear very complicated to others! It's a pride trip!

6. Much of the simple-minded public worship complication and big words and deep concepts, just because they can't understand them! They think that the educated must be great and wise, because they can't understand them. I've found through all my experiences that the people who worship education the most are the ones who didn't have any, or very little.—And the people who had the most, if honest, were sick of it! I didn't have the most of it, but I sure got sick of what little I had!

7. Too much education puts you out of reach of the common man! You get out of touch with humanity! The simpler and the clearer you can make your message, the better! I always think of that verse—and I think it was even Paul who said it—"But I fear, lest by any means, as the Serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty‚ so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ!" (2Cor.11:3).

8. And they said of Peter and John, "Though they were ignorant and unlearned men, people took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus" (Acts 4:13). In other words‚ they were powerful! Their message was powerful because it was so clear and simple.—Whereas the highly educated Pharisees and Sadducees were the very essence of un–understandable complication and deep, dark, doctrinal divinity. And although the Torah—the five Books of Moses, the Law—is virtually the essence of simplicity‚ its Jewish commentary, the Talmud, is the essence of complication, taking a whole page to comment on one verse and just succeeding in making it obscure and confusing.

9. Lord help us and deliver us from too much education! Thank God He delivered me! I think because of my own life experience with preachers and congregations, I was able to see what clicked with the people and what didn't. I saw that people in the average congregation were very childlike and simple-minded, and too often the preachers were not just deep, they just weren't clear!

10. I remember that when I was still in college‚ psychologists estimated that the average American intelligence was at about the level of a child of 12 years of age! If it was that low then‚ imagine what it is now! It's probably sunk to about six or eight, about half that! (Maria: In spite of all their supposed technological advances and more complicated education, they go further and further back all the time.) Yes! The very very few have become very very technical, whereas the very very many have become more and more simple and even ignorant!

Our Presentation of the Gospel Is Simple and Quick!

11. So God help us to keep it simple and clear! I think this is what has appealed to the Russians so much, because our literature is so simple and so clear. What can they have that's clearer than a picture?—And then the simple explanation on the back! You just couldn't have anything clearer than that! They love it and they're falling all over themselves to get it! Thank the Lord that we're falling all over ourselves to give it to them as fast as we can!

12. Our presentation of the Gospel is simple, it's fast, it's quick! Jesus made it the simplest of all. And to illustrate it, He constantly drew pictures too—parables, picture stories for the simple-minded—and they loved it, they understood it and they believed it. And that's what we try to do! Thank the Lord!

You've Gotta Be a Baby!

13. Don't get too high and mighty or complicated for people.—Keep it simple and childlike! As Jesus said, "Except ye become as a little child, ye shall in no wise enter into the Kingdom of Heaven" (Mat.18:3). If the children can understand it‚ everybody can! If you can help children to understand it‚ you're a genius! (Maria: A simple genius!) Yes, the wise geniuses have found out that it's better to be like a little child and be able to speak to little children and help them to understand you.

14. I really admire childcare workers and people who can understand and help and train children—they're the smartest people we've got! Anybody can talk to the educated and the adults, it's not hard for them to understand you; but to have the little kids understand you, you've really got to be smart!—And that means simple! You've got to know what they can understand and how to present it in a way they won't forget it. Whether it takes pictures or actions or songs or simple rhymes or whatever it takes to put it across, use it!

The Easiest and Fastest to the Mostest!

15. In a way we have found the ultimate, the maximum use of pictures and lessons in our posters! It all boils down to the simplicity of the Gospel! The simpler it is, the more effective it is! To put it bluntly: The easiest and the fastest to the mostest!—And that's what we have been specializing in in our missionary work. It's cheap, fast, mobile, multiplied and effective!—And pictured! We're talking about the lit, flannelgraphs‚ even videos where possible‚ but primarily literature. How much further can we condense the message to make it simple and vivid? It's cheap‚ fast, mobile and effective. It gets results!—And we've got the fruit to prove it! Amen? (Maria: Amen!)

16. So God help us not to get away from the simplicity of the Gospel! The simpler the better!—And the cheaper and the many-er and the more mobile the better! I think that's one reason for our effectiveness, we can move fast! (Maria: Yes!) That's also a handicap in a way, because we're hard for the people to find.—But it's a great advantage with our enemies!—We're harder to find and stop!

17. We're also more indigenous—which is a big word that most people don't understand, but it literally means "self-operating."

18. That little saying keeps coming to me, something about "The Bestest with the Mostest!"—The bestest for the mostest for the leastest! The simpler you say it‚ the better and the longer they're going to remember it. So boiled down to the very barest bones of all, our message would be: Let's get the simplest and the cheapest to the mostest! Let's not get too complicated! Amen? PTL! GBY! ILY!—AMEN!

Be a Missionary

ML #3135:86-122‚ Lifelines 24

The Advantages of Being a Missionary!

86. (Mama:) We all know that being a missionary has its hardships and that it's not always easy. It's a rough and a rugged road sometimes, and the climb up the mountain of God's highest will isn't always easy going. But have you ever stopped to think of all the advantages of being a missionary? We experience so many of the benefits in our everyday lives that I think we become familiar with them and don't even realize that they're there. Of course we know the more obvious ones, like being assured of being in the center of the Lord's will and the rewards that He will give us in Heaven, as well as the joy and contentment that He rewards us with here on Earth, but there are many more! If you stopped for a few minutes and thought about it, I'm sure you could list quite a few advantages that perhaps you hadn't thought of before.

87. I wanted to include such a list in this GN, both to encourage you missionaries who are doing the job as well as to show those of you who aren't the many benefits that await you when you do. Most of you have served the Lord on a foreign mission field at one time or another, so you've no doubt experienced many or all of the following benefits. But perhaps you haven't thought about them in some time and would appreciate a little refresher for your encouragement and inspiration!

88. Rather than list them myself, I thought the Lord would be able to give a much better rundown, so I asked Him to explain why we should be missionaries and what the benefits and advantages are in practical terms. Please remember when reading this that while the Lord is specifically referring here to those missionaries who have left their home country to evangelize another part of the world, you can be just as much of a missionary in your home country if you're where the Lord wants you and you're truly laying down your life daily to reach the lost where you are.

89. (Jesus speaking:) Missionaries are at the top of My list! Missionaries are apostles, just like the apostles of old—ones called with a mission. My first disciples were just normal men and women like you. What set them apart from the rest of the world was the fact that they answered My call. They heard My call in their heart and in their spirit, and they followed Me. And as they followed Me, they learned of Me. I was teaching them and training them, instructing them in the ways of Heaven, in the ways of faith, and even in practical ways of how to live their lives to the fullest, to gain the greatest pleasure, joy and happiness.

90. Then after I came to Heaven, I sent My Holy Spirit to lead them and guide them—just as I had done when I was there with them—and I commissioned them to go out as missionaries to win the world. They were continuing to follow Me, to learn of Me‚ to grow. It's not as if they learned everything there was to know. Their learning continued, but at the same time they fulfilled My commission to be missionaries.

91. Today I have many missionaries in many lands, of many cultures, of many nationalities, of many callings and many different ministries. They have left their homes‚ they have left all behind and have gone out to follow Me and to live according to their faith. You‚ My Family missionaries, have great faith because of the abundance of Word that has been poured out upon you. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God‚ and you have been mightily blessed with an ocean of the Word of God!

92. You have the Word spoken in olden times—the Bible. You have the Word spoken in modern times through the voice of your Father David. And you have the voice of prophecy through which My wonderful Words are being poured forth for today, and for the days to come. As you drink in this Word from all sources, it strengthens you and strengthens your faith. You, of all My children upon the Earth, drink in more of My Word than anyone else, and that is why you have such great faith. The faith that you have from reading My Word is magnified because you are yielded and believing and accepting the new Word, the New Wine from Heaven. This gives you new faith, strong faith, faith for modern times, faith for today, and faith for the things to come.

93. My missionaries have the best of all lives‚ for they have the best of all I have to offer. Those who yield themselves utterly to Me, who seek My perfect will in their lives‚ who answer My call to go and save the lost, those who are willing to forsake all and follow Me daily, taking up their cross—they are the ones who will benefit the most from a life lived for Me, for they are the ones upon whom I may pour My blessings with great abundance for their yieldedness and obedience.

94. My missionaries are pilgrims and strangers upon the Earth. And though they have no nation to call their own, and no certain dwelling place, yet this is their strength and this is their training for the world to come. For My missionaries will be leaders of the world one day. In their daily witnessing and ministering to others, they are learning to understand the hurts and the pain that the world suffers. They are learning of the troubles and the difficulties that the people of this world face. They see their hopelessness‚ their need for love, their struggles to survive, their battles within their families, the trials they face in their form of livelihood.

95. They walk among people of all strata of society and they learn about them so they will understand them and their needs. This helps My missionaries now, and will help them when one day they come into the position of being rulers of this world. This is something they could never learn by just living a normal life, as their experience would be limited to the small circumference of their life and their level of society.

96. My missionaries can transcend the strata of society. They can go from the bottom to the top, and from the top to the bottom. They can relate to all people‚ and they can learn and partake of the lives of people on all levels of society. This is a unique opportunity, a unique experience. My missionaries are not a part of society, and this gives them an advantage to peek in, to observe, to learn and to mingle with those of all walks of life. My missionaries have learned to set aside their own personal wants and wishes so that they may become one to all men, that they may learn to relate to them, to understand them.

97. This is cultural training. This is sociological training. This is training that they could never receive in a classroom, because this is interacting with the real thing, with real people. It's not theory; it's practice. They are meeting people from every level of society. They are speaking with them. They are being accepted into their homes and into their lives, and they are learning about their hopes, their wishes, their desires‚ their heartbreaks and their failures.

98. This is such wonderful preparation for being world rulers! So few of the rulers of this world know and understand the people they govern as well as you will understand your people. My missionaries learn to be broad-minded; they learn to understand and accept the culture, traditions and habits of other societies.

99. This teaches them an openness that few people in the world have—to meet people of other nations, of other cultures, of other tongues‚ without prejudice, without preconceived ideas‚ without judging them by outward appearance. This is something that nations are striving for, but they fall miserably short of. How can they ever have racial equality when they are already so boxed in by their own prejudices, thoughts and ideas?

100. But you, My missionaries, are there with the purpose of learning to bridge the gaps between the peoples of the world. You have open hearts and open minds. You look only at the creation of God, at the human being and his or her eternal soul. That is what you are most interested in, and that is the same in all of the people of the Earth. You see them in the purest way, as My creations‚ as My children, and you look beyond their race, their color, their traditions, their habits and modes of living.

101. My missionaries are some of the most educated people on Earth—not educated in the ways of man, but educated in My ways. They learn the deep things of the Spirit. They learn to hear the voice of God. They learn to understand the Word of God.

102. Because they give themselves wholly to Me and are seeking to do My will, I have more control in their lives. I can teach them yieldedness and bring them closer to Me through their desperation. It is these who are empty of themselves, empty of their own knowledge‚ empty of their own wisdom and empty of their own will that can avail themselves the most of My wisdom‚ My power and My anointing. In becoming seemingly weak and insignificant to the world, they have become strong, powerful and important in My Kingdom.

103. Their wisdom and knowledge is the opposite of that of the world. Their wisdom and knowledge comes from God; the wisdom and knowledge of the world comes from man. But My missionaries are educated and wise in the ways of the world, too, for I teach them these things as well. They learn the languages of many lands. They learn the geography and history of many countries firsthand, by living there, by visiting these places and experiencing life in those countries. They're not just tourists, but they live in every country they go to, whether their time there is long or short. They are pilgrims and strangers. Wherever they are is where they live, and they learn and they grow from these experiences.

104. Very few people in the world have the advantage of living in this way—forsaking their own country, upbringing, culture and personal traditions, to take on those of another land‚ another nation, another people. This is training and experience that can never be gained from a classroom in the same way as it can by living it.

105. My missionaries learn to live by faith. They learn to lean upon Me and to expect Me to supply their every need, and I do. This tests their faith. This causes them to use their muscles of faith, which strengthens them. Living by faith strengthens their faith and causes them to grow. Living by faith keeps them uncompromising and pure. In living by faith they stay true to My precepts and true to their convictions‚ for they know this will bring down My blessings. Living by faith keeps My missionaries unspotted from the world, for they are dependent upon Me and My supply, and not upon the world.

106. Through living by faith, My missionaries learn to be thankful, to be appreciative of the little things, and to give Me thanks and praise for all that I do in their lives. They learn the value of little things, of diligence and carefulness. They develop the gift of praise and thankfulness which helps them to shun murmuring and complaining, which would darken their soul and countenance. They learn to love Me and to praise Me and to thank Me for the smallest answers to prayer‚ for the smallest provision and gifts at My hand. And so they shine with such beautiful and radiant spirits of love and thankfulness. They learn to praise Me when things are good‚ and praise Me when things are not so good. This gives stamina to their spirits and endurance to their faith as they learn to praise Me through all seasons.

107. Living by faith polishes My missionaries and makes them shine! It gives them a special depth‚ a special worth that can only be found through prayer and praise and thanksgiving, through living a life of thankfulness. Through their hardships and difficulties I stretch out their spirits. I broaden them and deepen them so their spirituality grows and they are not shallow. How can this be learned within the safety and security of the System?

108. My missionaries learn to love like no others on Earth, for they see the power of God working in their lives and in other people's lives. Their hearts are broken for the poor and the destitute and the hungry in spirit of this world, and through their brokenness, through the tenderness of their heart, I pour forth My love. Their tenderness opens the channels of My love, and they receive My love in greater measure than those of the world. My love flows through in mighty waves‚ through mighty channels to fill them and to overflow onto others.

109. My missionaries are the salt of the Earth, and I sprinkle them freely across the nations that they may bring out the flavor of My love in all places where they go. I love My missionaries, for they are most blessed upon the face of the Earth. They are My children, and I love them for their obedience and yieldedness. They are learning to forsake the ways of the world. They are learning to lay aside the traditions of man and his wisdom, his values and his goals, that they may embrace the true riches, the true values, the values of Heaven and the richness of My Spirit.

110. This life is but a preparation for the world to come. It is but a school where the entrance exams are given to see who will make it into the next grade. This time on Earth is but a test to see who will choose the ways of the world and who will choose My ways. And these, My missionaries, who choose My ways, will find great reward in the next world and for all eternity to come! (End of message from Jesus)

111. (Mama:) Isn't it neat how the Lord explains things? He covers so many more angles and sides of the issue than we could ever think up with our limited understanding and wisdom. You see‚ that's another advantage of going to the Lord for the answers to your questions instead of trying to figure them out yourself: If you just reason it out in your own mind, you may (or may not) come to the right conclusion. But if you ask the Lord, not only are you certain to get it right, but He often adds much more explanation and detail that you would have never gotten any other way. So it pays to ask!

112. One of the most exciting aspects of the above list from the Lord is the fact that being missionaries is part of our preparation for the job that the Lord has for us in the next life, in the Millennium, and beyond! When you think that the Millennium will last a thousand years, it puts into perspective just how short our time here on Earth is by comparison, and therefore how important it is that we adequately prepare for what the Lord has in store for us. We may think we have a big job now‚ but it's small compared to the job that we will have then.

113. So just as you have to study hard in school and learn to read and write and get the basics down pat if you're to succeed as an adult in society, by the same token we have to learn the basics that the Lord wants to teach us now in His "school of life" if we are to succeed as spiritual adults in the world to come. And one very important course or grade of this school, which the Lord says is a vital part of our training for our "adulthood," is the life of a missionary.

Being a Missionary Is Where It's At!

114. Following is a brief listing, taken from the above prophecy, of the various gifts and blessings that the Lord gives those who heed His call to be a missionary. This list should also serve as a reminder of the qualities that each of us, as missionaries, should strive for in our personal lives and Homes:

* Great faith through accepting, believing and obeying the Word.

* Blessings in great abundance for yieldedness and obedience.

* The ability to become one‚ and to understand and accept others.

* Preparation for becoming world rulers in the Millennium.

* The gift of not prejudging or labeling people, but being able to listen with a purpose.

* Open hearts and open minds, embracing those of different backgrounds and cultures as our brothers and sisters.

* The privilege of being the most educated people on Earth in the ways of the Lord, and wise in the ways of the world through our firsthand experience with other cultures, customs, peoples and nations.

* The blessing of being able to hear the voice of God and understand His Word more clearly.

* The blessing of availing ourselves of the Lord's wisdom, power and anointing through being empty of ourselves.

* The tests of our faith strengthen us.

* Living by faith keeps us uncompromising and pure.

* Being able to develop the gift of praise and thankfulness, and appreciation for the little things; which helps us shun murmuring and complaining and keeps us happy in spite of difficult circumstances.

* We have spiritual depth and maturity.

* In forsaking the ways of the world we can embrace the true riches of the Spirit.

115. So many blessings! So many advantages! And I'm sure you could add to this list from your own experiences and the blessings that the Lord has poured out on you personally in the course of being one of His missionaries.

116. The Lord says above that missionaries are the most educated people on the face of the Earth, not only in the ways of the Lord, but in the ways of the world too. You young folks want an education?—Being a missionary is the best education you can get! Even in society‚ the skills that really count, which employers look for even more than those that are learned in a classroom, are those that have to do with interacting with others, work ethic, diligence, faithfulness, etc. And there's no better way to learn those things than as a missionary. That's one reason, beside all the training in the Word that you have, that you young folks who are missionaries are miles ahead of your counterparts in the System! So don't ever feel inferior or ashamed of being "just" a missionary, because let me tell you‚ you're tops not only in the Lord's book but you're even tops when judged from a strictly worldly point of view.

117. When you're witnessing to your peers in the System, you should be proud of the fact that you're a missionary. They'll respect you for it, because they'll recognize that you have a lot more than they do—not just in the spiritual, but in the physical too, in terms of real-life experience, people–handling skills, language abilities‚ etc. So never be ashamed of your calling—it's the best there is in every way! Recently, when Dad was talking about our missionaries in Russia, he said:

118. (Dad speaking:) Being a missionary is where it's at! As you all say today, it's the cool thing to do! Do you want to be not only cool, but in God's elite, God's top unit? Or do you want to be one of the masses‚ just another one of the crowd‚ enjoying the pleasures of the world for a season, sort of going the general direction, but kind of hanging out in the wings? Do you want to be right on-beam, right on target, right in with the in crowd on that straight and narrow road that not only leads to salvation, but also leads to happiness, contentment, and true enjoyment in life? Well, that's the road that I know you missionaries have taken, and I'm so very proud of you!

119. I know it's not easy to leave some of the pleasures of this life behind to dwell in this rather barren land. I know what a sacrifice it is for you physically. I know that it's also a sacrifice spiritually to be in this land, continually surrounded by such darkness and hopelessness. But God is going to bless you for it, and you can take pride in the fact that you're in His elite corps, His top–flight unit‚ His missionaries!

120. You're different! You're different from everybody else. You have different values. You have a different lifestyle. You have different faith. And believe me, you've got something that everybody wants—real love. You know where you're going, and you've got hope. That really sets you apart in that land where there's such a famine for the Word of God, such a famine for real spiritual input.

121. I am so very proud of each and every one of you who are on that field giving and sacrificing. Oh, I know some of you feel like you're not accomplishing much and you're just barely hanging in there, but you are doing the job! You are being a witness and a testimony! And if you'll keep at it, the Lord will bless you! You're going to be so satisfied and thankful that you didn't give up, but that you continued to follow Him and preach the Gospel to that love–starved, hope-starved nation.

122. What could be better than giving your life in service to God and others? What higher calling could you have? How much more cool could you possibly be than to be a member of God's Endtime army?—His apostles, taking His message of hope and salvation to a dying world in these last troublous days of this Earth as we know it! (End of message from Dad.)

Issues, Part 3

ML #3302:12–28, GN 904

SIMPLE? OR STUPID?

Q:

12. There's a lot in the Word about simplicity and how great it is to be simple. Part of me wants to be simple, because I know that's the way the Lord wants us to be; yet at the same time I don't want to be feeble–minded or ignorant. I'm interested in a lot of things, and I like it when things are intriguing or somewhat complex, and that makes the thought of being "simple" not all that appealing. What exactly does it mean when the Lord says He wants us to be simple?

Jesus:

13. I am the embodiment of simplicity, and as you strive to be more like Me‚ you will find simplicity. You don't consider Me feeble-minded. I created the world. I know the depth and breadth and height of the universe. I know the answers to questions you can only begin to imagine. I am depth and sagacity to the nth degree.

14. But I spoke to the children, I stopped to look at the flowers, I cooked fish for My disciples. I passed on great truths, profound words that changed lives forever and still continue to. I was simple; I was clear, and I didn't lose My appreciation of little things. It's when you can't find joy in the normal things in life that you become complicated and unclear and you lose the human touch. It's when you begin to concentrate more on yourself and what you're saying or thinking that you stop listening to others. You become exclusive and will wind up exchanging the joy of living for eruditeness; exchanging depth of character for a labyrinth of complex thinking; exchanging a heart that can be touched by a baby's smile for a mind that seeks to be impressed with knowledge but can't take pleasure in the scent of the grass. That is the end result when you reject simplicity and the simple truths of My Spirit.

15. Simplicity is wisdom. The greatest profundity is found in simple truth. You can be simple and still be very knowledgeable. In fact, you will find that those who have fought to maintain simplicity are those who are very wise, who know that simplicity is the best way to maintain a happy and full life. To be simple is to be clear. To be simple is to love—to be humble enough to give and receive and enjoy love. You can be simple and still be very intelligent. The greatest beauty is found in simplicity. You can be simple and still have depth and understanding of profound truth. Simplicity is the embodiment of My Spirit.

16. Simplicity is intrinsic. It's a gift I bestow on everyone, and what a great gift it is. For simplicity is the wall of protection around your faith. To lose simplicity is to lift that wall, leaving your faith defenseless against the threats of doubt, criticalness‚ and unbelief.

17. Faith is not provable or explainable—it just is. You so often search for a logical explanation, thriving on the complexity you find in that search‚ instead of accepting the simple, but miraculous, mysterious and inexplicable way of faith. Strive for simple faith, and there you will find happiness.

18. When I call you to be simple, I don't mean plain or dull or dumb. What I ask is that you be focused, that your goals be clear-cut, that you be not double-minded and unsure of your calling in life.

19. Life in the Family is challenging, multi-faceted‚ and very involved. As you read through the New Testament, you'll see that the message I preached, though simple, was not an easy one. Likewise, the prophecies that I pour out for My children today are straightforward, but it's not always easy to live them on a daily basis. It's a challenge to do so, and it takes effort and focus. Even though I give you My Words and guidance for a situation, it doesn't always have a predetermined ending. You don't know how things will play out, and depending on your choices‚ others' choices, and My will, there are a myriad of possible conclusions. I think you could call that intriguing. (End of message from Jesus.)

Text box:

Q:

20. Does everyone have the gift of simplicity?

Jesus:

21. I grant the gift of simplicity to all, and it is a valuable gift, for unless you have the simple faith of a little child, you cannot enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Unless you can have the childlike simplicity to believe in the unseen—Me, the One Who died for you and now offers you the simple but miraculous gift of eternal life—then you cannot be born again.

22. All men do have this gift, although as they grow, some despise it and discount it, calling it superstition or ignorance, preferring to weave a web of complexity to cover it. But the gift remains for those who would uncover it and make use of it. (End of message from Jesus)

End of text box

Jesus:

23. Many of My children and other great leaders and movers throughout the ages have been simple, unlearned and ignorant men and women. They were often regarded as common or run–of-the-mill folks‚ but by My Spirit they were lifted up and exalted. They all had a calling and a task to accomplish. They all had a mission to fulfill. Their strength was that they were simple. They were unlearned‚ but when anointed by My power and Spirit they became powerhouses. They exploded with such force that the world couldn't help but take notice of them!

24. To be simple doesn't mean to be nerdish or square. It just means that you put My wisdom and My counsel above the ways of the world and you seek after godly wisdom rather than the wisdom of man. While the theories of man are more complicated and might seem more intriguing, they also lack much truth, and are a web which catches your mind and draws you away from the simple truths of life. What good is an intriguing, complex theory, if it is not the truth? Many theories and works of literature are interesting, but if the ideas they impart are not sound, do not motivate you for good or help in some way, what good is it? They might tickle your ears or make you feel good that you're reading something so complex, but if they're not true and won't help you, do they have a real purpose?

25. Even the wisdom of the learned is taken far more seriously and received by many more when presented in a simple manner. Look at your Father David. He was a man of exceptional intelligence—a genius—but he was simple. You have understood all that I have poured through him, for he strove to keep that simplicity alive. He spoke as unto children so that all might understand the things of the spirit. He spoke with the simplicity of the Gospel and he made clear that which generations had complicated. He dug for the simple truth of God and he put My ways above the ways of the world.

26. Stay simple‚ stay loving. Love is simple. It isn't puffed up with worldly knowledge and complexities. Be loving and be simple. All the rest passes away, and love is the only thing that is really worth it in the long run. That's what you're going to be rewarded for one day—so love. (End of message from Jesus)

Q:

27. Why is the way the Lord uses the meaning of the word "simple" so different than the way we often think of it or the way it's often used in the world at large? When you look up the word "simple" in a thesaurus, you get all kinds of awful synonyms, like senseless, brainless, unintelligent, weak-minded, slow, dull, retarded, stupid‚ dim-witted, fool‚ idiot, etc.

Jesus:

28. I can take a word and use it however I wish! The way the world commonly interprets a word can be quite different from the way I choose to use it. This particular word, like many in the rich English language, can have a variety of meanings. Some of these meanings given are the ones that I am referring to; yet I have expounded on it even more, to make it clearer what I'm referring to when I say that I wish for you to be simple. Look in a dictionary. See the many other meanings. Here are those that fit in with My meaning of this word:

—Pure

—Not involved or complicated; easy

—Not embellished

—Unassuming and unpretentious

—Sincere, without deceitfulness

—Straightforward

—Not divided

Quotes:

(Dad:) It's wise to be simple. It's wise to be accepting and take things by faith. It's not a sign of lack of intelligence—it's a sign of wisdom.

Intellectuality and knowledge snarl and tangle things up, but My truths are simple and clear.

Simplicity is the wisest way to be nowadays, as things get more and more complicated.

I was simple in My presentation when I taught on Earth, and My Words are simple. My Word is timeless‚ simple and true. Love and truth don't need to be masked in fancy words; in fact‚ they're more effective when presented simply.

There will be much for you to discover throughout your life on Earth and in Heaven, but you will always find that the most profound truths, the greatest beauty, the most outstanding wisdom‚ is simple. Simplicity is a hallmark of greatness.

FJWL 2

#167‚ 186

FJWL 2:167

Some of My young people stray from the simplicity which is in Me. They do not seek My face as they ought, but they look to themselves and their own arm, their talents, gifts and abilities. They look at their situation and their ministry and they look at what they have and what they don't have‚ and they look not to Me as they should. They seek fulfillment in these things, when they should be seeking fulfillment from Me, from My Words and from that peace that comes from knowing that they serve Me, they do My will, and they accomplish My plan of bringing My message of love to the world.

Of this you may be a sample of simplicity in Me and how I love the little people—those that are little in their own sight, those diamonds of dust through which I may shine to light this dark world. I wish that each of them would be diamonds of dust as well. But some do not lift into the light upon My breeze because they are heavy in themselves, because they forsake not themselves and they do not let Me lift them into the light. So be samples of specks of dust unto these, that they may learn from this sample and draw closer to Me. For if I be lifted up, I will draw all men unto Me.

FJWL 2:186

Jangled lines! Mangled, tangled, jangled lines! Complexities! A great web of complexities, all tangled and snarled and intertwined—in and out and over and under, fumbled, mumbled‚ garbled‚ the great web of jangled lines. They are jangled and complex. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophies and vain deceit, after the rudiments of the world and not after Me.

My truth is simple and easy to obtain, easy to put into practice, even in the complex and tangled world in which you live. Simplicity is My law! I do not put the doorknob too high for My children of all colors and creeds and races to reach. I speak not only of My salvation and of My love‚ but of all spheres of your life. My will is simple. Simplicity is My law.

So beware of the tangled lines, for the Evil One walks about as a roaring lion, seeking to entrap and snarl you up in the web of complexities. He advertises his propaganda far and wide through the network of jangled and tangled lines.

You‚ My children‚ must walk in wisdom toward them that are without. You must be wise as serpents‚ yet harmless as doves. Just as you must try the spirits to see if they be of Me, so you must try the information that comes across your path, by praying and seeking Me in all things, to see if it be of Me. Be wise as serpents, praying and seeking the wisdom that is from above, and be harmless as doves as you proceed down the path of My will.

Continue to seek Me in all things, so you may know what is from Me. Satan is very wise and very sly. He mixes much truth with the lie so that it is desirable, delightful, appealing to the eye, soothing to the touch, yet poisonous within. Did not the serpent beguile Eve in such a way—tempting her with a believable story? He is the same old Satan today! He does not always come around in a red suit with horns, pitchfork, and a tail‚ but with smooth words, pretty pictures, desirable appeals‚ even miracles to some degree.

You must try the spirits to see if they be of God. Continue to stay close to Me and My Words, with your eyes fixed upon Me, seeking Me desperately in all things big and small, that you be not led astray from My simplicity. (ML #3053)

DM 1

#62, 189

DM 1:62 — March 2

"Beware lest ye be led away from the simplicity of the Gospel!" (2Cor.11:3).

The first temptation of man by the Devil was something to make you supposedly wise! — Knowledge! Likewise today, many books are written with the demonic Satanic wisdom of the Devil himself! — Cunningly devised to deceive and lead you astray, to pervert, warp and twist you spiritually to where you don't know what is true!

But the "Lord is not the author of confusion" (1Cor.14:33). He likes things very simple. That's why it's wonderful to have the Bible as a guide. — Then you know what's perverted and what's normal, what's right and what's wrong. But "the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God" (1Cor.3:19). — And you cannot fill your mind and heart with worldly wisdom, the foolishness of Man, without it affecting your spirit. — Just like you can't wade through the garbage and the gutter without getting besmirched.

So for God's sake be satisfied with Christ's Kingdom of Light and don't go poking around in the Kingdom of Darkness, or you may fall back in again and be sorry! — Why waste time on complicated confused theories and thoughts of man, when the Bible is right there, so simple, direct and to the point? — Stick to the refreshing Water of the Word that feeds your soul‚ renews your mind, lifts your spirit, encourages your heart and purifies your whole being! Amen?

DM 1:189 — July 7

"Thou art wise that thou art simple. ..."

It's wise to be simple. Knowledge is not it! All these worldly people get all this knowledge, but they'd be wiser if they were just simple. The Lord has to get by all that stuff to get to their heart. — "Beware lest ye be led away from the simplicity of the Gospel!" "Except ye become as a little child ye shall in no wise enter into the Kingdom of Heaven!" (2Cor.11:3; Mt.18:3). — If we'll just recognize that we're just little children and we don't know anything and that the Lord's the one that knows it all and He's the only one who is really wise and knows what He's doing, and we just follow Him — that's really being smart!

The newborn babe does not try to rationalize his mother and father and brothers and sisters and the new world and life around him. He just accepts and enjoys them and starts learning how to live and enjoy life and loved ones. — It's just that simple: You don't have to personally know all the answers, the why's and wherefores, or be able to explain everything or answer all the questions — just know Him! He brings you love, He makes your life, He gives you happiness and all you ever wanted and more! What else matters?

"Jesus loves me, this I know. For the Bible tells me so. Little ones to Him belong‚ we are weak, but He is strong!"

Word Basics: The Christian's Relationship to Worldly Society

1, 2A, 3,

1. Christians do not belong to this world (society):

Jn.15:19Ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world

A. We are citizens of Heaven:

Heb.11:14They...declare plainly that they seek a country

Heb.11:15,16Now they desire a better country...an Heavenly

Heb.13:14Here have we no continuing city...we seek one to come

Jn.14:2,3I go to prepare a place for you...that where I am, there ye may be also

(See also Jn.18:36)

B. We're sojourners in this world, pilgrims passing through:

Heb.11:13Confessed they were strangers & pilgrims on the earth

Psa.39:12bI am a stranger with Thee‚ & a sojourner

Psa.119:19aI am a stranger in the earth

C. Earthly lands & homes are only temporary:

Lev.25:23bThe land is Mine (God's); for ye are strangers & sojourners with Me

D. Our life on earth is brief‚ so we do not settle here:

1Chr.29:15We are strangers before Thee, & sojourners...our days on the earth are as a shadow

1Pet.1:17Pass time of your sojourning here in fear (of God)

(See also Psa.39:4‚5)

E. Guard against thinking this world is your permanent home:

Psa.49:11‚12Their inward thought is, that their houses shall continue for ever, & their dwelling places

2. Though in this world, we are not to be part of it:

A. Christians are not part of this present worldly society:

Jn.17:14-16They are not of the world, even as I (Jesus) am not

Rom.12:2aBe not conformed to this world

Eph.2:2,3In time past ye walked according to the course of this world

Gal.6:14The cross of...Christ, by whom the world is crucified (dead) unto me, & I unto the world

Phi.2:15The sons of God...in the midst of a crooked & perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world

1Jn.4:4-6They are of the world...we are of God

1Jn.5:19We are of God, & the whole world lieth in wickedness (malignant evil)

(See also 1Pet.2:9)

3. Our attitude toward worldly values:

A. Caution not to love this present world:

Jam.4:4The friendship of the world is enmity with God

1Jn.2:15,16Love not the world, neither the things that are in world

B. The pilgrim's attitude:

1Pet.2:11As strangers & pilgrims, abstain from fleshly [worldly] lusts, which war against the soul

Tit.2:12,13Denying ungodliness & worldly lusts...live soberly...in this present world; looking for that blessed hope

Heb.11:24-27Moses...choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God...forsook Egypt

Jam.1:27Pure religion...to keep unspotted from the world

1Pet.1:17(God) judgeth...every man's work, [so] pass the time of your sojourning here in fear

2Pet.3:11,14Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be

1Jn.2:16‚17The lust of the flesh, & the lust of the eyes...is of the world. And the world passeth away

C. We should resist being influenced by trends, fads & media:

Exo.23:2aThou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil

Psa.1:1Blessed is man that walketh not in counsel of ungodly

Pro.1:10My son‚ if sinners entice thee, consent thou not

Rom.12:2aBe not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed

1Cor.7:31bThe fashion of this world passeth away

Col.2:8Beware lest any man spoil you through...vain deceit (See 1Pet.3:2-4 re: fashions.)

D. Warning against indiscriminate worldly entertainment:

Psa.101:3I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes

Psa.119:37Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity

Isa.33:15He that walketh righteously...shutteth his eyes from seeing evil

2Ki.17:15bThey followed vanity, & became vain, & went after the heathen that were round about them

E. The detrimental effect of this wicked world on believers:

2Pet.2:7,8Lot...in seeing & hearing [filthy Sodomites], vexed (tormented) his righteous soul...with their unlawful deeds

2Pet.3:17Beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your steadfastness

F. Peer pressure & influence:

1Ki.12:3-16[King Rehoboam foolishly followed the counsel of] the young men that were grown up with him

G. Don't compromise or tolerate worldly ways:

Exo.23:32Make no covenant with them, nor with their gods

Exo.23:33They shall not dwell in thy land...for if thou serve their gods, it will surely be a snare unto thee

1Tim.5:22Neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep...pure

Word Topics: Simplicity

Definition: In the context used here, simplicity is the state or quality of being free from complications, especially in regards to thoughts, motives, and personal conduct. This section does not refer to the other Biblical meaning of being simple-minded or dull.

1. The Lord has given us a simple plan for living right.

* Deuteronomy 10:12 And now, Israel, what doth the Lord thy God require of thee, but to fear the Lord thy God‚ to walk in all His ways, and to love Him, and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul?

* Ecclesiastes 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

* Micah 6:8 He hath shewed thee, O man‚ what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

* Galatians 5:14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.

* James 1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the World.

2. It is folly to be "wise" when worldly wisdom only complicates matters.

* Ecclesiastes 1:18 For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.

* Ecclesiastes 12:12 And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.

* Romans 1:22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools.

* 1 Corinthians 3:19,20 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written‚ He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. 20 And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.

* Colossians 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men‚ after the rudiments of the world‚ and not after Christ.

* 1 Timothy 6:20b,21a Avoiding profane and vain babblings‚ and oppositions of science falsely so called: 21a Which some professing have erred concerning the faith.

* 2 Peter 3:16b,17 In which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest [distort or twist], as they do also the other Scriptures, unto their own destruction. 17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness.

3. Trying to reason things out in our carnal minds invites disaster.

* Proverbs 3:7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.

* Isaiah 5:21 Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!

* Romans 8:6,7 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

* Ephesians 4:17,18 This I say therefore‚ and testify in the Lord‚ that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, 18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart.

* 2 Timothy 3:1-4 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be… 4 …heady, highminded.

4. Simplicity is a key to faith and things of the Spirit.

* Psalm 119:130 The entrance of Thy Words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.

* Luke 10:21 In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank Thee, O Father, Lord of Heaven and earth, that Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in Thy sight.

* Luke 18:16,17 But Jesus called them unto Him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not: for of such is the Kingdom of God. 17 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the Kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.

* 1 Corinthians 14:20 Brethren‚ be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children‚ but in understanding be men.

* Colossians 2:18 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind.

5. It's wise to be simple.

* Psalm 131:1 Lord, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me.

* Matthew 6:22 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.

* Matthew 11:25 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank Thee, O Father‚ Lord of Heaven and earth, because Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent‚ and hast revealed them unto babes. [See also Mark 10:15.]

* Romans 16:19b I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.

* 1 Corinthians 3:18 Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world‚ let him become a fool, that he may be wise.

* 1 Corinthians 8:1b Knowledge puffeth up‚ but [love] edifieth.

* 2 Corinthians 11:3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

6. Stick to the simple rock-solid basics of the Word; avoid theological hair-splitting.

* 1 Timothy 4:6b,7 Nourished up in the Words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained. 7 But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.

* 2 Timothy 2:14-16,23 Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. 15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth. 16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. 23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid‚ knowing that they do gender strifes.

* Titus 3:9 But avoid foolish questions‚ and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.

* Hebrews 13:9 Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats [ceremonial rules about eating certain foods], which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.

7. Simplicity is an important part of our sample to others.

* 2 Corinthians 1:12 For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.

* 2 Corinthians 2:17 For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ. [See also Titus 2:7.]

8. We also need to keep our witness simple.

* John 12:32 [Just tell the world about Jesus, and you can't go wrong.] And I, if I be lifted up from the earth‚ will draw all men unto Me.

* 1 Corinthians 1:17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the Gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.

* 1 Corinthians 2:1,2,4,5 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. 4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: 5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

* 1 Corinthians 14:9 So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? For ye shall speak into the air.

* 2 Corinthians 3:12 Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness [simplicity] of speech.