Monthly Archives: October 2011

Born to Lea… SERVE.

Posted on October 31, 2011 by carlsimmonslive

Think about a humbling or humiliating situation you’ve faced—for example, a layoff or demotion at work, something big you tried that failed in front of everyone, or even something embarrassing that happened when you were growing up. Besides “humbled” or … Continue reading →

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Lay Down Your Bitterness — another piece

Posted on October 28, 2011 by carlsimmonslive

Let’s circle back to last week’s “transgressors” thoughts and add a little something to them. Something else I’ve been noticing in the gospels recently, which I suspect you have too in some similar way…. The people we’d normally think of … Continue reading →

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Truth Is More Useful Than Fiction

Posted on October 27, 2011 by carlsimmonslive

I have to admit: Unless your name’s John Bunyan, fictional accounts of God’s hypothetical real-life work in the church has never really done it for me. (I have to wonder how I’d feel if I were to read In His … Continue reading →

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That Was You, God… Right?

Posted on October 26, 2011 by carlsimmonslive

When have you done something believing it’s what God wanted, then later realized it wasn’t? What happened? (Ignore the embarrassment you’re feeling right now—just process it.) Looking back now, what really motivated you? It’s pretty easy to get caught up … Continue reading →

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Who Are You… Really?

Posted on October 24, 2011 by carlsimmonslive

I’d like you answer our title question right now. Who are you and what are you about? There’s one catch, though: You can’t mention what you do. No mention of jobs, hobbies, volunteer work—any kind of accomplishment or activity. Go! … Continue reading →

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Lay Down Your Hurt

Posted on October 21, 2011 by carlsimmonslive

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the following passage: “He (Christ) was numbered with the transgressors” (Isa. 53:12, Mark 15:28). I believe that in our own way we too are called to this, and that it’s a key to … Continue reading →

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The Learned Desperation of Prayer

Posted on October 20, 2011 by carlsimmonslive

“There is nothing secret about communion with God. If we live a holy life before God, broken of our pride and self-will, crying out for grace, then we will be in communion with God. It really is that simple.” Paul … Continue reading →

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Permission to Dream Big

Posted on October 19, 2011 by carlsimmonslive

Over the next few months of Wednesdays, we’re going to explore what it take to pursue a God-given vision—what it looks like, how to help others see it, and what it takes to stay on the course God’s set before … Continue reading →

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Let My Love Open the Door

Posted on October 17, 2011 by carlsimmonslive

What’s the last great meal you’ve had? How did each course prepare you for the next one? How did the care expressed by the people who prepared and served your meal enhance experience? Now: What “course” do you feel like … Continue reading →

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Lay Down Your Old Life: a small-group session

Posted on October 14, 2011 by carlsimmonslive

Told you today would be different. You shouldn’t need to read through the devotionals that go with this study—I’ve tried to make this pretty self-contained—but should you want to anyway, they’ll be in bits and pieces under the following names: … Continue reading →

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