Author Archives: Carl Simmons

Unknown's avatar

About Carl Simmons

See the About Me page on my site, if you want to know more about ME. Otherwise, hopefully you'll know more about Jesus and some of his followers by reading here. And thanks for stopping by.

Lay Down Your Independence

Posted on July 8, 2015 by Carl Simmons

(and no, the timing of this has nothing to do with the holiday… :)) We spent a lot of time the last several weeks addressing our feelings toward those who’ve opposed and hurt us. Therefore we’re going start this week, … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Lay Down Your Baggage: a small-group session

Posted on July 1, 2015 by Carl Simmons

For this session, you’ll need…. a large suitcase a variety of items—at least one per person. Include a Bible, as well as several of the following: work-related items, such as a stapler or even a laptop computer family-related items, such … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Lay Down Your Idols

Posted on June 24, 2015 by Carl Simmons

Today we finish our section on the past and begin moving into the present. But there are still some things in our way we need to push aside, so let’s spend today identifying and dealing with them. We have been … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Lay Down Your Addiction

Posted on June 17, 2015 by Carl Simmons

Now that we’ve addressed the need to lay down the things we hold against others, let’s spend the rest of this week addressing the other side of our baggage—namely, the logs in our own eyes. Let’s begin today with the … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Lay Down Your Bitterness

Posted on June 10, 2015 by Carl Simmons

I had originally considered calling this entry “Lay Down Your Judgment” or “Lay Down Your Grudges.” Either would have worked, and I’ll touch upon them here. But I think the title I settled on captures both those ideas, and something … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Honey, If You’re Walking Wounded… Then You Really Oughta Get This.

Posted on June 8, 2015 by Carl Simmons

Weeks later, I’m still trying to put my finger on exactly what’s different about this album, and why the danged thing won’t get out of my rotation—as if that were a problem…. But you if (and its creator) can bear … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Lay Down Your Hurt

Posted on June 3, 2015 by Carl Simmons

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

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Lay Down What’s Done

Posted on May 27, 2015 by Carl Simmons

Last week was about you receiving forgiveness. This week, it’s about you extending it—to others, and ultimately to yourself as well. So yes, this week we’re still more focused on the “negative” pieces of our lives, but the bigger focus … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Lay Down Your Old Life: a small-group session

Posted on May 20, 2015 by Carl Simmons

Have everyone take their shoes off before entering your meeting area. If this is your first time together, ask group members to introduce themselves and share what they’re each hoping to get out of this study. (You can ask this … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Lay Down Your Shame

Posted on May 13, 2015 by Carl Simmons

“Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” (Luke 5:8, NIV). One of the very first things Peter says to Jesus captures a huge issue for many of us. After a night of fishing and catching nothing, Jesus … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | Leave a comment