Author Archives: Carl Simmons

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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 and Listen (Retreat Session 2)

Posted on March 23, 2012 by Carl Simmons

Even if you’re with a group, this session is about you and God spending time together. Just you and God. This might seem scary, or lead to unrealistic expectations, if you’re not used to “wasting time with God.” Don’t let … Continue reading →

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Lay Down… No, Seriously, LAY DOWN. (Retreat Session 1)

Posted on March 20, 2012 by Carl Simmons

The next four entries are for a self-directed retreat/interlude I’m creating for the midway point of Lay It Down, the Book. I’m trying to build it for both individuals and small groups; this is the individual version. Enjoy. (P.S. I’m … Continue reading →

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Going to God Like a Cigarette

Posted on March 15, 2012 by Carl Simmons

Our rather provocative titular reference above is nonetheless a good place for us to start, because this is a book about pursuing God with a single-minded passion. And you’ll have to discover the story that goes with it for yourself. … Continue reading →

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Lay Down Your Triggers: a small-group session

Posted on March 9, 2012 by Carl Simmons

The pre-reading for this (should you choose to do so) is easy—just scroll down, then work your way back up. The relevant entries are as follows: Lay Down Your Circumstances Lay Down Your Ambition Lay Down Your Boundaries Lay Down … Continue reading →

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Naming and Un-claiming Your Idols

Posted on March 8, 2012 by Carl Simmons

“So much of life comes down to the following three questions,” says Ed Welch: “Who is God? Who am I? Who are these other people?” The answers to those questions reveal what we truly care about and who we trust, … Continue reading →

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Lay Down Your Self-Consciousness

Posted on March 7, 2012 by Carl Simmons

Today’s devotional is noticeably longer—and for that matter, noticeably ornerier—than usual. If you disagree with my opening views, or at least feel I could be a bit kinder, fine. But bear with me, and try to hear the point behind … Continue reading →

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Lay Down Your Weakness: the fuller version

Posted on March 5, 2012 by Carl Simmons

So, let’s get back to our weakness. Most of us are well aware of how we fail to measure up to our own standards, let alone God’s. But again, Jesus knows this, too. And again, His concern is not with … Continue reading →

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Lay Down Your Boundaries

Posted on March 2, 2012 by Carl Simmons

We now turn from the things we desire to do, to the things we don’t desire to do—and thus, from the question “Lord, why won’t You help me do this?” to “Lord, why (and how) do You expect me to … Continue reading →

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Remembering Our True Example

Posted on March 1, 2012 by Carl Simmons

To be fair, I went into this expecting something more like a far more orthodox The Last Temptation of Christ—i.e., something that really focused on Christ’s humanness rather than His divinity. And the introductory material—especially the opening salvo “Did Jesus … Continue reading →

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Lay Down Your Ambition: the fuller version

Posted on February 29, 2012 by Carl Simmons

Last week we explored how we build ourselves up by the things we do. This week is more about the “triggers” that lure us into that kind of thinking. Our circumstances are one set of triggers. Our own passions, and … Continue reading →

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