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 Your Addiction, part 2

Posted on November 4, 2011 by Carl Simmons

Last Friday, we addressed the need to lay down the things we hold against others. Today, let’s start dealing with the logs in our own eyes—beginning with the things we know we struggle with. We like to compartmentalize the word … Continue reading →

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Small Groups, Big Questions

Posted on November 3, 2011 by Carl Simmons

Small-groups megachurch pastor. Author. Encourager. Bill Mallonee fan. He’s all this and more. This week’s Other Voice shifts back to our blogroll, and to be honest I’m not sure why I haven’t called him out sooner. My Buddy Rob Bentz® … Continue reading →

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Counting the Gain

Posted on November 2, 2011 by Carl Simmons

We continue our series on God-given vision today. And it’s been awhile since I’ve used a Lord of the Rings clip, so let’s fix that. As you watch, put yourself in this scene and think about the mission you’re feeling called … Continue reading →

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Born to Lea… SERVE.

Posted on October 31, 2011 by Carl Simmons

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 Carl Simmons

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 Carl Simmons

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 Carl Simmons

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 Carl Simmons

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 Carl Simmons

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 Carl Simmons

“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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