Category Archives: Uncategorized

Lay Down Your Goals

Posted on November 11, 2015 by Carl Simmons

Let’s return to the idea of us “taking things out of God’s hands” through our own control issues—specifically, through the plans and goals we lay out for ourselves. There’s nothing wrong with having goals for our lives. They give us … Continue reading →

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Lay Down Your Doubt

Posted on November 4, 2015 by Carl Simmons

Our anxiety expresses itself through doubt. And our doubt expresses itself by taking things into our own hands. Whether we say it or even consciously think it, trying to make things happen on our own says, at best, “God’s not … Continue reading →

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Lay Down Your Anxiety

Posted on October 28, 2015 by Carl Simmons

Let’s begin our exploration of our future at its most immediate location: Today. My dad has a phrase I’ve used a lot in the past couple decades: “He’s the God of 11:59.” In other words, God intervenes in our lives … Continue reading →

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Lay Down Your Love (Retreat Session 4)

Posted on October 21, 2015 by Carl Simmons

Throughout the course of this retreat, you’ve been exposed to—and sometimes thrown into in—just a few of the spiritual disciplines. (And if you haven’t, check out the previous three entries below.) But the fact is, every spiritual discipline is a … Continue reading →

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Lay It Down and Lay It Out (retreat session 3)

Posted on October 14, 2015 by Carl Simmons

God has called each of us as individuals, and to respond to him in the unique way he’s called each of us… but we’re not in this alone. God wants us to share what he’s done and give him the … Continue reading →

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Lay Down and Listen (retreat session 2)

Posted on October 7, 2015 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 September 30, 2015 by Carl Simmons

During this retreat—this interlude—we’re going to, in the famous words of Thomas Merton, “waste time with God.” As we lay down our time and just immerse ourselves in God’s presence, we’ll more deeply realize that no time with God is … Continue reading →

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Lay Down Your Triggers: a small-group session

Posted on September 23, 2015 by Carl Simmons

For this session, you’ll need…. • a DVD of the movie Fried Green Tomatoes. (Note: You can still have the discussion without viewing the clip, but it’s a good way to set the mood/get everyone relaxed.) Cue the movie to … Continue reading →

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Lay Down Your Self-Consciousness

Posted on September 16, 2015 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

Posted on September 9, 2015 by Carl Simmons

So, let’s get back to our weaknesses. (I’m sure you were looking forward to that.) 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, … Continue reading →

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