Category Archives: Uncategorized

Finding a Greater Desire

Posted on February 1, 2013 by Carl Simmons

There’s no question that you know someone who struggles with a sexual addiction, whether you’re aware of it of not. What’s more: If you’re a guy, there’s a very good chance that person is you (and that you’re all too … Continue reading →

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Reframing the Gospel, or Diluting It?

Posted on January 26, 2013 by Carl Simmons

Yeah, this one’s decidedly more scholarly than the usual fare here. And yet, at the heart of it is a very practical question: How does one adapt the gospel to the culture it’s being presented to—and when does it cross … Continue reading →

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It’s Easier to Talk About Grace Than to Give It in a Book Review

Posted on January 7, 2013 by Carl Simmons

I wanted to like this book; I really did. And once again, I got sucked in by the recommendations (and the apparently now-near-obligatory Rick Warren imprimatur foreword). But when all is said and done, it just left me kind of … Continue reading →

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Power Is Not Fruit

Posted on December 31, 2012 by Carl Simmons

True spiritual power comes in the wake of spiritual fruit, not as a predecessor to it. The trouble is, we often confuse power with fruit. We see an influential or charismatic leader, and assume that natural ability (and the numbers … Continue reading →

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The Flesh Is the Flesh

Posted on December 19, 2012 by Carl Simmons

Another set of shards for the offering… For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the … Continue reading →

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The Power of Surrender

Posted on December 13, 2012 by Carl Simmons

This is still kind of rough shards of thought, but bear with me; I think I’m onto something here… plus, it ties in to my other random devotional pieces as of late… Everything God gives us is done with the … Continue reading →

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Songs Made for When You Begin Again

Posted on November 26, 2012 by Carl Simmons

To paraphrase the immortal words of John Mendelsohn: I am annoyingly partial to Bill Mallonee—both the man and the music. If you’d like more exposition on how much, go here; otherwise I’m going to stick more to the new music … Continue reading →

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Leading Out of Who You Are

Posted on November 17, 2012 by Carl Simmons

In a way, this book’s title is a bit of a misnomer. Not that it’s not about mentoring—and to be certain, the book’s main audience is mentors (of some sort). But really, this book is more about discovering what God’s … Continue reading →

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Children of the Promise

Posted on November 13, 2012 by Carl Simmons

I’ve been coming across our title phrase—or rather, it’s been coming across me—a lot lately (Rom. 9:8, Gal. 4:28). How do we live like “children of promise”? One way to look at it also came across me lately… As I’ve … Continue reading →

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Making Time for God, and Letting the Words Speak for Themselves

Posted on November 9, 2012 by Carl Simmons

Let me get this confession out of the way first: I am liturgically disabled. 🙂 And having gone from no religious background whatsoever to the reformed-arminian-charismatic-relational Christian mutt I am today, I’ve never really felt the need to hunt down any liturgical … Continue reading →

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