Category Archives: Uncategorized

Lay Down in Safety

Posted on May 29, 2012 by Carl Simmons

As we walk according to the Spirit, we do not know where He will lead us. But we do know that the Spirit is in front of us, leading us, and ready to guide and protect us as we travel … Continue reading →

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From Outside the Camp to Inside… then back out again….

Posted on May 25, 2012 by Carl Simmons

Shame is a crippling thing, whether it comes in the small-s or capital-s form. Throughout this book, Ed Welch reminds us that Jesus not only came to remove our shame but literally carried it to the cross for us—then reminds us … Continue reading →

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Lay Down in Silence

Posted on May 21, 2012 by Carl Simmons

As we examined last week, we’re often slaves to our own agenda without even realizing it. We can become so paralyzed by self-analysis and self-inflicted hurry that we forget how to simply be obedient in the things God’s already called … Continue reading →

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Lay Down Your Agenda — the full version

Posted on May 14, 2012 by Carl Simmons

If you’ve been following this series, you’ve undoubtedly noticed that we’ve had to lay down a lot so far. Some of that laying-down might have been difficult, maybe even unnecessarily negative to some. But we have a much longer journey … Continue reading →

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Believe Who You Are, Do What You Must

Posted on May 8, 2012 by Carl Simmons

As I read David Alves’ book, a thought came to me… and roll with me on this. I wonder if… a) our current unwillingness to claim and live out of our status as sons and daughters of God is, in … Continue reading →

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Bullet-List the Blue Sky

Posted on May 1, 2012 by Carl Simmons

This book, regarding the idols we have in our lives, has gotten some serious props from other sectors (not the least of them being Rick Warren, who contributes the foreword). But it won’t be getting much of that here. Perhaps … Continue reading →

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The Joy of Scandal

Posted on April 27, 2012 by Carl Simmons

To be honest, I liked this far more than I expected going in. Then again, knowing nothing about the author, I was expecting a book coming out of a “bunker mentality.” Thankfully, this (and he) is nothing of the sort. … Continue reading →

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Lay Down Your Future: a small-group session

Posted on April 20, 2012 by Carl Simmons

This  session is based upon the following past devotionals—refer back, or forge ahead at yr discretion (the one place you’ll need to re-read is hyperlinked): Lay Down Your Anxiety Lay Down Your Doubt Lay Down Your Goals Lay Down Your … Continue reading →

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…Because He First Loved Us

Posted on April 18, 2012 by Carl Simmons

The premise of William Smith’s latest book is a simple but profound one: We can only love others as well as we can receive and recognize Jesus’ love for us. The rest of the book is a matter of learning … Continue reading →

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Lay Down Your Fears

Posted on April 9, 2012 by Carl Simmons

A great deal of the sin in our lives is little more than a lame attempt to “protect” ourselves from the possibility of being sinned against. Whether it’s a pre-emptive strike or a full-scale retreat, we’ll do just about anything … Continue reading →

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