Category Archives: Uncategorized

Experience Is the Best Teacher

Posted on November 14, 2011 by Carl Simmons

Who’s the best teacher you’ve ever had—whether it was at school or somewhere else? In what ways did he or she positively impact your life? When have you found yourself in the role of teacher? What did you find rewarding, … Continue reading →

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Lay Down Your Idols

Posted on November 11, 2011 by Carl Simmons

We have been created for worship. Therefore, we will ultimately worship something, even if it’s something less than God. Peter Kreeft, in Christianity for Modern Pagans, aptly points out, “The alternative to theism is not atheism but idolatry.” Even as … Continue reading →

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Of Course My Family Supports This… DON’T They?

Posted on November 9, 2011 by Carl Simmons

When have you told your family about something you really wanted to do—but they didn’t (and/or didn’t want you to do either)? How did that work out? What might have helped them—or you—make the right decision? Sometimes we look back … Continue reading →

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Going to a Better Place… Together

Posted on November 7, 2011 by Carl Simmons

How better to start this week’s devotional than with the words of Jack Nicholson? View them here, then think about this: • Who inspires you to be a better person? • Is it because of his or her actions, because … Continue reading →

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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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