Tag Archives: growing out

We’re All on Mission

Posted on July 6, 2011 by Carl Simmons

It’s true. And I didn’t unintentionally leave out the “a” above. But don’t take my word for it…. “I am the true vine and my Father is the gardener. He takes away  every branch that does not bear  fruit in … Continue reading →

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How good is your news?

Posted on June 29, 2011 by Carl Simmons

Go find an old newspaper—the older the better, but week-old is probably enough to make the point. Go ahead; take a few moments to look it over. Do you recall any of the stories you’re reading? Do any of them … Continue reading →

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Should I Stay or Should I Go?

Posted on June 27, 2011 by Carl Simmons

“We are prevented from following in another’s footsteps and are called to an incomparable association with Christ. The Bible makes it clear that every time that there is a story of faith, it is completely original.”—Eugene Peterson, Run With the … Continue reading →

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The Battle of Your Life

Posted on June 22, 2011 by Carl Simmons

“My dear brothers, never forget, when you hear the progress of enlightenment vaunted, that the devil’s best trick is to persuade you that he doesn’t exist!”—Charles Baudelaire, “Le Joueur Généreux” This is a long one, but it needs to be, … Continue reading →

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Help! (or, You Can’t Do It Alone, Part II)

Posted on June 20, 2011 by Carl Simmons

There’s a great series of scenes in the movie Walk the Line, which portray Johnny Cash trying to kick his drug addiction and face the demons that drove him there, especially the tragic death of his older brother when he … Continue reading →

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Living in the Spirit… or not….

Posted on June 15, 2011 by Carl Simmons

Got some fruit handy? Go grab some right now. Try to grab more than one of the same kind; grapes are ideal for this little meditation. Take a few moments to really look your fruit over. Then, look over the … Continue reading →

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Uncovering Our Blind Spots

Posted on June 13, 2011 by Carl Simmons

Think about your last trip down the highway… the last time you tried to switch lanes, then suddenly had to swerve back because someone in your blind spot was coming up, fast. Not a great feeling, was it? You know, … Continue reading →

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We’re In This Together

Posted on June 8, 2011 by Carl Simmons

We often tend to expect more from other Christians, don’t we? Just about as often, though, these expectations set us up for a fall. Scripture in fact says we’re all fallen people. We’re going to let each other down. It’s … Continue reading →

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I Don’t Understand…. But I’m Not Leaving

Posted on June 6, 2011 by Carl Simmons

Who’s the most offbeat friend you’ve ever had? How has your friendship with that person influenced both of you? And for that matter, when have you been the off-beat person in a group? What helped you find the group’s “rhythm” … Continue reading →

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Worship: It’s Not Just Singing

Posted on June 1, 2011 by Carl Simmons

Over the last several Wednesdays, we’ve looked at different ways to respond to and become more connected with God, such as quiet time, prayer, and Bible study. We often refer to them as spiritual disciplines, but all of them are … Continue reading →

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