Tag Archives: spiritual friendship

Pay It Forward: discipleship version

Posted on July 18, 2011 by Carl Simmons

If you’ve never seen the movie Pay It Forward, you’ve probably at least heard the concept, although you may or may not have been given the full picture. Usually it’s portrayed as: One person does a good, unselfish deed for … Continue reading →

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Remaining As You Go

Posted on July 11, 2011 by Carl Simmons

Think about the last time you went crazy with an ice-cream sundae—or pizza, or for you more diet-conscious types let’s make it a salad. Why did you pick the toppings you did? How would other toppings have affected it differently? … Continue reading →

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Lay Down Your Sin

Posted on July 8, 2011 by Carl Simmons

That’s right; I said it. And in the weeks to come we’ll break this down into much smaller pieces. Today, however, is about defining our terms—and our solution. Because no matter where you are in relation to Jesus, “sin” is … Continue reading →

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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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What Are YOUR Re-Reads?

Posted on June 23, 2011 by Carl Simmons

Consider this one light and personal. Or a mandate to get into some heavy reading. Or an excuse to mutter, “He clearly has too much time on his hands.” Your call. Anyway, since it’s Thursday (i.e., Other Voices Day) I’m … 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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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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