Don Follis

Do you dare open up and tell the truth to an audience of one?

I coach and mentor people. I ask this question every day: “What is going on?”Occasionally, particularly if I just can’t seem to pinpoint what is going on, I ask some form of this question: “Who are you, anyway?” or “Who is that guy in there?” Those are pointed questions. I know that. But sometimes IContinueContinue reading “Do you dare open up and tell the truth to an audience of one?”

The Beginning of Lent

The sign of the cross, received by millions on Ash WednesdayTonight Jennifer and I joined about 100 community members and University of Illinois students at an Ash Wednesday service at Twin City Bible Church in Urbana, IL. Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent, the 40 day period leading up to Easter.After gathering inContinueContinue reading “The Beginning of Lent”

So who caused this conflict?

His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” “Neither…” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.” John 9:2-3God uses conflict to stretch and challenge us. Author Ken Sande says, the ABCs of spiritual growth are “AdversityContinueContinue reading “So who caused this conflict?”

Coming up with what works, at least until I change my mind

So here’s a very short explanation of how I approach Bible study. I’ve done some version of this since about 1985. Obviously, I’ve put it to the test. It works for me. It may not for you. And yes, I constantly am tweaking it and no, not worrying if I deviate from it. It servesContinueContinue reading “Coming up with what works, at least until I change my mind”

How should we study the Bible, anyway?

I’ve studied the Bible for 35 years for lots of reasons: information and knowledge, to figure out a crisis I’m going through and to help me defend the faith. But without doubt the best thing I try and do daily (if possible) is to study for the purpose of encountering the living God.Bible reading hasContinueContinue reading “How should we study the Bible, anyway?”

Come to me, son … I am coming, Lord

When I want to connect with Jesus I often turn to some of my favorite verses:Matthew 11:28-30New International Version (NIV)28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you willContinueContinue reading “Come to me, son … I am coming, Lord”

This party is way, way bigger than you think

Do you know Jesus’ first recorded miracle?Yep, turning water into wine. John 2:1-12What happens?Wine runs out at a wedding party. Jesus tells the servers to fill 6 large clay jars with water clear to the brim. Each jar holds about 25 gallons. The servers did as Jesus said. (These rather common jars were used forContinueContinue reading “This party is way, way bigger than you think”

Are we serious about healing? … Here is one of the most vital parts!

In my view, here is one of the most important verses in the Bible if we are serious about living in relationship with each other …James 5:16 English Standard Version (ESV)16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has greatContinueContinue reading “Are we serious about healing? … Here is one of the most vital parts!”