Remember the operable phrase: “As far as it depends on you!”

When dealing with difficult people, have you ever recognized your limits?  Of course you have if you have children, or if you work with people or go to church with people.  Some people, for whatever reason, will not admit that you are right, and they will not live at peace with you.  Sounds like theyContinue reading "Remember the operable phrase: “As far as it depends on you!”"

Three of the “must ponder during Lent” verses

1 Timothy 1:15-17New International Version (NIV)15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an exampleContinue reading "Three of the “must ponder during Lent” verses"

Easter is coming … Christ is coming … Hold on! Hold on! Hold on!

During the Vietnam War the U.S. averaged 150 dead a week for seven years.  In World War II, we lost about 300 men every day for four years.  In the Civil War, 400 Americans a day, Union and Confederate, died from the battle of Ft. Sumter (April 1861) to Appomattox (April 1865 when the SouthContinue reading "Easter is coming … Christ is coming … Hold on! Hold on! Hold on!"

100 % God; 100% Human… Our Lord and Savior

This is one of the great passages to read and ponder during Lent...Hebrews 2:14-18New International Version (NIV)14 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—15 and free those who all theirContinue reading "100 % God; 100% Human… Our Lord and Savior"

A strange & troubling dream

Antoni Ciseri's 1871 "Ecce Homo -- Behold the Man"I thought of this famous painting this morning when I read Matthew 27.  Matthew's Gospel alone mentions Pilate's wife telling him to have nothing to do with Jesus.  She told her husband of a troubling dream and said, “Don’t have anything to do with that innocent man,Continue reading "A strange & troubling dream"

Sitting quietly to reflect on one of the great and profound mysteries

Early this morning I read the 3 passages below through twice very slowly, trying to notice every word, every emotion. I tried to imagine the look on the face of Jesus and the look on the face of Judas. Then I sat for several minutes and looked at the texts, pondering the deep mystery of God'sContinue reading "Sitting quietly to reflect on one of the great and profound mysteries"

God is speaking to you — right now, this very second!

I am fascinated by how God speaks to his creatures.  He is the potter, after all.  Each of us came from the dust of the earth.  That makes us, well, mud.  Okay, clay, if that makes you feel better. "Good morning, Mr. Play-Doh."And yet, God breathes life into each of us.  God then fills usContinue reading "God is speaking to you — right now, this very second!"

Lots of new chances … Starting today!

[This religion column appeared in section B-3 of the Sunday Champaign-Urbana News-Gazette (3/04/2013).  Currently, the paper does not include the columns of their local columnists on their website.  With their permission, here it is.]Don Follis column; March 3, 2013: “Enjoy the day full of lots of first chances”  When my daughter was a student atContinue reading "Lots of new chances … Starting today!"