Category Archives: Uncategorized

Drew Hall and Maddie Follis are engaged! (Wedding: 7/06/13)Drew Hall and Maddie Follis are “discussing theology” recently learned at graduate-level Kanakuk Institute, where they are studying this year in Branson, Missouri. When you’re engaged and stricken with pre-marital giggling, you “discuss theology” while sitting in the middle of empty railroad tracks.You didn’t know that?  Isn’tContinueContinue reading “Best place to “discuss theology” when you are engaged!”

With more than 30,000 denominations in the world, we have plenty of opportunity to pray.  This can be so overwhelming we don’t even know where to start.  Wow, have I felt that a lot.Jesus prayed that we would be one, even as He and his Father are one.  Sometimes I think, “My goodness, talk aboutContinueContinue reading “How to pray for the Church”

[This religion column appeared in section B-3 of the Sunday Champaign-Urbana News-Gazette (2/17/2013).  Currently, the paper does not include their local columnists pieces on their website.  With their permission, here it is.]Don Follis February 17, 2013 column: “Reading the Bible can lead to some major remodeling”One day when I was a student at Kansas StateContinueContinue reading “Reading the Scriptures can lead to some major remoding”

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?”

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?”

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”

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”

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!”