by Garris Elkins | Sep 17, 2014 | Apostle, Church, Culture, Identity, Leadership, Transition
When I came to Medford, Oregon 15 years ago to pastor what would become Living Waters Church, I remember one particular day shortly after my arrival when the Lord gave me a distinct assignment for our church. I remember the day well. I was driving on an...
by Garris Elkins | Sep 16, 2014 | Church, Faith, Family, Fear, Love
Your unique ethnicity, gender or social status does not provide you with superior insight into the issues of life. Your humanity is what makes your contribution valuable. Paul told the church in Ephesus that God created “one new people” in Christ to become a...
by Garris Elkins | Sep 15, 2014 | Freedom, Honor, Love
When I was thirteen years old, I traveled with my family into the Deep South where my mother grew up. This was in December of 1963 just weeks after President Kennedy was assassinated. We flew to our destination, picked up a car and then drove back home to the...
by Garris Elkins | Sep 14, 2014 | Church, Leadership, Wisdom
Twenty-five years ago, I asked a wise pastor his opinion about the battles he fought over issues of faith. As a younger pastor he was known to have had a history of picking verbal fights with anyone with whom he disagreed. He had thankfully mellowed over...
by Garris Elkins | Sep 10, 2014 | Future, Hope, Peace, Trust
Jan and I live on a quiet street nestled in the foothills of Southern Oregon. We are shielded from much of the noise generated by the communities in valley below. There are times when it is completely silent. This morning in the stillness, I heard the distant and...
