Blog
Two unique events took place when Jesus appeared to His disciples after His resurrection. He appeared to His fearful disciples who were shut behind closed doors. Among other words of affirmation, He said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins,...
When Jesus sent out the twelve disciples, He gave them instructions on how to express their faith. The Lord said, “I am sending you out as sheep among wolves” (Matthew 10:16). The calling to follow Jesus would not be a faith walk in the park. The Lord did not...
The Sermon on the Mount has been romanticized by some without taking what Jesus said to a deeper level. We could call the Sermon on the Mount the Sermon of Doing. Jesus is speaking into a religious system of works that suit the presence of imposters, not a true...
Some people attempt to walk into the future while still wearing the past. In doing so, they carry forward things that are no longer needed in the new season. In the process of transition, they were unable to let go of the past and missed the new assignment God...
It is interesting how a casual glance at my Facebook feed could provide two bookends for much of what I have been processing since the Las Vegas attack. On one Facebook wall. I saw a video by the popular late night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel. Kimmel said in regards...
Be careful what you assume to be the truth. The most logical and well-crafted lie can be hidden in what you are asked to be-LIE-ve on face value. We need both the Word and the Spirit to comprehend what is true. All truth is not written in the Scripture and yet...
Today, I have been numb. I have been numb since I first awakened from a fitful night of sleep at 3:30 a.m. to hear the news coming out of Las Vegas. This is the kind of numbness that does not come from insensitivity to the pain and suffering of others. It is a numbing...
Each year, I have the honor to work with pastors and churches in transition to new leadership. It’s not difficult to work out the practical elements of a transition plan. The challenge comes in the transition we discover that the pastor, a member of the leadership...
What was previously hidden is about to be revealed. What was spoken behind closed doors will be shouted in the city streets. God is about to release supernatural revelation to bring freedom to individuals, cities, and nations. When Jan and I planted our first church...
Yesterday, Jan came into the living room to take a break from editing the final draft of her new book of blessings. She said, “Garris, I just heard the words, “‘Olly, Olly, Oxen free!’ I think the Lord is saying something. ” We both smiled remembering the times as...
Our lives are constantly being filled with opposing opinions on all matters pertaining to life. This has become a place where anger and frustration breed their offspring of division and hatred. The way forward through this morass of opinion and heated emotion will...
I was taken high above a very challenging situation. I was looking down on a house whose roof had been removed revealing the walls that separated each room. Then I saw a person in the interior of the house wondering how they would get out of a very imprisoning...
When I gave Jan the first hug of the morning, I pulled her in extra close. When our faces met, something funny happened. Jan said, "Look at your glasses. They are all fogged up!" Through my foggy lens, I smiled and said, "We still have the passion even at 4:30 in the...
A civil war is taking place within the Church. Instead of firing bullets we are firing personal opinion at opposing ideas. Leading up to this conflict, something unique has taken place. The opinion of those within the Church is now as varied as those outside. No...
As I sat in the police academy as a young almost-a-cop, I heard a lecture from one of the instructors about the difference between the intent and the letter of the law. Every law has both letter and intent. While the letter of the law does have an important place in...