by Garris Elkins | Jul 7, 2020 | Discernment, Discipleship, Fear, Future, Healing, Hope, Mercy, Pride, Relationships
Relationships are being tested. A casual comment or post on social media that creates disagreement can challenge the honor of a relationship. Jesus knew each of us would see life differently, and He still said oneness was possible even in the presence of...
by Garris Elkins | Jun 28, 2020 | Courage, Culture, Fear, Future, Healing, Hope
In the noise of the current social clamor, the voice of the Church can become diluted by politics, personal preferences, and undisciplined emotions. In this back and forth defensive environment, we can defend our preferred position to such a degree that we miss the...
by Garris Elkins | Jun 18, 2020 | Hope, Joy, Promise
Today, I needed to get away from human input and opinion. I went to a place called Lower Table Rock. Lower Table Rock is an immense rock plateau in southern Oregon that rises above our valley. For thousands of years, from native groups to the present day, people...
by Garris Elkins | Jun 15, 2020 | Dreams, Faith, Fear, Future, Hope
No matter how dark or despair-ridden a moment of history might appear, God will always remain faithful and true to His word. In these tense and challenging times, one of our greatest enemies is cynicism. It robs us of hope and steers us away from the very things we...
by Garris Elkins | Jun 14, 2020 | Hope, Integrity, repentance. hope future
In the coming days, many of us will take part in prayer and repentance gatherings to heal our hearts in an attempt to heal our nation. One of the themes for these gatherings is the subject of lament. Lament is an expression of grief and sorrow. The recognition of...
by Garris Elkins | Jun 8, 2020 | Courage, Deliverance, Faith, Fear, Healing, Honor, Hope
Following a feeling of frustration is like the Chinese symbol for a crisis. It offers both danger and opportunity. As I look over Church history, I see believers who followed their unsettled frustrations under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and encountered unique...