by Garris Elkins | Jun 19, 2018 | Change, Creativity, Deliverance, Faith, Fear, Future, Intimacy, Jesus, Kingdom of God, Thankfulness
As you begin to read these words, I want you to pause for just a moment and pray this simple prayer, “Father, open my eyes to see my life and the world around me with your eyes.” That is an important prayer because so much is standing between our eyes and the reality...
by Garris Elkins | Jun 10, 2018 | Deliverance, Discipline, Faith, Future, Healing, Intimacy, Obedience, Pride, Spiritual Warfare
I have noticed the life, vocabulary, and behavior of people who know they are blessed is defined by words like, thankful, grateful, peaceful, hopeful and joyful. The common thread in these words is the suffix attached to each noun, “ful.” It means to be full of...
by Garris Elkins | May 15, 2018 | Creativity, Dreams, Eternity, Favor, Future, Holy Spirit, Intimacy, Joy, Justice, Prophecy, Revelation, Transition
Distant sounds capture my attention. There are times when I am sitting in my writing chair next to the open window that I can hear those distant sounds. The horn of a train sounding as it travels through the city. A dog barking a warning or birds singing in the...
by Garris Elkins | May 11, 2018 | Deliverance, Discipline, Faith, Fear, Future, Identity, Intimacy, Jesus, Leadership, Ministry, Obedience, Peace, Pride, Trust
I was sending a private note of encouragement to a friend who felt as though their life was stuck. They did not see themselves moving forward in any meaningful direction. My friend felt empty and without emotion. As I was finishing up my note of encouragement, I...
by Garris Elkins | May 9, 2018 | Holy Spirit, Intimacy, Justice, Obedience, Peace, Pride, Redemption, Relationships, Restoration, Spiritual Warfare, Thankfulness, Wisdom, Women
If you feel like running away make sure it is in the right direction. The end of these undisciplined life-sprints will leave you alone, exhausted and without hope. When you cross the finish line you will discover the new destination resembles the starting point where...
by Garris Elkins | Mar 3, 2018 | Courage, Creativity, Faith, Fear, Forgiveness, Identity, Intimacy, Marriage, Relationships, Restoration, Trust, Women
Your life may look full and in synch with God, but only when you put all of it on the table and take a closer look can you see what is missing. Taking inventory from time-to-time is a good thing. It can also be very revealing and at times, painful. Taking inventory...