by Garris Elkins | Sep 25, 2017 | Church, Courage, Culture, Fear, Kingdom of God, Mercy, Pride, Reconciliation, Reformation, Teaching, Wisdom
It seems like a lot of people are affronted these days. It has become a ministry of sorts. The word affront in the dictionary is defined as “an action or remark that causes outrage or offense.” When challenged, some Christians who have adopted this ministry will...
by Garris Elkins | Aug 26, 2017 | Discipline, Forgiveness, Holiness, Humility, Leadership, Mercy, Obedience, Peace, Prayer, Reconciliation, Relationships, Wisdom
As a young cop, I had to learn about the judicious use of firearms. In my training, there was a term called, “Pray and Spray.” Pray and Spray means that when a threat appears that could cause death or great bodily harm, the undisciplined person will start praying and...
by Garris Elkins | Aug 23, 2017 | Deliverance, Discipline, Favor, Fear, Honor, Kingdom of God, Mercy, Peace, Restoration, Spiritual Warfare, Wisdom, Word
As a young rookie cop, I listened with a blend of anticipation and joy when the old-timers told their stories. I remember one story about a young man with a bad attitude who drove by one of the old-timers. When he passed the cop, the young man extended his hand out...
by Garris Elkins | Aug 13, 2017 | Creativity, Discipleship, Father, Giving, Honor, Hope, Identity, Mercy, Obedience, Redemption
My father was a contractor. He built houses. Most of my summers were filled with manual labor on his job sites. My brother and I were my father’s backhoe. I spent many a hot summer day down in a ditch with a pick and shovel. Our crew was a constantly changing group...
by Garris Elkins | Aug 9, 2017 | Church, Courage, Culture, Freedom, Future, Hope, Kingdom of God, Mercy, Promise, Spiritual Warfare
When life takes a dangerous turn people do not want a Barney Fife of Mayberry version of a police department, a spineless government or friends who turn their backs on them in a time of threat or impending conflict. The right for people to live a peaceful and...
by Garris Elkins | Aug 7, 2017 | Courage, Discipline, Forgiveness, Freedom, Humility, Mercy, Obedience, Reconciliation, Relationships, Spiritual Warfare
Each of us will encounter an occasional anonymous critic. If you open your mouth and express your opinion you will have someone who has no relationship with you pull out their fillet knife of correction and attempt to cut you down to their size. These are people whose...
