by Garris Elkins | Dec 26, 2017 | Change, Creativity, Hope, Kingdom of God, Obedience, Power, Revelation
When I traveled to Russia, I came home with gifts for my family. On Arbat Street in Moscow, I purchased a matryoshka doll, also known as a nesting or stacking doll. These dolls are cylindrical wooden containers with the picture of a person painted on their surface....
by Garris Elkins | Dec 23, 2017 | Faith, Gifts, Kingdom of God, Miracles, Obedience, Power, Promotion, Spirit, Spiritual Warfare, Trust, Vision.
The oil crisis of the early 1970’s and the resulting gas shortage was not a fun time in the United States. Long lines at gas stations appeared, and rationing had become part of our daily life. The speed limit on the freeways was reduced to 55 mph to...
by Garris Elkins | Dec 22, 2017 | Change, Creativity, Culture, Freedom, Gifts, God, Obedience, Promise, Vision.
God is about to bring understanding to the contrasting, and sometimes confusing seasons of your life. One season does not fully define you. The total must be seen in order for each of the parts to be understood. On my first visit to Madrid, Spain, I was invited...
by Garris Elkins | Dec 17, 2017 | Courage, Discipline, Forgivness, Freedom, Humility, Mercy, Miracles, Obedience, Power, Pride, Promotion, Trust, Truth
A few weeks ago someone on Facebook posted something that was insightful, yet troubling because it was painfully true. I impulsively went to hit the “like” button but remembered this person rubbed me the wrong way. I didn’t like the content of his life or...
by Garris Elkins | Dec 16, 2017 | Courage, Death, Deliverance, Discipline, Family, Father, Fathers, God, Justice, Marriage, Mercy, Obedience, Peace, Power, Spiritual Warfare, Trust
When I was a street cop, I wore a bulletproof vest, also known as body armor. My vest was made by a company called Second Chance. It had two panels. One panel covered my chest and the other panel covered my back. I never hit the streets in uniform without wearing my...
by Garris Elkins | Dec 12, 2017 | Apostle, Courage, Discipleship, Five-Fold Ministry, Gifts, Holy Spirit, Obedience, Pride, Provision, Reformation, Revival, Teaching, Truth, Vision.
When I was in the 7th grade, I played the clarinet in our junior high school marching band. I started playing the clarinet in the 5th grade, so I was not an expert. Our band was scheduled to march in a yearly parade in my hometown. One day, about two months before the...