by Garris Elkins | Oct 19, 2017 | Courage, Death, Eternity, Favor, Fear, Future, Joy, Obedience, Peace, Relationships, Resurrection, Trust
In a couple of months, I will turn 68. I knew this time would eventually come, but it always seemed like it was a place in my distant future. Many times now, I am the older pastor in the room with other leaders. I have become a father in the faith. This future...
by Garris Elkins | Oct 17, 2017 | Holy Spirit, Identity, Love, Obedience, Power, Spiritual Warfare
There is a vast difference between being consumed by the love of God or being devoured by a work of hell. The dictionary definition of “consumed” carries with it the meaning, “to do away with completely, to use up”. “Devour” means “to eat up or prey upon...
by Garris Elkins | Oct 6, 2017 | Change, Courage, Discipline, Kingdom of God, Obedience, Peace, Promotion, Reformation, Spirit, Trust, Wisdom
If you are reading this you are most likely using a computer or some handled device to read these words. You know what a default setting is when it comes to electronic machinery. A default setting lets you program a predetermined preference into your computer so that...
by Garris Elkins | Sep 26, 2017 | Justice, Mercy, Obedience, Reconciliation, Redemption, Wisdom
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...
by Garris Elkins | Sep 21, 2017 | Apostle, Discipline, Holy Spirit, Kingdom of God, Obedience, Pride, Reconciliation, Restoration, Truth, Wisdom
I was invited to meet with a group of leaders who were engaging in a challenging conversation regarding a tough decision they had to make. The complexity and possible ramifications of their decision created a tense environment. It became increasingly difficult to find...
by Garris Elkins | Sep 9, 2017 | Apostle, Change, Courage, Faith, Holy Spirit, Leadership, Obedience, Promise, Thankfulness
The photo is the gravestone of my father and mother, Charlie and Lavert Elkins. Their gravestone is located in the Conrad Memorial Cemetery in Kalispell, Montana. I have visited my parent’s grave site each time I traveled back to Kalispell in the last 30 years....
