by Garris Elkins | Sep 8, 2017 | Apostle, Courage, Holy Spirit, Leadership, Obedience, Pride, Restoration, Revelation, Spiritual Warfare, Wisdom
There are times when we have to say no to a bad idea. Some of these ill-conceived plans can bring unnecessary harm unless someone stands up and says, “No!” In the early 70’s police departments across American were realizing the need for specialized units who could...
by Garris Elkins | Aug 31, 2017 | Courage, Creativity, Deliverance, Forgivness, Future, Kingdom of God, Obedience, Peace, Pride, Redemption, Restoration, Spiritual Warfare, Transition
Along the ridgeline above me, I saw the remains of an old barbwire fence. Only a few of the posts survived. Those that did were pockmarked with holes the work of decay and weather. On the north-facing side of a solitary post grew a layer of green moss. Tacked to the...
by Garris Elkins | Aug 28, 2017 | Apostle, Church, Courage, Discipleship, Fathers, Five-Fold Ministry, Gifts, Humility, Kingdom of God, Obedience, Peace, Revelation, Word
I read a sad social media interchange between a church leader and the people responding to something he posted. The comment he made appeared flippant and out of tune with God’s heart. I assume it is a comment he now regrets making, maybe not in content but in his...
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 14, 2017 | Joy, Love, Obedience, Prayer, Word
On Sunday morning, I took a bike ride before church. I love the longer daylight hours of summer. They afford me an opportunity to do things the dark mornings of winter do not allow. I was cruising through our small town and felt impressed to take a few turns I don’t...
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...
