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 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 | 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 5, 2017 | Apostle, Church, Courage, Five-Fold Ministry, Humility, Leadership, Ministry, Reconciliation, Truth, Wisdom
I saw a recent interchange on a social media account where people were condemning a nationally recognized pastor about the style and substance of his ministry. The condemning volleys were fired from the misinformed distance provided to the accusers by a Google search...
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 17, 2017 | Courage, Kingdom of God, Peace, Power, Promise, Reconciliation, Revival, Spiritual Warfare, Wisdom
I recently wrote in response to a friend who asked me why he was experiencing such a high level of frustration and anxiety with the current condition of our culture. I said to him, “All news is bias and all bias is news.” You and I are being served a meal of...
