Garris Elkins

Many of us have felt a sobering seriousness in these days. There is an intensity in the times we are living in. It’s not “business as usual.” We are told to be alert for strategic, opportune times of demonic attacks. This is no time to play games. The consequences of our choices always affect our own well-being and the well-being of others, including future gene...

In 1981, when Jan and I journeyed to Montana with our children to plant our first church, we had no idea what we were doing. We simply had a word from God and decided to act upon that word in faith.

After a few months went by, my parents came for a visit. Mom and dad grew up living the rough and scrabble life of working-class America during the Great Depression. Th...

I will never forget the days, many years ago now, when I turned back to God. In the remaining season of the Jesus Movement, Jan and I connected with a fellowship filled with people who loved God. I can remember the feeling of coming alive. I had a hunger to be taught the Scriptures and to search them out for myself. It was a refreshing time.

Some of us need to feel...

When I look back over my youthful, immature, unwise choices, my old nature dominated my thinking and controlled my mind. I chose my own path, led by my plans, based on my desires. God addressed my foolish choices, just as He did Israel.

He told the prophet: “I gave them over to worthless decrees and regulations that would not lead to life. I let them pollute themsel...

Needing “Just one more thing” is constantly advertised to us, like it was for those who were following Ponce de León in search of the Fountain of Youth. I am reminded of King Solomon’s writings: “Enjoy what you have rather than desiring what you don’t have. Just dreaming about nice things is meaningless—like chasing the wind” (Ecclesiastes 6:9).

We are told we need ...