bill elliff

“Did you ask for peanuts, toys, trinkets, or did you ask for continents? I want to tell you, young people, it's tragic! The little itsy-bitsy things we ask of our Almighty God. Sure, nothing is too small – but also nothing is too big.” -Dawson Trotman

Do you know yourself? Read more ... billelliff.org/blogs/news/the…

It is critical for genuine followers of Christ and the churches they fill to recognize and respond to something important. Read more ... billelliff.org/blogs/news/har…

I love this so much. But not as much as God Himself does. Read more ... billelliff.org/blogs/news/pur…

A PRAYER AGAINST TERRORISM (Taking a Geo-BIBLICAL Posture) On this day, March 6, 2026, the United States is one week into a massive, unprecedented war against Iran, joined by Israel and a growing host of allies. Iran has been led for 47 years by extremely wicked leaders who are bent on the destruction of Israel and also the United States and all free people. Recently, they committed mass genocide, killing over 30,000 of their own people who were protesting against the evil of the current regime. All of us have heard the reporting. I have dear friends in Israel who have been under the evils of this wicked regime and its attacks for decades. While regretting the horrors of war, many say they are grateful for what is happening and hopeful that this present conflict could resolve the problem and lead to genuine peace for the Middle East and freedom for innocent, precious Iranian people. (We have heard in recent years of a mighty revival going on in Iran, leading thousands into the kingdom of God through Christ. But these spiritual movements have been met with constant persecution and death. It may be that their prayers and sacrifice are precisely what have ascended to heaven to bring God’s aid in this current moment. And also, could it be that the opening of Iran to freedom could usher in a massive spiritual awakening, fueling what is now stirring across the world?) PSALM 64 If you want to understand some of what is happening right now, and pray in a Biblical way about the conflict, join in David’s God-inspired prayer in Psalm 64. It reads like the nightly news right now. 1 God, hear my voice when I am in anguish. Protect my life from the terror of the enemy. 2 Hide me from the scheming of wicked people, from the mob of evildoers, 3 who sharpen their tongues like swords and aim bitter words like arrows, 4 shooting from concealed places at the blameless. They shoot at him suddenly and are not afraid. 5 They adopt an evil plan; they talk about hiding traps and say, “Who will see them?”, 6 They devise crimes and say, “We have perfected a secret plan.” The inner man and the heart are mysterious. (Psalm 64:1-6) Read those words carefully again. It describes with astounding precision exactly what has been happening inside this wicked regime. This was the God-inspired prayer of King David in his day, one of the godliest, most beloved, wisest leaders in human history. He sees his enemies, and with Divine insight, he describes exactly what they are doing. And then, he speaks with the same spiritual eyes into what God is doing in answer to his prayers against the terrorism of wicked enemies. See if it doesn’t read like a stunning description of the last seven days. 7 But God will shoot them with arrows; suddenly, they will be wounded. 8 They will be made to stumble; their own tongues work against them. All who see them will shake their heads. (Psalm 64:7-8) The actions and reactions of the evil men who have held an entire nation captive for decades have been extraordinarily odd. · Why would they gather all of their leaders in one building when they knew an attack was imminent, making themselves an easy target for retribution? · Why would they do it a SECOND TIME, losing the next tiers of their leadership? · And, most confusing, why would they begin to viciously attack THEIR OWN ALLIES in the region? Their actions have served to unite the region against them, serving to powerfully strengthen the hand of the United States and Israel in their attempt to swiftly deprive an evil government of horrific nuclear capabilities. Don’t foolishly think that what is happening is only led by our military leaders behind closed doors. Look higher. BUT GOD In all such conflicts in human history, when evil has reached an untenable point, and particularly when God’s people begin to cry out (think of not only of our prayers, but the cries of all the believers in Iran for God’s help, day and night—for His aid in their deliverance and freedom for their children), God hears and answers prayer. He never leaves His throne. He rules over the affairs of men. He brings justice in due time. And, particularly, in my humble opinion, when they lift their hands against the Jewish people (it did not end well, as you recall, for Hitler, bringing a bitter and just end to his tyranny and mass genocide) What David speaks of is coming true before our eyes. God, through human means, is “shooting them with arrows, suddenly they (have been) wounded. They have been “made to stumble, and their own tongues work against them.” Their responses are so counter-intuitive and bizarre that “all who see them shake their heads.” But also notice to whom these just actions are attributed: “But God” (Psalm 64:7) If we are wise, we will not attribute this sudden, unusual dissolution of a half-century oppression from wicked leaders to the military might of Israel and the United States and other allies alone. Although we are incredibly grateful for our men and women who serve so faithfully, and astounded at the capabilities of our military, even our leaders themselves are acknowledging a higher Help. There should be a constant, grateful acknowledgement on our part, just like David. Look what ultimately happened as God’s people prayed and God delivered them from evil enemies. Then everyone will fear and will tell about God’swork, for they will understand what He has done. (Psalm 64:9) EVIL IN THIS AGE This world has been and will be plagued with the evil that comes from godless men who forsake any semblance of reliance on the One who made them. When they find a growing seam for their wickedness, it can expand to points where it destroys whole nations of people. But God sees and rules. In due time, He brings justice to the oppressed and deliverance from terror. May He help us now, protecting all of our military and the leaders who are involved in this massive engagement. May he eliminate every wicked ruler who lifts their hands against God and innocent men and women and boys and girls. May He bring peace to Israel and the whole region. May He open the doors of closed nations so the gospel can go in unabated, perhaps ushering in the last great spiritual harvest. And may He turn millions of hearts to the One who came so they might have life eternally and abundantly.

Do you want to understand what's happening in the world right now and cooperate with God in prayer? David has the insight we need. Read more ... billelliff.org/blogs/news/a-p…

“Do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?” Romans 2:4 Every single day the sun rises. The rains fall. The oxygen abounds. The diaphragm works all night. Repent. Repent. Repent. Every kindness speaks.

HE’S JUST BETTER Everyone must decide. In fact, to make no decision, in this case, is a tragic decision. But each of us is faced with an option, and how you decide determines the entire course of your life. David, the mighty warrior-poet of Israel made his decision early. He comes in Psalm 63 to explain it. God, you are my God; I eagerly seek you, I thirst for you; my body faints for you in a land that is dry, desolate, and without water So I gaze on you in the sanctuary to see your strength and your glory (Ps.63:1-2) OUR CHOICE … is between Gods. Will we choose the Lord God, Jehovah, or the gods of this world? It’s not complicated. David proclaimed his affections. “God, You are my God,” he said. Period. Why did he make such a decision? Look at the options. If you choose the gods of this world you will live in a “land that is dry, desolate, and without water.” Jesus said it was a “sinful and adulterous generation” (Mark 8:38). Is this what you want? But in Psalm 63, he speaks of the option of making God Himself our God and David gives the rationale: God is just better. Your lovingkindness is better than life … You satisfy me as with rich food. (Psalm 63:3,5) ONCE MAKING … God his God, David’s life shows the daily passions of one who is in love with the Divine. · I eagerly see you · I thirst for you · My body faints (yearns) for you · I gaze on you in the sanctuary · My lips glorify you · I will bless you as long as I live · I will lift up my hands · I will praise you with joyful lips · I think of you when I lie on my bed · I rejoice in the shadow of your wings · I follow close (cling, draw near) to you as Your right hand holds on to me. A BETTER LIFE Chrysostom, one of the early church Fathers, said that “among the early Christians it was the custom that no day should pass without the public singing of this Psalm.” It was the daily reminder of the value of God. Making the best choice translates into the best life. Nothing can compare with the future of one who has come to see that the triune God is the “pearl of great price” and the “treasure hidden in the field.” Nothing can match a life that is wholly pursuing Him … and Him alone.

Perhaps the greatest key to parenting I know ... billelliff.org/blogs/news/doe…

MARK 7 DO YOU HAVE YOUR CHILDRENS' HEARTS? and DOES GOD HAVE YOURS? My wife and I have raised eight children. (Whew!) There were the normal bumps and bruises along the way, mistakes made, lots of forgiveness sought for and given. And we had our share of really hard moments. Teenage rebellions, Satan’s intrusions in the lives of our kids, etc. By the great grace of God, all of them are now grown, married, and walking with Christ. (With 27 of their own kids in tow!) KEEPING THEIR HEART We are often asked how we did it. There is much to say and we’re certainly not the perfect examples. For me, I would say FIRST—marry a great, godly, pioneering, faith believing wife who is tenacious for her children. No substitute for that. But one bit of counsel we often give is this: Keep their hearts. In other words, whatever you do, make sure that they know you love them and that you make every sacrifice in time and attention and affection to make sure that they love you also at the end of the day … even when their struggling. A sign of this would be that the child always knows they can walk through the door, right into your heart, and regardless of the moment, they will always be loved and accepted, even if discipline is needed (and we did a lot of disciplining). Pray for this. Evaluate your parenting with this question: “Do we still have their heart?” Adjust your parenting as needed. And, without question, the greatest question is this, “Does GOD have their hearts? Are they loving Him and following Him well?” JESUS SAID IT When confronted by some hypocritical Pharisees, Jesus quoted Isaiah in this regard. ‘This people honors Me with their lips, But their heart is far away from Me. (Mk. 7:6) The hypocrites’ hearts were distant from the One who made them. This was not because of a lack of God’s love, but their choices to go their own way. A good question to ask daily in your relationship with Him is this, “Do you have my heart, Lord? Are you pleased and blessed by where my heart is with You?” Remember the greatest command? We are to love the Lord our God, with all our hearts. One of the things my parents often said was that they wanted their children to know that they loved the Lord above everything else. Focus on this—in your life and your children’s—and you’ll do well.

This is so good from J.D. Greear. I would also add, that we would pray for the peace of Jerusalem. I have been in constant contact with one of my dear friends there, a converted Jew. The tension of war has opened up many conversations about Christ in Israel. And, we have great reports in the last few years of a great movement of God in Iran. Father, use the pressure of these days to open up hearts to the gospel EVERYWHERE.

If you’re alone in life, due to the death of your spouse, you can still pray without ceasing! 🙏🏽 ⏳ “She who is truly a widow, left all alone, has set her hope on God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day” (1 Timothy 5:5)

If you really want to be effective in ministry, read this and learn from the best. Read more ... billelliff.org/blogs/news/12-…

The curse of prayerless preachers is powerless pulpits, which produces problem pews— Stephen Olford

12 WAYS TO DISCIPLE OTHERS LIKE JESUS It didn’t take long. Jesus knew He had a brief 36 months to train a band of men who would be used to change the world. An inner core of three (Peter, James, and John) and then another nine men comprised the twelve disciples. Notice carefully what He did. 1. PRAYERFUL, DELIBERATE SELECTION And He went up on the mountain and summoned those whom He Himself wanted, and they came to Him. (Mk. 3:13) These were not random men, but His choices came out of a full night of communion with His Father. These were God-picked men, even Judas who would serve a Divine purpose. And his personal preferences in the selection played a part—these were men whom “He Himself wanted.” 2. TIME IN HIS PRESENCE And He appointed twelve, so that they would be with Him (Mk. 3:14) His plan was not a book study merely (although they would be with Him in formal times of teaching), or an experience (of which they had many with Him). It was all of that and more because His key in discipling them was PRESENCE. They were to be with the Son of God IN HIS PRESENCE, observing how He lived and prayed and ministered and loved and even suffered and died and rose again. His training plan was immersive. It was in His presence, and only there, they would receive the preparation and power they needed. We must spend time simply walking and living with those we’re training. And, even more important, we must walk with them into the very presence of God and teach them how to abide there, for everything flows from God’s presence. 3. INTENTIONAL MINISTRY TRAINING … that He could send them out to preach, and to have authority to cast out the demons. (Mk 3:14-15) Jesus was not merely gaining a few friends or spending time with no intentionality. He knew from the beginning that He was getting them ready to GO, to be SENT OUT on a mission. That mission was two-fold: to PROCLAIM A MESSAGE OF REPENTANCE and DO MINISTRY that would bring deliverance and healing to those they encountered. He had to get them ready to do those things. We see this further in Mark 6:7. His training was all geared to this end result and, ultimately, the end result of Matthew 28:19-20 and Acts 1:8. And He summoned the twelve and began to send them out in pairs (Mk 6:7) 4. TEACH JOINT MINISTRY Jesus never sent them out alone, for obvious reasons. Ministry is best done with others. Never let them do silo ministry. And He summoned the twelve and began to send them out in pairs (Mk 6:7) 5. EMPOWER THEM WITH GOD-GIVEN AUTHORITY His disciples knew that He had authority over the enemy (for they had observed it in His presence). Now, He deliberately gave them that delegated authority and helped them know they had it. Although we do not give this authority like Jesus (only He can do that), we must help those we disciple know that they have that authority through Christ and how to use it. and gave them authority over the unclean spirits (Mk. 6:7) 6. BUILD A FAITH OPERATING SYSTEM THROUGH FAITH TESTS … and He instructed them that they should take nothing for their journey, except a mere staff—no bread, no bag, no money in their belt—but to wear sandals; and He added, “Do not put on two tunics. (Mk. 6:8-9) God has one operating system with men—faith. We must learn how to depend upon Him and not ourselves. Every experience in life is about this. It is always the “purpose of the exercise.” Jesus put them in positions where they had to operate this way to train them. We should relate every experience of life to our disciples to faith, helping them to live by faith and minister by faith. 7. SENT THEM OUT ON THEIR OWN IN FOCUSED MINISTRY They went out and preached that men should repent. And they were casting out many demons and were anointing with oil many sick people and healing them. (Mk. 6:12-13) They must have been fearful at this prospect, but Jesus sent them right out into the battle, with instructions, authority, and empowerment to do what they would soon do in every moment of their lives. 8. DEBRIEF AND EVALUATE EVERYTHING The seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.” And He said to them, “I was watching Satan fall from heaven like lightning. Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you.” (Lk. 10:17-19) He talked with them about what had just happened and what that meant and how it was to be used in the future. 9. KEEP THEM FOCUSED ON THE MAIN THINGS They went out and preached that men should repent. And they were casting out many demons and were anointing with oil many sick people and healing them. (Mk. 6:12-13) Jesus trained them in two things: proclaiming the message of the gospel and taking authority over the enemy to deliver and heal people. Then He sent them out to do these two simple things: nothing more, nothing less. Wise is the trainer who keeps it simple. If our training doesn’t equip people for this, we have missed the mark. 10. HELP THEM STAY HUMBLE “Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven.” (Lk. 10:20) Turning to the disciples, He said privately, “Blessed are the eyes which see the things you see, for I say to you, that many prophets and kings wished to see the things which you see, and did not see them, and to hear the things which you hear, and did not hear them.” (Lk. 10:23-24) He reminded them that ministry was a privilege and honor. That they should always be humble and grateful. It helped them understand that what they were doing was not of their own ability, but was a gift from a gracious God, and that their greatest joy should be that God had saved sinners like themselves. 11. HELP THEM STAY BALANCED AND RESTED And He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while.” (For there were many people coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.) They went away in the boat to a secluded place by themselves. (Mk. 6:31-32) Jesus taught them to work hard and rest well. Both are essential for extended, fruitful ministry. 12. PRAY FERVENTLY WITH JOY AND THANKSGIVING FOR THOSE YOU LEAD! At that very time He rejoiced greatly in the Holy Spirit, and said, “I praise You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed them to infants. Yes, Father, for this way was well-pleasing in Your sight. All things have been handed over to Me by My Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.” (Lk. 10:21-22) Jesus prayed before they were selected, prayed as they trained together, and prayed after they went out. His whole method of discipling was to bring the Father into the equation through prayer. If we want to raise disciples like Jesus, we must pray. With prayer, we get God’s results in their lives. Without prayer, we are discipling them alone.

ARE YOUR PRAYERS LIFE-DESTROYING OR LIFE-GIVING? People are always crying out to Jesus, always praying. Some prayers are tragic and destructive. Some people are asking things of God of which they are not even aware. But others are begging God in prayer in ways that bring healing and life. Many have no idea how to pray, but they know enough to come to the right Source to find life. How are you praying today? Notice the six prayers found in one chapter, Mark 5. See if you find yourself, or those you love, in any of these moments. PRAYER #1: THE PRAYER OF A DEMON-POSSESSED MAN One man was so full of demons that he was banned to live in the tombs outside the city. He was constantly “cutting himself” (which helps us understand where the age-old and tragic practice of “cutting” comes from). Listen to his prayer. When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and knelt down before him. And he cried out with a loud voice, “What do you have to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you before God, don’t torment me!” For he had told him, “Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!” “What is your name?” he asked him. “My name is Legion,” he answered him, “because we are many.” And he begged him earnestly not to send them out of the region. (Mk 5:6–10) His prayer was coming from a darker source, the demons who inhabited him. Notice that he “begged” Christ not to send “them” away. Why would you make such a foolish request unless it was driven by the demons who inhabited you? PRAYER #2: THE PRAYER OF DEMONS When the host of demons realized who they were dealing with, THEY began to pray. They were fearful (perhaps) that they would be sent to a worse place, perhaps back to the hell they came from. They cried out for a little reprieve from the One they knew had absolute authority over them. A large herd of pigs was there, feeding on the hillside. The demons begged him, “Send us to the pigs, so that we may enter them.” So he gave them permission, and the unclean spirits came out and entered the pigs. The herd of about two thousand rushed down the steep bank into the sea and drowned there. (Mk 5:11–13) PRAYER #3: THE PRAYER OF FEARFUL, SELF-FOCUSED UNBELIEVERS Next, Jesus is met with the townspeople who were fearful of all that had happened. Instead of rejoicing over a man who had been gloriously delivered, they were more worried about their pigs. They were afraid that Jesus’ presence would upset the status quo, maybe even cost them money. They prayed the most tragic prayer. The men who tended them ran off and reported it in the town and the countryside, and people went to see what had happened. They came to Jesus and saw the man who had been demon-possessed, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. Those who had seen it described to them what had happened to the demon-possessed man and told about the pigs. Then they began to beg him to leave their region. (Mk 5:14–17) Jesus answered their prayers, got into a boat and left. Are you asking God to just leave you alone, perhaps without even realizing the tragedy of your request? PRAYER #4: THE PRAYER OF A GRATEFUL, DELIVERED MAN The next prayer comes from the depths of the soul of the delivered man. He is overwhelmingly grateful and asks Jesus if he can just come with him, wherever He goes. But Jesus answered that prayer by sending him on a mission for the kingdom. He had a greater purpose for him. As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged him earnestly that he might remain with him. Jesus did not let him but told him, “Go home to your own people, and report to them how much the Lord has done for you and how he has had mercy on you.” So he went out and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him, and they were all amazed. (Mk 5:18–20) Are you asking God where you are to go next, who you are to speak to about what God has done for you, so that they may see His great works and be amazed? PRAYER #5: THE PRAYER OF A DESPERATE FATHER Jairus had a 12-year-old daughter who was near death. He was a synagogue leader who, normally, would have been skeptical and questioning about Jesus. But when a father’s heart is challenged, he runs without question or hesitation to where he can find help. His prayer was a bold, begging prayer for help for one he loved. When Jesus had crossed over again by boat to the other side, a large crowd gathered around him while he was by the sea. One of the synagogue leaders, named Jairus, came, and when he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet and begged him earnestly, “My little daughter is dying. Come and lay your hands on her so that she can get well and live.” So Jesus went with him, and a large crowd was following and pressing against him. (Mk 5:21–24) Are you running to Jesus, kneeling before Him and praying for those you love, believing that Christ can help them? Or are you simply worrying? Adopting merely humanistic answers and beliefs? Ignoring Jesus because you don’t believe? PRAYER #6: THE SILENT CRY OF A HOPELESS WOMAN And finally, a woman who had lost all hope because of years of sickness. She had tried every doctor to no avail. Now, without even speaking, her prayer is an outstretched hand to simply touch the hem of Christ’s clothing—a silent prayer that was more effective than anything she had done for years, for the direction of her humble prayer was right … she came to Jesus. Now a woman suffering from bleeding for twelve years had endured much under many doctors. She had spent everything she had and was not helped at all. On the contrary, she became worse. Having heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his clothing. For she said, “If I just touch his clothes, I’ll be made well.” Instantly her flow of blood ceased, and she sensed in her body that she was healed of her affliction. (Mk 5:25–29) Are you looking to everyone and everything else, ignoring the only One who can heal and deliver you? How are you praying today?

You may be praying in ways you don't understand ... even praying prayers that are destructive. Read more billelliff.org/blogs/news/are…

What a good and wise thing ... to drive a stake in the ground of surrender to the Lord because you believe in Him and that His will is "good, acceptable, and perfect."

What happens in gathered worship is meant to feed us long after we leave. Psalm 84 reminds us: “For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere.” Church isn’t just a place we go. It’s a people who long for Him, prepare their hearts, show up expectant, participate fully, and then walk His Word out. When we pursue God’s presence corporately, it fuels how we walk daily. Watch the full sermon “With Him: Seeking His Presence Together” here: djhorton.com/sermons/

@richardaross And ... because it was my experience, I tell them to ask God to give them directions and a clear promise from His Word so they can begin to pray in real faith. This made all the difference for us and has lifted many parents (and, I believe, their kids they love).

What do you say to older adults: 1. with prodigal young adults 2. who reared them as children in a biblical way? 1. Pray 2. Don’t nag or lecture. Pointless. 3. Adore and follow the King 4. Ask for forgiveness for any parenting mistakes 5. Keep the faith. It’s not over yet.