“faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” James 2:17b (NIV) Dear Friends, One thing I've always appreciated about the book of James is that he doesn't dance around the issues! He reminds us that following Jesus Christ involves much more than what we believe, what we say, or even how often we pray. Genuine faith produces genuine action! In James 2:15–16, we're given a powerful illustration. Suppose someone is without adequate clothing or food, and we offer them kind words and wish them well, but do nothing to meet their needs. James asks a simple question: What good is that? Think about it. We can tell someone God loves them. We can assure them we're praying for them. We can even invite them to church. Those are all wonderful things, but what happens when the person standing in front of us is hungry, hurting, frightened, or wondering how they're going to make it through another day? That's when faith needs to roll up its sleeves! We believe wholeheartedly in the power of prayer and the life-changing message of Jesus Christ. Over the years, we've had the privilege of leading many people to Christ. But we've also learned that sometimes people need to experience God's love before they're ready to hear about it. Through Second Harvest Thrift Store , we provide affordable necessities and opportunities for job training. Through Harvest House , we offer encouragement and practical support to people facing difficult circumstances. And through Harvest Helps , we assist individuals and families struggling with financial and other immediate needs. Sometimes ministry means providing clothing or household necessities. Sometimes it means helping someone financially. Other times, it simply means listening to a hurting person and reminding them that they haven't been forgotten. That's what Harvest Youth Ministries is—a ministry that doesn't just talk about compassion but puts it into practice. A ministry that doesn't simply recognize needs but responds to them. And a ministry that gives God the glory for every life touched. Putting the love of Christ into action, together! Pastor Jim Kilby

Whenever the sun is up, it's shining. It's shining even if there are clouds keeping you from being able to see the rays. In fact, it's shining even when it's gone down past the horizon. It's just that you can't see it from your vantage point. It simply is the nature of the sun to shine. Similarly, God is love. It is God's nature to always love. Even if things look differently from your vantage point, you can be sure the problem is with where you are standing, not with God. He cannot help but love, no matter what. "This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him." 1 John 4:9 Pastor Jim Kilby Your donation spreads good news! www.harvestyouth.org/donate

Like many churches, my church has what they call a "worship service." Basically, it's like any church service, with a little more music and prayer mixed in! There's some sitting time, and some standing time, and sometimes even a breaking of bread and sharing of wine. No doubt, I've had some of the most worshipful, meaningful encounters with God during these services, but I've also had times where my mind was a thousand miles away and I left feeling like I hadn't worshiped God at all! Regardless, an onlooker during either occasion would have seen me doing the exact same things. Sit down, stand up, sing, sing, sing! So what's the problem? It's our heart God wants... not our memorized or rambled prayers--and definitely not "worship songs" with words we haven't even considered the meaning of. Is it possible to attend church, even a worship service, and not worship God? You'd better believe it... and it's been going on a loooong time! "These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men." Isaiah 29:13b Give God your heart... and He'll give you His! Pastor Jim Kilby Your donation spreads good news! www.harvestyouth.org/donate

A lot of the older people I know are really wise. Some of them have actually stopped me in my tracks with the unbelievably profound things they've said. At the same time, I know some people who've aged quite a bit and who seem to be clueless. I'm not trying to disrespect anyone, but just trying to be realistic about what I've noticed. It seems that while growing old without the Lord can give a person some level of worldly wisdom, even young people who know Christ and who plug in solidly with the Holy Spirit can run mental and spiritual circles around their elders. "But it is the spirit in a man, the breath of the Almighty, that gives him understanding. It is not only the old who are wise, not only the aged who understand what is right." Job 32:8-9  Pastor Jim Kilby Your donation spreads good news! www.harvestyouth.org/donate

The mother of a teenager recently asked me "Why are young people so angry today?" I think she was just venting, but having helped young people with anger issues for many years, I couldn't hold back giving her a list of what I believe are the top anger causing things young people face today. For starters they seem hopeless, powerless and ignored by adults unless they're in trouble. What's more, they're told that "evolution" is what caused them to even be here in the first place, and there's no hope beyond the grave. How about the strong suggestion that "sex" is something you can do with anyone you like, any time you like, as long as you wear a condom? Deep down they want reasonable boundaries, but instead they're told that each person is free to decide when they are "ready." And how about the fact that most of their parents and even society in general blasts them with the belief that money is the only thing that buys happiness. Friends, we live in what some call a "godless world." I believe just the opposite. There is a god of this world and it is "self!" Unfortunately, "self" will always fail you sooner or later. As long as we fail to point our children to Jesus as the one true HOPE of all mankind, they will continue to be angrier and angrier--regardless of their nationality, religion, gender, social status or race! "May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word." 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17  Pastor Jim Kilby Your donation spreads good news! www.harvestyouth.org/donate

What do you really value? If you're completely honest with yourself, you can simply look at the things you spend your time and money on and get a perfect picture of what you truly love? I'm keeping today's devotional short to give you time to do this quick exercise. Take a piece of scrap paper or a blank computer screen and write these two headings: TIME MONEY Under the headings, just list the things you spend them on, starting with the biggest expenses of either one. When you're finished you'll know exactly why you are (or are not) feeling very close to Christ these days. Pray about any adjustments you need to make, remembering that if Jesus truly is your Lord, He's supposed to be Lord of all your time & your money. For this is what the LORD says: "You were sold for nothing, and without money you will be redeemed." Isaiah 52:3 Pastor Jim Kilby Your donation spreads good news! www.harvestyouth.org/donate

When I first became a Christian, I had a real problem remaining pure and solid in my faith. I would go to church on Sunday and feel like God and I connected, but by sometime on Monday morning I'd be right back into some of my old ways again. This went on for quite some time, but fortunately the Holy Spirit in my heart never let me become comfortable. It was like God was never thinking of not loving me, but certainly was anxious to get both of my feet on the same planet! The same thing will happen in the lives of most who give their lives to Christ, and all those whose faith is sure will one day prove their love for Him by diving in with Him 100%! Anything less is to remain one's own god. Elijah went before the people and said, "How long will you waver between to opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him." 1 Kings 18:21a Pastor Jim Kilby Your donation spreads good news! www.harvestyouth.org/donate

There were quite a few amazing prophets of God in the Old Testament, but in my estimation the most colorful of all of them was Elijah. The way God used Him makes any serious reader of the Scriptures laugh, then cry, and then just sit in amazement! One day, however, even Elijah succumbed to what will inevitably hit every follower of the Lord who for even a minute takes his or her eyes off of God. Elijah got burned out. This immediately left him afraid of things he had never considered being afraid of before. The devil's tools of "fear" and "doubt" found a resting place in Elijah's heart leaving him powerless before men and worthless before God. Fortunately, God intervened on Elijah's behalf. When Elijah could go on no further, he finally called out to his Lord. God comforted him, sustained him, and when Elijah was ready, he put him back on course. There's great hope for all of us in this because we serve the same awesome God! "I have had enough, Lord," he said. "Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors." Then he lay down under the tree and fell asleep. 1 Kings 19:4b-5a  Pastor Jim Kilby Your donation spreads good news! www.harvestyouth.org/donate