"Jesus replied, 'And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition?'" Matthew 15:3 There's something about human nature that can make each of us do silly things at times. "Church folks" are no exception to that rule. I'm always stunned and amazed at our ability to burden Christ's sheep with "stuff" they must do (or not do) to be right with God. Clearly, there are commandments that Jesus and the early disciples passed on to us, but many of the things we "command" in churches today have no real Scriptural basis. For example, I once heard someone snottily remark, "You don't go to church on Wednesday night?" to another church member. Sure, getting together in God's house is an awesome thing to do... but is it something to look down on someone else for if they miss a night? Isn't "judging" also condemned by Christ? The way I see it, "human nature" can be easily translated "sin nature." Will we ever understand, that our Lord died to free us from the unyielding bonds of the Law? We are free... free to follow our Lord with all our hearts! "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." Galatians 5:1 Pastor Jim Kilby Your donation spreads good news! www.harvestyouth.org/donate

"The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man's inmost parts." Proverbs 18:8 "Hey, did you hear about...?" There's just something about gossip (intimate, private or sensational stores told about someone behind their back) that causes the sinful ear to want to lean in and listen. What's probably worse, is then the sinful mouth wants to share what it hears with another set of ears. The Christian must fight the urge to gossip at any level. Gossip has a way of destroying people and their reputations like little else. If "doing unto others as you would have them do unto you" (words of Jesus Himself) has any bearing in the world, it no doubt applies to gossip. Honestly, would you want gossip being spread about you behind your back? So, the next time someone says, "Hey, did you hear about....?" You might ask if it's gossip they're trying to share. If it is, tell them you won't be a party to it. If they think your a freak, tell them you're a Jesus freak! "A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends." Proverbs 16:28 Pastor Jim Kilby Your donation spreads good news! www.harvestyouth.org/donate

Throughout Scripture, God has had a problem with people who sit on the fence between serving Him and serving whatever else their eyes are on. While that may not seem like something that effects too many people, I believe it effects all of us from time-to-time at one level or another. What's interesting is that it also effects Christians. We say Jesus is our Lord, but then our eyes wonder here and there, often serving ourselves rather than our God. While the Old Testament is full of examples where people almost systematically invented gods they could serve instead of the real God, sometimes it seems like New Testament believers haven't gotten much more sophisticated. So the question remaining is this: Are you serving God, or someone or something else? "So Ahab sent word throughout all Israel and assembled the prophets on Mount Carmel. Elijah went before the people and said, 'How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.'" 1 Kings 18:20-21 Pastor Jim Kilby Your donation spreads good news! www.harvestyouth.org/donate

" Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2, NIV) Dear Friends, There are seasons in life when the weight of this world feels especially heavy. Families face unexpected hardship, young people wrestle with anxiety and loneliness, and many quietly carry burdens no one else can see. Yet in every season, God remains faithful. His Word reminds us, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." (Psalm 46:1). At Harvest Youth Ministries, we have the privilege of seeing that truth lived out every week. We meet individuals who feel forgotten, discouraged, or overwhelmed, and we watch as the Lord brings hope through simple acts of love, encouragement, prayer, and practical help. Time after time, God proves that no situation is beyond His reach and no life is beyond His restoration. Because of your faithful giving and prayers, out ministry continues through programs like Harvest Helps, where we work to identify and meet real needs for young people and families in our community and solve them immediately - usually within hours! Sometimes that means helping with food, transportation, clothing, household needs, or connecting someone to resources during a crisis. Other times it simply means listening, praying, and reminding someone they are not alone. Through Harvest House, Second Harvest Thrift Store, and our ongoing outreach efforts, doors are always opening for meaningful conversations and opportunities to share the love of Christ. Thank you for being a part of this mission. Your support is more than generosity - it is a lifeline to many who need hope. Please continue praying for those we serve, that each practical act of kindness would also point hearts toward the healing grace and saving love of Jesus Christ. Blessings in Christ, Pastor Jim Kilby

“The Son can do nothing by Himself; He can do only what He sees His Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.” John 5:17 Friends, Sometimes a fundraiser is just a fundraiser, and a thrift store is just a thrift store. Over 18 years ago, we set out with a simple plan—to support the ministry by selling donated items and generating income. Yet how often does God take what we see as support work and turn it into something far greater than we ever imagined? Recently, I was sharing with Aaron how this time of year often feels a little slower with Harvest Helps—fewer requests, fewer meetings, fewer immediate needs. He responded by pointing out how the thrift store has actually been a hotbed of spiritual activity over the past few weeks. It was a good reminder of just how much ministry happens there every single day. One of our employees recently strengthened our volunteer program, and we’ve welcomed several individuals through “return-to-work” programs. These are people recovering from job-related injuries who volunteer with us while still being paid by their employers until they’re ready to return to their regular roles. At first, we simply saw it as a practical blessing—extra help easing our workload—and we thanked God for it. But, in true God fashion, He wasn’t finished. What we initially saw as a logistical blessing has become something far greater. During their time at the store, these volunteers are consistently exposed to the gospel. We don’t hide the faith behind what we do—we’re open about the “why” of both the store and the ministry. Sometimes we can answer their questions directly and share the gospel clearly; other times, we simply look for ways to quietly love and serve them, demonstrating God’s love in action. Imagine showing up to work and finding people praising the Lord, confessing sin, and encouraging one another. This happened just last week. Imagine hearing about someone who had walked away from the faith now running back to Christ. Imagine being asked to pray with someone by the dumpster because they’ve heard, “those people love Jesus.” Ministry is all around us—and God is inviting us to join Him in it. CELEBRATIONS!!! Ms. C – Received household items after moving from a shelter into a new home with her kiddos! Mr. B – Received rent after being out of work due to health issues and hospitalization. Ms. L – Received groceries for herself and her six kiddos after losing her job. Blessings, Elizabeth Kilby

When I was just a young boy, I remember screaming to my sisters, "You're not the boss of me!" whenever they'd try to assert some form of discipline in my life. Since I was older, I thought I should have been the boss of them! Besides, they weren't the mom and dad... even though they were most likely asserting mom and dad's rules! Something similar happened several times in the New Testament as the early Apostles, disciples and church leaders asserted the authority Christ gave them. On one occasion, Paul was given a test to pass to prove that He was speaking with God's authority and blessing. Having passed the test, Paul gave the people a similar challenge to test themselves. It's a test that can still easily determine whether or not someone is a follower of Christ. For anyone "in Christ," the Spirit of God will be living in them and the fruit of the Sprit will be rapidly asserting control as the believer allows their own sinful desires to be exterminated. The fruit of the Spirit, "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control" (Gal 5:22) are unmistakable. "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you--unless, of course, you fail the test? Pastor Jim Kilby Your donation spreads good news! www.harvestyouth.org/donate

"The god of this age [Satan] has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God." 2 Corinthians 4:4 If the things of God are clear to you--that is you understand and have accepted the Gospel of Jesus Christ as Truth and have invited Him to be your Lord and Savior, then you have been blessed beyond belief. What unfortunately happens to many who've been so blessed is they initially start their walks with Christ with passion and grace, but wind up ignorantly judging those who are still controlled by the enemy. All is not lost, since Almighty God is and will always be more powerful than the one we call "the god of this age." Instead of arrogance and judgementalism, we should instead remember where we come from and pray for those who are still there! "As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient." Ephesians 2:1-2 Pastor Jim Kilby Your donation spreads good news! www.harvestyouth.org/donate

I always think it's ironic when someone who has no knowledge of the Bible claims a Christ follower, "Doesn't act like a Christian!" As a minister its happened to me many times, and if you're a born-again Christian it's either happened to you or it will someday soon. While it's important to reach out to the unsaved world, it's also important to understand motives of those who are not Christians will often be to tear you down and make you afraid to act out your faith. Whether they know it or not, they are on the payroll of the evil one, doing his bidding with their words and deeds. So stand strong! If their comments have any merit, then make the change that's necessary. If not, then press on! The Lord's your Judge and your mission is irrevocable. "As far as the gospel is concerned, they are enemies on your account; but as far as election is concerned, they are loved on account of the patriarchs, for God's gifts and his call are irrevocable." Romans 11:28-29 Pastor Jim Kilby Your donation spreads good news! www.harvestyouth.org/donate