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

I get a substantial amount of mail from young people who claim to have accepted Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior, and who still seem to struggle with serious sin. I'll tell you quite frankly that I could not condemn one of them, since I'm still in the same struggle myself. The only difference is that those who become serious about their faith will quickly learn that in addition to prayer, attending church and Bible study, Christians are called to practice the simple yet difficult act of "self-control." No amount of religious thinking will substitute for even a moment of prayerful self-control! "Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed." 1 Peter 1:13 Pastor Jim Kilby Your donation spreads good news! www.harvestyouth.org/donate

"Cutting" or "Self-Mutilation" are quite common among certain segments of today's teens. I get a fairly substantial amount of mail on the subject, and I’ve see the telltale marks on even more teens in our teen centers and even at church. Although many may find the concept of purposefully cutting oneself ridiculous, there are actually some very understandable reasons for it. 1. Control issues (feeling out of control or being controlled by parents, society, etc., and wanting something they can control). 2. For attention (usually only cutting in areas where everyone can see the marks or scars). 3. Demonic attacks (or demonic possession). They cut themselves (and do even worse things) because they've begun to believe Satan's lies about their self worth. 4. Numbness--wanting to feel SOMETHING, even if its pain. At any rate (and in any one of these cases), Jesus has got the "real" answer--not something done with a knife when no one's looking, but something done on a cross when everyone was looking! If you or someone you know is involved in cutting themselves, I suggest a thorough read of a workbook by Dr. Neil Anderson called "Ministering the Steps to Freedom in Christ." The issue is really not the self-mutilation, but likely something much deeper and more sinister. "They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes. When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an evil spirit came from the tombs to meet him. This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him any more, not even with a chain. For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones." Mark 5:1-5 Pastor Jim Kilby Your donation spreads good news! www.harvestyouth.org/donate

I got in a momentary disagreement with a friend tonight. We were filling out some paperwork when he insisted it was one date on the calendar, when I thought it was another. I looked at my trusty calendar watch and boldly told him he was wrong. There was one problem, however. Last month only had 28 days, and for some strange reason, I let the days of the month expire without realizing that my watch was wrong. It's now the 14th of the next month, and I just realized I've been several days off for two weeks! It's seems crazy, but my trusty timepiece was in error. All the while I remained positive I was right to trust it--even arguing for whatever it asserted! And... all the time a was in error. I wonder... is there anything you are trusting that is wrong? "There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death." Proverbs 14:12 My friends, I urge you to trust Jesus alone! Pastor Jim Kilby Your donation spreads good news! www.harvestyouth.org/donate

I know I'm no "Letterman," (I'm actually glad about that!) but I still have a few top-ten lists up my sleeve. Here's one I've put together through the years (some borrowed, some original) for dealing with the Enemy. Take some time today to look up these Scriptures. If you've only got a few minutes or don't have a Bible, use Google to get you there fast. You might also file this devotional away for use the next time you feel your under attack. Top 10 List for Dealing With the Enemy 1. Read and memorize the Word (Ephesians 6:17) 2. Know you are not alone (Matthew 28:20) (1 Peter 5:9) 3. Know the enemy's power is limited (1 Peter 5:9) 4. Know there is always a way out of ungodly situations. (1 Cor 10:13) 5. Be humble in all you do. (1 Peter 5:5-6) 6. Go vertical with everything (PRAY!) (Eph 6:18) 7. Deal with sin quickly (Ephesians 4:27) 8. Rejoice that there is never a spiritual war without a purpose (Romans 8:28) 9. Brace yourself for the end (Romans 16:20) 10. Identify yourself with Christ and His sufferings (Romans 8:17) "The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you." Romans 16:20 Pastor Jim Kilby Your donation spreads good news! www.harvestyouth.org/donate

I get a fair amount of mail from young people who think their parents are flat-out crazy! After hearing some of the craziest stories ever, I guess I have to agree with some of them. Often though, what young people see as "crazy" or "out of touch" from their parents can easily be diagnosed as simple communication trouble. It generally can be traced back to when the child started keeping secrets from their parents. Do you remember the day you decided NOT to tell your parents everything? Can you even imagine the look on their faces if they were able to see what actually goes on in your head? Well, you can be sure that your parents have stuff going on in their heads that they don't want you to know about either. Let's face it, we are ALL sinners. We need to acknowledge that and still honor one another. Give your parents the love and respect they deserve simply for being older than you and traveling through more life than you have. If you do, you'll be shocked at how much more they relate to you and how much more you relate to them. Even if you think they're not respectable, honor them anyway--it's the Fifth Commandment after all! And check out this line from the Bible where God speaks about His Son... Do what they ask and you just may make your parents talk like this about you! And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." Matthew 3:17 Pastor Jim Kilby Your donation spreads good news! www.harvestyouth.org/donate

Many people will try to tell you that there is a formula for becoming a strong Christian. Thousands of books have been written, each with the author's own take on the 1, 2. 3's of growing in the Christian faith. Even I have written thousands of devotionals aimed at getting people to acknowledge that their ways are not God's ways and encouraging them to make the necessary changes. The fact remains that simply walking in the truth day by day is the only thing that matters. Inspired by God, King David probably said it best... "LORD , who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman, who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the LORD, who keeps his oath even when it hurts, who lends his money without usury [interest] and does not accept a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken." Psalm 15 Pastor Jim Kilby Your donation spreads good news! www.harvestyouth.org/donate

It's impossible to live for the Lord and still exercise control over your life. Many try, but the truth is that doing so negates the whole concept of "giving your life to the Lord." Consider for a moment who really controls your life. Then, consider if you are not letting Jesus guide your every step, you actually don't have life at all. "Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." Jesus of Nazareth (Matthew 10:39)  Pastor Jim Kilby Your donation spreads good news! www.harvestyouth.org/donate