Have you ever watched a newly caged animal trying to get out? Even the simplest form of animal can often find a way to free itself. The other day I sat and watched a raccoon trying to get into a "raccoon proof" trash can. It took him (or maybe her!) a few minutes, but it was "dinner time" at the trash can before I could believe it. Oftentimes I write these devotionals and you would think I was the meanest guy ever if you read my return mail. With what seems like similar enthusiasm, people will often do just about anything to convince me that I'm wrong on my stance on an issue. If they can't convince me I'm wrong, then sometimes they'll just curse me and unsubscribe. Frankly, even a simpleton like me can generally see right through the arguments. People who have decided in their hearts that they want to do something (or don't want do something) will spend an unbelievable amount of time and energy looking for loopholes. They'll search high and low for a reason why, or a reason why not! I'm often reminded that "Christians" throughout the last 2000 years have been searching for ways to justify their sinful actions, many even misusing Scriptures to justify the most terrible of crimes. Just imagine if we spent as much time trying to find ways to DO the things our Lord has commanded as we spend trying to convince ourselves, others, and even Him that we shouldn't have to! "Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?" Luke 6:46  Pastor Jim Kilby Your donation spreads good news! www.harvestyouth.org/donate

Jesus breaks down walls! When I was younger, I would never have considered hanging out with people who didn't have a lot in common with me. Today, I find I have a lot in common with people who are nothing like me because we're brothers and sisters in Christ. Whether the boundaries are racial, socioeconomic or just plain generational, Jesus can break down all of them if we let them. If you're irritated by the random boundaries people throw up to separate themselves from people who "aren't like them," you'll find the right church can be a real breath of fresh air in that area. This type of earth-shattering love has been taking place since the moment Jesus rose from the grave. The earliest Christians even allowed their #1 enemy to join their ranks once the Lord convicted him of his sin. "Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, BROTHER SAUL, the Lord--Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here--has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit." Acts 9:17 (Emphasis added)  Pastor Jim Kilby Your donation spreads good news! www.harvestyouth.org/donate

"Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. But you ask, 'How do we rob you?' In tithes and offerings." Malachi 3:8 I have a young Christian friend who has nearly 20 pairs of very expensive basketball shoes. While I certainly have nothing against a great pair of shoes, I found it a little weird that he buys a pair of shoes almost every payday. Since he makes little more than minimum wage, it has to take a huge chunk of his check. Since I've been a mentor of his for years, I found the opportunity to ask him how he could afford such an expensive treat each month. It wasn't long before I understood quite clearly. He doesn't save any money, and he doesn't give anything to the Lord. Now that I think about it, maybe I do have something against a good pair of basketball shoes--but only if they're stolen, of course. "On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income" 1 Corinthians 16:2a  Pastor Jim Kilby Your donation spreads good news! www.harvestyouth.org/donate

Jesus preached almost non-stop for three years straight, giving us a wonderful view into the Father's heart, and into what we should be striving for in this life. He broke down the walls between His Father and us by the most amazing of ways--dying in our place! As I read through Jesus' words, I find it interesting that he spoke against our indifference so often and so strongly. Apathy is a killer to any faith, and especially to one where it becomes so commonplace as to be expected. George Barna, the Christian pollster writes that his polls show that a full 66% of churchgoers are nothing more than observers, and we all know that of the 34% remaining, few are sold-old to Christ. And thus it is no doubt the genesis for our Lord's many attempts to encourage us to keep the faith. Satan works non-stop to keep us caring less. And we often play right into his hands. "I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God." Jesus of Nazareth (Revelation 2:1b-2) Pastor Jim Kilby Your donation spreads good news! www.harvestyouth.org/donate

Have you ever heard the saying, "Preachers only work one day a week"? Although most people would never believe such a thing, many probably do think that the average construction worker, regular 9 to 5 employee, or even a fast food employee work harder than their pastor. While I'm sure there are some who are slacking, the pastors I know are among the hardest workers I've ever met, and what's more, they carry the burdens of more people than you can imagine. My suspicion is that your pastor (or priest) is serving you in ways you haven't even thought of yet. Have you done anything to help with the ministry at your church lately? Have you shared the gospel of Jesus Christ with anyone lately? Have you invited someone to church in the last month or so? If not, today is the day! There has never been a day in the life of my ministry where we've had enough money or enough servants--I'd bet the same is true of your church, too. "He told them, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.'" Luke 10:2 Pastor Jim Kilby Your donation spreads good news! www.harvestyouth.org/donate

"Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head. They clothed him in a purple robe and went up to him again and again, saying, 'Hail, king of the Jews!' And they struck him in the face." John 19:1-3 As you celebrate Easter (or Resurrection Sunday) this weekend, please remember that before Easter's incredible message of salvation and rebirth comes the dark and dreadful death of God's only Son. Easter Sunday means nothing without Christ paying our penalty on the Friday before it. Why would He undergo such torment and ridicule... the Holy Scriptures say He did it just for YOU! "So the soldiers took charge of Jesus. Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha). Here they crucified him, and with him two others--one on each side and Jesus in the middle." John 19:16b-18 Pastor Jim Kilby Your donation spreads good news! www.harvestyouth.org/donate

"Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord." Ephesians 6:4 So maybe your dad's not perfect at this (none ever are), but if he knows the Lord, hopefully he's trying. So exactly what does this mean he's supposed to do? The Greek work "paideia", which means "training" really means three things together; instruction, discipline, and personal guidance. Dad's all go about this differently, but no matter how they do it, they are supposed to conduct themselves in such a way that their children don't get a negative attitude. If they do, that attitude can keep them from learning anything. Since I'm writing to teens, please don't go throw this verse in your father's face if he's making mistakes here. To do so would be to go against the commandment to honor your father (and mother). Instead, work on your attitude and you might just learn something even if his methods need work. And remember, Daniel served under a pagan king and still honored God every day of his life. I bet your dad's not as bad as King Nebuchadnezzar! Pastor Jim Kilby Your donation spreads good news! www.harvestyouth.org/donate