Too Hard!
Pastor Jim Kilby • February 2, 2024
"Get up on Sunday morning! You've got to be kidding me!"
I've heard similar comments from more people than I remember, and honestly, I've learned to let it fall on deaf ears. For most folks, you could have church on Saturday, Sunday, or bring the whole church, choir and all to their house at a time of their personal choosing and they wouldn't be interested. I know because I used to be just like them! Before I was a Christian, I used to get up at 6:15 a.m. and head out to work five days a week, complaining all the way. On Saturday and Sunday however, I'd get up at 5:00 a.m. and head out to the country club where I'd meet my buddies for coffee followed by 18 holes of golf! Funny, I never complained a bit about that how early our tee-times were. I believe the argument about "Sunday morning" is a worthless one. The same person who refuse to go to church because it's too early, will sooner or later be found getting up to go hunting, fishing, or any one of a hundred other things with great excitement. It's not about the time of day or the day of the week. Instead, it's all about what you love. Truly, I used to "love" golf. I loved my golfing buddies, and I NEVER let them down! Now, it's a pastime that I enjoy, but I don't let it (or my buddies) interfere with my walk with Christ, my family, or my ministry. For those folks who choose to "forsake the assembly" and claim they can "worship God on the golf course" I have only this to say: Sure you can worship God on the golf course, or in your fishing boat, or wherever you want to. The real question is not CAN you, but DO YOU? Friends, it's all about what (or who) you love. And if you loved the Body of Christ, you'd be there!
"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:24-25
Pastor Jim Kilby
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Have you ever really wanted to share your faith with someone but things just kept getting in the way? Maybe you've got somebody who you would like to try to explain the Gospel to and how Jesus changed everything for you, but fear keeps stopping you. We need to understand the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the only answer for a lost and hurting world. Demons shudder at the thought of it spreading, and they'll do anything they can to keep you frozen by your fear. That soul you are being called to help save is priceless to God! Demons will put things in your way, get people to try to stop you, and sometimes even have outright attacks come your way. Still, we also need to remember whose Gospel it is, and that HE is our strength! So step out there and put yourself at risk for embarrassment, harassment, or even worse. You might find that none of those things happen.... or you might find some of them do come your way, but God has a plan and a purpose for that as well! "You know, brothers, that our visit to you was not a failure. We had previously suffered and been insulted in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in spite of strong opposition." 1 Thessalonians 2:1-2 Pastor Jim Kilby Your donation spreads good news! www.harvestyouth.org/donate
One of the churches specifically spoken of by Jesus in the book of Revelation was the church of Laodicea. The people in this church had acquired much wealth, and because of that wealth they somehow became less interested in the things of the Lord. He called them "lukewarm" saying He wished they were either "hot or cold." Frankly, they just didn't feel like they needed Him, or to be faithful to Him in study, prayer or deed. Often I think many churches in the modern day United States are guilty of this same sin. I find it quite interesting that Jesus finishes by telling them of a different kind of currency--not the kind they had, but the kind He uses. A pastor friend of mine put it this way. "The currency of heaven is disciplined repentance, not disciplined work." The point being that we actually can and do gain when we turn from our sins and agree with God; but not when we think He owes us something because we've earned it. "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one of the other! So, because you are lukewarm--neither hot nor cold--I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, 'I am rich, I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to BUY FROM ME gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see." Revelation 4:15-18 Pastor Jim Kilby Your donation spreads good news! www.harvestyouth.org/donate
Are you the type of person who hold's grudges against others? If so, you may be surprised at who you're really hurting. Even if the other person was totally wrong, if you don't do everything you can to clear it up, you're not only hurting yourself by holding unforgiveness in your heart, but also by causing God to withhold his forgiveness from you. I know it sounds hard-core, but Jesus Himself told us that's how forgiveness works. We're even given a time-line to get things fixed before the sun goes down! And not only that, but before we bring any type of offering to God. For us to forgive is so important that God's emphasis is all over it throughout the Bible. And just think.... if Christians really took this message to heart and kept short accounts with one another, what an incredible Church we would be! So, if you've got something in your heart that's keeping you separated from a brother or sister in Christ--today's the day to fix it! "Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Jesus of Nazareth (Luke 6:37-38) Pastor Jim Kilby Your donation spreads good news! www.harvestyouth.org/donate
I don't know about you, but two of the first two words I learned as a young man were "stop" and "no." Those words, although sometimes upsetting and even harsh, kept me from running out into traffic, grabbing a hot stove, and who knows what other dangerous stuff. I desperately want my children to know that I love them deeply, but I also want them to know that the words "no" and "stop" are just as loving when spoken for the right reasons. Often I hear Christians complaining that they just can't stop committing a certain sin. If they are true Christians--having died to self and been born again through Christ, then this is a lie. The truth is that through Christ we have power over sin. Only a non-believer can be truly trapped by Satan's lies; unless the believer actually likes the sin or wants to continue in it. So, when you think about going too far sexually--just STOP. Say "no" to the guy or girl involved, and move on. Jesus has your back! When you think about stealing something from your mom's purse--STOP Ask yourself how you could sin against God like that. When you think of anything that would bring dishonor to Jesus--STOP! Stop your tongue from sinning, stop your mind from sinning, and stop your body from sinning! You DO have the power in Christ! I recommend memorizing the following verses immediately! "If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin--because anyone who has died has been freed from sin." Romans 6:5-7 Pastor Jim Kilby Your donation spreads good news! www.harvestyouth.org/donate
While riding in the back of my car my then almost nine year old daughter suddenly blurts out that she and her little sister are "saving to buy me a rock." "Really?" I retorted. "Why do I need a rock?" "So we can find you when your dead!" she quickly answered. "You know, one of those rocks with your name on it!" Frankly, I kind of got a chuckle out of it since I didn't have any clear indication that they had some news from God that I'd be departing soon and they were sincere in wanting to do something wonderful for their dad. They already know this at a basic level, but in the years to come they'll learn with even more clarity that I really don't care whether or not I have a "rock" as a grave marker. All I need is the Rock I've found in my Savior Jesus Christ. He holds the keys to my future, my children's futures, and He's the one who gave me a heart for this daily ministry. Oh that they will also grow to understand how precious the real Rock in my life really is! "1 I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. 2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a ROCK and gave me a firm place to stand. 3 He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD. Psalm 40:1-3 (Emphasis mine) Incidentally, for those with a keen eye, these are the verses that have underscored my signature element for many years. This is where the "new song" in my heart came from! Pastor Jim Kilby Your donation spreads good news! www.harvestyouth.org/donate
I read a neat story today about a man in Scotland who left instructions to have only one word inscribed on his tombstone. The word "KEPT" was to be emblazoned across the top, without even a mention of his name. Honestly, it was one of the most faithful and God fearing things I've read in a long time. The man clearly had an understanding of the higher things of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Not only does God love us enough to sacrifice His Son to regain a relationship with us, but He is powerful enough to make sure that not only we, but even the things He's promised us are "KEPT" in heaven, in a place where nothing can ever happen to them, to our relationship with Him, or to us personally! "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade--KEPT in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time." 1 Peter 1:3-6 (Emphasis Mine) Pastor Jim Kilby Your donation spreads good news! www.harvestyouth.org/donate
Is a person who's been a Christian for many years and who has studied and grown of greater value to the kingdom of God than a new believer? Believe it or not, the answer is "no!" They are both of the same value to the kingdom--a value so high we cannot even fathom it! What is true, however, is that the more learned believer will be able to do different things for God. He or she has been tried and tested through many things, and God can call on him or her to perform missions that require that level of maturity. A new believer would have difficulty performing some of the tasks God would require of someone like a pastor or elder in the church. They would probably feel like a fish out of water--probably even becoming discouraged. The right thing in the right time my friends. And God is in control of all of it! "No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch will pull away from the garment, making it tear worse. Neither do men pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst, the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved." Jesus of Nazareth (Matthew 9:16-17) Pastor Jim Kilby Your donation spreads good news! www.harvestyouth.org/donate
"For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." Hebrews 4:12 For many people, Bible study seems to be a waste of time--They just don't get much out of it. Even for those who've studied it for years it can become dry at times. It makes me ask myself how something so powerful, so mystery laden and so penetrating ever become dull? I believe one of the most solid reasons is that those who are called to consume it lose their focus--they fail to remember they're on a mission. In the military I had more than one occasion to take a last minute briefing before diving into the uncharted waters of uncertainty called, "the mission!" "Will this plan work?" I would ask myself. "Have I forgotten anything?" "Have I made any fatal mistakes?" During times of "testing" we always search our minds for everything we can remember of our training. We must have faith! It often comes from remembering what God has done, and what He's promised to do. During times of "resting" we can forget everything. Faith then becomes a distant memory! We recoil and hide. Remember that your Bible is God's Word to YOU! He has "co-MISSIONED you to do His work. This day, and every day, you need to search it for what God is telling you to be about--and how to be about it! It's like a last minute briefing before you head out in the morning, and like a good debrief when you get home. It's the only way to get refocused when the events of your day force you to dive into a foxhole under fire. If you don't stay plugged in to the "power source," the "information source," and the "inspiration source," you'll be left out there all alone. Before you know it you'll stop charging forward in favor of building a fort and hiding in it! Then, as with everyone who falls off the trail, your Bible will become a dusty remnant of battles long forgotten and the God-honoring life that could have been. "I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness--the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints." Colossians 1:25-26 Pastor Jim Kilby Your donation spreads good news! www.harvestyouth.org/donate
And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” (Revelation 21:5, ESV) Friends, January is a beautiful time of starting over, starting fresh. We see so many people right now making New Year’s resolutions, starting new routines, and determining to do things differently. Y’all, I am determining to do things the same…sort of. What an amazing year it has been connecting with people in our community on a personal level. There is something about looking a person in the eyes that says, “You are seen, as a PERSON. Not as a problem to be solved or a case to be closed, but as a human being who has deep needs and wants and who probably never wanted to be in this situation.” My resolutions this year? 1. Continue to see people as people, not projects. 2. Pray for as many people as possible – planting spiritual seeds while physical needs are met. 3. Continue to pray for wisdom as needs come in, so funding is stewarded well. 4. Share the wins and the prayer requests – there is strength in numbers! 5. Be thankful for each opportunity to remind people they are seen and loved. CELEBRATIONS!!! Unnamed Man – Laundry Gift Card! Ms C – Groceries for her family! Ms G – Bus Pass! Ms T – Amazon Wishlist Items for coats, cleaning supplies and more!! Ms B – Groceries for her family! Ms J – Utilities help! Ms K – Help with Rent! Ms S – Household items! Ms L – Laundry gift card & detergent Ms C – Bus pass! Ms A – Bus pass! Ms V – Groceries! Ms A – Bus pass! Ms S – Bus pass! I cannot wait to see what 2026 holds in this space and share more stories with you! Glory to God! Blessings, Elizabeth Kilby
