Devotion
New Wine
Frances Taylor
Once we have accepted Christ as our Savior, are we hanging on to our old ways – old wineskins – while trying to fit Jesus into it? If so, it just doesn't work. Just as the new wine would ferment and eventually split the wineskins, we need to decide whether to work with our new beliefs and spiritual path or go back to our former way of life. A person with an addiction – alcohol, gambling, drugs, etc. – cannot continue to visit those places where temptation can be overwhelming – bars, casinos, etc. – or to keep company with the same friends who don't understand why their friend has changed. Now, I'm not saying that it is necessary to give up our old friends, what I am saying is that we can't expect to do the same things we did before. Did you enjoy x-rated movies? Is foul language a staple in your vocabulary? Do you have a whole collection of your favorite "dirty" or offensive jokes? Do you think this is what Jesus wants of you? Somehow these things don't really fit with following Christ. If Jesus is my Savior and I have turned my life over to him, I have to rethink how I live. May all of us work to place this new wine into new wineskins and so have our lives give testimony to our new awareness of the glory of God.
Prayer
Dear Jesus, I want to follow you. Give me the grace I need to be a true witness of my love for you. Amen.
Night Prayer
And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on.
Inspiration
We have many daily challenges that cause us to worry. Financial burdens, physical health, and other personal affairs cause anxiety and fear. Jesus reassures the disciples that they do not have to worry about where they will rest or what clothes they will wear because God will be present to provide for them as needed. We can apply this knowledge to our concerns as well. God is present and will provide for us physically and spiritually. Even when things are not okay, His presence alone grants us peace to make it through each life event.
Prayer
Dear Lord, we love and adore You. We are grateful for Your presence in our lives and the peace You bestow upon us. In Jesus' Name, Amen.