Daily Devotion

“I feel that this constant struggling, striving, longing, and hoping for better days is not the true way to happiness, holiness, or usefulness... It is no longer struggling and striving, but abiding in Him; turning to Him, looking to Him; trusting His present power, trusting Him to subdue our inward corruptions; resting in the love of an almighty Savior, enjoying the consciousness of a complete salvation—a salvation 'from all sin'. Willing to have His will truly done in us...”

Jennie Faulding · Letter from Jennie Faulding to Hudson Taylor (August 21, 1869, quoted from the chapter 'The Exchanged Life' in the biography of Hudson Taylor)

Scripture

Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Reflection

Today's scripture, Luke 5:36–38, reminds us: 'No one tears a piece from a new garment and puts it on an old garment... new wine must be put into fresh wineskins.' Combined with Galatians 2:20, this speaks of a radical overturning and reshaping of life. Christ's redemption is not a minor patch-up on our old life, old habits, or self-reliance; rather, He completely crucifies us with Him and gives us a fully renewed wineskin. If we struggle and strive relying on our old self, we will eventually be overwhelmed. Only by completely dying to the old life and letting Christ live in us can we receive the endless flow of new wine from the Holy Spirit, living a fruitful and joyful life in true freedom.