New Wine – Day 1

Now John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting. Some people came and asked Jesus, “How is it that John’s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees are fasting, but yours are not?”

Mark 2:18

The religious leaders were criticizing Jesus' disciples for not doing what the religious were doing. Yet, when does a routine -- even a healthy one -- become a rut?

Sometimes it's easier to do what we've always done in the way we're used to doing it. We like routine. We settle into a way of thinking without considering why we're doing it. Why? Because it's easier not to have to remember or fill our minds with the mundane. But to embrace change, there are seasons we have to think about what we're doing and why we're doing it. What got us here won't always take us there. If we keep doing what we've always done, we'll get what we've always got.

What might God newly be bringing into your life? A new way of thinking? A new paradigm? A strategy? You might be resisting change, but the truth is you're resisting being changed. Today, think about the adjectives that come to mind when you think of God. Do you see him as holy, righteous, omnipotent, merciful, loving, forgiving, faithful? Meditate on who he is, and then consider his goodness in your life and his faithfulness to take you higher. May his word find good soil in your heart so you can reap the fruit of all he wants to bring -- as long as you don't grow weary, and don't give up.