The Whole Story: A Life in God's Kingdom, Part OneSample

Daily Reflection: While the ministry of Jesus had an immediate, miraculous impact on some people’s lives, other people certainly responded to him with apprehension and disagreement. The most obvious of those offended were the Pharisees. In this particular case, they questioned why Jesus and his disciples were not fasting as the disciples of John and the Pharisees were. Jesus’ response was gentle, “things are different now.” This new wineskin means a new condition of the heart, and a new condition of the heart is fertile for a tradition-shattering Savior. The hearts of the family of God are postured to receive his will continuously.

Daily Demonstration: As human beings, it is easy to fall into the consistency of old habits and ways of viewing the world. Jesus, however, offers his people a new way to live, a new way to look at all of creation. Have you given your allegiance to the Savior of the world? Do you know people who need a “new wineskin?” In a season of fasting, there is all the more reason to evaluate these aspects of your life. Perhaps today is the right day to take a step toward a life in a deeper relationship with Jesus.