1-06-2024 7:17pm

Strong spirits: new!

New can be wonderful! New can be scary.

It's wonderful when it brings us freshness, and a welcome change, and hope, and a clear vision of what might be.

It's scary when we feel out of control, like someone is foisting something on us, like we are not ready for change, and we like things just the way they were.

Jesus says you can't put new wine into old wineskins, because it will burst the skins. That's because the wine is still alive, still bubbling and brewing. He implies that you can't put the Holy Spirit in anyone who is insisting on old ways. Because the Spirit is alive, still bubbling and brewing and the Spirit brings change. He also says, "Behold! I make all things new!" (Revelations 21:5)

Are you ready for new? Are you ready to let God change you and your world?

He will if you will let him... and it will always be for good!

Gary Schwerin serves as pastor at Caledonia Congregational Church. He is also the Spiritual Development Minister for the YMCA of the Rock River Valley and Executive Director of Bridge Ministries of Rockford. Prior to launching Bridge Ministries, Gary spent many years in leadership with Young Life. His columns appear here every Sunday - subscribe to our daily email so you don't miss any.