September 4, 2026
— John McCarthy · Source: John McCarthy's letter to Hudson Taylor (1869), in Dr. & Mrs. Howard Taylor, Hudson Taylor and the China Inland Mission, ch. "The Exchanged Life"
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.
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.
Lord, thank You that I have been crucified with You, and it is no longer I who live, but You who live in me. In the face of the trials of life and ministry, forgive me for always trying to struggle and strive by my old flesh and strength. Lord, I surrender my sovereignty and offer myself as a new wineskin; I pray that Your Spirit would reign in my heart. Not relying on self-righteousness and striving, but resting solely in Your faithfulness, may Your life naturally flow out of me. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.