- Anonymous, Vita Brendani (Irish, 12th century)

When they came to Gibeah, behold, a group of prophets met him, and the Spirit of God rushed upon him, and he prophesied among them.

- 1 Samuel 10.10

There is something highly beneficial about keeping company with devout and Spirit-filled people. The Celtic Christians understood this. At the heart of their efforts to renew the Church and reach the lost were hundreds of monastic communities where men (with men) and women (with women) strengthened one another and served together in the shared Spirit of God.

A friend once described The Fellowship of Ailbe to me as "monasticism without the monastery." That's pretty close to what we aspire to realize - a network of men in ministry, growing, learning, and reaching out together, in the Spirit of God, to bring renewed vision and hope to churches.

As Saul was vitalized by God's Spirit in the presence of those filled with Him, so Celtic Christians found being in the presence of devoted followers of Jesus Christ strengthening in every way - new vision, new hope, new resolve and courage, and daily new experiences of the living God.

Community like this has to begin somewhere. Usually it's with just a few people who want something more out of their walk with the Lord than merely perpetuating the status quo. What about you? Do you long for a friend, or a cadre of friends, who will hone one another like iron sharpening iron? Who can draw strength from one another in times of weakness? And who, together, can accomplish more in serving others than they ever could alone? What can you do today that could begin helping your church to become a community of devout and Spirit-filled servants of Christ? Where could you look to find one or two friends to help you begin?

Today in ReVision: The Politics of Presumption - The President's speech will not realize the end he seeks.

This Week's Download: Soul Friends - Real community can begin with two or three. Here's a guide to help you get started.

T. M. Moore, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.