December/Vision

Our first duty is to love nothing here; but let us place our affections above, our desires above, our wisdom above, and above let us seek our home; for the fatherland is where our Father is.

  - Columbanus, Sermon VIII (Irish, 7th century)

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.

  - Colossians 3.1, 2

The alarm rings. You reach over and turn it off, sitting up in bed as you do. You dangle your legs over the edge, rub your eyes, and - what do you see?

In your mind's eye, what do you see? What's ahead of you in the next moment? For the morning? The day ahead? What images crowd the eyes of your heart, demanding attention and setting the mood for how you will begin another new morning as a citizen of the Kingdom of God?

Would it make a difference if those first images in your mind each morning were of King Jesus, exalted in glory, seated on His throne and commanding the advancement of His Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven? If somehow you could see angels rushing from His royal court to meet you as the day begins, bringing with them the protective shields of glory with which they will guard your steps throughout the day? If you could envision the Word of God, issuing from the throne of the Word, sustaining and upholding and enriching every molecule of your body, and preparing the way before you for the rest of the day? If you could hear the prayers of departed saints interceding for you and earnestly beseeching the Lord to grant you significant victories over the enemy of your soul this day?

Why should we not see these things? They're happening, after all. The Scriptures report it to be so, and we must believe it. We are commanded to set our minds on such things, rather than on the mundane duties and distractions that typically command the bully pulpits of our attention.

Why should we not see these things, when seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness is to be our first priorty each day? When, looking upon the face of Jesus, we encounter the glory of God to strengthen and cheer us (2 Cor. 4.6)? When, fixing our gaze on the unseen things of heaven, we may find strength to sustain us in the midst of every trial?

If we do not see these things, not just first thing in the morning but throughout the day, it's simply because we are not willing to look. We choose not to set our minds on things that are above, because, apparently, we are more enthralled with the things that are below. Can we really be so foolish?

This vast unseen realm is real, friends, and we can know it. And knowing it, we can set our minds upon it so that we escape the snares of this worldly existence and soar in the glories of our fatherland above. As Columbanus goes on to say, "unless we long unweariedly with heavenly desires, we needs must be entangled in earthly ones."

What will you see when you wake up tomorrow morning?

Today at The Fellowship of Ailbe

Ever heard of neurotheology? Well, you will, soon enough. May as well let today's ReVision give you a proper introduction.

We're starting to get some interest in our course on writing for pastors. Now's the time to be clearing your calendar and signing up for this opportunity. Writing can deepen your ministry, enlarge its bounds, and affect people far and wide and for generations to come. But you need to gain the disciplines, develop the skills, and pursue a plan for writing in ministry. This course can get you started in a big way.

Visit our bookstore for the many resources available there to enhance your walk with the Lord. Thanks for your support of our work. Please forward Crosfigell to your friends and urge them to sign up as well.

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