By Richard James, Council of Twelve Apostles

Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we will also bear the image of the man of heaven. What I am saying, brothers and sisters, is this: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable.

Our Mission Prayer starts with these words: “God, where will your Spirit lead today?” Do you have the courage to respond and risk something new?

It had been a very exhausting and tiring visit to France. I was full of the good experiences from meeting with our members and friends. We had worshiped, shared in laughter and tears, and, of course, had eaten lots of amazingly delicious French food! However, I was empty of energy. I was ready for some time of rest and renewal.

As I started my long journey home, I wanted to visit our previous home and neighbourhood where our family had lived. We lived on the edge of the New Forest (which is over 1,000 years old—not so new!) where everything was in pristine condition. The lawns were well maintained with flowers everywhere, even on the roundabouts. As I headed in the direction of where we used to live, I heard a voice in my head say, “Richard, where are you going?” And I responded, “You know where I am going. I am going to see our old home and the beautiful area again.” Then I was surprised when this voice in my head said, “But I have called you from this place.” Wow! I was not expecting this encounter with the Divine and certainly not that message!

I continued to drive toward our former village as it was on my way home. However, it did not have the same sparkle; our previous home looked like any other house, and even the roundabouts did not have any flowers on them. I journeyed homeward with the door closed on a life that was lovely, ready to fully embrace the new life God was inviting me to experience.

Where are you living your life? Is there a place, experience, or person holding you back from moving forward? Are you being invited to leave something behind so you can embrace something new that is straining to be birthed? Is God saying to you, “I have called you from this place”? New life-giving experiences are emerging. God, where will your Spirit lead today?

Prayer Phrase

“We love because God first loved us” (1 John 4:19).

Spiritual Practice

Sea of Light

Quiet and center yourself. Ask for God’s healing and guidance as you enter this time of prayerful presence. Close your eyes, breathing deeply and calmly. Imagine you are floating in a beautiful sea of light that rises and falls with each cycle of your breath. The golden light of this sea buoys you up, so you float effortlessly. Waves of light carry and wash over you, bringing wholeness and peace. Rest in the sea of God’s love; then offer a prayer of gratitude.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.