Attempt to start and continue from today to identify the captivities you choose and those you support and find ways to break free of them.

Attempt to start and continue from today first focusing on the power of your new life in Christ, and then dealing with lifes challenges.

Have you been baptised? What does it mean to you? Thank God for this gift and for its power and promise.

Has anyone you never met invested effort in supporting your well-being and Christian growth? Have you ever had a chance to thank them? Could you?

Do you often think of the Church as the body of Christ? In what ways does this idea make sense to you?

What, do you find, gives people security and steadiness in their Christian living? And what experiences or influences tend to unsettle or undermine faith?

Are there hymns that help you to direct your thoughts clearly and firmly to Jesus? Do they resonate at all with these lines in Colossians?

Have you ever faced arid times, when you did not feel filled with knowledge of Gods will? How would you advise a friend who was going through such a spell?

Are there people who feel let down by you because of broken promises? Ask for grace and wisdom to offer apology without excuse.

Repent of any sin that the Spirit is convicting you of in this moment. Take time to thank God for your forgiveness and his mercy.

How can we encourage others who are finding the way challenging or the costs of following high?

How can you serve those you are called to walk with this year?

What strategies do you have for preventing bitterness growing? What are the steps to forgiveness that we find in Matthew 18?

What happens if we break promises? It can lead to hurt and disappointment, and the loss of credibility. Credibility is like credit that can lead to greater opportunity and the loss of it can cost you future opportunities.

What can you do to prevent making regrettable choices that have far-reaching consequences in the year that lies ahead?

What can you do to serve, or show kindness to, someone with no prospect of reward, trusting that your reward will come from God?

Is there something you need to do that might have negative consequences, but which is necessary, in the light of what is going on around you?

Reflect on a new year about to begin. Are you facing it with fear? Hear again the angels declaration, God is with you, so do not be afraid.

Jesus asked questions! What questions would you like to ask of God?

How might you be an Anna to those who look lost and bewildered?

God used an outsider (Simeon) to give us an important prophecy. Do you ever feel like an outsider? Remember that God has important plans for you.

How do you share Jesus with your family, friends, neighbours, colleagues, school run parents or whoever else you encounter during a typical week?

Where are you finding peace and security right now? Be honest before God. Recommit your life into his hands and perfect plans.

Intentionally pause before one of your celebrations today, or over the coming days, to thank God for sending Jesus.

Marys humble submission is a far cry from the me first culture of the twenty-first century. How does her example challenge you personally?

Which of these four areas (faith, humility, joy or encouragement) do you need most from the Holy Spirit right now?

Is there a sofa in your life that needs moving? Perhaps you have tried in your own strength to get rid of it. We cannot shift strongholds by ourselves, so ask the Holy Spirit for some help today.

Its easy to have a faith collapse when things go wrong. I draw so much comfort from Jesus reaction here. He doesnt rebuke John for his doubts, but instead pierces his darkness with hope.

Can you give something to someone who has less than you today?

As the nights become longer in the northern hemisphere, lets remember to pray for those who remain in spiritual darkness, that light would dawn in their lives.