Recall a situation where you have been a blessing to someone, when you could be their Emmanuel at that time, and give thanks.

Processing previous distress can bring peace to past experiences. As the new year begins, find a safe friend to help process any that you still hold alone.

Have you experienced sudden overwhelming loss? Take a moment to reflect on what sustained you then and what sustains you now.

Instructions to care for refugees appear many times in the Bible for example, you shall love the alien as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt (Leviticus 19:34).

The wise men continued to recognise Jesus as more important than earthly kings by listening to their dream and not returning to Herod, risking his wrath.

Psalm 98 is echoed in Marys song of praise in Luke 1:4655, the Magnificat. Mary knew she was praising the God whose love is for ever.

The wise men perhaps used divination which the Hebrew law forbade. Yet they are celebrated as some of the first people to recognise Jesus. Jesus welcomes all.

Joseph would have been within his rights to insist on punishment for Mary, but his actions show that there is always room for gracefilled kindness.

Often it is only in retrospect that we can see where God has been working. Remembering this can encourage us when times are difficult.

How does the knowledge that the effectiveness of your life continues beyond you affect how you live?

Sometimes we are anxious about opening the door to God because we are ashamed or because we fear his displeasure at what he might find. But he already knows he doesnt want to come in to berate, but to eat with us. Knowing this, what difference does it

Are there people with whom you need to restore unity? Are there parts of yourself that are fragmented that need help reuniting?

In what areas of your life, or the lives of those you love, are you trusting for a better ending? How can you encourage and support those for whom life currently seems hopeless?

How do we keep to the way, the truth and the life rather than the ways of the world or the ways of our religious traditions?

Test prophecy does it line up with what you know about God, does it sound like Jesus, does it invite, is it filled with compassion and understanding? Or is it judgemental, condemning, insistent, commanding and lacking empathy? Is it rooted in love or fo

Invite God to gently reveal any areas where you have been blaming others when actually, you need to take responsibility.

How might I serve God in others today?

What are your thoughts and reactions to the purpose of the Church today as abiding in Jesus Christ? Does that change in the worship, ministry and mission of and with your church?

What does this metaphor of Jesus as the righteous branch of God mean to you and your community?

Try writing a psalm of thanksgiving for Gods care, provision and protection of you and your community.

Who can you care for and support today? Who needs to hear of the strength of Gods love and care for them? Pray for them.

Whoever you meet today, find a way to let joy overflow. It could be as easy as offering a smile!

The world often seems a very dark place. Where and how can you see Gods star shining in it?

When we pray Give us today our daily bread, what does this mean for the millions in the world who are starving for lack of bread?

What does it mean to live now as a citizen of Gods kingdom?

Hold in your mind today that nothing can separate you from the love of God shown in Christ Jesus (compare with Romans 8:39).

What difference would sharing Gods shepherding skills make to your own relationships?

At the end of today, look back at the ways in which God has used you and helped you this day.

Who are your heroes and heroines of the faith? What is it about them that inspires you?

The Great Divorce by C S Lewis is one answer to the question what will heaven be like? Definitely worth a read! C S Lewis, The Great Divorce (Geoffrey Bles, 1945).