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Augustine described how his pride initially made it difficult for him to accept the Christian faith. The Bible is, he wrote, is like a low door one must stoop to enter but that ultimately opens unto lofty heights. Are there forms of pride that keep you from entering the low door so that you might perceive the lofty message of Christ’s kingdom?

Jesus stresses forgiveness. He does not call us to pretend we are not injured when people sin against us. Rather, we are to confront them—first one on one, then with one or two others, and then with the church (vv. 15–17)—so that there may be genuine reconciliation. Is there someone with whom you should pursue forgiving reconciliation?

To what are you devoting your time and energy in these days leading up to Christmas? Are “the packages, boxes, and bags” diverting your attention from the holiday’s true meaning? In your pursuit of the celebration, are you taking advantage of others? How might you reflect on and more fully appreciate the mercy and love of God this season?

The temptation to put God out of mind is powerful. Even if we recognize God’s claim in one part of our lives, we may neglect it in others. Are there aspects of your life in which you are tempted to assert control or assume ownership instead of the Lord? How might you offer God the fruit of those parts of your life as well?

If they were not, the flame would dim and produce excessive smoke. What parts of your life might need to be trimmed so that it can give off the most radiant light and so that you are most ready for the coming of Jesus Christ?

Where do you see persons in need of love and service, those who are hungry, thirsty, strangers, naked, sick, or imprisoned? How might you respond to their needs? Pray that God would help you grow in your love for your neighbors so that you can respond to their needs appropriately and in a way consistent with God’s will.

Take note of the temptations you struggle with and pray that God’s Spirit will empower you with the strength to resist them. Read 2 Corinthians 7–10, which tells of Paul’s struggles against fleshly weakness. Remember that the power to overcome the flesh does not come from you but from Christ, whose “power is made perfect in weakness.”

God reveals Himself in amazing events, but He also uses more mundane ways to reveal Himself and His character, such as through acts of love and care, the blessings of fellowship, and the beauties of nature. Pray that God would give you eyes to see His work around you so that you can testify rightly about who He is.

Paul writes: “Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 8:38–39). What powers or forces do you fear? Remember they cannot stand against...

Tomorrow is New Year’s Day, a day on which many commit to resolutions that will guide them in the year ahead. What resolutions might help you to remain in the presence of Jesus and carry forth His truth to the world? Pray that God would guide you in the year ahead and help you to be a guide to others.