1 Samuel 2:26

Today marks the beginning of a new year.  This year new dreams will develop.  New resolutions will be written down.  New goals will be dreamed up.  You will grow in wisdom. You will see children increase their knowledge.  You will see people develop in the school of hard knocks.  

As we look into Scripture, we also see people who grew over the years.  Samuel was one of those.  He grew up in the house of the high priest in Israel where he learned about his Lord.  He served the Lord as he worked for the high priest.  Most notable about the youth of Samuel is the description that “Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the LORD and with men.”

As you start a new year, have you given thought about how you will continue to grow in stature and favor before the Lord?  You grow as you hold on to the promises of God.  Some of these promises include the promise of forgiveness for your sins, the promise of God who protects you and cares for you, the promise of God who remains with you in every situation.  In addition to holding on to these promises, you also grow in stature and favor with the Lord as you live in response to the promises God has made.  

So we are encouraged, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your heart to God.  And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:16-17).

As you mark the beginning of a new year, take the time to also look into the Word of God.  Continue to grow in your faith as you make use of his Word and apply it to your life.