This Messenger issue begins a new year. This is the eighth year that we've published the Knollwood Messenger. A new year brings new challenges for all of God's children. Let's examine the "value of a new beginning."

You can learn from your past mistakes. "So David said to Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said to David, the LORD also has put away your sin; you shall not die. {2 Samuel 12:13} God did put away David's sin but the child born as a result of that sin died. David improved and became one of Israel's best kings. "And when He had removed him, He raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said, 'I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will." {Acts 13:22}

We all make mistakes and fall short of God's commandments {1 John 1:8-10}. Unfortunately, people often do not forget or forgive past mistakes. This hinders the future. You cannot undo one single sin that you committed during the past year. But you can repent, confess your sins before God, and seek His mercy and forgiveness. Then, learn from the past and move on.

You have opportunity to take inventory of your progress, or lack thereof. "But Jesus said to him, no one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." {Luke 9:62}

Looking back is fine, if you want to see where you've been and where you need to go. Each of us needs to examine his spiritual condition and take inventory of his relationship with God. "Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you--unless indeed you are disqualified?" {2 Corinthians 13:5} We may need to make some "course adjustments" to get back on the right path. Honestly assess your progress, and take the necessary steps to get where you need to be.

You can set goals for the coming year. "To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven." {Ecclesiastes 3:1} Where do you wish to be in your spiritual knowledge at the end of this new year? Many Christians say they would like to read more and devote more time to studying God's word. We need to find a way to realize our intentions. We usually do what we want to do. If I wish to grow spiritually, I will sacrifice whatever is keeping me from doing so.

Spiritual growth and maturity don't just happen. They take time and effort on the part of God's child. Growth and maturity are God's built-in protection devices to enable us to avoid allowing apathy and indifference to set in. Still, it can't help God's child if he's unwilling to spend the time and effort to grow.

My hope and prayer is two-fold. First, I hope we all learn from, and become wiser because of, our past mistakes. Second, I hope we are concerned, not only about where we are going, but about how we plan to get there. May God help us to depend on Him and search His word for instruction and guidance in our lives. May your life in Christ during 2005 be more pleasing to God and more beneficial to you.