In the first three chapters of 1 Samuel, we see the birth of a very special boy, A Prophet. He was very instrumental in the transition from Judges to a Kingdom and Saul to David. His birth was an answer to prayer: Hannah Prayed and God heard her (1 Samuel 2). She Named the Boy Samuel = “Heard of God” and Dedicated him to the Lord. Samuel was given to the work of the Lord. God uses people who are dedicated to him. Samuel grew up in a very dysfunctional situation. The Priest Eli Had wicked sons that were showing contempt for the Lord. The Word of the Lord was very rare during those times and So Was FAVOR. The Word brings change. You can Prosper Where You’re Planted. Increase Should Be Your Instinct. 

1 Samuel 2:26 (NLT): “Meanwhile, the boy Samuel grew taller and grew in favor with the Lord and with the people.”

Two Keys To Growing in God’s Favor:

Serve The Lord. 1 Samuel 2:18 (NLT): “But Samuel, though he was only a boy, served the Lord. He wore a linen garment like that of a priest.” Prov. 14:23 (NIV): “..all hard work brings a profit; but mere talk leads only to poverty.”

Stay With The Lord. 1 Samuel 2:21 (NLT): “And the Lord blessed Hannah, and she conceived and gave birth to three sons and two daughters. Meanwhile, Samuel grew up in the presence of the Lord.” 

Psalm 16:11 (NLT): “You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence
and the pleasures of living with you forever.” A path of life, fullness of joy, present and eternal blessings.

Five Ways To Increase God’s Favor:

Praise: Acts 16:25-26 (NLT): “Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off!”  Paul and Silas were freed.

1 Sam 16:23 (NLT): “And whenever the tormenting spirit from God troubled Saul, David would play the harp. Then Saul would feel better, and the tormenting spirit would go away.”  David Weaponized Praise. 

Prayer: Matthew 21:22 (NLT): “You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it.”

Mark 11:24 (NLT): “I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if  you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours.”

Generosity: 2 Corinthians 9:10 (NLT): “For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you.”

Kindness: Proverbs 3:3-4 (NLT):“Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation.”

Humility: James 4:6 (NLT): “And he gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’”To Close, Galatians 5:7-8 (NLT): “You were running the race so well. Who has held you back from following the truth? It certainly isn’t God, for he is the one who called you to freedom.”