*CAC LIVING WATER DAILY DEVOTIONAL*
*Date:* WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26, 2017

*Topic:* WHERE WAS MRS SAMUEL?
*Read:* 1 SAMUEL 8:1-4

*MEMORISE:* _But his sons did not walk in his ways; they turned aside after dishonest gain, took bribes, and perverted justice._ *(1 Samuel 8:3)*

*EXPOSITION*
Effective child training is divinely placed at the doorsteps of both parents (father and mother) *(Proverbs 22:6)*. It is an aberration where it is not so. Failure to put children on the right path should be blamed on both parents. In any case, the mother is expected to actively play a very important role, as she stays, sticks and stems closer to the children.

Samuel, a respected priest and judge in Israel, was raised by godly parents, especially his mother, Hannah, whose positive impact was invaluable *(1 Samuel 2:18)*. Isn't it therefore embarrassing that in the end, Samuel's children, Joel and Abijah, were as terribly corrupt, as Hophni and Phineas? *(1 Samuel 2:12-17)*. Obviously, Prophet Samuel was very busy with the demands of his priesthood, but at the expense of his home! That should not be your case. It is your home, after God; then comes the ministry! In Samuel's case, the unmentioned Mrs. Samuel should have filled the vacuum. Unlike her mother-in-law Hannah, Samuel's wife, most likely, refused to play any known active role on her own children!

The mother's impact on the child shouldn't be downplayed. Hannah worked on Samuel. Manoah’s wife instructed Samson *(Judges 14:1-3)*. Jochedeb played an unforgettable risky role to ensure Moses lived *(Exodus 2:1-4)*. Yet, Samuel's wife, most likely, failed to learn from the mistakes of Mama Eli, who also, most likely, ignored her own motherly role. May our mothers not fail in their expected motherly roles. Amen.

*PRAYER POINTS:*
*1.* I receive divine enablement to train my children in the way of the Lord, in Jesus name.
*2.* Lord, deliver couples who abandon their children for money and materialism.
*3.* Lord, intervene and restore the Church to her God-given role of discipling parents in order to properly disciple their children.

*EXTRA READING FOR TODAY:* 1 Corinthians 7 - 8

*Author:* CAC WORLDWIDE
Remain Blessed!