Text: 1 Samuel 7:15-17
Memory verse:
“but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭13‬:‭25‬

So many people believe that if they get involved with legitimate or spiritual activities at the expense of their families, God will eventually come through for their families. What a deception! Few years ago, the church all over the world was shocked at the news that the wife of a respected and highly sought preacher had filed for a divorce! Her primary reason was loneliness. Her husband later regretted prioritizing his ministry over his family and the marriage was eventually restored. Is this not also the same reason why children of many godly parents live wayward lives, completely opposite to their parents’?
In our text today, we see prophet Samuel moving yearly on a circuit around Israel, from Bethel to Gilgal, Mizpah and back to Ramah, his home. Even in Ramah, he had no space as he continued to judge Israel. He was too busy with his leadership responsibilities to have time for his household. His poor family life could have been the influence of Eli’s family where he grew up. Most often, our family upbringing affects the way we grow our own family. First, like Eli’s children, Samuel’s children didn’t know the Lord and were ungodly (1 Sam 2:12). Christianity is not passed by inheritance to children. They must be personally led to know the Lord and His ways. Second, Eli was tolerant of the sins of his sons but was harsh on others, so was Samuel (1 Sam 1:12-17). Third, Eli knew that it was wrong for his sons to take the prime meat which belonged to God, yet he ate it with them (1 Sam 2:29). Likewise, Samuel knew that leaders should not take bribe and pervert justice, yet he appointed his sons as judges and left them even with the complaints. He was mighty outside but a mess at home!
Friends, break away from every negative family influence and give attention to your home in order to raise a truly successful career and ministry.

Prayer points
1. I break away from every unprofitable family influence in Jesus name.
2. Father, as I seek to be successful at work, let me never be a failure at home in Jesus name.

Today’s declarations
1. My true success is not measured only by my exploits outside but by my success at home.
2. I raise my own family by replicating the good things of my family upbringing and not the bad ones.

Contact: pastor@thf.org.ng