A 7-year old King did what was right, but…
Joash (also called Jehoash) was only seven years old when he was crowned king of Judah. And in our verse for the day, the young king receives a great complement from the writer. The Bible tells us that as long as the priest, Jehoiada, instructed him, the young king did what was right in the sight of the Lord. In the midst of many evil kings, this young king wears the crown and did what pleased God. But then the bombshell drops with “Even so.” The New King James uses just one word – “But.” The ESV Bible uses the word, “Nevertheless.” Joash did what pleased God – Even so. Joash did what please God, but. Joash did what pleased God, nevertheless, he left the fertility shrines.
Regardless of the word used, the story ends up the same. This 7-year old king did what was right, but he didn’t finish the job.
They started out well, but…
As soon as Jehoiada had Joash crowned king, he made a covenant between God, the king, and the people that they would be God’s people and they all went to the temple of Baal and tore it down, broke the altars and images and killed the priest of Baal. They started out well – but they didn’t finish the job.
They left the shrines in place and the people still sacrificed and burned incense there, along with many immoral, sexual sins. By not ridding that nation of all the idol worship, Joash left a door cracked open for the people to return to idol worship. We might say, “yes, but he was a better king than others that ruled before him.” And that is true. However, anytime we leave the door of sin cracked open, Satan will stick his foot in the crack and swing the door wide open – and that’s what happens to Joash and the people.
Complement turned to Condemnation
In 2 Chronicles 24 we learn that as soon as Jehoiada died, Joash and the people “left the house of the Lord God of their fathers, and served wooden images and idols; and wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem because of their trespass.” (verses 17-18). As a result, Joash’s servants take action and they assassinate him and make his son king in his place (2 Kings 12:20-21).
What started out as a compliment ended up being condemnation. We should never underestimate the power of small words such as “if,” or “but” or “even so.” We’ve all had those kinds of moments.
She had felt called to be a missionary, but she wanted to get married and he wouldn’t go.
He would have been promoted, if he had better work attendance.
They could have avoided divorce. Even so, he couldn’t stop flirting with his secretary.
She tried losing weight, but couldn’t resist chocolate.
He felt God called him to the ministry. Even so, he was too afraid to quit his well-paying
job and go to seminary.
What is your “even so” moment?
If someone were writing this verse about you and said: “[Insert your name] did what pleased God all the days of his/her life. Even so…” how would the sentence be finished for you?
We can live all the days of our lives in a way that pleases God, but then not do that one thing or not finish the task and in doing it, we invite sin into our lives. Would you confess the “even so” to God now and ask for His forgiveness? Would you repent and turn away from your “even so?” Are you willing to close the door to it and never go back?
We should also never underestimate the people that God puts in our lives to help steer us in the way we should go. Can you identify a “Jehoiada” in your life? Do you listen to this person of Godly wisdom? If that person was somehow no longer a part of your life, would you continue in the wisdom he or she planted in you – or would you return to the life you had before they entered your life?
Now you can enhance your Bible Reading with the Verse Mapping Template
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Download our Free 2021 Bible Memory Verse Plan
We’ve put together 52 memory verses for you to hide God’s Word in your heart! You can download the full document for free and then print a new verse each week and as many copies as you’d like. Each verse prints four times on a page so that you can then cut them into index size cards and place them in prominent places where you will see them frequently throughout the day to help you remember to memorize them. Just because you visited our site, they’re yours for free! Download today.
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Download our Free 2021 Daily Bible Reading Plan
With just 30-40 minutes per day, you can read the entire Bible in one year. The One-Year Bible Reading Plan consists of both Old Testament and New Testament readings for each day of the year. The Bible is God’s personal Word to you. What is He saying to you today? Open your Bible and find out!
One Year Bible Reading Plan
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The Self-Care Wheel provides ideas for practicing self-care in six dimensions of yourself: Spiritual, Physical, Emotional, Intellectual, Sensory, and Social. NOTE: You will need 11X14 paper to print the wheel.
Want to know more about self-care? Our Self-Care blog series targets people who serve in any ministry position and takes a Biblical approach to self-care.
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This week’s featured Christian Tees designs:
Revive Us Again, God bless the USA and Honor the Sacrifice
Our freedoms come from the sacrifice of many. Memorial day is the day we remember and honor those who sacrificed. It’s also a good time to come together as a nation and pray for God to Bless the USA.
See our graduation tees and products:
Graduating Seniors, Class of 2021, #Done2021, and Tassel worth the Hassle
Once in the store, you can click on the customize tab and add your school name or graduate’s name!
The slide show below highlights some of our favorite Christian Tees designs available in our Spreadshop and Teespring stores.
Jesus is our Peace 
Fight on my knees 
Godfidence 
Walk by faith 
I’m only talking to Jesus today 
Known Loved Worthy Enough Chosen Child of God 
2021 Trailer – All things possible – Be still – It’s fine 
Large view 2021 Trailer – All things possible – Be still – It’s fine 
Grace wins 
Living for the world to see Jesus 
Way Maker 
Walk by Faith 
Script Unstoppable God 
Print Unstoppable God 
Unstoppable Force 
Steps of a Good Man 
Something New 
Seek and Find 
Revive Us Again 
Resist the Devil 
Raise a Hallelujah 
Prayer Warrior 
Beloved- Mr and Mrs 
Mr and Mrs – God’s Plan 
Man of God 
He Left 99 for Me 
Cast All Your Cares 
Giants 
Faith over Fear 
Don’t Worry 
Faith Can Move Mountains 
Don’t Quit 
Created to Praise 
All things are Possible 
What the Lord Requires 
All Things New 
Anything is possible 
With my song I will praise Him 
Names of God 
All things are possible 
Run with perseverance 
Blessings head to toe-hearts 
Revive us again, Lord 
Isaiah 41:13 
Blessings head to toe – roses 
Jeremiah 29:11 
Blessings head to toe 
Be Still 
Blessings head to toe – floral 
God’s starting point
Canvas art and posters are available in the Teespring store. Many of our Christian Tees are also available at Teespring.
To see the collection of Canvas and Poster Prints
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God, Love and Marshmallow Wars by Julia M. Bruce
What’s Inside God, Love and Marshmallow Wars?
God, Love and Marshmallow Wars is a book that includes 365 daily activities and takes you on a guided journey through Biblical principles about Godly marriage that you can then apply to your marriage, as well as helping you talk through concepts that can help you develop a solid relationship. Inside you will find simple, quick activities that include:
- Scripture to memorize and meditate on.
- Conversation Starters.
- Concepts from the Bible on Godly marriages.
- Romance Builders.
- Relationship Builders.
- Personal reflections.
- Date ideas.
- Group date ideas for you and other Christian couples.
Available in hardback, paperback and ebook from Westbow Press Bookstore, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble. Click the icons below to purchase from your preferred bookstore. Now also available at WalMart online.
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God, Love and Marshmallow Wars: This book contains 365 daily challenges for couples to strengthen their relationships to each other and with God. Couples will complete activities such as Scripture memory, conversation starters, relationship builders, learning about Biblical marriage, romance builders, personal reflections, and date ideas. 
