That good influence that Jehoiada had on Joash seemed to end when Jehoiada was no longer around.  “Now after the death of Jehoiada the princes of Judah came and paid homage to the king. Then the king listened to them. And they abandoned the house of the LORD, the God of their fathers, and served the Asherim and the idols. And wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for this guilt of theirs.” (2 Chronicles 24:17-18)  Unlike Joash, each of us should have our own faith in Lord.  Paul tells us to check that faith and make sure it is strong and well grounded.  “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!” (2 Corinthians 13:5)

Today’s reading: 2 Kings 12-13; 2 Chronicles 24