READING:
One-year plan: 1 Chronicles 17-22
Two-year plan: Psalms 103-104, 1 Corinthians 7:8-24
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David wanted to take a census of his people, and Joab recognized that this act was wrong. Somehow, he recognized David’s motive and realized David’s actions would bring judgment on all Israel. Consequently, Joab was unafraid to confront the king: “Why does my lord want to do this? Why should he bring guilt on Israel?” (1 Chron 21:3). David did not listen to him, though, and it cost the entire nation of Israel.
All of us need someone like Joab who can “read our heart” and confront us when necessary. None of us can fully read his own heart accurately, so having someone else speak into our lives—someone who can look us in the eye and recognize when we’re lying—really does matter. We just need to listen better than David did!
If you don’t have this person in your life today, ask God to direct you to someone. No matter how old we get, we never outgrow this need.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Do you have someone like Joab in your life?
PRAYER: “Father, give me that kind of person to walk beside me.”
TOMORROW’S READING:
One-year plan: 1 Chronicles 23-25
Two-year plan: Psalms 105, 1 Corinthians 7:25-40
MEMORIZATION VERSE (May 1-15):
“Give thanks to the Lord; call on his name; proclaim his deeds among the peoples.!” (1 Chron 16:8)