I am using One Year Bible Online for my daily Bible study. For today, One Year Bible Online links here. I have found that by writing this daily blog of what I see when I read these scriptures, I get more out of them. I hope that by posting these ruminations others may get some benefit as well. In order to make that possible I read the passages and write my thoughts a day, or more. in advance. My work schedule has recently changed, meaning that I may not have time every day to complete these. As a result, I am trying to get several days ahead. I hope this does not negatively impact the quality of these posts (if that is possible). If you have any thoughts or comments regarding these verses or what I have written about them, please post them.

     The passage describes how the Passover meal is a celebration of the need the Israelites had to prepare a meal on the run as they were finally not only allowed to leave Egypt, but forced to leave. They ate bread that did not have yeast in it because they did not have time to add the yeast before they had to travel. The passage also emphasizes the importance of traditions in communicating our faith. It is important to maintain traditions that tell the story about what we believe and why. It is important to look at the reasons for our traditions to make sure that they continue to tell the story they were created to tell.

     Two blind men were sitting along side of the road when they heard that Jesus was coming. They immediately began calling out in an attempt to gain His attention. The crowd told them to be quiet, but that just made them shout louder. When Jesus asked them what they wanted Him to do for them their answer was, “We want to see.” Are we willing to call out to God for help, even when the crowd around us attempts to silence us? More importantly, do I want to see God’s truth with as much passion as these two men had?

     I will cry to God just as the psalmist does when troubles surround me. I will beg His forgiveness of my sins, for they are many. But I know that God will save me because I have seen His acts in the past. Integrity and honesty will protect me and I will put my hope in God. Yes, this is a great reminder that even when times are tough, and the temptations to dishonesty are great, nevertheless that is the time to stick to a policy of honesty and integrity with even greater tenacity.

     I like the NIV translation of this passage from Proverbs better than the NLT. The NIV translates this as saying that someone who has a corrupt mouth (liars?), gives out discrete signals about their deceitful plots, and stirs up trouble is a troublemaker and a villain. Disaster and destruction will come upon such people suddenly and without warning.