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 in advance. If you have any thoughts or comments regarding these verses or what I have written about them, please post them.

     God warns Ezekiel that He will hold him accountable if he fails to warn those who sin of God’s coming judgment. The passage makes it clear that we will not be held accountable for other’s sins. However, it also warns us that we will be held accountable if we do not warn them of God’s coming judgment. Having warned Ezekiel to be sure to pass on His messages to those for whom they are intended, God gives Ezekiel a very graphic message for those still living in Judah and the land of Israel. They are warned that God is going to bring judgment on them for their idolatry. Those who have sinned against Him by worshiping other gods will learn that God alone is supreme.

     The writer tells us that God created a place of rest for those who serve Him. This rest has been proclaimed to all, but in order to experience the rest which God has offered us, we must have the faith to be obedient. If we trust God enough to be obedient to Him, we will enter into the rest which He has created. This is a difficult task, in and of itself. However, Jesus is our high priest and stands before God on our behalf. Jesus was tempted in just the same manner that we have been and that we will be. We can be confident that He understands our struggles in this life. Because of His presence before God, let us boldly enter God’s presence, trusting that He will treat us with mercy. If we come before God, He will give us the grace of help in our time of need.

     Yes, I will sing to the Lord as long as I live (although, considering my singing voice, I am sure there are some who wish I would refrain) and I will praise my God as long as I draw breath. I will seek to make all of my thoughts pleasing to God, so that they will guide me in His paths. I ask God’s Spirit to enter into my being and teach me how to discipline my thoughts to those which God finds pleasing.

     Those who set traps and pitfalls will find themselves falling into traps and pitfalls.