“Why are you profaning the Sabbath in this evil way?” I asked. 18“Wasn’t it just this sort of thing that your ancestors did that caused our God to bring all this trouble upon us and our city?

 Furthermore, half their children spoke the language of Ashdod or of some other people and could not speak the language of Judah at all. 

So I purged out everything foreign and assigned tasks to the priests and Levites, making certain that each knew his work. 

“You have said, ‘What’s the use of serving God? What have we gained by obeying his commands or by trying to show the Lord of Heaven’s Armies that we are sorry for our sins? 15From now on we will call the arrogant blessed. For those who do evil get rich, and those who dare God to punish them suffer no harm.’”

Then those who feared the Lord spoke with each other, and the Lord listened to what they said. In his presence, a scroll of remembrance was written to record the names of those who feared him and always thought about the honor of his name.17“They will be my people,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. “On the day when I act in judgment, they will be my own special treasure. I will spare them as a father spares an obedient child. 18Then you will again see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.”

Swing the sickle,for the harvest is ripe.3:13 Greek version reads for the harvest time has come. Compare Mark 4:29.Come, tread the grapes,for the winepress is full.The storage vats are overflowingwith the wickedness of these people.”14Thousands upon thousands are waiting in the valley of decision.There the day of the Lord will soon arrive.

Lord God my Father,

Help me to surrender to your design and do my life your way. Help me to express your truth in this world with your heart trusting in you for all things. Remove my doubt and open my eyes to your plan.

In Jesus name I pray,

Amen