The king strengthened the city's defenses by repairing the wall, building towers on it, and building an outer wall. In addition, he repaired the defenses built on the land that was filled in on the east side of the old part of Jerusalem. He also had a large number of spears and shields made.

And so it was that the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had a time of peace. Through the help of the Holy Spirit it was strengthened and grew in numbers, as it lived in reverence for the Lord.

As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me; night is coming when no one can work.

Jesus answered, "The light will be among you a little longer. Continue on your way while you have the light, so that the darkness will not come upon you; for the one who walks in the dark does not know where he is going.

Believe in the light, then, while you have it, so that you will be the people of the light." After Jesus said this, he went off and hid himself from them.

Instead, in order that none of you be deceived by sin and become stubborn, you must help one another every day, as long as the word "Today" in the scripture applies to us.

This is what the scripture says: "If you hear God's voice today, do not be stubborn, as your ancestors were when they rebelled against God."

He commanded the people of Judah to do the will of the LORD, the God of their ancestors, and to obey his teachings and commands.

And to Solomon he said, "My son, I charge you to acknowledge your father's God and to serve him with an undivided heart and a willing mind. He knows all our thoughts and desires. If you go to him, he will accept you; but if you turn away from him, he will abandon you forever.

Be glad that we belong to him; let all who worship him rejoice.

Go to the LORD for help; and worship him continually.

Then you will call to me. You will come and pray to me, and I will answer you.

Yes, I say, you will find me, and I will restore you to your land. I will gather you from every country and from every place to which I have scattered you, and I will bring you back to the land from which I had sent you away into exile. I, the LORD, have spoken.'

For the Lord watches over the righteous and listens to their prayers; but he opposes those who do evil."

He built fortifications for the cities of Judah during this time, and for several years there was no war, because the LORD gave him peace.

Much later the LORD gave Israel security from their enemies around them. By that time Joshua was very old,

"Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke and put it on you, and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit; and you will find rest.