(The Israelites had to go to the Philistines to get their plows, hoes, axes, and sickles sharpened;

the charge was one small coin for sharpening axes and for fixing goads, and two coins for sharpening plows or hoes.)

Perfume and fragrant oils make you feel happier, but trouble shatters your peace of mind.

Whoever questions your authority or disobeys any of your orders will be put to death. Be determined and confident!"

and then said, "We are sure that the LORD has given us the whole country. All the people there are terrified of us."

They said to the messengers from Jabesh, "Tell your people that before noon tomorrow they will be rescued." When the people of Jabesh received the message, they were overjoyed

and said to Nahash, "Tomorrow we will surrender to you, and you can do with us whatever you wish."

Jonathan went to him there and encouraged him with assurances of God's protection,

Joab said to him, "If you see that the Syrians are defeating me, come and help me, and if the Ammonites are defeating you, I will go and help you.

Be strong and courageous! Let's fight hard for our people and for the cities of our God. And may the LORD's will be done!"

You have taught many people and given strength to feeble hands.

When someone stumbled, weak and tired, your words encouraged him to stand.

Give strength to hands that are tired and to knees that tremble with weakness.

Tell everyone who is discouraged, "Be strong and don't be afraid! God is coming to your rescue, coming to punish your enemies."

so that none of you should turn back because of these persecutions. You yourselves know that such persecutions are part of God's will for us.

Do not be ashamed, then, of witnessing for our Lord; neither be ashamed of me, a prisoner for Christ's sake. Instead, take your part in suffering for the Good News, as God gives you the strength for it.

and it is for this reason that I suffer these things. But I am still full of confidence, because I know whom I have trusted, and I am sure that he is able to keep safe until that Day what he has entrusted to me.

Take your part in suffering, as a loyal soldier of Christ Jesus.

Because I preach the Good News, I suffer and I am even chained like a criminal. But the word of God is not in chains,

This is a true saying: "If we have died with him, we shall also live with him.

If we are not faithful, he remains faithful, because he cannot be false to himself."

Let us be concerned for one another, to help one another to show love and to do good.

My friends, consider yourselves fortunate when all kinds of trials come your way,

My dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful test you are suffering, as though something unusual were happening to you.

Rather be glad that you are sharing Christ's sufferings, so that you may be full of joy when his glory is revealed.